But it will be one whose accuracy and predictability will improve incrementally as the number of technology-enabled homes continues to grow, a process already underway, from the top down.

Anson Fogel, CEO of systems integration company ESC in Aspen, and who is also a builder of homes averaging $10 million and up, sees appraisers in luxury markets acknowledging the implicit value of technology systems.

"The builders have already educated them and the buyers have already shown they'll pay for the systems," he says. "As with many amenities in housing over the years, this will trickle down and you'll find many more appraisers becoming aware of the real value of these systems."

Dan Daley is a frequent contributor to Hanley Wood's DIGITAL HOME Online.