Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

Just like fashion, home designs come and go over the years. There are many styles that simply never need to be done again, but there are also some that come back into the home, even when you least expect them. This year, especially with more nostalgic-generations buying and designing homes, many home design trends are drawing inspiration from the past decades. Here are six home design trends that are making a comeback in today’s modern homes.  Floral Wallpaper  Wallpaper, in general, has made a massive resurgence when it comes to modern home design. From accent walls and ceilings, to covering every single wall in a room, this nostalgic trend has taken on a modern twist. Floral wallpaper, specifically, is impacting home designs across the country. However, you won’t find the same patterns that your grandmother had in her kitchen, but rather more modern patterns featuring bolder color palettes, unique designs and, of course, a wider range to choose from. Today’s wallpaper option...

If you’re planning to retire and looking for a place to spend your golden years, you may be considering a community for seniors. While assisted living facilities provide meals, activities, housekeeping and transportation, and may have on-site medical staff available, independent senior living communities do not offer that level of service. What are Senior Living Communities Like? Active adult communities may consist of single- or multi-family homes, townhouses or condominiums. Typically, at least one resident must be at least 55 years old, although age requirements vary and sometimes both residents must meet the age guideline.  Residents are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the interior of their property. Homeowners association fees pay for outside maintenance, repairs and lawncare. Senior communities often have amenities, such as a pool and tennis courts, for residents to use, plus a schedule of social and recreational events to encourage members to stay active and engaged...

When you purchase a home, one of the first tasks you need to take on is finding the right homeowner’s insurance. Though this can be an overwhelming and time consuming experience, it is important that you are getting the best coverage that fits your budget. Shopping around is imperative, and this is something you should never stop doing, whether you just bought your first home or have been paying your mortgage for over 30 years. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when comparing home insurance prices.  Read Your Existing Policy If you already have a home insurance policy, it is critical that you know what your current terms are, as your needs may have changed over the years. Also, each year, your renewal terms can change, premiums can go up and limits may have adjusted. Pull out the most up-to-date version of your policy and figure out what you are currently paying and the coverage you are limited to. Be sure to note your premium, deductibles, personal property coverage,...

In case you hadn’t noticed, everything’s more expensive these days, including used cars, which, as the price of new cars goes up, seem to be worth their weight in gold. But a used car may offer good value if you do your homework before buying. Buying a ‘pre-owned’ car from a dealer has certain perks; notably certification and a limited warranty. Buying from an owner, while it will likely save you money, comes with more risk—unless you approach it the right way. Do the Research Check online reviews for general information about the model. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov/recalls) to check for recall notices, and be sure all necessary repairs were made. Get the car’s VIN number and check it at Carfax or Kelly Blue Book sites to see if the car has been in an accident or if the odometer has ever been rolled back. Examine the Exterior Be sure the doors, hood and trunk open easily and latch properly, and that headlights, panel lights and brake lights are wo...

A trampoline can be fun for kids, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re thinking about getting a trampoline, check with your insurance company first to find out if it would be covered and if you would have to take protective measures and pay higher premiums.  Why Insurers are Strict When It Comes to Trampolines When someone jumps on a trampoline, there is a risk that the person will wind up with a broken bone or a head or neck injury. It’s not just your own family members and guests who can get hurt.  A trampoline is an example of an “attractive nuisance,” something that is potentially dangerous to children and also appealing to them. A homeowner who has a trampoline, a pool or another type of attractive nuisance has a duty to put a barrier around it to keep kids away.  The reasoning is that young children will naturally be drawn to something that is dangerous, but they won’t understand the danger. The adults who own the attractive nuisance therefore have an obligation ...

Sometimes a seller who wants to save money lists a house as “for sale by owner,” or FSBO. That means the owner decided to sell the home without the assistance of a real estate agent in order to avoid paying a commission. If you see a house listed as FSBO, it may be worth considering, but you should be aware that the list price may be higher than the home’s market value. An FSBO Seller Can’t Benefit from an Agent’s Expertise One of a real estate agent’s most important jobs is to set a reasonable asking price for a house. The price should be based on the amounts that comparable properties in the area have sold for recently. That can help attract the attention of potential buyers.  Homeowners who list their own homes don’t have the assistance of a real estate agent and don’t have access to the same detailed information that agents use to set prices. Sellers who research recent sale prices online may find information that is inaccurate, or they may only find estimates. A seller may set...