Original research conducted by Cox Communications to find out how Phoenix home buyers across generations view the importance of smart tech built into their homes has revealed a new, blended group of “Homebodies” who expect home smart tech to make their lives easier. Cox’s survey of Phoenix residents found:
• 72% use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home
• 64% say that smart tech in the home decreases their monthly bills
• 63% say they use smart tech in-home solutions to make their lives easier
• 51% use WiFi as their connectivity of choice and 85% feel they have the connectivity they need to power their smart home devices
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“Research showed us that implementing smart technology is an important consideration for home sellers. Today’s house hunters increasingly care more about whether their potential new home offers a programmable thermostat and lock and lighting app control versus what the kitchen backsplash style or whether the home has vaulted ceilings,” said Cox Southwest Region Vice President of Public Affairs, Susan Anable. “We are hearing from homebuyers that Cox gig speeds and a smart WiFi connection with Panoramic Wifi is very important to ensure strong connectivity for all their smart devices and the bandwidth for them all to run smoothly and simultaneously.”
According to media reports, home prices grew 20% in March and Phoenix leads the nation in home prices for the 22nd consecutive month according to the latest results of the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices. Half of the Phoenicians surveyed by Cox find it important for their future home (whether buying or renting) to come with smart home technology right now and would be first in line for futuristic technology when it becomes available including:
• 47% want automatic laundry machines that wash, dry and fold clothes
• 30% want a robot home chef
• 38% want a refrigerator that automatically restocks itself
• 18% want a smart wardrobe that selects outfits itself