Smart technology has changed how people live and communicate, not just in their daily lives but also within the comfort of their homes. Nowadays, it seems everyone has a smartphone, from teens to elders, and this has ushered some fantastic opportunities for new, comfortable and smart living. From living rooms to kitchens, every area of the house is now getting smart. And one area of the home that has joined the list of "smart" is the garden.  

Whether it is a small garden with plants in tiny containers or an expansive one with several species of plants around, one feature of having a garden is that it boosts your home aesthetic appeal. However, maintaining it can be a pain in the neck. Well, that is in the past as garden maintenance is now simple. From helping you figure out when to water your plants to keep tabs on the soil in your garden, here are four affordable and straightforward gadget that can make your garden smart. 

Netatmo Weather Station

If you want to have a good understanding of your indoor or outdoor environment, the Netatmo Weather Station is the perfect gadget. This module displays live information on outdoor air quality, relative humidity, and temperature. It can analyze previous readings, forecast variations happening around you as well forecast how things may turn out in the future. You can add a wind gauge or rain gauge for a proper understanding of the condition in your garden.

Edyn

Edyn is a one of a kind device built around providing you with information. You shove it into the ground of your garden, and it syncs with your smartphone to give you a different type of information about your garden bed. Furthermore, The device recommends plants to grow based on the conditions. It has an optional water valve, which automatically controls your sprinklers based on the information it gets from your garden soil.

Green Box

Greenbox is a fantastic device built to work with houses that have a sprinkler system installed. This device gives homeowners full control of their watering schedule from a computer, tablet or smartphone. The Greenbox can also be connected to the internet to get information about the weather. It will let you know when it is appropriate to activate your sprinkler and when you shouldn't.

Koubachi Plant Sensor 2

The Koubachi helps sense conditions of your garden soil and gives you tips on how to manage your plants. This device also forecasts weather to help you make useful decisions in your garden. Furthermore, you can connect this device to your smartphone so you can keep an eye on your garden when you are not home. The outdoor model of this device is water resistant, which means you need not take it inside during bad weather. You can as well get the indoor model to keep tabs of the plants in your living room and other areas of the house.

These devices won't cost you are a fortune. Ask your Local gardener for more information.

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Looking to add your condo to the real estate market? Ultimately, you'll want to set a "fair" price for your property. By doing so, you can stir up plenty of interest in your condo and boost your chances of a fast property sale.

List your condo at a price that meets the needs of both property buyer and seller – here are three tips to ensure you can price your condo properly.

1. Study the Housing Market

How does your condo rate against similar properties? Examine the housing market closely, and you can understand what differentiates your property from others that are currently available.

Check out the prices of comparable condos that have been added to the real estate market recently. That way, you can learn how other condo sellers are pricing their properties and map out your condo pricing strategy accordingly.

Also, evaluate the prices of condos that have sold over the past few months. This will allow you to identify real estate market patterns and trends and may help you establish a competitive price.

2. Hire a Property Appraiser

A property appraiser understands what it takes to assess a condo both inside and out. Therefore, if you conduct a condo appraisal, you can learn about your property's strengths and weaknesses.

During a condo evaluation, a property appraiser will identify problem areas across your residence. Then, he or she will provide a report that you can review to understand how you can enhance your property's value.

Take the results of a property appraisal seriously. If a property appraiser finds minimal problems with your condo, you may be good to go to establish a fair price for your residence.

On the other hand, if a property appraiser discovers a wide range of condo issues, allocate the necessary time and resources to mitigate these problems. In this scenario, you may need to lower your expectations for your condo's asking price based on the current state of your property. Or, you can perform assorted property improvements to bolster your condo's value.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

Want expert insights into how to price your condo competitively? Work with a real estate agent, and you can receive comprehensive support as you prepare to add your residence to the housing market.

A real estate agent can make a world of difference for a condo seller, and for good reason. This housing market professional will teach you about the current real estate market and help you determine the right price for your condo.

Let's not forget about the assistance that a real estate agent will provide throughout the condo selling process, either.

With a real estate agent at your side, you can receive help with condo showings, negotiations with condo buyers and much more. And if you ever have condo selling questions, a real estate agent will be able to provide instant responses.

Set the right price for your condo – use these condo selling tips, and you can move one step closer to maximizing the value of your property.

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When looking at new homes, home buyers with high expectations can sometimes feel disappointed with their options. In a world where wood paneling, blue bathtubs, and wallpaper in every room have been popular trends it can feel like a lot of houses on the market are eyesores.

An important factor to keep in mind, however, is what parts of the home are merely cosmetic and which are structurally important. If a home is in a neighborhood you love with all the structurally important systems in excellent shape you can still add it to the top of your list. Poor design choices, or lack thereof, can always be changed down the line. 

If you were hoping for a home with lots of character and detail but the neighborhoods you love are filled with ranches and builder grade homes don’t despair. There are plenty of style upgrades you can DIY yourself to give your home the luxe look you’re looking for. 

Ready to make a dramatic first impression? Wow guests with just a few of these simple upgrades. 

If your entrance opens up to a staircase you can create a drastic difference with just a small change. The newel post, that is the first main post of the stair railing, can be swapped out for something more ornate and classic. With plenty of options ranging from boxy posts with molding to something sleek topped with an ornate finial ball. Add more drama by choosing a contrasting color for the finial, newel cap, and railing from the main post and spindles.  

