Be a Smarter Homeowner

Summary: In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of financial visibility for homeowners through the use of Homeowner AI. They explore how homeowners can track their home value, equity, and expenses, emphasizing the need for ongoing financial awareness. The conversation includes a demonstration of the Homeowner AI platform, showcasing its features that help users make informed financial decisions regarding their homes. The hosts stress the significance of understanding both the emotional and financial aspects of homeownership, and how AI can empower homeowners to manage their properties more effectively. Takeaways Homeownership is both an asset and a lifestyle. Financial visibility is crucial for making informed decisions. Tracking home equity helps in understanding net worth. Home expenses can significantly impact lifestyle choices. AI tools can simplify financial tracking for homeowners. Investing in home projects can increase property value. Understanding market conditions is essential for homeowners. Regularly updating financial information is key to smart management. Homeowner AI provides valuable insights into property finances. Consulting with experts is important for accurate financial planning.  Sound Bites "Your home is your largest financial asset." "Your home is both an asset and a lifestyle." "Understanding your equity is essential." "Stay on top of your home finances." "AI can help track your home value." "Use AI for smarter financial discussions." "Be a smarter homeowner with AI tools." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI 03:29 Understanding Home Finances 07:19 The Importance of Financial Visibility 12:57 Tracking Home Equity and Expenses 14:51 Demonstrating Homeowner AI Features 20:38 Project Values and ROI 24:41 Using AI for Financial Analysis 31:32 Conclusion and Future Insights

Summary: In this episode, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore the complexities of home improvement projects, focusing on the role of AI in remodeling. They discuss the challenges homeowners face in decision-making, budgeting, and material selection, emphasizing the importance of thorough research. The conversation highlights the potential of Home Zada's Shopping AI to simplify the shopping process and enhance the overall homeowner experience. In this episode, John Bodrozic and Beth Dodson discuss the transformative impact of AI on home shopping and remodeling processes. They explore how AI can streamline product research, enhance decision-making, and improve relationships with contractors. The conversation highlights the importance of organization and efficiency in managing home improvement projects, ultimately leading to better budgeting and informed choices for homeowners. Takeaways Home improvement involves extensive research and shopping. Larger projects require careful planning and budgeting. The variety of choices can lead to decision fatigue. Understanding product specifications is crucial for satisfaction. AI can assist in managing home improvement projects. Physical and online resources provide inspiration for projects. Budget constraints often dictate material choices. Homeowners should evaluate long-term maintenance of materials. The shopping process is about gathering data, not just buying. Home Zada's AI can streamline the shopping experience. AI shopping tools can save time and enhance efficiency. Homeowners can aggregate all shopping research in one place. Product research helps in understanding material options and pricing. Streamlined processes lead to better contractor relationships. Organizing choices aids in making informed decisions. AI can assist in managing budgets effectively. Home Zada combines photos and spreadsheets for better organization. Shopping AI can help first-time homeowners navigate choices. The importance of narrowing down options to avoid decision fatigue. Using AI tools can lead to a more enjoyable remodeling experience.  Sound Bites "Budget constraints often dictate material choices." "Making informed choices in home projects." "Transforming homeowner experiences with technology." "You can now say, I've looked at all these sinks." "You just created so much efficiency." "You just made it a lot easier." "This will serve me well." "It's a big endeavor." "This is a good one."   Chapters 0040 Introduction to Homeowner AI and Remodeling 03:35 Navigating Home Improvement Choices 06:31 Researching and Decision-Making in Home Projects 09:46 The Importance of Budgeting and Material Selection 12:34 Understanding the Shopping Process for Home Projects 15:41 Real-Life Experiences with Home Renovations 18:35 Introducing Home Zada's Shopping AI 21:39 Demonstration of Shopping AI Features 27:48 Revolutionizing Home Shopping with AI 31:20 Streamlining the Remodeling Process 34:01 Understanding Countertop Options 40:18 Enhancing Contractor Relationships 42:48 Balancing Budget and Choices

Summary: In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic tackle the world of home remodeling — and how Homeowner AI is making it easier, smarter, and far less overwhelming. From upgrading kitchens to redoing landscaping, remodeling is a massive industry filled with major decisions about budget, materials, and scope. Beth and John break down remodeling projects into four main categories: Big Systems (roofs, windows, HVAC) Lifestyle Upgrades (kitchen and bathroom remodels) Minor Projects (new flooring, painting, appliances) Outdoor Projects (landscaping, patios, outdoor kitchens) They explore the pros and cons of DIY vs hiring a contractor, and why being fully informed about your material and labor costs before starting is absolutely essential. Lack of preparation can easily cause delays, budget overruns, and even resentment over the final results. Enter HomeZada's Homeowner AI — a powerful tool that helps homeowners: Build detailed project plans Estimate realistic budgets in minutes Research material types and costs Plan projects smarter to avoid costly surprises John and Beth show how AI streamlines decision-making, saves time, and helps homeowners have clearer, more productive conversations with contractors — leading to better results and less stress. Their key takeaway: When you plan ahead with the right tools, you remodel smarter, stay on budget, and actually enjoy the process. Learn more about Homeowner AI at www.homezada.com! Takeaways Home remodeling is a multi-trillion dollar industry. There are different categories of remodeling projects: big systems, lifestyle desires, minor projects, and outdoor landscaping. Deciding between DIY and hiring a contractor depends on skills, tools, safety, and budget. Material costs can vary significantly between projects. Planning is crucial for a successful remodeling project. Homeowner AI can help streamline the budgeting process. Understanding the scope of a project can prevent budget overruns. Homeowners should be educated about the costs associated with remodeling. AI can assist in creating material lists for projects. Effective planning can lead to better project outcomes. The cost of materials can significantly impact project budgets. AI can quickly adjust estimates based on material choices. Preparation is key to successful home remodeling projects. Homeowners should do their research before contacting contractors. AI tools can save time compared to traditional budgeting methods. Informed homeowners can foster better relationships with contractors. Product research through AI helps eliminate overwhelming choices. AI can create custom project budgets based on user input. Understanding material costs is crucial for budget management. AI enhances efficiency in home improvement planning. Sound Bites "It's a huge business." "I had to pull back scope." "That's a huge difference." "This is preparation at its best." "It's a huge time saver." "This is efficiency." "It streamlined everything." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI and Remodeling Projects 03:39 Categorizing Remodeling Projects 06:38 DIY vs Hiring a Contractor 09:38 Understanding Costs in Home Remodeling 12:45 The Importance of Planning and Budgeting 15:30 How Homeowner AI Streamlines the Remodeling Process 21:29 Understanding Budget Fluctuations in Home Remodeling 23:46 The Power of AI in Home Project Planning 26:34 Enhancing Contractor Relationships through Preparedness 30:51 Product Research: Making Informed Choices 36:03 Creating Custom Projects with AI 39:10 The Future of Home Improvement with AI    

