Taylor Swift has been getting some extra media attention lately, and it’s not all about engagement *rumors* to DJ boyfriend Calvin Harris.

Reports have been swirling saying that the 25-year-old artist splashed out $25 million IN CASH for the famed Goldwyn estate in Beverly Hills (photo above). But, a tweet from TaySwift herself yesterday has some people thinking that she might not be the buyer:

The singer doesn’t necessarily confirm nor deny the reports in her tweet, but that doesn’t make the home any less impressive! The mansion has seven bedrooms, six-and-three-fourths bathrooms and spans a whopping 10,982squarefeet. What we can confirm is that the home really did sell for $25 million earlier this month, but the buyer is still TBD on property records.

The home has some impressive history whether TSwift is the buyer or not. The pedigree property was commissioned by film producer Samuel Goldwyn Sr. in 1934, and was passed down to his son Samuel Goldwyn Jr. years later. Goldwyn Sr. was known for hosting Hollywood-esque parties at the estate, attracting the likes of celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Katharine Hepburn.

Do you think Taylor is the new owner of this incredible abode and, maybe, she’s just being swift with her tweet? Let us know what you think in the comments below, or shout it out to us on Twitter @Redfin!

The post Taylor Swift Bought $25M Mansion WITH CASH… Or Did She? appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top college towns for car-free living. To start, we gathered a list of top-ranked colleges and universities around the country (cite US News). We eliminated any cities with more than 200,000 people and removed those where student populations were less than 20 percent of the total population. (Student populations are totals from public and private institutions with more than 1,000 FT students. For-profit institutions and those with fewer than 1,000 FT students are not included in student population count.) The cities are then ranked based on overall Walk Score and Bike Score.

1. Cambridge, Massachusetts

Photo via Ted Eytan/Flickr

Home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as several other smaller colleges and universities, students make up nearly 40 percent of the Cambridge population. With three times more bike commuters than the national average and a Bike Score of 93, Cambridge is a biker’s paradise.

“I’ve been going to school in the Cambridge area for the past eight years and have really benefited from the focus on alternative modes of transit,” explains Piers McNaughton, a doctoral student at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. “I’ve been able to commute on my bike regularly – even during snowy winters! Two years ago, my commute along the beautiful Charles River bike path inspired me to study the influence of scenic, designated bike paths on health. Not only do bikers get the benefit of exercise during their commute, they are also exposed to fewer harmful chemicals than car commuters when separated from traffic. Visitors can take advantage of bike shares like Hubway to explore one of the world’s most bike friendly cities.”

2. Berkeley, California

Photo via John Morgan/Flickr

UC Berkeley is the oldest of the nine UC campuses offering undergraduate degrees. Downtown Berkeley is situated near the west entrance to the UC Berkeley campus. To the south is Telegraph Ave., which is home to shops, restaurants, cafés and street vendors. A vast system of 136 pedestrian paths crisscrosses the city, allowing easy pedestrian access to anywhere in the city.

“Berkeley is remarkably easy to get around without a car,” says Ethan Elkind, Associate Director of the Climate Change and Business Program, Center for Law, Energy and the Environment at UC Berkeley Law. “Most of the city is in a relatively flat area, with certain streets dedicated as ‘bike boulevards’ to ensure safety and speed for bikers.  It’s got a number of shopping districts that are very walkable and centered around public transportation.  And the culture of the place has always been about pedestrians.”

3. Santa Cruz, California

Photo via Richard Masoner/Cyclelicious/Flickr

Downtown Santa Cruz is a walker’s paradise where UC Santa Cruz students can find more than 100 restaurants, bars and coffee shops. The city boasts a broad network of bike lanes and paths that make biking convenient for most trips. The UCSC Bike Library offers quarter-long bike loans at no charge. Loans include safety orientation information and maintenance assistance, as well as a bike helmet, lock and lights. UCSC also offers a bike shuttle service around campus and downtown. Additional service is offered on rainy days!

4. Boulder, Colorado

Photo via NNECAPA Photo Library/Flicker

Boulder is home to the University of Colorado. The city is criss-crossed by miles of bicycle-pedestrian paths, including 74 underpasses designed for safe and uninterrupted travel around the city. These routes are usable year round.

