Buying and selling a smart home

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Everything You Need to Know about Buying or Selling a Smart Home

A featured guest post from Kris!
Kris Louis -- Parentingwithkris.com

They say there is a learning curve to everything, and for most of us, a smart home transaction is a whole new experience that can seem especially complicated.  What happens when the gadgets change hands, and will having devices installed help or hurt a sale?  Haymount Homes offers some pertinent advice for buyers and sellers who are heading into the smart home market for the first time.

What devices should I install?  The selection of smart devices is almost overwhelming, so contemplate what choices will make your home more comfortable for you, and what will bring substantial convenience.  You can test drive smart home gadgetry with something small and simple, such as smart plugs.  Anything you connect to one can be controlled by phone, allowing you to alter your home environment whether you’re near or far.  

Will technology help sell my house?  Automation isn’t likely to be a big player in selling a home.  If the decision is narrowed to a few houses and all other features are equal, installed technology might help a buyer choose your property, but it’s unlikely to influence a sale dramatically in either direction.  With that in mind, decide on devices offering you optimal personal benefit.  Whatever smart devices you choose to install, note you are best off hiring a professional electrician to ensure things are wired in properly.  

Here are some popular smart home selections:

Window treatments can be a boon in the summer.  Being able to control drapes, blinds and other window treatments when you aren’t home means you can close your west side-facing curtains during the day, reducing heat from the afternoon sun.  It’s a savings on energy use and utility bills, and on top of that, being able to close curtains remotely means you can make it look like you are home even when you aren’t. 

Smart security systems will give homeowners peace of mind. There are a variety of smart security options you can choose from: video doorbells, all-in-one home security systems, motion-sensing solar outdoor lights, indoor cameras, and even alarm sensors that notify you when windows or doors have been opened. The best smart security technology allows homeowners to stream video from their phone, so they always know their home is safe no matter where they are. 

Smart appliances can both boost your home’s efficiency and help you be more productive.  For example, there are smart kitchen scales into which you can note what ingredients are on hand, and it will offer you recipe suggestions.  

Thermostats are a big hit with homeowners, offering energy efficiency by learning habits and making changes accordingly.

Smart lighting can also be a benefit to homeowners, as smart bulbs can work in accordance with your patterns, helping you sleep better, work more efficiently, and even better manage your appetite.  On top of all that, you can save money and energy.  

Integrating devices.  There are a couple important options to help with device integration.  One option is a hub, which is designed for linking devices so they can talk to one another.  However, it’s important to understand that not all gadgets will speak the same language, so you should research what will work with your selections.  One suggestion for managing this concern is to purchase smart home devices from retailers that will allow you to return them if there is a problem.  Good Housekeeping points out you can also use your smartphone to access IFTTT (If This, Then That).  In this way, you establish protocol for your various smart devices. For instance, if movement is detected by a smart security camera while you’re at work, your smart curtains close.  

Buying and selling.  When it comes time to sell or purchase a property with automation installed, many people are confused about navigating the process.  Notion explains sellers should delete their accounts, and reset all smart home products and devices to their factory settings.  Make a list of all the gadgets and what they do so buyers know what to expect.  Buyers should ensure they contact tech support regarding change of ownership immediately, and update all contact information.

Most of us are new to buying and selling smart homes.  Learn about the devices available and what will work for you.  With a little research, you can make informed decisions, improving your convenience and comfort.  You will be able to enter the smart home real estate market with confidence!

Do you need help staging your home for sale? Or do you just want help making your living space feel more beautiful? Haymount Homes can help! We provide the tools, advice and services you need to make your home shine. Reach out to us today! 

Haymount Homes REDFIN FEATURE!! “choosing the right art for staging”

Don’t miss the recent Redfin article we were featured in!

Choosing art for staging sounds simple

..but anyone who has sifted through countless options of art and decor, realizes that it can become overwhelming and difficult to select the right art that will help sell your house!

Redfin has taken the guesswork out of it and put together an article to help you understand what you're looking for and how to select the best pieces to stage your home.

We were delighted to be featured in this article and hope you enjoy the tips below!

