May 2025 - Zen of Zada Archive

How to Manage a Second Home When You Live in Another State (Without Losing Your Mind)

Owning a second home sounds like a dream…at least until the toilet overflows, the roof starts leaking, or your lawn guy goes AWOL and you’re 700 miles away.

Managing a property you don’t live in full-time is tough enough. Add state lines, time zones, and seasonal weather into the mix, and suddenly that “vacation home” feels more like a part-time job. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone, and you don’t have to do it the hard way.

Technology can’t shovel snow or chase down the contractor who ghosted you, but it can make staying connected, organized, and on top of things way easier.

Ep 027 – Severe Weather Alerts – How Homeowner AI Keeps You Prepared

Summary:
In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic explore how AI technology is transforming the way homeowners prepare for severe weather events. They discuss how HomeZada now uses AI to deliver real-time alerts based on your exact property location — not just your city or zip code — helping you act faster when dangerous weather is on the way.

Beth and John walk through how the system pulls data from the National Weather Service, translates it into specific, actionable recommendations, and even helps homeowners proactively assess risks like floods, wildfires, hurricanes, hailstorms, and high winds before disaster strikes. They explain how the AI goes beyond just warnings — offering preparation advice, emergency kit checklists, and even insurance insights tailored to your region.

Whether you’re new to an area, unfamiliar with local weather patterns, or just busy with everyday life, this episode shows why early preparation is critical — and how smarter tools can help you protect your home, your property, and your family. If you’ve ever wondered what more you could be doing to be ready for the unexpected, this episode is packed with real solutions.

Keywords

HomeZada, AI, severe weather, homeowner tips, weather alerts, home safety, property protection, emergency preparedness, National Weather Service, homeowner education, emergency preparedness, AI weather alerts, home insurance, disaster risk assessment, homeowner education

Takeaways

AI integration enhances homeowner awareness and preparedness.
Severe weather alerts are crucial for protecting property and family.
Different regions experience different types of severe weather.
Homeowners should understand the specific risks in their area.
Proactive measures can mitigate damage from severe weather.
The National Weather Service categorizes weather events by severity.
HomeZada provides personalized weather alerts based on location.
Real-time alerts can guide immediate actions during severe weather.
Preparation for severe weather should be ongoing, not just reactive.
Evacuation is the top priority during severe weather emergencies.
Create a three-day supply of water for each person.
AI can provide personalized recommendations based on location.
Timely alerts can help homeowners take quick action.
Stringing together technologies enhances preparedness.
Homeowners need to understand their insurance coverage.
Proactive measures can minimize disaster risks.
AI tools can assess disaster risks for specific homes.
Homeowners should regularly review their insurance policies.
Understanding local weather patterns is crucial for homeowners.
AI can provide more data than traditional insurance providers.

Sound Bites

“The home is a complex entity.”
“Find a way to get your family safe.”
“Getting ahead of it is important.”
“Do you own an emergency generator?”
“How would the claims process work?”
“Prepare for financial resiliency.”

Chapters

00:40 Introduction to Home Disasters

01:51 Understanding Different Types of Disasters

06:55 Evacuation Planning and Safety

10:46 Protecting Your Property

15:51 Insurance and Home Inventory

21:55 Living Without Utilities

26:06 Final Thoughts on Preparedness

How to Reduce Your Home’s Carbon Footprint Without Breaking the Bank

Between tariffs and inflation, prices are high and they’re only expected to climb higher. If you’re a homeowner looking to reduce your home’s carbon footprint, you might be leery given the high cost of appliances, services, and other equipment. But you can still improve your home’s energy efficiency without veering off budget. From affordable projects to small habit adjustments, here are seven ways you can make your home greener.

When you think of a lint roller, you probably picture someone using it to de-fuzz a sweater before heading out the door. But here’s the thing…this humble little tool is seriously underrated.

Beyond freshening up your clothes, a lint roller can quietly become one of your favorite go-to helpers around the house.

Ready to see your lint roller in a whole new light? Here are 10 unexpected (and ridiculously useful) ways it can tidy, organize, and simplify your life at home.

Ep 026 – Preparing for Natural Disasters – A Homeowner’s Guide

Summary:
In this episode of Be a Smarter Homeowner, co-hosts Beth Dodson and John Bodrozic tackle one of the most vital topics every homeowner needs to hear about: disaster preparedness. Natural disasters — from wildfires and hurricanes to floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes — are increasingly impacting every region of the country. Beth and John break down how homeowners can be proactive rather than reactive when the unexpected strikes.

They walk you through practical, actionable steps: creating evacuation plans, assembling essential go bags, safeguarding pets and livestock, hardening your home against potential threats, and ensuring your insurance coverage is truly adequate. They also stress the importance of a home inventory — why it matters, how to do it fast, and how it can make the difference between a stressful insurance battle and a smoother recovery.

This conversation isn’t about fear; it’s about calm, clarity, and readiness. By planning ahead, you can protect your family, your finances, and your peace of mind no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Tune in and learn how to be truly prepared for anything.