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Steve Berrey and Sam Bass help AREF Radio usher in the New Year on today’s show.
Steve Berrey is the Director at i-Homes. This company has traditionally developed technology and networking solutions for high-end hotels and hospitality suites. As prices have come down, i-Homes has expanded its reach to include residential homes. If you already have some sort of home automation technology inside your Atlanta new home, you may be using an i-Homes product. Here are some of the hot trends Steve expects for 2012:
- Cloud computing – Home automation systems require extra equipment to be installed inside your home. Imagine if light switches could talk to servers in a remote location, eliminating the need for a local server. Steve believes cloud-based automation services are gaining ground quickly.
- Location-based technology – Leaving the house before turning off the heat can be costly. On the other hand, no one enjoys walking into a freezing home. With location-based technology, the HVAC system turns off when you leave the house and turns back on as you approach.
- Energy management – By knowing more about your power consumption, you can do more to control it. There are now systems that alert you when devices, such as a television, are turned on and using power.
During the podcast, Steve also explains some must-have home automation services, as well as some extremely cool luxury features for technophiles. If you’re interested in learning more about home automation, be sure to listen to the full segment.
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Today’s Deal of the Day is from Stonecrest Homes. The builder has special pricing on the last two remaining homes at Eagle View at Prominence in Canton, Ga. The Barrington is available for $169,900, while the Chestwick is priced at just $174,900. Both homes have four bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Buyers can receive $5,000 in closing costs when using a preferred lender. For more information, visit the Stonecrest Homes website or call 678-310-8470.
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Our next guest is Sam Bass, VP of Sales and Marketing for Acadia Homes & Neighborhoods. Sam is bringing a sense of optimism into 2012. His company exceeded sales projections and closings for 2011. He believes homebuyers in Atlanta are finally starting to realize what great value can be found in today’s market. There seems to be a pent-up demand for housing that is finally starting to generate actual sales.
Acadia Homes has three new communities starting this month: Sutherland Corners in Midtown/DeKalb; Maner Street in Vinings; and The Preserve at North Valley in North Fulton. All of these communities offer homebuyers convenience to great local destinations and quality school districts.
Acadia Homes is also offering incentives to homebuyers and brokers to celebrate the New Year. Buyers can receive $10,000 to use any way they want beginning this month. Use the incentives toward closing costs, options or the sales price of the home. Brokers will receive a 1 percent bonus in January.
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Special thanks to this week’s show sponsor DMD Studios. To see how they can help you with all your model home merchandising needs, visit the website or call 678-730-6005 ext. 11.
For more information on how you can feature your Atlanta new homes news, communities, products and services on Atlanta Real Estate Forum or Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, call 770-383-3360.
You can download all of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum radio podcasts from iTunes.