Residential & recreational properties in South Central Alaska.

When you decide to buy or sell a home in the Mat-Su Valley, count on integrity and an in-depth community and market knowledge – call on Russell Joyce and Associates.

Real Estate News

Alaska Living at its finest...

Alaska Living at its finest…

Located at Mile 102.1 Glenn Hwy Mat Glacier Close Estate is this exceptional 15 acre parcel with outstanding Chugach Mountains and Matanuska Glacier views. This is an estate sale of ...
Renovation financing

Renovation financing

I've often fielded inquiries about making upgrades to clients homes such as kitchen or bath remodels. My answer always has return questions on how the client is going to pay ...
Nice log cabin in Petersville area off Oilwell Road

Nice log cabin in Petersville area off Oilwell Road

Property Description Private cabin with lakefront location in fantastic Oilwell Road recreational area. Property is approximately 225 ft from roadway and is two parcels sold together. Cabin is in need ...
Living in the Mat-Su Valley

Living in the Mat-Su Valley

With 30 years in Alaska, Russell Joyce has extensive knowledge about life on the Last Frontier. Alaska is a growing frontier state with limited infrastructure and private land. Here we cherish our lifestyles ...

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Getting started in Smart Home

Smart home is a growing trend that many people are interested in. It’s a home automation system that can help you manage your daily routine, save energy, and protect your belongings. There are many different options for creating a smart home and many of them work well on their own or in combination with other systems. Here are some of the best ways to get started with a smart home!

A Beginners Guide:

Don’t know where to start in setting up your smart home? This beginners’ guide will show you the basics of smart home setup. Let’s start with:

 

1. Voice Control and Smart Home Assistants – Amazon Echo or Google Home (which one should you choose?)
  • Amazon Echo

 

First up, let’s discuss what you need to know about voice assistants and smart assistant devices. Typically, smart devices work with your smartphone as an intermediary. For example, you can download an app for your phone or tablet that controls the settings of a smart device, such as your light bulbs. However, there are some devices that you can control without your phone at all! These devices are known as “smart assistants” because they allow you to control your devices using your voice. Two of the most popular of these devices are Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home. Both devices allow you to play music, set alarms and timers, and even call or text friends without having to use your phone. They’re also great for hands-free internet searches! Now that we know a little bit more about these devices, let’s compare them and see which one is right for you. One of the biggest differences between these smart assistants is the price. The Echo costs $180 and the Home costs $130. So, if you’re on a budget, you’ll want to choose the Home over the Echo. Another difference between the two devices is functionality. The Echo gives you more functionality than the Home. It can sync with other connected devices in your home, and it can read you the news or audiobooks while you’re in bed. It also gives you the ability to order products from Amazon with just your voice! But both of these devices are great choices for controlling your home’s smart devices with your voice.

 

2. Using Smart Plugs to Automate your old Tech Devices – Zigbee Plugs Review
  • Zigbee Uses

Zigbee plugs are great if you want to add smart functionality to some of your older tech devices. You can connect them to a smart hub and control them using a smartphone app or voice commands with one of your smart assistants.

 

3. Switch Out Your Old Bulbs To A Brighter One

Lutron Caseta Lighting Starter Kit If you’re looking to upgrade your old light bulbs to something a little more efficient, you might want to check out the Lutron Caseta Lighting Starter Kit. This kit includes everything you need to upgrade a few of your light fixtures to LED fixtures. All you need is the right drill and a screwdriver, and then you’re ready to replace your old bulbs!

 

4. Step Up Your Home Security

Arlo Pro Security System One of the best ways to add an extra layer of security to your home is to install security cameras on your property.