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Whether you are buying or selling a home, think about the technology you may be buying or selling along with it. Many homes are now “smart” — featuring internet of things (IoT) devices such as connected thermostats, light bulbs, security systems, and energy saving appliances.

Here are tips for making sure you are prepared to sell a home equipped with smart connected devices:

  • List all the smart devices in the home. Some devices may be obvious to new owners — such as thermostats or refrigerators— but light bulbs or security systems may be difficult to detect as “smart” devices. Leave owner’s manuals behind for new owners, highlighting the smart features — especially for devices for which it may be more difficult to locate manufacturer’s information.
  • Remove administrative access and personal information for all connected devices in the home and then reset the devices. Cancel or change the account settings and logins. Reset the device to factory settings. This will protect your personal information and ensure the new owners can set up their own account, create new access codes, and set their own preferences.

And be prepared if you’re planning to buy a home equipped with smart connected devices:

  • Reset the devices and check to see what the current privacy settings of the connected devices are. Reset the device to factory settings. Review the privacy settings, and review the permissions and the settings for mobile devices that may interact with these devices.
  • Review the warranties and support policies on IoT devices. Do they transfer to the new owners? Since critical security updates may be necessary, new owners should create an account and update the devices as soon as possible even if the warranties don’t transfer.

We have additional tips on securing internet-connected devices at home.

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independentnew…
January 03, 2018
Thank You Mrs. Roth for " good" information and hats off to the commission . Some of us realize we really do need Goverment and we have a good one indeed.
Ed Witte
January 04, 2018
These all are excellent suggestions for movers or first timers. What should we senior happy where we are retirees do next?
Makisha718
February 13, 2018
I'm really needing help owning my own home
CTHome
October 10, 2018
Nice blog thank you for sharing..
Theomalleygroup
October 10, 2019
Sometimes peoples search on the internet about buying or selling a home but they cannot found sufficient results. In that case, this post may help peoples. Keep it up!!
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