Interest in remote-controlled features spikes

Time Warner retail sales associate Shamara Spicer demonstrates how she uses the companys IntelligentHome system at her Wilmington home. Many new home automation systems, like IntelligentHome, that are controlled with smart phones are making their way into the Wilmington market. Below, a computer screeen displays IntelligentHome controls.

Home automation used to be a reality only for the few - usually the wealthy.

Adjusting the thermostat, controlling the lights, locking the doors and checking your homes safety via cameras and motion sensors - all from a smartphone or tablet - remains for many something theyve heard of but havent tried.

Indeed, some Wilmington-area builders say that though interest in home automation has risen among their clients, it hasnt necessarily translated into sales.

Shawn Horton of Trusst Builder Group has seen greater interest from the active adult housing market. Its something that if you point it out, they are interested. But theyre not demanding it, Horton said. The first-time buyer wont pay for it, he added.

Even in high-end construction, buyers often are interested in wiring their homes so they can fully implement automation features in the future rather than now, said Whit Honeycutt , owner of North State Custom Builders, Home automation used to be a reality only for the few - usually the wealthy.

Adjusting the thermostat, controlling the lights, locking the doors and checking your homes safety via cameras and motion sensors - all from a smartphone or tablet - remains for many something theyve heard of but havent tried.

Indeed, some Wilmington-area builders say that though interest in home automation has risen among their clients, it hasnt necessarily translated into sales.

Shawn Horton of Trusst Builder Group has seen greater interest from the active adult housing market. Its something that if you point it out, they are interested. But theyre not demanding it, Horton said. The first-time buyer wont pay for it, he added.

Even in high-end construction, buyers often are interested in wiring their homes so they can fully implement automation features in the future rather than now, said Whit Honeycutt , owner of North State Custom Builders,

More here:
Interest in remote-controlled features spikes