Making Sense of Home Automation in the Real Estate Market

phone with icons showing home automation

Every year there seems to be a new phone, gadget or product that is a must-have on everyone’s shopping list. But when it comes to shopping for a home, how does the newest home technology influence the buying and selling process? Do homeowners need to add smart home features to sell their homes? Should buyers be on the lookout for automation in their new home? If, like most people, you have questions about home automation and the real estate market, we have a few answers that may help you out.

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So…You Want to Buy a Cottage!?

A cottage by the water with a gray dock.
Whether in the mountains or by the water, there are fabulous cottage options available for those looking for a seasonal home!

Seasonal homes are known by many different names, and the names often vary depending upon location. You may hear them called camps, cottages, beach houses, cabins, or chalets. Many are located near the water, but sometimes they are secluded in the woods or in the mountains. No matter what we name them, these properties call to us and remind us of the carefree holidays of our youth. Seasonal homes are the root of fond memories that include days on a beach and in the water, and evenings by a campfire, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and eating s’mores.

Nonetheless, buying a vacation home is not for the faint of heart. It is important to do your research before deciding to make an investment. Read on for some considerations when searching for the perfect cottage.

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How to Make Home a Safer Place When Living with Kids

A family with two young children happy and safe in the home.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that about 9.2 million children have to visit the emergency department for an unintentional injury each year. Unfortunately, the CDC also states that injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the US and Canada, too.

Children are curious, easily distracted, and more prone to injury than adults are. So, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep them safe, even in the home.

Thankfully, most of the accidents mentioned in the CDC’s research are preventable with the right approaches to safety. Here’s what you need to know to minimize risks and make your home a safe and hazard-free space for kids.

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Buying a Condo vs. Buying a House: Key Differences

a condo building next to a single family home, representing buying a condo vs. buying a house

Buying your first home is an exciting time. You’ve decided to step out of the comfort of renting or staying somewhere rent-free and step into a place you can truly call your own. But if you’re not interested in a large space, is owning a condo the same thing as owning a house?

Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but it ultimately comes down to what you value in a home. You must choose which option fits you correctly, or you might find yourself thinking the grass is greener on your neighbor’s lawn.

We’ll walk you through the process and differences of buying a condo vs. buying a house.

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Lisa Glombowski Named Eastern Thumb’s Realtor of the Year

Lisa Glombowski, Realtor of the Year
Lisa Glombowski of Realty Executives Home Towne

Realty Executives Home Towne of Port Huron, Michigan, is pleased to announce that Lisa Glombowski has been honored as the Eastern Thumb Association of Realtors® 2021 Realtor of the Year.  This award recognizes the behaviors and attributes that make a real estate professional shine: service to the community and the association, ethical behavior, commitment to bettering the profession, and participation in civic and charitable opportunities. Nominees for the award were submitted by peers in the association. The final selection was made by an anonymous vote by the Board of Directors.

Looking back, Glombowski says she carried an unexplainable attraction to real estate for years before deciding to make a career switch. Despite having multiple people try to dissuade her, she obtained her license in 2013. “I was working at an orthodontist office, my kids were off to college, and I felt that I finally had the time to commit to starting my own business,” she said. “What was the worst that could happen? No matter what, I was going to gain knowledge.”

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Granny Chic Design

a granny chic designed living room
Granny chic combines the new and old by throwing out the rules when it comes to blending colors and patterns.

If you’ve scrolled through Pinterest lately, chances are you’ve seen pins for granny chic design. Sometimes referred to as grandmillennial style, granny chic design combines traditional American interiors with modern touches. Think of it as grandma’s house on steroids where excess is everything. Here’s how to bring together new and old for a grandmillennial win.

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How to Find Your Perfect Vacation Home

a vacation home on the coast overlooking the ocean

As vaccines continue to roll out and a light appears at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many people are giving themselves permission to imagine their post COVID-19 lives. For some, this means planning wonderful vacations and time away. For others, it’s looking for a new spot to call home, even if only for a few weekends a year. Regardless, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the getaways you have been dreaming about!

There are few better ways to ensure vacations are accessible on your terms than buying a vacation home. Here’s a look at what you need to know to find the perfect property.

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5 Tips for Maximizing a Small Garden Space

A woman potting plants in her small garden space.

If you’re disappointed with the size of the garden in your new home, or you’re considering a property and the only downside is a small outdoor area, there are plenty of things you can do to turn even the tiniest garden into a perfect green escape to relax in.

In this article, we cover some simple ideas for maximizing your garden and creating the illusion of more space.

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5 Sensational End-Of-Summer Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes

Three ladies toasting with their cocktails for the end of summer.

Nothing says summer like the perfect beverage. Why settle for boring seltzers or the same old beer when you can impress your guests by cooling them off with a creative cocktail or mocktail? Get your end-of-summer parties started with these easy to make recipes for drinks like mojitos, martinis, and more.

Prep Work

Before you get started, it is helpful to have a few supplies on hand. Start your mixology sessions by making sure you have a cocktail shaker and muddle. These utensils seem a little over-the-top, but they allow you to make cocktails faster and easier. When you are choosing your shaker and muddle, think about how easy they are for you to use, clean, and how many drinks you plan to make at once.

You should also keep simple ingredients around like lemons, limes, and simple syrup. Cocktails and mocktails are often better with a unique twist. Think about keeping flavored syrups and fresh herbs to add in too.

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How to Resuscitate Your Bank Account After Buying a Home

A piggy bank symbolizing the need to boost your bank account after buying a home.

Buying property is a huge investment, and it often comes with additional, unplanned expenses. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself in a less than desirable financial position. Before you realize it, your budget is forgotten, you’ve spent money on all sorts of things you’d never imagined needing, and you’re feeling somewhat out of pocket. For this reason, it’s important to know how to balance homeownership and breathe new life into your bank balance. To help you out, we’ve compiled eight handy tips to boost your bank account.

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