-Casey and crew

Experts Reveal Their Best Tips on Choosing the Right Art for Home Staging

A well-staged home can make all the difference in enticing a buyer to tour a listing, and something as simple as the artwork you choose can make or break a sale. Your home is where your design personality shines through, but when staging your home for sale, it’s important to keep personal mementos and photos tucked away to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Everyone will inevitably have differing design opinions, but with a few simple tips and tricks, choosing the right artwork for your home when staging can help buyers envision themselves living there. To help put your home on a buyer’s “must-have” list, we reached out to design experts from Irvine, CA, all the way to Calgary, AB, for their best advice on choosing the right art for home staging.

Select artwork that enhances your home

Let the artwork serve two purposes - choose artwork that adds appeal to the home and markets the geographical region. This makes the home even more appealing to potential buyers. For example, if you are staging a home near a big city, choose artwork that shows images of the city. -Elegant Transitions

Be intentional when selecting artwork to showcase a property. Placement and scale are critical when enhancing the space around the art or using it as a tool to draw the eye to an architectural feature nearby, such as a fireplace. Also, the subject matter of the artwork you choose should be deliberate, such as using a landscape piece to create interest in a dark or windowless room. -Diversa Design

Think of art as an accent piece. Artwork can be used to provide a focal point, highlight a feature in your home, and add color to a space. I have found modern art or landscapes to be the most effective when staging a house - framed family photos and religious art tend to make prospective buyers uncomfortable. Also, be selective about placement. When staging, only a few walls need to be adorned - less is truly more. -Gin Treadwell Home Interiors

Art placement and procurement create a statement within the room by adding focal points, becoming a key role in enhancing the room. Artwork can bring the room to life and serve as an attractive feature to help build up the environment within the room. When you're looking to add character to your room, a few key art pieces may be all you need to bring that “wow” factor that your wall needed. -Eden Home Staging

Be mindful of your artwork choices

Consider the three C's: Color, Contemplation, and Coalescence. First, a pop of color can enliven an otherwise neutral space. Second, art helps buyers envision living in your space by hinting at how a room may be used and evoking certain emotions. Think about the feeling conveyed by a black-and-white cityscape in an office or a blue abstract in a bedroom. Third, art can help unify a space, as may be seen if two or more related pieces are hung on the walls in one or more rooms. For example, use a geometric abstract on a wall in a living room and a similar piece on the wall in the adjacent dining room to create a cohesive look. -Greenhouse

When selecting the artwork, keep your target audience in mind and avoid using art that portrays sinister or risqué scenes, which may not appeal to a broader audience. Instead, choose pieces that can provide a space with a focal point where there isn't one, add color, or emphasize the home's custom features. -CT Exclusive Homes

Envision the finished space when choosing artwork. Know the art story, context, color, size, and location of the wall art when choosing artwork for staging your home. Each piece should have a designated spot in mind (ambiance) to avoid misplaced wall art or proportion (size). -Designs By Dannette

Artwork is the supporting role; the main actor, the central character, is the home. Your artwork choices should mirror a home's style and design - its role is to enhance the vibrant elements and unique features. The masterpiece is always the property; thus, the buyer's eyes should be drawn toward the kitchen, bath, or living space, not a trendy art piece. -Alison Is Real Estate

Freshen up your home with unique pieces

Think outside the canvas. Art doesn’t always involve paint on a canvas. In place of a painting, woven baskets on the wall can add texture above a sofa that features a bright, patterned set of pillows. Mirrors, which provide intriguing reflective surfaces, can also be used in place of art. -Dezign Zoo

Using artworks made from different mediums throughout the home creates an elevated, gallery-like experience. For example, a canvas in one space, a print in another, combined with a sculpture and wall pieces in another room will make the pieces feel less “matchy-matchy” and more like an art collection that a prospective buyer would have. You can also highlight the home's best features and help potential buyers see the home's potential with size and scale. In a room with double-height ceilings, a massive oversized canvas will draw the eye upward and emphasize the height of the walls. -IMG

Be creative and think beyond a typical canvas or framed print. Don’t be afraid to play with textures, shapes, and forms which can add additional interest to the visual appeal a home buyer will relate to. For example, a home with a young family could benefit from brighter colors and whimsical artwork, while a home for a younger couple or single person might be best presented with a more boho vibe, such as a guitar on the wall, a vintage map, or a textural crocheted wall hanging. Mirrors can also be an effective artwork option if the reflection is highlighting an important interior or exterior feature or selling point. -Bloom that Room

