About 10 million Americans own two or more homes. About 1/3 of you reading this right now, will have their home automated by 2021, as measured by Statista. While the smart home industry has been around for many years, many Americans are now becoming aware of its existence and its benefits.
The benefits include security, comfort, increased property value, and much more. Yet, not much has been said about vacation time. Can the cost-savings from home automation give you more time? If so what are the psychological benefits?
In this post we will go over this and a little secret – Don’t skip to the end! – about the massive benefits home automation has for your vacation time. Here’s a preview:
- More vacations in a year;
- The perfect vacation for any occasion;
- A must have for rental properties;
MORE VACATIONS IN A YEAR
“… Americans are effectively volunteering hundreds of millions of days of free work for their employers, which results in $61.4 billion in forfeited benefits.” I’m sure that caught your attention. As sad as it may be, most Americans are literally giving their employers cash when they don’t take vacation time off. We are the country with the least vacation days per year than any other country.
There are several reasons for this, including fear of accumulated work, fear of time off and unable to afford it. However, most people – 49% to be exact – don’t plan their vacations and leave it to chance. Topple this with the anxiety of leaving your home alone, and you have the reason people give money away to their employers.
Here’s how home automation can give you your life back. Installing an integrated home automation solution can easily save $400+ a year. Add the convenience of vacationing anxiety-free, and you are basically getting paid to go on vacation. At the very least, you won’t be losing your hard earned money. Think of it this way…You are not losing money to your employer AND you are making money from your system.
THE PERFECT VACATION FOR ANY OCCASION
We were freezing. It was -1 Degrees outside and we could not get the heater started. We all had to sleep for 3 days huddled together in a firepit waiting for the heater to start. This was my vacation in Italy in winter of 2016. Now you might wonder what how this could possibly be the “Perfect vacation”? It wasn’t.
What this is, is an example of the struggle many people face when planning their vacation time. They need to go and get the vacation ready before hand. Things need to be prepped. It all becomes such an inconvenience that this paralyses people’s decision making. You end up choosing to stay home than enjoy an adventurous experience – or at least some time off –.
A MUST HAVE FOR RENTAL PROPERTIES
Going back to the first statement of this article “About 10 million Americans own two or more homes.” Yet, much of these Americans are not enjoying their other investment. What if, you could immediately prep the other home days in advance? You could have both homes perfectly ready for any situation. Your main home – ready and secure for your departure – and your other home – prepped and ready for your arrival-.
Here is another little secret. About 35% of the American population live in rented homes. Some of these properties might be owned by a small number of investors. However, it is safe to say many are individual-owned. What could this have to do with home automation? In short words… Huge returns on your rental income.
Here’s a little more detailed explanation for that short answer. Home automation works well for the two different methods to rent out your home. The long-term lease contracts and the casual Airbnb vacation rentals. For long-term contracts you can charge a heftier principal, while promising your tenants the cost-saving benefit of having an automated home.
On the other hand, if you apt for Airbnb instead, you can almost double your income. Your home isn’t a commodity based on price or location anymore. It’s unique, it’s fun and it’s NEW. Top the fact that you are saving hundreds of dollars per year on electricity and this could be a great stream of income.
Either way, the important takeaway is to start now. Don’t let the length of the years fool you from living today’s moment.