Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

A certain amount of stress from time to time is to be expected given the demands of work and family. However, the type of stress that is triggered by outside events beyond our control can be much more difficult to manage compared to everyday stressors. Here are a few strategies for staying calm when the world around you is anything but. Be more selective on social media.  While social media sites are an important way of staying informed, waking up to a news-feed of alarming news and extreme opinions can be unsettling to say the least. If scrolling through your social feeds changes your mood for the worse, unfollow accounts or block contacts that trigger negative emotions. Instead, try following positive-news sources, your favorite comedians, nature or animal accounts, or inspirational leaders. This will help give you a break from the current stress around you. Spread some good will.  One secret to reducing your own stress, is to be there for someone else. Sharing simple words ...

Your outdoor living space is one of the most important parts of the home. From breakfasts on the terrace to afternoons spent soaking up the sun to evenings under the stars, it’s the perfect spot to be any time of day. That’s why picking out the right furniture requires careful consideration to ensure your outdoor living area is stylish, functional and of course, comfortable for the entire family. Following are a few tips for a backyard gathering spot that checks all the boxes.  Choose the Location The first decision you’ll have to make is picking out the ideal spot for your seating area. Depending on certain factors, like ground surface or exposure to the elements, you can determine what sort of materials and fabrics are best suited for this space. Select Your Style  Before you go buying furniture, take the time to do research and find inspiration. If there’s a specific look or style that speaks to you, that can help to guide you and provide a sense of cohesion. For example, b...

There’s a smart version for just about everything these days. From washing machines to thermostats and home security systems, chances are you’re familiar with the vast majority of the latest home technology available. Yet, there are still plenty of lesser-known smart devices that you can bring into the house to make it more efficient and deliver peace of mind. Following are several such pieces of tech that anyone can appreciate. Smart Plugs With a smart plug, you’re able to turn anything that’s plugged into it on and off using your phone or voice commands. At first, you might ask why someone would ever need that. However, if you have an antique lamp, for example, that uses one of these plugs, you can essentially make it a smart lamp and take control of it from wherever you are. Smart Switches You’re probably already familiar with smart light bulbs, but another solution for remotely controlling the lights in your home is to install smart switches. With a smart switch, you don’t have to ...

A wooden deck can provide any home with a special outdoor gathering place that the whole family can enjoy. However, if you want one that’s going to look great and last a long time, it’s important that you choose the right wood for the job. Following are several high-quality options that can endure the elements while adding visual appeal to the exterior of your home.  Cedar Cedar is one of the most popular choices for decking and outdoor applications in general, because it’s naturally resistant to rot and insects. Those two qualities are, of course, integral for a deck and it also helps that cedar has a beautiful appearance with colors ranging from orange to light brown. Equally important, it’s considered to be very sustainable, which is sure to please the eco-conscious homeowner.  Cypress Don’t be fooled by the fact that cypress is a softwood, as it’s actually stronger than most hardwoods. Durable and long-lasting, it’s another excellent choice for a stunning deck that can sta...

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest interior design trends, especially when it comes to creating your dream kitchen. Color schemes and countertops are often the first things discussed, but it’s equally important to make it functional. After all, first and foremost, the kitchen is a workspace. If you’re looking to make some upgrades to the heart of your home, here are several features that will go a long way toward streamlining your cooking space.  Task Lighting Lighting plays a key role in setting the ambience in the kitchen, but task lighting, in particular, deserves careful consideration when designing. You’ll need sufficient light while slicing and dicing, measuring ingredients and checking to make sure your food is perfectly cooked. A combination of pendants and recessed lights that are placed directly above where you’ll be working is ideal for this. If you have an open concept kitchen that’s connected to the dining area, you’ll also want dimmers to set the mood while eati...

  If your family is growing and your kids need their own space, or if you want to give guests some privacy when they visit, you may be thinking about adding another bedroom. If local zoning laws would not allow you to build another floor, or if you don’t want to give up some space in the yard to construct an addition, converting the basement could be a good alternative.  Cost and Design Options  The cost to renovate your basement would depend on several factors, including its size, the types of changes you want to make and your location. Converting your basement to another bedroom could give you additional living space for less than what it would cost to build an addition.  If you put a bedroom in the basement, it could be a hassle for the person who slept there to walk upstairs to the bathroom. You might want to consider converting part of the basement to a full or half bathroom. Resale Value  Finishing the basement could increase your home’s value and could he...

