Thanks to the many homeowner apps out there for iOS and Android devices, owning a home is easier than it was a few years ago.
Except there's one problem.
Too. Many. Apps.
Where to begin? Here's a list of apps to cover different needs to give you some ideas.
- Home Care Reminder (iOS) and Maintenance Reminder (Android)
If you've been reading this blog, you know that homeowners need to do seasonal maintenance. This helps the house last for the longest time possible without needing repairs. Even new homes in DFW need regular maintenance. But how do you remember what to do when?
Enter these two apps. They let you track recurring home maintenance tasks and get reminders. The app lets you know when you need to replace the air conditioning filter or little things like replacing a toothbrush. Reminders can be every 30 days, quarterly, yearly, and other options.
- Alarm.com (iOS and Android)
People who have alarm systems compatible with alarm.com can download the app to monitor and control their home in real-time from anywhere. You can see what's going on at home and watch live video. For times you don't want to leave the lights on 24/7, you can turn them on or off to make it look like someone is home.
You can set it up to receive Apple Watch, email, and text message notifications for specific events. This could be when the kids arrive home from school or the garage door is left open. Available features depend on your system, equipment, and service plan. Visit alarm.com to find out if yours is compatible with this app.
- NextDoor (Android, iOS, and web)
NextDoor is a social network for your neighborhood. You have to prove you live in the neighborhood to join your neighbors. It's more private than a standard network and allows everyone to communicate goings-on, crime watch alerts, tips, and recommendations.
- Neighbors (iOS and Android)
Even if you're a new homeowner who doesn't have a Ring doorbell, you can use the Neighbors app to be notified of any issues in your area. You can set up alerts based on your neighborhood and the distance from your home.
The notifications are sorted into four categories: crime, safety, suspicious, and stranger. The app shows a video and people can leave comments. For instance, a video captured a guy taking a photo and backing off. What it missed was showing him delivering a package. Some delivery companies drop off the package and take a photo as proof of delivery. You can also set different sounds for alerts.
- Centriq (Android, iOS, and web)
Most people don't keep the manual that comes with their appliances or they can't remember where they put it years later when something breaks. That's where Centriq makes things easier. Take a pic of the appliance's code and Centriq adds everything you need to know to use, maintain, and manage your appliances. It can take a day or two for the app to import user manuals, parts, how-to videos, recall notifications, and other info.
- Bill Reminder, Payments & Expense Manager (Android) and BillMinder 4 (iOS)
These apps remove the stress of remembering to pay bills on time to avoid late fees while maintaining a good credit score. Both can back up your data. The Android app saves data to your Google Drive while the iOS offers email backup and syncing with iOS devices. The Android app also helps you track your income and expenses to find extra savings.
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