The next generation of smart home technology is on the horizon. Trending this year will be devices that can learn from our lifestyle patterns and deliver a more customized experience. Ready to add something new to your Balmoral home? Here’s what’s in store for 2024.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence is poised to be the buzzword for 2024, and it will soon be running your home. Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistance already use AI but they will soon be able to detect context, intent and the nuances of word choice and phrasing so interacting with them feels more natural. Smart thermostats will be able to do more than turn up or down the heat. They will be able to check the weather and change the temperature based on the forecast, learn our preferences and take into account your usual energy consumption.
More Robots
Get set for more of your household tasks to be taken over by robots. Today there are robot vacuums and lawnmowers, but manufacturers are raising the bar on them. The Willow X by EEVE can mow, weed and sweep your patio. New vacuums will come equipped with LiDAR that can create detailed, accurate maps that tell the robot how best to clean your home. Loona is a robot that can be programmed to play games with your child. Most robots can be connected Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Siri.
Smarter Appliances
Smart appliances already exist, but in 2024 they will become even smarter. The GE Profile dishwasher has built-in Wi-FI that allows you to check the status of a wash cycle and reorder detergent from the app. Smart stoves will be able to detect the size of your pan and adapt the cooking area for the best heat distribution. AI technology and cameras on a range hood can adjust fan settings or issue an alarm if a child is too close to a hot burner.
Health and Wellness
Can a smart home help you live a healthier lifestyle? Manufacturers are banking on it. Smart refrigerators can prolong the quality of your food by maintaining temperature and humidity levels, keeping food fresh longer. One manufacturer is working on an air-purifying robot that can move to different rooms and double as a portable audio speaker. Hands-free faucets will continue in popularity but will be voice-activated.
Effortless Connectivity
Many consumers are frustrated by the inability of devices created by different manufacturers to work together. That’s about to change. Matter is an industry-unifying connectivity standard that will allow all Matter-certified devices to work together. That means an iPhone can control a Google Nest Thermostat.
Home Security
Home security will start to include medical alert systems to detect when you fall and call for an ambulance. Leak detectors can send you notifications as soon as a leak is detected, allowing for a quick response. It will also be easier than ever to integrate smart door locks with video doorbells so you can see who is at the door and let them in.
Want to purchase a new build home but don’t have time to wait for the construction process to finish? We have a solution — inventory homes. Also known as spec or move-in ready homes, they are at or near completion, so they are ready when you are. Here are a few more advantages to buying an inventory home from Balmoral builders:
Fewer Construction Delays
With a new construction home, there can be unforeseen delays due to weather, permit issues or other construction-related challenges. Inventory homes are already built or nearly complete, minimizing the risk of delays affecting your move-in timeline.
You Know the Price Up Front
Unlike building a new home where costs can sometimes escalate due to unexpected issues or the addition of upgrades, inventory homes have fixed or more predictable costs.
What You See is What You Get
When you buy an inventory home, you can physically walk through the property and see exactly what you’re getting before making a purchase. This is different from buying a home based on floor plans or what you see in the model home.
You Might Get Upgrades
Some inventory homes may include builder upgrades or improvements that were made to attract potential buyers. This can be a bonus if you appreciate the added features.
You Might Be Able to Negotiate
While the price of inventory homes is typically set, there may still be room for negotiation, especially if you bring along a Realtor. Many builders offer incentives such as upgrades, lower prices or lower interest rates that apply just to inventory homes.
You’ll Close Sooner
Since the home is already built, the closing process for an inventory home may be faster compared to waiting for a new construction home to be completed.
Less Stress
The process of buying an inventory home can be less stressful than building a new home from scratch. You won’t have to make as many decisions about design, finishes and other details.
Check Out Our Inventory Homes Today
Ready to move to Balmoral? Stop by our builders’ model homes and talk to a representative about the inventory homes they have available. You could be swimming in our crystal clear lagoon before you know it.
Giving homemade Christmas gifts from the kitchen is a thoughtful and personal way to share the holiday spirit. Here are some delicious and festive ideas cooked up by Balmoral residents in their beautiful kitchens.
Creative Cookies
Cookies are an always-appreciated sweet treat. Pack them in a cute box and provide the recipe. We’re fans of these festive peppermint cream squares. Looking for an easy no-bake cookie recipe? We’ve got you covered with these coconut snowballs. These edible Christmas wreaths are so worth the effort. Put away the gingerbread man cookie cutter and use the star cutter instead.
Brittle and Bark
Sure, you could go with classic peanut brittle, but why not give a canister of salted pistachio brittle instead? One recipe, multiple possibilities are involved with this fruit and nut brittle recipe. Chocolate almond bark is as easy to make as it is to eat. Here’s a festive treat gift recipients can’t wait to eat.
Nothing Sweeter Than Candy
Who wouldn’t want to find a box of these chocolate truffles under the tree? What do you get when you combine the flavor of sugar cookies with fudge? Something delicious. Send a box of pecan pralines to relatives not fortunate enough to live in Texas. What’s Christmas without rum balls?
Holiday Quick Breads
Make your next-door neighbor’s Christmas breakfast easier with the gift of a scrumptious coffee cake. Bake several loaves of this apple cinnamon bread to give to your child’s teachers. Break out the mini-loaf pans and whip up these eggnog-flavored treats. No one will be regifting this fruitcake.
