Many of the newly built homes today are integrating forward-thinking technology and trends in an effort to make homes more energy efficient - saving money for the homeowner and helping the environment all at once. These new features may take a few years to catch on and become mainstream, but by getting ahead of the curve and including these features to your home now, you can boost the value of your property and potentially help it sell more quickly when the time comes. Here are some of the latest trends: Solar Roofing In an age of ecological sustainability, there has never been a better time to consider energy efficient roofing options, like solar roofing. This is the practice of embedding solar panels that would be mounted on the roofs of houses. Here’s how the process works: solar cells are semiconductors that enable sunlight to be converted directly to electricity. These typically roof-mounted panels are made from silicon and other conductive materials, manufactured in thin film layers. An inverter converts solar power from direct current (DC) to the alternating current (AC) of the utility grid-connected system; wiring; and mounting hardware or a framework. A net metering system keeps track of all the power produced. Any excess energy is sent back to the homeowner’s utility company. The electricity then passes from breaker boxes to outlets in the building. Anything normally powered by electricity can be powered by solar. At night or on cloudy days, when the system is not producing adequately, homeowners consume electricity from the grid as normal. While homeowners could self-mount these solar cells, professional installation is the best option because not every roof is suitable for solar technology. Solar design engineers can better evaluate important considerations regarding the integrity of the roof, durability, unobstructed access to the sun's rays, shading, and other elements. This work needs to be done by quality installers. Since this technology was first innovated, there have definitely been some improvements to the industry that have made it more affordable and easier to access, including the option to lease or create neighborhood co-ops, which offers a homeowner the ability to take advantage of the benefits of solar efficiency without facing exorbitant costs. In today’s market, there is also the introduction of SolarCity’s new solar roof. Previously, if homeowners wanted solar power, it involved the mounting process described earlier. Now with SolarCity’s new Solar Roof, homeowners will gain all the benefits of solar without the extra cost of installation. Plus, we think the Solar Roof is beautiful. Smart Homes Smart homes - homes outfitted with the ability to control appliances and gadgets using your smart device - are another big trend. Imagine controlling the A/C, heat, appliances and other gadgets all from your phone or tablet, adjustable through an app. For those who can afford to have nicer finishes in their home, this will be a must have. One note of caution regarding smart homes: Remember to change your password on the controlling devices in order to thwart denial-of-service (DoS) attacks which flood servers, systems or networks with traffic. The last time this occurred, the Internet of Things was blamed. Energy Efficient Windows Smart windows are windows that can go from clear to frosted, blocking all or some light, with the turn of a knob. These will possibly eliminate the need for blinds in the future and potentially save money in heating and cooling costs. Pair these smart windows with doubled glass for an added layer of efficiency. For a country potentially facing an energy crisis, these sorts of energy efficient windows just make sense. Barn Doors With another nod to sustainability comes the opportunity to repurpose salvaged barn doors. As homeowners start to buy smaller homes and divide the space, this rustic-chic option serves as an excellent room divider, closet doors, or even as a bathroom divider integrated into a loft space. Barn doors offer an advantage since they are typically mounted on a hook and then placed on a track that will allow them to cover the opening. In addition to their practicality, barn doors fit the currently popular modern farmhouse aesthetic and add character to a boring space. Electric Car Charging Stations The continued growth of the electric car industry has had a lasting impact on the way garages are built in new homes as charging stations are becoming more common. While a professional installation can cost around $3,000, you can DIY for as little as $300. However, the self-installation route requires a degree of technical know-how that most homeowners don’t possess. Expect to see more garages equipped with a power station or at the very least be built power station ready so that it becomes easier to install should you buy an electric car. New lifestyle changes, an increased motivation towards ecological sustainability and energy efficiency, and the increased use of technology are making big changes in the construction industry. What are currently considered luxuries are likely to become must-haves in the near future. If you get started now on updating your home or looking for new homes with these features, you won’t be left behind. An experienced Realtor can help guide you to new developments and builders who incorporate these technological advances into their properties. Contributed by James Link SetSchedule has changed the way real estate marketing is viewed, by changing the way REALTORS® access clients and listing appointments. SetSchedule is a “first of its’ kind” exclusive membership based model that provides verified appointments, marketing tools, and elite invite-only networking events for its members. By blending new technologies, and thought processes with proven success methods SetSchedule had incurred record producing results unseen in the industry.
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