sellers market – Page 14 – The Real Estate Beat

Consumers Advocate on Moving Companies

I love how the internet works. Sam from Consumers Advocate sent me an email – he came upon our post Moving To Do List and found it useful himself. Turns out – he works for Consumer Advocate and they did reserach on movers. Which is one of the most requested referrals we recieve as Realtors. So I thought I would share the info here: Consumers Advocate.org – Moving Companies

Moving To-Do List

Moving to a new home can be exciting as well as stressful with so much to do and remember. Use this checklist to get all your ducks in a row and make your move as smooth as possible.

2 Months Prior:

Get organized. Keep all the items related to the move, such as receipts, quotes, and insurance documents in one area such as a drawer or binder.
Know the rules. If you are moving because of a work transfer and are receiving a relocation budget, understand your company’s moving policies and rules to limit non-covered costs.
Research. Compare at least three moving companies, noting price, availability, and included items vs. extras. Request an on-site estimate when available for a more accurate quote.
Document damage. When moving a long distance where you’ll be relying mostly on the movers, document any noticeable furniture damage with photos. Discuss what coverage the movers have in case damage occurs during the move.
Inventory. Make a list of your valuable items. Note any items that will require special packing or extra insurance coverage and make arrangements accordingly.
Separate. Sort items into four or five piles: keep, donate, recycle and toss. If you have enough items that you’re getting rid of to justify a garage sale, make a fifth pile for selling.
Transfer records. If you have kids in school, go to their school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school district.

1 Month Prior:

Hire. Now that you’ve researched movers, it’s time to hire. Make arrangements for other things that will need to be moved, such as cars if you do not have enough drivers to transport them to your new home.
Stock up. Purchase packing supplies such as tape, boxes, labels, and moving paper.
Sell. If you’re going to have a garage sale, now would be the time to do it.
Inspect. Make sure all inspections are being done on your new home and arrange to fix any problems that arise before moving in. If your new home comes with any systems that may not fall into a standard home inspection, such as a built-in surround-sound or high-tech pool equipment, arrange for a specialist to inspect these items before you take ownership of the home.
Take measurements. Measure rooms in your new home, if possible, to start creating your new furniture layout. You’ll also want to measure door openings to ensure furniture will fit through, or start getting creative.
Get a head start. Start packing things that you won’t need in the next month, such as seasonal items, spare closets, and basement or attic items.
Label. Clearly label each box with the room it should go to for an easier moving day. Keep anything you’ll need right away in a separate box and make sure it is easily identifiable.
Make a plan. Create a packing plan, ensuring everyone in the family knows their job. Plan the order in which you will pack up each room and when it needs to be completed by.
Make another plan. Create a plan for your family and the movers of what will go where in your new home. Most movers will only place furniture once and will not rearrange if you do not like where you originally told them it should go, so plan carefully.
Request time off. Depending on your job, it is a good time to ask for a few days off from work to ensure you have ample time to pack, move, and unpack.

2 Weeks Prior:

Confirm. Confirm all the details of your move with the movers, such as date, time, and expectations of what special items you may have, such as a piano or pool table.
Change your address. Forward your address through the USPS to start the day of your move.
Utilities. Make the arrangements to disconnect or transfer your current services and utilities, such as cable, internet, phone, water, gas, and electric. Arrange for service to be connected at your new home.
Make a list. Take a few moments and write down everyone who has your address so that you can notify them of your move. Along with your family and friends, this list should include bank accounts, credit cards, investment accounts, doctors, cell phone provider, tax forms, voter registration, and of course the DMV.
Clean. Clean any areas that you’ve already packed. Plan to clean the rest of your old home, or make arrangements to have it professionally cleaned. If the previous tenants of your new home haven’t do so already, you may want to arrange for your new home to be cleaned and painted before your arrival.
Financial arrangements. If you are moving to an area that will require you to switch banks, make sure any outstanding checks you’ve written have been cashed. If you have a safety deposit box, remember to clean it out.

