Discover a conservation community that celebrates the wonders of nature, stunning vistas and incredible convenience at the crossroads of Asheville and Hendersonville, mere minutes to it all. It’s where fine craftsmanship and architectural excellence prevail. Pick the perfect homesite that ignites your passion, build the custom home of your dreams or choose from our semi-custom cottage collection. It’s all right here.
Come make your world beautiful and your dreams come true.
GPS: 279 Randy Dr. Hendersonville, NC
Mark Fields
& A ssociates
REALTORS Representing
the finest properties in Asheville & Western North Carolina
Visit Our New Offices w/Private Client Parking at 4 Swan Street in Biltmore Village Asheville, NC 28803
828-253-2491
at the corner of Swan & Boston Way Hours
M-F 9-5, Sat 10-6, Closed Sunday World’s Best Coffee is Always Served!
MarkFields.com C:
828-777-0452
mark@markfields.com
Text R276089 to 52187
Text R359525 to 52187
Text R276095 to 52187
Text R276082 to 52187
Text R276083 to 52187
Text R359527 to 52187
Text R282055 to 52187
Text R282053 to 52187
Text R282052 to 52187
Text R276094 to 52187
Text R282056 to 52187
Text R276097 to 52187
On The Cover...
Come Experience It Yourself
This gated community has been designed for the active lifestyle — amenities include: Lawn Maintenance, Numerous Utilities, Clubhouse, Fitness Center and Walking Trails.
Community Consultants On Site Daily ~ Schedule A Tour Today!
Mon - Sat 10am to 4pm; Sun 1pm to 4pm (828) 683-7055 | info@theviewsatrosehill.com | 89 Creek Road, Leicester, NC 28748
KING cbAsheville.com
Real Estate Book THE
R
Asheville/Hendersonville & NC Blue Ridge
& RealEstateBook.com For advertising information in The Real Estate Book of ASHEVILLE/HENDERSONVILLE & NC BLUE RIDGE contact:
Brett Hulsey
Publisher 828.290.7812 Email: brett@hulseymedia.com
Katie Cornwell
Associate Publisher 828.808.3659 Email: katie@hulseymedia.com
“All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”
Do you want to expand your real estate business and market to the residents of South Florida? Contact us to learn more about advertising and distribution opportunities through our sister publication The Real Estate Book of Palm Beach County.
THE NO. 1 SELLER OF LUXURY HOMES IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY IS HERE Visit any Coldwell Banker King location & discover how local experts can enhance your real estate experience!
KING cbAsheville.com
DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE 828.398.5700 1 NORTH PACK SQUARE, STE 100 ASHEVILLE, NC 28801
DOWNTOWN HENDERSONVILLE 828.233.3100 130 S. MAIN STREET, STE C HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28792
BILTMORE PARK
COLUMBUS/TRYON
828.398.5777 8 TOWN SQUARE BLVD, STE 100 HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28803
828.210.1155 40 EAST MILLS STREET COLUMBUS, NC 28722
cbAsheville.com
TheViewsAtRoseHill.com
a new home gated community designed for the active lifestyle AMENITIES INCLUDE: GATED | CLUBHOUSE | FITNESS CENTER | WALKING TRAILS | COMMUNITY GARDENS POOL & HOT TUB | 40 ACRES OF PRESERVED GREEN SPACE
Individual Lots Available Starting in the $50s Lot/Home Packages Starting in the $260s
Open Daily | Mon~Sat 10am-5pm & Sun 1pm-4pm Schedule a Visit Today 89 Rose Creek Road, Leicester, NC | 828.683.7055 | info@theviewsatrosehill.com Exclusive Sales & Marketing
KING
cbAsheville.com
KING KING
STEPHANIE STEPHANIE SALIN SALIN Broker/REALTOR®
RUSS RUSS HENSON HENSON Broker/REALTOR®
SSalin@coldwellbanker.com SSalin@coldwellbanker.com
Russ.Henson@coldwellbanker.com Russ.Henson@coldwellbanker.com
Broker/REALTOR®
TEAM TEAM SUCCESS SUCCESS WNC WNC
(828) (828) 290-7780 290-7780
Broker/REALTOR®
(828) (828) 551-1617 551-1617
Seniors Seniors Real Real Estate Estate Specialists Specialists (SRES®) (SRES®)
Seniors Seniors 50+, 50+, we we would would love love to to answer answer these these questions questions for for you: you: •• Is Is itit time time to to sell? sell? •• How can I adapt my home to How can I adapt my home to stay stay aa little little longer? longer? •• What are the various options for senior housing? What are the various options for senior housing? •• What What are are the the benefi benefits ts to to you you for for using using aa Seniors Seniors Specialist? Specialist?
