Smart Thermostat

One of the first things we upgraded when we bought our home that was built in the 90’s was the thermostat. We have liked our Nest for the following reasons:

  1. Energy Savings: Smart thermostats can automatically adjust to our schedule and habits, reducing energy consumption when we aren’t at home or when we’re asleep. This can help lower energy bills.
  2. Remote Control: With a smart thermostat, we can adjust our home’s temperature from anywhere, using a smartphone app or web browser. This means we can turn up the heat or air conditioning before arriving home, for example so that we arrive to a comfortable temperature.
  3. Improved Comfort: Smart thermostats can learn our preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. For example, if we like to keep our home cooler at night, the thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature accordingly.
  4. Enhanced User Experience: Many smart thermostats feature intuitive interfaces and offer a range of customization options, such as multiple temperature zones and scheduling options.
  5. Increased Convenience: Smart thermostats can be integrated with other smart home devices, such as smart locks, smart lights, and smart speakers, creating a seamless and convenient user experience.

Buy here: Google Nest Thermostat Smart Thermostat for Home Programmable Wifi Thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat Programmable Smart Thermostat for Home

Google Nest Temperature Sensor 3 Count Pack Nest Thermostat Sensor

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Smart Lighting

Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels.com

We have been doing some home improvement projects and we started with upgrading some lighting. We have been really impressed with the Lutron Caseta System. My favorite part is how easy it is to dim the lights and turn them on and off.

This is what the app looks like- so easy to use

Other reasons why we have been really impressed:

  1. Easy installation: The system is designed to be easy to install, making it a popular choice for DIYers and professionals alike.
  2. Wide compatibility: Lutron Caséta works with a wide range of devices, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and more, making it a versatile choice for many smart home setups.
  3. Reliability: Lutron Caséta is known for being a reliable and well-made system that provides consistent performance.
  4. Energy efficiency: The system is designed to save energy and reduce electricity costs

Buy here: Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch and Pico Remote Kit

Buy here: Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch for Wall and Ceiling Lights with Wall Plate

Buy here: Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Switch for All Bulb Types or Fans

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Why didn’t I think of that…

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Ever use a product and wonder why you didn’t think of that?! Here is one- the air shim. Have you ever tried to hang a door- they are heavy and awkward and need to hang perfectly. The air shim is awesome because:

  1. Precise leveling: An air shim allows you to make small, precise adjustments to the height of the door, ensuring that it is level and swings properly.
  2. Easy installation: Air shims are easy to install and require no special tools. They can be inflated to the desired thickness with a manual or battery-powered pump, allowing you to make adjustments in real-time as you hang the door.
  3. Better insulation: Air shims provide a tight and secure fit between the door and door jamb, improving insulation and reducing air infiltration.

Overall, air shims offer several benefits over traditional shimming methods and are a highly recommended tool for anyone hanging a door.

  • CONTRACTOR-GRADE inflatable air wedges for window, door and cabinet installations; replaces damaging pry bars and wooden shims
  • 300 LB LOAD RATING safely handles full size installations with just a single installer; saving time and labor costs

Buy here: Air Shim Inflatable Pry Bar and Leveling Tool

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Paint like a pro at home

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels.com

Fresh paint can give your home a new look and feel, but it also requires careful preparation and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Before you start, you should clean and repair surfaces, cover floors and furniture, and select the right paint and tools for the job. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, including proper ventilation and drying time.

We have used these Stak Racks to paint doors- they are FANTASTIC! We painted three doors at the same time and made the job so much easier.

  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Stak Rack is a revolutionary tool that allows you to paint and stack doors and trim with ease. Utilizing an innovative triangular design, Stak Racks are the ultimate compact painting system; saving you time, space and the hassle of trying to avoid drips, runs and smudges from too much project handling. This is the perfect tool for tackling multiple projects at one time, resulting in increased productivity. Proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.
  • USER FRIENDLY: Stak Rack’s are extremely easy to set-up and operate. Once attached you can proceed in preparing your doors for painting. Start by removing all hardware such as the door hinges and handle or knobs. You can then start repairing any imperfections and prep the surface with a sander or loose sand paper. Use masking tape to cover any surface you want to protect. Setup and operation is simple enough that it can be accomplished with just one person

Stak Rack 4 in 1 Painters Accessory Tool Stacking Design Paint Interior or Exterior Doors Trim and Kitchen Cabinet Doors for Contractors and Homeowners

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Hiring Your Next Real Estate TEAM

Here are five reasons why someone might choose a smart and trusted real estate sales team:

 1 Expertise: A smart and trusted real estate sales team should have a deep understanding of the local market and be able to provide valuable insights and guidance to buyers and sellers.

 2 Network: A good real estate sales team will have a wide network of contacts, including other real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and home inspectors, that can help make the buying or selling process go more smoothly.

 3 Reputation: A team with a positive reputation in the community can help give buyers and sellers confidence in their decision to work with them.

 4 Communication: A smart and trusted real estate team will be proactive in communicating with clients, keeping them informed and addressing any concerns or issues that arise during the process.

 5 Negotiation Skills: A skilled negotiation is a key attribute of a good real estate sales team. They can help buyers to purchase a property at a fair price and sellers to secure the best possible price for their property.

It’s always recommended to do some research, read reviews and ask for references before choosing a real estate sales team to ensure they have a good track record, will represent your best interest, and are honest and trustworthy.

Hospitality

What can we learn from this Chick-fil-A video about hospitality we could incorporate into the real estate business? I think more than you think. It not about serving a chicken sandwich, it’s about creating enduring human connections we call hospitality.

Real estate agents and brokers think they are in the real estate business. They are not. They are in the people business. Real estate professionals solve human predicaments by adjusting their space-time dilemma.

Enjoy the video.  Write down the highlights.  Incorporate at least two highlights into your business today. Always be improving your dynamic personal interaction with people.  In a free society, people do business with people they like and trust.