A brief guide to some of the Best Home Automation Devices on the Market.

What if walking into your home was like stepping into the future?

 

It may sound like something out of Star Trek. However, home automation devices can add ease and convenience to almost every part of your life.

 

There are so many automation devices now that consumers have trouble deciding which to buy. Read on or bookmark this post to save our list of some of the best home automation devices.

 

How to Find the Best Home Automation Devices

 

Home automation devices automate some of the functions of your daily appliances. These are also known as smart devices.

 

The best home automation devices for you depends on what your needs are. For instance, someone who travels a lot may want to automate things like their exterior and air conditioning.

 

Someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen might want to automate things like music and alarms. Those who enjoy rest and relaxation may enjoy being able to automate their bedroom lights.

 

Read on to discover how to find the best home automation devices for your own needs.

 

Nest Thermostats

 

We install Nest Thermostats in our custom homes, the device keeps you comfortable when you’re home. It automatically turns itself down when you’re away. With proven energy-saving features, control from your phone, laptop or smartwatch. The device is a sleek minimalist design which will not detract from the aesthetic of your decor.

 

Amazon Echo and Dot

 

The Amazon Echo and Dot devices offer a variety of home automation features. They are also some of the most affordable ways to explore the world of automation.

 

The Amazon device can play music via voice commands. This music can be from your own collection or music that is available via Amazon Music. Some of Amazon’s music is free to stream, but much more is available through a subscription service.

 

You can configure your Echo or Dot to interact with some of your other devices. This allows you to make phone calls with a simple voice command.

 

These devices allow you to set alarms for yourself and to create things like recipes and shopping lists. And they will connect to other speakers around your house, giving you additional portability and power for the sound.

 

Curb Monitoring Device

 

The Curb energy monitoring device is one of the more passive devices on this list. However, it can also save you a large amount of money over the long term.

 

You install these devices inside your power breaker. From there, it will monitor all of your energy use and provide the info via a convenient app.

 

Monitoring your power consumption can help you adjust things like temperature, which leads to big savings. And the device and app can help you control other smart devices in your home, adding instant convenience.

 

Lifx Color 1000

 

One of the most popular home automation services is the ability to control your interior lights. Lifx takes this to the next level by also letting you control the color of your lights.

 

The different colors allow you to easily add festive lights to a variety of different occasions. And the app lets you control the use of these lights without having to rely on a separate hub.

 

Some experts find Lifx more vibrant than their nearest competitor Hue. And the lights themselves are more efficient, helping you save money as you enjoy them year round.

 

Logitech Harmony Elite

 

Being able to remotely control different devices is very convenient. However, users sometimes have difficulty using voice commands to control these devices.

 

Logitech provides a simple answer to this. They offer a special remote control that interacts with a wide variety of devices.

 

The Logitech Harmony Elite allows you to control the TV and stereo like a standard universal remote. It also interacts with the Harmony Hub it comes with to control different Bluetooth and infrared devices throughout your house.

 

Overall, Logitech offers the convenience of remote control without the inconvenience of using vocal commands that may not be recognized.

 

Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit

 

Most home automation devices interact with only one thing. However, this Samsung kit lets you connect multiple compatible devices for true automation.

 

The kit comes with a control hub as well as two multipurpose sensors, a motion sensor, and a special SmartThings outlet.

 

The sensors are designed to connect to other smart devices. This includes things like cameras and lights as well as thermostats and door locks.

 

There are new smart devices every day. This kit helps future proof your home for automation. For added convenience, you can connect it to an Amazon Alexa and control everything with your voice.

 

Belkin WeMo Switch

 

Many home automation devices are designed to be used with various smart devices. However, the Belkin WeMo Switch offers convenient control for anything that plugs into an outlet.

 

The device is basically an electrical outlet that has wi-fi. This lets you easily turn off and on any devices that are plugged into the outlet.

 

This simple device gives you quick control of things like humidifiers and coffeemakers. It is also good for irons or anything else located in another room that you want to control without even having to get up.

 

LG Smart Security Wireless System

 

Some consumers shy away from automation devices because they cost more than traditional devices. However, the LG Smart Security Wireless System is an affordable investment in home security.

