As technology continues to evolve, our homes are getting smarter, more efficient, and more intuitive than ever before. The latest innovations in smart home tech for 2025 are all about seamless automation, enhanced security, and sustainable living. Whether you're upgrading your current home or planning a new build, these cutting-edge advancements are transforming the way we live.
1. AI-Powered Smart Assistants & Smart Control

Virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home are getting major upgrades. In 2025, expect AI-driven home management systems that can anticipate your needs before you even ask. These assistants will learn your routines, adjust lighting and temperature automatically, and even offer proactive home maintenance suggestions based on real-time data.
Smart control systems control dashboard is similar to a central hub, but in addition to allowing a homeowner to turn on and off smart devices, it enables the full monitoring of energy, water, and indoor air quality s ...

If you're thinking about buying a home, one of the most important factors lenders will consider is your credit score. Your credit score affects not only your ability to qualify for a mortgage but also the interest rate you'll receive—potentially saving (or costing) you thousands of dollars over time. So, what credit score do you need to secure a mortgage, and how can you improve it before buying? Let’s break it down.
Why your credit score matters to lenders
Your credit score helps lenders determine your ability to repay the mortgage — and, subsequently, their risk in extending you the loan. The higher your score, the less risk you present.

When considering the best credit score to buy a house, many lenders use the FICO model. It grades consumers on a 300 to 850 point range, with a higher score indicating less risk to the lender. FICO scores range as follows:
800 or higher: Exceptional
740-799: Very good
670-739: Good
580-669: Fair ...

Keeping your home’s plumbing in good shape isn’t just about fixing leaks—it’s about preventing them in the first place! One of the easiest ways to avoid costly repairs is to be mindful of what you pour down the drain. Some common household items can cause serious clogs, pipe damage, and even environmental harm. Before you rinse that plate or dump out leftover cooking oil, check out this list of things that should never go down the drain.
1. Grease, Fat, and Oil

It might be a liquid when hot, but grease quickly solidifies as it cools, sticking to your pipes and leading to major blockages. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it harden, and throw it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds

You’d think something as fine as coffee grounds would wash away easily, but they actually clump together due to their oily nature and form stubborn clogs over time. Toss them in the compost or trash instead!
3. Eggshells

While they seem harmless, eggshells break i ...

At BELL Home Team, real estate is about more than just buying and selling homes—it’s about building strong connections and making a difference in the communities we love. Syracuse isn’t just where we work; it’s our home. That’s why giving back is at the heart of everything we do.
Invested in Our Community
Syracuse and the surrounding areas are full of incredible people, small businesses, and organizations that make this a truly special place. From the charming neighborhoods to the local events that bring us together, we are grateful every day to be part of this vibrant community. That’s why we make it a priority to support local causes, participate in events, and uplift those around us.

Charity and Giving Back
Throughout the years, we had the privilege of supporting some truly incredible local organizations, events, and initiatives. Here’s a look back at some of the ways BELL Home Team gave back to the Syracuse area in recent years:
Th ...

For generations, the idea of a "starter home"—a modest, affordable first step into homeownership—has been a cornerstone of the American dream. Typically smaller, more budget-friendly homes, they provided young adults and new families with a foothold in the market. However, in recent years, the number of available starter homes has drastically declined, making it more challenging for first-time buyers to enter the market.

What’s Happening to Starter Homes?
Across the U.S., the supply of entry-level homes has shrunk due to a combination of rising home prices, high construction costs, and increased demand. According to Census Bureau data, the number of new homes under 1,400 square feet—often considered a "starter home" size—made up just 8% of new single-family home construction in 2022, compared to nearly 40% in the 1980s. At the same time, home prices have risen significantly, with many once-affordable properties now out of reach for the typical first-ti ...