Posts tagged Real Estate

In the ever evolving world of home automation technology, options for homeowners are constantly growing and becoming more and more affordable.  REALTORMag recently published an article discussing some of the hot new trends to look out for or to look forward to in the year ahead.  Over the next couple of weeks we will look at some of them a bit closer.

The first trend prediction is that we will see an increase in Home Automation. 

Let’s face it;  most of us spend the majority of our time either looking at a Smartphone or a tablet, like an iPad and many of our homes functions can now be controlled through these types of devices.  Costs are really starting to drop on the hardware for these types of things and the apps that control them are a download a way.

So what can you control through your connected device?  Here are a few items to consider.

1. Home Entry:  There are a few companies out now that offer hardware that will convert your standard door lock into a Bluetooth connected option.  All you have to do is install and secure the hardware in place, download the app to your smartphone and customize a few settings and you should be off and running.  The idea is that by using Bluetooth technology your door will automatically lock / unlock once you are a certain distance away from the device.  And YES, you can still use your key or disable access in case your phone disappears. (Example: http://www.unikey.com/)

2. Heating and Cooling:  There are now “smart” thermostats out there that allow you to remotely control your homes thermostat from your connected device.  Some of the products available are actually very intuitive as well.  After a few weeks of using them they start to learn your patterns.  For example, let say you leave the house everyday at 8am and turn the heat down.  The smart thermostat will begin to learn that you leave at around that time and will automatically make the adjustments for you.  Again after a few weeks of manually setting it will learn your patterns and predict your preferences.  This is an amazing idea as it will allow the system to help you keep down energy costs. (Example:http://www.nest.com/)

3. Lighting and Electricity: There is no denying this one.  Who is not guilty of leaving the house for the day and leaving several lights on or even items like a T.V.?  Well, you are now able to control your homes lighting and electrical usage from a connected device. This type of thing can of course be built in to the home, but can also be purchased as Wi-Fi connected outlet plugs that let you remotely control any outlet that has one of these in them. These items are smart enough to where they can also track the energy usage from that outlet. (Example: http://www.visiblenergy.com/)

The above are just 3 of the many options homeowners now have when choosing to start automating their home.  The options and products are endless and becoming very affordable to use and install.

What other types of home automation do you know of, use or want to have?

Often times an excited buyer will walk into a home and be disappointed with several aspects of the home. These aspects may actually be minor in true nature but to the excited buyer – they are huge.
Showing a home to a buyer and watching their reaction is part of what makes real estate so rewarding. Watching a couple or a family fall in love with their new home is one of the best things I get to do.
However, sometimes you show a home that seems perfect for your buyers, however there are a few things that immediately turn them off from considering the home. The REALTOR’s job is to give the buyer the opportunity to see the big picture.

Perhaps the home you are showing has all of their wants, is within their budget and really is a knock out home. The problem is they do not like the wallpaper or the color of the walls. The truth is these 2 items are minor and relatively easy fixes but have an extremely dramatic effect on the overall feel and flow of a home. If you have very active wallpaper covering the entire kitchen, it may feel smaller, closed off and uninviting. Perhaps the paint in the living room is very dark giving the room a claustrophobic essence that just does not sit with buyers during a showing.

Many times the listing agent will grab on to these items and suggest changes be made. However, sometimes they do not or sometimes changes cannot be made. It is now my job to present the home by describing to them what can be done to a room or a space. This is delivering them the big picture.
Being able to show a buyer the full potential of a home is exhilarating.

Tim Brown – Realtor®
TeamHeidi ®
Hines & Associates Realty
Direct: (704) 619-1008
Client Care: (704) 815-3208
RealtorTimBrown@Yahoo.com

(Source: carolinahomes4sale.com)

Single Family Home
3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 1,220 sqft
Lot: 0.32 acre(s)


More Photos and Additional Info

This lovely ranch home has been totally refurbished, providing a move-in, clean and fresh environment. The kitchen-family room-living room section of the home is open for easy living and entertainment in today’s life style – plus a sliding glass door leads out to the expanded private patio and the tree-shaded back yard, allowing residents and guests to enjoy a blend of outside and inside living. The land lies very nicely. The home features three bed rooms, a full bathroom off the main hall and a private half-bath for the master bedroom. Generous windows provide a sunny, cheery atmosphere..

                

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 176035 

Single Family Home
4 Bedrooms
4 Bathrooms
2 Partial Bathrooms
Interior: 6,800 sqft
Lot: 0.69 acre(s)


More Photos and Additional Info

                

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 171816 

Townhouse
2 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,126 sqft


More Photos and Additional Info

                

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 173765 

Single Family Home
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Interior: 1,250 sqft
Lot: 0.18 acre(s)


More Photos and Additional Info

                

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 157764 

Lots and Land
Lot: 0.99 acre(s)


More Photos and Additional Info

              

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 172617 

Single Family Home
4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2,900 sqft
Lot: 3.00 acre(s)


More Photos and Additional Info

                

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 171818 

Townhouse
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 1,604 sqft
Lot: 0.05 acre(s)


More Photos and Additional Info

                

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 171095 

Single Family Home
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 1,450 sqft
Lot: 0.22 acre(s)


More Photos and Additional Info

                

Interested? See more information or schedule showing

Tim Brown

Hines & Associates Realty
Phone: (704) 619-1008 

Listing agent/broker:
Tim Brown

Equal Housing OpportunityRealBird ID: 158704