Potentially moving. Should I move from HS3 to Hometroller?

[ScottM]

Hey all. I've been a long-time user of HomeSeer, starting with HS2 and am currently running HS3Pro. I tinker with my setup from time to time, but for the most part, the system is configured the way I want and runs relatively smoothly.

Recently, my wife and I have discussed the idea of moving which got me to thinking about my smart home implementation and how it's really not geared towards the typical homeowner. I suspect most homeowners aren't into the DIY smart home implementations and just want it to work without having to look at a server from time to time, reboot it periodically, and load new versions of the software.

What do HS users tend to do when they sell their house? Do they switch the home over to a Hometroller unit? Is this a solution that is more 'hands-off'?

My system consists of the following:

Insteon switches and plugs (yeah, don't get me started, but maybe they are still alive?!)
Elk M1 Gold security with occupancy sensors throughout the house
Blue Iris Security Cams
Netstreams Distributed Audio (now defunct, but I wrote a plug-in for it)
Rachio sprinkler interface
Sonos plug-in

Any ideas or recommendations would be much appreciated.

[Rupp]

When I install any automation I ensure that it will still work if HS is shut down. This way the new home owner doesn't have to continue to use automation and would have never known the switches/etc were automated. I'd recommend taking your HS and PC with you as many potential buyers are put off with automation. If your particular buyer likes automation then it's up to you to determine if it's worth your time and pain to transfer the system. Personally I would never mention the fact that the house is automated unless asked.

[ScottM]

Interesting. With the exception of my automated blinds and drapes, my house does function if the server is down. I could fix those to work with a remote without too much trouble, though. When the server is down, the various systems just don't 'talk' to each other. Security works and the lighting works, except that the lights don't automatically turn on because the occupancy sensors are triggered in the security system which HS captures and the lights are turned on through events.

Isn't that the idea of the Hometroller offerings, though, in that they take the place of a windows/linux server and should just run if programmed properly? Or am I just not understanding the primary benefit of those devices?

[TC1]

Have to agree with Rupp, one opens themselves up to all kinds of headaches depending on the state where the sales contract is signed.

I've saved all the "dumb" equivalents of my light switches, thermostats, sprinkler controller, etc, as I've automated over the years. When I'm ready to sell I'll swap back the old units and take the units I want to keep with me. The house will still effectively "work", there just won't be any automation conveniences.

[Kevb]

[Isn't that the idea of the Hometroller offerings, though, in that they take the place of a windows/linux server and should just run if programmed properly? Or am I just not understanding the primary benefit of those devices?
[/QUOTE]

The hometroller is a small computer that runs Homeseer. No different than leaving your PC or laptop. Like TC1, I saved the dumb switches and will take most automation with me. Things like the thermostat or doorbell will stay. I have a gmail address for the house, and use that for those logins. I'll just change the password and leave it for the next owner.

[TC1]

The hometroller is a small computer that runs Homeseer. No different than leaving your PC or laptop. Like TC1, I saved the dumb switches and will take most automation with me. Things like the thermostat or doorbell will stay. I have a gmail address for the house, and use that for those logins. I'll just change the password and leave it for the next owner.

That's a good point most folks don't think about: Keep the home automation separate from your personal life. At first, I registered everything with my personal email address, but once it was revealed how much data IoT related devices were collecting, I slowly but surely have been changing them over to a generic accounts unrelated to me. As Kevb points out, makes it easy then to give to someone else without compromising anything else.

[Pete]

Agree with Rupp plus....

Here removed automated switches and replace all of them with conventional analog switches. Way back when Jim Doolittle (RIP) passed away; Jim's wife asked me to remove all of the UPB switches prior to the closing / sale of her home. I did run in to an issue where some of the switches where hidden in the rafters of the second floor and in the rafters of the basement.

[ScottM]

This is all very good advice and so helpful....thanks, everyone!

Regarding the responses specific to the HomeTroller hubs, I'm even more confused as to what their primary benefit is over running HS3/4 on any windows desktop. Is there any real benefit other than just not having to buy a dedicated computer as a home automation server?

[Dweber85rc]

No it's just a convenient all in one package if you are not inclined to go your own way selecting hardware