From smart phones to smart watches and cars that drive themselves, the term “smart” is here to stay and certainly the way of the future moving forward. Advanced technology is now a way of life and nearly impossible to live without. Our homes are no different.

Just like apps that keep track of your daily exercise or a car that will parallel park itself for you, your home can be just as smart. Nowadays, you can run your entire household from your phone or iPad and control everything from the air conditioning temperature to when you want your blinds opened and closed.

Here at Macken Companies, we implement the most innovative and exciting SMART technologies into all of our properties. At our Beach House Collection, now under development in Dolphin Isles, Fort Lauderdale, these homes are pre-wired and ready for many options including Crestron, Control 4, Savant and even RTI. There are plenty of options in various price ranges, and so the choice is really up to the homeowner on whether he or she wants to go big or take more of a minimalist approach. The point is that our properties are ready for anything!

Future-Proof Pre-wire:

  • TV Locations
  • Audio Zones
  • Surround Sound
  • Wireless Access Points
  • Touch Panels
  • Surveillance Cameras for Perimeter
  • Front Door Bell Camera
  • Qolsys Wireless Security System w/ 7″ Color Touch Screen
  • Spare Cat-6 wires in attic for even more expandability

Lighting:

There are several great options for wireless lighting systems:

  • Crestron
  • Lutron Radio Ra
  • Control 4

Alarm:

Qolsys is a fully functional alarm platform and can serve as an automation platform controlling the following:

  • Climate
  • Lighting
  • Locks
  • Garage Door
  • Surveillance Cameras

For those interested in enhancing to their home with individual SMART home products, the SMART home technology available today is nothing short of amazing. Here are our five favorite smart home products below:

Ecobee3

Although warm and sunny South Florida is Macken Realty’s home, air conditioning functionality, reliability and ease is important anywhere that you might live. The Ecobee3 makes sure each room in your home is heated or cooled to the temperature you prefer with the help of a wireless sensor and a savvy touchscreen panel. All of this can even be controlled from an app on your phone!

Schlage Sense Smart

Safety is always top priority and you can definitely rest assured with this smartlock! Sure, you can use a regular key with this lock, but you can also use a unique code and designate one to each of your family members (or your housekeeper, etc). The Schlage Sense Smart is also Bluetooth compatible so you can unlock or lock your door just by telling Siri from your iPhone!

SkyBell HD

Speaking of safety, another one of our favorites is the SkyBell! The SkyBell Video Doorbell will make it appear that you’re home at any time of day to someone who rings your doorbell with it’s amazing video and voice features. It’s also a great product when you don’t exactly want to show your face to someone who’s at your door – you can simply speak to them over the monitor from your phone.

Sonos

If you love music, this smart home technology is for you! All you need is a receiver placed wherever you want to hear your tunes in your home and you can press play right from an app on your phone. Sonos is compatible with your iPod, Pandora, Spotify and even your SiriusXM subscription. Sound like music to your ears? Home audio has never been so easy!

Nest Cam

Keeping an eye on your home is definitely a “smart” idea. The Nest Cam is a stand alone camera that you can set up pretty much anywhere inside your home and view 24/7 footage in 1080p HD from your phone (with advanced night vision too!). Check on your home while you’re away, see what the pups are up to while you’re at work, or just simply for overall peace of mind – the Nest Cam will be your extra set of eyes.

We are seeing more and more smart home technology options pop up every single day, and are excited to see what the future holds and how this technology can get even better! For more information on our SMART home properties available for sale, visit Beach House or Parallel 2, or call 954-617-8400.