Summary: In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore how AI technology is transforming the way homeowners prepare for severe weather events. They discuss how HomeZada now uses AI to deliver real-time alerts based on your exact property location — not just your city or zip code — helping you act faster when dangerous weather is on the way. Beth and John walk through how the system pulls data from the National Weather Service, translates it into specific, actionable recommendations, and even helps homeowners proactively assess risks like floods, wildfires, hurricanes, hailstorms, and high winds before disaster strikes. They explain how the AI goes beyond just warnings — offering preparation advice, emergency kit checklists, and even insurance insights tailored to your region. Whether you're new to an area, unfamiliar with local weather patterns, or just busy with everyday life, this episode shows why early preparation is critical — and how smarter tools can help you protect your home, your property, and your family. If you've ever wondered what more you could be doing to be ready for the unexpected, this episode is packed with real solutions. Takeaways AI integration enhances homeowner awareness and preparedness. Severe weather alerts are crucial for protecting property and family. Different regions experience different types of severe weather. Homeowners should understand the specific risks in their area. Proactive measures can mitigate damage from severe weather. The National Weather Service categorizes weather events by severity. HomeZada provides personalized weather alerts based on location. Real-time alerts can guide immediate actions during severe weather. Preparation for severe weather should be ongoing, not just reactive. Evacuation is the top priority during severe weather emergencies. Create a three-day supply of water for each person. AI can provide personalized recommendations based on location. Timely alerts can help homeowners take quick action. Stringing together technologies enhances preparedness. Homeowners need to understand their insurance coverage. Proactive measures can minimize disaster risks. AI tools can assess disaster risks for specific homes. Homeowners should regularly review their insurance policies. Understanding local weather patterns is crucial for homeowners. AI can provide more data than traditional insurance providers. Sound Bites "Make homeowners smarter about their home." "AI can give advice when there is no severe weather." "Preparation is key for unexpected severe weather." "HomeZada provides real-time weather alerts to users." "Create a three-day supply of water for each person." "It's a pretty exhaustive little list." "The AI tool is going to create the recommendations." "You can take action quickly." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to HomeZada and AI Integration 01:40 Understanding Severe Weather Alerts 03:40 Types of Severe Weather and Their Impacts 06:34 Homeowner Preparedness for Severe Weather 09:41 AI's Role in Weather Awareness and Education 12:36 Real-Time Alerts and Actionable Recommendations 16:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Home Safety 22:16 Essential Emergency Preparedness Kits 27:54 Leveraging AI for Weather Alerts 33:31 Understanding Insurance Coverage for Homeowners 37:31 The Role of AI in Home Management  

Summary: In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, co-hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic tackle one of the most vital topics every homeowner needs to hear about: disaster preparedness. Natural disasters — from wildfires and hurricanes to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes — are increasingly impacting every region of the country. Beth and John break down how homeowners can be proactive rather than reactive when the unexpected strikes. They walk you through practical, actionable steps: creating evacuation plans, assembling essential go bags, safeguarding pets and livestock, hardening your home against potential threats, and ensuring your insurance coverage is truly adequate. They also stress the importance of a home inventory — why it matters, how to do it fast, and how it can make the difference between a stressful insurance battle and a smoother recovery. This conversation isn't about fear; it's about calm, clarity, and readiness. By planning ahead, you can protect your family, your finances, and your peace of mind no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Tune in and learn how to be truly prepared for anything. Takeaways The home is a complex entity that requires management. Different regions face different types of disasters. Evacuation plans should include multiple routes. A go-bag is essential for quick evacuations. Protecting your property can minimize damage. Insurance coverage should be reviewed regularly. A home inventory is crucial for claims. Living without utilities requires preparation. Planning helps maintain calm during disasters. Financial resilience is key after a disaster. Sound Bites "The home is a complex entity." "Find a way to get your family safe." "Getting ahead of it is important." "Do you own an emergency generator?" "How would the claims process work?" "Prepare for financial resiliency." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Home Disasters 01:51 Understanding Different Types of Disasters 06:55 Evacuation Planning and Safety 10:46 Protecting Your Property 15:51 Insurance and Home Inventory 21:55 Living Without Utilities 26:06 Final Thoughts on Preparedness  

Summary: In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic dive into a topic you might not think about often — what's hiding inside your storage unit or other outbuildings? Whether it's transitional moves, seasonal gear, heirlooms, or forgotten treasures, too many people lose track of what they own simply because it's out of sight. Beth and John break down why it's critical to inventory your storage units, sheds, barns, or other structures — and how doing so can save you money, protect your investments, and ease the burden on your family in the future. They share real-life stories (including some pretty wild finds!), practical tips for getting started with a simple photo inventory, and why HomeZada makes managing all these spaces easier than ever. You'll also hear how taking just a few hours upfront can prevent the costly mistakes of duplicate purchases, lost heirlooms, and even unwanted appearances on shows like Storage Wars! This is a must-listen if you have any kind of off-site or extra storage — and even if you think you don't! Chances are, you've got more stored away than you realize. Takeaways People often forget what they have in storage units. Storage units are used for transitional moves and seasonal items. Climate-controlled storage is important for items like wine and art. Documenting items helps avoid duplicate purchases. An inventory can assist in estate planning and passing on belongings. Taking photos of items can simplify inventory management. Hiring professionals can ease the burden of inventorying storage units. Organizing storage units can save time in the long run. Understanding what's in storage can prevent unnecessary expenses. Communication with heirs about storage contents is crucial. Sound Bites "I can't remember what was in them." "It's super easy to take an inventory." "Documenting is a huge reason to inventory." "You may be able to see large items." "It's a waste of money." "You can hire somebody to do it." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Storage Units and Their Importance 03:27 Reasons for Using Storage Units 06:46 Unique Storage Needs and Climate Control 11:24 The Challenge of Managing Storage Units 13:16 The Importance of Inventorying Storage Units 18:30 Inventorying Other Structures 21:17 The Value of Documenting for Future Generations 24:21 Advice for Managing Storage Units 30:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

