Do you ever feel like your money is literally flying out the window? Parents have ribbed their kids about turning off the lights and closing the door for as long as there have been homes, but there’s quite a bit of truth behind one of the most common household pet peeves. Wasted utilities can be a monetary black hole in the budget of any family, and in many cases, the ways we’re wasteful aren’t always immediately obvious.

Thankfully, today’s smart home technology can enable every family to do some smart snooping for inefficient habits, and set up intelligent scheduling to keep a home comfortable while minimizing costs. Here’s some helpful advice to consider:

Keep an Eye on Your HVAC

Nothing can wreck an electric bill quite like an unusually warm summer or a brutally cold winter. No matter how you adjust your thermostat, it’s hard to find the right balance between a comfortable home and an affordable one.

Installing a smart thermostat can be a huge help to manage the cost of running the heat or air conditioner. Wi-Fi thermostats are affordable, simple to install, and they provide homeowners with valuable data and powerful tools to manage their home’s heating and cooling from anywhere.

If you’re facing colder weather, these thermostat systems can help you take an in-depth look at your heat pump’s runtime history to find the exact outdoor temperatures where expensive auxiliary heating kicks in. Some products even feature self-adjusting temperature settings that can cool down or heat up your home an hour or two before extreme weather rolls in, sparing your units from running in less than optimal conditions. Additionally, with remote access, it’s easy to lower the temperature or turn off the system if no one is home.

A few smart tweaks to your home’s heating and cooling settings can help you to better manage your electric bill.

Read Your Home’s Diary with a Smart Home Hub

A smart home hub is a great tool for a variety of reasons; it ties all of your smart home gadgets together in one interface, enables some really fun features through automation, and can even let you control your home with your voice. If you’re looking into your home’s financial efficiency, you’ll also find that their detailed daily logs can be a huge help in tracking down energy hogs and bad habits such as leaving lights or having an open window when the AC is blasting.

When you look over daily usage logs, keep an eye out for data on door/window sensors and smart lighting. Door and window sensors can clue you into who might leave doors open when they head off to school, or what windows have been left open at night. Your lighting system can give you a history on which lamps are left running for hours on end, and which fixtures are still active when the family is gone for the day.

Smart home hubs can be set up as part of a whole home security system through a security company or even your local internet service provider. The capabilities to manage your smart home devices remotely offer the ease and convenience to have better control on your home.  Keeping a finger on the pulse of your home can help you better optimize your daily habits and routines for more financial savings.

Check Your Mobile Connectivity

This applies to those who do not have an unlimited mobile plan. If your mobile connectivity is limited, make sure your device automatically connects to your home Wi-Fi whenever you are home. Also, make sure your device is streaming on your home Wi-Fi, especially if you are just within the perimeter, as your device may hop onto the wireless network which will eat into your limited plan.

Live Smarter on a Schedule

Once you get acquainted with your smart gadgets, take some time to set up schedules for different aspects of your home, which can save you some money.

Is your family typically gone during the middle of the day? Have your thermostat automatically  adjust the temperature (or turn off your HVAC) and your lights automatically shut off. Do you like to fall asleep with the lights on? Set up your bedrooms to dim automatically after bedtime. Have some forgetful roommates? Set your smart home app up to receive notifications when doors and windows are left open for more than 15 minutes or at unusual hours.

All it takes to save some money is a combination of the right gadgets and the right home automation. Having a smart home at your fingertips  offers conveniences and it’ll help you have a healthier bank account every month if you take some time to set things up .

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International.

This post was written by Eric Murrell. Eric is a software developer and technology contributor to?XFINITY?Home.?He enjoys sharing?tips on how people can benefit from incorporating smart home automation and security in their homes on his blog?At Home in the Future.??

Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com

It’s no secret every homeowner eventually wants to add value to their home. Not only does it boost the resale price, but it can create a more inviting and cozy space. When you stop and think about a home renovation, an overwhelming wave of stress overcomes you because all you can think about is the price tag. Well you’re in luck; adding value to your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

One good option to pay for your home updates would be to take out a low-rate personal loan. Since the duration of a personal loan is anywhere from 3 to 7 years, compared to a home equity loan which ranges from 20 to 30 years, you’ll end up paying way less in interest. Another alternative would be to apply for a 0% interest credit card to finance some of the smaller projects. Be wary, as it can be very easy to overspend when using a credit card. Set up automatic payments each month to chip away at the balance.

