A luxury home with smart home technology requires a different set of questions than a conventional home purchase. These five questions can save you tens of thousands of dollars — and significant frustration — if you ask them before making an offer.
1. Does the source code transfer with the home?
The programming that runs a Crestron or Savant system was written by an integrator. That program belongs to the integrator — not the homeowner — unless specifically transferred. If the seller doesn’t have the source code, you inherit a black box that can’t be modified without starting over. Reprogramming from scratch: $15,000–$50,000. Make source code transfer a condition of sale.
2. Is the installing integrator still in business?
Luxury smart home integration is a specialty market with significant consolidation. If the company that installed the system has closed, merged, or been acquired, getting service, updates, and modifications becomes dramatically more difficult. Always verify the integrator is active and willing to service a new owner.
3. Have the camera credentials been reset?
Security camera systems may have remote access credentials that were never changed between owners. The previous owner, their security company, or the installing integrator may still have visibility into the home after you close. Always require a full credential audit and reset before taking possession.
4. What does the service history look like?
Smart home systems require regular professional maintenance — firmware updates, programming adjustments, hardware checks. Ask for service records the same way you’d ask for HVAC maintenance history. A system without professional service for 2+ years likely has developing problems that will surface after you move in.
5. What is the network infrastructure?
A luxury home with a $500K AV system and a consumer router is a reliability and security problem. Ask specifically about the networking hardware — is it enterprise-grade (Cisco Meraki, Araknis, Ubiquiti) or consumer-grade? Consumer networking in a sophisticated smart home costs more in support calls than it saved in hardware cost.
The Foresight Buyer’s Red Flag Report ($299, instant delivery) answers all five of these questions — and more — before you’re committed to the purchase.