Summary In this episode, Beth Dodson and John Bedrozik delve into the world of Homeowner AI, focusing on its application in home maintenance. They discuss the challenges homeowners face in managing maintenance tasks, the importance of preventative maintenance, and how AI can simplify the process. The conversation highlights personal experiences, the significance of health and safety in home maintenance, and the potential impact of maintenance on home value. In this conversation, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of budgeting for home maintenance, the role of AI in assisting homeowners with maintenance tasks, and the benefits of understanding future maintenance costs. They explore how AI tools can provide personalized advice, help with DIY repairs, and forecast expenses, making homeownership more manageable and efficient. The discussion emphasizes the need for homeowners, especially first-time and aging homeowners, to be proactive in maintaining their homes to avoid costly repairs and ensure safety. Takeaways Homeowner AI can significantly reduce the learning curve for new homeowners. Preventative maintenance is crucial for saving money and avoiding costly repairs. Understanding the specific maintenance needs of a home based on its location is essential. Pest control is a vital aspect of home maintenance that is often overlooked. Health and safety issues can arise from neglecting home maintenance tasks. Deferred maintenance can negatively impact the resale value of a home. Homeowners often learn about maintenance through trial and error. AI technology can provide step-by-step guidance for home maintenance tasks. A comprehensive maintenance schedule is beneficial for homeowners. Communication with real estate agents can provide valuable insights into home maintenance.  Budgeting for home maintenance is essential for homeowners. AI tools can provide accurate cost estimates for maintenance tasks. Homeowners can choose between DIY and hiring professionals for repairs. Understanding the risks of neglecting maintenance tasks is crucial. AI can help troubleshoot home repair issues interactively. Forecasting future maintenance costs aids in financial planning. Older homeowners benefit from understanding maintenance budgets. AI tools can help avoid overbuying unnecessary tools. Home maintenance is vital for preserving the value of a home. Being proactive in home maintenance can save significant costs. Sound Bites "You can budget for it." "This is amazing." "Lint is highly flammable." "This would have been brilliant." "This is huge." "This is amazing information." "Our homes are our castles." "Be a smarter homeowner." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI and Maintenance 05:52 The Journey of Homeownership and Maintenance Challenges 11:40 Preventative Maintenance and Its Importance 16:38 Health, Safety, and Home Maintenance 21:40 Homeowner AI: Revolutionizing Home Maintenance 23:18 Budgeting for Home Maintenance 24:45 Understanding Maintenance Tasks and Costs 28:39 Utilizing AI for Home Repairs 30:34 Interactive Troubleshooting with AI 32:32 Forecasting Future Maintenance Costs 36:13 Planning for Aging Homeowners 40:16 Becoming a Smarter Homeowner  

Title Revolutionizing Home Inventory with AI  Summary In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore the intersection of home inventory management and AI technology. They discuss the importance of understanding fixed assets versus personal property, the significance of photo composition for accurate inventory, and the balance between speed and accuracy in documenting home contents. The conversation also highlights real-life applications of HomeZada's AI features, demonstrating how homeowners can efficiently create detailed inventories for insurance and estate planning purposes. In this conversation, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore the innovative features of Home Inventory AI, focusing on how it simplifies the process of managing home assets. They discuss the importance of photo composition for accurate inventory tracking, the power of AI in recognizing items and tracking warranties, and the convenience of finding manuals and managing documents. The conversation emphasizes the significance of keeping receipts and educating homeowners about their assets, ultimately showcasing how technology can streamline home management. Takeaways Home inventory is essential for managing home details. AI technology can simplify the home inventory process. Understanding fixed assets versus personal property is crucial. Photo composition affects AI's ability to recognize items. Speed and accuracy are both important in inventory management. Involving family can make inventory tasks more enjoyable. AI can process photos quickly and accurately. Detailed inventories aid in insurance claims and estate planning. HomeZada's AI features enhance the inventory experience. Creating an inventory can prevent duplicate purchases.  Home Inventory AI can identify items in seconds. Photo composition is crucial for accurate inventory. AI helps track warranties and replacement dates. Finding manuals is simplified with AI technology. Keeping receipts is essential for warranty claims. Homeowners can manage assets more efficiently. AI can educate homeowners about their properties. Document management is streamlined with Home Inventory AI. The importance of being prepared for home emergencies. Technology can significantly reduce time spent on home management. Sound Bites "Where do I start?" "Speed versus accuracy." "You brought up a good point." "The power continues." "I can't believe it. Like 10 seconds." "Amazing! Again, in less than 10 seconds." "This just makes my life so easy." "You need to know all that information."   Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Home Inventory and AI 03:35 Understanding Fixed Assets vs Personal Property 06:42 The Importance of Photo Composition 09:41 Speed vs Accuracy in Home Inventory 12:51 Real-Life Applications of Home Inventory AI 15:40 Demonstrating HomeZada's AI Features 18:44 Maximizing Detail in Home Inventory 21:35 Estate Planning and Long-Term Benefits of Inventory 22:50 Introduction to Home Inventory AI 25:32 Understanding Photo Composition for Inventory 27:35 AI Recognition and Warranty Tracking 30:40 Finding Manuals and Document Management 34:50 The Importance of Keeping Receipts 38:33 Educating Homeowners on Their Assets

Summary In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the complexities and benefits of owning multiple homes. They explore various scenarios of multiple home ownership, the importance of managing home inventory, and how technology like HomeZada can simplify the process. The conversation also touches on insurance considerations, documenting inventory for rentals, and the significance of having a plan in place for effective home management.   Takeaways ·      Multiple home ownership can take various forms, including vacation homes and rental properties. ·      Managing multiple homes requires effective tools to keep track of inventory and maintenance. ·      HomeZada provides a comprehensive solution for managing home inventory across multiple properties. ·      Fixed assets like appliances need to be inventoried for maintenance and insurance purposes. ·      Personal property inventory is crucial for rental homes to track items and ensure proper management. ·      Technology can significantly ease the burden of managing multiple homes. ·      Insurance considerations are vital for protecting personal property in vacation rentals. ·      Documenting inventory helps in property sales and ensures transparency in transactions. ·      Creating a detailed inventory can prevent disputes with renters regarding property condition. ·      Homeowners should take responsibility for managing their own property inventories.   Sound Bites "Go buy a house, go buy a house!" "Managing multiple homes can be challenging." "HomeZada is a godsend for managing properties." "You may need to replace your sofas sooner." "Documenting inventory is crucial for rentals." "You want to share what you have with others." "Spreadsheets and photos don't cut it anymore."   Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Multiple Home Ownership 03:35 Defining Multiple Home Ownership Scenarios 06:41 Managing Home Inventory Effectively 09:37 Importance of Fixed Assets vs Personal Property 12:38 Utilizing Technology for Home Management 15:32 Insurance Considerations for Multiple Homes 18:52 Documenting Inventory for Rentals 21:37 The Role of Inventory in Property Sales 24:26 Final Thoughts on Home Management24:27 Heartwarming Customer Stories 31:25 Final Thoughts on Moving and Inventory

Summary In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the complexities and stresses associated with moving. They emphasize the importance of having a home inventory to manage belongings effectively during a move, including planning, purging unnecessary items, and utilizing professional help. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of moving, particularly for seniors, and the benefits of technology in simplifying the moving process. A heartwarming customer story illustrates the positive impact of proper inventory management on family dynamics during a move. Takeaways ·      Moving can be a huge source of stress for many people. ·      Most homes contain over 300,000 items, complicating the moving process. ·      Documenting your belongings is crucial before a move. ·      Using professional organizers can ease the moving process. ·      Purging items can provide tax benefits when donating. ·      Adapting to a new environment may require new purchases. ·      Technology can help manage and de-stress the moving process. ·      Creating a home inventory for children's college items is beneficial. ·      Understanding which memories to keep is important during a move. ·      Having a solid plan can significantly reduce moving stress.   Sound Bites "Moving is just a huge stress." "Every home has over 300,000 items." "Documenting what you currently have is key." "You can use third parties to help you." "Purging items can help with taxes." "Technology can de-stress people."   Chapters 00:40 The Stress of Moving 03:36 Importance of Home Inventory 06:43 Planning and Organizing the Move 09:49 Utilizing Professional Help 12:34 Purging and Donating Items 15:43 Documenting for Tax Benefits 18:34 Adapting to New Environments 21:35 Managing Items for College Students 24:27 Heartwarming Customer Stories 30:45 Final Thoughts on Moving and Inventory

