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Unveiling the Future: Embracing the Top 5 Smart Home Trends of 2023

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Greetings, tech-savvy homeowners of West Michigan! If you’re as captivated by the marriage of modern living and innovative technology as I am, then you’re in for a real treat. The smart home evolution is charging forward, and Forbes has delivered a treasure trove of insights on what’s set to take 2023 by storm. Let’s dive into the most exhilarating tech trends reshaping homes across our beloved West Michigan.

1. The Era of Connected Appliances Imagine a home where your refrigerator knows exactly when to order groceries or your oven adjusts cooking times on its own—this is the new normal. Home automation is taking center stage, granting homeowners effortless control over lighting, security, climate, and entertainment systems. With a tap on your smartphone, you can transform your living space into an oasis of convenience.

2. Customized Smart Showers Introducing the future of relaxation—the smart shower. This year, top brands are unveiling digitally personalized showers that cater to your preferences. From warm-up modes to user presets, these showers offer more than just a refreshing experience. Now you can customize elements like temperature, flow, and even indulge in audiotherapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy—yes, aromatherapy in your shower! With built-in Wi-Fi and voice-activated controls, smart showers are revolutionizing our daily routines.

3. Hygiene-Conscious Touchless Faucets Bid farewell to messy kitchens and say hello to touchless faucets. These unsung heroes promote hygiene, conserve water, and save you time. With touchless operation and smart sensing technology, these faucets elevate your kitchen experience. West Michigan homeowners can now minimize water wastage and maintain cleanliness with ease.

4. The Era of Smart Toilets Basic toilets are a thing of the past. Smart toilets have stormed the scene with sleek designs and enhanced functionalities. Get ready to embrace electronic toilets and bidets, complete with features like warm water washing and hands-free operation bringing a touch of luxury and innovation to our daily lives.

5. Eco-Friendly Smart Water Networks In West Michigan, nature is dear to us, and our homes are following suit. Eco-conscious practices align seamlessly with smart home trends, shaping a greener future. Smart water networks are stepping in to manage outdoor irrigation efficiently. Sprinkler controllers and wireless soil sensors ensure your yard is watered only when needed, conserving water and minimizing wastage.

From sleek faucets to revolutionary smart showers, these trends are reshaping homes across West Michigan. Whether you’re considering a small upgrade or a grand transformation, smart technology has something to offer. These innovations aren’t just about aesthetics—they enhance the efficiency and harmony of your home life. Embrace the future with open arms, and consider the possibilities that lie ahead for your West Michigan haven.

Source: Forbes Home

Understanding Assessed & Taxable Values

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Property taxes can often seem as complex as a puzzle, but fear not, for I am here to guide you through the intricate world of assessed and taxable values. By gaining a deeper understanding of these concepts, you’ll be better equipped to decode those annual tax bills that can leave homeowners scratching their heads.

First, let’s introduce the key players in this tax equation: the Assessed Value (or State Equalized Value, SEV) and the Taxable Value. The Assessed Value is an estimate of your home’s worth, determined by the Municipality Assessor’s Office. They use a market approach, comparing your property to recently sold homes of similar nature. It’s akin to a real estate version of “Mirror, mirror on the wall,” offering a means to evaluate your home’s value.

Next up is the Taxable Value, a critical factor in calculating your property taxes. It involves multiplying this value by the local Millage Rate to determine your annual property tax liability. For instance, with a Taxable Value of $100,000 and a Millage Rate of 0.033 (or 3.3%), your property tax would amount to $3,300. Think of this process as solving a mathematical puzzle, bringing you closer to the solution.

Let’s not forget Proposal A, Michigan’s constitutional tax amendment, which plays the role of a superhero in preventing skyrocketing property taxes. It places a cap on the annual increase of taxable property value, limiting it to 5 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. This cap acts like a leash, keeping property taxes from spiraling out of control.

Ownership transfers and property improvements add an interesting twist to this tale. They can cause the taxable value to rise beyond the rate of inflation, sometimes even exceeding the assessed value. While Proposal A puts a check on regular increases, it allows for adjustments when ownership changes hands or significant improvements are made, ensuring fairness in the tax system.

Here’s a valuable tip: Assessed Values aren’t set in stone. If you believe your assessed or taxable value exceeds 50% of market value, you have the power to challenge it at the local level. Simply reach out to your local taxing authority, who oversees the appeals process. It’s like assembling a team of experts to navigate this intricate tax maze and ensure your property’s value is justly assessed.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, you can confidently tackle your property tax bills. You understand the intricate dance between assessed and taxable values, appreciate the protective role of Proposal A, and know how to challenge property values when necessary. Property taxes, while complex, can be mastered with understanding, allowing you to remain in harmony with your financial responsibilities.

