Let’s Take a Look!
Whether you’re shopping to buy or improve your first home, your expanded home, or your everything- I’ve-always-wanted home, the list of popular features for you to consider has vastly expanded.
So, while you’re making your budget, consider:
1. A System to Keep You Safe and Sound
Installing a high-quality security system allows you to monitor your home when you’re away and alert you to danger when you’re home. Today’s systems offer high-performing cameras with motion sensors, outdoor security lights with LED bulbs, smart locks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and a doorbell with a camera (just to name a few components) which can all be controlled from your connected device(s).
2. Heated … Everything!
You know what winter weather in the Upper Midwest entails:
- Shoveling your driveway and sidewalks
- Walking around barefoot on cold flooring
- Stepping into your garage and being greeted by the winter air that’s creeping in through the cracks in your garage door …
More and more homeowners are choosing to install heated driveways, sidewalks, garages, and floors. They offer the double benefit of more safety and a more luxurious living space.
3. Clean Technology with Benefits
A growing number of consumers are adopting clean technology, so you can expect to see a rise in the inclusion of solar panels, tankless water heaters, even electric charging stations in residences. The trend is clear to see when you consider the long-term benefits: saving on energy costs, reducing your carbon footprint, and increasing your property value.
4. Temperature Control on Your Schedule
A smart heater can turn down the heat when you leave for work and turn it back up a little before you return, so your home is comfortable, and you save on heating costs.
5. An “All the Fixings” Kitchen
Touch-screen refrigerators have a lot of impressive features. For starters, many models can connect with, and be used to control your phone, computer, TV, smart doorbell, and thermostat. Want to stream music while you cook? No problem. Forget to make a grocery list before leaving for the store? Just peek inside your fridge from anywhere through your connected device to see what you need. Many of these refrigerators also allow you to keep digital notes, reminders and messages on them (no more sticky notes!).
Side note: As part of your kitchen, you may also consider a smart oven that can be operated from anywhere. There are even cooking robots that can prepare meals for you!
6. Super Showers
Upgrade your bathroom by installing a shower cabin with multiple functions. Some systems offer voice command to control your water pressure and water temperature, and to let you listen to music while you shower.
7. Pet Playrooms
For your furry friends you may want to install food and water dispensers that are programmed to discharge at specific times. You may even consider building a designated indoor play area for them when it’s cold, snowing or raining outside.
8. An In-Home Central Nervous System
Future smart homes will optimally manage the use of water and electricity, as well as detect issues such as leaks and automatic shutoffs. You’ll be able to manage your home from anywhere through apps on your connected device(s).
Through remote access, advanced security, lighting control, automated window treatments, and distributed audio, an advanced home network acts as your smart home’s functionality coordinator, integrating the different components of your automated system so they work together.
Whatever your goal — to buy, build or update your house — the home of your future will almost certainly be more convenient, more efficient, and a little more fun to live in!
Bank Midwest offers mortgage loans, home equity loans, HELOCs, and construction loans to fit your needs. Contact us for more information or talk to a mortgage lender.