There is an important difference between a house and a home, even if it seems like semantics at first. A house is somewhere you live, and as long as it is sturdy and safe, just about any structure can work. On the other hand, a home is where you feel like you belong, where you can relax, and where you can spend valuable time with family and friends.

 

When you first move into a new place – even if it’s beautiful – it might feel more like a house than a home. This article aims to help you change that as soon as possible. By exploring some of the ideas below, you should be able to turn your house into a home and make it somewhere that you’ll love to live for many years to come.

 

If you are still looking for the right house to call your own, reach out to the Tate Realtors at Smith Marketing. With experienced experts on your side, the stress of the process will fade away and you’ll be able to enjoy the process of finding the perfect place to live.

 

Start with Pictures

This is an easy first step, so it’s the natural place to start this discussion. Shortly after you move into your new space, or if you have been there a while and it just doesn’t feel like home, add some pictures to the walls. Family photos are an obvious place to start, but it doesn’t have to stop there. You could also print and frame pictures you have taken of some of your favorite places to visit, or photos that remind you of fond times in your past. Even just a few pictures will go a long way toward making this feel truly like your home, so this is a quick and affordable project to take on.

 

Find a Way to Incorporate Nature

Even a nice house can feel cold and impersonal if there is no nature brought into the space. You don’t have to be a master gardener to bring in a couple of indoor plants to help on this point, or you could even select some decorations that are made from wood to get a similar effect with no maintenance. You might find that the power of nature is so strong that you wind up bringing in more and more elements to continue adding to this strategy.

 

Create a Comfy Spot

One of the things that can make a house really feel like home is having a dedicated spot where you know you can curl up and relax at the end of a busy day. Often, this will be a cushy sofa in the living room, or in a den or basement in front of a television. Whatever your personal preference happens to be, take the time to decorate this space to your tastes and make sure it has everything that is needed to be your favorite retreat. If you are currently looking at homes for sale, keep in mind the desire to develop this kind of oasis and favor homes that have an obvious spot for such a setup.

 

Get Organized

This is an easy point to overlook, but it’s an important one nonetheless. When you move into a house, it’s common for your stuff to just spread out everywhere – and in the busyness of daily life, you might not ever really get around to organizing it properly. As the weeks and months pass, you still don’t feel like you are at home, because the house is cluttered and you don’t know where anything is.

 

Set aside some time as soon as possible to address this problem. By getting organized, you can start to shape the house into something that feels like your own and is a good fit for your whole family. This not only means putting away things in strategic places, but also decluttering by getting rid of stuff that you don’t need or want any longer.

 

Make the House Work for Your Life

If nothing else, a home should be a place where your life flows naturally, and your daily activities and rituals can be completed without complication. So, for example, if you work from home, it’s important to have a dedicated office space rather than just grabbing your laptop and working on the couch. With a specific desk that you can go to any time you need to work, the house will be one step closer to being a home that functions perfectly.

 

There are plenty of other examples of this concept that go beyond work. For instance, if you like to exercise at home, carving out a space where you can keep some equipment – even if it is in the garage – is quite helpful. Or, if you love watching movies as a family, designing one room as a small theater can again make it feel more like your own and something that is customized to your tastes. Working with an AllenTate team like Smith Marketing can make it easy to find precisely the right house to check all of these boxes.

 

Go Above and Beyond in Your Bedroom

For all of the attention that gets paid to places like the kitchen and living room, it’s the bedroom where you are going to spend the most time. This should be a retreat, and it should be a comfortable spot to settle in for the night and get some much-needed rest. Small touches can go a long way in a bedroom, including things like investing in some quality sheets and pillows, or adding a feature like a ceiling fan to keep the room more comfortable on summer nights.

 

Smith Marketing is an Allen Tate Realty team that will jump into action to help you find the ideal home for you and your family. Once you have found that ideal property, you can utilize the advice above to quickly make it into a home that feels like it has been yours forever. Get in touch today to get started.

Imagine stepping into your own private cinema, a place where you can escape into the world of your favorite films, binge-watch TV series, or enjoy thrilling sports events in unparalleled comfort and style. Welcome to the realm of home theaters—a captivating addition to the modern custom home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art and science of designing a home theater that seamlessly integrates into your custom home, offering an immersive entertainment experience like no other.

