Smart Technology for First-Time Homebuyers
Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team
First time homebuyers, you are going to love what smart home technology can do! With a home comes the joy of ownership and having space to call your own, but there is also a level of responsibility that you don’t have with an apartment. For example, a homeowner has several entrances to protect, they have to worry about water leaks and, for some, paying utilities is a new experience. Luckily, smart home technology can make all of those things easier!
Let’s take a look at some of the smart home technology you’ll want in your first home.
Smart locks. Oops, forget to lock the doors before you left? Or, did you lose your key again? No worries. Just grab your smartphone, open the app, and you’re all set — no keys needed.
Smart thermostats. Whether you want your smart thermostat set on a schedule or something you can adjust on the go, this is an energy saving must. It seems like all technology these days has a sliding scale of functionality and smart thermostats fit into that category. This means you get to choose! Do you dip your toes into the water with one that just adjusts your temperature or do you go for the whole system and have one that tracks your behavior and adjusts accordingly, predicts the weather, manages temperature and humidity and more. There are a lot of fun and versatile choices on the market.
Smart lightbulbs. Many smart lightbulbs use LED technology so they are more expensive, but they will also last longer and save energy in the long run. But, of course, they go beyond their longevity and energy saving features to give you smart functionality. There are a lot of different options on the market but imagine being able to control the brightness without getting up and without a dimmer switch. Or turn on lights in different rooms when you’re away. Coming home late? That’s ok, you can turn on the lights so the home is bright and inviting by the time you get there. And probably the most fun feature of some smart bulbs, they change the color they emit to alter the mood of a room. For those who just love technology — look for the bulbs that sync up with certain TV shows or movies for a really dynamic entertainment experience.
Water leak sensors. Water leak sensors are an affordable way to stay on top of wasted water and stop leaks before they get out of hand. Water leak sensors are inexpensive and you should consider keeping one in any room where a leak is a possibility. They rest on the floor and can sense if there is water. If you’re home you’ll hear an alarm. If you’re away, you’ll receive a message on your smart device. Some of these devices can even monitor humidity to let you know if the conditions are right for dangerous mold growth before it even starts.
Outdoor irrigation systems. The challenge is on! You now have a lawn and the neighborhood competition to have the best-looking lawn is fierce. Stay on top of your lawn with little effort and make your neighbors green with envy. By using smart technology to keep it irrigated, you get a leg up on the neighbors.
Smart plugs. Turn anything into a remote access device. Imagine turning on your coffee maker from bed, turning on the slow cooker from work and adjusting the lights from anywhere. You’re only limited by your imagination with these flexible devices.
Personal home assistant. There are a lot of options you can choose from — Alexa, Google Home, Cortana and more. The home assistant can already look up anything on the web for you with voice commands. They’ll also access your play list, connect you with friends and family and give you access to your supported devices. This is where it gets exciting. Now your smart devices can talk to your personal assistant and you can control even more things remotely or by voice.
Give your new home a head start with smart home technology that helps you save time and energy. It may also make your house the coolest one on the block!
Connect with your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) to learn more about special savings on smart home technology and homeowners insurance.
This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.
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- 9 Steps to Create a Home Inventory for Insurance Claims
Your home is more than a roof over your head. It’s where your dreams grow, your family thrives and memories are made. But the possessions you keep inside are important, too.
Whether you’re renting an apartment or own your home, you’ve most likely got an insurance policy designed to protect your dwelling and the things inside. Should the unthinkable happen and you have to use that insurance policy, it’s important to have a plan in place. And a home inventory list is a great way to get started!
We’ll walk you through how to create a home inventory so — in the event of the unexpected — you’ll be more prepared and have a streamlined recovery.
What Is a Home Inventory?
Quite simply, a home inventory is a complete list of all the items, especially valuables, in and around your home. The best home inventories include photos, descriptions and dollar values of each of your belongings. The more detail, the better! It’ll help you provide a comprehensive list to your agent of items lost in the event your home is damaged or destroyed, allowing you to get the most out of your coverage.
When your describing the items in your list, remember that the more information, the better. Here’s a quick reference list of the type of information you should include in your home inventory list:
- An in-depth description of the items. For example, rather than writing down “diamond ring,” be more descriptive, such as: “an emerald cut diamond ring, with white gold shank, accent stones and initials inscribed below the bridge.”
- Make, model, and/or serial number of the items.
- Date of purchase, receipts and photos.
- Estimated replacement cost if you bought it today. Do note that the value of the items might be different today than it was when you first bought them. This is especially true with jewelry, and other valuables.
- Appraisals at time of purchase. Especially if your items were appraised for insurance purposes.
Why Do I Need a Home Inventory?
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, everyone can benefit from a home inventory!
If you ever have to make a claim, a home inventory is a great asset to have, especially after stressful events like theft, storm damage or a fire (take a look at how one renter used their home inventory after facing an apartment fire).
When you make a claim, you typically submit information on everything that was lost — which can be difficult to do off the top of your head for all your possessions. Remembering to replace your TV or computer are no-brainers, but when it comes to remembering each piece of jewelry in your jewelry box, things tend to get overlooked. Having a personal property inventory will help, along with knowing how to properly insure your jewelry.
When you have your home inventory checklist, you know exactly what needs to be replaced, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your entire household is protected.
- Reasons Why a Roof Leaks
You’re admiring the rain from the comfort of your home when you notice a sound — the unmistakable drip of water dropping onto your floor. The first and hardest step is figuring out why your roof is leaking. And with these tips, you’ll find the culprit in no time!
Here’s Why Your Roof Is Leaking
The list of reasons why your roof is leaking may seem long, but don’t worry — when it comes to finding the leak and fixing it, the finding is the hardest part. And the good thing about these problems? They can all be fixed. Check out the list and see what’s troubling your roof:
Your roof is old
Roofs don’t last forever. Protecting your home and everything inside it from the elements comes with a cost. And with all that rain, snow, ice, wind and even sunlight wearing down your roof, it becomes more susceptible to leaks. Every roof will eventually need to be replaced, so learn more about how long your roof should last based on what it’s made of.
- How to Check Your Roof for Storm Damage
There’s no good time to find out your roof needs repair — but you may be able to mitigate that pain by routinely checking your roof for damage after severe weather. Waiting for a leak or damage to present itself gives the problem time to grow and worsen.
And sometimes, you’ll be faced with expensive roof and interior damage repairs if you’re not diligent. By being proactive and checking your roof for damage after severe weather hits can help your roof — and your savings — stay healthy.
