Television used to tell us what a smart home would look like: talking assistants, automatic stoves, voice-operated music, and motion-sensing lighting. While our current homes may not be quite how Hollywood envisioned, many of these items are actually available today to upgrade your smart home environment—and buyers want them.

Our REALTORS® are here to help you discover five smart home updates that can help your home sell in 2020.

• Video Doorbells
  There are multiple brands of video doorbells on the market now, and these tiny powerhouses of security can often be found on sale or special promotion. These digital doorbell/security systems are in-demand for homebuyers and even considered standard in many markets. A good video doorbell will allow a homeowner to remotely interact with a package person, record and sense motion near your entry day and night, and allow you to view and upload suspicious videos to a cloud community or police report.

When you're selling your home, photographs play a large part in attracting potential buyers. Winter can be a difficult time to take appealing photos as everything can look darker and drearier. Instead of colorful spring flowers, you may have piles of snow in your yard.

Our agents have experience selling homes in the winter and suggest the following tips for doing winter listing photography right:

• Use winter decorations wisely
  Winter decorations can brighten up the inside and outside of your home for photographs. Keep things understated and attractive, since potential buyers will want to be able to imagine themselves in your home. Don't have too much personal décor inside, and tone things down a bit outside. A wreath on the door, garland on the mantle, and twinkling clear lights on the roof or shrubbery can add festive yet tasteful touches. Think Martha Stewart, not Clark Griswold!

Do you think you're too busy to take up a hobby? Scientific studies show having a hobby provides personal and professional benefits, making you healthier and more productive.

Bring in the new year with a new and improved you. Our real estate agents share some of their favorite hobbies around Long Island. Which one will you try?

• Find Your Om at Om Sweet Om Yoga - 12 Irma Ave., Port Washington 11050
  Yoga focuses on the mind-body connection for better overall health. Start the year stress-free at Om Sweet Om Yoga, just minutes from Port Washington homes for sale. Classes are available for all skill levels, abilities, and ages, including YoGuy classes targeted specifically for the male body. New students can participate in two weeks of unlimited sessions for only $39. Classes are offered seven days a week. Visit the website for the full schedule.

It's a common misperception that the real estate market comes to a halt when the holidays come to town. The reality is that many people are looking to put the keys to a new home under the tree. Our REALTORS® are experts at selling homes throughout the holiday season and the following are some tips that can help your home stand out among the bright lights and inflatable Santas in the neighborhood. 

1. Be Delicate when Decking the Halls. You don't want to go overboard with your decorations. Choose a few neutral wreaths, a handful of candles, your tree, and a smattering of the ever-popular poinsettia. Leave the inflatable reindeer and extravagant decorations in the box for next year's celebrations in your new home.
   
   
2. Create a Cozy Ambiance. The smell of hot cocoa, Christmas carols coming through Alexa, and some warm cookies are always a welcome touch. These accents create a comfortable ambiance that is soothing and inviting. This encourages prospective buyers to rest and relax as they look around your home.