Articles Tagged "Technology"

If you plan to add your home to the list of Tuscaloosa homes for sale, there might be a few projects that will help you prepare your property for sale. Home improvement projects can be overwhelming for many homeowners; not only do you need to figure out exactly what you want or need to do, but you need to procure materials and schedule labor for the job. Here are a few apps that will help you plan, manage, and execute your home improvement projects. 

1. Wikihow
   Should you decide to tackle your project on your own, Wikihow will give you the knowledge you need to get the job done. This app is filled with thousands of useful how-to guides for projects of varying complexity levels. Many include diagrams and videos to increase your understanding. You can even use the bookmark feature to save guides that you plan to use later.
2. IFixIt
   IFixIt is a fantastic resource if your project includes a lot of repairs. Find an applicable guide to assist with diagnosing the problem, gathering the necessary parts, and then completing the repairs. It's easy to search for guides by using the name of the item you're fixing or by searching for the device type. You can even use the IFixIt online store to purchase replacement parts. 
3. iHandy Carpenter
   iHandy Carpenter transforms your smart device into a set of tools. This app makes it possible for you to use your phone as a ruler, bubble level, surface level, plumb bob, and protractor. Most homeowners keep their phones within reach throughout the day; this app ensures you have the tools you need for your project.
4. TapPainter
   Our real estate agents find that a fresh coat of paint makes a huge difference in the look of your home. TapPainter allows you to take a photo of your room and upload it to the app. The app will then use the room's light and layout to see how various paint colors look in your room. This app offers shades from many of the most popular paint brands, making it easy for you to locate and buy your preferred color. 
5. Pinterest
   Pinterest is a valuable resource for planning and managing your home improvement project. Create your own project-specific Pinterest board to keep track of all your ideas. You can search on Pinterest for potential projects and ideas, or you may add links that you find on the internet to your project board. The Pinterest app is full of project hacks, decor ideas, and useful tutorials. 
6. Porch
   Need to bring in a professional for your project? Use Porch to search for insured home improvement pros you can hire for the job. Not sure what kind of pro you need? Schedule a consultation with a Porch representative to help you figure out what kind of professional is right for the job. Professionals are available in every type of home improvement category, including handymen, plumbers, electricians, roofers, and HVAC professionals. 

Want to know what projects will offer the best return for your money? Contact us today for help preparing your home to sell. 

With children out of school across the country, many parents are struggling with finding ways to keep them occupied. While you could let them help you explore online listings of Tuscaloosa homes for sale, when you're done, you'll still have many hours of idle time to deal with. 

There are many different types of virtual field trips available. With a bit of creativity, it's easy to turn these online adventures into fun learning activities. Many of our REALTORS® have children of their own and have been working together to come up with some creative ideas. Here are some of their best tips. 

1. Animal Activities
   Many different zoos have webcams that allow you to watch some of your favorite animals as if you were really there. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Polar bear cubs at Ouwehand Park in the Netherlands
• San Diego Zoo (apes, baboons, koalas, giraffes, elephants, penguins, and more!)
• Lion Cam at Reid Park Zoo
  
  You'll find some suggested lesson plans on a few of these websites. You can make things really fun by choosing an animal your child is particularly interested in and exploring it further. You could also learn more about the animal's natural habitat and use things around the home to create a replica. 

2. Art Appreciation
   There are many incredible art galleries around the globe, but you don't have to get on a plane to appreciate famous works of art. After you and your child go through the virtual tour, have them pick a piece of art they loved and create their own replica. Take a look at these online museum tours:

• National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC)
• Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam)
• Louvre Museum (Paris)
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City)
• Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy)

3. Go Back in Time
   Is your child interested in history? Take a step back in time with virtual visits to some of the world's best history museums and historical locations. This includes:

• Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (Washington, DC)
• National Museum of the U.S. Airforce (Ohio)
• Women's History Museum (Alexandria, VA)
• The Vatican (Vatican City, Italy)
  
  When something sparks your child's interest, use this as a launching point to create new crafts or research projects related to the subject.

4. Underwater Exploration
   Almost all kids are interested in aquatic life and there are many different aquariums that have set up webcams. Some of the best options we've found include:

• Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, GA)
• Seattle Aquarium (Seattle, WA)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey, CA)
• National Aquarium (Baltimore, MD)
  
  After you take a look at these, talk to your child about their favorite sea animal and create an age-appropriate project using this as the focus. You can also watch movies like Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, or Disneynature's Oceans and use it as an opportunity to identify and talk about different types of sea creatures. 

5. A Trip Around the Globe
   You can also take your kids on a virtual tour of many interesting places the world without ever leaving your home. If you find a location that excites your child, have them make a travel brochure or a postcard. Here are a few of the coolest places you can check out together:

• The Great Wall of China
• Pompei
• Colonial Williamsburg
• Yellowstone National Park
• Ellis Island

Once you've occupied your child, you can turn your attention back to searching for your dream home. We can help! Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started.