COVID 19: Adapting New Measures for Buyers + Sellers

*Update: As of March 23rd, most in-person activities will not occur. This is a great time to get your house market ready or conduct a virtual consultation whether you are buying or selling. Please call me to set up a time and platform: 215.767.7150. Thank you to everyone for being flexible and understanding of the additional measures being taken to ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us.*

As Montgomery County, PA and the rest of Greater Philadelphia puts rules in place for preventing the spread of COVID 19, it is important for us to stay flexible and to adapt to a changing environment on how we do business. Waiting is not always an option for buyers and sellers when it comes to moving- and it may not be the best option anyway considering the housing market has not slowed down.

Here are some changes I have put into place to protect myself, clients, colleagues, and others. As we have more information on COVID 19 these measures will be adapted to make certain we are being responsible to ourselves and those we interact with.

No matter what, if you are sick, unwell, have recently traveled internationally, please discuss with me on an individual basis as to what our plan of action will be.

Consultations:

For our initial appointments to go over the buying and selling process and your game plan, we will meet virtually instead of at my office. We can do this through Skype, Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or I can send you a link to join a virtual meeting. Any program which allows screen sharing will work. You do not need to share video- this is more for me to share information with you via screen sharing.

For Showings:

1. Shoe coverings. I supply disposable booties to my clients to wear at showings.

2. Gloves. I supply disposable gloves to use when looking through houses and I will also wear them.

3. Disinfectant. I supply a form of disinfectant for anything touched by accident. Otherwise, gloves will be used from opening the lockbox to opening doors, cabinets, and locking up.

4. Distance. We will practice social distancing while at showings and avoid handshakes.

5. Masks. Wear a mask if you would like.

6. No bathroom use will be allowed during showings. Please plan accordingly.

7. Remote Showing. If you prefer to have a video call and live tour of a property, I am happy to set this up with you. This is a regular practice for me as I work with clients who work odd hours, are relocating to the area, or have medical reasons to do a remote showing. I also preview properties for my clients who fill out my Buyer Survey on this website to see if the house will meet the clients’ criteria. Favorite Apps for remote showings: Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, Skype, Google Hangouts.

For My Listings:

1. Isolated appointments. Showings will be limited to one per 15-30 minute interval. No overlapping of appointments at this time. Any overlapping appointment times will be discussed with showing agents.

2. Booties. I will provide a basket of booties by the door to be worn by anyone seeing your home.

3. Disinfectant. Please disinfect your door handle and the lockbox before and after showings as well as other handles in the home. We can coordinate if you need additional help with this.

4. Open Houses. Most Open Houses are cancelled at this time and other marketing efforts will take place. However, if there is a reason to do one, extra measures will be taken for Open Houses including limiting one to two groups in the home at the same time. Antibacterial will be provided at the door along with booties and the option to wear a glove for opening doors and cabinets. I will wipe areas down at the end of the Open House.

Settlement:

Most settlements will be remote.

Sellers: You may opt to sign a Deed Package with a notary which is signed in advance of closing. This may be the best solution in order to limit the amount of people at the settlement table.

Buyers: We will have settlement at my office in Ambler. I will be there ahead of time to disinfect railings, surfaces, door handles, and pens. I will provide disposable gloves and recommend you wear them as papers are passed around to sign. Bring and wear a mask if you so choose. Minimally, the Title Closing Agent will be there to go through the paperwork with you. I will be present for any questions.

I am sorry to say, but we will not be doing a champagne toast at settlement. I promise I will make it up to you!

If you have any questions about the measures I am taking with my clients or further recommendations, please contact me directly: Shaina@MontCoLiving.com or 215.767.7150.

Is the Investment to Make your Home a "Smart Home" Worth it for Resale?

Is the Investment to Make your Home a "Smart Home" Worth it for Resale?

Over the past few years, smart technology has really blossomed into a huge market. With more-and-more devices offering connectivity and lower prices, almost all households have some kind of smart device in their home. While some smart devices are simply “nice to have,” many can actually increase the value of the home; if you are considering a move in the future, learning which smart upgrades will increase your home’s value is important.

