These Are The 4 Coolest Home Innovations In 2018

by: Alyssa Winters

Published on: June 28, 2018

From smart locks to wireless kitchens and video doorbells - we'll go through some of the coolest home innovations in 2018.

Today’s technology provides a wider venue for innovations and changes in the way people manage their homes. There are devices that are manufactured to make it easier for you to monitor what is happening in your home whenever you are not there. If you are looking for gadgets that can help you at home, here is a list that you can consider:

#1 Nokia Sleep

Sleep is vital to everyone’s health. Being able to sleep soundly at night will prepare you for whatever activities that are awaiting you the next day. But there are people who cannot sleep at night and there are also those who need to be monitored due to certain conditions that affect and interrupt their snooze time. Nokia Sleep can be very helpful for these people as it monitors the number of hours that they were able to sleep, for example. Aside from that, it can also monitor whether you snored or you were interrupted in your sleep during the night. For people who need this type of monitoring, Nokia Sleep is surely a gadget to look into.

#2 Wireless Kitchen

We have different appliances at home and most of these are found in the kitchen. Connecting more cords in this place when you have a new device to use is somewhat impractical because it is now easier to use wireless electrical connections in the kitchen. These devices can power the different home appliances you have in the kitchen. It is very efficient and safe. You do not need cords, batteries or even outlets to be able to power your kitchen devices.

#3 Lenovo Smart Display

This is an all in one device that you can use in many ways. The most important feature of the Lenovo Smart Display is that it is voice controlled. You do not have to turn on your computer to watch videos, with just the power of your voice; you can do this with a Lenovo smart display. If you want to know the details of the weather today, you can also get it from this device. Another important function allows you to make a call. If you are busy doing something but you need to call your client or anyone else, you can just ask the Lenovo Smart Display to call for you.

#4 Video Doorbell

Today, you do not have to settle for a doorbell that still lets you guess the identity of the person who is in front of your door. Video doorbells are here to assist you. This way, you will be able to know exactly who wants to see you. And if you are thinking about the security of your children who are left at home while you are at work, a video doorbell can keep you updated. All you need to do is to check your gadget whenever you are being notified about someone knocking on your front door.

The security of your home should be a priority for you. And with the busy schedule that you have, there must still be time for the small things that matter. The devices we outlined in this post are some of the coolest you can implement in your home. Turning your home into a smart home will not only make your life more comfortable but also connects you to the people who are important to you. Utilize technology and take advantage of its advancements to focus on what matters.

 https://magazine.startus.cc/4-coolest-home-innovations-2018/

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What the Government Shutdown means for Real Estate and Housing

NFIP National Flood Insurance Program

An extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was attached to the CR that Congress failed to pass. This means that for the duration of the shutdown, the NFIP will not be able to issue new or renew flood insurance policies. However, existing policies will not be affected until 30 days after their expiration date. Homebuyers will also be able to assume existing policies and claims will continue to be processed and paid as usual. For more detailed information, FEMA’s latest guidance to insurance companies can be found here (link is external).

Federal Housing Administration

HUD’s Contingency Plan states that FHA will endorse new loans in the Single Family Mortgage Loan Program except for HECM loans. It will not make new commitments in the Multi-family Program during the shutdown. FHA will maintain operational activities including paying claims and collecting premiums. FHA Contractors managing the REO/HUD Homes portfolio can continue to operate. Loss mitigation programs will continue to operate. You can expect some delays with FHA processing due to short staffing. (See the HUD Contingency Plan for Possible Lapse in Appropriations (link is external) for more info.)

Government Sponsored Enterprises

During previous shutdowns, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have continued normal operations, just as their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, since they are not reliant on appropriated funds. Fannie and Freddie are expected to announce relaxed procedures that would permit closings to go forward without federal verification of Social Security numbers and IRS tax transcripts. However, lenders would still have to obtain federal verification of both before the GSE’s will accept loans for purchase. Any relaxed requirements would not apply to loan modification re-financings.

Rural Housing Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will not issue new rural housing Direct Loans or Guaranteed Loans. Scheduled closings of Direct Loans will not occur. Scheduled closings of Guaranteed Loans without the guarantee previously issued would be closed at the lender’s own risk.

VA Loan Guaranty Program

The VA loan guaranty program will be operational. The VA has determined that housing is an "essential service.” In addition, VA projects that "95.5% of VA employees would either be fully funded or required to perform excepted functions during a shutdown” (Download the VA Contingency Plan here (link is external) for more info.)

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS is closed and has suspended the processing of all forms, including requests for tax return transcripts (Form 4506T). While FHA and VA do not require these transcripts, they are required by many lenders for many kinds of loans, including FHA and VA, so delays can be expected if the shutdown is protracted. We have received indications that many loan originators are adopting revised policies during the shutdown, such as allowing for processing and closings with income verification to follow, as long as the borrower has signed a Form 4506T requesting IRS tax transcripts. On loans requiring a Form 4506T Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are expected to adopt relaxed provisions allowing closings but subject to tax transcript verification before the GSE’s purchase the loans.

Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration is closed and has suspended most customer service functions. According to the SSA Contingency Plan, verifying Social Security numbers through the Consent Based SSN Verification Service will also be suspended during the shutdown, a further complication for mortgage processing. As with IRS income verification, policies vary among lenders, with many choosing to exercise forbearance during the shutdown period subject to subsequent verification. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are expected to adopt policies to allow for closing subject to subsequent verification and before GSE purchase of the loan.