“Revolutionizing “Revolutionizing the the Real Real Estate Estate Experience” Experience”
Home Home is is where where the the heart heart is. is. Team Team Success Success WNC WNC can can help help you, you, your your loved loved ones ones or your businesses fi nd a place to feel at home. Whether you are buying or your businesses find a place to feel at home. Whether you are buying or or selling selling you’ve you’ve come come to to the the right right place. place. Team Team Success Success WNC WNC is is here here to to help help you you fifind nd aa place place to to feel feel at at home. home. We We are are always always here here for for you! you!
teamsuccesswnc.net teamsuccesswnc.net
130 C South Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792 130 C South Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792
KING
TONYA COCHRAN TRACY GRAHAM REALTORÂŽ
REALTORÂŽ
turnkeytonya@gmail.com
turnkeytracy@gmail.com
828-674-3732
828-329-2353
130 S. Main Street, Suite C Hendersonville, NC 28792 cbAsheville.com
TURNKEY TEAM WNC PRESENTS...
Just imagine your own private sanctuary located minutes from Historic Downtown Hendersonville! This charming solid wood log cabin is nestled on a beautifully landscaped lot and surrounded by luscious flowers and a magnolia tree. The covered rocking chair front porch is perfect for entertaining or relaxing! Quality crafted, solid pine cabin with loft offers: 2BD, 2BA, vaulted ceilings in great room, solid pine walls and ceilings, and floors. Other features include gas heat, A/C, 25 yr architectural shingles, 2 out buildings and 2 car covered car ports. Do not let this beauty pass you by! MLS 3294483 $225,000
Comprehensive Marketing... Fantastic Results
Breathtaking VIEWS 3 BR/3.5BA • ML3239895 • $990,000
T
erri
rEaltor®, e-Pro, Cnhs, ClhMs
EisEnhauEr
Bungalow In Downtown Hendersonville 1 BR/1BA • ML 3284334 • $295,000
(828) 674-1508 www.terrieisenhauer.com
Artistic Masterpiece 3 BR/3BA • ML3290714 • $749,000
8+ Acres + Horse Barn & Pasture 3 BR/3BA • ML3284084 • $445,000
Picturesque Setting With Views 3 BR/2.5BA • ML3239523 • $739,000
Great Home For Entertaining 3 BR/4.5BA • ML3270831 • $575,000
Majestic Mountain Views 4 BR/3.5BA • ML3205975 • $930,000
Kenmure Villa on 16th Fairway 4 BR/3BA • ML3287673 • $375,000
Terri Eisenhauer Signature Properties Keller Williams Realty . 404 South Main Street . Hendersonville . NC . 28792 eaCH offiCe iS iNdepeNdeNtly oWNed aNd opeRated
Angelique Inn Circa 1874 5 BR/6.5BA • ML3284017 • $625,000
Simply Spectacular 4 BR/3.5BA • ML3282063 • $890,000
Exquisite Quality 4 BR/3.5BA • ML3267295 • $599,000
Exceptional Custom Built Home 3 BR/4.5BA • ML3274500 • $696,000
5046 Boylston Hwy, Ste 3 • Mills River , NC 28759
Chad Ledbetter 828-329-5409
Kathryn Scott
Rebecca Rice
kathryn.scott@remax.net
rebeccarice@remax.net
919-210-2365
828-553-0945
chadledbetter@remax.net
828-595-9071 • www.mountainlivingwnc.com
Text R291173 to 52187
Text R131735 to 52187
FLETCHER 3BR/3BA with full unfinished basement with 2 car garage. Additional office space on main level. Master with en-suite on main level. Upper level features 2BR/1BA with computer niche. $374,900
MILLS RIVER Beautiful 3BR/3.5BA home in High Vista. Spacious kitchen, sunken living room with fireplace and large deck. Includes additional family room and theater room with projector and large screen for movie night. $608,000
Text P795565 to 52187
BURNSVILLE 3BR/2BA w/ mountain views. Open plan, vaulted ceilings. Chef kitchen w/dual ovens & quartz island. Bose sound system for entertaining. $825,000
BRING ALL OFFERS!
