home tech

Apache is functioning normally

Venice is many things; a quintessential beach neighborhood, trendy foodie hotspot, hipster enclave, you name it. But most of all, it’s a unique slice of California that offers a completely different vibe — and its own take on waterfront living.

That’s why when it comes to real estate listings, Venice Beach falls into a category of its own. Every home that lands on our desk outdoes itself either in terms of unique architecture, picture-perfect interiors, or artsy features.

Today’s treat: a rare luxury waterfront home facing the Venice Canals that boasts interiors revamped by famed Italian design firm Boffi, that recently landed on the market asking $6,298,000.

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Canal living in Venice Beach

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

Recently listed with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners at Compass, the Venice Beach house is located just a few blocks from vibrant Abbot Kinney and key attractions like the Venice Boardwalk and the Marina.

Its prime location places it right at the heart of the Venice Canals, recognized as one of the most unique neighborhoods in all of Southern California.

The specs: 5 bedrooms, 5 baths

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

The waterfront residence spans 3,816 square feet of luxuriously appointed living space, with a total of 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 1 half-bath.

With several outdoor spaces and indoor-outdoor living areas to take in the Canal views, the home has quite a few standout amenities, including two rooftop decks — one with a cold plunge — and a canal-front deck that leads to a private barge.

Designer interiors revamped in 2021

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

Location aside, the Venice Beach house has elegant, refined interiors, thanks to an extensive 2021 renovation carried out by the esteemed Italian design firm Boffi — a globally renowned brand best known for its designer kitchens and bathrooms.

As a result, the home boasts sleek finishes balanced by rich textures like herringbone wood floors, a limestone gas fireplace, and metal accents, creating a space that looks like it was taken straight out of an interior design magazine.

Large, open-floor main level overlooking the canals

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

The heart of the home is the expansive, open-plan main level, bathed in natural light from large windows and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that overlook the canal.

A gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

The gourmet kitchen with its clean, sleek design, comes equipped with high-end Gaggenau appliances, temperature-controlled wine storage, a walk-in pantry, European-style lacquer cabinetry, and Calacatta countertops.

A sunlit family room with a wet bar

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

Heading upstairs, we find another great space for the family to gather, a sunlit family room that also has a wet bar with a dishwasher.

The primary bedroom has soaring ceilings

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

The primary bedroom is a serene retreat with high ceilings, a spacious custom closet, and a lavish ensuite bath.

See also: LOVE, Art, and Cozy Living Close to the Venice Canals

A primary bathroom with a marble-clad shower

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

A luxurious escape in itself, the ensuite bath comes with a marble-clad steam shower, a soaking tub, and an accent wall of Domenico Mori handmade clay tiles.

State-of-the-art home tech throughout

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

The house has a private elevator, as well as state-of-the-art home tech like the Crestron home automation system, surround sound, and a Lifesource whole-house water filtration system.

The house has two rooftop terraces, one with a cold plunge

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

The Instagram-worthy outdoor space comes with 360-degree views, two rooftop terraces — one with a cold plunge — and plenty of room to lounge and entertain. The deck is surrounded by glass walls, so views are completely uninterrupted.

And a canal-facing deck

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

Acting as an extension of the main living area is a canal-front deck equipped with an automatic canopy, firepit, and ample al fresco dining space. The deck also provides access to one of the home’s most unique amenities: a private barge.

There’s also a private barge

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

For future residents who want to take the party on the water, the waterfront home comes with a private, motorized barge that’ll allow them to cruise the canal and enjoy breathtaking sunsets. 

Now listed for $6.3 million

Photo credit: Cris Nolasco / Compass

The Venice Beach house is currently listed for $6,298,000 with F. Ron Smith and David Berg of Smith & Berg Partners, Compass.

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Son of Beatles legend George Harrison lists stylish Venice Beach home

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

People with dementia who live in long-term care facilities are spending a significant portion of their income each month on care, according to an October 2023 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA). The study found that the median adult with dementia in an assisted living facility spent nearly all of their income (97%) each month on care, and those with dementia living in nursing homes spent 83% of their income each month on care.

Currently, there are nearly 7 million Americans who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia, says Monica Moreno, the senior director of care and support for the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit that provides support and advocacy for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. “We also know that with Alzheimer’s disease, we are talking about a progressive disease that has no cure.”

Consequently, as the disease advances, people need more care, and the burden of how to provide that care — and pay for it — often falls to their families.

“A lot of them have made really responsible financial decisions their whole life, but nobody is prepared for this cost at the end of their life,” says Dana Eble, public relations and outreach manager at the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Network, a support network for care partners. “People didn’t even know they needed to save this much money.”

From estate planning to home tech gadgets, here are some strategies to help you support your loved ones.

Understand the financial and legal picture

Have a frank conversation about finances. What is your loved one’s situation in terms of income and expenses, and how much do they have in savings? How will care costs be covered? And what are their wishes for how they’ll be cared for as the disease progresses?

“Don’t wait to have these difficult conversations,” Moreno says. “Then, when the family is confronted with having to make these decisions, they don’t have to question whether they’re doing the right things.”

Discuss also the estate planning that’s in place — or what needs to be done. A solid estate plan typically includes a will, an advance directive and both financial and medical powers of attorney. If the person you care for can do so, a declaration of a pre-need guardian is also useful, says Colleen Carcone, certified financial planner and director of wealth planning strategies at financial services firm TIAA. This allows someone to name the person they would prefer to have as guardian of themselves and their property if they’re incapacitated.

