The Rise of Smart Homes in Texas And Are They Worth the Investment?

Welcome to a new era in Texas real estate—where homes don’t just shelter you, they learn you. As the Lone Star State evolves, so does its definition of what makes a home desirable. The rise of smart homes in Texas and are they worth the investment is no longer a question for the future. Let’s talk about the rise of smart homes in Texas and are they worth the investment.  It’s one we’re answering right now.

Whether you’re a buyer seeking efficiency or a seller looking to boost value, smart home devices are reshaping expectations across the board. From voice-activated lighting to intelligent thermostats and advanced security systems, these features are becoming more than just tech gimmicks—they’re an integral part of what many Texans now consider livable.

And when you’re trying to decide if these innovations are a wise investment, one thing becomes clear: You need guidance from someone who’s not just watching trends but shaping them. That’s where I come in. I’m Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty. With decades of experience, a national presence as a real estate instructor and speaker, and a strategic approach that puts your goals at the forefront, I help clients navigate the growing smart home movement with confidence and clarity.

Let’s talk about what you really need to know.

TL;DR – The Rise of Smart Homes in Texas and Are They Worth the Investment

1. Texas is experiencing a rapid shift toward smart home adoption, changing how residents live and interact with their homes.
2. Smart home devices can increase convenience, improve security, and lower long-term utility costs.
3. These tech-savvy features are no longer luxury add-ons—they’re becoming expected, especially in competitive real estate markets like Austin.
4. While upfront costs exist, smart homes often bring strong returns on investment due to buyer demand and efficiency.
5. Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, offers unmatched experience, insight, and strategic guidance in navigating the smart home market.

What a Smart Home Really Is (And Why It Matters)

A smart home isn’t just a house with a few gadgets—it’s an integrated living experience. These homes are built around a network of smart home devices that interact with one another to automate tasks and improve your day-to-day life.

Think of walking into your house after work. The thermostat has already adjusted to your favorite evening temperature. Your entryway lights turned on just before you pulled into the driveway. Your security system disarmed the moment your phone connected to the home’s Wi-Fi. That’s not the future. That’s right now.

These systems do more than make life easier. They can adapt to your behavior. Over time, your home learns when to shut off unused lights or reduce heating and cooling during certain hours. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about efficiency, and ultimately, savings.

Texas homes are increasingly adopting these features, not just for the appeal but because they’re becoming a marker of modern living.

The Investment Conversation: Is It Really Worth It?

Let’s get to the heart of the question: Is investing in smart home technology truly worth it?

In many cases, yes. While there’s an initial cost—especially for comprehensive systems—the return on that investment comes in multiple forms. First, utility savings. Automated energy management can reduce your monthly expenses, which adds up over time. Smart thermostats, for example, can cut heating and cooling bills significantly by optimizing use when you’re away.

Then there’s home value. Homes equipped with modern smart home devices are seen as more desirable. That means faster sales and often, higher price points. In a tech-forward market like Austin, it can be the edge that sets your property apart.

Buyers are increasingly asking about these features before they even step inside a showing. Sellers who don’t have them? They may be leaving money on the table.

Texas Is Not Just Following—It’s Leading

Some states adopt trends. Texas sets them.

From Dallas to Houston to Austin, developers and homeowners alike are embedding smart tech directly into new builds and renovated properties. What was once a premium feature for luxury homes is becoming an expectation across all price points. Entry-level homes are starting to include smart locks, doorbell cameras, and automated lighting as standard features—not upgrades.

This means that if you’re looking to purchase in Texas, you’re likely to encounter these features regularly. But it also means you should know how to evaluate their quality, integration, and usefulness. That’s where working with someone like me—someone who’s not just familiar with the tech, but who teaches other agents how to value and market it—can make all the difference.

Not All Smart Home Devices Are Equal

One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate today is that all smart features carry equal weight. They don’t.

A smart refrigerator might wow guests, but it doesn’t offer the practical impact that an integrated security or HVAC system does. Knowing what to look for—and more importantly, what buyers will care about—can help you make smarter decisions whether you’re buying, selling, or improving your current home.

Some features, like energy-efficient smart thermostats or whole-home automation hubs, often have stronger ROI potential. Others may be personal conveniences without much resale pull. I work with clients to assess what’s truly valuable and what’s just fluff.

How Smart Homes Change the Selling Process

When you sell a home equipped with smart technology, you’re not just selling space—you’re selling a lifestyle. And that takes a different approach.

It requires targeted marketing. The ability to explain systems clearly. And knowing how to appeal to buyers who value innovation and modernity over tradition. It’s also important to manage expectations—smart home devices often need proper setup to transfer between owners, and documentation should be organized in advance.

As a real estate instructor and national speaker, I don’t just teach these principles—I live them. My listings don’t just go live. They launch. I highlight the features buyers care about and speak their language, helping you position your home for top-dollar returns in a competitive market.

Buying a Smart Home? Know What You’re Getting Into

Buying a smart home might sound like a great idea—and often it is—but it’s not without complexity.

Are the devices owned or leased? Are they compatible with the platforms you use (Apple, Google, Amazon)? Are they integrated or piecemeal? Do they have warranties, and who maintains them?

You need a REALTOR who understands these questions—and can answer them. With smart home technology evolving quickly, it’s easy for buyers to get overwhelmed or miss important details. That’s why I guide clients through every piece of the puzzle. Whether you’re buying a newer home with smart integrations or retrofitting an older property, I help you make choices that align with your goals and budget.

Why Robbie English Should Be Your Smart Move

You don’t need another agent guessing their way through a smart home listing. You need someone who has strategically worked to master real estate—who teaches agents across the country how to evaluate and negotiate for properties like these.

I’ve spent decades fine-tuning my approach. I’m not here to “sell you a house”—I’m here to be your expert partner, providing honest advice, forward-thinking strategy, and technical know-how that gives you a real edge. Smart homes demand smarter representation. That’s what I bring.

As a Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, I’ve helped countless clients make smart investments in Texas real estate—both figuratively and literally. I work hard to give my clients not just access, but advantage. It’s what sets me apart.

So… Are Smart Homes Worth It in Texas?

Here’s the bottom line: The rise of smart homes in Texas and are they worth the investment isn’t up for debate anymore. The real question is how you’ll use that rise to your benefit.

For many, smart home devices provide peace of mind, savings, and a sense of control. For others, they’re a tool to boost resale value and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Either way, ignoring this shift isn’t an option if you want to make a well-informed decision.

And you don’t have to navigate it alone.

With my decades of experience, national influence, and commitment to real results, I’ll help you determine whether a smart home investment fits your unique goals. Let’s talk about how we can put innovation to work for you.

The Next Step Is Yours

Smart homes are more than a trend—they’re the new normal in Texas real estate. Whether you’re ready to buy, thinking about selling, or just starting to explore the possibilities, the time to act is now.

Let’s start the conversation. Let’s make your next move a smart one. And let’s do it together—with strategy, clarity, and the kind of expertise that only comes from years at the top of the field.

Because when it comes to the rise of smart homes in Texas and are they worth the investment… the answer is yes. And with the right guidance, it can be the smartest move you make.