Understanding Your Space

When embarking on the journey of designing a home theater, the first step is to understand your space. Building a custom home offers the advantage of flexibility, allowing you to tailor the theater’s design to suit your unique needs. Consider the size, shape, and layout of the room. Does it offer a dedicated space for a cinematic escape, or will the theater share a multipurpose room? Understanding your space sets the foundation for an optimal home theater design.

Acoustic Considerations

Home theaters are not just about visuals; sound quality is equally critical. Acoustics play a pivotal role in creating an immersive cinematic experience. Start by addressing soundproofing to prevent external noise from disturbing your movie nights. Invest in acoustic treatments like diffusers and absorbers to fine-tune the room’s sound. Speaker placement is crucial; it’s essential to find the sweet spot for optimal audio quality. The materials used in the room’s construction can also affect sound, so choose wisely.

Audio and Video Components

The heart of any Greensboro home theater lies in its audio and video components. When it comes to audio, you have options like surround sound systems, soundbars, and AV receivers. Choose equipment that matches the room’s size and your sound preferences. For video, consider whether a large-screen TV or a projector and screen setup is more suitable for your space. Ensure that your equipment provides the visual and auditory quality you desire.

Seating and Comfort

Comfort is paramount in a home theater. Your seating choice can significantly impact your viewing experience. Options range from traditional theater-style seating with rows of recliners to more relaxed lounge seating with oversized sofas and sectionals. Reclining seats with cup holders add convenience and luxury. Remember to prioritize ergonomic design, as long movie nights should be as comfortable as possible.

Lighting and Ambiance

Creating the right ambiance is essential for an immersive cinematic experience. Smart lighting control systems allow you to adjust lighting to match the mood. Consider incorporating dimmable lights, wall sconces, and even starlit ceilings for a magical atmosphere. Blackout curtains or shades are invaluable for controlling natural light and maintaining a pitch-black environment during screenings.

Design and Aesthetics

The design of your home theater should harmonize with your custom home’s overall aesthetics. Choose a design theme that complements the home’s style. Whether you prefer a classic, modern, or themed theater, consider decor, color schemes, and furnishings that enhance the cinematic atmosphere. Custom cabinetry and shelving can elegantly house your audiovisual equipment, keeping the room clutter-free.

Technology Integration

Modern home theaters seamlessly integrate with smart home technology. Invest in a control system that allows you to manage lighting, audio, and video from a single interface. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can simplify operations further. Explore the potential for home automation integration, allowing you to create preset scenes for movie nights or other entertainment modes.

Budgeting and Planning

Budgeting for a home theater is a crucial step. Determine a realistic budget that covers equipment, construction, furnishings, and any additional features you desire. Plan your project carefully, considering timelines and potential challenges. Working closely with a custom home builder experienced in home theater design can help you navigate this process more smoothly.

Professional Installation

Your Greensboro custom homebuilder will handle and coordinate the Professional installation for your home theater equipment. These Experts can ensure that all audiovisual components are set up correctly for optimal performance. They can also handle acoustic treatments, soundproofing, and lighting installations. Custom home builders often collaborate with audiovisual specialists to provide a seamless, integrated solution.

Tips for Future-Proofing

Technology evolves rapidly, so it’s essential to plan for the future. Consider how you can future-proof your home theater by accommodating potential upgrades and expansions. Stay informed about upcoming trends, such as advancements in audiovisual technology, 5G connectivity, and AI-driven automation. This foresight will help your home theater remain cutting-edge for years to come.

Embrace the Magic of Home Theater Design

Designing a home theater in your custom home is a thrilling endeavor that promises to elevate your entertainment experience. By understanding your space, considering acoustics, choosing the right audio and video components, prioritizing comfort, and focusing on design aesthetics, you’ll create a cinematic haven that seamlessly integrates with your home’s style.

Technology integration, budgeting, and professional installation ensure a smooth journey, while future-proofing keeps your home theater on the cutting edge of entertainment technology. Embrace the magic of home theater design, and transform your custom home into a cinematic retreat that delights family and friends for years to come.