“Once you do receive that diagnosis, you know this is going to be coming,” Carcone says. “Taking the extra steps to make sure that all of your i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed is going to be super important.”

Reach out to local and national resources

Your local area agency on aging will have information on programs and benefits in your area, such as Meals on Wheels, transportation programs and grocery delivery. Find local locations on the Eldercare Locator search engine at eldercare.acl.gov.

National groups can also be helpful: The Alzheimer’s Association, for instance, has a 24/7 helpline and can connect you to state-specific information. For example, Moreno notes a law in Illinois designed to protect a person living at home if their spouse has been placed in a long-term care facility.

“It allows them to keep a certain amount of income every month, and it allows them to keep their primary residence,” Moreno says. Some of the more devastating stories, she says, come from families who didn’t realize the law existed until after they had spent down all their assets. “These are the types of things families need to educate themselves about,” she says.

If your loved one is a veteran, check with the Department of Veterans Affairs to see what benefits they might have access to. “My dad was a veteran, and he got veterans Aid & Attendance benefits, which was cash aid to help pay for the care,” says Amy Goyer, AARP’s caregiving expert. “That can be extremely helpful.”

Use technology

Dementia is a progressive disease, meaning that your loved one will need more care over time. In the beginning, you can save money on care expenses with technology. This might include things like motion sensors, automatic lights, water shut-off devices, medication dispensers and a system that alerts care partners if their loved one leaves the area.

“In earlier stages of dementia, it may be that you’re just nervous about them, and you need to have your eyeballs on them and actually see them and know what’s going on,” Goyer says. “You can use technology to lengthen the period of time before you have to have someone there in person all the time.”

Move up the care ladder slowly

Out-of-pocket costs for people with dementia are lower if they’re living at home, according to the JAMDA study. At first, providing care at home might mean using a meal delivery service and hiring someone to handle housekeeping and the yard. Then, you may need to hire in-home care for a few hours a day or find an adult day care center in your area.

The daily median cost for adult day health care is $95, according to 2023 cost of care data from Genworth, an insurance company. That’s less than half the cost for a home health aide, which costs a daily median of $207.

“A lot of people still don’t know that adult day care exists,” Goyer says. “That can be a real cost saver. And people can be in an adult day care center — depending on the focus and what their capacity is — pretty far into dementia.”

If you reach the point where your loved one needs 24/7 care, a live-in caregiver may be a more economical option than an assisted living facility or hourly care from an outside source, since room and board make up part of their pay. If there’s an extra bedroom in the house, it’s a viable choice for a loved one who doesn’t need skilled nursing care but who can’t be left alone.

“We did that for a time with caregivers,” Goyer says, “and that saved a little bit of money.”

This article was written with the support of a journalism fellowship from the Gerontological Society of America, the Journalists Network on Generations and the Silver Century Foundation.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Everyday living gets smarter every year.

When you buy through links in this article, we may earn an affiliate commission.

In the digital age, the concept of home is being reimagined by the advent of smart technology, transforming everyday living spaces into hubs of convenience, comfort and entertainment. Never has this been so clear as when you take even a cursory tour of the HGTV Smart Home 2023. If you need further evidence of just how expansive this industry is becoming, a study by Grand View Research, Inc. determined that the home automation industry will reach a staggering $444.98 billion by 2030.

Smart home technology, once fodder for dystopian storylines on TV, has evolved into a widely accepted seamless integration of devices and systems that streamline tasks, enhance security and personalize our environment. From the moment you wake to the soft glow of a sunrise simulation to the reassuring click of a smart lock securing your home at night, these intelligent systems work collaboratively to simplify routines, conserve resources and provide peace of mind. Smart home devices not only respond to our immediate commands but also anticipate our needs, learn our preferences and adapt to our lifestyles, offering a bespoke living experience that was once the stuff of science fiction.

Image Source: HGTV

Noteworthy tech in the HGTV Smart Home 2023

Each year, HGTV builds a new, technologically advanced home in a different location within the United States. The contest is typically run as a sweepstakes, where viewers can enter for a chance to win the annual smart home. Entries are usually accepted online through the HGTV website or via mail. The main prize is, of course, the HGTV Smart Home itself, which includes the home, all of its furnishings and the latest home technology. In addition to the home, there are often other prizes, like cash awards or vehicles.

Coolest devices in the 2023 HGTV Smart Home

Laid out below are just a few of the most highly sought-after pieces of smart home tech in this year’s HGTV Smart Home 2023 and their less expensive counterparts.

GE Profile Kitchen hub

The GE Profile Kitchen Hub is a unique and high-tech kitchen appliance from General Electric. It’s designed to serve multiple functions and is geared towards making the kitchen experience more interactive and connected.

  • Interactive screen: The GE Profile Kitchen Hub features a large touchscreen display that can be used to access recipes, watch videos, control smart home devices and more.
  • Vent hood: The screen is built into a vent hood, allowing it to sit above your range or cooktop. This design not only provides essential ventilation but also offers a central view for following recipes or watching videos as you cook.
  • Cameras: The device includes front-facing and downward-facing cameras. The front-facing camera can be used for video calls, while the downward-facing camera is intended to capture your cooking, which can be useful for sharing your culinary adventures on social media or with family.
  • Integrated apps: The Kitchen Hub comes with a suite of applications designed for the kitchen. These can include recipe apps, music and video streaming services and other smart home integrations.
  • Connectivity: Being a smart device, the Kitchen Hub connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. This allows it to pull up recipes, stream content and interact with other smart devices in your home.
  • U+ Connect: This is GE Appliances’ smart platform that allows various devices to connect and communicate. For example, if you have a GE oven, the Kitchen Hub can interact with it, setting temperatures, timers and more.