 

Traditional home security cameras require you to sign up for expensive annual security plans. This LG system allows you to buy as many cameras as you want and monitor live feeds via the wallet-friendly ADT Canopy service.

 

Whether you are watching your home on vacation or simply adding to your home’s value, the LG Smart Security Wireless System is one of the best home automation devices you can buy.

 

The Bottom Line

 

The best home automation devices can make you feel like you are living in the future. Others may end up feeling like a waste of your time and your money.

It’s important to be honest about your particular automation needs and desires. This keeps you from buying something you don’t need and ensures your purchase provides maximum value.

 

Use our guide to figure out which automation devices will be the best possible fit in your home. The best devices are an investment in your personal happiness as well as the value of your home.

How to Build an Energy Efficient Home: 8 Tips You Must Know

Going green can sound a little intimidating to some homeowners. With so many eco-friendly options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are eight green suggestions on how to build an energy efficient home.

 

This goes for people already settled into their home as well as those working on building one. We’ve also included a few basic tips and habits that will help you reduce your footprint and consumption.

 

No matter if you are moving in or breaking ground, you can help the environment with simple, effective changes.

 

You just need a little push in the right direction.

 

1. Get on the Roof

Is the roof over your head just providing shelter or making a difference?

 

Use it to make your home more energy efficient with the help of solar panels.

 

Solar panels take in energy from the sun to fuel the electrical systems inside the house. They bask in as much light as they can from the roof, then distribute the energy they consume.

 

Solar panels can cost a bit to install. But they are worth every penny in the long run.

 

2. Work on Your Windows

 

When thinking about how to build an energy efficient home, consider upgrading your windows.

 

As windows age, so do their molding.

 

Old molding cracks the insulation, meaning more air is getting out and coming into your home. Such a change in the regular flow of things can cause havoc with your HVAC.

 

Keep everything under control with upgraded windows.

 

Some are even meant to work better in certain weather conditions.

 

For New York  weather, for example, look for windows that insulate heat to stay inside the home. It can ease your heating system’s workload, saving a significant amount of energy and money.

 

3. Take a Look at Your HVAC

 

Speaking of your heating unit, it may be time to upgrade to something eco-friendly.

 

Here are a couple new technologies changing how traditional HVAC units operate:

Hydronic Heating

 

Hydronic heating uses conduction, convection, and radiation to power the heat in your house.

 

It pumps water through pipes in the building. This water then goes through a heat exchanger, which changes the liquid to a gas. This gas is then pumped out into the room, creating a warm climate.

Absorption

 

Absorption heating is all about natural gas.

 

The process works similar to pumps used in hydronic heating, except the power driving the radiation is a natural heat exchange.

 

Absorption pumps use a water-ammonia solution to pick up the Earth’s heat.

 

They then transfer it into your home during the winter. In the summer, the ammonia works to cool your home as well.

 

4. Change the Lighting

 

If it’s too much effort to swap out your HVAC unit, at least try to change the lights.

 

Incandescent light bulbs take up more energy than you might think.

 

Instead of opting for these outdated fixtures, use LED or CFL bulbs instead. These bulbs are made with energy efficiency in mind. They tend to be stronger and last longer, all while cutting your energy consumption significantly.

 

It’s a win-win any way you look at it – not to mention, they are a beautiful addition to any room.

 

5. Upgrade Your Appliances

 

Another way to understand how to build an energy efficient home is to learn how much energy appliances use.

 

Try to build your home with the latest models of refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves available. Don’t forget to upgrade your washer and dryer too.

 

Most new appliances on the market are made to work better than before with less energy than before.

 

They don’t have to be top-of-the-line, big expenses, either.

 

Simply check the Energy Star rating of that double-door fridge you already fell in love with. Or, read some Consumer Reports to see how a certain appliance performed in someone else’s home!

 

6. Watch Your Water Use

 

The thing about appliances isn’t just how much electricity they use.

 

Many of them go overboard on water heating and waste. Pay particular attention to these two things when choosing your dishwasher and laundry machine.

 

But, day-to-day water habits play a role in how to build an energy efficient home, too.

