Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

There’s a wide range of smart home technology available these days, from security systems to appliances and everything in between. While there’s no denying that these cutting-edge devices can help to make your home more efficient and provide convenience in your day-to-day life, certain types of smart technology are more likely to set your house apart when it’s time to put it on the market. Here are a few examples that are sure to impress any potential buyers. Full Automation System One of the downsides of having a different app to control every device in your house is that it can be overwhelming and ultimately less efficient. That’s where full automation systems, like Savant, Control4 and Crestron, come into play. These state-of-the-art systems offer the utmost convenience by allowing you to control the entire house using a single app. Imagine being able to manage lighting, climate, entertainment and security all in one place! Wellness Platform It’s no secret that wellness features are...

It’s well-known that today’s luxury homebuyers want their next residence to be equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen. After all, this is the heart of the home where families come together to cook, eat and enjoy each other’s company. Depending on your personal preferences, here are several styles of ranges that can instantly upgrade any cooking space. Cast Iron Range Today’s best cast iron ranges combine timeless appeal with modern functionality and there’s no better example than AGA’s stunning line of cookers. Renowned for their ability to retain and radiate heat, they’re sure to please any discerning gourmand while giving your kitchen a unique focal point that stands out as soon as one enters the room. French Range For a true statement piece, you can never go wrong with a breathtaking French range, like a La Cornue or a Lacanche. Of course, the appeal goes far beyond their beautiful appearance, as these impressive appliances offer a wide range of functionality and control when cook...

There are many exciting features that luxury homeowners want in their kitchens these days, from warming drawers to touch-free faucets. Yet, undeniably, there’s one simple feature that’s having a surprisingly big moment: the walk-in pantry. Here are just a few reasons why so many buyers want one in their next home. More Home Cooking Many of us have recently rediscovered the joys of cooking at home and are getting more use out of our kitchens than ever before. As a result, it might suddenly feel like you don’t have as much cabinet space as you used to. If this sounds familiar, then the perfect solution is a spacious walk-in pantry that can accommodate all your needs for daily meal preparation. Increased Organization Organization is considered essential to creating a relaxing living space, and this certainly rings true in the kitchen. Like a perfectly arranged walk-in closet, a pantry allows you to carefully organize all of your food and cooking supplies with a designated space for each i...

Purchasing a second residence is always a significant decision, especially if you intend to use it as a vacation home. Of course, there are many considerations to take into account beforehand, not the least of which is accounting for the associated costs of owning multiple properties for personal use. When you feel fully prepared to start looking for a second home, here are several additional factors to consider. Cater to Your Lifestyle While your primary residence likely caters to essential aspects of your daily life, such as proximity to schools and jobs, luxury buyers often seek a second home that supports their personal interests and provides access to a coveted lifestyle. Whether that means living in a golf community, in the mountains, or along the coast, this home should provide you and your family with a place to make special memories. Accessibility Are you willing to hop on a plane every time you go to your vacation property? Or is it essential that it be a car ride away? It’s ...

The asking price for a house is not necessarily the amount you will pay. You can make an offer based on what you can afford, the current state of the local real estate market or how badly you want a particular house to begin negotiations with the seller. Figure Out a Fair Offer Your real estate agent can provide information on comparable homes in the area that were sold recently. That can help you figure out if the house you’re looking at is over- or underpriced or if the list price is reasonable. It’s important to understand the seller’s mindset. If the asking price is low, the seller may be hoping to attract multiple buyers, trigger a bidding war and sell the house for more than the listed price. A seller who sets a high asking price may know that a buyer will make a low initial offer but may expect that the final sale price will still be competitive.  Make a Bid That Will Leave You Wiggle Room You should have already figured out how much you can afford and what the maximum is th...

It’s no secret that hardwood floors can completely transform a living space. They create a warm, rich aesthetic and, over time, will develop a beautiful patina that provides character throughout the home. Although they’re long-lasting, properly maintaining wood floors does require some work on your end. If you want to keep your hardwoods at their absolute best, here are a few tips to ensure they stay in tip-top shape. Shoes Off Taking your shoes off at the door makes it far easier to keep your home clean and your floors will certainly thank you for it. When dirt gets tracked into the house, it can cause undue wear and tear on the wood’s finish and all it takes is a pebble stuck in your shoe to create a scratch. While it’s possible to remove scuffs by hand, they’re far less likely to occur once you implement a “no shoes in the house” policy.  Cleaning Routine It’s helpful to have a cleaning schedule to ensure that your floors are properly cared for. Regularly going over them with a ...

