Smart Home Features Every Modern Homeowner Should Consider

Homebuyers across Westside Los Angeles—whether searching in Cheviot Hills, Rancho Park, Century City, Santa Monica, or Westwood—are placing smart home technology at the top of their must-have lists. Convenience, energy savings, and enhanced control over everyday living are just some of the reasons why these features are in demand.

For anyone looking to buy or upgrade a luxury property in this area, knowing which smart home features add the most value can help guide better choices and smarter investments. Here’s what you need to know.

The appeal of smart technology goes beyond aesthetics. It offers homeowners meaningful control over their property—whether it's managing energy costs, monitoring security remotely, or creating a seamless lifestyle through automation. In areas like Westwood or Century City, where high-end condominiums and estates often include built-in systems, expectations are already high.

In competitive neighborhoods, these features may even influence how quickly a home sells or how strong an offer comes in. Sellers who include smart upgrades often find that buyers view them as part of the home’s long-term value.

Not all smart features carry equal weight when it comes to value or usability. Based on current trends across the Westside, the following are the most sought-after smart upgrades buyers are actively looking for:

Security is a top priority in luxury real estate. Buyers in areas like Cheviot Hills and Rancho Park often ask about camera systems, automated locks, and real-time monitoring options.

• Exterior cameras with app access and cloud storage
• Doorbell cameras with two-way communication
• Smart locks with code or app-based entry
• Window and motion sensors that integrate with phone alerts

Remote access gives owners peace of mind when traveling or spending time at a second home. The ability to monitor deliveries, check in on pets, or lock doors from anywhere adds a strong layer of convenience.

Temperature control systems like Nest or Ecobee offer both comfort and energy savings. In Westside homes—where large square footage or multi-level layouts are common—these thermostats allow for zoned control and learning-based automation.

• Program schedules around occupancy and time of day
• Adjust heating or cooling remotely via smartphone
• Receive usage reports that guide more efficient settings

These systems also pair well with solar panels or energy management apps, which are increasingly popular in Santa Monica and Westwood.

Smart lighting goes beyond convenience—it’s a functional upgrade that sets a modern tone throughout the home. Homeowners in Rancho Park or Century City often seek integrated lighting that can be controlled by voice, schedule, or app.

• Dimmable LED fixtures tied to activity (movie time, reading, evening wind-down)
• Lights that adjust based on natural light or time of day
• Remote shut-off and control for second homes or travel days

In larger homes, the ability to automate outdoor lighting or gate access is also a plus.

While security, climate control, and lighting top the list, several other smart features are gaining traction—especially in higher-end properties.

• Smart Appliances: Refrigerators with internal cameras and inventory tracking, ovens with voice control, and washers that alert you when cycles are done are becoming more common in luxury kitchens.
• Smart Garage Doors: These allow secure deliveries, remote access, and alerts when the door is left open—useful for homes in neighborhoods with more foot traffic.
• Irrigation Systems: Smart sprinklers that adjust based on weather data help conserve water and keep landscapes looking sharp.
• Leak Detection Devices: Especially important in larger homes or aging plumbing systems, these sensors can prevent costly damage by alerting you to leaks in real time.

Each of these upgrades adds a layer of efficiency or protection that homeowners value.

When evaluating or installing smart home features, buyers should make sure systems are compatible with each other. A fully connected home offers more than just individual tech—it creates a network that’s intuitive and centralized.

• Platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa
• Hubs that unify lighting, climate, and security controls
• Wi-Fi quality throughout the home, including exterior spaces

In Santa Monica and Westwood, where many homes have undergone renovations, compatibility becomes especially important. A system that works well together will not only function better but will also increase appeal to future buyers.

If you're buying a home with existing smart features, it’s important to understand what’s included and how systems transfer.

• Which devices are staying with the property
• What apps or accounts are needed to access and control systems
• Whether professional installation or service records are available
• If warranties are transferable or still active

An experienced agent can guide you through these questions and help you evaluate how well the home’s technology aligns with your expectations.

Heyler Realty is the trusted real estate partner for clients looking to buy or sell homes with advanced smart features across Westside Los Angeles. Their team understands the expectations of modern homeowners and has the local expertise to identify properties that meet today’s high-tech standards. From Cheviot Hills and Rancho Park to Century City, Santa Monica, and Westwood, they guide clients through transactions with precision and personalized attention.

Whether you’re searching for a move-in ready smart home or preparing to list your property with top-tier upgrades, Heyler Realty will support you every step of the way. They focus exclusively on helping clients navigate the real estate market and secure homes that align with their goals. Reach out to Heyler Realty today to begin your search or start planning your next move.