Buying New Construction? Mistakes to Avoid

Brand new carpet, fresh paint, shiny appliances – what’s not to love about buying new construction? ⁣
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While that new home feel is intoxicating, buying new construction can be tricky without some initial know-how. So you can experience all the pros and none of the pitfalls, here are some mistakes to avoid when purchasing a new construction home.⁣
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Failing to research the area ahead of time. It’s easy to fall in love with a neighborhood and floor plan before doing your due diligence about the surrounding community.

  • Ask around to assess what’s happening (or not happening!) in the area that may impact your home’s value down the road.⁣
  • Research the school district, even if you do not have kids or ever plan to have kids, the school district ratings affect the real estate values in the area.
  • Drive through the neighborhood at several different timeframes of day to get a feel for what it’s like. If you’re looking for a quiet subdivision and drive through during mid morning it may feel quiet. If you drive through again during the evening there may be more chaos and traffic through the neighborhood. This is helpful to know when making a decision.

Not thoroughly vetting your builder/developer. A builder can make or break your experience buying new construction, so make sure you do your research. And don’t just take their word for it.

  • Ask for referrals. Talking to other clients that have experienced the building process and even more importantly have lived in a home that was built by the builder can be extremely helpful. A reputable builder should have former clients that they can put you in touch with.
  • Read online reviews. Be careful to put too much weight of these. Most people tend to be more willing to share negative experiences vs. positive experiences. Still I highly recommend reading what you find and keeping it in the back of your mind. If there are a lot of negative reviews, this is definitely a red flag.
  • Consult your Realtor. Realtors work with builders and sell spec homes all of the time. Your Realtor is a great resource for you in this process. In fact, I highly recommend that you involve them in the whole process. They will absolutely be your advocate and help you avoid common mistakes.


Waiving the home inspection. Heads up! Newer homes can have just as many problems as older homes, so don’t waive the home inspection. It can alert you to things your builder overlooked or didn’t properly complete.⁣

Not asking about what type of warranty the builder will give you with the home. Don’t just assume the home comes with a warranty. Find out what is covered and for how long.

Considering building a new home? I offer a free new construction guide to help you in the process.

Download Your FREE Copy of Buying New Construction


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How Can I Increase the Value of My Home? ⁣

⁣It all comes down to T-I-M-E — and whether you’ve got a lot or a little of it! ⁣
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Clock ticking and you need to increase value ASAP? Zero in on these weekend projects:⁣

  • Clean, clean, and clean some more.⁣
  • Give walls a fresh soft, neutral coat of paint.⁣
  • Landscape with some low-maintenance (but green!) plants.⁣
  • Power wash your driveway, sidewalks, and home exterior.⁣
  • Declutter and consider staging.⁣

Time on your side?

Chip away at these little by little:⁣

  • Remove a wall (or two!) to create open living spaces.
  • Replace carpeted floors with wood or LVP flooring.⁣
  • Finish your unfinished basement.⁣
  • Replace your old windows and front door.⁣
  • Install new kitchen countertops and appliances.⁣⁣

Selling on the brain? The best thing you can do is have a quick consult with a Realtor. They can have a look around and let you know exactly what to do to have your home sitting pretty at top dollar. Ready to chat? Click here for a no obligation home seller consultation.

Is it Smart to Refinance?

Your home mortgage is an important investment in your future, and a mortgage refinance can be a smart move to help you manage your investments when used under the right circumstances. Here are some things to consider about refinancing your mortgage.  

Simply put, when you refinance your mortgage, you are taking out a new loan to pay off your original mortgage, so the first question to ask yourself may be is there a better product available to you than what you started with?

Refinancing allows you to borrow against the equity you have built up in your home and take out cash you can use to pay off other debt, make home improvements, or invest in your retirement. For example, let’s say you have $70,000 of equity in your home, but still owe $175,000 on your mortgage. You may take out a new mortgage for $200,000 that is used to pay off the first mortgage, and then pays you $25,000 in cash. If you have made regular payments on your initial mortgage for at least five years, you probably have enough equity built up to take a cash-out mortgage.

Another reason to refinance is to reduce your monthly payment to give you more flexibility in your monthly budget. When you refinance, you are basically starting over on your 30-year commitment, but, if you are not taking cash out, your new mortgage amount will be lower, so your payments decrease.  

If you originally took out a 15-year mortgage, changing to a 30-year term will lower your monthly payment considerably.  

