You may have heard the terms “smart home,” “home automation,” and/or “smart technology” and been a little confused. However, this is an industry that is growing exponentially. Every month, more products are coming on the market that can help to simplify and automate your home life (and existing products are becoming more affordable). Sound interesting? Here’s a primer for those looking to make their home a little smarter. 

 

As the proud owner of a beautiful home, you’re always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to evolve your living space and make a lasting impression on visitors. Thanks to technological advancements in home automation, you can simplify your life while beautifying your home with cost-efficient and aesthetically appealing upgrades both inside and outside. Today, luxury living means smart living that adds lasting value to your home.

Guest article

 

As a real estate investor when I walk into a property I have to evaluate what are the things that I can add to this house that would increase the value of the home. When you have done as many houses as I have a pattern emerges. I want to share these tips with you so that you too can benefit from making these improvements on your house.  Whether you are doing these improvements for a house you plan to live in or are about to sell, use these tips to make sure your return on your investment is maximized.

Continue reading “The Top 3 Cheapest Ways You Can Increase the Value of Your House Before You Put it Up for Sale.”

When it comes to decorating the bedroom, your first thought should be that it is your safe haven, as well as a stress-free and relaxing environment. The bedroom should be your own place to escape, even if it is only for a couple of hours. Below is a guide put together on six different aspects to think about when transforming your bedroom into your own sanctuary.

 

The Bed

We spend way more time than we think in our bedrooms. It is an important room, as it is where we both start and end our day. Because our bedrooms are mostly for sleep, our beds become a focal point in the designing process. It all starts with the size of the bed and learning which bed you prefer and what will work with your room layout. For example, Queen-size beds are just the right amount of space for two people and do not require a bigger room. They measure 80 inches long and 60 inches wide, making them the right size to avoid overwhelming the room. Queen-size beds also work well with four-poster bed frames and classic furniture. Bring life and a personal touch to your bedroom by using contrasting colors and textures for your pillows and throws. The materials you use for your bed impact how happy you feel during the day and how well you sleep at night.

 

 

The Walls

The shade, color, and decoration of the walls are just as important as the bed. The color of the walls should be soothing and create a calming effect. Sticking to the green, blue, purple, silver, gray, and neutral color wheel will not only slow your breathing, but help lower your blood pressure. Decorating your walls should not be overdone. Designate a spot to frame significant memorabilia and photographs that mean the most to you. Having these meaningful aspects in your bedroom will create a vibrant, positive, and relaxing atmosphere.

 

 

The Window Treatments

Window treatments are an important part in making your bedroom feel and look complete. They bring texture and warmth to bare walls, add dimension, and enlarge your room. Window treatments can also provide you with more time to sleep by blocking the harsh light early in the morning. Some of the favorite window treatment styles are contemporary plantation shutters and floor-to-ceiling, which can highlight an amazing view or be used to add an eye-catching pattern. Decorate with window treatments to really add that extra touch to your bedroom.

 

 

The Accessories

The accessories are always the fun part, but there is a method to this madness. Once a week, put fresh flowers in your room. Decorating with leafy plants or fresh flowers will clean the air and create a fresh and pleasant fragrance. In addition, studies show that simply being next to a vase of flowers is enough to leave you feeling less stressed, happier, and may even provide you with a burst of inspiration.

 

 

The Seating Area

The seating area is an important part of the bedroom that gives you a designated place to sit, relax, converse and recharge. Allow yourself some room for a seating area by making sure there is at least an 8 by 8 foot area in addition to your bed measurements, chests, and dressers. Every bedroom is different in their own way, so there are a variety of styles that you could incorporate in the seating area. You could place a love seat, bench, or a pair of comfy chairs or ottomans. Whatever you may choose, make it fit your own personal style. A seating area can make the space feel a little more intimate for you to unwind and end the day on a positive note.

 

The Lighting

Using warm yellow bulbs, instead of bright LED or fluorescent bulbs will make such a difference in your bedroom. The LED fluorescent bulbs are harsh, while the warm yellow bulbs create a relaxing, soothing, stress-free environment. Always consider what tasks will be taking place in your bedroom. For task and accent lighting, you can incorporate lamps for a working desk area. If you are a bedtime reader, you can use a nightstand lamp or install a hanging overhead light to free up more room on the nightstand. Installing dimmer switches and remote controls on all light fixtures could be a life changing experience. This will allow you to take control of your bedroom lights and the intensity of the dimming, while also helping reinforce your body clock to adapt to the various times of day.