 

Are you ready to turn your dream of a luxury custom home into a reality? Look no further! At Smith Marketing, they are not just a real estate team; they are your partners in creating the perfect custom home experience in Greensboro, North Carolina.

With an extensive network and collaboration with Greensboro’s top custom homebuilders, Smith Marketing clients have access to the finest craftsmanship, design, and innovation. Whether envisioning a modern marvel or a classic estate, Smith Marketing is here to guide you in selecting and working with North Carolina’s top custom home builders. 

Embark on this exciting journey with Allen Tate’s top team, Smith Marketing. Contact them today and let them help to transform your dream into a luxurious custom home that reflects your unique style and vision. Your dream home awaits, and the Smith Marketing team of Realtors is here to make it a reality.

Staying active is one of the biggest keys to maintaining good health as the years go by. While there are plenty of different workout options available today – such as joining a gym or just going for a run or a bike ride outdoors – having a home gym is easily the most convenient. The weather is always good in your own home, the gym will never be crowded with inconsiderate strangers, and you can squeeze in a session even when you only have a few minutes available.

 

This article is going to take a closer look at the challenge of designing a home gym to perfectly suit your needs. Of course, you’ll need to start with the right space available in your house, and on that point, Smith Marketing is ready to help. Whether it’s buying an existing home or building a beautiful custom luxury home from scratch, the Smith Marketing team is ready to jump into action. If you are ready to shop custom homes in Greensboro NC or you want to get to know some of the top Greensboro homebuilders, reach out today.

 

Picking the Right Space

Before you can design a home gym, you first need to think about what room is going to be used for this purpose. Of course, if you already live in your home, you’ll be left to pick from a set number of options – in fact, there might only be one viable choice for a room that you can use as a home gym.

 

However, if you are thinking about working with a custom home builder to create a new house, you’ll have a blank slate, and you can think about where you’d like the room to be and what features it should have. Consider the following –

 

• Plenty of space. If at all possible, you want to make your home gym room bigger than the average bedroom or home office. Workout equipment can take up a lot of space, especially if you add large pieces like a treadmill or elliptical machine in addition to some weights.

 

• Away from the living areas. It’s best to separate the location of the home gym from the main living areas of the house. This way, if you want to do a workout while other people are watching TV or doing some serious sleeping, you aren’t disrupting them with the noise coming out of the gym space. And, after a particularly rigorous workout, the room might smell a little “fresh.”

 

• High ceiling. Depending on the design of your house, consider having a higher-than-normal ceiling in your home gym. Some types of workouts require some extra vertical space to complete safely, so having a high ceiling will prevent you from running into any restrictions.

 

Outfitting the Room

With the room selected or built for your home gym, the next step will be to select the equipment that is going to fill up the room and allow you to do your workout routines. This is the part of the project that will need to be most customized to your needs and preferences. Everyone works out a little differently, and a setup that is ideal for someone else just might not make much sense for your plans.

 

One point that should apply to pretty much everyone, however, is the need to maintain some open space within the home gym. Resist the temptation to pack the entire room full of as much equipment as you can find – you are going to want plenty of open floor space for various types of exercises and to walk around without feeling cramped or cluttered. A big open space in the middle of the room with equipment placed around the sides is probably going to be your best bet.

 

Some Nice Extras

Not everything in your home gym has to be focused on your actual exercises. You might want to also think about adding some extra features that will make this room a more enjoyable place to spend time day after day. The ideas listed below certainly aren’t required for a home gym but keep them in mind if you are designing this space from scratch.

 

• Hang a TV. Sometimes, workout sessions can get a little long, especially if you are putting in some miles on a treadmill. By adding a TV to one of the walls, you can enjoy some of your favorite entertainment while getting in a workout at the same time.

 

• Add a sound system. Rather than TV, you might prefer to enjoy some music to get you in the right mood for a difficult exercise routine. Think about adding a speaker system that can be controlled via Bluetooth, so you can easily turn on the songs that get you in the right mood to work hard and push your body to the limit.

 

• Consider a water source. You could certainly just bring a bottle of water into the home gym with you when working out but having a dedicated water source available is a nice bonus. This could be a sink in the corner of the room, or you might even have a water fountain added like you would see in a commercial gym. Of course, this is a feature that is best considered ahead of time, as you would want to have the plumbing taken care of in advance instead of needing to go back and do it later.