Text P795569 to 52187
Text P247312 to 85377
UNION MILLS Mountaintop property in gated subdivision. Underground utilities, paved road, ready to build. Close & long range views, creek, can subdivide. Adjoins nature preserve. $65,000
MILLS RIVER Lot in gated High Vista community! Natural stone feature, winter views. New homeowner to become a “Charter Member” of High Vista Amenity Assoc. $17,500
Text R198669 to 52187
BURNSVILLE 3BR/2BA in a private location! Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, wood burning FP. Breakfast nook, island and pantry. Jetted tub in master en suite, walk-in closet. $129,900
Zoned MR-GB
Text P247309 to 85377
Text P244737 to 85377
MILLS RIVER Commercial property, frontage on Hwy 280. Zoned MR-GB for general business. Great visibility. City water & county sewer available. $174,900
POLK COUNTY 13 acres <10 miles from Tryon Equestrian Center! Multiple building sites & areas for horses. Large existing building could be converted to a barn. $99,900
D L O S
Text P266302 to 52187
FRANKLIN Amazing year-round views. Engineered HW, wood-burning stove, open kitchen. Walk-in closet in Master. Unfinished basement w/BR, BA & office. $150,000
RUTHERFORDTON Cape Cod home nestled on 31.96 MOL ac. Features a large great room with cathedral ceiling, bonus room, custom kitchen boasting granite counter tops, split bedroom plan with large master bedroom. $410,000
Follow us on Facebook
Text P795564 to 85377
LAKE LURE Perfect lot to build dream home or summer getaway in private gated community of Riverbend. Lake and river amenity access. PRICED TO SELL. $9,000
Text R291172 to 52187
MILLS RIVER 3BR/1BA home featuring an updated kitchen and bathroom. Hardwood and tile floors. Fenced back yard with 16x21 foot building. New metal roof in March 2017. New heat pump in 2014. $189,900
@remaxmountainliving
RED
D! UCE
$ 32
9,0
00
Every homeowner wants their house to be unique inside and out, to reflect their own personal styles and stand apart from their neighbors. And while it’s easier to control the inside of your home, with furniture, artwork, decorations, etc., outdoor improvements can be made too to have your home stand out. A lot of homeowners are saying no to cookie cutter curb appeal and instead saying yes to landscapes that help them stand out, according to findings from the 2017 U.S. Landscaping Trends Survey recently released by Houzz. Thirty-three percent— the majority—of those surveyed reported personalization as their motivation for completing an outdoor improvement. “Home renovation activity is benefiting from the significant increase in home sales in 2015 and 2016, which is reflected in our findings on motivations for starting a landscape project,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz, in a release about the survey. Forty-one percent of those surveyed are aiming for a landscape that is “extremely” or “very” different. A sheer 6 percent of those surveyed who are completing or have completed outdoor improvements have landscapes that are “identical” to those of their neighbors—36 percent had landscapes similar to those of their neighbors before completing their improvements. A distinct landscape, oddly, can make its owner more likely to interact with his or her neighbors,
despite their differing tastes. Eighteen percent of those surveyed interacted more with their neighbors following completion of an outdoor improvement. Being out in the yard working makes it easier to stop and have a chat with a neighbor out doing the same, walking the dog or washing the car. Who knows, maybe you’ll even meet a new friend to enjoy the fruits of your labor with in the backyard. How are homeowners making their landscapes stand out? “Attractant” plants, low maintenance plants and native plants are all popular add-ons, in the form of beds or borders, perennials and/or shrubs, according to the survey. “Since housing inventory has remained low, recent homebuyers likely consider their homes less than ideal, leading them to prioritize upgrades like outdoor projects more than ever, with emphasis on low maintenance,” Sitchinava said. Some homeowners are dead set on separating their landscapes from those of their neighbors—in some cases with no lawn at all. Twenty-six percent of those surveyed are removing or have removed their front lawn, and 5 percent are replacing or have replaced it with a synthetic alternative. What goes into differentiating your landscape? According to the survey, an outdoor improvement can take three to six months to plan and three to fiveand-a-half months to execute—and 63 percent of those surveyed are planning to hire a professional to help make the improvement.