Here are a few of the best smart home upgrades:

·      Smart Thermostats – Energy saving smart thermostats can sense when the home is occupied and vacant to control the temperature while saving energy costs.

·      Smart Smoke Detectors and Security Systems – Life saving smart security can alert you and the authorities automatically if there is a problem in the home.

·      Smart Door Locks – Either as part of the security system or stand alone, smart door locks allow you to control access to your home. Using Wi-Fi to unlock doors remotely and program unique codes for family, guests, housekeepers etc., you will always know by whom and when your home is accessed.

·      Smart Moisture Sensor – Mold has become a huge problem. Smart moisture sensors detect water leaks, humidity and temperature changes to protect your home from moisture damage.

These are just a few of the great smart home products available to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Most starting under $250, these smart choices will not only protect your home, but add value when listing for sale.

5 Tips for Starting Your Home Search

5 Tips for Starting Your Home Search

Everyone wants to time their home purchase “just right.” Ideally, the picture perfect “buyer’s market”; plenty of well-­‐priced listings, low interest rates and a slow moving real estate market where the buyer has plenty of time to decide on an offer. The reality is that the current market is a fast paced environment where the best homes move quickly and serious home buyers need to be prepared to act when they find the right home.

Fortunately, starting your home search the right way is easy by following these simple tips:

1.   Find a Lender and Get Pre-­‐Approved – Know what you can afford before you start your search. By getting a pre-­‐approval letter, you demonstrate to sellers that you are serious when you write your offer and it proves you can afford the home.

2.   Research Neighborhoods – Each community will have their own personality and advantages; before you spend time looking at homes, choose the right area for your lifestyle and family needs.

3.  Pick the Right Home Style – Learn about the various home styles available in your community. Do you want a single story? Large yard? Do you like older homes or historic-­‐ style properties?

4.  Make a List of Must Have and Like-­‐to-­‐Have – There is a difference! Make a list and be ready to compromise when appropriate by ranking the items.

5.  Take Notes – Often a home buyer can see 3-5 homes in a single day; take notes and if possible, take pictures so you can remember the things you like, and don’t like, about the homes you see once you get home.

In a fast paced real estate market, spending some time preparing for your home search will help you move quickly when you find the right home for you and your family.

No worries- you aren’t alone. Contact me and let’s get started on making your game plan!

Things You Should Avoid After Applying For a Home Loan

Things You Should Avoid After Applying For a Home Loan

You’ve done everything right so far; you’ve found a great lender, received a pre-­approval and submitted your loan package for final approval. Now you’re done, right? Wrong. Until you close on your new loan, it’s more important than ever to keep your credit steady; most lenders perform one last credit check right before they fund and a decline in your score can mean the difference between getting  the home and losing the loan.

Things You Should Never do After Applying for a Loan

·    Don’t Change Jobs – While sometimes it’s unavoidable, especially if a new job is the reason for the move, but any change in income or job status creates risk and should be avoided if possible.

·    Don’t Make any Large Purchases – As tempting as it may be to go shopping for new furniture, wait until after you close to make any large purchases. This applies to furniture, appliances and even new cars. New loans could change your debt to income ratio and cause you to no longer qualify for the loan.

·    Don’t Apply for New Credit – Every time someone runs your credit report, your score is affected. This is not the time to search for a new credit card.

·    Don’t Close Any Credit Accounts – It might seem counter intuitive, but closing or paying off loans or credit cards might actually bring your FICO score down. The length of time you’ve had your credit open is a positive effect on credit scores.

The bottom line is to avoid doing anything to your credit. If you’re unsure of what you can or cannot do, ask your lender; they can guide you in the right direction and make sure you close on your new loan.

4 Tips For Making a Competitive Offer

Most areas of the country are experiencing a brisk real estate market. Well priced homes are moving quickly and often sellers have multiple offers from which to choose. How can you make your offer stand out and put you in a better position to get the home? Fortunately there are a few things you can do to make your offer more attractive to sellers.