 

Having a proven, knowledgeable agent on your side can make all the difference in a house hunt, and the Allen Tate team at Smith Marketing is a leader in this area for a reason. To see the best Greensboro homes for sale, or to explore the idea of building your own home from the ground up, take a moment to get in touch and learn more right away.

Owning a home is a journey filled with decisions, and one of the most significant ones you’ll face as a homeowner is whether or not to renovate. Renovations can be transformative, turning a house into your dream home or significantly increasing its market value. However, they can also be a source of stress and financial strain if not approached thoughtfully. In Greensboro, North Carolina, where real estate is growing and custom home builders are able to build you a home packed with features very affordably, the renovation conundrum is a common topic of discussion. That’s why Smith Marketing Inc., your trusted real estate team in the Greensboro area, is here to offer you the best tips for adding value to your Greensboro home.

Before diving into any renovation project, take a step back and define your goals. What do you aim to achieve with this renovation? Are you looking to enhance your own living experience, or is your primary goal to increase the resale value of your home? Having a clear vision will guide your decisions throughout the process. If you know you will be selling your home at some point in the future, then more weight should be placed on what will best increase the resale value.  On the other hand, if this is your “forever home” and you don’t ever plan to move again, then resale would not be your primary consideration. 

Know Your Budget

Establishing a realistic budget is crucial. Determine how much you can comfortably invest in your renovation without overstretching your finances. Consider potential financing options, such as home equity loans or lines of credit, if your renovation project exceeds your savings.

Prioritize Projects

Not all renovations are created equal when it comes to adding value. Focus on projects that provide the most significant return on investment (ROI). In Greensboro, some of the high-ROI renovation projects include kitchen upgrades, bathroom remodels, and outdoor improvements like decks or patios.

Research Local Trends

Understanding local real estate trends in Greensboro is vital. Speak with local real estate professionals like Smith Marketing Inc. to gain insights into what buyers are looking for in the area. Staying in tune with these trends can help you make renovation choices that resonate with potential buyers.

Hire the Right Professionals

The success of your renovation project often hinges on the professionals you choose to work with. Seek out reputable contractors, architects, and designers who have experience in Greensboro. Ask for references and view their past work to ensure they align with your vision.

Quality Over Quantity

It’s not always about the scale of the renovation but the quality of the work. A well-executed, modest renovation can often yield better results than a hasty, extensive one. Focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and using high-quality materials.

Energy Efficiency Matters

Incorporating energy-efficient features not only lowers your utility bills but also appeals to environmentally conscious buyers. Consider installing energy-efficient windows, appliances, and HVAC systems, as well as proper insulation and sealing.

Maintain Consistency

Maintain consistency in your renovation choices. Your upgrades should flow seamlessly with the existing style and architecture of your home. An inconsistent design can deter potential buyers and lower the overall appeal.

Don’t Over-Personalize

While adding personal touches to your home is essential for creating a comfortable living space, avoid over-personalizing. Bold and unique design choices may not resonate with a broad range of buyers. Opt for timeless and neutral elements that can easily adapt to different tastes.

Obtain Permits and Approvals

Before starting any renovation, ensure you have the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities. Failing to do so can lead to costly delays and legal issues.

Plan for the Future

Think long-term when making renovation decisions. Consider how your choices today will impact your home’s value and appeal in the future. Forward-thinking renovations can position your home well in Greensboro’s ever-evolving real estate market.

Consult with Smith Marketing Inc.

If resale is a consideration for you then navigating the renovation conundrum in Greensboro will be made easier when you have the support and expertise of a dedicated real estate team like Smith Marketing Inc of Allen Tate, to advise you. Smith Marketing can provide market insights, connect you with trusted local professionals, and help you make renovation decisions that align with your ultimate resale goals.

The renovation journey can be both exciting and rewarding when approached with careful planning and informed decisions. Smith Marketing Inc. is here to help you if you are looking into renovation and a sale. In that case, you will want to ensure your renovation adds not only value but also positive return on investment of your Greensboro home. Whether you’re looking to enhance your living experience or prepare your home for the market, trust Smith Marketing Inc. as your partner in navigating the Greensboro real estate market including what’s the best decision on home renovations.

