Tips & advice

10 smart home devices to manage your vacation home

Published Date: February 2, 2024

Homeowner manages home automation with a digital tablet in a modern, white living room.
Smart home products are everywhere. And one place they should definitely be? In your second home. Home automation is a must when you own a property that’s more than a short drive away from your primary residence. Connected devices can make time in your vacation property more enjoyable as well as be your eyes and ears when you’re back home. 

Fully managed second homes

For safety and security 

Many vacation homes sit empty for long stretches, making them an attractive target for criminals. Here are a few must-have connected devices to protect you and your property. 

1. Security system

Keep your home safer with a Wi-Fi enabled home security system that alerts you to any unusual activity. With sensors on your doors and windows and motion detectors, an app notification will let you know if there’s any unusual activity at your vacant property. 

2. Security cameras

Wi-Fi enabled security cameras are another popular solution, allowing you to see what’s going on outside your home in real time. You can set up motion alerts to notify you when someone walks past the camera, or you can use the app to check in whenever you’d like. In addition to surveillance for security, these cameras are a nice way to monitor conditions at the home more generally. Pop into the app anytime and see how much snow is in the driveway or make sure the landscapers showed up.If you have working security cameras on a home that you’re renting out, you need to disclose it to your renters. Check with your state and local governments, as well as the vacation rental platform you use, for any restrictions. 

3. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Fire and carbon monoxide are real threats, both when it’s occupied and when it’s empty. Unlike traditional models that simply emit a loud sound when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, smart detectors will notify you immediately via a mobile app. Many give you the option of silencing the alarm with a tap of the app in case the cause was overzealous cooking, not a house fire. They will also notify you on the app when it’s time to change the batteries, so no more annoying chirping in the middle of the night!

4. Water alarms

Damage caused by leaks in a home can be very costly to repair, and the longer the problem goes unnoticed, the higher the price tag. Smart water alarms can be placed in leak-prone locations around the house, like in the bathroom, under the dishwasher, near the washing machine and by the water heater. If they detect water, you’ll receive a notification on your phone. 

For enjoyment and comfort 

Smart home devices aren’t just for safety. They can also make everyday life a bit more enjoyable. Here are a few devices that can take some tasks off your plate. 

5. Smart thermostats

With a smart thermostat in your vacation home, you always come home to a space that’s warm and cozy in the winter and nice and cool in the summer. A smart thermostat not only lets you set a schedule from anywhere, but many of them will learn your habits over time and make adjustments that keep you comfortable — and boost energy efficiency. 

6. Smart TVs

Smart TVs make it easy to stream favorite shows, movies, music and sporting events without the need for additional devices. Best of all, if you rent out your home, your guests can easily log into their own streaming accounts. 

7. Smart lighting

Smart lighting gives every home an upscale feel, but their appeal is more than aesthetic. Smart lighting systems with LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs, and scheduling features ensure you never forget to turn the lights off. These same scheduling capabilities allow you to set up lighting timers to make it appear like people are home, discouraging break-ins. 

8. Home assistants

Smart home gadgets can add a lot of convenience to everyday life, but they can also be a lot to juggle. That’s where a smart home assistant comes in. Products enabled with voice technology like Google Home or Amazon Alexa can connect with all your smart home tech, allowing you to control everything with a series of simple voice commands. 

For rentals 

The smart home products listed above are good in any vacation home, but if you’re using your home for short-term rentals, there are a few additional items you may want to use. 

9. Smart locks

Smart door locks are a must for vacation rentals, as they facilitate self check-in for guests without the need for physical keys. You can set a separate entrance code for each reservation, which expires upon check-out. Your guests can use the same code to come and go during their stay, and you’ll never need to worry about lost keys or anyone getting locked out. 

10. Noise monitors 

Large, unruly parties are a vacation rental owner’s worst nightmare. Wi-Fi noise monitors don’t record audio inside your property (to ensure compliance with privacy laws) but they do track audio levels, notifying you if noise exceed a pre-set decibel level. 

A smarter second home is waiting 

When you buy a Pacaso second home, the smart home bells and whistles come standard for your convenience and enjoyment. Every Pacaso home comes fully furnished and with everything you need to enjoy every visit. Standard smart home features include high-speed internet with mesh Wi-Fi, smart TVs and sound systems, and smart locks.

Luxury co-owned vacation homes

What’s more, even Pacaso’s scheduling tool is an app, designed to make it easy and equitable for each co-owner to enjoy time in the home.  
Jen Headshot

Jen Lyons

Author

  • Share this post:

Featured articles

A couple checks in to their accommodations while considering the differences between a vacation club vs timeshare.
ByPacaso

Read
Black modern house with wood garage door
ByKasey Tross

Read

Don't miss out

The best homes sell fast. See the latest listings, inspiring second homes and buying tips.

I give Pacaso permission to contact me & agree to the terms. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy, terms of service and mobile terms.

Want to chat? Contact us.