State laws require sellers to disclose problems with a house to prospective buyers. If you are legally required to disclose an issue and you don’t, the deal may fall through or you may be sued after the buyer learns that you covered up the problem.  What are Sellers Required to Disclose? Laws on which facts sellers are required to disclose to potential buyers vary from state to state. In general, sellers must reveal information that could affect a home’s value. Some states require sellers to disclose a death that was not due to natural causes that occurred on the property. Others require disclosures about a death caused by the condition of the property. A variety of state laws require sellers to disclose nuisances, such as noise and odors. Depending on where you live, you may be required to reveal the presence of hazardous substances, lead paint, drainage problems, previous water damage, the risk of natural disasters, pests or paranormal activity.  If the house is missing any ...

  If you want to have a private space for an elderly family member, a place for guests to stay or an additional source of income, an in-law apartment might be the solution. It could give you flexibility and possibly a way to earn some extra money, but it could also create challenges.  What is an In-Law Apartment? An in-law apartment is a private space that usually serves as a home for an elderly individual or couple. It can be an area within a house, a converted garage or a separate building on the same property as the main house. It may be a full apartment or may simply consist of a bedroom and bathroom. Possible Benefits of an In-Law Apartment  If you have an elderly relative who needs help with household tasks, or if you don’t feel comfortable having them live alone because of safety concerns, an in-law apartment could allow your loved one to live close to the rest of the family. You and other relatives could provide assistance as necessary and you all could still have...

  White vinegar is a household staple when it comes to an all-natural cleaning solution. This chemical-free liquid is a low-cost and safe way to keep most surfaces and appliances around the house free from grime, grease and funky smells. Here are five places around your home where white vinegar can come in handy when it’s time to do some chores.  Windows From grease buildup to fingerprints, the windows in your home will always find a way to get dirty. Whether you’re spring cleaning or simply looking to let in more sunlight, vinegar is the perfect tool. Mix one part vinegar to one part hot water and wipe down windows (inside and out, if possible) with a cotton cloth or paper towel for a streak-free clean. Dishwasher  Yes, your dishwasher washes your dishes, but what washes the dishwasher? You, of course! Take out each individual piece of the interior, clean each item individually and place it back into the dishwasher. With a bowl of white vinegar on the top or bottom rack,...

  You most likely know that having a good credit score is important if you want to qualify for a mortgage, auto loan or credit card. You might not know that your credit score can affect many other areas of your life.  People sometimes take on more debt than they can handle or spend money on nonessential items instead of paying their bills. This is why companies often perform credit checks before agreeing to provide services. Credit history can even affect a person’s employment prospects. Utilities Electricity, water, cable and telephone companies often conduct credit checks before agreeing to offer their services to individuals. Since utility companies typically provide their services up front for a month before a customer pays the first bill, the utility provider is essentially issuing a loan to a new customer. If you need a utility service, the company wants to be confident that you will pay your bills. If you have bad credit, you may have to make a large deposit to open an ...

  Olive oil is a staple in the kitchen when it comes to cooking. But it can also be used for many other tasks around the house. So, next time you head to the grocery store, pick up a spare bottle. Here are six ways you can use olive oil that have nothing to do with food.  Polish Your Shoes Do you have a special event coming up and need to clean up your shoes? Maybe you’re all out of shoe polish, or you never had it to begin with. Don’t worry, with a dab of olive oil and a soft cloth, you can polish your shoes in no time. Just test a small spot first to be sure the oil doesn’t damage the material or alter the color. Camouflage Leather Scratches When it comes to a comfortable leather couch, especially one you’ve had for many years, a bit of wear and tear are to be expected. But with the help of this pantry essential and a cotton cloth, you can neutralize the appearance of scratches on leather furniture. Try this trick for your leather car seats as well! Seal Rattan and Wicker Fu...

  Home design trends are constantly changing. So much so, that it’s hard to keep up as a homeowner. The costs of furniture and decor can quickly add up, especially with constant style changes. However, there are many home furnishings that have stood the test of time, through the ever-changing design landscape. Here are four timeless pieces that will be just as stylish years from now as they are today.   Windsor Chair For a country cottage style, the Windsor chair is a perfect addition to any dining room. Raw wood or painted, this chair can conform to many different design styles. With a simple silhouette and clean lines, pair this piece with almost any style of table, lavish or quaint, for a classic look.  Oriental Rug Found in most homes, Oriental rugs are one of the most classic pieces you can add to your home. From the bedroom to the main living space, these colorful and authentic rugs exude timelessness. Whether you’re going for a traditional or contemporary styl...