A luxury home isn’t just defined by its size and architecture; it’s equally about the interior elements that bring the space to life, infusing it with character and individuality. Given this perspective, incorporating fine art into the home to enhance its ambiance and bestow a sophisticated, refined appearance is an important aspect of the home.

 

To achieve the desired effect, your fine art must be deployed strategically and with great care. Below, you’ll find a few tips on how to showcase fine art successfully. Of course, if you are just getting started with a luxury home project and want to team up with the top Greensboro custom home builders, reach out to Smith Marketing today for guidance. 

 

The Right Collection

One of the aspects of effectively showcasing fine art within your home lies in the curation of your art collection. This involves the careful selection of pieces that strike a balance between diversity and cohesiveness. A well-constructed collection captivates through its intriguing array of works while maintaining an underlying theme or style that ties everything together.

Embarking on this journey of art curation involves a thoughtful exploration of various artists, mediums, and genres. Each piece chosen should contribute to the narrative you wish to convey within your home. While the collection should be engaging and multi-faceted, the underlying current that unites the artworks should be discernible.

As your collection evolves over time, you’re presented with an ever-expanding palette of possibilities for how to artfully exhibit each piece within your home. The process of determining where and how each piece should be placed involves a delicate interplay of color palettes, sizes, and themes.

For instance, a vibrant abstract painting might serve as a focal point in your living room, drawing attention with its dynamic hues and expressive strokes. In contrast, a serene landscape might find its place in a quiet corner, inviting contemplation. As your collection grows, you’ll discover the joy of juxtaposing contrasting pieces to create visual harmonies that invigorate your living space.

In the realm of fine art, your home transforms into a gallery of personal expression. Every piece selected resonates with your tastes, memories, and aspirations, reflecting the unique story of your journey. Each visitor to your home becomes an audience to this narrative, invited to appreciate the intricate interplay of colors, textures, and emotions.

 

Appropriate Sizing

An inherent advantage of curating an art collection lies in the flexibility to align the size of each artwork with the dimensions of the room it inhabits. This strategic matching of sizes is pivotal, as it ensures that the visual harmony within the space is maintained. When integrating art into your home, the principle of proportionality is paramount.

Imagine a scenario where a grandiose artwork engulfs the wall of a modest room. The disproportionate scale disrupts the visual equilibrium, rendering the art overpowering within the confined space. Conversely, a diminutive piece placed against a vast expanse of wall creates an imbalance that dilutes its impact. To avoid such discrepancies, the art’s size should be thoughtfully tailored to correspond with the specific wall or room it will adorn.

A large canvas, boasting intricate details and bold colors, can seize the attention in a spacious living area. On the contrary, a smaller piece, showcasing delicate nuances, may be better suited for a cozy nook or corridor. By conscientiously aligning the artwork’s size with its designated space, you ensure that the aesthetic narrative remains coherent and visually appealing.

Along with the curation process, this approach to sizing enhances the overall effect of your art collection. The fusion of size, style, and placement amplifies the resonance of each piece and harmonizes their collective impact. Your home evolves into an artful tapestry, where the dimensions of each artwork effortlessly complement the contours of the spaces they inhabit, contributing to an atmosphere of balanced refinement.

 

 

Lighting is Key

The significance of adequate lighting in elevating the impact of art cannot be overstated. A carefully calibrated lighting scheme has the unique ability to breathe life into an artwork, unveiling its intricacies and nuances in ways that are truly captivating. However, there’s no universal formula for lighting art, as each piece demands a tailored approach. Factors such as color composition, the interplay of natural light, and more, all influence the lighting requirements.

Achieving the ideal lighting setup necessitates a strategic approach, individualized for each artwork. Some pieces may call for heightened illumination, influenced by their color palette and the ambient lighting they’re exposed to. Employing techniques like track lighting or wall sconces can be an effective solution, but honing the perfect lighting arrangement may involve a certain degree of experimentation.

