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Trends come and go, but kitchens are forever. Today’s homeowner is more interested in long-term, sustainable options that add personality. A house with a stylish, functional kitchen remains at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists. Some want the latest in popular woods or stains for cabinetry while others might fancy new appliances that cook faster and smarter while utilizing less energy. For...

With rising inventory and the expectation of continued Fed rate cuts, increased sales can’t be far behind. A market requires both sellers and buyers. Good thing one constraint to home sales—the lack of supply—is easing. After about a decade-long decline, inventories were up by 20% in early fall from the same time a year ago. However, the number is still down by one-third from pre–COVID-19 days....

Home security technology has made incredible advancements over the last decade, bringing enhanced safety, convenience and peace of mind to homeowners. At the heart of these innovations are cameras and smart doorbells that provide real-time surveillance, motion detection, package tracking and seamless integration with other smart home systems. When it comes to smart security cameras and doorbells,...

Real estate professionals nationwide have reported that home buyers are increasingly curious about houses’ eco-friendly features. When considering a home’s environmental friendliness, it’s natural to think first of Energy Star appliances and water-saving bathroom fixtures. But outdoor spaces can be sustainable, too. Decks and patios already offer up to an 80% return on investment for homeowners,...

The core philosophy of minimalist smart home technology is that technology should be experienced, not seen—adding significant functionality without obscuring the aesthetic. This shift is not just about appearance, though. It’s about integrating technology seamlessly into the home environment for an enhanced experience. For instance, short-throw projectors can be built into cabinets, providing a...

While real estate brokers and agents face the lowest level of home sales in nearly 30 years, home builders recently recorded their best performance since the Great Recession of 2008. Compared to 2019, home builders in 2023 had 40% more inventory. In contrast, the existing-home inventory in established neighborhoods in 2023 saw 40% fewer listings vis-à-vis 2019. That’s why lingering multiple offers have...

Mortgage rates continue to fall from their recent 7% highs, lowering borrowing costs for hopeful house hunters who may eagerly be looking for any type of price break. This week marked the third consecutive week for mortgage rate cuts, following signs of cooling inflation, Freddie Mac reports. “These lower mortgage rates, coupled with the gradually improving housing supply, bodes well for the housing...

You may know me for my Ultimate Smart Home series, where I’ve waxed lyrical about myriad home technology trends. Today, I’d like to put a spotlight on an essential but often overlooked aspect of building a tech-forward home: consulting with a qualified technology integrator early in the home building process. But where to find such an expert? That’s where the Custom Electronic Design &...

High-tech criminals are using artificial intelligence to impersonate real estate pros and infiltrate transactions. Would your clients know the difference? Sophisticated scammers can hijack real estate transactions using deepfake audio and video to impersonate agents and other parties involved in a home purchase, security experts warn. The fears are mounting after police in Hong Kong last month alerted...

The integration of AI in smart homes is revolutionizing our living experience. While voice assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant have been around for some time, new advancements are making smart home technologies more personalized and intuitive. Aqara's Home Copilot At CES 2024, Aqara introduced the Home Copilot, a new chatbot interface for its app, powered by Gen-AI. This feature enhances...