If you’re still living in a house that requires you to, you know, get up and flip switches, then boy, do we have news for you. It’s time to upgrade to the best smart home features for your home. Imagine lights that respond to your voice, a thermostat that knows your comfort zone better than you do and kitchen appliances that make you feel like you’re on a cooking show. Here are 10 smart home features that might make your home smarter than you.

Wake Up Alexa

Voice-controlled assistants do more than annoy your kids with the music of your youth. They can manage your schedule, give you traffic updates and even tell you not to forget your umbrella. Feel like turning on the lights or adjusting the thermostat? Just ask! Need a recipe for dinner? They’ve got you covered. Now, if only they could fold your laundry…

Flick A Virtual Switch

You could walk over to a light switch, or you could tell Alexa to turn on the lights while you are curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea. Which sounds better? With a smart lighting system, you can adjust the brightness and color as well as schedule when your lights turn on or off—all from your phone or with a simple voice command. Plus, think of all the energy you’ll save (and the muscles you’ll conserve) by never having to reach for a light switch again.

Adjust the Temperature

Forget playing Goldilocks with the temperature, smart thermostats have your comfort down to a science. These gadgets don’t just adjust the temperature, they practically read your mind. They learn your schedule and preferences and adjust the temperature without you asking. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, which means you can save the planet and some cash.

Keep Your Castle Safe

Since drawbridges are passe, you will have to find other ways to keep your castle safe. Smart locks, motion detectors, doorbell cameras, window sensors and more keep your home as secure as Fort Knox. And let’s not forget the convenience of monitoring everything from your phone, because who has time to actually get up and peek through the blinds?

Be The Master Chef You Were Meant To Be

Have a habit of forgetting to preheat the oven? No problem! With Wi-Fi-enabled kitchen appliances, your trusty phone can do it for you. Need your morning coffee without getting out of bed? Just tap a button. And let’s not forget the smart fridge that texts you when you’re out of milk!

Time to Roomba

Picture yourself at the gym lifting weights instead of pushing a vacuum cleaner around the house. Sounds nice, doesn’t it. Automated vacuum cleaners do the dirty work for you, scurrying around picking up every crumb. Some models even map out your home to ensure no corner is left untouched. It’s like having a mini butler, minus the bow tie.

Mirror, Mirror

When is a mirror not a mirror? When it’s updating you on the weather, news and even what’s on your to-do list while you brush your teeth. Smart mirrors are the newest trend. Some even offer fitness tips, makeup tutorials and reminders to stay hydrated. It’s like having a personal coach — only cheaper.

That’s Entertainment

Your new home came with a media room. Can it get much better? Yes, with the help of an advanced home entertainment system. Whether you’re hosting a binge-watching marathon or just kicking back for a solo movie night, these systems integrate everything from your TV to your sound system. You’ll never have to wrestle with five different remotes again. Plus, with smart speakers and projectors, your home becomes the ultimate entertainment hub.

Make Any Device Smarter

If you’ve got something that plugs into a wall socket, a smart plug can up its IQ. Smart plugs allow you to control whatever you plug into it via your phone or digital assistant. You can use smart plugs to turn your fan on before you walk in the door, or to ensure your holiday lights aren’t still twinkling come February. And for those worried about energy consumption, some smart plugs even track your usage so you can tell Junior exactly why he needs to turn off the lights when he leaves a room.

Your Home’s Brain

Every orchestra needs a conductor, and every smart home needs a home automation hub. Hubs sync all of your devices, allowing you to tell your thermostat, lights and security system to work together. Hubs make life more convenient since you will no longer have to juggle multiple apps. It’s almost like your home can anticipate your needs before you do.

Sierra Vista Homes Are a Smart Buy

If you are looking for a smarter home, tour our model homes. Our builders offer homes loaded with smart devices like thermostats, video doorbells, automatic garage door openers and more. Devices that will give you more time to float along our lazy river and work on your tan. Visit Sierra Vista today.

Let’s face it. Naked windows are not very attractive. Now that you’ve moved into your new Sierra Vista home, it’s time to dress them up. Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “How do I choose the right window treatments?” You aren’t alone. With all the options available—drapes, blinds, shades and curtains—choosing window treatments can be as confusing as trying to assemble a piece of IKEA furniture without instructions. Never fear, we’re here to help you make your windows the talk of the neighborhood.

Function First, Fabulousness Later

Window treatments aren’t just for show. Before diving headfirst into the world of cotton, silk and velvet, consider what your window treatments need to do. Do they need to keep a nosy neighbor from peeking in? Maybe you want them to help regulate room temperature, so your family room doesn’t double as a sauna. And we’re not just whistling Dixie here. Data from the U. S. Department of Energy says medium-colored drapes backed with white plastic can decrease solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent. So, yeah, function does matter.

It’s a Material World

Ah, the materials—velvet, cotton, polyester, oh my! Each fabric has its pros and cons. Velvet screams luxury but can make a room feel claustrophobic. Cotton is versatile and easy to clean, which is perfect for those of us who see dust bunnies as the enemy. Polyester is a no-muss, no-fuss option. Whatever fabric you choose, just make sure it can handle daily life. Pets, kids and even spouses can be hard on window treatments.