DISCOVER A BETTER WAY TO MOVE WITH
SPARTANBURG HWY RENTALS Get safe, reliable, affordable Moving Help TODAY! You rent the equipment — We provide the labor.
We Can help you... • Load / unload your rental truck • Pack / unpack your boxes • Drive to your destination • And more...
Get FREE moving truck, pickup truck and cargo van rental quotes.
(828) 697-9214 • (828) 318-5005 1048 Spartanburg Hwy Hendersonville, NC 28792
OP P ORTUNI TI ES TO M A K E A HOM E “GREEN” E X I ST ON A SPE CTRUM When thinking about “green” homes, consumers often think first about new home construction and the opportunity to build a fully sustainable home from the ground up. However, there are also vast unrealized opportunities to increase the resource efficiency of existing homes. In the recent major revision of coursework for the National Association of Realtor’s Green Designation, the content was revised to amplify the focus on existing homes.
T
he opportunities to increase a home’s efficiency occur on a spectrum, from energy surveys – a systematic review of how energy is used within your house - to major remodeling and retrofitting, and finally to new home construction. We will discuss each of these opportunities here briefly, but urge all interested readers to obtain additional education on the topic with Green Designation coursework through NAR, either in the classroom or online.
surge protector easily accessible, so that at night or when not in use, you can turn everything off with the flick of one switch. This helps prevent “ghosting”, or the draining of electricity by electronics even when they are turned off.
In each of these phases, smart home devices and technology may be installed as needed or desired. Smart home installations have applications across the entire spectrum.
RENOVATIONS Opportunities for resource-efficiency retrofitting are enormous during major renovations. Deep energy retrofits are on the extreme end of cost and effort when it comes to making homes more energy-efficient, but can achieve dramatic energy savings.
ENERGY SURVEY The simplest and quickest approach to increasing your home’s efficiency is to do a walk-through energy survey of your house. An energy survey is sometimes called a clipboard audit, simple assessment, screening or preliminary audit. The walk-through survey usually doesn’t include any diagnostic testing, but it might. The evaluator may look for symptoms that indicate a problem, or concentrate on a particular problem like comfort or health issues. A home energy survey takes about an hour to complete. After the survey, you can implement suggested improvements immediately, or over time. RESOURCE EFFICIENCY After performing your energy survey, the opportunity is to increase a home’s resource-efficiency as part of routine or major maintenance projects. These can include replacement of major appliances, heating/cooling systems, windows, entryways, security systems, ventilation, plumbing, and so on. Upgrade projects like these enhance or maintain a home’s value when compared with new and upgraded homes in the market area. A quick and easy fix is replacing your old incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs with more energy efficient LED light bulbs. Not only do these LED bulbs save energy, which in turn saves you money, they last longer than traditional bulbs, sometimes lasting years depending on how often you use them. And as the technology has improved, the price of LED bulbs has dropped dramatically over the years, making their use a no-brainer. Also use surge protectors for entertainment systems or other high-energy drawing electronics. Make the
Further, consider installing new fixtures like water-saving faucet aerators in the bathroom or kitchen. Pipe wraps around your pipes will also help save energy.
