The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly start to feel more like a never-ending to-do list rather than your haven.

That’s where smart home technology comes in. It can help you streamline holiday tasks to focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season’s magic.

And there are more upsides to upgrading your home tech: doing so can also enhance the overall value and appeal of your property. Current research indicates that 77% of today’s home buyers are interested in smart homes, which results in an up to 5% increase in a property’s resale value! In general, estimates indicate that sellers who invest in smart home technologies realize a 50% return.¹

So, whether you’re thinking about selling in the near future or just want to enjoy your home to the fullest this season, adding smart gadgets is an investment that pays off. Read on for some of the best smart home solutions to simplify your holidays (and just maybe make your home more marketable down the road, too).

ENTERTAINING MADE EASY

Spending time with friends and family is the highlight of the holiday season—but entertaining can be a lot of work. These tools can help turn any gathering into a celebration to remember without all of the fuss.

1. Make Cooking Easier with Digital Recipe Access

Holiday cooking often means late nights and multiple trips to the store. Instead of juggling old recipe cards, let smart-home displays keep you organized with easy menu planning and grocery lists.

High-end: Google Nest Hub Max
This smart display offers an easy-to-use recipe mode with step-by-step guidance from the Google Assistant. It’s like having a sous chef right on your countertop.

Mid-range: LG – 27″ Smart webOS TV with Countertop Design
This smart TV can be perched on your kitchen counter or mounted on the wall to watch cooking shows, pull up your favorite recipes, or cast content from your mobile device.

Budget pick: Amazon Echo Show 8
With a Food Network integration and recipe assistance, this countertop model offers plenty of features in a less-expensive package.

2. Set the Mood with Smart Lighting

The right ambiance can elevate any gathering. Control colors, brightness, and temperatures remotely with these smart lighting options.

High-end: Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box
Watching a holiday movie? Sync your smart lightbulbs to adapt their colors to what’s on the screen for the ultimate festive movie experience.

Mid-range: Lutron Caseta Wireless Bridge
Use this small internet-controlled device to set up automations for your smart bulbs, so you can dim all your lights at once with a swipe on your smartphone.

Budget-friendly: Govee Lightbulbs
Just getting started with smart bulbs? This affordable option allows you to control color and brightness using your Alexa or Google Home device.

3. Amplify Your Holiday Spirit with Smart Speakers

From carols to party playlists, music sets the tone for the holidays. These smart speakers will get everyone in the mood to sing along.

High-end: Bose Smart Speaker 500
This powerful speaker delivers room-filling sound—and Google Assistant and Alexa are both built-in.

Mid-range: Amazon Echo Studio
The best device for Amazon loyalists who care about sound, music comes through loud and clear on this speaker.

Budget-friendly: Google Nest Mini
This diminutive speaker gives you voice-controlled playback at an entry-level price.

TRADITIONS WITH A TWIST

Decorating your home and popping on a holiday film gets everyone in the holiday spirit. These tech solutions make things easier and give you more time to enjoy the fun.

1. Watch Holiday Favorites in Style

Level up your holiday movie traditions with smart projectors that turn any room in your home—or even your backyard—into a movie theater.

High-end: Epson Home Cinema LS1100
This 4K projector is a serious investment, but it delivers cinema-quality performance and a laser light source that won’t require replacement bulbs. It’s also easy to set up and adjust.

Mid-range: Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen Smart Portable Projector
Use this feature-packed, battery-powered projector nearly anywhere—it’s designed to level and focus your video automatically and to scale to the size of your space.

Budget-friendly: Jimveo Portable LED Movie Projector for Outdoor/Home use

This 1080p projector offers a bright picture, high-quality audio, and the portability to move it from room to room (plus outside). You can cast from your mobile device or plug in a computer or USB.

2. Shine Bright with Smart Plugs

Tired of clambering behind furniture to get to a hard-to-reach plug for your decorations? Invest in smart plugs, and you can control all of your electrified holiday decor (plus anything else you might plug in!) easily from your phone.

High-end: Meross Smart Power Strip
This smart power strip includes four AC outlets plus two USB C and one USB A port. It’s compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, and each outlet can be operated individually.

Mid-range: Enbrighten Wifi Smart 2-Outlet Plug
This smart plug turns one wall outlet into two smart outlets. Control the plug using an app or with Google or Alexa voice assistants.