“For students at UC, Boulder offers two centers of activity that make life on or near campus very walkable,” says Boulder Redfin agent Paul Stone. “Pearl Street in Boulder’s city center is a piece of cake to walk or bike to after a football game or other University event. But the center of campus life is The Hill, where students and other locals gravitate and can find just about anything they need or want, including bookstores, kitchy restaurants and trendy bars.”

5. Davis, California

Photo via TEDxUCDavis/Flickr

Davis is home to the third UC California campus to make our list. In 2005, the League of American Bicyclists designated Davis as the first Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community for their extensive network of bicycle facilities and efforts to make biking safe, comfortable and convenient for all. More than 75 percent of arterial streets in Davis have dedicated bicycle facilities.  Easy access to transit also contributes to car-free living in Davis. The Unitrans system serves the city with 48 buses on 20 routes with a staff of drivers and supervisors composed entirely of UC Davis students.

“Davis is a unique community that is designed with flat, tree-lined streets and is perfect for the motorless commuter. It is small enough that just about anywhere you want to go is reachable by bicycle, says Davis Redfin agent Jed Setzer. “The center of town is built around the university so most stores, restaurants and cafes are easily accessible by the college crowd. “The community of Davis really embraces the car-free lifestyle. People of all ages are encouraged to move around by foot and on their bike. Newly-built homes are even designed with specific storage areas for bikes!”

6. Santa Barbara, California

Photo via KRoark/Flickr

The UC Santa Barbara campus is not technically part of the city of Santa Barbara, but is close in proximity and connected by a bike trail that allows students easy access to downtown.  In fact, more than 50 percent of UCSB students get around by cycling. Additionally, Santa Barbara is designated as a Gold-level community by Walk Friendly Communities for its strong connectivity and pedestrian-oriented shopping streets, among other factors. Visitors and those new to Santa Barbara can check out Santa Barbara Car Free for information on walking and biking routes, as well as bus and shuttle services around the city. Car-free travel is encouraged through discounts and partnerships with local businesses.

7. Tempe, Arizona

Photo via Alan Stark/Flickr

Tempe is home to the largest of ASU’s four campuses in the greater Phoenix area. Students here have access to FLASH (Free Local Area Shuttle) routes operating seven days a week in the area surrounding the university. With a Bike Score rating of 76, Tempe is very bikeable.  Dozens of multi-use bicycle-pedestrian paths provide safe, accessible routes throughout the city, and the city has plans to launch a bike share program with 250 bicycles and 20+ kiosk locations.

8. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Photo via Andypiper/Flickr

Located in the downtown neighborhood with a Walk Score of 93 and a Bike Score of 98, the University of Michigan is practically synonymous with Ann Arbor. University buildings are interspersed with private homes and businesses. The neighborhood also has excellent transit with 23 transit lines passing through.

“Ann Arbor is a great town for being car-free given the proximity of downtown to Michigan’s campus, the extensive city and university bus systems, bike lanes, car and ride share options like ZipCar, Uber and Lyft, as well as the much anticipated full launch of Ann Arbor’s new bike share,” explains Redfin Builder Services Business Development Associate and Michigan graduate Nora Johnson. “Many students use ZipCar for bigger shopping needs, but there are more than enough great restaurants, bars and grocery options including the twice weekly, absolutely amazing farmers market or the small shops in Kerrytown. Ann Arbor also has fantastic places like Bill’s Beer Garden – an actual garden store by day, beer garden by night. Outdoor recreation is also very easily accessible with Arboretum’s great running and walking trails, the Argo canoe and kayak center and the whole network of running and biking trails along the river, all easily walkable from campus or downtown.”

9. Iowa City, Iowa

Photo via Alan Light/Flickr

The University of Iowa is adjacent to the Ped Mall where students and locals alike flock for shopping, dining and drinking. Concerts and festivals are held along the Ped Mall throughout the year. Iowa City is the most bikeable city in Iowa with a Bike Score of 77. The League of American Bicyclists has designated it a Silver-level bike-friendly community, and the city is finalizing plans to launch a bike share service next spring. In addition to public transit service available through Iowa City Transit, students and non-students alike can take advantage of Cambus, a University of Iowa service supervised and operated by students, providing free fixed-route service around campus.

