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Is Your Home Smart?

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Is Your Home Smart?

This holiday season, I have added to my already semi-smart home device collection.  I already own two ecobee thermostats, two smart plugs, the ring doorbell and arlo cameras – most controlled by the samsung smart hub.  I added three additional smart plugs to my collection and am begining to explore “scenes” and certain automation features.  Is your home smart – let me know what your setup looks like in the comments below!

If you’ve been paying any attention at all to the world of smart homes and home automation, then the fact that smart switches and smart lights exist could not have escaped your notice. But if you’re like a lot of homeowners, you may still be scratching your head trying to figure out how these devices fit into your voice assistant-powered world.

Consider this your introduction to smart plugs, switches and lights.

What Are These Devices For?

Smart plugs, switches and lights are all small players in the greater plan of home automation. For people who come home after dark or even those that leave home overnight for business on the regular, smart automated lighting can deter burglars and make it look like someone is rattling around your place.

Then there’s the other neat trick smart plugs, switches and lights can do: they help people with disabilities live more independently. Although this was not necessarily part of the original intent, as it turns out, smart homes in general are — top to bottom — able to be specifically adapted for each person and their particular disability..

Despite their gadgety nature, smart plugs, switches and lights can literally change the lives of people from every walk of life and every ability level.

Breaking it Down: Plugs, Switches and Lights

Having voice-responsive or WiFi connected plugs, switches and lights may seem like you’ve basically got a set of things that all perform the same function. If you walk around in your house, smart or dumb, and note what sort of items you have plugged in versus what’s on a switch, you can start to see the subtle differences. But, let’s talk pros and cons:

Plugs. Smart plugs are the most flexible of this smart triad. You can plug in a lamp, or a crockpot or even a radio — you can plug anything into a smart plug and when the plug is switched on, the device (if left with the switch on) will power up.

Smart plugs are easy for anyone to install since they generally just plug right into your regular outlets. You don’t need to wire anything or make a mess. Definitely an A+ for ease of use. Many also monitor your energy use, another handy feature. However, many are so big that they take two outlets and turn them into a single smart plug — if you have a lot of things to plug in or a limited number of outlets, this is something to seriously consider before jumping in.

Switches. A smart switch can give you control over a lot of dumb bulbs and command them with one touch (or click). For people with disabilities, this can make it easier to deal with switches that might be across the room or too high for them to be easily reached from a seated position. Smart switches can also be programmed into complex routines for voice assistants like Alexa. You might have a routine that tells Alexa to turn the switch in the kitchen on, kick on the coffee pot and play some mood music in the morning, for example.

As great as smart switches can be for people with disabilities and gadget lovers alike, they can be a challenge to install since they will actually replace existing light switches. If your home wiring lacks a neutral wire, you’ll have to either have an electrician out to run the right lines or hunt down special switches that can run without one. These switches can have major limitations, since they often need specific bulbs in order to work.

Lights. Smart lights, the last on the list but hardly the least, give more people more options, especially when it comes to older homes. There’s no rewiring required, all you have to do is pop the bulb into a socket and poof! Instant smart lighting. Some even have bluetooth speakers built in to create a little extra ambience. What’s not to love?

Well, as it turns out, smart bulbs are only as smart as the people living in the house. If you, say, switch the fixture full of smarts off, suddenly your smart bulb is a regular bulb. You no longer have any control over it, the bulb has been rendered very dumb. And even when switches are left in the “on” position, there can be significant lag between command and execution since most are controlled through another device, like Amazon’s Echo or Google’s Home Assistant.

The Bottom Line for Basic Smart Home Equipment

Although smart plugs, switches and lights still have significant limitations, they’re still worlds ahead of their old-fashioned counterparts when it comes to ease of access and remote control. There will certainly be updated versions that deal with many of the current problems, but until those are released commercially, a homeowner who wants to try out these bits of smart tech should absolutely do so.

How else will you turn on the mixer at precisely 6 AM, kicking off a Rube Goldberg machine that makes breakfast while you shower?

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Nick Irwin

Nick Irwin - Broker - BaseNashville Real Estate

Nick Irwin, originally hailing from the warm and welcoming state of Alabama, has firmly established his roots and found his forever home in the vibrant heart of Nashville, Tennessee. As a leading Realtor at Parks Real Estate, Nick brings a unique blend of Southern charm and sharp business savvy to the dynamic real estate market of Music City.

With a strong background in business and an unbridled passion for real estate​ and financial education, Nick has become an indispensable guide for both buyers and sellers navigating the complexities of Nashville’s ever-evolving property landscape. His commitment to providing clients with the most current and comprehensive information empowers them to make well-informed decisions about their future homes and investments.