The bedding, walls, window treatments, accessories, and lighting all play a very important role in designing a bedroom. If you incorporate all of these into your own bedroom, you will see and feel a difference. Now, go and use this guide to escape your daily stress in your very own bedroom.

 

Article Created By: Megan Kranz | MTK Design Group | 469-608-1334 | Check out our Website

Interior Design & Decorating Services | Concept to Completion | No Design Fees | We Come to You!

Featured in: 817 HOME | Voyage Dallas | Fort Worth HOME | Living Magazine

       

 

Guest Article by Martino Realty

 

The real estate market in the United States is constantly changing and evolving. This year alone the median home price is $264,800 for all home types across the nation. That is a 4.9% increase from 2017. The total housing inventory across the country has risen 2.8% according to data taken from late May of 2018. However, this is a 6.1% decrease in inventory from last year. In fact, the home inventory across the United States has been decreasing consistently for over 36 consecutive months.

As Lawrence Yun notes in “Existing-Home Sales Backpedal, Decrease 0.4 Percent in May,” a recent article on the National Association of Realtors website, “Inventory coming onto the market during this year’s spring buying season – as evidenced again by last month’s weak reading – was not even close to being enough to satisfy demand. That is why home prices keep outpacing incomes and listings are going under contract in less than a month – and much faster – in many parts of the country.”  

So what can homeowners do to successfully sell their home in this ever-changing market?

1- Incorporate smart home features in your home

Make sure your home is compatible with new innovative technology. For example, usb outlets, new updated appliances, and smartphone compatible.

Jeff Miller, co-founder of AE Home Group in Baltimore said:

“Most homebuyers have already invested in personal products built on one platform or another—Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple Home Pod—and it is important that your system support all of these options in order to stay attractive to the largest potential buyer pool possible”.

 

2- Staging your home

If you want to sell your home, you have to make it more appealing to viewers. Staging your home can allow you to increase your asking price and also increases the probability of a faster closing.

You can stage your home by mowing the lawn, cleaning the windows, making sure everything is freshly painted in your home such as fences, doors, and walls. If you have a pool be sure to put chemicals in your pool leaving the water as clean as possible. To brighten up your space try replacing any yellow light bulbs with cool white bulbs.

3- Pre-Inspection

Today’s homebuyers are looking for homes that are move-in ready, with a seamless transition. Having your home pre-inspected can let buyers know that the house is in good condition, it can also let you know what repairs need to be made and what needs to be done with your property before it’s listed on the market.

If you or someone you know is interested in selling their home Martino Realty has a team of local and dedicated realtors who are knowledgeable of the greater New York City market. Be sure to take advantage of their free market analysis today!

Visit : https://martino-realty.com/

Call : (718)-608-9400

 

Making the decision to buy a new home can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a senior and have special considerations, such as finding a home that fits all your needs. For disabled individuals, it can be especially daunting and it’s important to do some research before making any decisions.

Some considerations you’ll need to make include pricing, location, the layout of the home (especially if you have health issues that require no stairs or lawn to take care of), financing, and how to find help with the move. If you’re downsizing, you’ll also need to start thinking about going through your home to give away, or sell some items to make the move into a smaller home easy.

For more tips on how to get started in the homebuying process, read on.

Continue reading “The Best Tips For Seniors Who Are Looking To Buy A Home”

 

Whether you are buying or selling a home it is a process that involves the entire family, including your four-legged companions, and each situation comes with its own set of unique rules and potential obstacles. For quick tips on how to successfully maneuver each real estate transaction, read on.

Buyer Considerations

The entire family deserves a say-so as far as your next home goes, but it is a good idea to check with the homeowner or realtor first before showing up with your pooch. The last thing you need is for Fido to get nervous and have an accident on the floor, or become antsy/aggressive due to the strange environment. In addition, the homeowner may have pets of their own, and as you already know, your dog can smell fellow canines from a mile away. Have a family member, friend, or neighbor watch your pooch while you tour potential homes. Suggest that they visit the local off-leash dog park like Turkey Hill or the White Plains Dog Park.

Once you’ve purchased a home, it’s time for the biggest step yet – moving. Hire professional movers to help reduce some of the stress and ensure all of your belongings arrive at their final destination in one piece. With movers present, it might be a good time to ask your prior dog watcher for one last favor to keep your pooch away from the chaos. Should you decide to keep your dog in the home while you move, make sure the movers know where he or she is located so that neither of them gets surprised.
Continue reading “Dog Etiquette in Real Estate: Advice for Buyers and Sellers”