10. Burlington, Vermont

Photo via Redjar/Flickr

Burlington is the smallest city on our list with fewer than 50,000 residents, one third of whom are students at the University of Vermont. Situated on the eastern side of town, the UVM campus is just a short walk or bike ride from the famous Church Street Marketplace. Stretching four blocks along Church Street between Main and Pearl Streets, this outdoor pedestrian strip is home to numerous restaurants, bars and shops. Despite cold, snowy winters, Burlington has 5.5 percent bike commute share, making it comparable to more temperate cities like Portland, Ore. And if it’s just too cold for biking, services like CarShare Vermont offer wheels when needed. Full-time UVM and Champlain College students get free membership and cars are available right on campus.

The post The Best College Towns for Car-free Living appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Tyra Banks listed her Beverly Hills mansion this week for $7.75 million… and it’s just as fashionable as the former model herself!

The Spanish colonial-style home was built in 1926, and it’s full of character and detail. While the TV personality has done quite a bit of work on the 6,000-square-foot home, it still maintains that old world charm. Arched doorways, vintage French doors and wood-beamed ceilings create a whimsical and enchanting atmosphere. Each room has enormous windows, flooding the living spaces with plenty of natural light. But, if we had to guess which room was a personal favorite for Banks, we’d have to bank on her closet… which might as well be a room all its own.

Other impressive amenities include a media room, library, sun room, outdoor kitchen with seating for 12, fire pit and of course, a pool nestled among gardens for complete privacy… because not everyone wants photos taken of them while they’re in a bikini! Oh, unless you’re a model.

Is Tyra’s home in the running to be your next top dream home? We want to know what you love most about the star’s crib in the comments below, or shout it out to us on Twitter @Redfin.

The post Tyra Banks Lists Beverly Hills Mansion for $7.75 Million! And Yes, the Closet is HUGE! appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

The post Explore this Stunning Historic Home in Seattle’s Discovery Park appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Hey coffee lovers, National Coffee Day is Sept. 29 and you know what that means! Your favorite places to get your caffeine fix are doling out delicious deals on free (or discounted) cups of joe. To help you celebrate, we’ve hunted down the best National Coffee Day deals of 2015. You’re welcome.

1. Dunkin Donuts

Let the countdown to #NationalCoffeeDay begin! Get a FREE medium hot or iced Dark Roast on 9.29.15. ☕️ pic.twitter.com/TG1X5ckcFm

— Dunkin’ Donuts (@DunkinDonuts) September 27, 2015

2. Krispy Kreme

A holiday for coffee and doughnut lovers is two days away. Get FREE small coffee and Original Glazed on 9/29 (US) pic.twitter.com/m3177fvXQ4 — krispykreme (@krispykreme) September 27, 2015

3. Whole Foods

Nothing like a 25¢ cup of joe to start your morning off right! Get 12-oz of ☕️ for a quarter all month (U.S. only)! pic.twitter.com/cV6NYeiSIk — Whole Foods Market (@WholeFoods) September 25, 2015

4. Dutch Bros

September 29th is #nationalcoffeeday! Get 9 stamps for any large drink! Check the video! http://t.co/gcFuuOQqgQ — Dutch Bros (@DutchBros) September 25, 2015

5. Cumberland Farms

Get a FREE Coffee on #NationalCoffeeDay (Tuesday, September 29th) by texting FREECOFFEE to 33733. pic.twitter.com/agluzPjNJn

— Cumberland Farms (@cumberlandfarms) September 26, 2015

6. Peet’s Coffee & Tea

National Coffee Day is tomorrow, 9/29! Celebrate with a free small cup of Major Dickason’s Blend, with food purchase. pic.twitter.com/SFtgBv1w54

— Peet’s Coffee & Tea (@Peets_Tweets) September 28, 2015

7. Sheetz

It’s almost here! Check back on #NationalCoffeeDay, 9/29, to try our new generation of coffee for FREE. pic.twitter.com/gLCBzkWQd5

— Sheetz (@sheetz) September 22, 2015

8. Wawa

Stop in any Wawa store for a FREE cup of Wawa Coffee on 9/29 to celebrate National Coffee Day! pic.twitter.com/gk02fy8qXA

— Wawa (@Wawa) September 27, 2015

9. The Coffee Bean

Mark ur calendar 4 #NationalCoffeeDay – Sept 29. We’ll be celebrating ALL day w/ HALF off #icedcoffee @ select stores pic.twitter.com/ZgHhxt42zR

— The Coffee Bean (@TheCoffeeBean) September 24, 2015

Are these coffee shops too mainstream for you? Last year we found The 10 Best Cities for Coffee Snobs.

