5 Smart Home Upgrades Worth the Money

Smart technology is more popular today than ever before. Smart assistants, such as Google Home and Amazon Echo, give information on demand, even faster than a regular internet search can. Smart speakers aren't the only way to incorporate smart technology into your home. The "internet of things" is expanding, and there are a few smart upgrades that are affordable and great choices to add value to your home.

1. Smart thermostat. We're not sure there is a relationship on the planet in which a couple completely agrees on what temperature to keep the home. A smart thermostat can create, and even anticipate, settings for maximum comfort for all. You can even connect it to your smart speaker and use voice commands to turn the thermostat up or down. A smart thermostat will save money by more efficiently heating and cooling your space.  
2. Smart smoke detector. Not all smart tech is about saving money — some also saves lives. Smoke detectors aren't just a good idea — they're required. But a smart smoke detector can take your safety to the next level. This type of device can send alerts to your smart phone if an incident occurs while you're away from home so that you can get the help you need faster. 
3. Smart sprinkler system. Curb appeal is important, and so is the health of your lawn. You spend a lot of time making sure your lawn is watered. An installed sprinkler system is great, but it can cause major problems if it leaks. It can also waste water if it runs unnecessarily, such as when it's raining. A smart sprinkler controller customizes your irrigation system. You can conserve water and save money over time.  
4. Smart lights and lamps. A completely dark house is a scary place, especially if you have your hands full. It isn't just the monsters lurking in the shadows, it's tripping hazards or other obstacles that could challenge you. With smart lights paired with your Google Home or Amazon Echo, you can turn the lights on with just the sound of your voice. The plug adapters are inexpensive and easy to use. 
5. Smart front doors. Your car may already have keyless entry, and that tech is also available for your home. A smart door lock means that you don't have to fumble for your keys when you get home. And some systems even allow you to grant access to visitors or family members remotely when you're away from home. Imagine having pet sitters text you when they arrive and being able to unlock the door for them from your phone. 

5 Important Things to Know When Buying Inside an HOA

A homeowners association is an agreement among the homeowners in a community or development that pools their money to take care of common grounds, which can range from pools and spas to just the grass. Homeowners associations can vary in size and involvement depending on the agreed-upon terms.


Here are a few things that are important to understand about HOAs before buying into one.

1. What Is the Cost?

With a typical HOA, there is a cost. The amount can vary greatly depending on the services and amenities provided to the community the HOA represents. It is important to understand what this cost is because it is typically monthly and ongoing for as long as you live in that home, and needs to be considered in your budget along with your monthly mortgage payment. There can also be a one-time buy-in fee that you pay when you close on the house. It is basically equivalent to a gym membership joining fee.

2. What Is Covered?

If you are going to pay a monthly fee, it is important to understand what is covered by that fee so you can evaluate the value of the HOA. At the bare minimum, upkeep of the common areas is covered, and services can also include snow removal, landscaping and grass-cutting for your property. This is one of the attractive things about HOAs — you typically do not have too much outside maintenance on your property. There should be a handbook or guide explaining what is covered by the HOA.

3. What Are the Rules?

As mentioned previously, there is typically a handbook developed by the HOA that covers all rules and regulations for the community. This can dictate facilities hours or who can use the facilities. It also can tell you the rules regarding having guests, or specific times to place trash out. The important part of understanding the rules is making sure that they do not interfere with gatherings you are looking to have or hobbies you may do.

4. Are You Happy With the Way the House Looks?

There is a reason why the majority of houses in the community look the same and utilize the same color schemes — the HOA dictates those things. Make sure you like the color of the house's trim, or be sure to understand what other colors are allowed. All this information should be included in the handbook.

5. Can You Get Involved?

Many times, the HOA has some type of board that facilitates communication among homeowners and makes decisions based on requests or complaints from residents. If you are interested in getting on the board, it is something to ask about. You may want to get involved just by voting on any changes.

What's Over Your Head?

No roof lasts forever, and if it's time to replace yours, give a lot of thought to how best to do it. Notice the wear and tear on your neighbors' roofs over time to help figure out which materials are durable and look good on houses like yours. Observation is a great tool — and it's free!

That said, there are basic qualities of every material that you should consider when making your pick.

Asphalt shingles

• Most popular roofing material.
• Lightweight and easy to install, which reduces labor costs.
• Inexpensive; cost from $70 to $120 per 100 square feet.
• Lifespan is shorter than that of other materials, about 20 to 30 years, depending on maintenance and brand quality.
• Work with many styles of homes, especially suburban ones.

Slate

• Classic beauty and elegance.
• A heavy material that requires extra framing and must be installed by a professional.
• Expensive; costs about $600 per 100 square feet.
• Lasts for more than 50 years.
• Durable, fire-resistant and recyclable.
• Fake slate looks just like real slate but is made of polymer, clay, rubber or asphalt instead, so it's more lightweight and less costly (although it will not last as long).

Metal

• Often made of aluminum, stainless steel, zinc or copper (which fades to green).
• Installation is easy because metal is half the weight of asphalt; comes in panels or shingles.
• Expensive; costs anywhere from $100 to $800 per 100 square feet.
• Lasts for 40 to 70 years, and is resistant to extreme weather.
• Can be noisy when rain falls on it.
• Dents easily but unnoticeably, as the texture of the roof hides any dings.
• Reflects sunshine, which keeps your home cooler during summer.
• Recyclable, and can be used to collect rainwater.

Synthetic

• Made out of rubber, plastic and polymer to imitate natural materials at a lower price.
• Lightweight and strong, making installation easy.
• Costs $300 per 100 square feet.
• Somewhat durable and fire-resistant, but some may absorb water.
• Quality can differ greatly from supplier to supplier.

Of course, the style and geographic location of your house may affect your choice. Also, the quality of the contractor you employ may matter more than the type of material you choose. Getting the best person for the job ensures your roof will be installed correctly and that it will serve you for a long time. Venture out of your yard, do some research, and ask friends and neighbors about their roofs to get started today!