1 Week Prior:

Pack, pack, pack. This is when the bulk of your packing should be done. All of your drawers, cabinets and closets should be mostly cleared, leaving only essentials out. The kitchen usually takes the longest since it is full of delicate dishes and glasses, so you’ll want to get this done early. Remember to clearly label any boxes with breakables with “fragile”. For an easier move, pack all dishware and use paper plates and plastic silverware. Plan to eat out a lot or order takeout during this last week in your home.
Dispose of hazards. Don’t move with hazardous or potentially messy materials such as paint, oil, and weed killers. Drain fuel out of mowers, ATVs, dirt bikes, and discard propane tanks from grills.
Arrange payment. Most movers will require a credit or debit card to hold the appointment date. If you would prefer to pay by cash, money order or check, ensure the mover is expecting that so that your card doesn’t get accidentally charged. Also, you’ll want to plan for a tip the day of the move. Typically, a good tip is 10-15% of the total cost of the move, which is usually about $20-25 cash tip per mover for an easy move, all the way up to $100 for a particularly long or difficult job.
Pack a survival kit. Pack a bag with items you will need during the move and immediately when you arrive at your new home. These items should include toilet paper, a few dishes, glasses and silverware, toiletries, towels, and a change of clothes. If you’re moving long distance, prepare for the scenario that your items may take a few days to arrive.
Pack a cooler. One of the last things people think about on moving day is eating and drinking, but you, your family, and the movers will undoubtedly get thirsty and hungry. Plan ahead and pack a cooler with bottled water, snacks and a few sandwiches for moving day.
Clean. If you don’t have a professional cleaner coming in, you’ll want to do the bulk of your home cleaning a few days before the move. Thoroughly clean windows, floors and carpets, counters, appliances, bathrooms, cabinets and closets.

Moving Day

Double-check. Double-check everything you’ve scheduled to happen on moving day is going to go according to plan. Confirm arrival times with the movers, house cleaners, and utility people such as cable and gas. If you don’t already have the keys to your new home, check when you can pick them up. Ask when your utilities will be shut off at your old home and turned on in your new one.
Contact information. Make sure each of your movers have your contact information, exact moving address, and maps if needed. Keep the mover’s direct number with you in case you need to call them during the move.
Paperwork. In the hustle and bustle of moving day, it may be tempting to sign something without reading it first. Read all paperwork the movers ask you to sign carefully, including the Bill of Lading, waivers, and any inventory list they provide.
Extra packing material. Keep a few boxes and a roll of tape handy for any miscellaneous items you come across.
Direct. If you’re too busy during moving day to be present in your new home, designate someone else in your family to be there the whole time the movers are there to tell them where to put boxes and furniture. It may be a good idea to lay out plastic across any carpet to prevent stains.
Final walk-through. Do one last walk-through in your old home to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything, opening every drawer, cabinet and closet. Keep a few cleaning supplies with you, like all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, and a vacuum for a last minute touch up.
Cash. Be sure to have enough cash on hand for the move for tip, and a little extra for food and last minute items.

After Unpacking

Safety first. Make sure you have all necessary safety precautions in place in your new home. Locate and test fire extinguishers and detectors, change the locks, and change the alarm code – if there is one.
Check your list. Compare your inventory list of what you packed to what you unpacked to ensure everything made the move. If you notice any damage to your furniture or other items, compare it to the photos you originally took and contact the moving company if necessary.
Update. Refer to your list that you created of everyone who needs your change of address and update them.
Deposit refund. If you’re moving from a rental, make sure you follow-up with your previous landlord about your security deposit and when you can expect it back. Some moving companies also require a moving deposit to hold an appointment. Make sure you’ve gotten that returned or know when you can expect it.
Repairs. Complete quick repairs that need to be done, including changing light bulbs, fixing light switches, touching up paint, etc.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy. You’ve earned it. Take a load off and enjoy your new home!

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Testimonial of the Day – From Nancy

“We wanted to work with Sabrina. She was wonderful. She put up with lots of emotions / family dynamic around the sale of this home, as it was our families house. I appreciated her sensitivity and solid knowledge. We would be happy to work with her again and pass along any new clients as well.

– Nancy R.

To read all our testimonials visit The Caton Team Testimonials and Yelp!

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text 650-799-4333

Email Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

How to Clear Clogged Drains

Raise your hand if your drains are draining you! My hand is raised. My long hair is my worst enemy for my drains – so when I read this article – I had to share. Thanks for reading – Sabrina.

Have standing water in your shower or a clogged sink drain? It could be a lot easier than you think to get the water draining again. Here are a few things to try (besides harsh chemicals) to unclog a drain before you call the plumber.

Clearing a Clogged Kitchen Drain

If you’ve got a clogged kitchen sink, chances are, it’s caused by grease or food particles, or a combination of both.