Not looking to shell out nearly $1,200 for this type of tech? Consider an Alexa. While not as advanced as the Kitchen Hub, it is still a solid virtual assistant option for the kitchen.

DAKboard Wall Display v2 Plus

DAKboard is a digital wall calendar that integrates with various online calendar services to display your events, tasks, weather and other custom information. The DAKboard Wall Display v2 Plus is one of their products, designed to be a versatile, visually appealing display for personal and professional environments.

  • Screen: The Wall Display v2 Plus includes a high-resolution screen designed to make texts and images clear and easy to read from a distance.
  • Customization: DAKboard is known for its highly customizable displays. Users can choose different layouts, fonts and color themes to match their preferences or interior design.
  • Connectivity: The device connects to Wi-Fi to sync with various online services like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook and others.
  • Photo display: Besides showing calendar and weather information, DAKboard devices can cycle through personal photos or artwork, making them a dynamic alternative to traditional picture frames.
  • Integration: DAKboard devices support integration with various third-party services for weather, to-do lists, news and more.

While the Dakboard Wall Display v2 Plus will run you close to $500, the Skylight Calendar is a solid replacement for around to $200 less.

Image Source: Samsung

Samsung AirDresser Grand

The Samsung AirDresser is an in-home garment refreshing system, which uses air and steam to clean and deodorize clothing. It is part of a new category of home appliances intended to reduce the frequency of traditional washing and dry cleaning.

  • Jet air and air hangers: The system blasts air to loosen and remove dust from inside and outside your clothes.
  • Steam cleaning: It uses steam to sanitize clothing, removing bacteria, viruses and allergens.
  • Deodorization filter: The filter captures and reduces odors, leaving clothes smelling fresh.
  • Gentle drying: Clothes are dried at a low temperature to reduce the risk of shrinkage and heat damage.
  • Smart control: Integration with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem to monitor and control the device remotely through a smartphone app.
  • Self-cleaning: An internal system helps to maintain the device by removing scale and residue.
  • Wrinkle care: The AirDresser can smooth out wrinkles without the need for ironing.
  • Capacity and design: The AirDresser Grand offers a larger capacity to accommodate more items of clothing and potentially an updated design or premium finish.

Not nearly as fancy as the $1,100 AirDresser Grand, a handheld steamer, like the Conair Turbo EstremeSteam is a great option for quick sanitization and keeping clothes wrinkle-free with ease.

SimpliSafe Wireless Home Security System

SimpliSafe is a company that offers a variety of home security products and services, with an emphasis on ease of installation and use. Their systems are known for being wireless and user-friendly. These systems are typically marketed toward homeowners and renters looking for a quick, easy and effective DIY security solution.

  • DIY installation: SimpliSafe systems are designed for easy setup without the need for professional installation. The devices can be placed on shelves or adhered to walls without drilling.
  • Variety of packages: SimpliSafe provides different equipment packages to suit various home sizes and security needs. You can start with a basic set and expand with additional sensors and accessories as needed.
  • Components: A typical SimpliSafe kit includes a base station, which is the central hub of the system, wireless door and window sensors, motion detectors and a keypad. Additional components might include glass break sensors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and panic buttons.
  • No contract monitoring: SimpliSafe offers optional professional monitoring services on a month-to-month basis, without the need for long-term contracts. This professional monitoring can dispatch emergency services in case of a break-in, fire or other incidents.
  • Smartphone control: SimpliSafe has an app that allows you to arm and disarm your system, receive alerts and monitor your home from anywhere.
  • Integration: SimpliSafe systems can integrate with smart home devices and platforms, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control and other smart home automation.
  • SimpliCam: They offer an indoor camera called SimpliCam, which can be used to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. It comes with features like motion alerts and the ability to stream live video.
  • Design: SimpliSafe sensors and devices have a discreet and modern design to blend in with home decor.
  • Battery and cellular backup: The system is equipped with battery backup to keep your home secure during a power outage, and the professional monitoring service includes cellular backup to maintain communication with the monitoring center if the Wi-Fi goes down.
  • Environmental protection: SimpliSafe also offers sensors that detect water leaks and freezing temperatures to help prevent environmental damage in your home.
  • Privacy protection: Features like camera shutters allow customers to control their privacy.

While the Simplisafe wireless home security system is great, it does come at a price, of about $320. If you’re looking to spend a little less, don’t fret, Amazon is full of more affordable DIY wireless security systems.

Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker

The Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker is a product by Kohler, known for combining the functionality of a showerhead with the entertainment feature of a wireless speaker.

  1. Showerhead: It’s designed to provide a full-coverage spray, offering a quality shower experience with good water pressure.
  2. Removable wireless speaker: The center of the showerhead houses a wireless speaker that can be easily detached and used independently. The speaker connects to devices via Bluetooth to play music, podcasts or other audio streams.
  3. Water-resistant: The speaker is designed to be water-resistant, which is essential for any electronic device used in a shower.
  4. Rechargeable battery: The speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery. When fully charged, it supports several hours of playtime.
  5. Magnetic docking: The speaker is held in place with magnets, which makes it simple to detach and reattach to the showerhead.
  6. Harman Kardon sound: Some versions of the Moxie speaker are engineered with sound by Harman Kardon, delivering a high-quality audio experience.
  7. Voice assistant compatibility: Depending on the model, the speaker can sometimes be compatible with voice assistants, which would allow you to control music and other functions with voice commands.
  8. Multiple colors and finishes: The Moxie showerhead may come in a variety of colors and finishes to match different bathroom decors.
  9. Installation: It’s designed to be easy to install, fitting onto a standard shower arm.

