Posts in category 'Homeownership'

These days, many of us are busy and pressed for time. When we do finally get the chance to be home and relax with family, we don't want to be burdened by chores and extra housework. Thankfully, the latest smart home technology is helping to address this issue. Our REALTORS® recommend considering the following devices to help simplify your at-home routine.

• Smart Speakers
  Adding a smart speaker to your living room or great room can make it so much easier to listen to the music and podcasts you love. When you're getting ready to do the dishes or tackle that email inbox, you can simply talk to the speaker and tell it what to play. Or, you can scroll through options via the speaker-coordinated app on your smartphone. You won't have to worry about losing the remote or getting up to adjust the volume.

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As pet owners, the last thing we want to think about is our furry family members getting hurt in a fire. Sadly, over half a million pets are affected by house fires each year, and over 1,000 of those house fire incidents are started by pets. Having a pet fire safety plan is an invaluable and essential way to save your home and your pet. July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day, and our REALTORS® have put together these tips to inspire you to develop a fire safety plan that includes your pets.

Preventing Your Pet from Starting a Fire

• Extinguish Open Flames
  Never leave pets unattended around open flames on candles and fireplaces. Candles are great for a relaxed evening, but with a curious furry pal or a wagging tail, they can be quite the danger. You may want to switch to a battery-operated flameless candle to save your pet and property from needless harm. If your pet loves to cozy up near the fireplace, consider an enclosed gas fireplace or pet gate to ensure they keep a safe distance.

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You've probably heard this before, but a contractor can make or break your remodeling or home addition project. Finding the right contractor will determine the timeliness and quality of work, and the amount of financial and emotional stress you'll have to deal with. Before paying thousands of dollars for the job, you'll want to carefully screen potential contractors and make sure they know what they're doing. Our REALTORS® have collated a list of questions to ask before you hire a contractor.

• How Long Have You Been Working in This Town?
  When hiring a contractor, you want to know how much experience they have and how long they've been working in your local area. A contractor who has been around the block for a few years is more likely to have a proven track record. They're a safer bet than a contractor planning to commute to your home from 50 miles away.

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, and sometimes it's good to give in to your heart's desires. Remodeling your kitchen is a tried and tested way to breathe fresh life into your home. It's a project that our REALTORS® guarantee will go a long way toward enhancing your comfort and adding to your home's resale value. As you consider all the options, be certain to note the following kitchen trends for 2021.

• Marble Beats Granite
  Granite was the go-to stone of the '90s and the start of the new millennium. However, as tastes have evolved, marble has emerged as the trendiest stone for kitchens and bathrooms. Heavily veined marble is the epitome of luxury and will give a durable finish to your counters, backsplashes, and more.

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When it comes to setting the mood, our REALTORS® know that good lighting, good friends, and good music are the best ways to enjoy your new home. Whether you are hosting a party or relaxing after a long day at work, installing a solid sound system will go a long way toward making your home more comfortable. The more music, the merrier, and the following are some steps you can take to enjoy great sound throughout your home.

• Get Ready to Rock the 21st Century!
  Whether you enjoy classical, jazz, country, or modern rock, the best sound systems are built around modern home automation. Upgrading the wiring and WiFi in your home will allow you to enjoy the security and comfort home automation systems offer. Whether you choose a wired or wireless sound system, you will want to establish a central hub to control each speaker. It would be best if you chose a hub that works with all the devices you want to utilize, including the lighting, security, audio, systems you want to install.

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