4 Tips for Making a Competitive Offer

1.   Offer a Fair Price – When the market is moving quickly, this is not the time to throw out a low ball offer and hope they negotiate. Write an honest price based on market values.

2.   Have a Pre-­‐Approval – It may not be enough to simply offer a pre-­‐qualification letter. When issuing a pre-­‐approval the lender verifies your qualifications and an underwriter gives preliminary approval based on the actual home and a good appraisal.

3.   Flexible Timing – Not everything comes down to price. A seller who is relocating might be more interested in an offer which gives them extra time to move.

4.   Attractive Terms – Most offers include contingencies for items like appraisal, inspection, title, loan approval among others. Working with your lender and real estate agent, consider removing any contingencies you don’t need. If you plan to remodel extensively for instance, you might remove the home inspection contingency. This provides more confidence in your offer vs the competition.

The most important thing in a competitive real estate market is being prepared. Working with your lender and agent, you will understand your options and be able to write a solid offer quickly, putting you in the best position to have your offer accepted.

The Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home Over

Over the past few decades, the way we view home ownership has changed. Unlike previous generations who bought a home with a 30 year mortgage and celebrated the day they made their last payment, today’s home buyers rarely stay in their home that long. As a result, the way we view mortgages has changed as well and often buyers are not building the equity in their homes the way we used to.

But there are benefits to building equity and paying down the loan, here are just a few.

• Flexibility – Having equity in your home gives you the flexibility to move if you need to or want to. For home owners who plan to either buy a large home or perhaps downsize, having equity allows you to not only put money down on a new loan, but pay for moving and closing costs.

• Safety Net – Life is full of unexpected expenses – job loss or relocation, unexpected illness or accident, natural disasters – the equity in your home can help you navigate these unexpected costs with a line of credit or the proceeds from a sale.

• Asset Recovery – Many homeowners over the last couple decades have found themselves underwater in their homes; negative equity. By either making additional principal payments on the loan or reaping the effect of higher home values, building equity can help create wealth and turn a negative asset into a positive.

Homeowners might not plan to stay in their homes as long as their parents and grandparents, but there are still great reasons to focus on building equity in their homes. A home is an asset, and treated properly is a wealth building tool unlike any other options.

Take Advantage of Your Home Equity: A Homeowner’s Guide

Take Advantage of Your Home Equity: A Homeowner’s Guide 

Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.1

But one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the opportunity to build wealth over time. Researchers at the Urban Institute found that homeownership is financially beneficial for most families,2 and a recent study showed that the median net worth of homeowners can be up to 80 times greater than that of renters in some areas.3

So how does purchasing a home help you build wealth? And what steps should you take to maximize the potential of your investment? Find out how to harness the power of home equity for a secure financial future.

WHAT IS HOME EQUITY?

Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and the amount you owe on your mortgage. So, for example, if your home would currently sell for $250,000, and the remaining balance on your mortgage is $200,000, then you have $50,000 in home equity.

$250,000 (Home’s Market Value)

-           $200,000 (Mortgage Balance)

______________________________

             $50,000 (Home Equity)

The equity in your home is considered a non-liquid asset. It’s your money; but rather than sitting in a bank account, it’s providing you with a place to live. And when you factor in the potential of appreciation, an investment in real estate will likely offer a better return than any savings account available today. 

HOW DOES HOME EQUITY BUILD WEALTH?

A mortgage payment is a type of “forced savings” for home buyers. When you make a mortgage payment each month, a portion of the money goes towards interest on your loan, and the remaining part goes towards paying off your principal, or loan balance. That means the amount of money you owe the bank is reduced every month. As your loan balance goes down, your home equity goes up.