Choose complementary artwork pieces

Art is like a topping on the cake, it should go with the design palette to complete the space. Keep your artwork choices neutral, calm, and something that speaks to the room and to the potential buyer. -Jennifer Michele Interiors

Keep it simple. We find that it's best to keep artwork simple - it should be subtle yet attractive to the eye. To present the home in the most appealing light possible, use artwork that doesn’t feature images of people. Instead, consider using pieces that portray interesting but neutral visuals. The best art for home staging will compliment the space it's placed in while not distracting from the home itself. -Beycome

Choose pieces that match your home’s architectural style. A current trend is chalkboard art with inspirational sayings such as “love makes a house a home.” Most important, be certain that artwork won’t be offensive to potential buyers. -Harb & Co

Use artwork that fits the space and doesn't overpower the room. When you start to use big, bold, and personal pieces, you are decorating the space. When determining what kind of art and wall décor to use when staging, you want to be sure to keep things simple and neutral. The whole point of staging is to draw buyer's attention to the features, size, and functions of the rooms and for them to envision themselves living in the space. -Designing Impressions

Use artwork to highlight specific features in your home

Hang art in bathrooms. The use of framed photos of plants, trees, or flowers in bathrooms gives these spaces a spa-like feel and enhances how each room photographs. When coupled with a few white towels and spa counter accessories, art can transform even the most outdated bathroom spaces. -Knoxville Staging Services

Art is the bow on the 'package' in room décor. It should be the first thing to catch your eye and draw you in to see what's inside. Abstract pieces that feature strokes of color on light canvases are always a good choice, especially if the frame is in a metallic finish that complements the light fixtures in a room. They catch the eye and draw people in, but they don't outshine the room itself, which is, after all, what good staging is all about. -Staging That Sells

Keep scale in mind when choosing artwork for staging

Choose large canvas wall art in the colors and style of the house. Wall art on each wall can make your home appear cluttered. Instead, large canvas pieces are easy to hang and will draw the eye to the home's focal points. If you have a large gorgeous fireplace, a large bright piece of canvas art will highlight this feature. Only hang wall art in spaces that are focal points for the listing photos to direct a buyer's eye. If you have one or two smaller plaques or pieces of wall art in a large area, it will look out of proportion, so make sure it's all in scale to the size of the room, the ceiling height, and the size of the furniture. -Dramatix Decor

Choose artwork that is “show-worthy” and offers the drama necessary to create a cohesive space. Keep in mind that the larger the scale, the fewer pieces are needed (and fewer holes in your walls when staging). Your artwork choices are also the foundation for selecting the accent colors to use in a home. Colors should flow gracefully from one space to the next. -Impact Home Staging

If you have a large empty wall, search for large artwork to anchor the space. You can then tie in the colors of the décor in the room to the artwork's colors, exhibiting a very uniform look. -2 West Photography

Along with selecting neutral art, be sure it's scaled and hung appropriately. We often come across artwork placed on walls in the wrong orientation, size, and or dimension. The center of the artwork should be 57 inches from the floor, 6-8 inches above a piece of furniture, and 3-6 inches apart when in a grouping. -Simplicity

Make sure your artwork choices are balanced

Think about how multiple art pieces are going to look when showing various rooms in a single photo. For example, consider how strategically placing a painting on the wall of one room, like a bedroom down a hall, might give depth to the living room in the foreground. Instead of showing a blank wall, that extra splash of color on the far wall could help to extend the perceived size of a space and make it more attractive to potential buyers. -The Best Local Real Estate Photographers

Choose art that is large and balancing for your space so that it’s eye-catching and attention-grabbing in photos. More often than not, a large statement piece of art will look more dramatic and enticing than multiple smaller pieces. Buyers love interesting photos with clean lines, and large statement art will help draw them in. -Haymount Homes

Artwork should be appropriately sized for the location. Wall art should take up 65% of the available wall space and be about 2/3 to 3/4 the width of the furniture. Your artwork choices should also have an impersonal, but coordinated, theme throughout the space. For example, sticking with abstracts in contemporary spaces, nature scenes in traditional spaces, and water or beach scenes in bathrooms. -Her Home Design

Originally published by Redfin

Now available!!