What’s your signature coffee drink? Let us know in the comments below!

Retweet to Win a FREE Redfin Coffee Tumbler. Official Rules here.

The post The Best National Coffee Day Deals of 2015 appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

New home sales hit a seven-year high, Janet Yellen still wants to raise interest rates this year and John Boehner said zip-a-dee-doo-dah. If that wasn’t enough news for you, this week brings Redfin’s Demand Index, more congressional budget drama, and data on home sales and jobs. Also, can bean bag chairs save China’s economy?

What does John Boehner have to do with my house?

Boehner, a Republican, is speaker of the House, the guy in charge. He’s had a tough time keeping his conservative troops together. Some of them are itching for a political showdown with President Obama over government spending, the debt and abortion.

Boehner wants none of that. So he quit on Friday and yesterday vowed to pass a short-term spending bill this week to keep the government running. Then he’ll be gone. By November, Congress will be back to the business of brinkmanship.

And that could mean a government shutdown in December, when the Treasury will be maxed out on its credit cards (so to speak). At about the same time, a bunch of tax breaks will expire along with Boehner’s short-term spending bill. Congress will have to do something or government will shut down and the U.S. could default on its debts. Bad for the economy, potentially bad for the housing market.

Haven’t we been here before? Yes, in 2013, year of the fiscal cliff. Things got so bad that the government’s credit score (so to speak) tanked. Weirdly, mortgages got cheaper and the stock market bounced back. The fiscal cliff turned out to be more of a political event than a financial one.

But if Congress can’t get its act together, the U.S. risks tarnishing its reputation as a safe haven for the world’s money. If people don’t trust us, the cost of borrowing–including mortgages–goes up. Boehner’s departure increases that risk.

“Washington is expected to become even more dysfunctional than it is now,” said Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond James & Associates, writing in a note to clients.

Bad-guy roundup

This one’s a doozy. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Justice reached a record settlement with Hudson City Bancorp Inc. over what the government called discriminatory mortgage lending, or redlining. Hudson City agreed to pay almost $33 million in fines, loan subsidies and community outreach.

The New Jersey bank discriminated against black and Hispanic residents in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, the government said. As part of the settlement, Hudson City will spend $25 million to help minority borrowers get mortgages.

While Hudson City took issue with the accusations, CFPB Director Richard Cordray put lenders on notice that this redlining case won’t be the bureau’s last. That’s important, because credit discrimination hurts more than its direct victims. If big segments of the population can’t get loans, they can’t buy houses. It’s harder for them to build wealth and contribute to the economy.

“Discriminatory practices in the mortgage market undermine people’s ability to buy a home and build long-term wealth,” Cordray said. “Without access to affordable credit to buy or improve a home, without a mortgage broker nearby, without a bank branch to offer basic services, neighborhoods deteriorate in the long shadow cast by discriminatory practices.”

Here are maps of the affected areas. Think you’ve been discriminated against? Tell the CFPB.

Etc.

Seeking happiness? Rent an apartment in Memphis, says Apartmentlist.com.

What?!? You still haven’t refinanced? Underwater homeowners who took advantage of a government refi program have saved about $3,500 a year, researchers found. HousingWire sums it up here; details are here. If you’re having trouble making your mortgage payment or owe more on your house than it’s worth, check out this page from the Federal Housing Finance Administration. You have until the end of next year. Do it.

“Unfriend your neighbor to get a loan?” In the future, your Facebook friends might affect your ability to get a mortgage, the National Housing Institute reports. Stay tuned on this subject.

Foreclosures and delinquencies are down. A lot. Late mortgage payments plummeted more than 18 percent in August from a year earlier. That’s the best annual improvement since 2011, Black Knight Financial Services says.

Button-downs and beanbags: Smart suit-wearing people at the World Economic Forum say Asia’s economy can be improved if companies rearrange their desks and maybe add bean bag chairs.  