Additionally, unlike other assets that you borrow money to purchase, the value of your home generally increases, or appreciates, over time. For example, when you pay off your car loan after five or seven years, you will own it outright. But if you try to sell it, the car will be worth much less than when you bought it. However, when you purchase a home, its value typically rises over time. So when you sell it, not only will you have grown your equity through your monthly mortgage payments, but in most cases, your home’s market value will be higher than what you originally paid. And even if you only put down 10% at the time of purchase—or pay off just a small portion of your mortgage—you get to keep 100% of the property’s appreciated value. That’s the wealth-building power of real estate. 

WHAT CAN I DO TO GROW MY HOME’S EQUITY FASTER?

Now that you understand the benefits of building equity, you may wonder how you can speed up your rate of growth. There are two basic ways to increase the equity in your home:

1)    Pay down your mortgage.

We shared earlier that your home’s equity goes up as your mortgage balance goes down. So paying down your mortgage is one way to increase the equity in your home.

Some homeowners do this by adding a little extra to their payment each month, making one additional mortgage payment per year, or making a lump-sum payment when extra money becomes available—like an annual bonus, tax refund, gift, or inheritance.

Before making any extra payments, however, be sure to check with your mortgage lender about the specific terms of your loan. Some mortgages have prepayment penalties. And it’s important to ensure that if you do make additional payments, the money will be applied to your loan principal.

Another option to pay off your mortgage faster is to decrease your amortization period. For example, if you can afford the larger monthly payments, you might consider refinancing from a 30-year or 25-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage. Not only will you grow your home equity faster, but you could also save a bundle in interest over the life of your loan.

2)    Raise your home’s market value.

Boosting the market value of your property is another way to grow your home equity. While many factors that contribute to your property’s appreciation are out of your control (e.g. demographic trends or the strength of the economy) there are things you can do to increase what it’s worth.

For example, many homeowners enjoy do-it-yourself projects that can add value at a relatively low cost. Others choose to invest in larger, strategic upgrades. Keep in mind, you won’t necessarily get back every dollar you invest in your home. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value Report, the remodeling project with the highest return on investment is a garage door replacement, which costs about $3600 and is expected to recoup 97.5% at resale. In contrast, an upscale kitchen remodel—which can cost around $130,000—averages less than a 60% return on investment.4

Of course, keeping up with routine maintenance is the most important thing you can do to protect your property’s value. Neglecting to maintain your home’s structure and systems could have a negative impact on its value—therefore reducing your home equity. So be sure to stay on top of recommended maintenance and repairs.

HOW DO I ACCESS MY HOME EQUITY IF I NEED IT?

When you put your money into a checking or savings account, it’s easy to make a withdrawal when needed. However, tapping into your home equity is a little more complicated.

The primary way homeowners access their equity is by selling their home. Many sellers will use their equity as a downpayment on a new home. Or some homeowners may choose to downsize and use the equity to supplement their income or retirement savings.

But what if you want to access the equity in your home while you’re still living in it? Maybe you want to finance a home renovation, consolidate debt, or pay for college. To do that, you will need to take out a loan using your home equity as collateral.

There are several ways to borrow against your home equity, depending on your needs and qualifications:5

1)    Second Mortgage - A second mortgage, also known as a home equity loan, is structured similar to a primary mortgage. You borrow a lump-sum amount, which you are responsible for paying back—with interest—over a set period of time. Most second mortgages have a fixed interest rate and provide the borrower with a predictable monthly payment. Keep in mind, if you take out a home equity loan, you will be making monthly payments on both your primary and secondary mortgages, so budget accordingly.

2)    Cash-Out Refinance - With a cash-out refinance, you refinance your primary mortgage for a higher amount than you currently owe. Then you pay off your original mortgage and keep the difference as cash. This option may be preferable to a second mortgage if you have a high interest rate on your current mortgage or prefer to make just one payment per month.

3)    Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) - A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card. It allows you to draw out money as you need it instead of taking out a lump sum all at once. A HELOC may come with a checkbook or debit card to enable easy access to funds. You will only need to make payments on the amount of money that has been drawn. Similar to a credit card, the interest rate on a HELOC is variable, so your payment each month could change depending on how much you borrow and how interest rates fluctuate.

