Mamet: To be successful in home building today, builders and developers need to stay abreast of what is happening at the intersection of homeowner needs, sustainable products and technology trends.

At TRI Pointe Group, we are constantly evolving and aiming higher to meet and exceed customer expectations. One of the steps we are taking in that direction includes our continuous effort to stay ahead of the technology curve by delivering smart-home solutions that enrich our customers' lives, contributing to their health and well-being, as well as to our planet. The launch of HomeSmart coincided with Earth Day 2017 and highlights the progress each of our homebuilding brands and divisions has been making in the areas of home technology and seamless connectivity.

We've already begun rolling out these leading-edge technology features at our newest communities. For example, Pardee Homes has incorporated Amazon's wildly popular Echo voice-control system, Alexa into the Arista model homes at its Aliento master-planned community in Santa Clarita, CA. Pardee Homes is also offering other connected features such as the UniFi AC Pro wireless access point, high-speed Category 6 cabling, Honeywell WiFi thermostat, Schlage Connect entry locks, Liftmaster WiFi garage door openers, Ring Pro WiFi camera and doorbell, Lutron Caseta light switches in selected locations, and the Samsung SmartThings hub at Arista. So far, the response from homebuyers has been fantastic because they understand HomeSmart is all about harnessing the power of Internet-connected devices to simplify their lives.

GlobeSt.com: What can you tell us about broader trends on the technology front?

Mamet: The Internet of Things is changing the way we live our lives. Research suggests that within five years, the average home could contain 500 smart devices. These devices extend far beyond phones and TVs to include things like appliances, thermostats, monitoring and security systems. Plus, there will undoubtedly be new devices that we can't even imagine today. Many of these devices can learn your behavior, think for themselves and work together or be controlled by homeowners via voice activation or a mobile device.

At TRI Pointe Group, we recognize that as consumers become more accustomed to the convenience and efficiency of smart devices, they are going to want a home designed to enhance their connected lifestyle. To meet those homeowners' needs, each of our six homebuilding brands is fostering strong relationships with trade partners and manufacturers so we can stay abreast of what homeowners will need to leverage the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow.

GlobeSt.com: How does the HomeSmart program relate to the LivingSmart program, and what does this have to do with sustainability?

Mamet: The simple, yet effective, names of each of the LivingSmart components convey the importance of these features to our customers. For example, HomeSmart is centered around comfort and control, access and security and WiFi connectivity, providing homeowners with 24/7 energy savings, peace of mind to monitor who's coming and going and the convenience of a consistently strong WiFi signal. HealthSmart includes features and finishes that contribute to improved indoor air quality through the use of low-emission carpets, countertops, and other building materials. EnergySmart refers to features that reduce energy use through advanced construction techniques for the building envelope and the addition of solar, ENERGY STAR appliances, and low-e windows. EarthSmart includes products or practices that relate to recycling and use fewer resources. Finally, WaterSmart describes home features that help reduce water consumption with low-flow devices and drought-tolerant landscaping.

The LivingSmart program is integrated throughout all six of our premium builder brands nationwideSome LivingSmart features are included and others are optional, depending on the community.

GlobeSt.com: Will this raise the costs of construction? What about costs to the buyers?

Mamet: We work hard to be proactive and make sure our home offerings keep up with consumer trends. Many times, this means the cost of one enhancement is offset by the elimination of another feature that might have become outdated. For example, we used to have phone jacks in every bedroom. Consumers no longer need that feature.

It's important that we communicate the cost/benefit ratio of energy- and water-efficient technologies with home buyers, and how LivingSmart simplifies those efforts. For example, in Texas, Trendmaker Homes is using all LED bulbs in its new homes. These are included features now because they last about 25 times longer than other bulbs and use less energy.

Before deciding to buy a home, buyers should be well educated not only on the products that make their home energy efficient, but also on the ways smart-home technology can improve their lifestyle in a new home.

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IRVINE, CA—TRI Pointe Group's new HomeSmart program is centered on comfort and control, access and security and Wi-Fi connectivity, providing homeowners with 24/7 energy savings and more benefits, VP of corporate marketing Linda Mamet tells GlobeSt.com. The program features a suite of state-of-the-art home-technology and automation features that harness the power of Internet-connected devices to elevate the homeowner experience and also allow homeowners to conserve energy.