Bean Bags at Google Developer Day by kentbrew. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Questions? Input? Lorraine.woellert@redfin.com

The post Boehner’s Farewell: October Gain, December Pain For Government and Housing appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Image via Cavale Doom/Flickr

With fall right around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about fixing any of the lawn problems that sprouted up during the summer months. The National Association of Landscape Professionals shows that 71 percent of homeowners think their neighbor should have a well-kept yard. Don’t be THAT neighbor!

Get your lawn looking lush and healthy again with these easy fixes for common lawn problems.

1. Crab Grass

Crab grass can be a real nuisance due to its unruly growth habits. While it’s an annual weed, it acts like a perennial, meaning it grows all season long. Some homeowners feel that simply mowing over the weed will remove it, but the most effective way to remove it for good is to pull it out, roots and all. If the crab grass begins to take over your lawn, herbicides may be the only answer for eradicating the weed for good.

2. Dog Urine Damage

Lawn burn can be caused by a high concentration of nitrogen in dog urine. If you begin seeing problem areas in your yard, try changing your dog’s diet to one that does not exceed your pet’s protein requirement, or training it to use areas covered by mulch or rock. Saturating the area with water to help dilute the nitrogen concentration can aid in your lawn’s repair.

3. Bald Spots

A patchy lawn can be a real eyesore. Bald spots on your lawn can be caused by different issues, including pests, grubs and some types of fungus. Before starting any form of lawn treatment plan, it’s best to rule out any possible pests or diseases. Once you determine the cause for the spots, you can begin fixing the issue. If no pests or fungus are to blame, start by seeding and watering the affected areas well. Be careful not to flood the turf, which can kill the seeds and make new growth nearly impossible.

4. High Traffic Areas

The summertime is rough on our lawns. From the kids running around on it to backyard get-togethers, your lawn has dealt with a lot of wear and tear. Getting your lawn back to proper health will take a combination of aeration, seeding, and quality watering sessions. Aerating a lawn allows both water and air to penetrate the soil, which builds better root systems for your grass and fosters a healthier, more beautiful lawn.

5. Grub Problems

White grubs are C-shaped pests that hatch in late July and early August, and feed off of your lawn’s roots. Areas affected by white grubs will have circular spots of damage and feel spongy if you walk over themit. A great way to find out if you have a grub problem is to cut back a one-square-foot flap of sod and check the soil at a depth of two to four inches. If you see numerous grubs in the area, you may have a problem. The best way to deal with grubs is to lay down grub control products in the summer, before they hatch. If you didn’t and you thinkfeel that you have a grub infestation, contact your local lawn care specialist.

6. Lawn Rust

Lawn rust is a fairly easy lawn disease to identify due to its obvious yellow/brown coloring. The disease is caused by a fungus called Pucciniales, which starts out as small yellow-orange or red-brown colored flecks on grass blades and eventually turns the entire blade a rusty color. Many lawns affected by the disease are nitrogen deficient. The damage can be turned by using a nitrogen rich fertilizer in combination with aerating your yard and watering deeply.

7. Mushrooms

Mushrooms popping up on a lush lawn can ruin the look and appeal of your landscaping. A lot of mushrooms will continue growing, even after you think you’ve removed them. What a lot of people don’t realize is that mushrooms don’t just pop up out of nowhere. They typically spawn from organic matter in your soil during wet conditions, but don’t last too long once the heat hits them. To help keep your lawn mushroom-free, try to remove animal waste, decaying sticks or stumps, and old mulch. Also, try not to overwater your lawn. Too much water can increase the likelihood of organic matter decay.

Addressing these problems right away will ensure a healthier, more luscious lawn year round. Have you used any of these tips in the past? Tell us what worked for you!

Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.

The post 7 Easy Fixes for Common Lawn Problems appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.

Image via Tony Hoffarth/Flickr

Imagine: Your weekly dinner with friends goes later than expected. Instead of coming home to a dark, unwelcoming home, you simply pull out your cell phone and, with the touch of a button, your home’s unique lighting system turns on, preparing your house for your arrival.

Perhaps you’re having weekly dinner with friends at your house. With the click of a switch you can change the lighting and music to create a wonderful ambiance that takes guests from an upbeat appetizer hour to a relaxing dinner mood.

All of this and more is possible with a home automation system.

What is Home Automation?