The process typically involves resealing the building envelope, super-insulating, upgrading systems including HVAC, and installing energy generation capacity like solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. If a homeowner plans to do major renovations such as replacing a roof or siding, it may be an opportunity for a whole-house deep energy retrofit. The first step is a thorough, professional energy assessment to determine which actions will produce the most benefit. NEW HOME Finally, a new home, especially a custom home, provides the opportunity to make a myriad of choices to achieve all the benefits of a resource-efficient home. From high-efficiency systems to innovative materials, and more, the opportunities for upgrades are vast. The real estate professional can play a valuable role in guiding a client to authoritative sources of information and helping put together the design-and-build team who will transform the client’s vision of a new, resource-efficient home into a reality. Some real estate professionals who have made sustainability a major focus of their businesses find that clients and customers turn to them as a source of information about greening homes. Expanding your network to include green vendors, energy assessors, builders, designers, and other service providers benefits your clients and customers and enhances your reputation, credibility, and appeal.
Planting Pro:
Tips for a Healthy, Happy Tree Planting flowers such as annuals or bulbs, bushes and other plants are a great and fairly easy way to brighten up your yard and add curb appeal. And with the softer ground and warm weather, spring and summer are a perfect time to get outside and plant. But one landscaping tactic is often overlooked or not considered because of perceived difficulty: planting a tree. While planting a tree in your yard may seem intimidating, all it takes is a little muscle and some good know-how. Get your money’s worth from the new tree in your life by first planting it correctly and then caring for it while it grows.
Follow these guidelines from the expert arborists at the Tree Care Industry Association: •
Measure the height and diameter of the root ball or root spread.
•
Dig the hole just deep enough to allow the first structural root to be at level grade. The diameter of the hole should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball or root spread. Digging a proper hole is the key to proper, timely growth of your new tree.
•
Set the tree on undisturbed solid ground in the center of the hole. The tree should be planted so that the root flare, the base of the tree trunk where the roots begin to “flare-out,” will be visible above grade.
•
Backfill with soil from the planting hole, using water to pack or settle the soil around the root ball. Do not tamp soil by stepping on it.
• Mulch the planting area with 2 to 4 inches of organic, composted mulch such as wood chips. Do not mulch up to or against the trunk. Start the mulch six inches away from the tree trunk. •
Trees should be pruned after planting to remove broken, damaged, diseased or dead branches.
•
•
Stake and/or protect the trunk of the tree if there is a real potential for wind damage or lawn-mower injury. Remove the supportive wires and materials when the staking is no longer needed or the tree could be injured or even killed. Prune to develop a good branch structure once the tree has become established
in its new home, usually 1 - 3 years after planting. Never remove more than 25 percent of total foliage in one year. •
Fertilizing is not recommended at the time of planting.
If you need help, a professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best care for your trees. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association at www.tcia.org.
Home Security Systems: What to Know Before Buying
Everyone wants to protect their home, their property, and, most of all, their families. In fact, market research suggests the home security business is growing at a rate of about 9 percent a year. Home security systems are not all alike, however. Some systems can not only warn you of intruders, but can also notify authorities, monitor smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and/or include video surveillance. Mot security alarm installers can provide services that include equipment plus installation and monitoring service. If you are thinking about buying a home security system, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) suggests that you: » Get references from friends, neighbors or relatives; » Check out companies online and check the Better Business Bureau for complaints; » Verify that the contractor’s license is in good standing via the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies; » Get written estimates from several companies; » Read the fine print regarding costs, installation timeline, warranty, and an explanation of your right to cancel within three days of signing a contract; and » Ask lots of questions: 1.
Who will perform the installation and monitor the system? Some companies subcontract this work to a third party.