  The table salt that’s tucked away in your pantry or sitting on your counter can do a lot more than just zest your dinner. In fact, it can replace many costly and chemical-filled cleaning products around the house. From removing stains and rust to keeping your drinks cold, this simple kitchen ingredient will soon become your go-to tool when it’s time for chores. Here are seven different ways you can put table salt to use in and out of your kitchen.  Scrub Your Tub Soap scum and water stains can make your bathtub look outdated and dirty, even when it’s not. Sprinkling some table salt over a halved piece of grapefruit can help to dissolve and scrub off gunk, leaving your tub feeling shower fresh.  Rid a Red Wine Stain When red wine spills on a carpet, couch or piece of clothing, you need to take action fast. As soon as the spill occurs, liberally pour your salt on the entire area. This will help to pull the stain from the fibers in the carpet or fabric. Once the liquid is ...

  Home gardening is booming these days, both as an outlet for Americans, and, according to sociologists, as a trend for millions turning toward a simpler, gentler lifestyle worldwide. Neighbors are exchanging herbs for oranges and more parents are providing the opportunity for their children to witness first-hand how food is grown from seed.  A small, sunny patch in your backyard is all you need to start, and failing that, window boxes, containers or even pots on an apartment building rooftop can provide equal opportunity. If you’re new to gardening, experts say to start with easy-to-grow veggies like zucchini and cucumbers, which tend to grow almost like weeds, lettuce, if you have enough space for leafy greens to spread out, and tomatoes, which do as well in hanging baskets as they do when staked in the ground. You can start your veggies from seeds, young plants purchased locally or from a catalog—and while you’re at it, consider growing strawberries, a summertime favorite t...

  If you’re looking to liven up your interiors, decorating with plants is a foolproof way to add energy to your home. Of course, for those who like to do things big, you can take that a step further with an indoor tree that’s sure to provide a focal point in any room. Following are a few types of trees that you can grow inside while adding instant appeal to your living space.  Weeping Fig The weeping fig is an ideal choice for those who are concerned with air quality. After all, it was cited as one of the best air-filtering plants in NASA’s Clean Air Study. When grown inside, they typically don’t get any taller than six feet and require minimal direct sunlight, although plenty of indirect light is vital to keeping them healthy.  Yucca Native throughout the US and Caribbean, yucca is a popular indoor tree thanks to its low-maintenance characteristics and beautiful appearance. This hearty plant can do well with direct or indirect sunlight and requires relatively little wate...

  The electrical system in your house can wear out over time, especially if you have an older home and use a lot of appliances and electronic devices at once. These are some signs that you may need to speak to an electrician about upgrading your electrical system. Tripped Circuits Electricity enters the house at one location and travels to a circuit breaker panel that distributes it to other parts of the house. An old panel may not have enough circuits to meet your family’s needs, or one or more individual circuits may not be able to handle several appliances and devices being used in a room at one time. If the circuit breaker panel is overburdened, heat can build up, which can damage the insulation and wiring and start a fire.  When an individual circuit breaker can’t handle the demands being placed on it, it can trip and shut off the electricity. If that happens occasionally, it means the system is functioning as it should. If a circuit breaker trips often when you use multi...

  When looking at real estate listings, it can be easy to fall in love with the idea of living in a house with a specific design or features, but you most likely won’t be able to get everything on your wishlist. Focus on things that you couldn’t change and differentiate between needs and wants so you can make a list of top priorities to guide your search.  Things to Prioritize  Location is important in real estate, but people have different priorities. Figure out if having a short commute, living in a good school district or being near restaurants and entertainment is important to you and your family.  Focus on the condition of the house. If you buy a home with a cracked foundation and you wind up with expensive repair bills, you may come to regret your decision. Make sure that major systems, such as plumbing and electrical, are in good shape so you don’t have to make costly repairs after you move in.  You may have a long list of things that you would like, but...