For those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts in the shower, the Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker system brings convenience and a bit of luxury to the everyday routine. If you’re looking for the same luxury at a more affordable price, you’re in luck. There are plenty of showerhead speaker combos at all price points on Amazon.

Image Source: Kohler

Anthem Digital Shower Control

The Anthem Digital Shower Control is another Kohler product that provides a high level of personalization and precision for the showering experience. It is designed to provide a user-friendly interface to control various aspects of the shower.

  1. Digital interface: The Anthem Control includes a minimalist display with easy-to-read buttons.
  2. Customizable settings: Users can save their preferred shower settings, making it easy to start the shower with their personalized preferences at the touch of a button.
  3. Multiple outlet controls: The system can control multiple water outlets, allowing users to switch between them or use them simultaneously for a luxurious shower experience.
  4. Smart home integration: Advanced models feature integration with smart home systems, enabling control via voice commands or through smartphone apps.
  5. Easy installation: Even though it is a sophisticated system, companies like Kohler design these controls to be as easy to install as possible, sometimes compatible with existing plumbing.
  6. Safety features: Many digital showers include safety features like automatic shut-off after a certain period or if the water gets too hot, which can prevent scalding.
  7. Energy saving: Some models offer features that help conserve water and energy, aligning with eco-friendly practices.

If you’re after the type of precision temperature control that only a digital display like the Anthem Digital Shower Control can provide, consider the much more streamlined and affordable BLTFAUCER Digital Display. While it doesn’t provide as much customization as the Anthem model, it will allow you to achieve and monitor the exact shower temperature you want.

Elements Hexagon Starter Kit

The Elements Hexagon Starter Kit is a product by Nanoleaf, which is a company known for producing smart lighting solutions that are popular for their modular, geometric design and customizable lighting scenes. The Elements Hexagon Starter Kit is part of Nanoleaf’s Elements line, which focuses on combining smart lighting technology with decor.

  1. Hexagonal panels: These are the core of the product, designed to be attached to form patterns on your wall. They’re hexagon-shaped to allow for a variety of configurations.
  2. Wood look: Unlike the original Nanoleaf light panels, which have a very futuristic look, the Elements line has a more natural wood-like appearance, allowing them to blend into home decor more seamlessly when turned off.
  3. Customizable lighting: Users can customize the illumination of each panel to create scenes or set the ambiance. This can include warm to cool white light settings, designed to mimic natural elements like a fireplace or thunderstorm.
  4. Interactive control: The lights can be controlled via an app, where users can select or design scenes, schedule on/off times and adjust the brightness. They can also respond to touch or sound.
  5. Smart home integration: The kit is compatible with most smart home systems, allowing for voice control.
  6. Rhythm feature: With the rhythm feature, the panels can synchronize with music in real time, creating dynamic light shows in response to the audio they detect.
  7. Simple installation: The panels attach to the wall with adhesive strips, which are included in the starter kit, making for a relatively easy setup without needing to drill holes.
  8. Expandability: The starter kit includes a certain number of panels but can be expanded by purchasing additional expansion packs at any time.

The Elements Hexagon Starter Kit is a great system for incorporating upscale and entirely unique lighting into a space. That said, there are also a ton of customizable hexagon lighting solutions on Amazon for a range of prices.

Smart home. Seamless tech. Smiling faces.

The rise of smart home technology stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for an enhanced quality of life. As we look to the future, the integration of these intelligent systems into our homes continues to evolve, bringing new levels of ease and enjoyment. These devices do more than just perform tasks — they create experiences, foster safe environments, and cultivate moments of joy and relaxation.

In a world where time is precious and personal happiness is paramount, the smart home is less about the gadgets and more about the freedom they afford us — the freedom to spend less time managing our homes and more time savoring the pleasures of life. As we embrace this era of connected living, we find that the true genius of smart home technology lies in its ability to fade into the background, creating a symphony of convenience.

Looking for your own place to add tech to? Whether you want to replicate the HGTV Smart Home 2023 or just add some DIY home automation, the future revolves around tech-forward homes. Check out our available apartments and houses for rent.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

In our latest real estate tech entrepreneur interview, we’re speaking with Lucas Haldeman from SmartRent.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Lucas Haldeman, and I Co-Founded and serve as the CEO of SmartRent, an enterprise home automation company powering the intelligence behind 80,000+ smart homes in multifamily residences across the country. I’ve spent over two decades developing web-based technologies in the real estate space, initially as employee no. 18 at AllApartments.com (the first site to publish a national database of apartment communities online), and post-exit was with Homestore.com (now Move, Inc.) through a successful IPO. Prior to founding SmartRent, I served as Chief Technology and Marketing Officer of Colony Starwood Homes (NYSE: SFR), developing a custom platform that helped the business acquire, renovate, lease and manage more than 40,000 single-family homes in 12 states.

What problem does your product/service solve?

Despite the growing demand for and proliferation of smart home devices, multifamily communities haven’t had a way to appeal to renters that want that smart device connectivity in their homes, but are unable to invest in or own their own products due to the provisional nature of renting a home. Multifamily owners needed a solution that combined an enterprise and consumer approach, but most IoT platforms and products are too complex to properly implement.

That’s why we are revolutionizing the way rental properties manage their assets and market to their residents. Our goal is to make it easy for multifamily communities to offer their residents luxuries like smart home tech that previously only applied to single-family homeowners. Residents enjoy the advantage of having smart devices in their rental home with full control over them, while property managers and owners have peace of mind in knowing their assets are protected and are notified of issues (like a leak) before they become a catastrophic, costly event.