Budget-friendly: Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini
These inexpensive plugs are designed to take up minimal wall space yet offer plenty of features. Plus, they’re compatible with Google and Amazon home ecosystems.

3. Create a Winter Wonderland with Smart Outdoor Lighting

Whether you want to wow the neighborhood with an eye-catching display or simply add a touch of outdoor holiday charm, setting up lights doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Smart outdoor lighting makes it simple to illuminate your home’s exterior with minimal effort or planning.

High-end: Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights
Install these permanent outdoor lights on your home and celebrate year-round with app-controlled color and effects options for every holiday you can think of.

Mid-range: Twinkly Icicle Lights
Drape your home in any color you can think of with these easy-to-use, app-controlled icicle-style lights. True to the name, there are plenty of twinkling options to choose from!

Budget-friendly: Brizled Smart Christmas Lights
String up these indoor-outdoor lights wherever you’d like to enjoy customizable colors and effects, or sync the bulbs with music for a truly eye-catching outdoor display.

SIMPLIFIED HOME MANAGEMENT

There’s plenty to manage at the holidays as it is—make things easier for yourself by automating some basic home tasks and functions. Less time spent on tedious chores means more time making memories with your family.

1. Keep Your Home Spotless with Robot Vacuums

The holidays can create a lot of mess — stay on top of it with smart vacuums that clean up all of those cookie crumbs and bits of wrapping paper for you.

High-end: Roomba Combo J9 Plus
Say goodbye to vacuuming and mopping with this high-tech robot, which comes complete with AI obstacle avoidance to keep it from banging into your furniture.

Mid-range: Roborock Q5 Max+
This powerful robot vacuum is highly customizable—use the app to set up cleaning preferences like a second pass through high-traffic rooms or to block off areas you’d like left alone. Plus, it empties its own bin!

Budget-friendly: Shark Ion
This robot vacuum may not come with all the bells and whistles, but it does a great job keeping dirt and pet hair off the floor. You can control it with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant in addition to a dedicated app.

2. Manage Deliveries and Greet Guests with Smart Doorbells

The holidays tend to bring a lot more people than usual to your door. Keep track of who’s coming and going and keep your home safe with smart video doorbells.

High-end: Eufy Dual+ Security Video Doorbell
This large video doorbell offers a much wider field of view than most competitors, plus high resolution and night vision. It’s compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices and can be set up wired or wireless.

Mid-range: Google Nest Doorbell Camera
This sleek doorbell camera is easy to set up and control from a distance and offers fast notifications and the ability to respond by voice or with preset messages. Advanced features include package detection and facial recognition.

Budget-friendly: Arlo Video Doorbell
This doorbell offers a wide field of view, high-resolution images, and the ability to zoom in, and is compatible with multiple smart-device ecosystems. However, some of its features, like recordings, require a monthly subscription.

3. Protect Your Home While You Travel

Unfortunately, the holidays tend to bring higher rates of home break-ins. Whether you’re traveling or staying local, these tech solutions can help keep your home and family safe.

High-end: Ring Alarm Pro
Ring is well-known for video doorbells, but they also offer full home security systems, complete with professional monitoring (for a monthly fee). With high-performing devices and a built-in router to ensure working wifi, this system lets you keep an eye on things no matter where you are.

Mid-range: Abode Smart Security Kit
This kit is designed to work with all of the major smart home ecosystems, allowing you to connect as many devices as you’d like for a seamless experience. It includes a hub device, a door/window sensor, and a motion sensor, and you can easily add on from there to customize a system to your needs.

Budget-friendly: August WiFi Smart Lock
Lots of visitors coming and going this holiday season? This smart lock upgrades your existing deadbolt, allowing you to give access to trusted family and friends. Best of all, it attaches to the lock on the inside of your door, so it won’t impact your curb appeal or draw unwanted attention.

ENJOY A BETTER HOLIDAY SEASON WITH SMART HOME TECH

Incorporating smart home technology can help make this holiday season more relaxing—and it can also be a great investment that adds value to your property in the long run. From energy-efficient lighting to reassuring security systems, these gadgets do more than just make life easier; they enhance your home’s appeal to future buyers.