  You have probably read or been told that eating a healthy breakfast is important. Many people don’t eat in the morning because they are in a hurry or they grab something that is convenient, but not nutritious. If you don’t usually have a healthy breakfast, eating something nutritious before your day gets into full swing can provide numerous benefits. Reasons to Eat Breakfast Eating in the morning can help your body burn calories throughout the day. You fast while you are asleep and wake up with low blood sugar. If you eat breakfast, your body gets a signal that there will be enough calories coming throughout the day and that it should burn those calories. That gets your metabolism going. If you don’t eat breakfast, your body thinks it might not get enough calories and, therefore, conserves them. Eating breakfast may help you control your weight. If you don’t eat in the morning, when you get hungry later, you may choose foods that are high in fat and sugar. Studies have found that...

  If you’re planning to buy a house, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to get a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage. Make sure you understand how both work and consider your current circumstances and future plans before choosing. Key Differences  With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate remains constant over the life of the loan. An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has an introductory rate that is below the market rate for a fixed-rate mortgage. After one or several years, the rate begins to reset periodically based on market conditions. An ARM may have caps to limit the amount the interest rate can increase at once, a ceiling on the interest rate and a cap on monthly payments. Pros and Cons A fixed rate-mortgage could allow you to have consistent monthly payments. An ARM might be much less expensive than a fixed-rate mortgage in the period before the loan reset. Those lower initial payments might make it possible for you to afford a more expen...

  Since the onset of the pandemic, our outdoor areas have become a true extension of our home, going from a place for seasonal entertaining to a year-round haven for gathering, playing, living and working. To help you further utilize your outdoor space throughout the year, the home and property experts at Living Cozy offer these six tips for making the most of fresh-air living any time. 1. Weatherproof Furniture Weatherproof furniture will allow you to use your outdoor area all year round, no matter what the forecast says. Also look for furniture with a low thermal conductivity so that it won’t be hot to the touch on warm summer days. This will also help prevent cracking and fading of the materials over time. 2. Lighting Outdoor lighting used all year round gives your home a warm and inviting feel, while also serving a utilitarian purpose by illuminating paths and entryways. Options in outdoor lighting are endless, from motion-activated spotlights and solar accent lights to playful...

  When disaster strikes, or when you’re putting together an emergency plan, finding the right place to store your most valuable documents is an important step every homeowner should take. Paperwork, such as financial documents, medical records, life insurance policies, wills and trusts, social security information, house deeds, etc., should be stored in a secure location that is safe and accessible. Knowing where you keep these documents will help you avoid stress when they are needed the most. Here are three places you and your family should consider when putting together a disaster plan.  Lockable Filing Cabinet or Safe If you want to keep your most valuable paperwork close to home, there’s no better place for storage than inside your house. With many affordable options available, you can find a fire-proof, lockable filing cabinet or safe that will protect and hold these documents. Be sure that at least one trusted source outside of your home has a key or combination in case...

  Many people skip a warmup and cooldown to save time, but that can be counterproductive. In addition to helping you mentally ease in and out of a workout, warming up and cooling down can reduce the amount of stress on your body and may help you avoid getting injured. Reasons to Warm up and Cool Down Warming up gradually increases your heart rate and breathing rate so your cardiovascular system can ease into exercise. That can minimize the amount of stress on your heart. When you warm up, the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the muscles become dilated. That allows muscles to get plenty of oxygen and reduces the risk of injury.  Warming up raises body temperature, which improves nerve transmission and muscle metabolism. That reduces stress on muscles, helps them function faster and more efficiently during a workout, and minimizes post-workout soreness. After you exercise, your heart rate is faster than normal, your blood vessels are dilated and your body temperature is higher...

  Starting a family is one of the most significant moments in life. Oftentimes, it requires moving into a new home where your family can comfortably grow and spend time together. If you’re getting ready to start this exciting chapter, here are several home features that are ideal for new families.  Large Backyard The backyard is a special place for kids. It’s great to have a spacious outdoor area where they can run around and expend their energy, but perhaps more importantly, it’s a place where early memories are formed. Whether they’re learning to throw a ball or practicing cartwheels, there’s nothing like having a big backyard while your kids are growing up. Kid-Friendly Design Now that you’re going to be a parent, you’ll start to see everything differently. When it comes to homes, you need to make sure that it’s safe for kids. You probably don’t want a residence with lots of sharp corners or a spiral staircase that can be dangerous with little ones crawling around. However,...