4)    Reverse Mortgage - A reverse mortgage enables qualifying seniors to borrow against the equity in their home to supplement their retirement funds. In most cases, the loan (plus interest) doesn’t need to be repaid until the homeowners sell, move, or are deceased.6

Tapping into your home equity may be a good option for some homeowners, but it’s important to do your research first. In some cases, another type of loan or financing method may offer a lower interest rate or better terms to fit your needs. And it’s important to remember that defaulting on a home equity loan could result in foreclosure. Ask us for a referral to a lender or financial adviser to find out if a home equity loan is right for you.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU

Wherever you are in the equity-growing process, we can help. We work with buyers to find the perfect home to begin their wealth-building journey. We also offer free assistance to existing homeowners who want to know their home’s current market value to refinance or secure a home equity loan. And when you’re ready to sell, we can help you get top dollar to maximize your equity stake. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation!

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult a financial professional for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1.      National Association of Realtors -
https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/highlights-from-social-benefits-of-homeownership-and-stable-housing

2.      Urban Institute -
https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/homeownership-still-financially-better-renting

3.      Census Bureau -
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/08/gaps-in-wealth-americans-by-household-type.html

4.      Remodeling Magazine -
https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/

5.      Investopedia -
https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/heloc/home-equity/

6.      Bankrate -
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgage/reverse-mortgage-guide/

Buying V. Renting: What is Better for You?

Home ownership is the American Dream, right? Owning a place to call home, being able to paint the walls purple if you like, that’s what everyone wants. Isn’t it? The reality is there are pros and cons for buying a house. Understanding them can help you make the best decision for your goals.

Pros for Buying

This might seem obvious, but there are 3 main reasons to buy a home.

1. Financial Advantages – A home is an asset which should appreciate over time, providing wealth building opportunities.

2. Pride of Ownership - As a home owner, you control the environment in which you live. If you want those purple walls or granite countertop….you can do it.

3. Roots - Regardless of whether you have children, there is a natural desire to be part of a community: to have a local coffee shop, dry cleaners, bar.

Cons for Buying

As with all things, there are considerations which mean this isn’t the right time to buy a home.

1. Increased Monthly Costs – In some instances your monthly mortgage will be larger than comparable rent. Most of our local markets have comparable rent v. mortgage prices as rentals have increased significantly as inventory is low.

2. Freedom - A renter can move from one city or state to another very easily which allows you to move when you need/want to.

3. Upkeep - You are responsible for the repairs and upkeep of the property. Unexpected problems can become quite expensive if you are unprepared.

There are some wonderful reasons to buy a home; before you decide that it’s time to buy, give some thought to your lifestyle and goals, if they are in line with the advantages of home ownership, then time to go house hunting!

Let’s talk and decide if now is the time to buy. I also help clients who are not quite ready to find a suitable rental.

How to Get Over Losing Out On Your Dream Home

“I’m so sorry, they went with another offer.” It’s a shocking thing to hear; you’ve already moved into that dream home in your mind. It’s common to start second guessing yourself, even condemning yourself for not offering more money or better terms, but the truth is sometimes it just doesn’t work out. The next step is to figure out how to move on.

• Go Ahead and Mourn – It’s perfectly reasonable to mourn the loss of the “perfect” home.

• Take a Break – This might not be as easy as it sounds if you need to move, but even a short weekend off to regroup and refresh will allow you to continue the search.

• Understand What Went Wrong – It may be that you did nothing wrong and the seller got an all-cash offer 20% over asking, but it’s still a good idea to talk with your agent about your offer, make sure you truly offered a fair price with reasonable terms and if not, make adjustments next time.

• List What You Liked About the Home – Make a list of the features you liked about the home – open floor plan, big yard, expansive view, etc. This will allow you to watch for these features as you continue the search.

Losing out on your dream home is sad, but it doesn’t mean you won’t find another home you love just as much. Take some time to think through the experience and keep going – there are so many homes to choose from, you’ll find another home to love.

