Technology makes it easier than ever to help you buy or sell a home. But with so many new types of technology flooding the marketplace, how do you know which ones are the best? Here’s our list of Top Ten favorite apps, websites and tech that make the process of buying or selling real estate easier and more enjoyable.
Mortgage Calculator by Quicken Loans
Want to find out how much you can afford or calculate your monthly payments? Quicken Loans is the country’s most popular online lender, and they’ve created a Mortgage Calculator app to help you crunch all the numbers. The app also lets you explore refinancing options and discover how much you’ll save by making extra payments.
Houzz
Do you need staging ideas or to find a professional for renovations or repairs? Then download the Houzz app. Here you’ll find decorating inspiration, new products, excellent advice and reviews on architects, designers, contractors and more.
AroundMe
Browsing a new neighborhood and want to find out what restaurants, attractions and markets are nearby? Then check out the AroundMe app. You can search for just about anything, including ATMs, gas stations and movie theaters.
RoomScan
Do you want to get a room’s dimensions or draw up a floor plan? Then download the RoomScan app and let it do all the work. It’s quick, easy and accurate to within about six inches. No more toolboxes or fancy software needed! Now when you’re looking at potential homes, you can easily see whether or not your favorite piece of furniture will actually fit.
Amazon Echo
For those who haven’t gotten on the bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for? Amazon’s Echo is like having your own personal assistant available to you 24 hours a day. And with nearly 10,000 skills available, with new ones added every day, there’s no end to what this smart home device can do. It’s a great way to get organized and set up in your new home.
Philips Hue
If you’re someone who takes lighting seriously, then it’s definitely worth the investment in the Philips Hue personal wireless lighting system. Control lights remotely, create the perfect ambiance for your showing, and even sync your lights with your music, movies and games.
Nest Thermostat
Smart thermostats have come a long way in a few years. The latest Nest Thermostat saves energy, learns your schedule and can be controlled remotely. It’s a great investment for new home buyers and perfect for warming up the house remotely when a last minute showing is scheduled.
Nest Cam Indoor
Along with smart thermostats, Nest has created an indoor security camera that records 24/7 and plugs into an outlet so dead batteries are no longer an issue. It’s the perfect solution for adding an extra layer of security to your new place, and to see who is coming and going when you’re showing your home.
Planner 5D
Want to see what your new place will look like once the interior design is complete? Then check out the Planner 5D app. It creates realistic interior and exterior designs, and allows you to view it all in a virtual reality mode.
DocuSign
Lastly, although this is an app for real estate agents, buyers and sellers will no doubt reap the benefits. The DocuSign app is the place to collect all the documents necessary for closing and signing those documents electronically, making it easier and faster to get to closing day.
More Information
Even with all this technology at your fingertips, it’s still helpful to speak with an expert. If you’re buying, selling or renting a home in Manhattan, please click here to speak with an agent from Platinum Properties.
