You no longer need a bunch of connections to make things happen. Any owner, regardless of his age or experience, can handle complex tasks with nothing more than a smartphone. The key is knowing what solutions are available to you.

5 tasks homeowners can handle with a swipe and tap

You have more options than ever. As the old Apple commercials said: "There's an app for that!"

Let's take a look at some of the most powerful use cases:

1. Refinancing

With rates as low as they have been in recent years, many homeowners have jumped at the chance to refinance their mortgages. Some do it as a way to raise capital to use for home improvements and purchases, while others are simply looking for lower payments and/or quicker payment periods. But there's another reason more homeowners are refinancing than ever: it's convenient!

 most of the process can be done with a few clicks. Everything else can be handled with short phone calls and electronic signatures. This makes it easy to streamline the refinancing process without disrupting your schedule.

2. Sell FSBO

While most people prefer the experience, protection, and simplicity that comes with using a real estate agent, there is still a large contingency of homeowners interested in the cost savings of conducting a sale-by-owner transaction. (FSBO). And with a smartphone in your pocket, their apps like Redfin, Zillow, and Home snap give you the ability to competitively post, market, and manage your own listing with less stress and hassle.

3. Capture colors for custom painting

Are you renovating your home, but not sure what colors to choose? There are a number of color capture apps on the market that allow you to take a photo and perfectly match the color of the image. It is one of the best. Ask Val is another useful and feature-packed option.

Users can upload photos and get advice from a color consultant via live video, audio, or email. The app also provides instructional videos to help get your project off the ground.”

4. Design and virtual staging

Have you ever wondered how your house would look with different furniture, finishes or designs? Well, you don't have to imagine it. With virtual design tools, you can take a few photos of your home and use interactive software to swap things like paint colors, backsplashes, and furniture.

If you're selling your home, you'll find a variety of virtual stage apps and solutions that let you stage your home with high-end furniture and design. This sales tactic can even allow you to increase the selling price of your property.

5. Smart home related tasks

Your smartphone is a convenience tool. But it can also increase the security and efficiency of your home. Imagine being able to touch a button and have your security system activate, doors lock, thermostats adjust, lights turn on/off, and motion sensor cameras activate. Well, anything is possible with just a few connected devices and the right smartphone apps.

Many of today's top home security providers have connected apps that come included with your monthly fee. Whether you're on vacation or lounging in bed, comfort is just a touch away.

Be a proactive owner

There is a fine line between relying too much on technology and not using it enough. As a homeowner, the key is to take advantage of mobile apps and online resources as tools to be more proactive. If it just makes you feel more stressed, you're not doing yourself a favor. Use your smartphone smartly and work smarter, not harder!