You may also choose the opposite and switch from a 30-year loan to a 15-year term. Your monthly payments will likely increase, but you will pay your loan off earlier and pay less interest.  

Another reason people refinance is to change from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate. This eliminates fluctuations in your monthly mortgage payment and may help you take advantage of favorable rates.  

Before you decide to refinance, do some homework. You should perform an audit of your monthly budget, assess your short and long-term financial goals, check your credit score, watch interest rate fluctuations, and consider the costs involved in refinancing ads there will be closing costs on your new loan.

Upsize or Downsize: Which is Your Best Move?

Deciding if it is time for your family to upsize or downsize is not always a clear choice. There are factors to consider that might push you to take the leap or stay put for a while longer. Whether you are thinking about upsizing so your family can spread out or purging possessions so you can downsize, here are some questions to ponder.

1. How are you using your current space?

Do your family members feel like they don’t have adequate privacy or space to do their own thing?  Are you tired of working at the dining table and really need an office or workshop? Is having the kids share bedrooms just not working out? Maybe an upsize is warranted. On the other hand, do you have rooms that aren’t being used, or are you tired of paying property taxes on more house than you need? Check for the downsize column!

2. Have you considered the maintenance costs?

If upsizing is on your mind, consider the added costs for maintaining a larger home and property, whether in money or time. Will you be able to keep up with cleaning, lawn care, and general maintenance issues that come with owning a home? If you are ready to cross maintenance off your to-do list, perhaps you are ready to downsize to a more manageable property or one where the HOA handles part of the job.

3. What are your outdoor space needs?

Are you ready to give up having a yard or garden to downsize to a maintenance-free space? Do you have pets that need outdoor space? Do you need more outdoor space for your children to play or your dog to run around in? The size of the house is one thing, but the property is important also.

4. Have you looked to the future?

What do you expect your needs to be in the next five, ten, or twenty years? Do you want a large home where your children and grandchildren will come for vacations and holidays, or will you be spending those times at their homes? Will you want to entertain groups of friends, or do you foresee going out for your entertainment? What will happen if your spouse passes; will you want to stay in the home on your own?

5. Do the financial implications add up in your favor?

Can you handle the higher costs involved with a larger home, or are you ready to cut costs with a downsize? Consider where you stand on your current mortgage. Are you alright with starting a new mortgage at this point in your life, or are you in a position to purchase in cash? What are the tax implications for your move?  

6. Is it the right market to upsize or downsize?

A seller’s market is hot for those looking to sell a larger home and downsize. Upsizing may be riskier in a big seller’s market, but if your family would be happier in a larger home, it might be worth the leap.

Whatever questions you have about purchasing your next home, I’d be honored to assist you. So let’s work together to make sure your next move is the right one!

Click Here to Download your FREE Report!!

5 Ways to Create a Statement in Your Home

Ready to go big, bold, and beautiful in your home without breaking the bank? Do it with hardly any effort (or Benjamins!) with these 5 statement pieces:⁣
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An accent wall: Even if you aren’t ready to go totally “off-the-wall,” darkening a neutral you already have will give your space depth and create a rich, layered, look.⁣


Pillows: A pop of color here and a patterned pillow there are two of the easiest ways to add some interest to your decor. Plus, you can switch ‘em out for the seasons or whenever you get tired of them.⁣


An area rug: Love your neutral sofa but want some oomph somewhere? Opt for a colorful or geometric area rug. It’s like artwork for your floor!⁣


An ottoman: An ottoman is oh-so-functional but can also make a statement in your living room. Choose one that’s oversized, oddly shaped, or just plain funky.⁣


Light fixtures: Lighting can be an afterthought when decorating but it makes a huge impression on the way your home feels. A gorgeous chandelier or a trio of pendant lights are always eye-catching but affordable, and carefully placed canned lights can create an equally dramatic atmosphere. ⁣
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Don’t be afraid to give new trends a try—especially if the price is right and you’re feeling bold and brave!

When Should I Refinance?

Low-interest rates have many homeowners wondering if it’s a good time to refinance. Refinancing can save you a lot of money in the long term when done correctly. It’s important to consider the drawbacks as well. Here are some reasons why you might want to refinance, and a few things to be cautious of.

Reasons you may want to refinance:

1. To lower your monthly payment. If today’s interest rates are lower than when you purchased your home, refinancing to a lower rate will reduce your monthly payment down, freeing up cash to help with other bills, your children’s education, or to save towards retirement.

2. To pay off your mortgage earlier. A great way to use the money you save with a lower mortgage payment is to apply it right to your principle, which will help you pay your loan off earlier.

3. To take advantage of a better credit score. If your credit score has increased significantly since you bought your home, you may get a better loan if you refinance.