To seamlessly marry art and illumination, start by assessing the unique attributes of each artwork. Consider its hues, textures, and the ambiance of the space it occupies. A vibrant, large canvas may necessitate brighter lighting to emphasize its vivid details, while a smaller, nuanced piece might thrive under softer, diffused lighting. As you experiment with different lighting intensities and angles, you’ll uncover the setup that optimally accentuates the art’s essence.

Skillfully combining size, style, and lighting conditions enriches the art’s visual impact, heightening its presence and resonance. Your home metamorphoses into an immersive gallery where art and lighting collaborate to cast each piece in its finest light, fostering an environment of artistic refinement.

 

 

Keep It Fresh

Just as art experiences rotation in museums and galleries, your home’s art collection can benefit from periodic repositioning. The idea of keeping your art pieces in the same place indefinitely need not be set in stone. Embracing a dynamic approach can infuse new life into your living spaces. Consider taking a cue from the curatorial practices of art institutions and introduce a sense of fluidity to your home.

Engaging in occasional layout changes and moving art pieces to different locations serves to invigorate the atmosphere. This deliberate act of refreshing the arrangement adds an element of novelty that sustains interest, captivating both you and your visitors. By breathing new vitality into your living space, you create an environment that remains engaging and inspiring.

As an extension of the comprehensive insights shared in the preceding articles, this practice of evolving your art display complements the art curation journey. The interplay of art, size, lighting, and arrangement encapsulates a holistic approach to transforming your home into an ever-evolving gallery of aesthetic expression. By periodically reimagining the spatial narrative, you enliven your surroundings, fostering an ambiance that continues to stimulate the senses and ignite conversations.

Having the right professionals on your side is always important. Smith Marketing is an Allen Tate – or allentate, as it is sometimes written – real estate team with a proven track record in the industry. If you are ready to get started on an exciting house search, the first step is to reach out to the Smith Marketing team for more information.

It’s been said so much that it’s basically a cliché at this point – the kitchen is the heart of the home. That phrase is often repeated because it is so true. The kitchen tends to be the hub of activity in the house, whether it is stopping for breakfast in the morning before rushing out the door or coming home and working together as a family to prepare a meal. And, of course, when you have people over for a party, the kitchen tends to be where everyone gathers to chat and snack.

 

If you are building or purchasing a new home in the Greensboro area, you’ll want to make sure the kitchen meets your expectations. This article will look at some of the great elements of kitchen design that you will see in high-end homes for sale. 

 

Make Appliances the Star

One approach to high-end kitchen design that has seemingly picked up popularity in recent years is to make kitchen appliances the focal point of the layout. This means using a massive refrigerator, a large stove/range, and more. Not only will the appliances be big, but they will come from an upscale brand that puts a lot of effort into the design of their products so they look natural in a luxury home. Of course, in addition to the visual appeal of big, bold appliances, you’ll also have the benefit of getting to use them regularly and enjoying the capabilities they provide.

 

Bring in Nature

With the number of features that are included in the standard kitchen, natural light sometimes falls victim and only a small window or two are included in the layout. For a high-end home, however, you don’t want to close off the outside world – especially if you have a nice view that is waiting to be enjoyed just on the other side of the wall. A large set of windows that open up the space and make it an attractive place to spend time is a nice design addition to any luxury kitchen.

 

Open Shelving

Another trend in kitchens in recent years is open shelving. With open shelves, you can display some of your cookware, plates, glassware, and other items that are too pretty to be tucked away. Of course, since this is going to be a big kitchen, you can still reserve some space for traditional cabinets, leaving you with a nice blend of hidden storage and open shelves for display and easy access.

 

Modern and Minimal

Just because a kitchen is large and upscale doesn’t mean it needs to be crowded with as many items as will fit in the space. A design that emphasizes clean lines and allows a few key elements to shine through will likely look very modern and high-end.

 

Have you been browsing the Greensboro MLS without any luck? Not sure which of the many Greensboro homebuilders to trust with your project? Smith Marketing is the team you need on your side throughout this exciting and sometimes intimidating process of buying a new home. Take a moment to get in touch today to learn more and get started.

The health of the environment is a topic that is on the minds of many these days. If you have been thinking about how you can live in a more eco-friendly manner, you might first look at your home for opportunities to improve. This article will highlight some simple, approachable steps that you can take to make your house more eco-friendly.

