There's A (Homeowner) App for That

Owning a home in an association

Like it or not, our mobile lifestyles are here to stay. And for every hour of Angry Birds Star Wars that gets you through that flight delay at the airport, there is an app that can actually make the life of a homeowner easier and more organized.  There are apps that can help you move into your home, remodel it once you are there, and then monitor the surrounding real estate values once you have decided to relocate:

IF TOO MANY OF YOUR MOVING BOXES ARE MARKED “MISC.”
Don’t remember if you put your glue gun in the box marked Craft Room 1 or Storage Closet 4? The Moving Van app allows you to inventory every single item you pack into a box during your move (with photos!) for quick and easy locating once you arrive. Simply type in the item you are looking for and the app will tell you which box it is in.
IF IT’S JUST A LITTLE CROOKED
Though we wouldn’t suggest getting rid of the real thing, the Bubble Level app will come in handy when you need to quickly hang those two picture frames.   After, all your smartphone is usually a whole lot closer that the tool box hiding somewhere in the garage.
IF IT NEEDS TO BE JUST A SHADE GREENER (OR BLUER, OR GRAYER….)
For some turquoise is turquoise.  For others, the difference between a robin’s egg and a Tiffany box is glaringly obvious. For those who are forever trying match that perfect shade of sea glass, try Color Snap.  Presented by Sherman Williams Paints, the app allows you capture a real-world color, adjust the hue or tone (if needed) and save it to a personal palette for home project reference or paint matching.
IF YOU HAVE NO IDEA OF YOUR ROOM IS 8×10 OR 20×20
Photo Measures Lite and Magic Plan let you take a picture of your oddly shaped family room and ensure that the furniture will fit this time without blocking all the doorways.  You can record the room/feature measurements right on top of the photo for easy reference at your home improvement or furniture store, or create a personalized floor plan to explore your arrangement options.
IF YOU THINK YOUR BUDGET WOULD ALLOW FOR IMPORTED MARBLE FROM CARRARA
Sum+It helps you keep track of your expenditures on design or remodel projects when estimating how much you are spending on materials, taxes, people and any mark ups. Hosting a wedding once you get that deck built? The app can also be used to project costs for the happy day as well.
IF “THE NEIGHBORS HAVE LISTED THEIR HOUSE FOR HOW MUCH?!”
Explore a birds-eye view of your neighborhood with Zillow Real Estate to compare estimated property values, sales histories and how many homes are currently on the market.
What other apps do you find come in handy around the house? Let us know and we’ll add them to Part 2 of our list!
By Sarah Deason; The Management Trust– Transpacific