Month: August 2024

Until recently, even the latest home security system could become obsolete overnight. But, newer whole-home integration systems are much more compatible with interchangeable parts and innovative add-ons.
As a result, it’s now possible to have a multi-faceted security system that watches over many of the functions and activities in and around your home. For example, you can organize and control your home’s exterior cameras, motion detectors, door locks, window coverings, lighting, entertainment, appliances and HVAC with one system.

If you’re buying an entirely new system, there are many established and emerging brands available, so consider their functions, cost, convenience and reliability. But, if you want the whole-home system to manage existing utilities and appliances, things can become challenging. You will need to ensure that your specific devices can communicate with your new hub, which means you need to identify the protocol under which they can share information. Because their compatibility is not certain, it’s advisable to identify the make and model of your existing equipment and check for compatibility before you purchase a new security hub or system.

What will your housing needs be in three to five years? If you can figure that out, you can watch the market, target areas and communities you might like to live in, and reap the benefits of planning ahead.
To begin the process, start by asking yourself the following questions:

• What will my family look like in three to five years? Will there be a new addition (or two) to your family? Will you have kids that are grown up and about to move out? What is the possibility that an elderly relative (Mom, Dad or grandparent) will be living with you?
• What will change regarding work and school? Will a teenager be off to college? Will you or your spouse be retired Will someone in your household be starting a home business?
• How will your lifestyle be different? Will you take up a hobby that you’d like to be able to reach easily (such as golf) Do you see yourself wanting to live closer to shopping, theatre, walks in the woods, etc.? Will you eventually be traveling more often and, therefore, not be at home as much?
• How is the community changing? Where is it heading relative to your future needs in terms of residents, noise, sense of community, local developments, etc.? Do you see yourself wanting to live in a quieter community, or a more urban center?
• Will the type of home you need change? In three to five years, can you see yourself wanting a larger home? Smaller home? More bedrooms? Larger kitchen?
• What are your dreams? Do you dream of living in a particular area or community? Would you love to have a big backyard with a garden someday? Do you sometimes think, “It would be great to have a wooded park with walking trails just a few minutes away.”

By looking three to five years into the future, you will be able to predict your housing needs and make plans – today – to ensure you get what you want in the future.