What’s Your Window Treatment Personality?

​Your window treatments are an extension of your personality (although like we said, function matters). If you’re a minimalist, sleek roller shades could be your best friend. More of a maximalist? Layered drapes might be your calling. Roman shades offer timeless elegance while wooden shutters are charmingly rustic. Pick something that not only looks good but also makes you happy every time you walk into the room.

The Science of Color

Here’s where it gets tricky. You want your window treatments to complement your furniture, not steal the spotlight. Neutral tones are like the little black dress of window treatments—classic and versatile. But if you’re feeling adventurous, a bold color can be the highlight of the room. If your furniture says comfortable and cozy, floor-to-ceiling velvet drapes are going to look out of place. Your best bet is to grab a color wheel, take photos of your furniture and head out to the store.

Measuring Up

Channel your inner perfectionist, and make sure you measure correctly. No one wants their windows to look like the before picture. First, measure the width of your window. Then, measure the height from the top of the frame to where you want your drapes to end. Don’t just eyeball it unless you enjoy the look of mismatched window treatments. Don’t forget to account for any rods or hardware. If you have crown molding, measure around it, not through it.

Think Hard (Ware)

There’s more to window treatments than material. You’ve got to think hard about curtain rods, finials and rings. Your choice depends on what you intend to hang. Some drapery styles, such as grommet panels, rod pocket, tab top or back tab draperies can only be used on rods without rings. Pleated drapes can be displayed using traverse rods or decorative rods with rings. Finials are the decorative ornaments or knobs on the ends of drapery rods. They punctuate your window treatment style and should enhance both drapes and the room.

Let’s Talk Affordability

You may have noticed that window treatments aren’t exactly cheap. Never fear, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to get that decorator look at bargain basement prices. Thrift stores and online marketplaces are gold mines for budget-friendly finds. Or how about flexing those DIY muscles? A little creativity can go a long way. Re-purpose old sheets or tablecloths into chic drapes. Keeping it simple with blinds is also a great option until you can afford the window treatments of your dreams.

Check Out Our Window Treatments

Need more inspiration? Tour our model homes! Our builders use professional decorators to create 3-D design magazines. Check out their window treatments, then checkout their floor plans. Your new home (and new windows) are waiting for you.

Where your children will attend school is an important consideration. And it’s not just the school — you want to consider the school district, as well. While teachers and staff at a particular school will have an immediate and direct impact on your child, it’s the district that establishes the framework for how a school will operate. This ensures continuity as your child advances through their scholastic career.

Sierra Vista parents are fortunate to have their children attend schools in the Alvin Independent School District. Here are five reasons we love Alvin ISD:

Collaborative Environment

Alvin ISD administrators and board of directors have established a set of core beliefs centered on collaboration among students, parents, teachers, campus leaders and administrators to create an engaging learning environment where excellence is prioritized. The opportunity for each student to reach his or her maximum potential is a focal point.

Teacher Salaries

Alvin ISD offers some of the highest salaries in the region for a beginning teacher with a bachelor’s degree — $69,420 annually. This is thousands higher than in other comparable Houston-area school districts — including Fort Bend ISD, Katy ISD, Houston ISD, Conroe ISD and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD — which report starting salaries ranging from $61,600 to $64,130. This notable distinction is indicative of the district’s drive to attract the most qualified teachers.

Excellent Rankings

It’s not just us saying Alvin ISD is a good school district; Niche.com gives Alvin ISD an “A” for its overall grade, citing diversity, college prep, sports, academics and teachers as stand-out considerations. It ranks No. 119 out of 1,052 districts on the website’s list of Best School Districts in Texas and is in the top 2 percent nationally for Best School Districts for Athletes.

A Plan for Educational Excellence

Alvin ISD has developed strategies to create meaningful instructors who lead learning, value student experiences and prioritize student engagement. Specifics include:

• A multi-tiered plan that guides new teachers through the first two years of service
• Developing transformational processes that create safe and engaging learning environments district wide
• Comprehensive learning models that support a teacher’s ability to design authentic and relevant learning experiences.

Community Support

Supporting the teachers, programs and students of Alvin ISD is the Alvin ISD Education Foundation, which over 18 years has contributed more than $1.2 million to the district. With broad support from the community, the foundation has funded:

• Teaching grants
• Campus grants
• Scholarships for students, teachers and paraprofessionals
• Recognition of outstanding employees and administrators
• Education programs and opportunities such as the Alvin ISD Book Bus and STEM Bus that are not covered in the district budget

Young Sierra Visita residents attend Nichols Mock Elementary (located onsite), Meridiana Elementary, Jackie Doucet Junior High School and Iowa Colony High School. Learn more here.

Pearland Town Center is more than just a shopping center. It’s a hub of community life for anyone looking to enjoy community spirit and have a little fun. The center hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year but fall has it all going on! Here’s a look at what’s coming:

Latin Festival
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14
Free

The Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to experience Latin culture with live performances, vendors selling a variety of Latin food favorites, cultural items and clothing. There will also be dancing, Hispanic Hero Scholarship awards and so much more!