1. Start by Boiling Water

If you’ve got a partially clogged sink, wait until all of the water drains and then carefully pour at least two quarts of very hot or boiling water (hot tap water won’t do it) down the drain. Repeat if it doesn’t work the first time.

2. Get out the Plunger

If hot water doesn’t work, it’s time to try a plunger–a standard cup plunger works best. If you have a double kitchen sink, seal the second drain with a stopper or wet cloth. Otherwise, the plunger will simply send the water up into the second sink instead of down the drain pipe.

If necessary, fill the sink with enough water to cover the bottom of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain, and make sure there is a good seal against the sink. Work plunger straight up down and up in quick strokes to clear the clog.

Clearing a Clogged Bathroom Drain

Your bathroom sink, tub, or shower drain is typically clogged by hair, along with residue from soap and personal care products like shaving cream. Before you try to clear the clog, first check if the drain has a pop-up stopper. If it does, you will likely need to remove it.

Start with the same steps as clearing a kitchen sink drain: use very hot water, and then a plunger. If the sink is still clogged or drains slowly, you might want to try a “hair snare” type of drain-cleaning tool. These inexpensive plastic tools are long (about 20”) thin strips with teeth or barbs that you can use to snag clogged debris or hair.

Drain Still Clogged?

If all else fails, it may be time to call the plumber.

Keep Drains Clog Free

As with many home maintenance tasks, a little prevention can go a long way to help keep your drains clog free.

For Kitchen Sinks

Never put fats, oil, or grease down the drain.
Wipe or scrape excess fat or grease from pots and pans into the garbage.
Don’t put food waste down the drain.
Pouring very hot water down your sink several times a month can help reduce build-up.
Know what’s OK to put in the garbage disposal.

For Bathroom Sink and Showers

Use a hair filter or drain catcher in bathroom drains. They are inexpensive and really work to keep hair out of the drain. There are numerous types that will fit different tub and shower drains and covers.

I read this article at: Home Warranty by FirstAm

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Budget-friendly Bathroom Refresh

Do you have a bathroom with a case of the blahs? Maybe it’s a bit dingy and uninspiring, or born in a design era long gone? If you’re not able to spring for a remodel, don’t worry, a budget-friendly refresh can do the trick.

Make a prioritized list of what needs updating and/or refreshing. Next, tackle necessary repairs such as leaks, recaulking, and wall patching. Give your bathroom space a good cleaning, including the grout, walls, ceilings, and so on. You may find the exhaust fan’s annoying rattle and underperformance was because of dust and debris buildup and doesn’t need replacing after all.

Now you’ve literally got a clean slate ready for adding the brilliance.

Bathroom Refresh Ideas

Accessories

Area Rugs New floor coverings offer a great opportunity to add texture and color. Whether you choose area rugs for their soft and spongy comfort, or for their non-skid, highly absorbent style, it’s more than looks that count here—be sure to factor in function.
Art The right piece of art can be the inspiration and palette for your bathroom design, whether you prefer bold, tranquil, or anything in-between. If moisture is an issue, consider your choices carefully; a sealed metal wall sculpture or unframed acrylic canvas may hold up better than framed prints under glass.
Shower Curtain This simple change can make a big impact. If the selection available doesn’t fit your taste, look for a “non-shower” curtain and hang together with a clear shower curtain liner. If you’ve got an unattractive glass shower door, artfully cover it with a decorative curtain on the outside.
Soap Dispenser or Dish Step it up with an attractive, refillable dispenser instead of the one-use, disposable plastic bottle. When you have limited countertop space, consider a chic, wall-mounted dispenser or soap dish.
Towels Quality counts. Luxurious feel and great colors don’t have to be expensive if you shop around. Quality saves money in the long run, too. Low-quality towels lose their shape and softness through multiple washings and will need to be replaced more often.

Storage

Baskets and Crates Solve storage needs for small accessories or large towels with baskets and crates that can be hung on walls, set on shelves, or placed on the floor. Update crates with paint, a distressed look, or leave natural to fit your style.
Shelves Take advantage of your bathroom’s vertical space. Strategically placed floating shelves add a clean, modern look and offer space to display artful items or essentials. A hanging cabinet or ladder shelving over the toilet is a great use of otherwise wasted space.
Towel Hangers Explore the design opportunities beyond the traditional towel bar and ring, such as metal stands, heated bars, mounted hooks or knobs, in-cabinet pull-outs, and wall-mounted swing-outs.