Did You Remember to Budget for Closing Costs?

Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions most people make in a lifetime. In addition to saving for the down payment, there are many other costs associated with buying a home; home inspections, appraisals and escrow fees are considered closing costs and are out of pocket costs to both buyers and seller. If you are financing the home, then there are additional lender fees to consider as well.

The Basics of Closing Costs

Closing costs are typically out of pocket costs associated with buying, or selling, a home. Some loan programs will allow you to “finance” most of these costs by adding the cost to the loan balance, but it’s important to remember that the home must still appraise for the additional value and not all programs allow you to do this. It’s better to plan for the extra cost which can range from 3-7% of the home’s purchase price.

Typical Closing Costs

Prior to making an offer, I provide my clients with an estimate of costs. The full list of closing costs involved in your specific transaction while be outlined on a disclosure from your lender. This will be provided once you are under contract. It will disclose costs associated with concluding the transaction. You can expect to see items related to loan fees and costs, appraisal, title insurance and transfer fees, processing and recording fees, hazard insurance and property tax costs among many others.

If you are considering a home purchase, it’s time to speak with a local lender to get a full understanding of the costs associated with buying a home. In this way, you can ensure you have saved what you need to close on your dream home.

How Do You Know If You Can Afford To Buy a House?

Do you feel that you’re ready to buy your first home? Tired of paying your landlord’s mortgage? Do you want to put down roots and start building equity for yourself? There are many reasons why people decide it could be time to buy a home. The costs associated with buying and owning a home can feel overwhelming but fortunately there are simple steps you can take to see if you can afford to buy a home.

Talk With a Lender

The best step you can take to start your home buying planning is to find a good lender and meet to talk about your financial situation. Your lender will look at your income, savings and credit and then talk about your needs. They will help you explore the loan options available to you and the down payment, saving reserves and closing costs requirements.

Can You Afford the Mortgage?

Typically rent payments are less than a mortgage payment; this can feel unsettling until you understand the qualifying formula. Because mortgage interest is deductible (speak with your tax professional for exact details), most lenders look for the buyers to spend approximately 30% of their GROSS income on the loan payment and no more than 36% on all other debt.

Ex. If your monthly gross income is $5000/month, you can spend $1500/month on your mortgage payment.

If you think you’re ready to buy a home, find a good lender and start talking about your unique situation. Learn the costs and benefits to help you determine if you can afford to buy a new home. Reach out for my free Quickstart Guide which includes previous clients’ recommended lenders.

Have You Outgrown Your Home?

Many homeowners are surprised when they suddenly realize that “perfect” home of just a few years ago no longer suits their needs. From an expanding family to the empty nest, it’s common for a home to no longer be the right fit. If you’re unsure if you’ve reached the point where a move is warranted, here are a few signs you’ve outgrown your home.

• More Kids than Rooms or More Rooms than Kids – Life changes and our homes must change also.

• Clutter or Lack of Storage – Do you need more closet or storage space? A home with more space could be the answer.

• Home Office – More and more companies are opting for telecommuting or home office workers, if your kitchen is your office, it might be time to look for a new home with extra room for a home office.

• Outdoor Entertaining – Home design trends over the last couple decades has seen a rise in outdoor living and entertaining areas. You might have simply outgrown your yard if you crave space for an outdoor living or dining area.

• Lifestyle – The square footage might be fine, but you would prefer a different floorplan; more open, single story, more windows, etc.

Your reasons for moving will be as unique as you are, but these are just a few considerations which indicate you might have outgrown your current home. Make sure your home still meets your needs and wants, then you’ll be able to decide if it’s time to move.

2020 Pantone Color of the Year

Drum roll please – Pantone has chosen Classic Blue as their color of the year. Over the past couple years, bold colors on walls has become common place in designer magazines and new model homes. Bucking the old guidance of using bland, light hues to make rooms look larger, deep greens, rich reds and even soft blacks are used in even the smallest spaces. This year, Pantone has chosen a fresh Classic Blue to inspire homeowners and designers in 2020.