Summary In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic delve into the transformative role of AI in home management, specifically focusing on Homeowner AI. They discuss the unique needs of homeowners, the homeowner journey, and how generative AI can enhance the homeowner experience by providing tailored, property-specific advice. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of homeowners and how technology can simplify home management tasks. The hosts express excitement about the future of Homeowner AI and its potential to revolutionize how homeowners interact with their properties. Keywords #HomeZada   #HomeownerAI  #GenerativeAI  #DigitalHomeManagement  #PropertyValue  #HomeownerEducation  #AITechnology  #HomeMaintenance  #RealEstate  #HomeownerTools   #AI  #HomeInventory  #InsuranceClaims  #HomeownerTechnology Takeaways HomeZada is a digital home management platform. Homeowner AI uses public record information for personalized insights. Property-specific data is crucial for effective AI responses. HomeZada aggregates multiple data sets for comprehensive answers. The platform allows for ongoing conversations with AI. Users can access previous chat histories for reference. HomeZada's dashboard provides a user-friendly interface. AI can help homeowners understand property values and taxes. Photos can be uploaded for better home inventory management. The technology enhances homeowner education and decision-making. AI can drastically reduce the time needed for home inventory management. Homeowner AI can assist in submitting insurance claims by providing detailed itemized lists. Understanding climate-specific maintenance tasks is crucial for homeowners. AI tools can categorize home items into possessions and fixed assets for better management. The ability to validate and edit AI-generated data enhances user experience. Homeowner AI can create preventative maintenance calendars based on property specifics. AI can provide insights into local climate conditions affecting home maintenance. The technology empowers homeowners to manage their properties more effectively. Homeowner AI is beneficial for both first-time and experienced homeowners. The integration of AI in home management is a game-changer for efficiency and knowledge. Sound Bites "We built a digital home management platform." "You can always come back and see it live." "It took 10 seconds." "It's huge. It's so huge." "Absolutely amazing what Homeowner AI can do." "This can be endless." "It's impossible to understate my excitement."   Chapters 00:40 Introduction to HomeZada and AI 02:24 Understanding Homeowner AI 07:11 Exploring HomeZada's Dashboard and Features 10:41 Engaging with Homeowner AI: Chat Features 16:23 The Power of Ongoing Conversations with AI 18:59 Utilizing Photos in HomeZada 19:38 Harnessing AI for Home Inventory Management 23:58 Streamlining Insurance Claims with AI 28:25 Understanding Climate-Specific Home Maintenance 33:19 The Future of Home Management with AI    

Title "Homeowner AI: The Future of Smarter Living Starts Here"   Summary In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic delve into the transformative role of AI in home management, specifically focusing on Homeowner AI. They discuss the unique needs of homeowners, the homeowner journey, and how generative AI can enhance the homeowner experience by providing tailored, property-specific advice. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of homeowners and how technology can simplify home management tasks. The hosts express excitement about the future of Homeowner AI and its potential to revolutionize how homeowners interact with their properties. Keywords Homeowner AI, generative AI, home management, homeowner journey, AI features, digital home management, property specific advice, home maintenance, homeowner needs, technology in home management Takeaways Homeowner AI is designed to cater to the unique needs of each homeowner. Generative AI allows for more detailed and conversational interactions compared to traditional web searches. Every homeowner's journey is different, influenced by factors like age, location, and home type. Home inventory management has become significantly easier with AI technology. Homeowner AI integrates property-specific information to provide tailored advice.The homeowner journey involves various interactions with different experts and services. AI can help prioritize home maintenance and improvement projects effectively. Understanding local climate and conditions is crucial for home maintenance. Homeowner AI can store and recall past interactions for better user experience. The future of homeowner AI promises to enhance the efficiency of home management. Sound Bites "It's all stored in HomeZada, by the way" "Every home in America is unique" "Homeowner AI is a step above generative AI tools" "Homeowner AI takes property specific information" "Home inventory just got easy to do" "This is just mind blowing" "Everything inside the home falls into two buckets." "Using a home inventory can help prevent infighting." "Many people are not prepared with their estate." "Emotional value can lead to family arguments." "Documenting items can solve disputes after death."   Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Homeowner AI 05:40 Understanding the Homeowner Journey 10:32 Defining Homeowner AI 15:46 Generative AI vs Homeowner AI 20:37 The Unique Needs of Homeowners 25:45 The Future of Homeowner AI

Title From Roommates to Relationships: The Essential Guide to Home Inventory & Life Changes   Summary In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of home inventory in relation to significant life events such as cohabitation and divorce. They explore how documenting personal property can help individuals navigate these transitions more smoothly, ensuring clarity and fairness in asset division. The conversation also highlights the role of technology, particularly AI, in simplifying the inventory process and providing peace of mind for homeowners and renters alike. #homeinventory #homeinventoryapp #homeinventorysoftware #homeinventorytracker #homeownerAI #roomates #relationships Takeaways Home inventory is valuable for various life events, not just disasters. Cohabitation often leads to the blending of personal property. Documenting items helps clarify ownership in shared living situations. Sentimental items should be tracked for family heritage purposes. Insurance companies prefer detailed inventories for claims. HomeZada can assist in amicable asset division during divorce. AI features in HomeZada can estimate item values quickly. Having a documented inventory provides peace of mind. Flexibility in inventory methods caters to different user needs. Future episodes will explore more life events and AI features. Sound Bites "Home inventory is not just for disaster-prone areas." "Documenting items can help in insurance claims." "HomeZada is flexible for different user needs." "AI can help estimate the value of your items." "It's about keeping things fair during separations." "Peace of mind comes from having a documented inventory." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to Home Inventory and Life Events 03:50 Coming Together: Cohabitation and Home Inventory 06:41 Documenting Personal Property: Importance and Methods 09:42 Family Heritage and Sentimental Items 12:40 Insurance and Inventory: Protecting Your Assets 15:43 Moving Apart: Divorce and Asset Division 18:29 Using AI for Home Inventory 21:50 Peace of Mind: The Value of Documentation 24:40 Conclusion and Future Topics    