Walls

Paint Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable bathroom updates. For a high-humidity area, use a mold-resistant primer and paint. Do you have an accent tile that’s unattractive or outdated? Check out a DIY painting kit (but be sure to check that it’s recommended for areas with humidity).
Accent Wall Create an accent wall or add wainscoting with materials like tile, shiplap, beadboard, or reclaimed wood.
Mirrors Visually open up and brighten your space. Ornate or simple, framed or unframed, a mirror is an essential décor element. For added function, consider a mirror-front cabinet, or a swing-arm, magnifying mirror.

Hardware/Fixtures

Cabinet Hardware There’s a seemingly endless variety of materials and finishes to choose from to update cabinet knobs and pulls. If you have exposed hinges, and it’s not a character feature you like, switch them to concealed hinges for a cleaner, updated look.
Faucets, Showerhead, and Drain Cover The bathroom faucet is an impactful design element. Limit your choices to styles that fit existing sink, shower, and tub if you’re not replacing those items.
Lighting Update fixtures with the right type of bulbs for the specific task area. For vanity lighting, do a little research on proper positioning and brightness to create even lighting that doesn’t cast shadows. Add dimmers if possible for adjustability and ambiance.

Miscellaneous

Exhaust Fan Choose quality and check the sound rating. Be sure it’s installed properly and vents to the outside.
Toilet Seat Looking for the latest? Get a new toilet seat offering features such as lights, auto-cleansing, heat, or deodorizing. Seriously.
Seating If you’ve got the space and a need, add a unique vanity stool or teak shower bench as a practical accessory.
Switch Plates Many colors and styles of switch plates are available. Most switch plate covers can be painted. Look up online tutorials for proper steps to get a quality finish. Outlets can be painted as well. Follow directions carefully regarding cutting power and application instructions.

I read this article at: Homewarranty by FirstAm

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Wire Fraud in Real Estate

Sharing this article on Wire Fraud in the Real Estate Industry because it scares me to death and it is more than just cyber security. Hackers are making COPY CAT emails – emails that look and feel like legitimate but perhaps one or several characters are different. Hackers are sending these fake emails to clients with alternate wire instructions. Meaning the client wires their hard-earned money to the scammer and not the title company. They wait till the client is in the thick of – it the middle of deadlines to send the email – in hopes the client misses the fact the email is NOT from their actual Realtor or Escrow team.

A few idea on how to stay aware of Copy Cat Emails.

SAVE ALL CONTACTS into your data base with their name, phone and CORRECT EMAIL. When any new emails come in that are not coming from YOUR CONTACT LIST – double-check it. CALL THEM! In fact, always double-check your reply emails or start a new email from YOUR Contact List.

Remove or Question any NEW NAMES in the From or CC portion of the email. KNOW AND SAVE ALL THE NAMES and contact info of all the various parties to YOUR Real Estate transaction. Your Realtor, lender, title and escrow officers, assistants etc.

ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WIRE FRAUD. We as your agents DID NOT send you that email nor are we aware you received it. I try to over communicate with all parties to know when money is being sent, how wire info is obtained and when it is received. However these scammers are pretending to be us – and unless our clients are diligent they too can lose their hard-earned money.

Wire Fraud can happen at any time during the real estate process. So be diligent and double-check any emails with verbal communication. It if feels off – it is! Listen to your gut. Slow down. Take the time to be present when responding to emails. Hackers are feeding off our nonstop lives knowing we’ll miss the small details. As hurried as any Real Estate transaction can feel – nothing is worth rushing through the most important transaction of your financial life.

The more you know – the more we can prevent wire fraud.

I read this article at: Realtor Magazine – WIRE FRAUD Article

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Testimonial of the Day – From Caitlin

“The Caton team has helped me find my perfect condo within a month of looking! And then later found me great tenants to rent it out. They work quickly and are very professional. Plus, these are just a pair of wonderful women to be around. They are very trustworthy and have their Clients’ best interest in mind. I will be using them again for all my real estate needs, and I recommend them to everyone else! Thank you so much!”

– Caitlin G.

Caitlin and Sabrina go way back. So you can imagine the joy to represent Caitlin in the purchase, lease and sale of her first home. We appreciate earning your trust. Thank You for working with The Caton Team for all your real estate needs.