Classic Blue is just want it sounds like – as classic. Think of your favorite sneaker or school binder and you’ll be right on track. Described as a calming, familiar azure, Classic Blue is an uncomplicated, straightforward tone intended to provide a “neutral” backdrop for modern color palates and urban chic styling.

Modern interior design has been trending towards more unassuming color schemes for furniture, flooring and accents. Kitchens sport sleek white cabinets and subway tile counters and backsplashes. Tone on tone design with urban elements of steel and soft wood tones lend themselves to this fresh blue hue. Pantone suggests that the simple color palate of blue and white is a comforting return to more traditional styling and expects that Classic Blue is the perfect wall color to compliment the Mid-Century and 60s décor that have emerged with a modern twist.

A great weekend project for a room or rooms, Classic Blue would add a fresh look to any space.

15 Smart Home Gift Ideas

Gifts and Gadgets for Every Room in the House

Are you searching for new and innovative gift ideas this holiday season? If so, check out our list of the hottest home technology offerings. We’ve selected a few of our favorites for every room in the house.

These smart systems and devices add comfort, convenience, and a “cool factor” that will delight your friends and family.  So think about who you know that loves the latest gadgets … or add a few of these to your own wish list!

ENTRYWAY

Ensure the safety of your loved ones with these smart security upgrades.

Smart Lighting

Ring, a company best known for its video doorbells, has added smart lights to its series of integrated devices. The Ring Smart Light System includes motion sensors, pathlights, spotlights, and even step lights, which can be turned on and off using voice commands when paired with an Amazon Alexa device. Users may opt to receive a notification when motion is detected on the premises, and—if integrated with Ring security cameras—access a live video stream for an added layer of security. Systems start at $69.99.

Video Doorbell

Video doorbells have become an increasingly popular security enhancement for homes, and for a good reason. Homeowners can detect activity at their front door while away, view visitors via video stream, and communicate without opening the door. Since Ring released its first smart doorbell in 2013, a number of competitors have entered the market. The Nest Hello Video Doorbell has some unique features—like facial recognition, package detection, and pre-recorded quick responses—that place it near the top of the pack. Retails for $229.

Smart Lock

Smart locks are a great way to ensure your friends and family are never left out in the cold, and the August Smart Lock Pro+ Connect is among the most highly rated. It’s one of the easiest models to install because it pairs with an existing deadbolt. The Smart Lock Pro enables a user to lock and unlock their door remotely with an app on their phone. And with the auto-lock/unlock feature, it can be set to open automatically upon approach and relock after entry. Retails for $279.

LIVING ROOM

These fun and functional gifts are perfect for anyone who is big on style—but short on time.

Automated Planter

Caring for household plants is easier than ever with the latest advancements in technology. Perfect for frequent travelers or forgetful friends, the Dewplanter uses moisture in the air to water plants without manual intervention. Now nature lovers can enjoy the beauty and health benefits of houseplants without the hassle. Plus, for each unit sold, the company pledges to plant a tree somewhere it’s needed. Retails for $69.50.

Smart Art

Instead of buying your favorite art lover a single painting, why not give him or her 30,000? With the Meural Canvas, you can access an extensive collection of artwork from around the world to display digitally in your own home. Meural utilizes proprietary technology to deliver an anti-glare matte display that automatically adjusts to the lighting in the room. Personal artwork and photographs can be showcased, as well. Retails for $445 with annual membership.

Motorized Shades

Motorized window coverings aren’t new, but a lower price point and enhanced features have helped to boost their popularity. The latest Motorized Shades from Somfy can be preprogrammed to raise or lower at certain times of day or controlled on-demand via a remote, smartphone app, or voice command when paired with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. They can also be set to operate automatically in response to the amount of sunlight or temperature of the room. Contact a dealer for pricing.

KITCHEN

These kitchen gadgets make life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. They’re perfect for your busiest friends and family members!