LIMITLESS Car Show
9-11 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 15 and Nov. 24
Free

The Car Culture is bringing out muscle cars, imports and European cars for your enjoyment. Check out the Cadillac CTSV and the Corvette Z06, Subaru BRZ, STI, Nissan 300ZX, Honda s2000, Porsche 944, Lamborghini Huracan, BMW F80 M3 and many more!

Vendor Fair
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 21 and Nov. 30
Free

Support local businesses and find unique items at this monthly market. There will be food and live music, so why not make a day of it?

The Famous Market Fall Festival
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Free

Celebrate fall in all its “gourd-y!” There will be vendors, food, music, arts and crafts, a kid’s zone, photo booth and, of course, pumpkins!

Head for the Cure 5K Run/Walk
7-11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29
Free

The 12^th annual 5K race benefits MD Anderson Brain & Spine Center, Brains for the Cure and other national brain cancer programs, education and initiatives. The race begins with a kid’s fun run at 7:45 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8 a.m.

Country, Folk and Red Dirt Festival
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12
$5 adults, free for children ages 12 and under

Pearland Town Center will come alive with the sound of music! It’s 10 straight hours of CMA, Grammy Award and Billboard Top 10 artists performing live, plus a visual artist market, farmers market and gourmet food garden featuring craft beer and wines.

American Cancer Society Relay for Life
11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

The annual event benefits the American Cancer Society. Participants take turns walking around a track lined with luminaria bags. Cancer survivors walk the first lap of the day. There will also be entertainment, opportunities to fundraise and more.

The Famous Market Halloween Market
Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20

Grab a costume and the kids for a fun Halloween celebration featuring a costume contest, local vendors, food and music.

Trick or Treat on Our Street
4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

The sweetest Halloween festival around will take place at Pearland Town Center. Kids can fill their treat bags at stores then enjoy a Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra Haunt-cert followed by a costume contest for kids 12 and under.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
6-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30

Kick off Christmas with dancing to live music, lighted swings and seesaws and shopping. Santa will light the tree and set off a brief fireworks display.

Make Your Home With Us

Sierra Vista is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Pearland Town Center and all these fantastic events. Stop by and tour our model homes, You might even be home for the holidays.

School is well underway and with it the dreaded homework. Homework at the beginning of the year can prove to be a little frustrating to kids because they are being introduced to new concepts and, in the case of middle and high school students, more homework than they may be used to. How can you help? Here are some tips.

Make It Routine

Set aside a specific time each day dedicated to homework. It should be a time when you know you will be available to assist if needed. Setting up a routine ensures your child knows when to focus on homework. It reinforces the idea that homework is a priority. It also lets them know that you care enough about their education to set aside time to help them.

Choose the Right Time

Some children work better right after school, while others may need a break first. Observe when your child is most focused and schedule homework during that time.

Designate a Homework Space

Ensure your child has a quiet, well-lit area stocked with necessary supplies like pencils, paper and reference materials. This can help minimize distractions and create a conducive learning environment. Many Sierra Vista builders offer options to include data or homework centers.

Resist Doing It Yourself

While it’s important to be available for support, resist the urge to do the homework for them. Encourage your child to tackle assignments independently, offering guidance when needed. This approach helps them develop problem-solving skills and boosts their confidence.

Encourage Questions

There are no wrong questions. Encourage your children to ask for clarification and help. If they don’t feel comfortable asking a teacher for help, find out why and then go with them to provide support while they ask for help. Feeling comfortable asking questions is a life skill that will serve them in good stead.

Break It Down

If your child has a large assignment, help them break it into smaller, manageable tasks. That way they don’t feel overwhelmed. Think about how you approach a large project at work. Demonstrate how you would tackle it. Make sure your child takes breaks and doesn’t try to do it all in one sitting.

Reduce Distractions

Creating a focused environment is crucial for effective homework sessions. Limit distractions from electronics, noise and other interruptions to help your child concentrate. Establish rules about phone use, TV and other distractions during homework time.

Be Supportive

Being present and supportive can make a significant difference in your child’s attitude toward homework. Offer encouragement and praise their efforts, which can motivate them to keep going.

Recognize Accomplishments

Recognize your child’s accomplishments, no matter how small. Remember, your child is learning something new, and learning is hard work. If you know your child struggled with an assignment but gave it their all, celebrate when they are finished. It’s about the journey not the destination.

Communicate with Teachers

Staying in touch with your child’s teachers can provide valuable insights into homework expectations and any challenges your child may face. Attending parent-teacher conferences and asking questions about how you can best support your child at home will help you help them.

Your Children Can Attend Alvin ISD Schools

A great education starts with a great school district. Sierra Vista students attend highly regarded schools in the coveted Alvin ISD. Niche gives Alvin ISD an A rating and ranks it 119 out of 1,052 on a list of the best school districts in Texas. Visit us to learn more about our homes, our community and our schools today.