10 Digital Tools for Every Homeowner
Being a homeowner is a big responsibility. Whether you’ve just moved into your first home or you’ve been a proud homeowner for years, there are benefits to getting some help from digital tools and apps. Here are the top 10 services every homeowner should know about.
1. Keyless Entry
Looking for your keys will be a thing of the past if you have a keyless home entry app. These digital keys offer secure, keyless access via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. They allow you to lock or unlock doors, manage virtual keys for guests, and even view entry access history. This can be great for families who have vendors or contractors enter their home while they are away. For instance, you can give a dog walker, contractor, or cleaning service a one-time entry while you’re at work.
2. Home Security System
Keeping you and your family safe is of the utmost importance, which is why many new homeowners opt for installing a home security system. These modern-day systems offer peace of mind through remote surveillance, enabling homeowners to check on their property from anywhere. Remote access and control from smartphone apps means homeowners can monitor live video, checking to make sure they actually closed their garage door this morning or turning on an outdoor light before they return home in the evening.
There are numerous options available today, so be sure to compare home security companies. You can see which ones are available in your area, search by budget parameters, and determine which option is best for your needs. By reviewing all of your choices, you’ll feel confident knowing you picked the best solution for your needs.
3. Smart Thermostats
One way to monitor your energy and potentially lower your energy bills is through smart thermostats. Smart thermostat digital apps provide remote control, scheduling, and energy tracking for a property’s home heating and cooling systems. You can pre-program the thermostat to adjust from the time you and your family leave the house in the morning until you all return after work and school. You can also see insights in real-time, allowing you to tweak the system based on usage to save money.
4. Smart Home Assistant Hubs
Smart home assistant hubs are essential for your home. These devices seamlessly integrate different apps into one comprehensive, manageable system. With voice activation, you can dictate to the hub to add items to your running grocery list sent to your phone or ask it to turn on calming music as you all sit down for dinner. You can even teach it to pick up on your habits, so it can anticipate when you’ll want to reorder something from Amazon or what time you like the lights to go off in the evening.
5. Water or Mold Sensor App
A water or mold sensor app can provide 24/7 real-time monitoring to help protect your home and valuables from damage. These apps will send you an alert if a water leak is present, and oftentimes enable you to shut off your water remotely. They will monitor humidity and temperature levels to caution you of potential mold growth conditions, allowing you to fix the problem before it becomes a major issue.
This type of monitoring can prevent costly damage and may even help you lower insurance rates. Some insurance companies will offer discounts for installing an active water monitoring device, as it shows you’re taking a proactive approach to damage prevention.
6. Wireless Doorbell Camera
In addition to a home security system, having a wireless doorbell camera can deter thieves while monitoring visitors. With the United States Postal Service estimating that at least 58 million packages were stolen in 2024, having an around-the-clock camera by the door can serve as an effective virtual gatekeeper. You can see who visited your door and when — information which may be needed for filing package theft complaints. These cameras can work in tandem with a comprehensive home security system for optimal coverage.
7. Home Design Apps
Unless you’re an experienced interior decorator, knowing how to best decorate your space may become an overwhelming project. Months or years can go by before you even dare to tackle that extra bedroom or spare living space. Digital home design tools can provide 3D visualizations of your space. They allow you to experiment with different furniture configurations, colors, and layouts before you spend a dime on the project. These apps are user-friendly and can work to streamline future collaborations with professionals to make your dream home come to life.
8. Smart Window Blind Apps
Smart window blind apps are a convenient way to open or close the shades around your home. By using your smartphone, you can control lighting and privacy remotely. This can help maximize energy efficiency, improve security, and provide access to hard-to-reach windows. You can customize and program the apps for different schedules, such as keeping the blinds closed later on the weekends, as the family tries to log a few extra minutes of snooze time!
9. Maintenance and Management Apps
For any home maintenance needs, it can be helpful to have everything stored in the same place. Any warranty information or manuals can be added to a maintenance and management app. With this, you can track repairs and manage projects all while keeping an eye on your home renovation budget. Some of these apps will even connect to professional services such as Thumbtack or TaskRabbit to keep home maintenance projects running smoothly and efficiently.
10. Local Social Networking App
A local, private social networking app is a great way to stay updated and connected with neighbors and the surrounding community. These apps require individuals to verify their home address and use their real name to facilitate a trustworthy environment. Within the platform, you can exchange recommendations, read relevant alerts or safety concerns, and buy or sell furniture and other home items.