Technology is changing the way you use and view the world around you, and the same goes for your own home.

Not only do smart home improvements make life simpler and increase security, but
it can certainly be a resale value boost should you choose to sell your home, increasing the
value of your home by 3 to 5 percent, according to Consumer Reports. However, investing too
much in home tech that is too complicated might be a drawback for a potential buyer. So, what
improvements are worth the money for you and future homeowners?

Light It Up
It used to be that you were limited in your lighting options, but technology has now advanced to
enable you to control specific bulbs with the touch of a button — even while you are away from
home. There are plenty of lighting upgrade benefits such as automatic timers to save money
and the ability to turn off any lights you left on by accident after leaving. Some can be set to dim
automatically depending on the natural light coming in, equating to energy savings. Plus, you
can add security by turning on lights while you are away.
There are several lighting options such as one-touch lighting and app-controlled lighting, but
keep in mind that lighting is one area of home improvement where it is best to hire an

electrician, especially if new wiring is involved. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost to install
electrical switches, outlets, and fixtures in Portland, Oregon, ranges from $167 to $506, but it’s
an expense worth paying for safety reasons, as well as to ensure it actually works.

Make Your Blinds Smart
Did you know you can automate your blinds? Many people don’t, but doing so could be a game-
changer. One of the big ones is the money saved on your heating and cooling bill. Automated
blinds enable you to open and close them with the touch of a button, as well as set them on a
schedule to prevent warm/cool air from escaping. This type of automation can do wonders for
your sleep health as well by getting your circadian rhythm back on track. Schedule the blinds to
open at a particular time to get on a routine and make it easier to get up in the morning. Check
out this list courtesy of Geeks of Technology for automated blind options.

Ramp Up Home Security
Home security is important, and technology has made it even easier to make sure your home
remains safe and sound whether you are at home or miles away. A great investment is a home
security system. You might be hesitant when you consider the monthly fees, but there are plenty
of DIY systems that are just as effective — minus the additional monthly expense. However, if
you’d prefer a system that will automatically alert the authorities, those fees are a necessity. The
key is to find the system that has all the features you are after such as video monitoring,
door/window alarms, and motion detection. Another investment to consider is a smart lock to
give you peace of mind that you didn’t forget to lock up. Many send alerts to your phone as well,
so you’ll know when family members arrive home safely.

Upgrade Your Thermostat
One of the most common ways to incorporate smart home technology in your home is with a
smart thermostat. Rather than having to constantly adjust the temperature, a programmable
smart thermostat enables you to set various presets throughout the day. Most smart
thermostats keep track of your temperature preferences and automatically adjust for maximum
comfort. Some even have motion detectors so that the temperature can be adjusted when no
one is home. All of these features mean lots of savings in heating and cooling.
Smart home improvements don’t have to be super advanced and expensive. In fact, the best
investment will be the tech tools that offer convenience, ease of use, and savings such as smart
lighting, blinds, security, and HVAC. Not only will you enjoy them, but future buyers will too.

Article provided by Suzie Wilson from HappierHome.net.

Jennifer Johnston

Principal Broker licensed in OR & WA

Jennifer Johnston has been a Real Estate Broker since 2001, and is a proud resident of Portland’s University Park, living in the house that her mother grew up in. She understands the power of home and putting down roots. Being a native of the Portland metro area, she received the benefits of learning about great neighborhoods, trends and hot spots. She is a 5 star rated agent on Zillow, Trulia and Yelp and multiple years 5 star award winner with Portland Monthly Magazine and is a recipient of 100 Most Influential Real Estate Agents in Portland award. Jennifer’s goal is to have synergy with her clients. She wants you feel like you are house hunting or house selling with a trusted and experienced friend, and that your journey will be stress-free and as agreeable as possible. Jennifer believes in spending quality time with her clients and really getting to know how they love to live, so she can help serve them and find them their new home. In addition to providing residential real estate services to her clients, Jennifer’s background experiences are artistic and entrepreneurial. She started and ran a restaurant guide for several years after leaving a Program Manager position at NIKE. She developed and organized the International Gourmet Dinner Club, a dinner club which consists of individuals expanding their culinary palette and cooking skills while making new friends who are also passionate about food through monthly theme dinners. When time allows, Jennifer enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music from the 70’s and 80’s and doing something that releases some creative energy. Her paintings have been shown in galleries, commissioned by local collectors and she is a major donor for Cascade Aids Project. Certified Relocation Specialist

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