 

If you have been searching for “houses for sale near me” in the Triad area, Smith Marketing is the ideal partner. As an Allen Tate team, Smith Marketing has a proven reputation in the region and would love to serve you on a home search or to put your home on the market to sell it at the best price.

 

Start with Simple Steps

The task of making your home more eco-friendly can seem like a big mountain to climb, but the best way to get started is just by taking some basic, simple steps. As a starting point, try to check off some of the points below –

 

• Switch to LEDs. This is a change you may have already made, but if not, make it a point to swap out your old lightbulbs for LEDs as soon as possible. With LEDs, you’ll use far less energy, and you won’t need to replace the lightbulbs nearly as often.

 

• Smart thermostat. The HVAC system that serves your home is likely the component that uses up the most energy. To bring down energy usage without noticing any difference in comfort, invest in a smart thermostat that can easily be programmed to match your heating and cooling system perfectly to your needs. This way, you won’t be wasting energy heating up or cooling the house when you aren’t home to enjoy it.

 

• Pay attention to water usage. It’s easy to get into some bad habits with regard to water use. Those habits can include things like showering too long, overwatering the lawn, or running half loads of dishes in the dishwasher. Monitor your monthly water bill as a good measure of how much you are using and make it a goal to pull back on consumption.

 

A Bigger Step

The points above are things you could do pretty quickly and easily, and without spending much money. If you want to make a bigger investment in the eco-friendliness of your home, look at adding solar panels to your roof. This is a big project, to be sure, and it is going to come with an upfront cost that is significant. However, it will gradually be paid back over time as you produce your own energy and don’t need to rely on the grid nearly as much – or at all. Also, solar power is renewable and doesn’t harm the environment, so it’s a change you can feel good about executing.

 

What Are You Hoping to Find?

The ideas above will help you make your current house as eco-friendly as possible, but they can also apply to a home that you are preparing to move into. Contact the real estate agents at Smith Marketing today to partner with a leading agency in North Carolina on this exciting project.

There is nothing quite like building a custom home. When you build a home from scratch with the help of one of the top builders in the Greensboro area, you get to pick out every last detail and make sure the finished product is something your family can love for years to come. This article will take a closer look at some of the many advantages of going with a custom build.

 

Looking for a Realtor to help with your next Greensboro real estate transaction? Smith Marketing is ready to serve you. Whether you are planning a custom build or you want to purchase one of the great existing Greensboro NC homes for sale, the Smith Marketing team will make a great partner. 

 

Two Good Options

When you get ready to move from your current home into a new one in the Greensboro area, you have two fundamental options at your disposal – buy an existing home or work with one of Greensboro’s premier builders and build a custom home. Each of these two paths has plenty of advantages, but it’s hard not to be tempted by the idea of planning a custom home that will serve your needs down to even the smallest details. As long as the timeline of such a project is not a problem for your family, a custom home created by one of the top builders in the area is something you can be proud of for a lifetime.

 

The Many Custom Benefits

If you have been considering a custom build for your next home, the following benefits might be all you need to decide that this is the right path for you.

 

• Full floor plan control. As you walk through homes that are currently on the market, you might find plenty that you like – but none that you truly love. With an existing home, you’ll almost certainly need to compromise in one way or another, but a custom home requires no such compromises since you have total control over the layout.

 

• Unique touches. A custom home can play to your own particular sense of style and design in a way that an existing home can’t match. You’ll get to work directly with the builder throughout the process and explain your tastes for things like kitchen finishes, window placements, and much more. Sure, you could renovate an existing home to get it closer to your vision, but it will never quite be perfect.
• Get the right lot. Part of the custom home building process is picking out a lot, so you’ll be free to explore available land in the Greensboro area until you find exactly the right spot for your family to live. If you’d like several acres so you have some room to spread out and explore, that won’t be a problem.

 

Put the Wheels in Motion

Perhaps the only thing you could point to as a downside for building a custom home is the timeline – it will be longer until you can move in as compared to buying an existing home. So, if you are going to take the custom route, put the wheels in motion as soon as possible by reaching out to Smith Marketing today.