We’re not here to talk about a $40,000 kitchen remodel. Most people don’t have that kind of cash laying around. There are many inexpensive projects you can do around your home that will boost the financial worth of your home. Expect to spend around $300-$3,000 to complete some decent projects. Here are some great ideas for how to increase the value of your home at a smaller cost:

Give the Kitchen a Facelift

With a kitchen update, it can be very easy to get carried away. Before you know it, you blink and suddenly you’re $40,000 in the hole. While a full kitchen renovation is not going to be easy on your wallet, there are some small upgrades you can make to give your kitchen a facelift.

The kitchen is the heart of the house, and a house with a nice heart will generally sell faster than one with an outdated heart. One of the first things buyers tend to see when they step into your kitchen is the cabinets. While replacing the cabinets will run you a premium, there are several ways to give old cabinets some TLC and have them looking brand new. Hardware stores have kits ranging from $50-$100 that make it really easy to refinish your cabinets. After you re-paint or stain them, grab some new hardware and you instantly have a completely different feel to your kitchen.

Update the Bathroom

Just like a full kitchen remodel, a full bathroom reno can put a pretty big dent in your bank account. An updated bathroom can entice buyers and help sell your home quickly. A fresh coat of paint and some new accessories such as towels and other small décor items will improve the look and feel without costing a fortune. If you need to put in a little more work, changing out the vanity and toilet can be inexpensive options if you shop around at discount stores or the clearance section at your local Lowes or Home Depot.

Let There be Light

Outdated light fixtures can draw attention to certain parts of your house in a negative light. An easy way to add value to your home is to upgrade the main fixtures in your home. Like with many other home upgrades, you can easily get caught up in the excitement of redesign and end up choosing a $3,000 chandelier. However, if you shop around and browse online and in stores, these updates can only cost you a few hundred bucks. Much friendlier on the wallet.

Leave No Door Closed

If the doors in your home are in rough shape, replacing them is recommended. A new set of doors can run you a pretty penny, but if your current doors are salvageable, painting them would be sufficient. Replacing the door handles and a fresh coat of paint can give off a great first impression. If you can’t swing the cash to replace all of the doors in your home, a new front door can increase the overall value of your home since it’s the first thing that buyers see.

Freshen Up Curb Appeal

One of the most common mistakes sellers make is neglecting the curb appeal. Aside from the other improvements mentioned in this article, the outside of your house is going the be the first thing buyers see when they pull up to the property. With summer approaching, now would be a great time to shop around for new shrubbery and flowers. Simple things like mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and a few bags of fresh mulch can spruce up the appearance while staying within budget.

Making simple, inexpensive improvements to your home can reap some big rewards in the end. Investing a few hundred dollars can make the world of difference between selling your home quickly versus spending months on the market. What are your tips for home improvements on a budget?

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International. This post was written for Realty Executives by Jamie Wharton. Jamie loves to write about personal finance and enjoys educating others on financial management. She has a goal of making budgeting fun for everyone and loves a good thriller novel while enjoying an iced coffee.

Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com

Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com

Packing can be the most time-consuming part of moving, but doing it right can mean the difference between a successful move or a disaster, especially if you’re moving belongings that are fragile or of sentimental value. Here are some pack hacks to ease the process.

Preparations Make Perfect

Before you start the packing process, throw away or donate items you don’t need. Decluttering will help you make sure you’re only taking the essentials, which can significantly cut down on packing time and help you save on costs. Toss or donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year or more. Take dimensions of your new house and get rid of excess furniture now. Think of your move as a fresh start and use it as an opportunity to part with items from the past that are no longer useful or meaningful to you at this juncture in your life. Enlist a friend to help you be thorough and honest during this process.

The Clothes Trick

Want to pack your clothes easily and cost-effectively? Instead of packing them one by one, group them together in bunches on hangers and cover them with garbage bags. Use a rubber band, elastic, or string to keep the hangers together. Now you can move them from your current home right into your new closet.

Shoes

The easy and obvious way to pack shoes is to throw them into a box and see what happens. When you do this, however, you leave your footwear vulnerable to mold, and they may come out shabbier than when they went in. Before packing them, wipe your shoes clean, wrap them individually in paper, and tie them together so they’ll be paired up when it’s time to unpack.