To read all our testimonials visit The Caton Team Testimonials and Yelp!

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text 650-799-4333

Email Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Elderlife Financial – A Move for the Better

Elderlife Financial – A Move for the Better

I am proud to announce that The Caton Team along with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has partnered with Elderlife to make the transition from home to senior living easier for the whole family.

Elderlife Financial (https://elderlifefinancial.com) is a helpful service but not to be confused with a placement service. Elderlife Financial is a step in the right direction and works with seniors who need full time, part time or memory care. Elderlife works directly with families to help them find long-term, sound financial solutions to help elderly parents in need of care who already own their own home.

Elderlife can help a family with a Bridge Loan, to close the gap between moving into a care facility and deciding what to do with the family home. If selling a parents home is the best solution – Elderlife with partner our San Mateo County residence with The Caton Team to aid in the preparation and sale of the family home. Elderlife will also help Veterans maneuver through all the paperwork and help each Vet attain the most benefits they can in order to get the care they need and deserve. Elderlife can also help with insurance, reverse mortgages if selling the home isn’t wise at the moment and has aligned themselves with a CPA firm to aid clients with taxes and programs that could be of help.

Elderlife is a wonderful, free resource created from need to help those in need. If you have any questions – feel free to contact The Caton Team by call or text at 650.799.4333, email info@TheCatonTeam.com or check out Elderlife Financial at https://elderlifefinancial.com.

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Tips and Tech That Help Create a Welcoming Home

When I read this article – I was blown away by our day in age. Sure – I knew all these gadets exsisted but when you read it all at once – well – it’s science fiction irl.

You can have a more stress-free home and save time on tasks and chores. Here are some great time-saving tips and technology that help make your daily routine more efficient and create a welcoming home for you and your family.

20 Time-Saving Tips That Say “Welcome”

In the manor homes of old, you might have been greeted with a “Welcome home” by the butler. Now you can be welcomed home by a home assistant. Home assistants and other modern smart devices can do a lot of time-saving tasks that help make a more welcoming home.

Techy Efficiency

Voice-controlled home assistant – Who doesn’t need an assistant? Use your home assistant for simple things like checking weather, traffic, ordering food, or daily reminders. You can also program it for bigger tasks like controlling smart home gadgets for lights, thermostats, and locks.

Charging pads – If your phone/tablet chargers seem to travel and disappear throughout the house, get a few charging pads and place in convenient areas of the house to save time and frustration.

Grocery lists – Add an app to your smart phone to create lists, scan bar codes, and even keep track of your food inventory. Or get an electronic voice recognition grocery organizer. They’re a little larger than smart phones, and have an internal printer to print your list.

Trackers – If you commonly misplace your keys, wallet, or other important items, don’t waste time looking for them any longer. Simply attach a tracker and then check the app for location.

Smart locks – Not sure you locked your front door when you left? Now with smart locks you can lock and unlock your door remotely and even give guests easy access to your home. There are also similar controls and monitoring for your garage door.

Cozy Comfort and Lighting

Smart light bulbs – These new LED bulbs let you use an app not only to turn lights on and off, but also to change bulb colors and dim or brighten the light. Some bulbs even have built-in speakers.

Programmable timers – Never come home to a dark house again. Set your lights on timers that come on at dusk for convenience and security. Choose from manual or digital wall switches, power strips, Wi-Fi-enabled timers, and more.

Programmable battery candles – Set timers to come on at dusk and enjoy the welcome home feeling of a soft flickering light, indoors or out.

Smart or programmable thermostats – Use program settings to keep temperatures comfy year round, and save money, too. Or go “smart” and use an app to monitor and make changes remotely. Smart thermostats will also work with your home assistant.

Kitchen Easy

Coffee and tea – Set your coffee pot timer to auto-brew and wake up to freshly brewed coffee. Or, for French press or tea drinkers, use an electric kettle to quickly and efficiently heat water. Step it up and go for a Wi-Fi-enabled coffee maker or electric kettle and operate from your computer, phone, or voice-controlled home assistant device.

Crock pot – Prep food for crock-pot recipes when you have time, then freeze. Thaw overnight in fridge, place in crock pot in the morning and slow cook all day. Nothing says “Welcome home” like “Dinner’s ready!”

Bread machine – Few things compare to the smell and taste of fresh, warm, bread. Let the machine do the mixing, kneading, proving, and baking.