 

Turn the sink off while you brush your teeth. Scrub all the dirty dishes with soap then rinse them off, instead of leaving the water on the entire time.

 

Also, be mindful of the time you spend in the shower every day and how many baths you take.

 

These might seem like insignificant changes, but they add up.

 

7. Plant More Trees

 

Sometimes, understanding how to build an energy efficient home has less to do with the house itself and more with the landscape.

 

Plant more trees and shrubs around the yard.

 

 

These will offset the energy you use inside.

 

One way the balance is achieved is through shading. Shading casts a shadow over certain areas of your

home to help windows and HVAC systems do their job with less energy. It works in the summer as well as the winter.

 

Windbreaks are another benefit of better landscaping.

 

They reduce the speed of wind that hits your home. Sure, your foundation isn’t going anywhere, but the lower the speed, the better insulated everything will be.

 

8. Get Used to Little Eco-Friendly Habits

 

It’s never too late to think about how to build an energy efficient home.

 

Even if you’re all moved in and set in your ways, you can make many simple changes all around the house.

 

Here are a few to consider:

Swap Paper for Cloth

 

One of the easiest ways to go green is to stop buying napkins and paper towels.

 

Buy a set of kitchen cloths and rags instead!

 

They’re the reusable solution to all your messy situations. Use them to wipe the counters and appliances. Keep a few nice ones for the table.

 

You’ll have to wash these regularly. But with enough on-hand, even the laundry loads will be less waste than the paper you’d go through otherwise.

 

Put a Stop to Plastic Bags

 

After getting rid of paper comes plastic.

 

Stop accumulating all the plastic bags you’ll never use again!

 

Buy reusable bags to take to the grocery store. Get a cute tote to take to the mall. Explain you’re doing

your eco-friendly duty at the register.

Keep a few in your car so you’re always eco-friendly whenever you shop.

 

Upcycle, Upcycle, Upcycle

 

Although cutting down on paper and plastic will offset your waste, these habits won’t end everything you throw away.

 

You can upcycle some other things, though.

 

Think of how to use old glass containers as cute jars or even candle holders. Turn an old piece of furniture into an upgraded decor piece with a little DIY project.

 

The possibilities are endless, you just have to look at your home with an eco-friendly perspective.

 

How to Build an Energy Efficient Home: Get to Work!

 

These green solutions only work if you do.

 

Put a halt on some of your building projects and go back to the drawing board if you still have time. If you’re already settled in your dream home, you can still try some of the things on this list.

 

Don’t forget to come back and let us know how your results turn out!

If you enjoyed this article you also might find our post on Sustainable Design a great resource when considering your approach for your new home build.

What to Know About Selling Your Home

 

If anyone has ever told you, “It was easy to sell my house,” they might be glossing over the truth. Selling a home is a nerve-racking experience for most Americans.

 

Prepare yourself for when it’s time to sell yours.

 

When you to sell your house, it can improve your financial health for years. Predicting the housing market is an enormous challenge. But you can take charge of your financial future and get the most value from my property.

 

There are countless reasons to move, many of which you wouldn’t expect. For example, you might need to move for work or military service. You might fall victim to economic difficulties out of your control.

 

That’s why preparing your home to sell begins now. You can improve your home’s value as you learn about the market, you might even be able to take advantage of home improvement tax credits.

 

Soon you’ll be the one saying “it was easy to sell my house,” without hesitation.

 

What Should I Know Before I Sell My House?

 

In a moment, we’ll provide several tips to help you prepare for your sale. You can begin preparing and researching for your sale at any time. You’ll need only a little more effort to prepare once the time finally comes.

 

When people think about selling their homes, they think about the market. But the most important factor is the inherent value of your home. Homes can be a great investment because the value of your home will often go up over time.

 

This isn’t always the case. If you haven’t maintained the property, the value will drop. And renovating your home may cost more than it’s worth.

 

Where is your home located? Depending on local changes, your value could have increased over time. If there are new shopping outlets or access to public transportation, this can add to your property’s value.

 

Forbes says it’s just as difficult to predict the housing market as the stock market. This should be a factor when you’re ready to sell, but your main focus should be the property itself.

 

How Do I Prepare to Sell My House?

