Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

From Tesla to LG, a growing number of companies are now manufacturing solar panels for the home—and the benefits are far-ranging. In the past, the options available were unsightly and often required a significant amount of space. These days, however, there are a variety of sleek, efficient panels to choose from that won’t compromise the exterior of your home. Specifically, monocrystalline cells, which are made from a single silicon crystal, are the go-to choice for a high-end panel that’s both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to install solar panels, here are a few reasons why they’re a smart investment. Eco-Friendly First and foremost, harnessing solar energy is good for the planet because it lowers our reliance on fossil fuels that harm the environment, like coal and natural gas. So, if you want to decrease your carbon footprint, this is certainly a good place to start. While it’s theoretically possible to run your home entirely ...

When looking for a new home, you may come across properties with both finished and unfinished basements. There are several advantages to choosing a house with an unfinished basement.  Get a Great Deal A house with a finished basement will sell for a higher price than a comparable home with an unfinished basement. If most homes for sale in the area have finished basements, the seller of a property with an unfinished basement may even be willing to accept less than the asking price.  If you buy a house with an unfinished basement, you may be able to get more square footage than you would be able to afford if you focused only on homes with finished basements. You can finish the basement, quickly build equity and pay less overall than you would pay if you bought a similar house with a finished basement. If you sell the house in the future, you may get significantly more money than you paid for it.  Create the House of Your Dreams If a previous owner finished the basement, the...

We’re all spending more time at home these days and, as a result, more time in our kitchens. After a while, though, you might be ready to spice things up in your cooking space. Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting kitchen gadgets that you can bring into the home to make things a bit more fun when preparing your favorite meals or beverages. Here are a few ideas that you can bring into any luxury kitchen. Cold Brew Coffee Maker For those who haven’t had their cold brew fix lately, it’s time to start making it at home. With a cold brew coffee maker, you can treat yourself each morning to that unmistakably smooth cup of joe right in your kitchen. That is, as long as you remember to make it the day before. Ice Cream Compressor What’s better than going out for ice cream? Making your favorite flavors at home, of course! From rich gelatos to fruity sorbets, whipping up a frozen dessert is the perfect family activity that everyone’s sure to love. If you want to take it a step further, you ...

With more of your family working and learning from home, it may seem as though everything from the floors to the microwave is getting grimy faster. From professional housekeepers and school janitors, here are some tips and tricks for keeping your home clean and fresh without spending a lot of time or money: Dust with your dryer.  Blankets, pillows, drapes and other household textiles get dusty because they absorb moisture and act as a landing pad for dust from ceiling fans and air vents. If they are not machine-washable, toss them in the dryer on the air-fluff setting (no heat) for 20 minutes with a damp towel to remove dust and pet hair. Erase scuff marks.  Clean off shoe scuff marks from vinyl flooring with a clean, dry tennis ball. A light rub and heel marks are easily erased. Clean ceiling fans.  These fans are a blessing when the weather is hot, but the idea of cleaning them can be daunting. Wrap a dryer sheet around a clean painting roller and secure the ends with r...

Buying your first home is an exciting transition, but a home will be one of the largest financial investments you will make. Making sure that you are as prepared as possible is key. Saving for your home may feel like a big undertaking, but there are a few tricks you can use to make it easier. Determine Your Budget No good financial decisions can be made without a proper budget. Assess your most vital expenses and go from there. Ensure that you have a dedicated savings account for emergencies (experts recommend that you have at least three months of your income saved) and a separate savings for your future downpayment. Check with a financial planner to help you make the most of your budget long-term. Address Your Debt Debt can prevent you from achieving your house-buying dreams in two ways. First, and most obviously, bills for excess debt detract from your monthly budget. Secondly, if your debt-to-income ratio is unfavorable, you will be prevented from getting a mortgage or a reasonable...

Roof replacement is one of the largest maintenance expenses a homeowner will face, but roof repair is vital to properly protect your home. Even minor damage can be accentuated, as ice, rain, snow and wind take their toil. Roof damage can lead to water exposure that causes deterioration to insulation, wood and drywall. This in-turn makes electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems vulnerable. Simply put, every homeowner needs to make their roof a priority. Here are the top signs your roof is in need of repair or replacement. Roof Age Experts say that a roof should last between 20-25 years. Different factors such as your roof’s type, your local climate, attention to maintenance and whether or not your recent shingles were installed over a previous layer will all affect the specific timing. If your roof is edging on that timeline, you may need a replacement. Missing or Buckling Shingles Keep an eye on your shingles. Shingles that are cracking and buckling, or even missing altogether, indicate a...

When it’s time to make use of that storage area above your home, there’s no shortage of possibilities. Converting your attic into a finished space is a great way to add value and improve your home, but deciding what exactly to put there can be a challenge. If you’re considering a new project, here are several exciting options to transform any attic.  Full-Floor Master Suite If the space permits, the top floor of your house can be perfect for creating a private and spacious master suite. This will most likely be a significant undertaking, especially if it requires adding plumbing, but you’ll be rewarded with a luxurious getaway that you can escape to at the end of each day. To top it off, chances are you’ll also enjoy the best views in the home. Rec Room Since attics are typically one large, open space they can be great for converting into a rec room where the whole family can hang out. This makes a fun bonus space for the kids to run around, but be sure to add proper insulation and...

New wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint can quickly transform a room. Before you choose a new wall covering, think about how it will look, how difficult and expensive it will be to install and how well it can stand up to your family’s lifestyle.  Appearance Paint comes in several forms, including latex-based and oil-based. Flat, eggshell, semi-gloss and glossy paint vary in terms of sheen. Some types of paint are easier to clean than others, a point to consider if you have kids or pets.  Wallpaper can be made from vinyl or paper and can have a variety of surface finishes. Wallpaper usually has a design or pattern rather than a solid color. A pattern or texture can create visual interest.  If walls have imperfections and you apply wallpaper, the blemishes will be visible. Priming and painting is a better option for walls with visible flaws. Installation If your walls already have wallpaper, you should be able to remove it with the right tools and chemicals. If you don’t kno...

A pool can be a relaxing place to spend time with family members on a hot summer day. Sometimes a pool is worth the investment and sometimes it isn’t. How Much Will a Pool Cost? Installing a pool can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. Routine maintenance can cost several hundred dollars per year if you do it yourself and much more if you hire professionals to handle it. You also have to factor in electricity to run a pump and heater. A pool might be included in your “other structures” homeowners insurance coverage, but you should check with your insurance company about any additional costs. Since a pool is a potential danger to children, your insurer may require you to install a fence with a locked gate around it to prevent an accident. You may also have to increase your liability coverage. When Is Installing a Pool a Good Investment? An in-ground pool can add to your home’s value, but an above-ground pool most likely will not. If the area around an in-ground pool has a patio th...

If you’re in the market for a new car, one of the first decisions you have to make is whether to buy new or used. A pre-owned vehicle can save you money, but a new car can also bring prestige and features not available in older models.  Depreciation The main reason to consider a used car is depreciation. Vehicles lose value over time. Cars depreciate quickly soon after they are sold and at a slower rate later on. If you buy a used car, the first owner will bear most of the depreciation and you will lose a smaller chunk of your investment over time.  This is not true across the board, however. Some makes and models are known for holding their value better than others. Affordability Used cars often cost less than new ones, but the advertised price for a new car is not necessarily the price you will pay. You might qualify for rebates and a low interest rate on a new car. If you have your eye on a luxury vehicle and you cannot afford a new one, a model that is a few years older mi...

(Family Features) Once the weather warms and the patio beckons, it’s time to break out the grill for home-cooked meals in the great outdoors. When your family tires of baked dishes and stovetop recipes, the smell of fresh flavors on the grates offers the reprieve of something new. For your next cookout with loved ones, enjoy all the flavor and none of the hassle with Grilled Quinoa Paella. Made with Success Tri-Color Quinoa and its boil-in-bag process that takes just 10 minutes, you can celebrate more moments around the grill and spend less time in the kitchen. If you’re the kind of person who struggles deciding between proteins, this recipe is for you as it’s loaded with chicken, chorizo sausage and shrimp. Combined with an array of veggies, it’s ideal for sharing with family and friends. When the occasion calls for a meatless meal, this Mexican Grilled Corn Salad serves as a crowd favorite at barbecues or as a simple weeknight dinner. Grilled corn, sour cream, mayonnaise, feta cheese...

When people are searching for a home to buy, they think about more than the purchase price. They consider the overall cost of ownership, including utility bills. Rising energy costs have affected homeowners across the country and people naturally want to find ways to keep those bills under control. Many people are also conscious of the impact that their lifestyle has on the environment and want to reduce their energy usage. Potential buyers may choose a house that has undergone upgrades to make it more energy efficient over another house that is less efficient. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the next few years, making some improvements now can save you money while you live in the house and may help you attract a buyer in the future. Figure Out Where to Make Changes Contact your local utility company to schedule a home energy audit. A representative will inspect your windows, insulation, appliances and other features to identify areas where your home is wasting energy and...

Countertops are one of the most important elements in a kitchen. Counters need to be functional, but they should also be attractive since they will immediately catch people’s attention when they enter the room. Here are some things to consider to help you make a decision.  Granite Granite countertops are available in an array of colors and each piece is unique. You can choose a polished finish, which will make the stone look shiny and may also make it appear darker. Another option is honing, which produces a soft and matte appearance. The price tag for granite countertops may depend on the type of stone you choose, its origin and its thickness. Engineered Stone Engineered stone countertops are made mostly of quartz and are available in more colors than granite. They are durable, have a nonporous surface that can resist stains or scratches and require minimal maintenance. Engineered stone and granite countertops cost about the same.  Soapstone Soapstone has a pewter color that ...

(Family Features) From picnics and family reunions to al fresco meals on the patio, flavor and freshness can make springtime dishes truly mouthwatering. As you plan your spring menu for time with loved ones, think outside the box with recipes that can feed a crowd. One easy way to elevate your warm weather entertaining is with a lean, delicate protein like grass-fed lamb available at Whole Foods Market from Atkins Ranch, a leader in environmental stewardship and one of the first members of Land to Market, which advocates for regenerative agriculture – a type of outcomes-based land management that seeks to heal landscapes instead of degrading them. In fact, many of the lamb ranchers set aside areas for conservation purposes to focus on regenerating land and water to keep the environment as pristine as possible. The lambs are raised just as nature intended: 100% grass-fed and free to roam on pastures in fresh air and sunshine, culminating in a result that’s better for you, the animals an...