A large mirror placed in an entrance or along the length of a hallway never fails to make a statement. Place a pier mirror between windows to create more light and dimension to the room. Create a built-in look by adding molding and wainscotting painted to match the trim of the room. 

Add elegance by installing a ceiling medallion. Not just for the foyer they are also a great detail to add to your dining room, guest bedroom or home office. With a wide selection at your fingertips, you can pair one with a chandelier for a chic look or for a more modern flair coupled with a contemporary style pendant light.

For a truly classic look wall trim instantly makes any room look more luxe. Keep it simple with box shapes or opt for an art deco touch with more geometric shapes. Paired with other vintage elements wall trim brings a sense of refinement. If you’re aiming for a more effortless yet modern theme pair with a mix of mid-century modern and minimalist pieces.

When house shopping keeping an open mind as to what can be changed and what is imperative for a safe home makes all the difference in your shopping experience. Print out pictures for inspiration or create a board on Pinterest to keep the ideas flowing. As you look at each new house keep in mind how you can easily add these elements to create a more luxurious home with a quick weekend project.

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A successful home selling experience is not a guarantee. However, if you prepare for the house selling journey, you may be better equipped than others to reap the benefits of a quick, profitable home selling experience.

Now, let's take a look at three tips so you can set yourself up to succeed during the house selling journey.

1. Identify Your Home's Strengths and Weaknesses

Your home has served you well for many years, yet your residence still has flaws. Fortunately, if you allocate time and resources to identify your house's strengths and weaknesses, you may find ways to improve your residence before you list it.

Consider the buyer's perspective – you'll be glad you did. If you take an objective view of your residence, you may be able to identify assorted home problems and correct them right away.

Also, it may be beneficial to conduct a house inspection. Following an inspection, you'll receive a report that outlines any underlying problems with your house. You then can use this report to prioritize home repairs and upgrades.

2. Establish a Competitive Initial Asking Price

As a home seller, it is important to do everything you can to establish a competitive initial asking price for your residence. Thanks to a home appraisal, you can gain the insights you need to price your house appropriately.

During a home appraisal, a property expert will evaluate your home and various real estate market data. Next, this property expert will provide you with a property valuation. With this property valuation in hand, you can set an aggressive initial asking price for your house.

Maintain flexibility with your home price, too. And remember, if you upgrade your home before you list it, you may be able to receive multiple homebuying proposals at or above your residence's initial asking price.

3. Collaborate with a Real Estate Agent

For those who want a helping hand throughout the house selling journey, it may be a good idea to hire a real estate agent. Because if you have a real estate agent at your side, you can receive comprehensive support at each stage of the home selling journey.

A real estate agent is happy to teach you about all aspects of the house selling journey and ensure you can plan accordingly. He or she can help you identify your house's strengths and weaknesses, price your home appropriately and much more. Plus, once you list your residence, a real estate agent will set up home showings and open house events to promote your property. And if you receive an offer to purchase your house, a real estate agent will help you analyze this proposal and make an informed house selling decision.

If you want to take the guesswork out of selling your home, you should start preparing today. By taking advantage of the aforementioned tips, you can plan ahead for the house selling journey and set yourself up for a successful home selling experience.

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After a seller accepts your offer to purchase his or her house, it likely will be only a few weeks before you can wrap up your home purchase. And if you understand exactly what to expect during the homebuying process, you should have no trouble eliminating potential hurdles along the way.

Now, let's take a look at three tips to help you accelerate your journey from homebuyer to homeowner.

1. Conduct a Home Inspection

A home inspection is paramount for a buyer. Because if you encounter home problems during an inspection, you still have an opportunity to back out of a house purchase.

Hire an expert home inspector – you'll be glad you did. This inspector will assess a house both inside and out and offer comprehensive insights into a residence's condition.

Of course, you should always review a home inspection report closely too. This will enable you to analyze a house and determine whether to move forward with a home purchase or reconsider your options.

2. Perform an In-Depth Home Appraisal

Oftentimes, a lender will require an appraisal before you can close on a house. Lucky for you, there are many home appraisers available in cities and towns nationwide, and these property experts can perform an appraisal at your convenience.

Spend some time looking for the top appraisers in your area. By doing so, you can find a home appraiser who will go above and beyond the call of duty to provide an accurate appraisal.

3. Prepare for Closing Day

As closing day approaches, your stress levels may rise accordingly. However, a homebuyer who plans for closing day can stay calm, cool and collected as the homebuying journey reaches its conclusion.

Generally, it is a good idea to prepare any documentation that you'll need for a home closing. If you have all of the necessary documents ready in advance, you can avoid the risk of potential delays when you close on a house.

If you need additional assistance in the weeks or days leading up to a house closing, you may want to collaborate with a real estate agent as well. In fact, a real estate agent can offer extensive support as you navigate the homebuying journey.

Initially, a real estate agent will help you narrow your house search and ensure you can find your ideal residence. He or she then will help you prepare a competitive offer for this home. And once your offer is accepted by a seller, a real estate agent will provide plenty of guidance as you get ready to finalize a house purchase.

A real estate agent also will respond to any concerns or questions that you may have throughout the homebuying journey. That way, you can make informed decisions as you pursue your ideal residence.

Get the help you need to wrap up a home purchase – collaborate with a real estate agent, and you can streamline the homebuying journey.

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