 

You now understand the important considerations for determining the value of your home. How can you contribute to your success starting now?

 

The following five tips will help you get started towards realizing financial success. Whether you’re selling in three years or you need to sell this month, you can take these steps to get started.

 

1. Research Your Local Housing Market

 

It’s hard to spot market trends, even for financial advisors. But you can find the mean value of similar properties in your area to get an idea.

 

Start by looking into the area’s real estate history. Consider why people migrate here and how the housing prices have changed. You can estimate whether or not your home’s value is close to your ideal sale price.

 

Try to understand your buyers. Why do people buy homes in this area? Is it to get away from the city, or for quick access to urban centers?

 

Don’t forget to look into what buyers prefer in a home in your area. If most of your neighbors have raised decks, perhaps there is value in putting one in. This should factor into interior design as well.

 

2. Increase the Value of Your Home

 

Among all considerations, you have the greatest control over the quality of your home. You now have an understanding of local preferences and trends. How are you going to apply that knowledge to your renovations?

 

While some renovate their homes for personal use, renovating for a sale can be a worthwhile investment. That’s because you can sell your home for more and make up for the cost of the renovation. You can drive a profit this way.

 

Don’t go overboard. Think about whether buyers in the area can afford the property before adding a swimming pool, for example. You’ll get stuck with installation costs and no buyers if your home is too expensive.

 

But renovating kitchens and baths can be easy. While there are thousands of options available, some basic browsing online can lead to desirable outcomes.

 

There are plenty of options for finding the help you need as well.

 

3. Compare Property and Market Value to Your Own Financial Needs

 

It’s essential when selling that you come out ahead. When you move to a new location you’ll need capital to kickstart your new life.

 

But you need to make sure you can sell in the first place. If you add too much value to your property, you could over-invest and inflate your price tag. Use your market knowledge to determine what high-tier buyers in the area are willing to pay for.

 

Find a happy balance between maximum value and market friendliness. Get someone in that home quickly at a price that’s right for you both.

 

4. Build a Team of Renovators, Family Members, and Real Estate Professionals

 

You will need help to renovate your home. Whether that’s you and your spouse or a contractor will depend on your budget.

 

You can save a lot of money by recruiting friends and family for simpler tasks. For others, you may need to hire a variety of help. There are dozens of systems and materials that must be checked.

 

These projects are unpredictable and can go over budget. You need to know who you’re hiring, their backgrounds, and their previous work. The advantage is a superior, professional job.

 

Next, hire a real estate professional to help sell your house. A share of your revenue from your sale will have to go to this person or company. However, they will relieve you of work and get you the best price for your investment.

 

5. Prepare to Sell Your House

 

Your real estate agent will need to show your house to potential buyers. You will also need to keep your home in top condition. This can make your living environment awkward for a while.

 

Be sure you have some recourse if you need to get out of the house for a while. Be sure you have direct communication with your real estate agent at all times as well. Now is the time to start splitting up tasks with family members depending on your schedules.

 

The Best Transition for Your Family

 

The most important thing about moving is the well-being of your family. Providing for them as you enter a new environment can be an emotional and financial challenge.

 

If you get the most out of your sale, you’ll be equipped to support them with changes right away. If you get the help you need, you’ll have more time with them before the move happens.

Financing Home Construction

America’s new construction market is hot right now. In fact, homebuilder sentiment is at its highest level since the 1990s. This means that demand for new construction is on the rise. Demand is largely driven by a strong economy; unemployment is low, wages rising, and home values recovered. Read on for a guide to financing a new construction. Learn more about securing home construction loans.

 

Consumers and homebuilders alike are confident in the housing industry. In particular, new homes are a desirable option for home buyers.

 

However, the home construction process is vastly different than purchasing an existing home. Each milestone is different from the timeline to home construction loans.

 

New vs. Existing Homes

Before diving into financing, it is important to understand why buyers opt for new over existing homes. According to industry surveys, buyers prefer new over existing by a margin of 2 to 1.

 

There are many benefits to purchasing a new construction. For starters, the home is brand new and will not require heavy maintenance for many years.

