In the rapidly evolving world of real estate, two major trends are converging to shape the homes of the future: sustainability and smart home technology. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of their choices, and as technology continues to advance at a breakneck pace, these two trends are increasingly influencing buying decisions in the residential real estate market. For those looking to buy or sell a home, particularly within the LGBTQ community, understanding these trends is essential. At GayRealEstate.com, we recognize the importance of these developments and how they contribute to a better, more sustainable future for all.

Demand for Sustainable Living

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a key factor in the decision-making process for many homebuyers. The modern consumer is increasingly conscious of their carbon footprint and is seeking homes that align with their values. Sustainable homes, also known as green homes, are designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. They often feature solar panels, energy-efficient windows, and advanced insulation systems, all of which contribute to reducing the home’s overall energy consumption.

One of the primary benefits of sustainable homes is the long-term cost savings they offer. By utilizing renewable energy sources like solar power, homeowners can significantly reduce their utility bills. Additionally, many governments and municipalities offer tax incentives and rebates for homes that incorporate green technology, making the initial investment in sustainability more financially viable.

The Rise of Smart Home Technology

Simultaneously, smart home technology is becoming a must-have feature in modern homes. What was once considered a luxury is now becoming a standard expectation for many buyers. Smart homes are equipped with devices and systems that can be controlled remotely via smartphones, tablets, or voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. These technologies include smart thermostats, security systems, lighting, and even kitchen appliances, all designed to make life more convenient, efficient, and secure.

Smart home technology is particularly appealing for its ability to optimize energy use. For example, a smart thermostat can learn a homeowner’s schedule and automatically adjust the temperature to reduce energy consumption when the house is empty. Similarly, smart lighting systems can be programmed to turn off when not in use or to dim based on the time of day or natural light levels, further contributing to energy savings.

Intersection of Sustainability, Smart Technology

The most forward-thinking homes are those that successfully integrate sustainability with smart home technology. This intersection is where the real innovation in real estate is happening. Homes that combine these elements offer not only reduced environmental impact but also enhanced living experiences.

Imagine a home where solar panels are not just installed but are also connected to a smart grid that optimizes energy use based on real-time data. Or consider a home with a rainwater collection system that works in tandem with smart irrigation to water the garden efficiently and sustainably. These are not just futuristic ideas — they are already being implemented in new developments across the country.

In fact, this integration is becoming a key selling point in competitive real estate markets. Buyers are increasingly looking for homes that offer both energy efficiency and the convenience of modern technology. For sellers, this means that investing in these features can significantly increase the value of their property and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Impact on Property Values

As sustainability and smart technology become more ingrained in the real estate market, their impact on property values is becoming increasingly evident. Homes equipped with these features are often valued higher than comparable properties without them. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that offer lower energy bills, reduced environmental impact, and the latest in home technology.

For LGBTQ real estate buyers and sellers, particularly those who value innovation and environmental responsibility, these trends represent an exciting opportunity. By focusing on sustainability and smart home technology, you can find or create a home that not only meets your needs but also contributes to a better, greener future.

(At GayRealEstate.com, we are committed to helping our clients navigate these emerging trends. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or simply explore the possibilities, our network of knowledgeable and LGBTQ-friendly real estate professionals is here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we can make sustainable, smart living a reality for everyone.)

Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at 303-378-5526 or [email protected].

As the summer winds down, are you still thinking about owning a second home at the beach? What if I told you that you could make those dreams a reality for very little cash?

What I mean is that there are several ways to creatively look at methods to purchase a second home at the beach and have very low overhead. First, you should realize that you will only be approved for what you can afford. While most of us have Tito’s tastes on a Bernett’s budget, we need to come back to reality and realize that a pre-approval with a reputable local lender will provide a budget for you – while still needing to think through the lifestyle you maintain and what getting a second home with additional responsibilities might look like. If you’ve decided that YES you want to purchase a second home at the beach – let’s look at creative ways to pay for said beach house.

House shares are a great way to split up the cost of beach house ownership. If you have a few good like-minded friends that have similar beach house aspirations as you – then see if they would go halfsies with you. If you are not keen on the idea of three parties having an ownership interest in a piece of real estate, then think through a lease arrangement. You would be the owner of the residence but friend group A would have a lease stipulating they can use the house every other weekend and then friend group B can use the house every third full week in the month. This allows you as the owner of the home to buy down the mortgage and other home ownership expenses while still having a reasonable amount of time to use the home. This is a great option if your beach home is located in a town or community in which short-term rentals are not permitted.

