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  • Upcoming Home Technology Trends Gaining Popularity This Year

    Are you bored of the current technology systems and mechanisms in your home? As time passes, homeowners do get sick and tired of using the same devices. They want to transition to bigger and better technologies. They want to make the necessary upgrades to get on the same page as everyone else. They want what’s new and improved instead of what’s old and dull.

    That’s what we’re here to do today. We know you want to spice things up in the home, but you might not necessarily know where to begin. Well, we have the suggestions. All you have to do from there is implement them!

    Incorporating New Technologies

    Incorporating new technologies directly into the home and not just around it is a very modern trend. We don’t mean in the living room or kitchen, either. We mean in the walls, as if we’re merging technologies into the home.

    Yes, it is extremely different from what you’re used to, but it’s also extremely convenient. It allows you to access a multitude of systems from flat screen devices inserted into the house in different locations.

    These devices allow you to do things like turn the lights on and off, control the HVAC system, angle the camera’s, put the alarm on, observe through video footage, and access the gate.

    Working At Home

    For those of you working at home, or those of you constantly getting work related tasks done after hours outside of the office, this technological advancement will increase your productivity tenfold.

    Smart technology advancements are now available as integrated home systems, including both network and video options, allowing you to connect into the office at any time during the day directly from home.

    Other options are available with home systems that are integrated, like the ability to control the thermostat remotely with reliable internet connections.

    Hidden Technologies

    Hidden technologies are an extremely popular fad these days. Instead of having a wide television in the middle of your room, these hidden technologies grant you the ability to put the television away when it’s not in use. That way, areas like the living room can act as a sitting and conversation area instead of always an entertainment center.

    Now, these hidden technologies are even more popular in the bedrooms, where people don’t particularly want to see the TV day in and day out.

    Such technologies consist of ceiling and cabinet TV lifts, where you can motor control the television out of hiding when you see fit.

    Renewable Energy

    Renewable energy, like that of solar panels, can conserve energy naturally. But solar panels are probably the most obvious solution to energy conservation there is.

    Now, additional technological systems are being implemented in other areas of the home. Systems now exist that can shut down certain appliances, like refrigerators, for brief periods of time, reducing used energy but still keeping food good and healthy.

    Entertainment

    Entertainment rooms nowadays are absolutely incredible with their loud sound systems and superb video quality, not to mention their intricate and fascinating designs.

    Of all the at-home entertainment options there are, the home theaters are making a break for it. Homeowners are going wild making the proper renovations to house a minimum of twelve moviegoers. To be honest, we agree with them! There’s nothing better than going to a movie in your own home, comfy as can be, with a plethora of snacks and drinks that you don’t have to pay an astronomical price for.

    If you’re looking to start your own renovations, begin the search for the perfect projector here.

  • The Downsizing Guide Every Senior Needs

    Photo via Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-suit-leaning-on-white-table-3782192/

    Here’s the Downsizing Guide Every Senior Needs

    Moving from your current home to a smaller one — or to a senior living community — might be on the horizon. But navigating the changes, from decluttering to the logistics of moving, can prove challenging. This downsizing guide should help make the transition a bit easier.

    Downsizing in the Atlanta area? Let skilled and dedicated real estate professional Matthew Share of Real Estate for Atlanta market and sell your home. Call 678-520-3113 today!

    Start Slow with Decluttering

    Getting rid of a house full of stuff can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are many ways to make this overwhelming process easier.

    • Consider what you could sell instead of giving away.
    • Have a strategy for downsizing before you start.
    • Set rules for your decluttering — and let the end result be your motivation.

    Consider Your Options

    From buying to renting to senior living, you have plenty of options. Think about where and how you want to downsize before making a move.

    • Outline your budget for retirement.
    • Know what costs to expect in senior home facilities.
    • See if homeownership or renting is more affordable if you downsize.

    Think About Buying

    Homeownership is an option for seniors, regardless of where you decide to live. Think about whether buying is a good fit for you.