Summary In this episode, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss the importance of home inventory management through HomeZada, particularly in the context of estate planning and end-of-life decisions. They explore the distinction between fixed assets and personal belongings, the emotional and financial implications of inheritance, and the benefits of hiring professionals for inventory management. The conversation emphasizes the role of technology in facilitating these processes and the potential for home inventories to prevent family disputes over inherited items. Takeaways HomeZada helps homeowners manage their home inventory effectively. Understanding the difference between fixed assets and personal belongings is crucial. A home inventory can prevent family disputes after a loved one's passing. Many people overlook the importance of documenting personal property in estate planning. Emotional value of items can lead to conflicts among heirs. Hiring professionals can simplify the home inventory process. Technology can aid in sharing inventory details with family members. Video recordings can add a personal touch to the inventory process. Proactive planning can ease the burden on family members during grief. HomeZada offers features that support both individual and professional inventory management. Sound Bites "I love being a smarter homeowner." "Everything inside the home falls into two buckets." "Using a home inventory can help prevent infighting." "Many people are not prepared with their estate." "Emotional value can lead to family arguments." "Documenting items can solve disputes after death." Chapters 00:40 Introduction to HomeZada and Smarter Homeownership 03:40 Understanding Home Inventory: Fixed Assets vs Personal Belongings 06:38 The Importance of Home Inventory in Estate Planning 09:46 Navigating End-of-Life Decisions with Home Inventory 12:30 Utilizing HomeZada for Effective Estate Management 15:27 Emotional Value vs Financial Value in Inheritance 18:49 Professional Help in Home Inventory Management 21:44 The Role of Technology in Estate Planning 24:41 Final Thoughts on Home Inventory and Family Dynamics #homeinventory #homeinventoryapp #homeinventorysoftware #homeinventorytracker #estateplanning #homeinventorymanagement #estateplanner #estateattorney #endoflife #knowwhatyouown

On today's episode, we discuss our tips for house flipping. Most people are aware of the HGTV version that shows a complete home remodel in a 1-hour episode. This conversation helps to peel back the layers and walk-through the financial and physical aspects that are crucial to executing a flip. Listen to learn the steps and processes to know what homes and locations to invest in, how to plan ahead for taxes, and what projects make a home more valuable.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:01] What is a house flip and how to find the best location for your flip? [07:10] What's involved in a flip: Financial and physical aspects. [11:49] Taxes and whether to sell vs rent your newly remodeled property. [15:27] What projects make a house more valuable and whether to invest as an individual, with a partner, or as a team? [21:45] How important is staging a house before you sell it? [26:35] Learn from others who have flipped before.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The key to flipping is knowing the market and the right locations. Then look for low priced homes in those trending neighborhoods. The more you can do on your own without hiring a contractor, the lower your cost is to do the home improvement, which means the more likely that you're going to be able to make more money on the flip. There are five key financial elements to consider doing a flip: purchase price, remodel investment amount, remodel timeline, estimating sell price, and lastly taxes.   RESOURCE LINKS   HomeZada Website   Guide to House Flipping

We want to speak about how your home can impact your health. You might not realize but regular home maintenance plays an important role in protecting you from illness. On today's episode, we discuss four key components to consider when thinking of your health as it relates to your home. Listen as we give helpful tips related to air, water, fire and earth and the damage they can cause.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:20] What is a healthy home and why it's important.  [2:45] How to protect air quality in your home.  [09:20] The two main ways that water in your home can affect your health. [16:42] How to protect your family and home from fire. [23:52] Understand the different threats that the earth poses to your home.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   One of the first things you can do to protect air quality is change your air filters, change them regularly. Do not wait, change them regularly. Be better prepared for a fire inside your home by placing fire extinguishers in key areas of your home so you can easily access them. If you bought a home with a retaining wall, you want to make sure that the retaining wall is being held in place and draining correctly. If not, the build of water can cause major issues to your home.  RESOURCE LINKS   HomeZada Website   https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_11880.PDF   https://zen.homezada.com/2021/09/26/a-glimpse-into-toxin-free-trends-6-ways-to-create-a-non-toxic-home/   BIO Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market. John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with bootstrapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

May is Home Remodeling Month but we don't need to always do large and expensive projects. We can transform our homes with simple, low-cost, DIY projects. In this episode, we discuss the different types of projects you can do that are affordable, easy and can often be completed in a weekend. Tune in to hear our tips to refresh your home with simple DIY projects.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:50] Cost-effective exterior project ideas. [05:37] The benefits of installing low voltage lighting outside. [12:26] Interior DIY project ideas. [16:00] How to refresh a room with decorative and furniture type projects. [19:15] Tips when using paint to transform different spaces. [23:08] Where to find inspiration and other easy project ideas.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   DIY projects can be great ways to update your home for a low cost. When investing in your home, focus on the front of your house first. Take care of your grass, irrigation, and consider adding shrubs, trees and potted plants.  The front door is the main way we welcome guests. Freshen up your front door with a bright paint color or new hardware.  Organization is another way to invest in your home. When you have a clutter-free environment, you have a more productive environment.    RESOURCE LINKS   HomeZada Website 4 Quick and Easy Smart Home Projects 5 Quick and Easy Home Projects to Finish in a Weekend 7 DIY Home Improvement Projects That are Easier Than You Think 7 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do in a Weekend 7 Projects to Get Your Home Ready for Summer Fun That Cost Less Than a Smartphone

For homeowners getting ready to sell their homes, what can or should you do to get your home ready to list? On today's episode, John and Beth are talking with Jill Elliott, a Broker Associate with over 10 years of experience in all aspects of real estate. Jill brings her realtor experience to share tips on what homeowners can do to list a home. She also shares stories of her experiences and suggestions from her own client's journeys through real estate sales. Jill offers advice on how to work with a real estate agent in your area and her own suggestions on how to market a home and move through the process more easily when selling a home.    IN THIS EPISODE:   [02:21] How to get your home ready for sale.  [03:39] How to get older homes ready for sale. [05:00] Is there certain maintenance you should do before you contact a real estate agent or before you list your home? [06:20] How important is curb appeal and staging a home? [10:47] How to set financial expectations for listing a home. [15:36] How to find the right real estate agent. [19:19] Why a house might not close; tips for planning a home inspection, and parting advice from Jill.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The first thing to do when deciding to sell your home is let go and let the process happen. Respect the process, be flexible and make changes suggested by your realtor.  Things to be aware of when selling or buying a home are the roof and foundation, plumbing, windows and electrical. How do you find the right real estate agent? Find one that you trust. Not that you like, but one that you trust.   RESOURCE LINKS   Jill Elliott's Website   Jill's LinkedIn   @properties Dallas Website   HomeZada Website   BIO:   Jill Elliott is a Broker Associate with @properties Dallas and brings over 10 years of experience in all aspects of real estate. She has consistently been a top producer in the DFW area, receiving yearly Circle of Excellence awards. Before becoming a full time REALTOR, Jill was a radio personality for 22 years in several cities around the country including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Columbia, Augusta and Atlanta. This may seem a strange transition but her former career allowed her to work with so many different people and charitable organizations that a real estate career was a natural fit for her. Jill has a podcast - For The Love of Real Estate on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and others. She is a big fan of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. She is a member of the MetroTex Board of Realtors and the National Association of REALTORs. Jill is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and lives with her wonderful family and dog Stella on the shores of Lake Lewisville. 

