Home & Wealth | July 2025

SMART DEVICES TO PROTECT YOUR HOME  
  Smart home sensors protect your home and save you money by detecting problems before they turn into disasters. Some work by themselves, connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi, so you can control them from your phone through a companion app. Some also work with smart home hubs, such as Amazon Echo Hub, Apple TV 4K, Google Nest Hub, Samsung SmartThings Station, or Homey Pro. All notify your smartphone, and many also work with smart speakers, giving you voice notifications and letting you ask about your status.  
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Home security devices. These include high-resolution, weather-resistant outdoor security cameras that capture motion-triggered videos and send alerts that differentiate between people, pets, vehicles, and other moving objects. Smart motion sensors detect open doors or windows and can also be put on refrigerator and garage doors to make sure they’re closed, and on child gates to keep toddlers safe. Video doorbells let you see who’s there no matter where you are, and record videos of people approaching your door while you’re away. Smart locks are convenient, and let you monitor who is entering and leaving your home when you’re away. Professionally monitored smart home security systems provide the highest level of security. 
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Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Conventional smoke alarms are essential for every home, but you only hear them when you are there. Smart smoke alarms will notify your smartphone when you’re out, so you can call 911 sooner to protect your home and neighborhood. Some smart smoke alarms also include a smart carbon monoxide alarm that will notify you to call 911 if carbon monoxide is at a dangerous level. 
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Leak detectors. Water is the biggest cause of home damage. Smart leak sensors catch leaks before they flood the area. Place near sinks, washing machines, dishwashers, hot water heaters, fish tanks, and sump pumps. Some devices detect temperature changes too. Heating and cooling sensors. Connected thermostats regulate your thermostat year-round, and notify you of temperature changes in critical locations, such as baby rooms and pet enclosures. Some connect to smart speakers and can be connected to freeze and motion detectors. 
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Freeze detectors. Frozen water is a large source of damage to homes. Frozen water pipes burst, destroying walls, floors, furniture, and basements. Some smart freeze sensors check the air temperature around the object they’re monitoring, and others put probes on it. When placed on an incoming water line, the sensor notifies you when the temperature drops. Other sensors measure water flow to detect ice forming, send an alert, and trip a shut-off valve. Some freeze sensors also work with home security systems. 
The Jim Passi Team at Citywide Home Loans proudly serves Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Georgia and Flordia. If you are looking to buy a home or refinance, we have you covered. Apply Now to get started.
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Jim Passi - Citiwide Home Loans

Jim Passi
Regional Manager
NMLS# 158000

1121 E. Main Street, Suite 121
St. Charles, IL 60174
Mobile: 847-899-1813
Email: jim.passi@alamedamortgage.com

Jim Passi gets results.

Jim Passi gets results. At the beginning of our process Jim told me he would “hold our hand through this whole thing, whether you like it or not”. I thought it was a good joke but as the days went by, I realized what Jim was about. He was relentless in pursuing our needs and best interests at every turn. Example #1: Even though it wasn’t necessary for him to do so, Jim came up with 2 options for us to increase our credit score(s) before they counted for the interest rate on our mortgage. Thanks, Jim. Example #2: and this is the kicker… I don’t have to tell anyone how competitive it can get when multiple offers come in on the house you want. On a Sunday, there was an open house on the home we eventually bought. There were multiple offers over asking price and the seller’s agent was calling people to find out who was the strongest buyer and/or who’s offer should they accept?. The Pre Approval Jim provided for us had his contact info and when the seller’s agent called him at dinner time with his family, on a Sunday.. and Jim picked up the phone for us. He talked the seller’s agent into accepting OUR offer – and obviously, Jim doesn’t have to do these things. It’s how he gets results and we’re grateful for his relentless nature. We both wish we could give more than 5 stars. Top Notch, all the way.
John & Diane