Pressure Cooker

Have you jumped on the multi-cooker bandwagon yet? If so, you know how fast and simple these multifunctional appliances make meal preparation. The InstantPot Duo is a pressure cooker, sauté pan, steamer, slow cooker, rice cooker, food warmer, and yogurt maker all-in-one. It reduces cooking time and lowers energy consumption. Who wouldn’t love one of these versatile tools? With numerous cookbooks and blogs devoted to InstantPot recipes, the meal options are virtually endless. Retails for $99.95.

Cocktail Machine

Cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate the ease and convenience of the Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine. Listed among “Oprah’s Favorite Things” for 2019, the Bartesian mixes drinks with the touch of a button. Simply fill the canisters with base spirits, choose a cocktail capsule, and the machine does the rest. Now you can mix a margarita, whiskey sour, cosmopolitan, and other favorites as easily as you brew a cup of coffee. Retails for $349.

Smart Refrigerator

Kitchens are often called the “heart of the home,” and a new refrigerator from Samsung aims to be the hub. The Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator helps busy families stay organized. Grocery shopping becomes a breeze with built-in cameras that allow owners to peek inside their fridge from anywhere. The interactive touchscreen displays pictures, notes, and reminders for family members. And the integrated SmartThings app enables users to control smart devices and appliances from a central point. Base model starts at $3,099.

BEDROOM

Almost nothing beats a good night’s sleep. Help your loved ones wake up refreshed with these smart devices for the bedroom.

Baby Sleep Soother

As any parent knows, when your baby isn’t getting sleep, neither are you. Help everyone in the family catch some z’s with a Bubzi Co Soothing Owl. This cuddly creature plays lullabies while projecting a starry scene on the bedroom wall to calm young children and help them drift off to sleep. And for every purchase, Bubzi Co makes a donation to Postpartum Support International. Retails for $30.95.

Sunrise Alarm Clock

Know someone who hates getting up in the morning? Alarm clocks that utilize light instead of a noisy alarm can provide a more peaceful transition in and out of sleep. The Philips SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light includes customizable sunrise and sunset simulation, guided breathing exercises, and sensors that track room conditions, like temperature, humidity, noise, and light. Retails for $199.95.

Smart Thermostat

Temperature fluctuations during the night can disrupt sleep. The Nest Learning Thermostat uses smart technology to track a user’s preferences and build a schedule around them. Homeowners can place one of its integrated sensors in their bedroom to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the night. And Nest thermostats cut energy consumption, so they’ll rest easier knowing they’re saving the planet and money on utility bills . Retails for $249.

BATHROOM

Bathrooms don’t have to be boring. Technology can add flair to the daily routine.

Waterproof Speaker

Music enthusiasts and podcast fans will enjoy streaming their favorites in the shower with a wireless waterproof speaker. The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is a mid-priced and versatile option that can go from the bath to the beach. It packs an impressive 13-hour battery life in a small, portable case that’s waterproof, dust-proof, and floatable. Retails for $99.99.

Digital Smart Scale

A scale isn’t an appropriate gift for everyone, but diet and fitness enthusiasts may appreciate the high-tech features available with the Withings Body+. It tracks weight, body water, and fat, muscle, and bone mass for up to eight users. It can also be set to display local weather and the previous day’s step count. Customized pregnancy and baby modes make this a suitable choice for a growing family, as well. Retails for $99.95.

Vanity TV Mirror

For a truly luxe bathroom addition, consider an integrated vanity television mirror. The Seura TV Mirror seamlessly incorporates video into a bathroom vanity. It’s vanishing glass technology makes it possible to view the television through a mirror. When turned off, the screen completely disappears. Add lighting or a custom frame to complete the look. Starts at $3,099 for a 19” display.

OUR GIFT TO YOU

Are you considering a permanent technology upgrade for your own home? Give us a call first! Buyer expectations and preferences vary depending on price point, architectural style, and neighborhood. We can help you determine how the enhancement will impact the value of your home before you make the investment.