Our platform has also solved a lot of problems property managers face today. Properties no longer have to worry about using or losing physical keys and instead have the ability to assign digital access codes for things like maintenance work orders, vendor access, prospective resident self-guided tours and more. Simply put, our platform saves time and money for property owners as well as creating a new revenue stream for them, and a heightened living experience for their residents.

We do all of this with a focus on security and privacy, so residents can enjoy an upleveled experience without worrying about compromising their privacy. We never sell customer data to third parties and property managers only have access to information that would impact their assets, like leaks or thermostat issues. Consumer behavior will always remain private so renters can enjoy the benefits of a full smart home ecosystem without worrying about their security or privacy.

What are you most excited about right now?

I’m most excited that we’re bringing the benefits of smart home technology to people who have been traditionally excluded from utilization – our clients run the gamut from luxury apartments to affordable housing, but all are rentals. And renters simply have not been able to fully experience a full smart home ecosystem until now. I’m eager for what this holds for the future, and how these multifamily properties can evolve to support how we live our lives today. Helping to bring the population of 43 million renters in the US into the next era of living — which includes full-fledged smart communities and amenities for seamless transactions in the on-demand economy (rideshare pickups, food and package delivery) — is exciting for us.

What’s next for you?

SmartRent had a big year of growth in 2019 — we announced our Series B followed shortly by an extension from the Amazon Alexa Fund, rolled out a self-guided tour solution and launched our Alloy Fusion Hub, which serves as the center of the smart home ecosystem. We also recently became the first smart home vendor to integrate with the four top property management systems. We’re excited to continue this momentum into the future, offering new and existing customers new technologies and conveniences to simplify residents’ lives, streamline property managers’ jobs and increase revenue for property owners. Top of mind for us are appliances with predictive maintenance, like leak sensors that can shut off a valve before a flood even begins and HVAC units that connect to utility monitoring services that help monitor meter levels, or sensors in connected common areas so residents can determine things like open parking spots or available gym equipment before arriving.

What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?

In conjunction with my career in real estate I have always felt strongly about supporting organizations helping all people find suitable housing; more recently as I have watched (and hopefully been an advocate) as my partner has moved from breast cancer victim to breast cancer survivor I have become passionate about finding a cause and a cure.

Thanks to Lucas for sharing his story. If you’d like to connect, find him on LinkedIn here.

We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop me a line (drew @ geekestatelabs dot com).

Source: geekestateblog.com

Apache is functioning normally

The 2016 Census left no doubt that Utah’s population is growing statewide. In fact, it’s growing more than any other state. But what’s really interesting is where all the growth is occurring. Hint: it’s not Salt Lake City or even Salt Lake county.

Utah County Population Growth Leads the State

Goodbye fields, hello homes! Pam Perlach, of the Kem C. Gardener Policy Institute at the University of Utah, recently released demographic research showing that Utah population grew more than 2% between July 2015 and July 2016, landing north of three million total inhabitants. And, Perlach’s team found that—for three years in a row—the highest rate of growth has been concentrated in Utah County. 

Tech Boom Spurs Rapid Growth

Perlach cites the booming Silicon Slopes and breakneck retail development as major factors contributing to Utah County’s rapid expansion. Earlier this month, “Forbes” touted the Silicon Slopes as the new capital of Cloud computing. Utah County company Vivint has been recognized as leading the way in smart home tech and the success of tech startups in Utah County has been compared to the heyday of Silicon Valley.

Farmlands Make Way for Housing

While all of this is good news for residential and commercial developers, it also impacts Utah County’s agricultural traditions. Utah County has long been a thriving farming and ranching community, bringing in as much as $2.4 billion per year. Right alongside tech developments, Utah County has been home to the state’s largest number of cattle and most productive barley crops.

Now those barley fields and roaming cattle are making way for new housing. Perlach shows that Eagle Mountain basically came out of nowhere and another Utah County town, Vineyard, grew by 417% in just one year. Landowners are cashing in on the boom, watching neighborhoods pop up where alfalfa and wheat once swayed.

Homie ranks 2nd for Utah County listings

In the same innovative spirit that gave birth to the Silicon Slopes, Homie has transformed the way people buy and sell real estate in the digital age—cutting out commissions and saving homeowners thousands.

Not only do we make buying and selling easier and more cost-effective, but we’ve got the inside track when it comes to Utah County real estate. In the month of May 2017, Homie ranked second in Utah County for new listings. That means we have listings that no one else does, and best of all, our listings come with built-in savings.
You don’t want to miss out on your Utah County dream house. Make sure this housing boom doesn’t pass you by, and get started with Homie today.

Source: homie.com

Apache is functioning normally

The place you lay your head to rest every night should be valued as highly as the load it carries.

Not to overstate things, but what you choose to rest sleep on determine how well-rested you are, which has mega health consequences in your everyday day.

Without a good night’s sleep, there’s less energy during the day to spend on all the activities that bring joy to your life and keep you happy and healthy.

So now that we’ve established how important your sleep is, let’s go into setting up your bed for optimal comfort and rest.

And no, I’m not saying that you should start thinking about renovating your bedroom. Technically, it’s you bed that should feel like your happy place, the place you go back to at the end of every day.

Your entire body should be comfortable throughout the night. The mattress should encourage better sleep postures and boost breathability.

When choosing your bed and shopping for a mattress, your top factors should be comfort level, size, quality, longevity, to mention the first few.