If you’re curious about how upgrading your home’s tech might impact its value, we’d love to help. Reach out for a free consultation to learn more about the latest trends in smart home technology and how it can align with your real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to sell soon or simply upgrade your lifestyle, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Sources National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/emerging-technology/smart-homes-can-help-you-grow-your-business-heres-how

Multigenerational Home Buying: How to Find a Home That Fits Your Whole Family

For many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial storm or care for ailing family members. But that mindset is on the decline: A growing number of families now say that they are embracing multigenerational living and moving in together by choice.

In fact, research by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the share of multigenerational home buyers rose to 14% in 2022––close to an all-time high.¹

Buyers cite a multitude of reasons for choosing a multigenerational home, including saving money on living expenses, pooling resources, taking care of very young or aging relatives, and spending more time with family. “Multi-generational home buying is a way for families to care for one another, support one another, and often buy a home that may have been previously out of reach,” writes Deputy Chief Economist Jessica Lautz in a blog post about the trend.¹

Living with extended family has become especially popular in recent years as younger generations face higher home costs and seniors embrace aging in place. According to Pew Research, the number of Americans living in a home with at least two generations of adults has more than quadrupled since the 1970s.²

For many families, the benefits are substantial. Research shows that people who live in multigenerational homes are healthier and tend to live longer. They also enjoy more financial security. Plus, research by Pew found that people who live with relatives are more likely than not to say that it has been a positive experience.^2,3

That’s not to say that multigenerational living is easy: It can also be stressful––especially if you choose a home that isn’t suited for a larger family. The key to making it work is to pick a home that can accommodate young and old alike without requiring you to sacrifice comfort or privacy.^2,4

Here’s a closer look at multigenerational living, along with tips for finding a home that’s suitable for a diverse group.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE SHOPPING FOR A MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME

Before starting your house hunt, take the time to discuss your house plans as a family so that you’re all on the same page. Have you hashed out what you’re looking for in a new home? Can you agree on potential compromises? Are there any unaddressed concerns about the move?

You may also find it helpful to articulate your “why” for buying a multigenerational home and how each of you might benefit. For some families, multigenerational living is all about caring for relatives and sharing responsibilities. But for others, the goal is to pool resources so that you can purchase a more desirable property or cut down on expenses, like childcare or senior living.

For homeowner Jian Huang, she initially bought a multigenerational home to help her aging mother. But she says the purchase also helped her family save a lot of money on expenses––as much as $25,000 to $40,000 a year. “It makes so much sense financially and emotionally that we would not have it any other way,” commented Huang to Apartment Therapy.⁵

In addition to talking over your short-term wants and needs, you’ll also want to weigh long-term issues that could crop up in the future, like accessibility or money concerns. For example, if some family members are nearing retirement, accessibility issues (such as extra-steep stairs or a narrow hallway) could become a problem over time. Similarly, a more luxurious home with extra amenities like a pool may appeal to buyers who have gathered a lot of cash upfront, but it may also require a bigger long-term budget for maintenance and supplies.

If you haven’t had these discussions yet, set a date in your calendar so that you can talk it over as a group. We can help by interviewing family members individually and advising you on what you can realistically find in today’s housing market.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME

Once you’ve settled on what you want and need from a new home, your next step should be to jointly draft a budget so that you’ll know what you can afford. To ensure that no one in your family gets accidentally overextended, think holistically when planning your new housing budget and determine what you would need to buy the home––and maintain it.

In addition to budget, you’ll also want to consider a home’s size and what kind of layout you might need. In general, homes that offer ample space for solitude and privacy are thought to be more practical for multigenerational living––especially if there will also be young children.⁴

However, the ideal layout for your family and the amount of square footage you’ll need to be happy long-term will also depend, in part, on family members’ personalities. Some people don’t mind sharing a bathroom or having bedrooms situated close to one another. But others may find that they need something more separate to relax. Different housing options to consider include:

• A large home with plenty of rooms and at least one or more ensuite bathrooms.
• A home with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), such as a basement apartment.
• A multifamily unit, such as a duplex. 

For home buyers looking to age in place, a home that offers a separate ground-floor unit, such as a backyard ADU, could be the most comfortable (and the most practical) option, says author Sheri Koones.“It’s a way for many older people to avoid having to go into an expensive assisted living or other facility as they age,” said Koones in an interview with Realtor Magazine.⁶

Another possibility to consider would be a home you could add onto or retrofit into multiple units. However, building a brand-new accessory unit or renovating an existing space can be pricey. When visiting a property, we’ll help you weigh potential costs and estimate whether it’s a good investment. We can also connect you with a trusted contractor who specializes in renovations.