2. What is the contract period for monitoring? One year? More? Are there penalties for early termination? What happens if you move before the contract term is up? 3. How much does the monitoring cost? How often will you be billed?
4. Does the company call you before notifying the police? 5. How soon after the alarm sounds will you be notified? 6. What happens if the alarm company can’t reach you when the alarm is sounding? Is the alarm reset? Are the police called? Are alternate numbers called? 7.
What happens if the power goes out? Is there a back-up battery system?
8. What does the warranty cover, and for how long? Is it from the manufacturer or their installer? 9. Who is responsible for repairs or upgrades to the system? 10. Does the company offer interactive services like smoke and fire detection, remote control, video surveillance, email notifications and special apps for smart phones?
Buying a New House? 5 T HI NG S TO C H EC K BEFO R E MOV ING IN BY K A RA M A ST E R SO N
Buying a new house is an exciting process that marks a new chapter in life. For many people, it’s fun to shop around and tour different properties. When you’re serious about purchasing a home, there are a few important parts of the property to check before you move in. 1. The Neighborhood
4. The Roof
You should feel comfortable with the quality of the neighborhood, which will influence the value of your home. Look at the condition of the other homes and check to see if people are loitering at different times of the day. The house should also be in proximity to your job, or nearby schools if you have children. Some individuals who don’t have a family may want to purchase a home in a good school district due to the impact that it’ll have on the value of the property.
The roof is one of the more costly features of the home and protects the interior setting from damage due to environmental elements. Hire a professional roofer to determine the lifespan of the roofing material and if it needs any repairs. The tiles or shingles should be secure on the roof deck, and there shouldn’t be any leaks present.
2. Storage Space The storage space that is available in the home influences how much clutter will be left out in the open. Look for plenty of storage space that is available in the bedroom closets or in the kitchen to ensure that you can comfortably fit everything that you own without feeling cramped. 3. Plumbing System Run the faucets to inspect the water pressure and ask the owners if the pipes are insulated. Hire professionals to check if the radiators are working and if the hot water tank needs to be replaced soon.
5. Sufficient Drainage Many buyers make the mistake of overlooking the drainage on the property, but it can cause issues if not in good shape. Insufficient drainage can lead to severe structural problems in the home. Although it can be easy to fall in love with a house, there are several areas to check before making an offer to ensure that you won’t run into problems down the road. By taking the time to inspect each part of the property, you can have peace of mind knowing you’re making a good investment.
Call for more information 866-519-2400
We have the perfect community for you. Vista at Bill’s Mountain
Vista at Blacksmith Run
Lake Lure, NC
Hendersonville, NC
With stunning views toward Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure, Bill’s Mountain offers acre-plus homesites, and exquisitely appointed homes and condos.
Featuring 3 and 4 bedroom, low-maintenance, craftsman-style homes with floor plans from 1,100 to over 2,000 sq. ft. or pick out your homesite and build later.
• • • •
• • • •
Homesites from the $40’s Condos from the low $200’s Homes from $375,000 Clubhouse with Fitness Center
• • • •
Tennis Courts Swimming Pool Walking Trails Gated Entrance
Directions: From Downtown Hendersonville, take Hwy. 64 East towards Lake Lure. Turn Right onto 64/74A. Continue 10 miles through Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Turn left at Bill’s Creek Road. Entrance on right in 1 mile.
Homesites from the $50’s Home/Land from the low $200’s Stocked Pond Clubhouse with Fitness Center
• • • •
Walking Trails Swimming Pool Fishing Pier Gated Entrance
Directions: Only 15 minutes from Downtown Hendersonville. Follow Hwy. 64 East for 8-1/2 miles. Turn left at second Vista entrance sign, and gatehouse.