The launch adds a fifth component to LivingSmart, TRI Pointe's comprehensive program that blends the design, development, construction and operation of high-performing homes to provide healthier, more comfortable living environments with lower operating costs.

We spoke with Mamet about the launch of HomeSmart as well as broader trends on the technology front.

GlobeSt.com: Why has TRI Pointe Group launched HomeSmart™ and how is it being rolled out?

Mamet: To be successful in home building today, builders and developers need to stay abreast of what is happening at the intersection of homeowner needs, sustainable products and technology trends.

At TRI Pointe Group, we are constantly evolving and aiming higher to meet and exceed customer expectations. One of the steps we are taking in that direction includes our continuous effort to stay ahead of the technology curve by delivering smart-home solutions that enrich our customers' lives, contributing to their health and well-being, as well as to our planet. The launch of HomeSmart coincided with Earth Day 2017 and highlights the progress each of our homebuilding brands and divisions has been making in the areas of home technology and seamless connectivity.

We've already begun rolling out these leading-edge technology features at our newest communities. For example, Pardee Homes has incorporated Amazon's wildly popular Echo voice-control system, Alexa into the Arista model homes at its Aliento master-planned community in Santa Clarita, CA. Pardee Homes is also offering other connected features such as the UniFi AC Pro wireless access point, high-speed Category 6 cabling, Honeywell WiFi thermostat, Schlage Connect entry locks, Liftmaster WiFi garage door openers, Ring Pro WiFi camera and doorbell, Lutron Caseta light switches in selected locations, and the Samsung SmartThings hub at Arista. So far, the response from homebuyers has been fantastic because they understand HomeSmart is all about harnessing the power of Internet-connected devices to simplify their lives.

GlobeSt.com: What can you tell us about broader trends on the technology front?

Mamet: The Internet of Things is changing the way we live our lives. Research suggests that within five years, the average home could contain 500 smart devices. These devices extend far beyond phones and TVs to include things like appliances, thermostats, monitoring and security systems. Plus, there will undoubtedly be new devices that we can't even imagine today. Many of these devices can learn your behavior, think for themselves and work together or be controlled by homeowners via voice activation or a mobile device.

At TRI Pointe Group, we recognize that as consumers become more accustomed to the convenience and efficiency of smart devices, they are going to want a home designed to enhance their connected lifestyle. To meet those homeowners' needs, each of our six homebuilding brands is fostering strong relationships with trade partners and manufacturers so we can stay abreast of what homeowners will need to leverage the cutting-edge technologies of tomorrow.

GlobeSt.com: How does the HomeSmart program relate to the LivingSmart program, and what does this have to do with sustainability?

Mamet: The simple, yet effective, names of each of the LivingSmart components convey the importance of these features to our customers. For example, HomeSmart is centered around comfort and control, access and security and WiFi connectivity, providing homeowners with 24/7 energy savings, peace of mind to monitor who's coming and going and the convenience of a consistently strong WiFi signal. HealthSmart includes features and finishes that contribute to improved indoor air quality through the use of low-emission carpets, countertops, and other building materials. EnergySmart refers to features that reduce energy use through advanced construction techniques for the building envelope and the addition of solar, ENERGY STAR appliances, and low-e windows. EarthSmart includes products or practices that relate to recycling and use fewer resources. Finally, WaterSmart describes home features that help reduce water consumption with low-flow devices and drought-tolerant landscaping.

The LivingSmart program is integrated throughout all six of our premium builder brands nationwideSome LivingSmart features are included and others are optional, depending on the community.

GlobeSt.com: Will this raise the costs of construction? What about costs to the buyers?

Mamet: We work hard to be proactive and make sure our home offerings keep up with consumer trends. Many times, this means the cost of one enhancement is offset by the elimination of another feature that might have become outdated. For example, we used to have phone jacks in every bedroom. Consumers no longer need that feature.

It's important that we communicate the cost/benefit ratio of energy- and water-efficient technologies with home buyers, and how LivingSmart simplifies those efforts. For example, in Texas, Trendmaker Homes is using all LED bulbs in its new homes. These are included features now because they last about 25 times longer than other bulbs and use less energy.

Before deciding to buy a home, buyers should be well educated not only on the products that make their home energy efficient, but also on the ways smart-home technology can improve their lifestyle in a new home.