Sweet or Savory Snacks
Pack up holiday tins full of snacks like these slow cooker spiced nuts. Help friends get the party started with the gift of garlic ranch party mix. Friends will ditch the crackers and put out these cheddar wafers instead. You can’t get Chicago-style popcorn in the grocery store.
It’s in the Jar
This raspberry jam is easy to make and fun to gift with a loaf of homemade bread. Gift this chocolate hazelnut spread with a side of sugar cookies. Friends and family will get a lot of use out of this gingerbread syrup. Give cocktail-loving friends a bottle of easy-to-make Limoncello.
When it comes to building a new home in Balmoral, you probably have questions. If not, you probably should. The best person to answer them is your builder’s sales representative. What should you ask? Here are a few questions to get you started.
Advantages of Buying New
How does buying new allow for a more stress-free home-buying experience?
What are the hidden costs of buying a resale home as opposed to a new home?
Will buying a new home lower your maintenance costs compared to purchasing a resale home?
Floor Plans and Customization
What floor plans are available?
Are there options for customization?
Can I make structural changes to the home during the construction process?
Standard Features and Upgrades
What are the standard features included in the base price of the home?
What upgrades are available, and what is the cost for each?
Are there any promotions or incentives currently being offered?
How much do your customers typically spend at the design center?
What upgrades are featured in the model home?
What are your most popular upgrades?
Timeline and Completion
What is the estimated timeline for the completion?
How does the construction process typically unfold, and what are the key milestones?
Are there any potential delays I should be aware of?
Will I receive updates?
Who handles construction questions or concerns?
Energy Efficiency and Smart Home Packages
How energy-efficient are the homes, and what features contribute to this efficiency?
Can you provide information on the HVAC system, insulation and other energy-related aspects of the home?
Do your homes include smart home packages?
What smart home devices are included, and which are upgrades?
Financing and Payment Structure
What financing options are available, and do you have preferred lenders?
How is the payment structure organized throughout the construction process?
Warranty and After-Sales Service
What kind of warranty is offered and what does it cover?
How is the after-sales service handled?
What is the process for addressing issues after move-in?
Builder’s Reputation
Can you provide references from homeowners who have purchased from you?
What is your reputation in terms of quality and customer satisfaction?
How do you measure customer satisfaction?
What steps do you take to ensure that your customers feel valued and supported?
Speak With Our Builder Representatives Today
Ten outstanding builders offer homes in Balmoral. Visit their model homes and be sure to bring your questions. Their representatives will be happy to answer them.
Holiday travel with your family can be a rewarding but hectic experience. Living less than 10 minutes away from Bush Intercontinental Airport like Balmoral residents do can help. Don’t live near an airport? Here are some tips for a successful and stress-free holiday travel with your family.
Try to Plan Ahead
Impulse travel during the holidays isn’t a good idea. Plan your trip well in advance, including booking a hotel if you need one, flight arrangements and a list of things you want to do when you get to your destination.
Create a Packing List
Make a packing list for each family member and check it off as you go. Most airlines enforce weight or suitcase limits. Be sure you know what the limits are so you can plan accordingly. Don’t forget essential items like medications, diapers and favorite comfort items for children. If it’s a gift-giving holiday, consider mailing them ahead of time so there is more room in your luggage.
Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations
If you won’t be stating with relatives, book a hotel that caters to families. Vacation rentals and suites are excellent options. Hotels should feature amenities such as pools, cafes and play areas. If you will be staying longer than a few days, consider renting accommodations with a kitchen or kitchenette, which can be a lifesaver for preparing meals and snacks.
Build in Extra Time
If you are flying, plan to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight. During the holidays, security lines and check-in counters can be crowded, so arriving at least 2 to 3 hours before your domestic flight and 3 to 4 hours before an international flight is a good idea. You can also check the security wait times at your airport. For Bush IAH, see wait times on the airport’s website. This can help you plan your arrival time.
Choose Alternative Transportation
Construction on Terminal E at Bush Intercontinental may cause additional delays. That means jam-packed parking. Consider calling a shuttle or ride sharing service instead. If you must drive, consider reserving a space. Follow Bush IAH traffic updates here. Also check construction updates, and allow for extra time, if needed.
Plan for Inclement Weather
Search the weather forecast for both your departure and arrival destinations. Winter weather can affect travel plans, so be prepared for potential delays and cancellations.
Have a backup plan for activities or dining options in case things don’t go as expected.
Use Mobile Check and TSA PreCheck
Many airlines offer mobile check-in services, which allow you to check in and get your boarding pass on your smartphone. If you frequently travel, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck to expedite security screening. It can help you bypass long lines and keep your shoes and jackets on during the screening process — which can be a big help of you are traveling with toddlers.
Keep Kids EntertainedBring a variety of entertainment options for your children,such as books, coloring books, tablets and their favorite toys. Headphones can be handy to keep noise levels down. Download movies, apps and games to keep kids engaged during travel. Allow for downtime in your schedule to rest and relax, especially for younger children who may need naps.
Don’t Forget Snacks
Pack a selection of snacks. Carry an empty reusable water bottle to fill up after passing through security. Having familiar and healthy snacks on hand can help avoid hunger-related meltdowns. Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies within your family.
Be Safe
Ensure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and secured for young children. Follow all safety regulations. Teach your children basic travel safety rules and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated. Prioritize your family’s health by packing any necessary medications and first-aid supplies.
Capture the Memories
Encourage your family to document the trip through photos, journaling or a travel blog. It’s a great way to reminisce and share the experiences later. Consider letting your children keep a travel journal to record their thoughts and impressions.