5 Smart Devices That Help You Monitor Your Home Remotely

Many homeowners today spend extended periods away from their properties—whether traveling for work, enjoying time at a second home, or heading south for the winter. One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is simply this:

“How can I keep an eye on my house when I’m not there?”

Fortunately, smart home technology has made it easier than ever to monitor your home remotely. At DCN Property Management we often recommend a handful of simple devices that allow homeowners to receive alerts and check in on their property from anywhere.

Here are five smart devices that can make a big difference in protecting your home.

1. Water Leak Detectors
Water leaks are one of the most common problems discovered during property inspections. A slow leak under a sink or behind an appliance can cause significant damage before it is ever noticed. Small water leak detectors can be placed near plumbing fixtures and will immediately alert your phone if moisture is detected. Check out the Govee Leak Detector and the Moen Smart Water Sensor.

Good locations include:

• under kitchen sinks
• near washing machines
• around water heaters
• near sump pumps
• behind refrigerators with water lines

David’s Tip:
During routine property visits we occasionally find small leaks that homeowners were unaware of. A simple leak sensor can notify you immediately and prevent a much larger problem.

2. Smart Locks
Smart locks allow homeowners to control access to their property remotely. Instead of relying solely on traditional keys, you can lock or unlock doors using your phone. The Schlage Encode Smart Lock and the Yale Assure Lock are excellent choices.

Smart locks are especially helpful for:

• second homes
• rental properties
• vacation homes
• allowing service providers temporary access

Many systems also allow you to create temporary entry codes, which can be changed at any time.

3. Security Cameras
Security cameras provide an additional layer of protection and peace of mind for homeowners who spend time away. There are many on the market, Blink Outdoor Camera and the Blink Mini Compact Indoor Camera are good places to start your search.

Today’s cameras allow you to:

• view live footage from your phone
• receive motion alerts
• monitor entry points
• check outdoor areas during storms

Outdoor cameras placed near driveways, entrances, and garages can be especially useful.

4. Smart Thermostats
Temperature monitoring is extremely important for homes in colder climates. If a heating system stops working during the winter, frozen pipes can quickly become a serious issue. Nice contenders for a thermostat ar the Ecobee Smart Thermostat and the Google Nest Thermostat.

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to:

• monitor indoor temperatures remotely
• adjust heating settings from anywhere
• receive alerts if temperatures drop too low

Many homeowners appreciate being able to check their home’s temperature at any time while traveling.

5. Humidity Sensors
Humidity levels inside a home can sometimes signal hidden problems, especially in basements or mechanical rooms. The Govee Hygrometer and the SensorPush Wireless Thermometer are both highly recommended.

Humidity sensors can alert homeowners to:

• excess moisture
• potential mold conditions
• basement dampness
• ventilation issues

In many homes we recommend placing humidity sensors in basements, crawl spaces, or utility areas.

Why Remote Monitoring Matters
Technology cannot replace regular property checks, but these devices provide valuable information between visits and allow homeowners to respond quickly if something changes.
When used together, smart home devices create a simple system that helps protect your property and gives you greater confidence while you are away.

Final Thoughts
Remote monitoring tools have become increasingly reliable and affordable. For homeowners who travel frequently or maintain second homes, they offer a practical way to stay connected to your property no matter where you are.
At DCN Property Management we often help homeowners identify simple technology solutions that make it easier to protect and monitor their homes year-round.

About the Author
David Nicholson is the owner of DCN Property Management and has spent more than a decade helping homeowners maintain and monitor their properties throughout Concord, Lincoln, Carlisle, Acton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities.


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