HOW TO BUY A MULTIGENERATIONAL HOME

Buying a home with family can be complicated––especially if you plan to jointly apply for a mortgage. However, depending on your financial resources, you may be surprised to find that it’s sometimes easier to qualify for certain mortgages as a group than if you tried to go it alone.⁷

Talk it over with a mortgage lender or broker and ask for advice on what’s best for your situation. We’d be happy to connect you with a professional who understands the nuances of co-buying.

Technically, there’s no limit to the number of co-borrowers you can have, but some lenders may be more lenient with their lending requirements than others. For example, most conventional lenders will only work with a maximum of four borrowers for a single loan. If you want to buy a home with a larger number of co-borrowers, you may have to look to an alternative lender.⁷

Your credit will also be an important factor in determining your mortgage qualifications and what you can buy, so have everyone check it as soon as possible. Pulling your credit reports and scores will not only tell you where you stand. It will also alert you to correctable issues with your credit, such as mistakes on your credit reports or too much debt on your cards.⁸

As you discuss your homebuying budget and strategy, jointly consider the following: 

• Who will be on the mortgage?
• What about the title?
• Would including everyone on the mortgage be beneficial for your mortgage rate?
• For those who don’t qualify for the mortgage or have a lower credit score, can you make other arrangements so that they can still financially contribute?

Next, consider potential tax and estate planning implications of your home purchase and what might happen if some family members later decide to drop out of the arrangement.⁹

To ensure you make an informed decision, it’s best to speak with a licensed professional. Ask us for a referral to a legal professional or an accountant who can advise you.

BOTTOM LINE

Multigenerational home buying has grown more popular for a reason: it’s a great way to combine resources and buy a supportive home for more than just your immediate family. It can also be a smart lifestyle choice, helping reduce loneliness and promote health and well-being.¹⁰

If you’re wondering whether multigenerational living is right for you, call us for a consultation. We’d be happy to walk you through potential options and help you envision your own full house.

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. National Association of Realtors –
   https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/all-in-the-family-multi-generational-home-buying
2. Pew Research Center –
   https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2022/03/24/financial-issues-top-the-list-of-reasons-u-s-adults-live-in-multigenerational-homes/
3. SSM – Population Health –
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5769098/
4. Better Homes and Gardens –
   https://www.bhg.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-multigenerational-home-8409277
5. Apartment Therapy –
   https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/multigenerational-homes-37412085
6. Realtor Magazine –
   https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/all-under-one-roof-trends-in-multigenerational-living
7. Bankrate –
   https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-many-names-can-be-on-a-mortgage/
8. Experian –
   https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-credit-score-do-i-need-to-buy-a-house/
9. Kiplinger –
   https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/estate-planning-for-multigenerational-living-arrangements
10. Institute for Family Studies –
    https://ifstudies.org/blog/multigenerational-living-is-it-a-solution-for-our-aging-population

Today we provide an in-depth analysis of the current US homebuyer market, highlighting key demographic trends and their influence on buying decisions. It reveals a shift towards older buyers, particularly repeat buyers, with first-time buyers facing challenges due to high home prices and interest rates. The report also examines the significant role of real estate agents in facilitating successful transactions and the increasing prevalence of multigenerational homes due to financial and family considerations. The report concludes by emphasizing the growing importance of family support systems and location proximity for both buyers and sellers.

In the landscape of American homeownership, single women have emerged as a formidable force, underscoring resilience, independence, and financial acumen. The recent data, especially in light of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, celebrate the significant strides single women have made in achieving the American dream of homeownership.

The Resurgence of Single Women Homeowners

2023 marks a notable year for single female-headed households, including those widowed, separated, or divorced, as homeownership rates climbed to 51.8%, up from 51.5% the previous year. This recovery from the 2016 low of 49.3% is a testament to the determination and resilience of single women across the United States. With approximately 20 million single female-headed homeowner households, they significantly outnumber their single male counterparts in both population and homeownership rates.