Speaking of short-term rentals, I think almost everyone automatically thinks about Airbnb when thinking about a vacation home. Let me be clear: Each city, town, and community are so different in what they do and do not allow. For example, my community at the beach in Delaware does not allow any rentals less than one year. This is what attracted me to that community. That community, however, would turn off 90% of beach house buyers because they want the option to rent out a home. This is where the above mentioned friend house share would come in handy. If you have identified a home that allows for short-term rentals of a week or a three-night minimum then you are good to go.

This is a great way to offset a mortgage, however, it’s always important to realize that if you are looking to have a beach house and rent it out some of the time to offset your expense that you will incur other expenses by having a high volume of guests in and out of the home. While your mortgage might go down your incidentals will likely go up.

Off-season rentals are still very much a thing. Those quaint beach towns that you only visit in the summer when they are thriving and serving orange crushes do actually calm down a bit in the winter months. While the tapestry of beach towns in Delaware has changed dramatically over the years, there are still rentals referred to as “off-season” rentals. These rentals are available typically between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Renting your home in the off season instead of winterizing and closing up the home is a great way to have funds coming in all year long. This typically works for homes within close proximity to the beach or downtown districts and is not always guaranteed. You also offer this rental at a substantial discount. 

The dream of a beach home is within reach for many. Like with most things in life it’s all about compromise and how much you are willing to work for it. A second home in a sought after location within close proximity to metropolitan areas is always a great idea for an investment property. It’s important to ensure you are partnered with a Realtor in a secondary market that understands your clear intentions with a property and can assist with providing rental pro-formas for rental income, market statistics, lawyers etc., to ensure that you are making a sound decision in your beach dream future.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243, BurnsandNoble.com or [email protected].

As the peak rental season unfolds this summer, property managers and landlords find themselves busier than ever. With families moving before the school year, students seeking new accommodations, and professionals relocating for job opportunities, maintaining positive tenant relations is crucial. Here are some tips for fostering strong relationships with your tenants during this bustling time.

Open and Consistent Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any good relationship, and tenant relations are no different. Make sure you:

• Respond Promptly: Address tenant inquiries and concerns swiftly to show that you value their time and issues — at least within 24 hours if not sooner.

• Use Multiple Channels: Utilize emails, text messages, and phone calls to keep lines of communication open. Find out which channel your interface prefers and make a note always to use that one. Consider using a tenant portal for easy access to information and service requests.

• Regular Updates: Proactively communicate about any upcoming maintenance work, changes in policies, or community events. This proactive approach helps in building trust and transparency and reduces surprises or feelings of not being kept informed. 

Address Common Seasonal Issues

All seasons bring different challenges for renters. For example, Summer can bring maintenance issues, increased pest activity, and summer noise complaints. Be prepared to tackle these common problems:

• Air Conditioning: Ensure all air conditioning units are functioning properly. Schedule regular maintenance checks in Spring and Fall to provide tenants with less risk of a breakdown.  Consider sharing tips on how to efficiently use or maintain the AC in the rental to help prevent overloading the system.

• Pest Control: Summer can see an increase in pest activity such as ants, roaches, beetles, mosquitoes, etc. As windows and doors are left open more frequently, these can get inside the rental. Remind tenants of best practices to keep pests at bay, such as properly storing food and disposing of trash outside on a regular basis, before the bin inside is full.  Consider scheduling regular pest control treatments as a preventative measure. 

• Noise Management: With people naturally enjoying outdoor activities more frequently, noise levels can rise. Remind your residents to be good neighbors.  Establish clear noise policies including shut-down times and communicate these to your tenants to ensure everyone can enjoy a peaceful environment.

Recommend your renters inform adjacent neighbors well in advance of upcoming outdoor gatherings. This goes a long way and is appreciated. It also permits them to plan ahead to be out of their home during that time, or at least not plan a quiet day or evening in their own space when a potentially noisy event is happening next door.

Offer Flexibility and Understanding

Summer can be a hectic time for everyone, including your tenants. Show flexibility and understanding in these ways:

• Know your Rights: Build policies or rules around your rights as a landlord while also keeping in mind the rights of your tenants.

• Flexible Lease Terms: If possible, offer flexible lease start and end dates to accommodate varying schedules.

• Grace Periods: Understand that moving can be stressful and sometimes delays happen. Offering a short grace period for rent payments or if their move is delayed.  This is not uncommon during the peak season and your grace can go a long way in building goodwill.

• Empathy and Support: Listen to your tenants’ concerns and show empathy. A supportive attitude can help in resolving conflicts amicably and maintaining a positive relationship. It can also prevent escalation of issues or having your renters seeking out different agencies or authorities to inquire or even report you as the landlord if they feel their rights are being ignored or otherwise feel taken advantage of. 

By following these strategies, property managers and landlords can ensure a harmonious and productive peak rental season, leading to satisfied tenants and smooth operations.

Scott Bloom is owner and Senior Property Manager, Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, go to ColumbiaPM.com