If you are wondering which mattress would be a top choice to look at, consider the natural bamboo mattress. Here are a few of the main reasons why this might be the best decision you make:

Pro-environment

Going green is great for the entire world. If there is anything we can do to help sustain and protect nature from harmful human intervention, we’re all for it.

Bamboos are natural resources that grow quickly but are also eco-friendly. In comparison to other material like cotton or timber, bamboo releases a lot more oxygen into the environment.

Variety in sizes

Like you would expect of any other type of mattress, bamboo mattresses come in different sizes. This means that you can quickly order 3 of the best king size mattress options for back pain at mattressgenius.com without any fails.

You can also get the Queen Size, twin size, or even, California king size. Thanks to these varieties, the natural bamboo mattresses make the perfect beds for side sleepers, back, and also front sleepers.

More comfortable than cotton mattresses

In comparing natural bamboo mattresses and cotton mattresses, you will notice that bamboo is softer than cotton.

This means that it is also a lot more comfortable for users than cotton mattresses. Besides, the comfort of the natural mattresses is not dependent on the seasons or weather changes.

Most people who opt for natural bamboo mattresses attest that they are incredibly comfortable, and unmatched by none in the market.

Hypoallergenic

People who struggle with allergies have the hardest time finding the right mattress to suit their needs. With the natural bamboo mattress, you do not have to go through the hassle of purchasing a non-allergen cover to help with your allergic triggers.

In fact, bamboo mattresses are known to be hypoallergenic. These mattresses are made with antibacterial and anti-microbial properties, which help prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause allergic triggers.

This type of mattress is also resistant to dust mites, one of the most commonly encountered issue with regular mattresses. Thanks to this, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep without dust mites triggering your allergies.

Temperature regulation

Most people do not appreciate the fact that bamboo is a very porous material when used in its fabric form.

But it’s precisely this feature that makes it highly breathable by allowing free flow of air in and out. Instead of sweating through the night and coping with the challenge of heat trapped between your body and the mattress, enjoy a bamboo mattress that will let your body be cool throughout the night.

Besides, the natural bamboo mattresses come with the ability to absorb moisture. This means that even if you sweat into the night, you will not experience any type of uncomfortable pooling of the sweat.

The nature of the bamboo mattress ensures that the bedding does not stick to your body even after sweating. The pores of the bamboo mattress allow the sweat to evaporate quickly so you can enjoy a peaceful night.

Adequate spinal support

It is super important to have your back and neck laid out properly during sleep, for the sake of your spinal column.

Usually, the spinal column of your body has a natural curve that should be embraced for better spinal health.

A bamboo mattress will allow the proper inclination of your spine throughout the night, so make sure you pay special attention to this aspect when choosing your mattress.

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Quality and reliability have long been the most crucial features when searching for the best home security systems to ensure the safety of your loved ones and belongings.

Nowadays, many home security companies have gone beyond excelling at the two core features, with leading security companies now also embracing home automation technology and incorporating innovative features into their systems.

Home security systems have come a long way, with countless customization options and wide-ranging functionalities now available on the market.

And if you’re finding it difficult to navigate the multitude of products (and their makers), we’re here to help.

Thanks to the Internet of Things, homeowners can remotely control their thermostats, door locks, vacuums, lights, and even feed their pets while they’re away using mobile apps.

It has also made it simple and affordable for users to monitor their homes from anywhere. Installing home security is easy, especially when you opt for do-it-yourself kits.

Depending on the security needs for your home, you can choose a self-monitoring system or pay to have it surveilled round the clock by professionals.

Here are the 5 top home security brands you can choose from while on a budget — without having to worry about the safety of your home and loved ones:

#1 Protect America Security Systems

Protect America is a renowned home security systems company based in Texas, US. The company offers quality DIY systems and services at budget-friendly rates, with all of their systems being custom built and designed for long-term security. 

Protect America offers a lifetime warranty on all equipment. They have strong customer service, support, and a 30-day free trial of the system. Protect America also provides an option for landline and broadband monitoring, making it ideal for homeowners in rural areas. 

#2 SimpliSafe Security Systems – link to store

SimpliSafe is another American security company known for their self-installed security systems. Their systems are cutting edge, and are connected to a central control panel.

SimpliSafe security systems are DIY installations ideal for people who move from time to time. They’re also cost-efficient and contract-free. With the units being easy to set up, they’re a top option for renters as well.

#3 Frontpoint Security Systems

Frontpoint deals solely with the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of home security systems.

They also have DIY installation systems which are very easy to set up and a 24/7 concierge-level customer service with knowledgeable representatives. The Frontpoint home security system is suitable for both homeowners and renters.

Frontpoint ensures their customers get value for their money. Their exceptional customer support is what gives them an edge over the competition. They make their customers feel valued.

The company also offers control panels and keypads, door and window sensors and for those looking for separate components. 

A smash and crash protection, 30-day money-back guaranty, and robust feature set are other offerings from the company. It has an all-round system for individuals, family settings and all lifestyles. 

#4 Scout Security Systems

Scout was founded through a crowdfunding campaign that aimed at creating simple, affordable, and smart home security systems.

The company has expert designers, engineers and business savvy people working together to create beautiful security systems that are easy to use. Scout understands that every customer is different, so they design home security systems that are unique to every home.

Scout has some of the most affordable home security systems that allow homeowners to customize their devices.

Customers can choose their preferred system colors, components, the level of support they want, and the actions they want to be initiated by the devices in times of emergency.

Known as ‘the hub’, the Scout system uses 4G cellular battery backup that provides protection even after a power outage.

