Do You Have or Want A Smart Home?

Do you have or want a smart home? Maybe you're confused about what a smart home is. Basically, it's a home that has some automation. You have products in your home that have an internet connection so you can control the devices with your phone, tablet or computer. Sounds complicated doesn't it? The devices are not complicated to operate but do seem a bit magical.

Several common smart devices that you might have heard or know about are things like the Nest Thermostat for your furnace. You set this thermostat to control the heat in your home, schedule when it should come on or go off, when you want the heat to come on if you're away from home and even if you want it to gradually turn up the heat so your home is warm when you get up. If you have set the thermostat to be off during the day when you're at work or school, you can log if from your phone if  you will arrive at another time of day and have the heat come on or off for that days schedule. Very handy, fuel efficient and cost saving.

Another smart device you might have in your home are smart plugs. These plugs work in a similar fashion to the thermostat. You plug them into an outlet, plug your lamp, radio or item you want to control into the smart plug and then use the corresponding app to control the time of day you want the lamp to come on, go off etc.

Did you know that you can also buy smart light bulbs? Same principle here, put the bulb in your lamp, control from the app on your phone. Some of the smart lights also can produce different colors on the light spectrum, so white during the day, maybe blue at night or any other color you choose.

When the Amazon domes opened this week, did you see how they controlled the roof opening in the roof with Alexa? So yes, there are also devices like the Amazon Echo or Google Home. These devices can turn on lights, play music or answer questions or other actions of your choosing.

There are also smart door bells, security cameras and more.

So yes, the smart home is the wave of the future but it's also here today. Of course there will continue to be smart devices added and still more that are available already so imagine what else you would like to see and maybe it's already in the stores for you to buy.

How Can I Get Great Photos Of My Home?

Whether you're putting your house for rent on Airbnb, putting photos on Instagram or just getting ready for listing pictures there are several things that you can do to get the best possible photos.

Clutter is distracting so make this step number one. Remove most of the items that normally reside on those flat surfaces. Instead of several little things choose one bold statement piece. This includes removing items like the plants in the windowsills, the magnets on the refrigerator, small appliances and mail.

Open the blinds, wash the windows and open the curtains. Natural light creates depth and shadows in a room and it makes a room feel warmer and more welcoming.

Remember to check the bed. You can use a steamer to remove the wrinkles and make it look fresh and welcoming. This will create a luxury feel in the furnishings. If you match the stack of pillows to the edge of the bed, it will make the bed appear wider. The pillowcases should open outward. Add a throw pillow to the stack of the pillows and center this pillow to make it look like like a showroom.

Accents of color in any room are always welcome. Flowers, throw pillows or a vase of greens will work for the spot of color. A stager I know uses a throw that she has picked up in the middle to create a cascading effect and then lies it diagonally across a bench or couch. This creates some unexpected visual interest.

Lower your artwork. In a photo this will make the ceiling look higher and give the room a more spacious feel. You may also need to use artwork that is more horizontal rather than vertical.

If you're selling your home, you might want to consider the value of a pet. They do create a bit of fun but may also turn away potential buyers who have allergies or just don't like pets. If you do have pets, make certain that you hide the chew toys and feeding bowls, pet beds and cages.

You can boost curb appeal by raking leaves, moving trash and recycle containers and pruning trees. Clear vehicles from the front of your home and take the cover off the barbecue.

When you've completed these steps, invite a few folks in to see the changes. They can help to identified things that you're used to seeing.

Now take some photos and see how good your space can look.

Smart Homes

Smart Homes are all the rage these days and not without good reason. It can be nice to be away from your home and look at an app on your phone to check in on the security cameras. It might feel a bit creepy inside your home if you're there and you know that someone is watching you but  what a great way to monitor the exterior if you're on vacation or even just away for an long day.

There are also thermostats like the Nest. This thermostat will learn your habits and you can even turn on the heat remotely when you're on the way home.

Samsung has a "Smarthings"  product list that features many products with smart sensors. Water leak sensors, small appliances and lights can all be controlled with your smart phone.

Let's not forget the Amazon Echo and Google Home.  These devices can do many amazing things such as playing games, ordering items from the internet and controlling items in your home.

I'm not sure that I need a device in my refrigerator to tell me what I need to buy at the store but I know there will be many new uses of  this technology.  It's hard to remember life before smart phones and that was only 10 years ago. What changes will the next 10 years bring?