Happy weekend y'all! Are you in the market for a home? Don't blink because this one's going to move. We just finished a project for a client in a centrally located townhome in the gorgeous Waters edge community…. 5 minutes from Target? Yes please.

This home is absolutely beautiful. Everything has been completely renovated and is TurnKey ready for its new owner. The home includes two large bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms (and extra half bath!) including Master ensuite with office area. Granite counters in the kitchen and glass tile subway backsplash, bar seating with custom molding, stainless appliances, and walk out back deck. Enjoy your beautiful newly tiled gas fireplace and then escape to your whirlpool tub. Closets include custom built-ins for storage and more. This home literally has everything ready to go and had great attention to detail in the design process. All this for an asking price of $160,000.

This home is hitting the market today and is already accepting showings. There will be an open house tomorrow on Saturday May 8th, form 11 am until 2pm. 342 Bahama Loop, Fayetteville.

Send me a message if you need more details and I will get them to you! Hope you enjoy the home tour!

Casey and crew

PREP YOUR HOME FOR SALE DURING COVID - Guest Post

Hello Friends!

Welcome to 2021 - A Seller’s Market! Finally!

Home prices are rising as supply is limited, interest rates are low, building materials are backordered and inflated, and people are restless from staying home! That means it’s a great time to sell….but it also means more people touring your home and more difficulty mitigating the risks for Covid-19. If you are retirement age and looking to move on to your next stage in life, the risk is higher.

Fortunately, Bob Shannon from Seniorsmeet.org, is here to help guide you through selling your home during this hot market, but also provides us with great resources to help prep your home during a pandemic. He also shares market-ready ideas to ensure you get a top offer. Read on for great tips for a great selling experience!

A Quick How-To Guide for Prepping Your Home for Sale

If retirement means a smaller home or moving to a new locale this year, the time will come to put your home on the market. These days, selling a home is more involved than it used to be. And when it comes to attracting potential buyers, you need a plan, one that helps them imagine living happy, healthy lives in your home. 

Preparing your home for sale means setting buyers up to have such a pleasurable experience inside and out that they leave feeling like your home is already theirs. If you aren't sure how to go about the process while dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, then these tips and advice can be a great way to start.

Prepare for Pandemic-Related Challenges

The landscape of selling a home has significantly changed the entire process from start to finish. 

How to Sell Your House When There's a Pandemic

Virtual Tours Become the New Norm in Selling Homes

Transaction Guidance During COVID-19

Contactless Buying: Closing Real Estate Deals Remotely

Clean and Declutter

Clearing out your home, staging it and keeping it clean are crucial parts of this process even if you won’t be having in-person showings. 

Free Yourself From Clutter | A Simple Guide

Work with Haymount Homes Staging Services

How to Maintain a Clean, Healthy Home During COVID-19

Why You Should Hire a Professional Cleaning Service When You Move

Boost Curb Appeal

Even though people aren’t attending showings or touring homes, they will still drive by, and you’ll want to make a great first impression.

Increase Your Curb Appeal and Get a High Return on Investment

8 Easy Yard Care Tips to Help Sell Your Home

Top 32 Best Curb Appeal Ideas for Every Budget

Outdoor Living Spaces on a Budget

Find Upgrades with Great ROI

If you’re in a position to make updates or upgrades prior to listing, see what people are looking for and discuss options with your real estate agent. 

7 Kitchen Trends That Will Takeover in 2021, According to Designers

How a Bathroom Remodel Can Increase Your Home Value

40 Decorating Tips for Anyone on a Shoestring Budget

Use Kohl’s or Macy’s Coupons to Save on Home Decor

Selling your home in retirement can be an exciting adventure, but it’s one that no one wants to last too long. Prepping your home for sale, from remodeling kitchens to landscaping your gardens, is your best chance of standing out in a busy market. 

If you’re not keen to sell your home, consider turning it into a rental so you can generate income you can put toward a new home or vacation spot. Haymount Homes can teach you how to be your own property manager, and help guide you toward offering a beautiful rental. 

Retire Big For A Simple Life