Smart Homes: Two Names to Know

Home Improvement April 25, 2022 Blog Post

Saving time and saving money on energy costs are just a few of the benefits smarter homes can deliver. Want your home to go from Zero to Tony Stark but don’t know where to start when it comes to smart homes? Relax...

Here are two names you already know who can help serve as great starting points if you’re looking to upgrade your home with automated appliances and voice commands around the house.

Say Her Name: Alexa

From day one, the name Amazon has been synonymous with groundbreaking technology. The same holds true with Amazon Alexa and the smart home wave. Today, you can experience complete home automation through your phone or by voice thanks to Alexa.

From lighting and security cameras to smart TVs, thermostats and more, Alexa can connect your home’s systems, learn your personal routines over time and partner with you to make managing and customizing your smart home as easy as saying her name.

In Search Of: Google Nest

In addition to developing their world-leading search engine and delivering tech tools millions of people rely on every day, Google is also a place many look to when getting started with Smart Home.

Google Nest offers numerous smart products to create a more automated, more affordable home. From entertainment to security, the wide array of connected Google Nest products can put hands-free home control within reach.

No time machine required, just name (and voice) recognition

Just like any technology, automation around the home can take a little getting used to. But once homeowners take the time to get comfortable with new ways to set their thermostat, sprinklers, appliances, lighting and more, they come to love the convenience, control and savings smart home upgrades can deliver.

Sometimes when you're exploring a new technology, it helps for that tech to come from a platform and company you're already familiar with. It's entirely up to you to decide.

Want to learn more? We’ll be going deeper on many smart home subjects in the future: everything from sprinklers and thermostats to full home automation, the kitchen of the future and more. So be on the lookout.

And remember, for any home improvement projects you have planned, we can help you with a plan to cover the expenses thanks to our flexible HELOC and home equity solutions. Want to see how much equity you can access from your home? Let’s get started.

Related Articles

Refinance HELOC Debt Consolidation Fixed-Rate HELOC Interest Rates

November 11, 2024 Blog Post

Interest Rates Outlook

After a long period of elevated interest rates, many homeowners are watching the market closely for...

HELOC Home Equity Financial Tips Debt Consolidation Personal Loans Home Security Fixed-Rate HELOC

January 19, 2026 Blog Post

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: Protecting Your Investment Before Winter

It’s happening. The leaves are changing colors and temperatures are dropping (or at least they will...

Refinance HELOC Home Equity Financial Tips Debt Consolidation Fixed-Rate HELOC

September 2, 2025 Blog Post

Regional Trends: Where Home Equity Is Growing Fastest and Why It Matters

Home equity has been on the rise for more than a decade across the country. In recent years,...

Financial Tips Budgeting

April 24, 2026 Blog Post

Smart Ways Homeowners Can Reassess Their Finances Now That Tax Season Is Over

Tax season has officially wrapped, and for many homeowners, that can bring mixed emotions, from the...

Home Equity Financial Tips Debt Consolidation Fixed-Rate HELOC High-Interest Debt Variable-Rate HELOC

January 29, 2026 Blog Post

Fixed vs. Variable Rates When Consolidating Debt with Home Equity: Which Is Right for You?

The average American homeowner typically manages a variety of high-interest debt, from credit cards...

HELOC Home Equity Financial Tips Debt Consolidation Personal Loans Home Security Fixed-Rate HELOC

January 19, 2026 Blog Post

How Rising Home Values Create Equity Opportunities

If you’re thinking about using the equity in your home this year, you aren’t alone. From...