Appraisals are a big part of the process of buying and selling homes. Through the use of a professional appraisal, it can be determined where the value of the house currently is given market conditions and other factors. While appraisals are always important, they take on additional value for luxury properties given the significant price tag of such homes. This article will take a closer look at how luxury property appraisals work and what you should know about the process.

 

As a leading Allen Tate Realty team, Smith Marketing is the right partner for your next real estate transaction in the Greensboro area. If you have been browsing the MLS listings and want to start to get out and see some homes, or if you are ready to list your own property, call Smith Marketing today to get started.

 

How Appraisals Work

To have a home appraised in the process of buying or selling, it will be necessary to bring in the services of a professional appraiser. This is a neutral party who is charged with the task of determining a fair value for the home based on a number of variables. Anytime there is going to be a mortgage taken out as part of the purchase and sale of a house, it’s a safe bet that there will be an appraisal completed along the way.

 

The primary purpose of an appraisal is to satisfy the terms of taking out a mortgage for the purchase of the house. The lender is going to want to see that the appraisal comes in near the offer that has been made to the seller – that means they will be lending an appropriate amount of money based on the market value of the property. If it should happen that the appraisal comes in significantly lower than what was offered and what is being borrowed, it’s possible that the deal won’t go through.

 

The Luxury Component

The fundamentals of a property appraisal don’t change between a standard home and a luxury home. However, there is more to appraise when it comes to a luxury home, as this kind of property is likely to have additional features and components that aren’t seen in most houses. For example, a luxury house might have a pool in the backyard, a separate home theater, a large piece of land to value, and much more. A professional appraiser with experience dealing with luxury homes will know how to work through these various components, consider how they all impact the property’s value, and come up with a number that is fair to all involved.

 

You Deserve the Best

Working with the leading Allen Tate Greensboro team is the best way to make sure your upcoming real estate deal goes off without a hitch. Whether you are ready to get started right away or you just have a couple of questions, Smith Marketing would love to hear from you. Take a moment now to get in touch!

Buying a home is a huge financial decision and one of the biggest transactions most people will ever make. Given the amount of money involved, it seems inevitable that this purchase will have some kind of an impact on your taxes. But what will that look like? This article will get into some of the details of what might happen to your tax picture when you purchase a home.

 

As leading Realtors in the Greensboro real estate market, Smith Marketing is ready to help you find precisely the right home for your family. Start your Guilford County property search today and take a big step closer to securing your dream home. 

 

A Complex Matter

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that the tax implications of buying a home are a little bit complicated. Of course, that tends to be how it is with taxes in general, and that’s especially true with major purchases like a home. So, it’s not as simple as just saying that buying a house is “good” or “bad” for your taxes because the reality you experience will depend on your situation and the details of the deal. But in general, most professionals say that buying a home has an overall tax advantage.

 

Standard vs. Itemized Deduction

The big variable here when talking about the purchase of a home and subsequent tax filings is whether or not you will itemize your tax return moving forward. The standard deduction is available to everyone, requires no documentation, and might be your best bet in many tax years. However, it could be possible to save money with an itemized deduction in some cases, such as in the years after you purchase a home.

 

There are a few different homeowner tax deductions offered by the IRS, but those will only come into play if you choose to itemize. So, will definitely want to get the help of a tax professional to review your options and determine which is the right way to proceed with your tax filing. 

 

Some of the Possibilities

If you do wind up itemizing your return, some of the options available to you as a homeowner may include the following –

 

• Property tax. Most likely, the largest deduction you will have available to you as a homeowner is the property tax deduction. When you make your monthly mortgage payment, you’ll be paying property tax along with it – and that tax is deductible at the end of the year. Depending on the size of your property and where you live, that deduction could prove to be quite significant.

 

• Mortgage interest. The interest that you pay on your mortgage is another deduction option and another one that could be rather meaningful if you have a large mortgage and a relatively high rate.

 

• Home office. With so many people now working from home, you might also be able to claim a deduction if you have established a home office. Be sure that your office complies with all of the relevant rules to claim this deduction legally.

 

Seeing the Big Picture

Taxes are just one part of the equation when getting ready to purchase a home, but you don’t need to let this process overwhelm you. Instead, put the experience of Smith Marketing on your side and know that you are in good hands.