As long as it comes with an on/off switch or a power plug.

Personally I think it is just a sales gimmick.

I love mine - it's in my kitchen and I use it as a timer, to check the weather, listen to music and the best thing - add grocery items to my shopping list. The items show up on my phone so I can see my list when I'm shopping!

That said, I don't think Alexa adds as much value to a new home as a buyer would wind up paying. It would be far cheaper (I'm sure) for them just to buy one through Amazon!

I doubt many buyers will consider this an upgrade

I remember back when in home intercoms were the big thing. Alexa to shall pass Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES 

Not sure why this new feature is Big Brother any more than dual pane windows as a standard feature could be considered Big Brother. I think it is a builder sensing that buyers will appreciate what many homeowners and renters are already adding to their living spaces. 

It would not make me rush out and buy that home. I don't need that stuff or Big Brother.  And I sure wouldn't want to pay extra for a home with a feature I don't want or need. More of a gimmick. Better they offer it as an option for those who care.

I know some people will love it, but it's not for me.

I think it will be similar to a pool. You are going to attract some and repel others. To each their own, but I am not interested in having these devices in my property. 

I think many buyers will love this. You can always disconnect it.

I love my OK Google in our Kitchen- "OK Google, what's the weather like today?", "OK Google, set a Timer for 15 minutes, "OK Google, play Dinner Music"... probably my favorite tech item in the house. 

Both, a great feature, and a bit of big brother potential.

I would not want it!

Another lame gimmick offer idea to insult buyers intelligence. reminds me of the " Open an account at our bank, and get a FREE toaster."

They are cheap enough that I'm not sure it will make much difference. I do agree, I want the OFF function 99% of the time.  I know some people who would refuse it or buy elsewhere. 

Lots of people like it so why not? It's kind of like making every room 'in stereo'.

Sounds ike a marketing ploy. One builder by me provides a Ring video doorbell as a standard feature.

I wouldn't use but maybe we should ask the millenialls...

I have already seen "Alexa" in a resale 2-story house (2+K), because it was added as an up-grade.  First time I have seen it, so far, though definitely not new construction Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES .

I don't know how much of a draw that will be in marketing a new home....

Silvia, 

I saw that article on Reuters News Feed.  It is great for Amazon who is partnering with the builder...It is a marketing ploy to bring buyers.  A

No one has to use it. Cut the cord or unplug it. 

It seems that builder is targeting people that would pay out the nose for that feature.  We know the X-factor in price when a builder adds "bonus" features. 

    Big Brother

At some point AI will take over the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXxrmussq4E

Big brother already knows about us than one thinks.  One more, will not make a difference.

I personally would not care for it but there are many buyers that might see it as a nice feature. It will be interesting to see. 

I have complete trust and faith in Alexa due to the correct prediction of the winner for Super Bowl LII. Go Eagles! I cannot say the same about the NAR.

Big Brother

Interesting.

Sign of the times.

Wi-fi, cable, security cameras and smart appliances and products are here to stay incorporating them into cars, homes and office nearly mandatory

I dont't know about that

I saw that and actually thought I probably wouldn't buy that house with that feature. I have no interest in those devices. -Kasey

Yes, I saw that. Alexa can definitely simplify life. For example, we use her to set our thermostat remotely from wherever we are, she plays music on demand, answers questions, supplies weather forecasts, news and so on. It's a little creepy that she does listen all the time, collecting whatever info, no doubt, so a bit of the Big Brother thing is there. Sometimes she pipes in unprovoked; really weird.

Smart Builder thinking outside the box.  It is great for the home buyer since they have the choice to activate or not and can use it as a selling point for the next owner.

Seeing she listens to everything you  say, i would not want a whole house Alexa or anything similar in my home

Just a marketing gimmick.  No one has to use Alexa.

Not a fan and for me it might be a turn off!

It is just an advertisement marking ploy, but for the $100 to put in it does not do much, not a smart home or anything worth while.

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 nailed this one!

Thank you.

I think if people wanted one, they would have already bought them.   Just a marketing technique to get potential buyers in.

I would reject this technology. 

Great feature. 

Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES - one more sales trick? One can buy this relatively at lower cost as compared to what builders would charge, I believe.

Though it may be convenient, I don't like the thought of it always listening for me to say "OK Google" or "Alexa". I'll just set the timer, add the groceries to the list in my phone, turn on the music, etc. 

If I could unplug it, it wouldn't keep me from buying a house I loved, but it wouldn't make me run out and buy it either.

I read about it Silvia... pretty interesting....