Fitness rooms and wellness areas have quickly become important features for luxury homebuyers who want to practice a healthy lifestyle, but a state-of-the-art home theater is always appreciated when it’s time to relax. Whether you’re binge-watching a new TV series or settling in for family movie night, there are a handful of factors that contribute to creating the perfect viewing experience. Here are a few ways to upgrade your home theater. Make It Fully Immersive When looking to improve your home theater, it’s easy to get caught up analyzing the quality of your television or projector screen, but it’s just as important to look around the rest of the room. A cutting-edge surround sound system or even just a soundbar, for example, can greatly improve the audio quality in your home theater. Additionally, if there are any windows, blackout shades will make it easier to tune out the outside world and really bring the screen to life.  Direct Internet Pretty much everything that we watch...

While looking through homes available on the market can be exciting as you get ready to take that first step, letting the excitement get the better of you can mean you are left with unforeseen downsides to your long-term decision. Here are some unexpected things you don’t want to forget when you are buying your first home. The Driveway and Traffic.  A house with a steep driveway or a heavily trafficked road may just seem like an inconvenience right now. However, if you are buying a home with your spouse and anticipate having a family in the near future, you may find that this minor downside becomes a much bigger obstacle. Wobbly toddlers and hasty elementary-age children may have difficulty navigating a steep driveway, and a busy road or steep driveway means that you may have to pack up and head to a local park for a quick ride on bikes or scooters. Fireplace Upkeep.  There are few things more picturesque than a new hearth and home. If you dream of hanging stockings on a mantl...

With historically low interest rates in place for the foreseeable future and a continued shortage of available housing inventory, if you’ve been thinking about putting your home on the market, there may be no time like the present. While your home’s value is largely determined by square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and comparable sales in your neighborhood, there are certain steps you can take to help nudge the selling price up a bit. And there’s no better place to start than outside in order to elevate that all important curb appeal. Here are five yard and garden improvements, recommended by Consumer Reports, that can boost your home’s resale value: Improve your landscaping.  A yard that’s overgrown with unruly hedges, crowded trees and rampant weeds and grasses can be an instant turn-off to would-be buyers. Take the time to spruce up your yard by trimming back shrubs and cutting off dying tree branches, paying particular attention to plantings that may be obstru...

Gutters are one of the most critical parts of a home, but it can be easy to overlook them. Failing to properly maintain your gutters can lead to problems that can cause serious damage to several other parts of your house. Having your gutters inspected and maintained by professionals on a regular basis can help you avoid much larger repair bills. Common Gutter Problems Gutters are supposed to carry water away from the exterior of a house to prevent damage to the building and landscaping. Problems can arise if gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, pine needles, acorns, pollen or nests. Even if you don’t have trees near your house, your gutters can still become clogged with leaves. The wind can carry them from other parts of your yard or from your neighbor’s property. As asphalt shingles deteriorate over time, granules can wind up in gutters. They can trap other forms of debris, such as leaves and twigs, and can contribute to clogs. If gutters are blocked and cannot handle the amount...

The coldest weather of the year is upon us, and if you are like most Americans, you are looking for ways to keep your energy costs low. Following these simple tips will help you reduce energy consumption and lower your bill: Use a programmable thermostat .  It will save you money because it can set the temperature to the most cost-effective levels during periods in which no one is home or when you’re asleep.  Replace the air filter.   That will keep your unit in proper working order, which is key to energy-efficient central air and heating systems.  Lower the temp on your water heater.  Lowering the temperature a few degrees will shave some money off your electric bill. The ideal temperature for water heaters is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  Use the right lights.  LED bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting option, using 75 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. They have no mercury and last about 25 times longer than traditional incandescen...

A fence can keep your family and pets safe and make your home look attractive. If it gets damaged, however, it can be an eyesore, as well as a safety and security hazard. Here are some ways to prevent fence damage. Hire a Professional Installer Have a fence installed by a qualified contractor. Ask for advice on which type of fence to choose based on your area’s climate and the characteristics of your property. A fence should not be in direct contact with soil since that could expose the fence to moisture and could lead to damage. The ground could also shift and damage the fence.  If the ground in your yard is unstable, a contractor may suggest setting fence posts in concrete to prevent them from tilting. If the ground slopes, the contractor may recommend a racking fence that follows the slope of your property to reduce the stress on the posts and the ground. Invest in quality materials. If you want a wood fence, choose pressure-treated wood that can resist rot, water damage and ins...