Pressure cooker – Reduce cooking times for many recipes by as much as 70%. You can cook medium-size artichokes in about 10 minutes. Less time to cook means more time to do what you enjoy.

Digital cooking thermometer – Bluetooth models allow you to monitor the internal temp of food without having to keep checking it. Cuts down on how often you open the oven door, too.

Chore Friendly

Robot vacuums – Automatic vacuums save time and are a big help staying on top of pet hair and other allergens.

Indoor plant care – Keep your plants happy and spend less time maintaining. Use fertilizer spikes or time-release fertilizers. Try watering globes for those extra thirsty plants that need watering often.

Self-cleaning litter box – Cut down on cleaning time and help reduce odors.

Programmable pet feeders – Save time feeding pets. Great if you’re out for long periods or have pets with restricted intake diets.

Grooming de-shedding glove – While relaxing and petting your pet, you’ll be multi-tasking by getting rid of the dog and cat hair before it covers your clothes, furniture, and floors.

Paper shredder – Go through your mail next to the paper shredder, it’s a quick way to deal with junk mail and paperwork, and no chance of it piling up. Your time is precious. Using modern tech can help you save time at home. You’ll also feel like you’re creating a more welcoming home, giving you the enjoyable down time you need, rather than scrambling to finish daily tasks.

I read this article at: First Am Home Warranty

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Summer To-Do Checklist

Have the best summer ever. Take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the fun summertime activities we wait for all year, like barbecues and pool parties. But don’t forget to check off these important home maintenance tasks to spruce up your home and keep it well maintained all year.

I read this article at: HERE

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Which Smart Home Devices Help Lower Energy Bills

The little things you do often add up to big change. You’ll find few better examples of big change (monetarily speaking) coming from little things than what happens to your energy bill when you implement smart tech into your home. That’s because many of these little devices have the power to lower your energy bill by replacing the electricity-hogging devices you’re currently using.

How Smart Devices Save

Before we get to the smartness of these devices, here’s a quick question: if you were to walk around your home right now and count how many items in each room currently have an item plugged into an electrical outlet, what do you think that number would be? It’s likely higher than you think.

A study by the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) found that U.S. households now plug an average of 65 devices into outlets around the home. Each one of those devices sucks up kilowatts whenever it’s in use. Many even suck up kilowatts when not in use—look up vampire power—it’s a thing! The same NRDC study found that “25% of all residential energy consumption is used on devices in idle power mode.” Your utility company charges you based on the number of kilowatts you use over time, so when you switch to a smart device designed to use electricity only when YOU want it to, you can lower your bill.

Using These Smarts Can Help You Save

Here are eight smart home devices with potential to lower your utility bill.

Glow Bowl

Ditch the plug-in nightlight for this motion-activated, battery operated light for late-night bathroom visits.

Casper Glow Light

Prefer to light up the path all the way to the bathroom at night? This nightlight is not only portable, it also helps you sleep. It can sync with your circadian rhythms and slowly darken the room as you fall asleep.

Smart Brew

Wake up after a restful sleep to a cup of Joe when you want it. Smart coffee makers let you set coffee to brew using a timer on your smartphone.

Smart Plugs

Now that you know vampire power sucks, it’s time to try smart power plugs. These devices let you control all those electronics drawing energy while in idle power mode. Simply insert a smart plug into an outlet and plug electronics or appliances into it. You can either set a timer to turn off those power hogs, or use a remote control to turn them off while away from your house.

Smart Thermostats

A.K.A., programmable thermostats, these devices allow you to set the temperature in your home based on season, whether you’re absent or present, while you sleep, and so on. Studies show they can save homeowners up to 25% on cooling or heating costs.

Smart Lights

After you switch to LED bulbs, switch to a smart lighting system next. Smart lighting allows you to control when lights are on, off, or dimmed from anywhere. No more realizing you left the lights on all day while away or at work.

Motion Sensors

Smart motion sensors can work with smart lighting or as standalone devices. You configure the sensors to turn lights on when you walk into a room and off when you leave.

Smart Blinds

On winter days, you likely keep the blinds open to let sunshine in, while in summer you close them to keep the heat out. Now you can control when they are open and closed with motorized blinds you work with a remote.

I read this article at: https://homewarranty.firstam.com/blog/smart-devices-that-save-money

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Call | Text | Sabrina 650.799.4333 | Susan 650.796.0654

Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

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