The company also offers access sensors, door panels, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, motion sensors, door lock pads, glass break sensors and water sensors. Their home security systems are very easy to automate.

#5 Brinks Security Systems

Brinks offers high end, reliant, effective, and stable home security systems. Brinks has a track record with many customers across the world.

The company provides live monitoring and mobile and web application from which homeowners can view their homes after logging in. They also offer cloud storage services for surveillance footages for those who want to pay extra.

The security system from Brinks has loads of features, is affordable, and comes with two monitoring options. Their system is DIY and gives homeowners a 30-day risk-free offer and a two-year warranty. They also offer a smart home hub that can connect to home automation devices, a hacker protection feature and LTE cellular signals.

The system uses discreet door sensors with a 200-foot communication range. It has a hands free alarm and can detect the homeowner’s approved access through the phone and unlock the door immediately. 

With security being top-of-mind for any homeowner, choosing the correct home security system is a crucial decision in keeping your home (and family) safe.

And as we’ve just learned, there are many options outside of the heavily marketed costly systems, like these 5 best security systems. And while no one can put a price on feeling safe in your own home, it’s good to know you’ve made the best decision for the well-being of your family and loved ones.

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Posted on: September 11, 2018

When it comes down to it, homeowners looking to sell only want two things: to sell them home quickly and for a lot of money.

There are tons of tricks to helping sell your home quickly, and for a high value. Today’s seller’s market helps, with rising home prices and a huge demand for homes.

Other tricks help as well, like repainting your house or making small renovations.

But what if you’ve already made all the fixes? What else can you do to increase the value of your home?

The answer could be making your home ‘smart.’ Smart homes are starting to become more viable as technology advances and more devices start to connect. While some tech may seem like a gimmick or a fad, other improvements could end up being the final selling point on your home, helping you close the deal.

Here are some of the top tech improvements you can make for your home, as well as tips when looking at making your home smart:

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Front door

There’s plenty of evidence to support that painting your front door a bright color helps sell your home. That’s because your front door is one of the first things prospective home buyers will see. Why not impress them with some tech?

Smart doorbells add security to your home. These doorbells have built in cameras, and when someone rings your doorbell, you’ll be able to see who is outside your door. Many of these connect with your phone, too, so you can get a notification when someone’s at the door even if you aren’t nearby.

Another front door feature to look into is a smart lock. These locks can be unlocked remotely by phones, and multiple phones can be connected to the lock. For houses with kids, this can be safer than giving everyone a key. Combined with the smart doorbell, you can find out who is at your door and unlock the door from them from the other side of your house.

These upgrades aren’t just convenient, but they help keep homes safe, too. Safety is a top priority for most home buyers, so this will impress them.

Security system

Most homes already have a security system, but many of them could use an upgrade.

Because homeowners want a safe house, a smart security system is a good selling point. These systems vary in range and cost, but most give you access to professional monitoring and remote control.

You can also choose to combine your security system with outdoor cameras and motion sensors for extra defense. Smart alarm systems will also let you turn the system on and off whenever you want.

Around the house

Some smart tech increases the value of your home while saving you and the future homeowner money.

Light dimmers aren’t new, but they are huge money savers for electricity. Also, dimmable lights are convenient for entertainment and comfort purposes. Smart light dimmers can be controlled from your phone or tablet.

Smart thermostats can be an even bigger money save. These keep track of when you are and aren’t home, making sure to heat and cool the house at the right times. This saves you money without you even noticing a difference in temperature.

The comfort and cost effectiveness of these products are easy sells, especially for any potential home buyers who are already used to these amenities.

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When in doubt, keep it simple

Tech is fun and cool, and it can make your home easier to sell at a higher price. But just like everything else, tech can be too much of a good thing.

Small changes like smart doorbells or smart thermostats can cost around $200, making them a cost-effective addition. Upgrading your entire home to a smart home can cost much more, though, sometimes well above $10,000. This is going to be much harder to recoup.

It’s also worth keeping some parts of your home tech-free. Not everybody is in love with including tech in every aspect of life, so some home buyers could be turned off because you made too many upgrades.

What to do after you move

Once you’ve sold your home, you need to be sure to reset every device in the home. Not only are you a potential risk to the new homeowner’s security, but leftover data could be getting stored on the devices.

To keep yourself safe, factory reset every device in the home as you move out.

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Source: militaryvaloan.com

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Interior design goes beyond simply accessorizing a house with decorations. Anyone can decorate a home or property, but learning how to design an interior properly is a different skill set altogether.

Interior design enhances the beauty, functionality, and style of a property with the intent of making it instantly more appealing to guests and visitors.

For a real estate investor, interior design functions as a hook; a well-designed property entices visitors and makes it easier to picture themselves living in the property. It pulls potential buyers in, and makes them go, “Aha! I could live here!”

In this short article, we’ll look at four uses of interior design for the real estate investor. These are all ideas that you’ll be able to apply to your own investments. We’ll conclude with a short list of practical tips and tricks.

Add value

A simple real estate rule applies across the board: a well-designed interior adds value to your property.

Some of this may come in the form of actual furnishings with a tangible value that has been added to the residence; it may also come in an intangible form — your ability to sell the property for more because of the well-designed interior.

Apply beauty strategically

A beautiful interior can increase your home’s value, but it has to be a well-applied beauty. Interior design isn’t a matter of filling your property with all the pretty things you can find.

Apply the beauty strategically to gain the most benefit and have the most significant impact on potential buyers. 

Think strategically. One interior designer recommends always repainting the front door of the property. A fresh, clean-looking door makes a great statement even before your clients have entered.

