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Tech trends for your home

Smart lights, entertainment, thermometers, and security systems. Home technology is a part of our lives, and it’s only going to progress. Some of the latest technology was on display at CES, which is the world’s largest technology trade show that takes place in Las Vegas. I just read an article that wrapped up some of the trends and thought I’d share them with you.

Are your kitchen countertops cluttered with cords from devices or small appliances? One of the interesting trends to come out of CES is wireless charging countertops. You can charge and cook without wires.

If you were concerned about porch pirates over the holidays, you’ll love this new tech from BoxLock. It’s a padlock that you place where you want packages to be delivered. It only opens when the lock scans the package. Then it notifies you when your package has been securely delivered. It’s compatible with all major shipping carriers.

We’re all looking to get a better night’s sleep, right? We have fitness trackers and or other devices now, but what about a smart bed that analyzes billions of data points to determine just how well you sleep?

 

Learn more about these trends and others ​here​​​. If you’d like to learn how smart home technology can help the value of your home, we’d be happy to discuss. Give us a call or send us a message using the “Contact” button in the top right corner!

5 Tips for Budgeting a Remodel

We all like a change of scenery, especially when it comes to our homes. Whether it’s simply adding a different colour to a room or taking on a major remodel, it’s refreshing to make a change, and sometimes it can add value to your home. Regardless of the size of the project, there’s a lot to think about before you begin.

One of the most important things to consider is your budget. Are you going to take on some of the job yourself to save some money? I wanted to share a few more valuable ideas and tips for budgeting for your project. Check them out below.

 

1. Determine Where the Money Will Come From

Will you use savings? Or will you take out a home equity loan? Once you determine your source of funding, determine how much you want to spend on the project – and stick to that limit.

 

2. Set Your Priorities

Before you pull out a calculator, clarify your reasons for renovating. Divide those reasons into “wants” and “needs.” For example, reconfiguring your bathroom so that your current questionable electrical and plumbing will pass an inspection is a “need.” His-and-her water closets, a whirlpool tub, and built-in towel heaters are “wants.” Setting priorities will help you make decisions as you move through the renovation process.

 

3. Step Away From The Computer

Visit showrooms, model homes, and design stores in addition to checking out pictures online. Before investing in materials and appliances, be sure to see and feel them, or samples of them, in person.

 

4. DIY Or Contractor?

The biggest question to answer when creating your budget is deciding whether to do the work yourself or to hire a contractor. Doing the work yourself is usually less expensive – unless, of course, something (costly) goes wrong. Using a contractor, however, can mean your project is completed to professional standards and usually in a shorter time frame. Be sure to calculate the value of your time (and your back and knees) and the inconvenience of having a bathroom or kitchen out of use during the project when deciding whether to opt for DIY or a pro.

 

5. Expect The Unexpected

Whether you plan to do the work yourself or hire a contractor, add on an extra 15 to 20 percent of your total budget for unforeseen expenses. Added costs inevitably arise, especially if you’re dealing with an older home.

 

If you have questions or are looking for a good contractor, we’re connected with some of the best professionals in the business. Feel free to give us a call and we’d be happy to give you some recommendations.

Pros and Cons of Solar Panels

The cost of installing solar panels on a home has dropped dramatically over the past decade. Is it time for your home to run on sunshine? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

1. Pro: Diminish your electric bills

Obviously by capturing free energy from the sun, you’ll pay less in your utility bill. In some states, you can even earn money back by selling the unused energy your panels generate to the utility company in the form of ​Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs).

 

2. Con: Upfront cost

While installation and materials are more affordable than ever, it might take up to seven years for the system to pay for itself through the money you save. Fortunately, there are considerable tax breaks, rebates, and solar-specific loans available to help homeowners get started. The federal investment tax credit allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of your system from your taxes. You can search for state programs on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®.

3. Pro: Save the planet

Generating energy from fossil fuels emits harmful carbon dioxide and methane that contributes to global warming – using solar panels for power does not. And unlike other energy sources, solar power doesn’t require water to process.

4. Con: Doesn’t work for every roof

Some roofing materials used in older homes, like slate or cedar tiles, make it difficult for installing panels.

5. Pro: May increase your home’s value

Solar panels can increase the value of your home, according to research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, part of the Department of Energy.

6. Con: Maintenance costs

Insurance, cleaning, repairs. As with anything, solar panels come with their own additional costs. Wondering how much energy solar panels might be able to generate in your part of the country? Check out this address-based calculator from the Department of Energy.

 

If you’re looking to relocate to a state with a sunnier disposition, I can help you sell your home and connect you with a trusted referral partner. Give me a call, text, or shoot me an email. Let’s discuss your marketing strategy.

3 Top Housing Trends for 2018

When buying or selling a home, an understanding of current market trends could help optimize your time and money. Here are a three real estate trends that defined 2017 and are expected carry on into the new year.

1. Competing Generations

The recent shift in home buying preferences is a generational one. Millennials are starting to abandon their condos in the city for starter homes in the burbs, putting them in direct competition with downsizing baby boomers. With these two groups both looking for similar housing, well-maintained single-family homes are expected to go very quickly in 2018.

 

2. Tightening Inventory

The fall of 2017 was tight in regards to the number of homes available for sale. In fact, total housing inventory was down 13.4 percent in October 2017 compared to the same time the year before, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report.

For most of the country, sellers currently have the advantage. Will that change in 2018? It’s possible, but buyers should prepare for a market where they will have to be aggressive to purchase the home they want.

 

3. Advancing Tech

Like most other industries, real estate today is profoundly affected by the advance of technology. Homebuyers and sellers can easily access information about a house or the market with the click of a button, and virtual walk-throughs allow a buyer to enter a prospective home for the first time with few surprises. In real estate, technology has the potential to reward those who do their homework and make the most of digital options before deciding how to use their precious time.

The Takeaway: Navigating It All Requires an Expert

What’s this mean for our local market? We would love to help you navigate the nuances. Reach out to us today to start your home buying or selling journey.

4 Ways Having an Agent Beats Selling Solo

While selling your sofa or lawnmower on your own doesn’t take a lot of sales skill, working with a professional real estate agent will help you get the most money in the shortest time when selling your home. Here are some of the top reasons I can help.

1. Increase your profit

Many people think they’ll make more money if they avoid paying an agent a commission and instead handle their own home sale, but the statistics show otherwise. According to the National Association of Realtors, selling with an agent brings in a higher profit, enough to cover the commission and then some. For one thing, I have the experience and tools to price your home appropriately. Studies show that homes priced correctly when they first hit the market sell faster, and for a better price, than those that linger with a decreasing price tag.

2. Save you time

While it may take just moments to upload a Craigslist ad, handling prospective buyers, inspectors, and appraisers can suck up your time. From screening out unqualified buyers to helping you prepare your home for inspections, I can help drive the process more efficiently.

 

3. Make a better deal

You might be proud of your poker face, but are you really a savvy enough negotiator to put one of the biggest deals of your life on the line? As most buyers use a buyer’s agent, you’ll probably be going toe-to-toe with a professional negotiator. When you list your house with me, you not only get their marketing power and connections, but you get a pro negotiator advocating for you during the initial offer, the counter offer, and the post-offer period, which includes inspections and requests for concessions.

 

4. Lower your risk

The potential for making mistakes (with potential legal ramifications) among the reams of paperwork involved in a home sale is huge. I don’t want that to happen. I know how to do things right.

 

If you’re thinking of selling your home, I’d be happy to help. I’ll work to get the most money for your home. You can find my information below. Call, text, message, or shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.