  (Family Features) Long among the most popular areas for homeowners to undertake improvement projects, bathrooms can be some of the easiest rooms in the house to renovate without spending a fortune. If you’re looking to update one of the most-used spaces in your home, consider these easy and cost-effective ways to give your bathroom a facelift. Accessorize with Color There are numerous ways to create a new look without lifting any tools. Replacing linens and other soft surfaces like rugs, window treatments and shower curtains can help brighten up your space. Adding a fresh coat of paint is another low-cost way to modify the look and feel of a space. With a variety of paint colors and finishes to choose from, you can add a splash of color as an accent or go all out to create depth and contrast. Update Cabinetry and Light Fixtures Keeping your existing vanity and other bathroom cabinetry, especially if they’re in good condition, can be a cheaper option than replacing all the cabinet...

  People often arrange furniture when they move into a home, get used to a particular layout and give little thought to it afterward. Rearranging your furniture could help you figure out a better way to use space in your house, get rid of things you don’t need or want, improve your family’s health and feel happier. Make Better Use of Available Space Consider what you like and don’t like about the way your furniture is currently arranged. Maybe you don’t have as much light as you need in one area, or perhaps a room tends to accumulate clutter. Rearranging furniture could help you figure out how to solve those problems so the rooms in your home could be more functional and comfortable. It might even make small spaces feel bigger. It’s easy to accumulate clutter, especially if you have lived in your home for several years or decades. Rearranging furniture would force you to go through your belongings and figure out what to keep and what to get rid of. You might discover some things th...

  When working from home, it’s important that your work space gives off the right vibe to help you focus and separate your personal life from your career. From creating as much privacy as possible to having all the necessary tools at your fingertips, how you outfit your home office will have a big impact on your productivity. One of the most important, yet overlooked, places to start is with the right paint color. The tone on the walls that surround you while you’re working has a direct impact on your state of mind. But not all shades provide the same impact. According to Sherwin Williams, to make the right paint selection, think about what you need most to be productive for your particular job, then choose your shade accordingly. A sense of calm.  If your work is somewhat on the frenetic side, you’ll need a color that helps keep you calm, such as soft shades of blue or dusty shades of beige, green and gray. These muted tones help ease your mind and prevent stress from buildin...

  A clean home is an inviting home. Whether you are naturally a neatnik or your true nature involves leaving your socks on the floor, there’s no doubt that a cleaner home brings a sense of calm and allows us to achieve our daily tasks, quicker and easier. If you are looking for a way to curb your naturally messy ways without succumbing to an overwhelming cleaning schedule, you’re in luck. Pairing your daily cleaning checklist down to a handful of vital tasks can provide a sense of tidiness without costing you all your spare time. This list separates the main areas of the typical home, allowing you to truly divide and conquer.  Kitchen It’s said that the kitchen is the heart of your home, and it takes the first spot on the list because it is the area that gets subjected to daily grime the most. From dirty dishes to sauce splatters on the stovetop to juice spills on the counter, your kitchen has seen it all.  Take 15-30 minutes each day to tackle these tasks: Load dirty dis...

  We’ve all given the KonMari method a try to simplify our living space and make it feel more relaxing. The reality, however, is that method alone might not be enough. If you’ve noticed all that extra stuff slowly working its way back into your home, it might be time to consider bringing in a professional organizer. Whether you’re staging your house for potential buyers or just want to put an end to the clutter, here’s what to expect when it’s time to hire a pro.  Collaborative Relationship First, it’s important to understand that while a professional organizer will help you to get rid of all those extra boxes in the garage or that pile of clothes you haven’t touched in years, they are not there to simply clean your home. Ideally, they are teaching you how to implement a successful system for managing your living space. It might be the whole house or just that one storage closet that always seems to overwhelm you, but no matter what, the goal is to get to the root of the probl...

 March is here, bringing rising temperatures, longer days, and the first signs of spring. Before the arrival of April showers, it’s a good time to get started on some spring maintenance tasks to shed the winter layers and give your home a fresh new start. Groom your lawn. Get ready to mow by picking up debris that accumulated on your lawn over the winter. Fill bare spots with grass seed and fertilizer. Clear gutters and downspouts. Prevent damage from spring rains by clearing out debris. Make sure water is diverted away from the home to protect its foundation. Reseal exterior woodwork. Stain or reseal outdoor structures such as wood decks, fences, railings, and pergolas, to keep them in good condition. Schedule air-conditioning service. Make sure your HVAC unit is working before summer arrives. Schedule service, if needed and don’t forget to regularly change filters. Clean dishwasher filter. Unlock and remove the round dishwasher filter, rinse under hot, running water and gently sc...