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Replace the previous owner's lock immediately (you don't know who has copies). Schlage Encode Plus is the best HomeKit smart lock — Apple Home Keys (tap iPhone to unlock), keypad codes for guests/contractors, full HomeKit integration. Real security, not just a gimmick.
Shop Schlage Encode Plus →HomeKit-native video doorbell at a reasonable price. Records to iCloud with end-to-end encryption. Notifications when someone's at the door, lets you talk to delivery drivers from anywhere.
Shop Aqara G4 →New home = new keys + new gear to lose. AirTags on the new house keys, in the garage door opener, on the lawn mower (theft from open garages is real), and one spare.
Shop AirTag 4-Pack →Don't use the ISP router. Eero 7 Pro covers 6,000 sq ft with one 3-pack — fits most starter homes. Wi-Fi 7. Auto-integrates with HomeKit. Apple ecosystem owner-friendly setup.
Shop Eero 7 Pro →Doubles as your HomeKit hub (required for smart home automation when you're away) and a music/Siri speaker. Get 2-3 of these for whole-home audio.
Shop HomePod mini →Best HomeKit smart bulbs. Get the starter kit with bridge + bulbs for living room, then add per room. Set automation: "Welcome home" lights on at sunset when you arrive.
Shop Philips Hue →For lamps, coffee makers, and any appliance you want to schedule. Cheap, reliable, Matter-compatible. Best value smart home upgrade.
Shop Meross →First-time homeowners often inherit an old programmable thermostat. ecobee Premium is HomeKit-compatible, saves on energy bills (pays for itself in 12-18 months), and includes air quality monitoring.
Shop ecobee →HomeKit Secure Video outdoor camera. End-to-end encrypted recordings to iCloud. Cheap entry into the camera ecosystem before committing to Logitech Circle View.
Shop Aqara G5 →The reference HomeKit Secure Video camera. Better video quality than Aqara, more premium. Worth it for front-door specifically.
Shop Logitech Circle View →HomeKit cameras need iCloud+ for cloud recording. Tiers:
Camera recordings don't count against your iCloud storage — Apple gives extra space for them. Best deal in home security storage.
HomeKit-compatible smoke + CO detectors. Sends alerts to your iPhone if you're away. Worth the upgrade over standard ones because alerts reach you no matter where you are.
Shop First Alert →For the iPhone/iPad you'll use to control everything, AppleCare+ is the call. New homeowners with new mortgages = high downside if devices break. Cheap insurance.
Setting up HomeKit, automations, and integrations takes 1-2 days. We offer remote setup — configure your devices, build the automations, and walk you through. Saves you a weekend.