Aside from being a modern-day luxury, home automation is essentially one or two computers that are used to control unique home functions and features. The computers can be controlled automatically or remotely. Also known as smart homes these automation systems link several devices and appliances throughout the house and program them to work in tandem through a controlled, user-friendly interface such as a smartphone, tablet or wall computer.

What Can it Do?

Home automation systems can be programmed to control just about any feature in and around your home. You can select one button to turn on lights, adjust the temperature and play your favorite music. You can create an option that allows you to turn on your hot tub, pool lights, outside fans and landscaping lights with the touch of a finger. Aside from being an added convenience, there are several other benefits to having a home automation system.

• Safety and Security: By having the ability to control things like appliances and lighting, you can ensure safety and security in your home. You can make sure the oven and coffee pot are off after leaving the house. You can turn off the lights to save electricity, or turn them on in the evenings to make your house appear occupied.

• Door Locks: Often considered one of the greatest advantages of home automation systems, the automated locking system allows you to make sure your home is locked and secure from miles away. If you’re worried you left the door open, or you left the house before your children did, you can lock any door at your house at any time of day.

• Security Cameras: Home automation systems can be installed with security cameras around your home. Check on your sleeping baby from the kitchen, watch the kids play in the back yard from your office or even keep watch of your home’s exterior when you’re away.

• Comfortable Temperatures: Program and adjust your home’s temperature with the touch of a button. Forgot to turn the air off when you left for work? Want to heat up your house before you get home on a chilly night? Interested in the current temperature of your home? With a home automation system, you can choose the temperature you want, when you want, wherever you want.

How Much Does is Cost?

The cost of a home automation system ranges between $1,000 and $20,000. A number of factors play into the cost of a system. A simple, wireless solution costs less, while a fully wired system inside and outside the home will cost more, as it’s a more robust system with additional capabilities.

Installing a home automation system means investing in a feature with benefits that often outweigh the cost of the system. Along with convenience, security and efficiency for your home and family, the addition of a home automation system increases the resale value and improves the functionality of your home.

How do I Install it?

Before understanding the ins and outs of installation, it’s important to review the components involved in a home automation system. Though all systems are created differently, the typical system can be divided into four categories:

• Software is the programming that ensures correct control adjustment.
• Coordinator is the heart and brains of the operations that works around information, sensors and user commands.
• User Interface is what homeowners interact with while operating the system.
• Triggers are the sensors and switches that initiate changes.

Depending on the system you choose and the size of your home, the installation process will vary.  There are a few steps you should take to prepare for the installation of a home automation system in your home.

1. Plan ahead and figure out your wants and needs beforehand.. Decide if you want lighting, air conditioning, security cameras, etc. Determine what you want to use as your remote and plan on the spaces in and around your home that you want to control.
2. Make sure you have a good Wi-Fi router. This will nix any problems that could occur in the future, simply because it will enable your iPad, smartphone or tablet-controlled interface to communicate effectively with the home automation system.
3. If you’re building a home from the ground up, consider including fittings, fixtures and features that can be controlled by a home automation system. If you do this, be sure to use Ethernet networking cables throughout your home so that home systems will remain timeless.
4. If you live in a home or apartment that is controlled or restricted by a landlord, check your strata rules before installing a home automation system. Though you might be able to work around restrictions, be sure to submit an application when necessary.
5. Be bold, but be smart. You don’t want a home with system overload, but you also don’t want to skimp on a system that could increase the overall value of your home.
6. Don’t use more than one or two brands. If you do, you’ll likely run into communication problems between the different devices and their networks. However, if you use a particular sound system, for example, or a certain heating and cooling system, consider purchasing items within the same applicable brand.
7. Talk to a professional about installing a home automation system. They can give you helpful advice on brands, system integrations and more. Most importantly, however, they can wire your home in a safe and efficient manner.
8. Keepin touch with your installer to ensure your system works as flawlessly as possible. You can rely on them for assistance with upgrades, maintenance and other changes you might make down the road.

From Regular Home to Smart Home

There are many ways to benefit from smart home technology, whether it’s a smart phone app connected to your home’s climate control, or a full-blown home automation system installed by a professional home automation company.

So are you planning on joining the smart home craze? Let us know in the comments below—we’re excited to hear your thoughts.

Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.

The post What is a Smart Home and Why Would You Want One? appeared first on Redfin Real Estate Blog.