Virginia Real Estate Blog

5 cool home tech gadgets
Posted by Deanna Joy Beltran on Friday, November 25, 2022 at 6:15 PM By Deanna Joy Beltran / November 25, 2022 Comment

5 Cool Home Tech Gadgets

There are so many new tech gadgets on the market these days. Technology should make your life easier and more enjoyable. Here are 5 of the hottest tech gadgets to try right now.

5 Cool Home Tech Gadgets You Should Try Now

  1. Motion Sensor Night Lights - Hate walking down a dark hallway at night? What about navigating the landmine of kids toys in the living room. These night lights have motion sensors built-in so they turn on as you walk by them.

  2. Logitech Harmony Elite - One stop shop for your home smart devices. Harmony Elite is one control that handles all your devices in one place; lowering blinds, dimming lights, Alexa, Apple TV, Sony and much more.

  3. Rubold Dog Dematting Tool - Make Rover happy and keep unwanted hair off your furniture and clothes. This device has rounded teeth to avoid scratching and reaches the undercoat without yanking the hair.

  4. Ring Beams Home Security Lights - Ring is a household name for home security. Now Ring Beams cameras and doorbells add motion lighting to enhance security when using the system.

  5. Smart Thermostats - A smart thermostat can not only put your home on a schedule, saving money and offering comfort, but also allows you to turn on the heat or air conditioning to prepare the home for your arrival.

Home smart devices and technology are improving all the time. With all the exciting products on the market, there’s never been a better time to experiment with smart technology.

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7 Home Mistakes During the Winter
Posted by Deanna Joy Beltran on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 6:15 PM By Deanna Joy Beltran / November 17, 2022 Comment

7 Mistakes Homeowners Make During Cold Weather

Winter weather is a wonderful time to huddle by a warm fire and enjoy some well-earned relaxation. The cold weather invites you to ignore home projects and wait for spring to beckon you outside again. Unfortunately, maybe homeowners don’t realize that they are making critical mistakes which can cost thousands of dollars to correct.

7 Mistakes Homeowners Make During Cold Weather

  1. Skimping on Small Protection - A little frozen water can do a lot of damage. Faucet protectors, foam insulation, and leak detectors are an easy weekend DIY to protect your home for little cost.

  2. Enjoying the Icicles - Icicles are picturesque, but before you put them on your Facebook feed, it would be better to remove them and clear the gutter; icicles are evidence of a stoppage in the gutter.

  3. Ignoring your Gutters - While we’re talking about gutters, if you see water pouring down the side of your house, the rain and snow is missing the gutters entirely and soaking the foundation and walls.

  4. Cold Air Gaps - It’s not too late to seal those gaps that drain your house of heat and inflate your energy bills.

  5. Program Your Thermostat - BE intentional about the temperature and invest in a programmable thermostat that allows for comfort and controls costs.

  6. Skipping HVAC Tune-ups - Service your furnace before winter to maintain its efficiency and maximum performance.

  7. Missing a Fireplace Cleaning - A dirty or blocked fireplace can be dangerous. Annual cleaning...

Benefits of Owning a Second Home
Posted by Deanna Joy Beltran on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6:15 PM By Deanna Joy Beltran / November 10, 2022 Comment

The Benefits of Owning a Second Home

As the world emerges from the pandemic era and begins to look for a new normal, we’ve all changed the way we look at homeownership and lifestyle. More and more, families are forgoing exotic vacations and using the savings to enhance their home for staycations. In addition to the home improvement boom, the second home market has also exploded. Owning a second home was once a privilege for the rich and famous, but now even those with a modest income can purchase a second home.

There are some great benefits to owning a second home. The first is enjoyment. Many people buy a second home to get a change of scenery. With more companies offering a work-from-home option, spending winter in a warmer climate has become feasible for the average person.

There are financial advantages to buying a vacation home. A second home can help you save money on your taxes. The mortgage and property taxes of a second home can be deducted from your income in the same way a primary home is. The property can also be rented out while not in use to provide extra income or pay for the costs of the home.

Owning a second home can enhance the lifestyle of the family. Building equity in two properties will build wealth more quickly while providing an alternate location for work or fun.

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Home EV Charging: The Basics
Posted by Deanna Joy Beltran on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 6:15 PM By Deanna Joy Beltran / November 3, 2022 Comment

The Basics of Home EV Charging Stations

Electric vehicles are becoming commonplace in American households. While these innovative cars may allow their owners to pass the gas station, but they still need fuel which means that access to a charging station is important to keep these owners on the road.

To provide easy access to electricity, many owners are opting to install their own charging stations in their homes. This allows easy overnight charging and less stopping while driving around town. Typically located inside a garage, home charging allows the driver to avoid long waits for on-the-go charging or going out of their way to find a station.

Basics

Unlike a standard electrical outlet, EV stations have a specialized charging cable that allows a quick charge for the vehicle. The charging cable may be generic or brand-specific, depending on the model and make of the car. The stations are connected to the home’s electrical system and the energy used will be added to the electrical bill each month.

Solar-Powered charging stations have also become increasingly popular. This involves adding solar panels and batteries to the charging station and powering only the charging unit. This can be added even if the homeowner does not have solar power for the rest of the house.

As more people embrace EV technology and car companies offer more models and styles, electric vehicles will become more commonplace. By learning about the manufacturer’s specifications and using professional installers, adding a home charging station will make owning these cars an easy transition.

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