In today's market, it's important to make sure your home stands apart from the crowd, sparking buyers' imaginations and enticing them to make a return visit or a bid on your home. Incorporating technology into the deal is a surefire way to give your property a competitive edge against the other homes on the market. Although you may not recuperate 100 percent of the cost, having a few "toys" will definitely generate interest and ensure that touring buyers remember your home.

For example, impress your buyers with an automated home control system. There are wireless systems available to fit any price range and need. Set your lights to turn on every night while you're away, or set them to turn on before someone enters the house. You can also automate other electrical appliances in the house too. The convenience and safety from programmable remotes and timers will boost your home's appeal. Whoever buys your home will never have to return to a cold, dark home.

Entertainment additions usually catch a buyer's eye as well. Flat panel television sets mounted on the walls particularly draw attention. TVs don't necessarily have to be large; there are plenty of sizes available to fit any budget. Have your cable provider install the receiver or cable jack near the wall where you will be mounting the TV. Many buyers like small, flat panel TVs in the kitchen, near counter space. Consider this when planning to mount a screen around the kitchen or main floor of your home.

A whole-house audio system is also a nice feature to have. A multi-room sound system that lets you listen to the same music in all different parts of the house is appealing to buyers, especially in warmer weather. By wiring up the entire house, and adding some outdoor speakers near a patio, you could draw in some beneficial attention from music-loving buyers. Extra features such as a flat-screen TV or surround-sound system give your property a slight advantage in buyers' minds. Although these additions may not be the reason your home sells, they will definitely help your house stand out among a long list of homes for sale.

Other ideas you may want to consider are a sensor-activated deadbolt lock, motorized drapes, or maybe even a weather forecaster that displays current conditions like wind speed, UV index, temperature and more. It's all about what you can offer. Although it's unnecessary to completely exceed your budget, having one or two fun features may give your home that little extra push needed to overcome your competitors.

Some homes may have a few of these technologies already, and if so, they will only stand to support your sales efforts. Whether adding anew or working with what you already have, speaking with a real estate professional about how to sell the many different aspects of your home is vital to your success.

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