    Moving mid-retirement is often ideal for many reasons, but that doesn’t mean the downsizing process is simple or straightforward. By starting out slowly, considering all your options, and making a plan to buy or rent another home, you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

    Content contributed by Andrea Needham of eldersday.org

  • Home Features That Millennial Home Buyers Love

    By Linda Zhang

    millennial home buyers
    https://www.pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-epjpk

    Want to target the largest group of homebuyers? Make sure its technology is up to date, inside and out. Technology is a big part of homeownership these days and a crucial selling point for millennials. Before putting your home on the market, consider a few upgrades that will attract younger buyers. People between the ages of 21 and 38 are now settling down and looking to start a family. They want a low-maintenance, modern house with an inviting community and neighborhood. Here are features that millennial homebuyers will love.

    Outside

    yard
    https://www.pikrepo.com/fyfyt/white-and-brown-wooden-house-on-green-field-with-trees-and-purple-flowers-landscape-photography

    If the lawn and landscape aren’t attractive, chances are potential buyers won’t even bother to look inside. Start with a well-manicured lawn, ornamental trees and flowers, and a few time-saving gadgets to pique interest.

    The first thing a would-be buyer sees is the front lawn, flower beds, lights, mailboxes, and trim. Maintain the lawn and landscape: Mow, weed, water, and edge every week. Trim back overgrown trees and shrubs. Pinch off dead flower blooms. Younger homeowners, busy with jobs and raising kids, don’t have spare time for fixing up and working in a high-maintenance yard.

    Outdoor solar lighting and roof panels are of interest to environmentally conscious millennials. Solar lighting draws the sun’s energy into the house to reduce utility costs and wear and tear on the environment. Solar-powered appliances, fans, water pumps, and generators will save them money and save the planet. A moisture-sensing automatic sprinkler system is pricier, but also saves time and water.

    Artificial intelligence and smart gadgets are a draw for young homebuyers. You can add inexpensive security cameras, pool heaters, lights, locks, doorbells, and window sensors that are controlled from apps.

    Room for Rover

    Rover Dog
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    1598630280000000&usg=AOvVaw0SAoBrYkBOyIxdlCMny2Ya&hl=en&source=gmail

    The majority of millennials own at least one dog, so having room for Rover to run is a must. Make sure your fence is in good shape so buyers know their pets will be safe.

    Inside
    Convenience and space are big draws. A large, wide kitchen with ample counter space is essential for cooking, eating, and socializing. The kitchen is now a place to hang out. Why not wire it for a television or stereo system? It’s not always possible to knock down walls, but you can update the kitchen with energy-efficient appliances and light fixtures.

    Because bathrooms and bedrooms always get the most traffic, they need an occasional update. Remove old vinyl flooring. Replace rusty toilets and faucets. If shower doors cannot be cleaned well, then it’s time for new ones. Tear off dirty wallpaper and paint in neutral colors. When it comes to closets, the bigger, the better! While there may not be much you can do to make closets bigger, you can remove the clutter from them before a
    showing.

    Home Office
    Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of millennials preferred to have the option to work from home. It’s a trend that’s sure to continue after the pandemic passes. Show off the versatility of your house by dedicating a room for office work, home projects, bill-paying, game-playing, and social media. Add a table for powering up phones, laptop computers, and tablets. Wi-Fi is essential today, and buyers will want to
    see how strong the signal is inside the house.

    Inside Smart

    home automation

    Buyers may want to add smart features, and they’ll want to know which features you’ve already installed. A smart home has one or more of these specially designed items:
    ● App-controlled thermostats
    ● Indoor security cameras
    ● App-controlled air conditioners
    ● Color changing light bulbs
    ● Automatic lamps

    ● Smoke detectors
    ● Smartphone wall outlets
    ● Modular lighting panels

    With more smart gadgets coming to the market every year, homebuyers will want to be ready for them.
    Depending on when your home was built, chances are it needs a facelift to keep up with today’s newer models. Smarten up the place with a few well-placed gizmos that tell buyers this house is up to date and ready to be lived in.

    When Linda Zhang isn’t redoing one of the rooms in her own house, she’s writing about home decor and other real estate issues.