525 North Main Street, Hendersonville, NC • www.vistadevelopers.com
5 KEY STEPS TO PROTECTING YOUR SMART HOME
Smart homes open the doors to new technological potential, but they can also open the virtual door to intruders and hackers. As smart home technology grows, so do the risks of being hacked, which can stop some customers from adopting these amazing technologies for their homes. However, protection can make a home incredibly safe from hackers. Here are five ways to keep your smart home safe.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS We’ve all heard it countless times, but having a strong password really is the first step against hackers and is enough to keep the majority of hackers out of your devices. However, many people prioritize creating passwords that are easy to remember (or that don’t change) over their home’s security. The best passwords are a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. As a rule of thumb, change your passwords every time you add a new device to the network, or at least every few months. There are also reliable password management systems that can keep passwords rotating and safe for all your devices.
BE SELECTIVE WITH SMART HOME DEVICES The growth of smart home technology means that not every product is created equally. Before bringing something into your home that could put your privacy and safety at risk, be sure to do your research. In general, use products from brands you are familiar with— bigger brands typically have more updates and better customer service just in case hacking does occur. You’ll also want to get feedback from other people who have used the devices by reading reviews from experts and customers online. If you are unsure about a device’s safety, talk to a cybersecurity or smart home professional.
UPDATE APPS & FIRMWARE Most people generally remember to update their smartphone apps, but updating the apps and firmware in smart devices around the house can be a different story. Just like mobile apps, smart devices are constantly being updated and often come out with updates to increase performance, remove bugs, or improve safety. Using an old version of a device’s firmware makes it easier for hackers to attack because the firmware is vulnerable and not running at its full potential. Firmware and app updates are a great way to stay one step ahead of hackers and can be incredibly powerful—a 2016 update by Apple helped prevent computers and iPhones from being accessed by hackers to use as spy devices. In
many cases, you’ll have to seek out updates by going into the app for each smart device. Making this a part of your regular home maintenance schedule and checking for updates once a month helps keep devices up to date and continually improves their safety measures.
WATCH THE WIFI NETWORK Putting smart home devices on a public wireless internet network makes them much easier to hack and makes them more visible to hackers. Instead, opt for a private home network that has a strong password and network protection. To be even safer, security experts recommend putting your smart home devices on a separate wireless network from your home computer, which greatly reduces the risk of hacking across devices. Essentially, if hackers somehow get into devices on one network, they will still have to work hard to get into the other devices.
TURN OFF UNUSED DEVICES It can be tempting to always leave every device plugged in and turned on, but doing that just gives hackers more opportunities to find a way in. Even though it can seem like a hassle, powering down your home router and computer server when they aren’t in use at night can keep your home network much more secure. Some smart home devices like thermostats and refrigerators will most likely always be plugged in, but devices used less often like TVs or wireless printers can serve as more access points for hackers if they are plugged in but not in use. You’ll save energy and keep your home safer by turning them off or unplugging them—a win-win situation. Smart home devices are powerful tools, but they must be used carefully and safely to keep digital intruders out of your home.
®
HAJOC A
HENDERSONVILLE
A LUXURY KITCHEN, BATH, AND DECORATIVE HARDWARE SHOWROOM 1027 Spartanburg Highway, Hendersonville, NC
I
828-697-8279
Splendor of the Eastern Continental Divide, Unparalleled Panoramic Views, & Beautiful Homes Cabins from $400’s Cottage collection from mid $500’s Custom home sites from $70’s to $500’s
The unparalleled panoramic views. The beautiful homes. The splendor of the Eastern Continental Divide. The unpretentious elegance of a high country mountain retreat crafted to blend with nature. Removed without being remote, Grand Highlands is located 20 minutes from Hendersonville and 16 miles from South Asheville. One low homeowner association fee covers all on-site amenities. This meadow on the mountain top is the perfect setting for making long lasting memories with family and friends. Life indeed looks different at THIS altitude. Visit us online, or call 828.233.1017 for a tour today. GrandHighlands.com 10 Autumn Sky Dr. Hendersonville, NC 28792 Grand Highlands is a registered trademark of Bearwallow Mountain Land, LLC. This is not intended to be an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy real estate in Grand Highlands for residents of CT, HI, ID, IL, NY, or PA or any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Grand Highlands is exclusively marketed by Beverly Hanks & Associates.