Family – Page 8 – Lora Knows Home

From renovating the kitchen to installing a new roof, a range of upgrades is available to enhance your home’s allure for potential buyers. However, if you’re aiming to introduce a technological advancement, consider the allure of smart home improvements. These upgrades not only enhance the livability of your space but also augment its desirability, given that 81 % of prospective homebuyers express a preference for homes equipped with smart products.

Smart Thermostat:

A smart thermostat is a valuable addition that manages your home’s temperature while curbing heating and cooling expenses. Effortless control via your smartphone or schedule-based activation upon your return from work are key features. Acquiring a new smart thermostat ranges from $100 to $300 or more, and the setup process is generally user-friendly, making it an ideal DIY project.

Automated Window Blinds:

Enhance privacy and diminish energy loss with the addition of automated window blinds controllable through a remote, app, or voice commands. These blinds can be programmed to open or close based on time of day or occupancy. During seasons of extreme temperatures, they effectively insulate your home against the outdoor climate. Costs for smart blinds vary based on window count, size, and the choice between battery-operated, plug-in, or hard-wired models. Most models start around $100.

Intelligent Smoke Detector:

While a standard smoke detector is essential for safety, an intelligent version elevates security further by sounding an alarm at home and sending alerts to your phone when detecting potential hazards, and providing reassurance when you aren’t at home. Some models even send a notification to your phone when the battery level is low. Certain insurance companies might offer homeowners insurance discounts for installing upgraded smoke detectors. Costs start around $50.

Video Doorbell:

Elevate the security of your residence by integrating a video doorbell. Placed at your front entrance, this device sends notifications to your smartphone regarding deliveries or individuals at your door, along with saved video footage. Depending on which doorbell you choosen, you can even speak with visitors when you aren’t even in the house. Installation methods include hard-wiring or battery-powered options. Costs start around $75.

Smart Lock:

Strengthen home security by installing a smart lock on your exterior doors. No longer worry about misplaced keys with a smart lock. These devices grant access through a smartphone app, fingerprint scanning, or numerical codes. Also, you can remotely allow entry for guests or offer temporary access codes, useful for babysitters or visitors. Smart lock costs vary based on the model, typically starting around $100.

The real estate market is moving so quickly. I’ve spent the week going from one house to another, meeting this buyer here, that buyer there, then rushing to write offers to meet the deadlines. Inventory is so low that homes are getting multiple offers and being placed under contract in hours, if we are lucky it can take a couple days.

Since it has been a bit since I have taken an entire day off I have declared today as “Dean Day”. We need a day together to do fun things, and without me doing work. Early this morning went for a great walk and enjoyed talking and wandering along Lake Hickory. Then we had brunch at home, and he is now taking a little nap. I thought I’d write a blog post about the underlying struggle I’m having. This being “Dean Day” I thought I’d be a big shot and said I would turn off my ringer, not check my email, and not even send a text message. What was I thinking? I feel like I want to check my work email, but I won’t… maybe. I feel like I want to check my text messages, but I won’t… maybe just a peek. No. It is so difficult to leave my phone alone. Am I addicted? Do I suffer from FOMO?

I am going to be tough and not touch my phone. I will not check my texts or emails, and I’m going to keep my ringer turned off. Let’s see how this goes today, well at least for the next few hours. Yes, that could be the answer! I won’t go electronic cold turkey, I’ll ease into it. You know, taper off a bit. So, after dinner and dishes I’ll peek? Good grief.

Have any of you figured out how to put your phone away and not think about it for an entire day? If so, please share.