Interviewing a remodeling contractor for some may seem challenging. But we have some simple tips to help you have a fabulous relationship with your contractor. In today's episode, we walk through the steps to consider before, during, and after a remodel project. Listen in to learn the tips and tricks on how to start your project off on the right foot and end on a good note!   Questions to consider when starting a project:   What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project? Is it important to compare contractors or quotes before deciding on which contractor to use?  What details should be asked prior to signing a contract with a remodeling contractor? How should a homeowner manage their contractor during the construction process? How should you handle a situation with your contractor if something is not working during the project? Who manages or is responsible for the budget of the project? How should change orders be determined when changes do happen to a project? How should money be paid to a contractor? Up front, partial payment, etc What are the risks of certain contracts? What to look for and how to manage the details? What does a close out look like and if there is a problem with the job, how can you manage this process?   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:23] What should a homeowner do before researching for a remodeling contractor? What do homeowners need to look for when researching a contractor for a remodel project?  [09:24] How do you find quality contractors and one of the key questions to ask your contractor?. [12:53] how to ask for client referrals?  [18:34] How should money be paid to a contractor? [21:10] Understanding “change orders” and what happens when changes happen during the project. [24:01] How to handle the close out process and gather warranties.   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   You need a plan before you start looking for a contractor. Do the upfront planning before you try to determine the scope of the project.  If you are working on a bigger project, it's smart to get two to three bids or estimates.  When getting customer referrals, don't ask broad questions like whether the contractor did a good job. Ask detailed questions about the process of the project and demeanor of the contractor.   RESOURCE LINKS   HomeZada   BIO:   Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.   John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with bootstrapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

Many homeowners are investing in vacation homes or rental properties. And because they are investing in owning multiple homes, they have added concerns. We are going to talk about these additional concerns and what you need to do in order to successfully manage more than one home. Listen as we discuss maintenance schedules, the benefits of hiring a property manager, and the importance of a home inventory.    IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:27] Beth's experience with managing more than one home [04:43] What is a home inventory and why is it important for vacation and long-term rental properties [06:32] Maintenance schedules to be aware of and how different climates impact properties [12:09] How important is it to hire a property manager and what are the benefits [17:39] Key items to consider with selling your vacation home or rental property [21:03] How HomeZada helps with managing multiple homes  [27:08] Action items: property managers and home maintenance   KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Take a home inventory of your house before renters come in and then after or between long-term renters. Two benefits of hiring a property manager: 1) they can be on location to attend to issues in a timely manner 2) property managers generally have a network of contractors and or service providers that they regularly use for regular maintenance and those one off situations that are timely.  HomeZada makes multi-home management so much easier, more comprehensive and it centralizes all of your important data in one easy to navigate location.    RESOURCE LINKS   HomeZada   BIO:   Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.   John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with boot strapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the face of America's workplace. In fact, an increasing number of folks might find their “new office” feels a lot like home – because it is literally their home.  Our post-pandemic “return to the office” may look different with hybrid or fully remote work models rapidly rising in popularity. Studies from Accenture support this trend with 83% of workers believing a hybrid model would be optimal going forward. Further, 87% of managers believe working from home is the future, according to Remote-How research. While the new dynamic promises an improved work-life balance, it will also cause energy use and utility bills to skyrocket with technologies, appliances, and systems running over time – making optimal, energy-efficient home climate control a greater challenge. The good news is that families can prevent a utility bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for nearly half of home energy use, small steps can go a long way. Today, Beth and John are talking with Dennis Stinson, VP of Sales for Fujitsu General America. Dennis is here to offer expert advice for homeowners and discuss these questions: What is a “hybrid” home? How has this new workplace dynamic impacted America's homeowners and their energy bills? What are the latest and most energy-efficient HVAC systems that can help offset increased utility bills as employees spend more time working from home? Are there any easy tips and tricks for practical fixes around the house that can help enhance energy efficiency?   IN THIS EPISODE: [02:33] What is the hybrid home and industry research  [04:41] How hybrid homes impact homeowners' energy bills [05:45] Assessing current HVAC centers [08:33] Leveraging smart home HVAC offerings [10:19] Adding additional units or splitting units [12:35] Consumer experience and mobile technologies  [15:32] Energy incentives and rebates  [17:30] Recap and action steps   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Action Step: Evaluate how well your HVAC system is working, or if you have had changes to how often you are home. Is the HVAC working properly?  As a homeowner, you should have a relationship with a variety of different contractors. Try to find one before your system breaks. Get on a regular annual maintenance program to have your system maintained and cleaned.  There are rebate and incentive programs available to promote higher energy efficiency in your home. Be sure to take advantage of these!   BIO: Dennis Stinson is the Vice President of Sales for Fujitsu General America, a national manufacturer with distributors in local communities across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean and brings over 30 years of industry experience. Dennis leads a team of sales professionals, selling well over $300M of Fujitsu products. At Fujitsu, Dennis has held the responsibilities of Regional Sales Manager in the Mid-Atlantic and The Director of National Accounts. Prior to joining Fujitsu, Dennis spent his career as a Manufacturer's Representative representing various Manufacturers in the HVAC industry throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Dennis earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-p-stinson-a49ab95a/  Website: www.constantcomfort.com 

When it comes to homeownership, first-time homeowners often have challenges. These challenges often surround home maintenance. Understanding the types of home maintenance that are necessary to manage a home and why home maintenance is important to keeping a home operating properly. If as a first-time homeowner, you need to hire someone to help with these tasks, how do you contract and interview these service providers? What can first-time homeowners look for when it comes to home management? Listen as John and Beth share their experience and tips for first-time homeowners. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:46] Things first-time homeowners will need to be aware of [04:38] Types of maintenance first-time homeowners should be aware of [08:26] Smart home technology pros and cons [13:06] Costs for managing a home [18:40] Finding the right professionals to help with home maintenance [22:52] Paying attention to small inconsistencies in your home [26:43] First-time homeowner action items   KEY TAKEAWAYS: No matter what your age, no matter what generation you're in, no matter where you live, you still struggle with the same things as a first-time homeowner. The specifics of maintenance fall into five categories: seasonal maintenance; maintaining the health of your home, like air quality; maintenance that keeps your home safely functioning; energy efficiency maintenance; and outdoor maintenance Preventive maintenance is extremely important in avoiding unexpected maintenance costs. When hiring maintenance professionals, first-time homeowners can utilize helpful platforms like Angie's List, Porch, or others to find high quality professionals. Action step: Create a schedule for preventive home maintenance   BIO: Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing, and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market. John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with boot strapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