Overcoming Pandemic Challenges

The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, particularly for women’s economic prospects, leading to higher unemployment rates, increased domestic responsibilities, and a significant drop in financial confidence among single women. Despite these obstacles, the resilience of single women shone through as their wealth and homeownership rates continued to rise. This period, often referred to as a “she-cession,” could not deter the spirit of single women aiming for homeownership.

A Leap in Financial Progress

From 2019 to 2022, the median net worth of single female-headed households saw a remarkable increase, jumping from $55,400 to $74,000, according to the Survey of Consumer Finances. For homeowners, this figure rose from $199,000 to $266,000, highlighting homeownership as a crucial wealth generation tool. In 2022, a primary dwelling constituted 66% of all assets for these households, further emphasizing the importance of owning a home for financial stability and growth.

The Bright Future Ahead

Looking forward to 2024, the trajectory for women’s homeownership rates is set to climb even higher. The driving forces behind this trend—higher education and increased household income—show no signs of abating. The proportion of unmarried women with at least a bachelor’s degree has seen significant growth, from 20% in 2000 to 34% in 2023, with the percentage of those holding graduate degrees also doubling during this period. Coupled with a 15% increase in median family income from 2000 to 2022, single women have more purchasing power than ever before.

Single Women Leading the Charge in Homeownership

The commitment of single women to homeownership, outperforming single men two to one over the past several years, is a reflection of their growing financial independence and savvy. As educational attainment and household income continue to rise among single women, we can anticipate further increases in homeownership rates.

The Power of Persistence

The journey of single women towards homeownership, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, is a narrative of triumph over adversity. Their achievements not only signify personal success but also contribute to the broader narrative of gender equality and economic empowerment.

As we look to the future, the continued increase in single women’s homeownership rates stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Their journey is a powerful reminder of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your insights can inspire and encourage others on their path to homeownership. As always, Skip Benton from Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate in Northern Nevada is eager to provide this information and more. Let’s celebrate the achievements of single women together and look forward to even more success stories in the years to come.

*Have a wonderful day, and remember, the conversation doesn’t end here. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or reach out on LinkedIn and Facebook.*

1. Old Southwest Reno
   Old Southwest Reno is a charming, historic neighborhood located just south of the Truckee River. The area features classic homes built in the early 20th century and tree-lined streets that are perfect for walking or biking. The neighborhood is also close to downtown Reno, which makes it an ideal location for those who enjoy urban living.
2. Caughlin Ranch is a master-planned community located on the western side of Reno. The neighborhood is surrounded by scenic mountain views and offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The area also features many parks and trails, making it perfect for families.
3. South Meadows is a newer neighborhood located in the southern part of Reno. The area is known for its spacious homes, quiet streets, and proximity to the Mount Rose Wilderness Area. South Meadows is a great option for families who want to live in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood.
4. Northwest Reno is a diverse neighborhood that’s close to the University of Nevada, Reno. The area features a variety of housing options, from historic homes to modern apartments. Northwest Reno is also close to downtown, making it a great location for those who work in the city.
5. Southwest Vistas is a new development located on the southwestern side of Reno. The area features large homes, stunning views, and is close to many outdoor recreation opportunities. Southwest Vistas is perfect for those who want to live in a quiet, safe neighborhood that’s close to the city.
6. Somersett is a gated community located in the western foothills of Reno. The area features a golf course, a clubhouse, and a variety of housing options, from townhomes to single-family homes. Somersett is perfect for those who want to live in a luxury community that’s close to nature.
7. Damonte Ranch is a master-planned community located in the southern part of Reno. The area features spacious homes, parks, and trails, and is close to many shopping and dining options. Damonte Ranch is perfect for families who want to live in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood.
8. Arrowcreek is a gated community located in the southeastern part of Reno. The area features luxury homes, a golf course, and stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Arrowcreek is perfect for those who want to live in a luxurious community that’s close to nature.
9. Galena Forest is a mountain community located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area features spacious homes, stunning views, and is close to many outdoor recreation opportunities. Galena Forest is perfect for those who want to live in a peaceful, nature-filled environment.
10. Verdi is a small town located just west of Reno. The area features a mix of historic and modern homes, stunning views of the Truckee River, and is close to many outdoor recreation opportunities. Verdi is perfect for those who want to live in a small town that’s close to the city.

In conclusion, Reno, Nevada has a variety of great neighborhoods to consider when buying a home. From historic neighborhoods to gated communities, there’s something for everyone. When choosing a neighborhood