That is the key to understanding interior design; be selective in the beautiful elements you incorporate to receive the maximum benefit.

Enhance appeal

If you’ve added value by incorporating strategically beautiful elements into your home, you’ll succeed in increasing the immediate appeal of the property to any potential buyers.

From the pictures in advertisements to their first impressions on entering the property, potential clients will see a beautiful and well-thought-out interior.

Good design speaks not only to a well-kept property but to the quality of presentation that your clients will appreciate as well.

The above ideas are general, big-picture concepts to keep in mind with your interior design. Below are several specific tips and tricks that will help with interior designing.

Interior design tips and tricks

  • Balance “splurges” and “saves”

A “splurge” is a big-budget item such as a designer table in the dining room or a statement chandelier in the main hall. A well-chosen splurge draws the eye and ties the room together, serving as a natural focal point. 

On the other hand, “saves” are the little design elements used to flesh out a room, from throw pillows to wall hangings, they can go a long way in interior decorating. You can go cheap on the saves and set aside more money for the splurges to maximize the “wow” factor without breaking your design budget.

  • Minimize clutter

Don’t decorate like someone who hoards everything. Often, more is not better when it comes to interior design, particularly for display properties; keep things simple and steer clear of countless small items which will just confuse the overall look of the room.

  • Feature upgrades

Two points here: first, when redesigning an old home, be sure to upgrade key fixtures and rooms, particularly the kitchen and bathroom. And second, capitalize on those upgrades by featuring those rooms more prominently. In the case of the kitchen especially, it may even be possible to draw attention to that room from other locations in the property, doubling-down on the benefits of your upgrades.

  • Avoid fads

Don’t decorate only according to the latest style; if you do, your interior design will soon look outdated. Go for time-tested, classic looks and design elements from mid-century modern influences, classic rustic farmhouse style, etc.

While not an exhaustive list, hopefully you find that the tips and principles listed above will help you increase the price and beauty of your property.

Keep reading

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Source: fancypantshomes.com

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Home security is an issue that everyone needs to take seriously. Unfortunately, many people may be inadvertently overlooking some aspects that may not seem like much, but that can end up putting the security of their homes and families at risk.

Here are ten common home security mistakes that can be easily corrected.

Hiding spare keys outside

It is convenient to have a spare key hidden outside just in case you get locked out of your home. It’s also easy for intruders to find them.

If you must hide a spare key outside of your home, you should never put it in an obvious place. Don’t hide it under the mat or above a light fixture, or any other element that might stand out.

Having large foliage right next to your home

By having large foliage right next to your home, you could be creating a place for intruders to disguise themselves.

They can easily hide inside of a bush or behind a tree. If you must have foliage right next to your home, you should choose items that are small in size and aren’t very dense.

Not having proper lights

It’s all too easy for intruders to hide in the dark. You can easily solve this by having an adequate amount of lighting outside of your home.

Don’t forget to put your lighting system on a timer as well. This will allow your lights to automatically come on even when you are not at home.

Installing privacy fences

Many of us like our privacy. However, a privacy fence can put you in danger. These types of fences can make it all too easy for thieves to hide, and it can be difficult for a neighbor to spot an unauthorized person on your property. If you have a privacy fence, intruders can break into your home without anyone even seeing it.

Keeping valuables in plain sight

You could be inadvertently encouraging a thief to break into your home by having your valuables in plain sight.

Be mindful about leaving your blinds and curtains open. If you do plan on having them open to let in some natural light, you need to make sure things like jewelry and money aren’t in plain sight.

Not using your alarm system

A good home alarm or wireless security system is great for keeping intruders out of your home. However, you may not be using it like you should be.

Many homeowners forget to set their alarm. It really can’t do its job if it isn’t armed. Even if you have a sign in your yard that lets others know that you have an alarm, it won’t do much good if you never use the actual alarm system itself.

Posting too much personal information on social media

We all want to let our friends know when we go on vacation or have a fun evening out.

However, you could also be letting others know that your house will be empty for an extended period of time.

So it’s always better to post those vacation photos once your trip is over, whenever possible.

Letting your mail pile up

Many people don’t realize that their mail is one of the most common ways for intruders to find out when a home is empty. They will look in your mailbox to see if your mail has piled up for several days, and know to time their actions accordingly.

If you will be going out of town, have your mail service temporarily suspended. You can also ask a trusted neighbor to collect it for you while you are gone. 

Putting the packaging of expensive items by the trash can

If you put packaging from an expensive item like a laptop or tablet by your trash cans, you will be letting thieves know that you just purchased these items.

Instead of doing this, you should cut up the packaging so that it fits into your trash can or recycling bin. This will allow you to still throw away the packaging in a way where you won’t be announcing to everyone that you just bought an expensive item.

Not locking your doors in the daytime

Burglaries don’t just happen at night. It’s actually very common for them to occur during the day as well.

In fact, many burglars target homes only during the day. This is because they assume that occupants are at school or work.

Don’t leave your doors unlocked when you aren’t at home. Even just a quick trip to the store can put your home at risk. You need to lock your doors no matter what time of day it is.

Don’t forget to check your windows as well. You’d be surprised at how easily an intruder can find their way into a home, even if it’s through a second-story window that you failed to lock.

In conclusion, many homes aren’t as secure as they can be. Many individuals are putting themselves at risk by making the security mistakes mentioned above. Fortunately, all of these mistakes can be avoided. By being mindful about security at all times, you can easily keep your home secure and keep intruders out. 

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Source: fancypantshomes.com