The Right Box

Did you know there are different types of boxes for moving specific items? Some boxes are built stronger (such as those designed for dishes) for heavier items, and some are appliance-specific. Getting the right box for the right item can help prevent damage and loss. This is especially true when moving a flat-screen TV. Many moving companies and hardware stores have flat-screen boxes specifically made for moving a TV, if you haven’t saved your old one.

The Vertical Dish Trick

When packing dishes, instead of stacking them on top of each other, place them vertically side by side, after you wrap them in packing paper. This trick also works with books and picture frames, and it saves a lot of space. Remember to label your dish boxes “fragile” in large, red lettering.

Watch Your Weight

Place heavier objects into smaller boxes so they’re easier to lift, and make sure to reinforce them with extra tape. Lighter items, such as linens or children’s toys, can be packed in larger boxes.

Fill to Capacity

Use all the space available in each box so there aren’t any gaps or spaces. You can fill in empty spots with bubble wrap, towels, or paper as needed. This will reduce the likelihood of boxes crumpling or caving in.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International.  This guest post was written by PODS®. PODS® makes moving and storage more convenient and less stressful through its innovative solution of delivering a level container and providing the customer all the time they need to load and unload their container.

Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com

Your home’s landscape and exterior space is the first thing that potential buyers notice. As they pull up to view your home, it is important that you are giving them a great first impression. These are a few great landscaping renovations that you can make to improve the chances of selling your home.

Power Wash Exterior Surfaces

A thorough, deep cleaning can go a long way in terms of improving the value and appeal of your home. Not only does power washing improve your home’s curb appeal, but it also can prevent mold from growing and keep your gutters in good working condition.

The National Association of REALTORS® estimates that power washing the exterior of your house can add between $10,000 and $15,000 to your home’s value, making it a great improvement choice. The most important exterior features to focus on include the siding, sidewalks, driveways, and any patios or decks.

Maintain Outdoor Greenery

Overgrown bushes and trees not only block the exterior of the house that you have worked so hard to improve, but they can also reduce outdoor views from the inside. Planting new trees can also appeal to homebuyers. Large trees tend to be low maintenance, yet they provide many home advantages including reduced energy bills, outdoor shade, and improved air quality.

Keeping your grass green and trimmed is another great practice for landscaping maintenance. It might be useful to consider the services of a local professional landscaping company while your home is active on the market.

Create an Outdoor Entertainment Space

Outdoor entertainment spaces can increase demand, thus increasing the resale value of your home. Even designing a small patio space with seating is a great “Do It Yourself” project that can increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers. There are outdoor space projects available for all budgets, with many housing trends using concrete and colored staining methods.

An outdoor entertainment space with shade or a screened covering is also likely to be a popular trend this year.  The National Association of Landscape Professionals lists climate cognizant landscaping, such as pergolas and retractable outdoor spaces as one of the top resale trends of 2018.

Clean Up Flower Beds

Bright and clean flower beds encourage people to feel at home. When people feel comfortable, they are better able to imagine themselves living there. When flower beds are messy and unmaintained, potential homeowners may be reminded how much work they will have to do upon moving in.

Freshen up the mulch, plant some brightly colored flowers, and remove any sprouting weeds. Colorful flower gardens are also expected to be a top 2018 landscaping trend. Even better are low maintenance flowers like Old Gold Junipers and black-eyed Susan’s. Sunfinity sunflowers are a popular choice as a brightly colored flower that is easy to maintain year-round.

Upgrade Irrigation

Upgrading a home’s irrigation system is often overlooked, but, may improve resale value. It is important to maintain and sustain your landscaping improvements. An upgraded irrigation system can help you do just that. Irrigation systems also get the most water efficiency, which can be a huge selling point saving buyers both money and time when it comes to yard maintenance.

Install Exterior Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting illuminates the exterior of your home. It can improve curb appeal, functionality, and the safety of your home. Use your exterior landscape lighting to highlight the most important features of the home including the front door, windows, and walkways. Consider things like the light’s color temperature, effects, and wattages when choosing your exterior landscape lighting.

Your home’s landscaping affects its curb appeal. The first impression that you give potential buyers will influence their desire to purchase and the offer amount that they are willing to make. Upgrades that improve the landscape can increase your resale value and sell your home faster in the market.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International.

This post was written for Realty Executives by Heather Hardy. Heather is an avid writer who has contributed to numerous blogs and internet news sources.  While she writes on a variety of topics, her specialties include real estate, home improvement, and travel. After obtaining two degrees, Heather has found her passion in writing content that improves both readability and knowledge.

Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com