January is Get Organized Month. With that one of the best places to start is by taking a home inventory or organizing other areas around the home. In today's episode, Beth is talking with the past president of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), Susie Hayman to discuss organization and what we can do to be better organized. We will cover how Get Organized Month came to be, how HomeZada can help you become better organized around your home. We will discuss physical and digital organization. We will discuss the benefits of being organized and how NAPO members help homeowners. We will discuss the value of organizing all year round. If homeowners need help organizing, we will also discuss how to find the help you need. Getting organized can start with simple steps and can also be done by yourself or with help.   IN THIS EPISODE: [02:20] More about Susie [05:58] NAPO's Get Organized Month [12:41] Benefits of being more organized [20:15] How to stay organized throughout the year [25:25] How NAPO can help you get more organized   KEY TAKEAWAYS: January is Get Organized Month! NAPO helps people improve their lives by helping them create environments that support productivity, general health, and wellbeing in all areas of their homes (physical and digital). Being organized saves you time and money. If you know where things are, whether it's something physical or whether it's something digital, you're not going to buy it again and you will be able to find it easily. When you are organized you have more time to do those things you want to do. Organization helps restore a sense of order and control. Thus, you reduce your level of stress. You get rid of that horrible feeling of overwhelm and you're more efficient and productive in everything you do. In order to get and stay organized, take small steps. You don't (and can't) organize everything in one day, one week, or even one month. Just take one step at a time, one small portion at a time. See those little wins and then keep on going.   LINKS MENTIONED: susie@inyourbizness.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/susiehayman/ www.inyourbizness.com NAPO www.napo.net https://www.napo.net/page/GOMonth2022?&hhsearchterms=%22organized+and+month+and+2022%22   BIO: Susie Hayman, as the founder and owner of In Your Business, helps small business owners, entrepreneurs and nonprofits be more productive by giving them the tools to efficiently manage their people, processes, time and stuff. She works with business owners, managers and employees to develop the systems and processes they need to be successful. In addition to working one on one with clients, Susie shares her expertise with prospective and new professional organizers and productivity consultants. With 19 years of experience in the organizing and productivity profession, Susie has increased employee productivity and organizational efficiency for small businesses, retailers, nonprofit organizations and home offices. Her workplace organizing and productivity classes and workshops are presented to businesses, organizations and community groups throughout the Richmond area. Susie has been featured as an expert on CBS “Virginia This Morning,” the WRVA radio morning show, and “Girlfriend We GottaTalk!” radio show. She has written numerous articles for professional and lifestyle publications, and co-authored “Organize Your Small Business,” 70 tips from a collection of experts. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Susie currently serves as Past President of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals), a 3,300 member association. She is the recipient of the 2017 NAPO's Founders' Award, a 15-year Golden Circle member, and holds a NAPO Specialist Certificate in Workplace Productivity. susie@inyourbizness.com www.inyourbizness.com 804.360.8337 NAPO www.napo.net 856.380.6828 Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market. John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with boot strapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

In today's episode, John and Beth talk about home finances. Which includes more than just the aspects of buying or selling a home. We discuss the financial nuances of home buying, but we also talk about the importance of tracking and managing ongoing finances as a homeowner. We break down common homeowner's expenses, how to prepare for them and save money, why you should keep track of the value of your home, and ultimately, how to make smarter financial decisions related to your home.   IN THIS EPISODE: [02:06] Home finances related to buying a home [03:25] Closing costs and down payments [04:10] Understanding and tracking your investment [11:23] Home equity assets [12:49] Home inventory assets [14:35] Regular ongoing home expenses [18:59] How do you budget for ongoing home expenses? [23:23] Maintenance/repair expense [25:33] Hiring people for infrequent maintenance [28:40] How do you budget for these expenses [30:06] Home improvement expenses   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Your mortgage amount, down payment, and closing costs are all things to keep in mind when buying a home. Having title insurance is important because you want to protect the property that you're buying, and title insurance does do that. It helps identify the long history of where the property was once purchased. Action Step: After you buy your home and move in, track how your estimated value of your home is increasing. Calculating your home equity is a simple equation. It's the estimated value of your home minus the remaining balance on your mortgage. That's the percentage that you own. The two most important ways that you can increase your equity is you live in a hot neighborhood and the value is going up and you're paying off your mortgage. Regular home expenses include mortgage and insurance, utilities, service providers, lawn care, maintenance contractors, property taxes. It's important to track what the market thinks your home is worth and what your county thinks your home is worth, which is how your property taxes are assessed based on. Action Step: Commit to creating a budget for home expenses (regular, annual, and irregular), track the actuals and then use that to make better smarter decisions in the future. Your home maintenance may be 1 to 4% of the total purchase price of your home. 1% if your house is less than five years old but once your house gets between five and 15 years old, that percentage increases to 2%.   BIO: Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing, and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.   John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with boot strapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

In today's episode, John and Beth talk about how to manage home improvements. We talk about the culture's obsession with home improvements and discuss some of the most common problems that homeowners face with home improvement projects. John and Beth talk about budgets, hiring contractors, and how to make a plan for your home projects. At the end of the episode, we share several easy and important action items that will help be more successful with home improvement projects.   IN THIS EPISODE: [01:27] Why do people love home improvement projects? [6:24] New home builders [07:19] Projects that add value to the home [09:23] Home improvement problems [14:67] DIY vs hiring a contractor [18:54] How to hire a contractor and manage your budget [22:09] Action Step: Make a plan  [24:08] Action Step: Create your budget [27:05] Action Step: How to hire a contractor [28:31] Action Step: Track costs during the project [22:50] Close out Phase   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Home improvement can pertain to lifestyle aspects to fit a family's needs or structural aspects like new windows, roof, plumbing, etc.  Bathroom and kitchen remodels are “money rooms.” They do add value to your home, but they also are very expensive.  There are small projects that cost little but add value to your home. Like a new front door, painting your front door, making small modifications to your front porch etc. When choosing between DIY or hiring a contract it boils down to safety, skills, and time. Home improvements add value to your home, but you have to consider your neighborhood and surrounding homes. You don't want to add so much value that you price yourself out of the market which could make it harder for your home to sell.  Your contractor does not own your budget. You own your budget.  Before starting a project, plan for what home improvements you want to do and prioritize them. Before hiring a contractor, get multiple quotes from multiple contractors. Don't forget to check references and licenses. Track budget and costs during the project to maintain your budget and the project scope. Also take before and after photos to keep track of the changes.  The closeout phase includes filing new warranties, checking with your accountant to see how new improvements impact your taxes, and lastly, updating your home insurance.    BIO: Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing, and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.   John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with boot strapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

In today's episode, John and Beth talk about how to manage the ever growing accumulation of home-owning documents. From mortgage contracts, appraisals, and home warranties to important receipts and owners manuals – the stack usually grows faster than we can manage. While the bulk of home documents may still be in paper format, there is an appealing draw to convert to a more digital strategy. In this episode John and Beth share tips on how best to organize your documents, the pros and cons of digital vs paper storage and how to take the leap into using digital storage, one small step at a time.    IN THIS EPISODE: [01:57] The types of documents for homeowners [8:38] How to store homeowner documents [11:00] Paper vs digital document storage [16:15] How to scan documents [20:28] Using a mobile phone to take photos of documents [22:04] Digitizing multi-page documents [23:18] Where to store digital documents [26:00] Protecting your digital storage [28:40] The value of going digital [30:38] Value of sharing documents easily [32:43] Action items: developing a digital strategy   KEY TAKEAWAYS: There's no right or wrong way to store home documents. Do what you most feel comfortable with and what makes the most sense to you.  There is value in storing items digitally, like the ability to search your documents and sharing capabilities. There are multiple ways to convert items to digital – by photo, documentation apps, or by scanner. There are multiple ways to convert items to digital – by photo, documentation apps, or by scanner.You don't have to convert to digital storage all at once. It's an incremental process. Get a strategy and take as much time as you need to convert documents and fine the best way to store them whether in cloud storage, hard-drive, etc.   BIO: Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.   John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with boot strapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