 

Another big positive is that new homes are customizable. This means that you can design the perfect home, from the bathroom flooring to the kitchen light fixtures. You can influence the home design down to the smallest details.

 

What Are the Negatives to New Construction?

While these are enormous benefits, there are certainly disadvantages to buying new. One well-known negative is price creep.

 

Designing the perfect house is expensive. Small details such as finishes and cabinet hardware seem like minor expenses, but add up quick.

 

Existing homes include upgrades that retain only a fraction of the investment cost. For instance, the addition of a swimming pool adds a maximum of 7% to a home’s value.

 

This means that the seller paid tens of thousands for a new pool, and the buyer acquires this amenity for a fraction of the cost.

 

Buyers of new construction pay full price for amenities that depreciate in value, just like a swimming pool. When it is all said and done, new homes are up to 20% more expensive than an analogous existing home.

 

All that being said, for many buyers, the benefits of new construction outweigh these negatives. The price premium is worth it for a new roof and an uninhabited home.

 

If that is the case, it is time to investigate home construction loans. The primary takeaway here is to consider price creep in the financing amount. As a design-build firm, our proprietary process streamlines your project and budget, eliminating price creep.

 

Check out our article on the advantages of working with a design-build firm.

 

What Type of Home Construction Loans Are Out There?

There are two types of home construction loans. The first is called a construction-to-permanent loan.

 

For this type of loan, you finance the construction up front. When the home is completed, the lender converts the loan into a standard mortgage.

 

The second type is called a stand-alone construction loan. Simply put, this type of loan pays for construction only. When the home is complete, you apply for a second loan to cover the builder’s incurred debt building the home.

 

Each type of loan has positives and negatives that you must weigh before selecting an approach.

 

Construction-to-Permanent Loans

 

Of the two different home construction loans, this is the preferred choice for many. The most substantial benefit is the requirement for only one closing. This greatly benefits the buyer as only one set of closing fees is imposed.

 

Another benefit is that interest is only charged on the existing construction balance. This saves you money as interest payments on the total mortgage amount would be much higher.

 

Construction-to-permanent loans also afford the opportunity to lock in an interest rate. This is a popular move among American borrowers to mitigate the risk of increasing interest rates.

 

For instance, consider the possibility that the Federal Reserve decides to raise interest rates while your home is being constructed. This action is likely to increase mortgage rates, meaning a higher monthly payment for the next 15 or 30 years.

 

To address this inconvenient possibility, borrowers can pay points to lock in an interest rate ahead of closing. To pay a point, the borrower simply pays 1% of the loan amount upfront.

 

Construction-to-permanent loans do have a significant negative attribute. This type of loan typically requires a down payment of 20%, which is difficult for many buyers.

 

Stand-Alone Home Construction Loans

 

Remember, the stand-alone construction loan requires 2 separate loans to move in. The first loan covers construction expenses. The second loan is a traditional mortgage.

 

The greatest benefit to this type of loan is that down payments less than 20% are more common. For cash-strapped buyers, this may be the only option to purchase a new construction home.

 

After construction runs its course, the cash-strapped buyer can then pursue an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment. Electing this type of financing is also good for buyers that have not sold their current home yet.

 

While this is a significant benefit, there are a number of negative attributes to this type of loan. For starters, you are required to pay closing costs twice.

 

Another negative is the inability to lock in an interest rate. Because the loans are treated separately, you are exposed to volatility in the rates market.

 

Lastly, you run a greater risk of failing to qualify for the mortgage. If your financial circumstances change during construction, it may hinder your ability to secure a mortgage.

 

What Are Some Other Financing Options?

There are a few other ways to secure financing for a new construction. Some banks offer a bridge loan that allows you to utilize the equity in your current home.

 

This option gives you access to funding while you wait for your home to sell. However, this is viewed as a risky proposition in the event that the home does not sell quickly or closes for less money than anticipated.

 

Another potential option is development financing. If the construction volume exists, a builder may offer financing options to you.

 

Wrapping Up

 

Securing a home construction loan can be tricky, especially if you are tied up in an unsold home. Lack of liquid assets is another issue that routinely plagues buyers. The good news is that there are several financing options to pursue depending on your situation.