4. To save on total interest. For some, the desire to pay less interest overall makes refinancing an attractive option. Reducing the interest rate and/or the loan term will save you money long term.

5. To change loan types. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage that has been increasing or is nearing the end of the fixed period, you may want to switch to a fixed-rate mortgage.

If you have extra cash on hand to make larger monthly payments, it may make sense to change to a 15-year mortgage so you can pay it off earlier.

6. To consolidate debt or take cash out. If you have built up equity in your home, you may be able to borrow against your home to obtain cash to pay off higher-interest debt, to make improvements on your home, or for things like your children’s education or medical expenses.

If you think that refinancing is the best option for you, I have several lender partners that will take great care of you. Reach out to me and I’ll send you their info!

Choosing Lighting Fixtures

Choosing fixtures for your home can be complicated. If you’ve ever visited a lighting store, you know exactly what I’m talking about. ⁣
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To break it down into bite-sized bits, it might be helpful to review the three different types of lighting:⁣
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  1. Ambient lighting: the main source of light in a room (think overhead fixtures or recessed lighting).⁣
  2. Task lighting: the lighting “tasked” for activities such as working or reading (meant to illuminate a small area; not an entire room).⁣
  3. Accent lighting: the most decorative lighting in a room (think chandeliers, sconces, and lamps).⁣

As you plan, remember most rooms have two types of lighting—some all three. Make a list of the rooms in your home and the different types of lighting you need. Then, you can shop with clarity and purpose even amidst the blinding lights.⁣

Let’s Talk Home Equity

Home equity…Everybody wants it, but what exactly is it, and how do you get it?

Equity represents the degree of ownership an individual or entity has in an asset after subtracting any debts against the asset. To say someone shares equity in a company means they would share in any assets remaining after all debts are accounted for.

For example, if your business has sold $500,000 worth of product this year, but you have rent, operating expenses, and a business loan payment totaling $400,000 for the year, you have $100,000 of equity in your business. Equity changes as the value of your assets and debts change.

Home equity works the same way. When you take out a mortgage to purchase a home, your home is collateral on the mortgage loan, so the outstanding mortgage principal must be deducted from the value of the home to determine your home equity.

In most cases, you make a down payment when you purchase your home. That down payment is your initial home equity. If you pay a 20% down payment on a $200,000 home, you have $40,000 equity when you close on your purchase.

As time goes on and you continue to pay down your mortgage principal, your equity grows. Usually, the longer your own your home, the more equity you gain because you are paying down your mortgage. However, any debts you take on using your home value as collateral, such as a second mortgage or home equity line of credit (HELOC,) decrease your home equity.

The changing real estate market also influences your equity. If you paid $200,000 for your home, and two years later the homes in your neighborhood start selling in the $400,000 range, your theoretical equity increases. (Theoretical because you don’t realize your home equity until you sell your home and pay off all debts against it.) You can also lose equity if the market takes a dive but be patient and it should recover in time.

Equity also grows if you make improvements on your home that increase its value. Let’s say you add a swimming pool and all new appliances. You have increased the value of the home. Your equity doesn’t increase by the amount your spent on the improvements, but on the value you get upon resale. This is an important point when considering making improvements prior to putting your home on the market, and one that is often misunderstood.

Let’s say Joe spends $50,000 on upgrades to his home. He might tell his neighbor, “I have $50,000 in my home,” but when he goes to sell, the current market dictates how much he will actually get in return. If Joe ends up selling for $40,000 more than he originally paid, his $50,000 investment got him $40,000 in home equity.

Some things you can do to increase your home equity include:

1) Make a large down payment when you purchase your home. The more cash you put down, the more equity you begin with.

2) Make increased or extra payments on your mortgage principal. Adding to the principal portion only on your monthly payments, or making extra payments when you are able, helps chip away at your outstanding debt.

3) Be smart when making home improvements. Not all improvements build equity. Some improvements may be personal preferences that don’t necessarily add value for resale. Improvements such as a new HVAC system, new appliances, or a new roof are usually more reliable investments than a fountain in the front yard or surround sound speakers throughout the house.

4) Don’t borrow against your home equity unless you must. Home equity is often a homeowner’s biggest asset, and can help to build your retirement nest egg, but it can also come in handy if life throws you a curve ball and you need to borrow against it for an unforeseen emergency. Be careful not to borrow against your equity for frivolous purposes, so it will be there if you really need it.

5) Sell when the market is favorable. If you are counting on your home equity to help finance your next home, pay for your children’s education, or add to your retirement funds, try to sell during a seller’s market when inventory is needed in your area.