Smart homes are the next big thing. You may not realize it yet, but somewhere your day will be easier because of it. Smart home technology is not only impacting the homes its installed into. Its reach stretches to other industries like business, science and even health care.

Disruptive Growth

The rapid rate of growth in the smart home industry has an effect on all kinds of industries. The easiest way to track this is to follow the money. In 2018 alone, the US has spent $19.8 billion on smart home technology. This may seem like a low amount compared to the total size of the American Gross Domestic Product. But, keep in mind that smart homes are all about connecting different types of technology. It uses the Internet of Things (IoT) to do this. It’s estimated that by 2020 IoT will generate revenue exceeding $300 billion. The influential power of that $19 million (spent in 2018) suddenly looks very promising

Home Automation

Smart homes have you in mind. Its very existence is to make your life easier and cheaper. Different products will have differing applications. You can be sure that any room in your house can be automated in some way through this technology.

Smart Kitchens

Smart ovens, smart refrigerators, smart microwaves and the list goes on. You are now able to monitor and control certain functions in your kitchen from your smartphone. You aren’t alone in the kitchen anymore. Smart kitchens have your back!

Smart Climate Control

You can program your thermostat and air conditioning from an app. Schedule and control these devices through a wireless connection via the internet. Be your own weatherman and decide the climate of your house. Or save unnecessary costs by stopping these units from consuming gas and electricity beyond your budget.

Smart Security

Be the king of your castle as you track monitor and control vulnerable aspects of your home. Use home security systems like smart CCTV, smart locks, smart sensors and alarms to enjoy absolute control over what is yours. Sixty two percent of Americans claim smart security as the top benefit of owning smart homes. Three out of every five Americans who own smart homes will use a smartphone to monitor their houses. Total control is now possible on the go.

Taking the nation at large!

The world is becoming a smaller place, and smarter too. Smart homes have bridged many gaps to make life easier for its owners. America is leading the global charge with 7.5 percent of homes already adopting the technology. In 2022 that number is expected to hit 19.5 percent. Life as you know it is changing every day due to smart homes. Click here to see an infographic detailing the history and changes caused by smart homes.

Whether you’re early in your career or a long-time renter, there are many reasons why you may want to consider renting or buying a home. Here are some questions to ask yourself when debating whether to rent or buy your next home.

Are you financially able to buy?

Perhaps the most important question to consider is if you are currently financially able to buy a home. Calculate your current monthly expenses, debt and bill payments, and priorities (such as vacationing and retirement funds). Then, consider how much you currently pay on housing every month and see if you are able to pay a mortgage instead, without losing money in the process. If you are currently financially stable and you are able to stay that way if you buy a home, then buying may be a practical decision for you. But if buying a home would negatively impact your finances, it could be something to reconsider.

Are you looking to live there long term?

Another question to ask yourself is whether you are looking for a long-term home. Do you see yourself living in the same home for five years or more? Is long-term housing what you are looking for, or is there another reason why buying a home is appealing to you? Analyzing your reasons behind wanting to rent or buy may help you decide whether a long-term housing option is the best for you.

How is the housing market today?

Your experience buying a home can vary depending on the current state of the housing market. If you purchase a home at the wrong time, you may end up losing money when you decide to sell the home later on. Do some research to figure out the state of the housing market and consult a realtor who can help you decide when the optimal buying time would be for you.

Is a mortgage cheaper than renting?

Just as you need to consider your financial capabilities when looking to buy or rent, you also need to figure out whether a mortgage is less expensive than renting. You could be considering the purchase of a home with a mortgage far less than what you are currently paying in rent. If that is the case, buying may be the best option for you, both now and in the long run. However, if you find out that your rent would be far less expensive than your mortgage payments, buying may not be the best financial decision.

Are you looking for ease or stability?

Are you someone who likes to move easily, or do you like the stability of owning a home? Buying and renting each present their benefits and it is important to compare them with what your current priorities are. If you like the idea of being able to move quickly and not feeling obligated to stay in one place, for an extended period of time, renting may be the best lifestyle choice for you. If you are someone who likes the stability of owning a home and the permanence of living in one place for many years, buying could be up your alley. Consider what you value in a living situation and compare that to the costs and benefits of renting and buying.

No matter what stage you are in the moving process, consider these questions before you decide whether renting or buying is right for you.

Winter weather can create extra challenges for homeowners, between shoring up vulnerable areas against wind and rain, and winterizing structures against freezing cold.  But wintertime can pose serious risks for your pets, too, so follow these tips to help keep your home a safe and comfortable place for your pet in winter weather.

1. Keep them inside your home. Domestic pets don’t have inherent traits that protect them from extreme conditions any more than you do so if it’s too nasty for you to be outside, it’s too nasty for your pet. Keep domestic pets inside and make sure outdoor livestock has adequate shelter, dry bedding, and blankets, if necessary, to protect them from cold, wind, rain, ice and snow.

2. Hydration is key. Dehydration isn’t just a problem in hot weather. If your pet relies on an outside water source, make sure you have a way to keep it from freezing. Pets cannot get sufficient water from eating snow.

3. Gear up for outdoor activity. Whether strolling your neighborhood or taking in local outdoor amenities and attractions, if your pet enjoys time with you outdoors, make sure they’re equipped for the conditions.  To keep them warm and dry, a rain slicker, coat, or sweater serve as more than just cute accessories, and weatherproof booties keep paws dry and provide extra traction on frozen ground. Make sure you don’t stay out longer than is safe for your pet, and monitor activity and behavior to make sure they don’t become hypothermic.

4. Check underneath.  Ice loves to cling to hair and fur. Keep your pet’s paw hair neatly trimmed, and if your pet has been outside, clean off and dry wet bellies and inspect paws and tail for ice balls.

5. Beware of toxic chemicals around your neighborhood.  Where there’s ice, there’s antifreeze.  This is highly poisonous to pets and the neon green puddles can be tempting for pets to try to drink from when all other water is frozen.  Likewise, de-icers such as salt and other chemicals can be harmful to pets who walk on ground that has been “de-iced” and later lick their paws, ingesting the toxins.  If your pet has been exposed to de-icers, make sure to rinse paws in warm water and thoroughly dry.

 6. Chase pets from dangerous “hiding places” around your home.  Cats and other small animals frequently look for warm places to burrow, such as next to the warm engine of a parked car. Before you start your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn a few times to scare away stowaways – you will be saving their life.

 7. Pets’ joints hurt in cold temps, too. Like some of us, older pets can experience arthritis flare ups and increased discomfort during cold weather. A trip to the vet for a check of your senior pet prior to the onset of winter can ensure your pet’s health and medications are on track. Remember to handle sore older pets extra careful, and diligently keep up medications during cold snaps.

8. Be prepared for emergencies.  Have you just relocated to a new area? One of the most important parts of settling into your new home is preparing for emergencies, and this includes prepping for your pet’s care. In the event you need to evacuate your home, make sure you have pet necessities packed and ready:  food, water, litter, medication, towels, blankets, and a favorite toy or other comforting item for your pet.  A recent photo of your pet is also a good idea in case you get separated. Many times, pets are not allowed with their owners at evacuation shelters so have a plan for this ahead of time too.  Research local pet friendly hotels, or make arrangements to stay with a friend or family member who lives in a safe area.

9. ID is a must. Above all, keep a collar and tag on your pet with your current phone number.  If your pet gets lost, the first place the finder will look is on your pet’s collar. Additionally, your pet should be micro-chipped and registered with your current info. Check your microchip registry and update your information anytime you move or get a new phone number.