John and Beth are here to share with you their tips and suggestions, as well as interviews with industry experts, with the goal of helping you become a smarter homeowner. Once we buy a home, we now ask ourselves the question... Now what? Today's episode focuses on the value of maintaining your home, including home maintenance and all the different things that we as homeowners need to do to maintain our home. Tune in for advice on everything from preventative maintenance to standard maintenance, what we can save, and how to improve the value of your home!    IN THIS EPISODE:  [02:00] Standard care of the house. [05:00] Health and safety, including smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. [10:00] Maintenance and the value of your home. [13:00] Increasing your replacement costs if you neglect small 30 minute tasks. [17:00] How to be reminded of tasks that need completing. [22:00] Should you be doing these tasks yourself or hire a contractor? [29:00] Start with the basics to figure out the typical maintenance things you need to do from a preventative standpoint.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Keeping track of home maintenance will add value and save time. The difference between doing the tasks yourself or hiring a contractor. How to keep track of home tasks that need completing.   BIO: Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing and finance with over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. With great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur and the drive to increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.   John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with bootstrapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company.

The Be A Smarter Homeowner podcast is hosted by John Bodrozic and Elizabeth Dodson, the co-founders of HomeZada.  The word ‘home' means different things to different people. In this episode John and Elizabeth discuss various types of homes, from farms to townhouses as well as all aspects of home management. Home management includes collectibles, the physical structure of the home and keeping track of finances and documents.  To save money and time, a digital home management system could assist in streamlining all home assets in one place.  With a digital management system, you can make the specific decisions for personal home possessions and finances that may be different to your neighbour, and HomeZada could be the solution. HomeZada does the thinking for you and is accessible via your mobile phone or desktop.     IN THIS EPISODE:     [01:00] Welcome to be a smarter homeowner podcast[Text Wrapping Break]  [04:00] What does the collection of assets mean?[Text Wrapping Break]  [08:00] Inventory tracking of your equipment and assets[Text Wrapping Break]  [13:00] How many maintenance management tasks does an average home need?[Text Wrapping Break]  [17:00] Maintaining paper documents in the house      KEY TAKEAWAYS:     There are a vast amount of types of homes and a variety of family structures and living situations.[Text Wrapping Break]  There is a wide range of home assets which need maintaining, from collectables to personal finance documents.[Text Wrapping Break]  To save money and time, a digital home management system could assist in streamlining all home assets in one place.     BIO:   Elizabeth Dodson is a focused technology entrepreneur with successful skills in business development, sales, marketing, and finance. Over 20 years of successful management of revenue producing partners. Great organizational skills balancing multiple roles and responsibilities as an entrepreneur. Drive and increase company revenues and user growth for a consumer technology solution with a partner solution to support the homeowner market.  John Bodrozic has start-up entrepreneur experience beginning with bootstrapping, profitable growth, securing venture and corporate venture funding, acquisitions of technology companies, and selling a business to a publicly traded company. 

Welcome to the Be A Smarter Homeowner Podcast, today your hosts John Bodrozic and Beth Dodson are focusing on what a home inventory is and the reasons why they are recommended. As a homeowner, you may have not even thought about doing an inventory on your home, but if you need to make a claim it can be very helpful. Not just for insurance claims, home inventories become handy in managing money and estate planning as well. Tune in to this episode to get organized on maintaining and protecting your largest asset and expense, your home.    IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] What does it mean to take a home inventory and what should you record? [04:29] Beth gives advice on ways of doing inventory on the items in your home depending on what has value and is important to you, i.e., photos, video, and spreadsheets [06:35] Different tools and ways to take your home inventory [13:00] The importance of a home inventory to ease insurance processes and claims [21:35] Using tools to create a better relationship between consumer and insurance company and evaluating your insurance policy [27:00] Home inventory for estate planning, trusts & wills   KEY TAKEAWAYS: There are many different ways to take your home inventory and different things to record- make sure to record what has value to you personally Updating your home inventory is important, especially after remodels and updates- this includes updating the value of your homeowner's insurance policy to value these changes Technology can be a big help in the home inventory process in taking video or photos and then being able to record these items digitally- making it easy to submit to insurance companies as needed Home inventories can also come in great use if you ever move to a new house- you can manage the move with a moving company more easily Links Mentioned: www.beasmarterhomeowner.com www.homezada.com

In today's episode, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic share a bit of their background in entrepreneurship and their journey as homeowners. Then, Beth and John explain the inspiration behind HomeZada and what the process was like developing an all-in-one suite of apps to manage your home. Then, the two discuss why they wanted to start the Be A Smarter Homeowner Podcast. Tune in as Beth and John talk about what type of homeowners they typically work with and what you can expect from future episodes of this show.     IN THIS EPISODE: [01:20] Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic share their entrepreneurship backgrounds and their journey as homeowners. [13:00] How Beth came up with the idea for HomeZada.  [18:30] The process behind developing an all-in-one suite of apps to manage your home.  [24:35] The reason Beth and John decided to start the Be A Smarter Homeowner podcast.   [26:45] The types of homeowners that Beth and John work with on HomeZada.    KEY TAKEAWAYS: A lot of renters today are considering buying a home, and they don't understand what to do once they get into the home. This podcast will help people manage their homes.  Being a first-time homeowner is a journey, and it takes time to learn how to manage and maintain your home.  Managing multiple homes can be difficult without the proper solutions.  On average, in the United States, a person lives in their home for five to seven years.  Depending on where you are in the homeowner's journey, this podcast has a vast array of content that you can explore. LINKS MENTIONED: Be A Smarter Homeowner www.beasmarterhomeowner.com  HomeZada www.homezada.com   BIO: Welcome to Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, where hosts, Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic are dedicated to helping you save money and get organized while managing, maintaining, protecting, improving, and eventually buying or selling your largest financial asset and biggest expense, your home.    Discover how easy it is to be a smarter homeowner.   Having worked with homeowners for over 20 years, your co-hosts are two of the three co-founders of HomeZada, a digital home management software platform that helps you to manage everything about your home in one digital place.   Episodes of Be a Smarter Homeowner Podcast will feature John and Beth as they explore all the different aspects you need to know while owning a home; from home maintenance, home improvement projects, tracking your home finances, storing important documents, to creating a home inventory. With a focus on the financial impacts all of these things have on your home's value and the expense to own it, turn the complexities of homeownership into solutions that will make your life easy and stress free.  Being a homeowner can be costly and frustrating if you're not in the know. The podcast will feature experts in the industry. And with your home likely being one of the largest purchases of your lifetime, these experts will keep you informed, offer you tips and tricks, and weigh in on the risks and benefits of all things related to homeownership. SHARE this with your friends and family who are interested in home management and being a smarter homeowner.  Please rate us on the various podcast platforms and let us know what you think.