​Known for his relentless determination, ​Nick’s track record is a testament to his expertise and dedication to his client’s success. He defines success as making sure his clients have an advocate when making some of life’s biggest decisions and strives to help them feel empowered and informed along the way.

​O​utside of real estate, Nick enjoys quality time with his husband, Mark, at their cherished family lake property. These moments of relaxation often include the delightful company of their beloved chihuahua, Bruno.

Whether you’re searching for your dream home, an investment property, or looking to sell in Nashville’s dynamic market, Nick Irwin is your go-to real estate ​B​roker. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine care for clients ensure a seamless and successful journey in the exciting world of Music City real estate.

Nick Irwin | 615-418-0563 | nick@BaseNashville.com

Robby Stone

Robby Stone - BaseNashville Real Estate

Born in Florida and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, Robby Stone has definitely found a home here in Tennessee. Since moving to Nashville in January 2010, he’s fallen in love with the subtle nuances present in each pocket of the city, and it is this affinity for the city and his passion for people that has led Robby to a career in real estate.

The road to becoming a real estate agent has been paved with an array of career adventures. Earning a degree in Sports Medicine from Samford University in Birmingham, AL before realizing the life of a doctor was not his ultimate passion, the following years would find Robby managing client relations for wedding photographer ABryanPhoto, acting in tv and film roles during his time spent in Los Angeles, entertaining as the front man for several dance bands traveling throughout the southeast and serving up delicious meals at a few restaurants around Nashville.

Forever wondering how all of these various jobs and educational experiences would work together toward his future, Robby now sees how each prepared him for his Realtor career which began in 2015. Managing the client experience, entertaining and effortlessly engaging those looking to buy or sell in Nashville, and humbly serving those he works for and alongside are all a part of real estate. With years of unconventional and professional career training and consistently over $10 million in sales annually, Robby has been refined to perform his job with ease and enthusiasm, and his natural charisma and authenticity are added bonuses to his career in this exciting industry.

Robby Stone | 205-383-7001 | robby@BaseNashville.com

Emilee Warner

Emilee Warner - BaseNashville Real Estate

Tennessee native Emilee Warner embarked on her real estate journey with a full-service brokerage based in Nashville in early 2020. Her debut year was marked by exceptional achievements, including being honored as Greater Nashville Realtors Rookie of the Year and consistently ranking among the top agents. Her dedication to excellence for her clients and earning the esteem of her colleagues has rapidly positioned her as a rising star in Nashville’s real estate scene. 

Prior to Real Estate, Emilee spent over 15 years in the entertainment industry, creating a large network of community members. Her experience in negotiation and client advocacy has seamlessly transitioned into her flourishing real estate career. 

As a passionate advocate for fair and affordable housing, Emilee actively contributes as a member of the Housing Affordability Committee. Her commitment to community service is evident through her volunteer work with the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Troubadour Society and LaunchPad Nashville. Additionally, she plays a significant role in local community development as a Board member of Discover Madison and Amqui Station. 

Emilee Warner | 615-418-4846‬ | emilee@BaseNashville.com

Robyn Nelson

Robyn Nelson - BaseNashville Real Estate

At the heart of BaseNashville’s dynamic team is Robyn Nelson, a Tennessee native whose expertise, enthusiasm, and quick wit radiate through every aspect of her work. As the team Operation & Transaction Coordinator, Robyn ensures each client’s journey is smooth every step of the way. 

Since joining the Nashville real estate universe in 2016, Robyn has become an indispensable asset, adeptly juggling a myriad of roles with unwavering dedication and efficiency. Prior to real estate, Robyn honed her organizational skills in hospitality and retail management, which helped keep the BaseNashville team on a steady course. Robyn is also an enthusiastic educator, sharing her wealth of knowledge through virtual contract-to-close classes where she helps train those interested in joining the real estate contract-to-close entrepreneurial world. Did we mention she’s also a TN Notary Public and wedding officiant? 

Outside of work, you can find Robyn fostering a community of literature lovers as she actively participates in several book clubs, with her downtime being spent with her two precocious children, devoted husband, and beloved dog.

Choosing a BaseNashville agent means gaining access to Robyn’s unparalleled expertise and warm guidance. Her ability to handle the complexities of real estate transactions with grace and precision makes her an invaluable member of our team and a cherished ally for our clients.

Robyn Nelson | 615-772-3680 | robyn@BaseNashville.com