While a great agent will be able to help you decide on an offer based on the nuances of your local market, every buyer should understand the importance of offering over asking price in certain situations. The Home is Underpriced While rare, there will be times when a home is verifiably underpriced for your local market. While you may jump at the chance to get a deal, this low price can bring more eyes to the listing and some buyers will intentionally list their homes under market value in the hopes of sparking a bidding war. Have your agent look for comps in the area to help create a reasonable offer so that you’re not missing out. When You Know Other Offers Have Been Made When other buyers are interested, it’s time to sweeten the deal or risk walking away. Have your agent ask if other offers are on the table. If you know that this house is the one for you, you don’t have time to waste before making a better offer. When the Seller Doesn’t Seem Motivated Some sellers will list their hom...

Renovating your home may be a major undertaking. You might be focused on reaching the finish line and may not want to think about the messy process once it’s over, but it can be a good idea to take photos while renovations are in progress. Know What’s Beneath the Surface You may be surprised at what contractors uncover during a remodeling project. Previous owners may have installed new flooring on top of the old, for instance. Even if you don’t want other materials to be exposed now, they may be popular in the future and may appeal to potential buyers when you decide to sell your house.  Keep Track of Who Did What Things may get confusing if you make major changes and you have a general contractor, a plumber, an electrician and others working on the site. Knowing what tasks each company performed and where can help if a problem arises later. Photos and notes can help you figure out who was liable so you can avoid a situation in which contractors point the finger at each other and y...

If you’re planning to finish your basement, you will want to cover up the concrete floor with a material that is more attractive and comfortable. Here are some important things to know and some flooring materials to consider.  You May Need to Repair the Floor and Install a Subfloor Before you or a contractor can install new flooring, the concrete floor may need to be fixed. Any gaps, sections that have shifted, water damage and areas that are rough or uneven will need to be addressed. Although many flooring materials can be installed directly on top of concrete, that may not be a good idea for a finished basement, since it can cause the floor to be cold. Installing a subfloor can provide a layer of insulation to keep the floor warm. A subfloor can also prevent moisture damage. Since a concrete slab is porous, moisture and water vapor can travel through it. That can allow mold and mildew to form under the flooring. A vapor barrier or a waterproof subfloor can prevent that. Popular F...

A home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime and it’s no wonder you may feel anxious about ensuring that you’re making the best choice with your funds. Unfortunately, sneaky sellers may not have your best interests in mind. Watch out for these sneaky tricks home sellers use to pass inspections. Paint Over It Perhaps the most common and the most obvious trick in the book is painting over a problem spot. This is a sneaky seller go-to because it’s so easy. Mold or water stains can be temporarily hidden by a fresh coat of paint. While it’s common for sellers to want to brighten up the space, asking for before-and-after photos or having your inspector take a closer look can save you some costly problems down the road. Strategic Decor Similar to a fresh coat of paint, strategically placed decor can be a tool in a sneaky seller’s arsenal. If a painting or piece of furniture comes with the house, there’s a chance the seller simply has no use for it, but there’s also ...

There’s no doubt about it—people are on the move. With remote work situations opening up new possibilities in terms of location for prospective homebuyers, many have found themselves moving further away than they ever imagined. And while moving always involves a variety of stressors—from packing to decluttering to yard sales—these days, there’s a whole new set of safety concerns. National moving service, Bellhop, suggests taking the following steps to make your move easier and safer.  Look for online services.  Booking a moving company usually involves a representative coming to your home to assess the scope and cost of the move. Some, however, are taking a different approach in light of health concerns. Find out if the moving company you’re considering offers online booking without someone having to come do a walkthrough at your home for an estimate.  Ask about safety practices.  Don’t be shy—inquire about a moving company’s policies and protocols to help ensure saf...

When living in a smaller space, rather than an entire home, cleaning tasks may seem easier to tackle. But after dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and mopping, it can quickly become a daunting task to tackle each and every room. Though a professional cleaner can come in handy, you may have some doubts or concerns about hiring someone to clean such a small space. Here are some pros and cons to hiring a cleaner for your rental space.  Pro: Save Time Naturally, the most beneficial thing you will gain from hiring a cleaner is your time. No longer will you have to put off spending time with loved ones or doing something you love just to clean your home. In just a few hours, your home will be clean and your to-do list will be open for more fun and enjoyable activities. Con: Cost Though a cleaner will help you get your time back, it’s not cheap. Depending on the cost of rent, as well as utilities or other bills, you may or may not be able to afford a cleaner. Be sure your budget will allow this...

Whether it’s a good time to buy a home or not, the first step you need to take on this journey is saving your money. A down payment will not only help to purchase a new home, but also help to determine what you can realistically afford. But starting with nothing isn’t really an option. Saving for a down payment is likely one of the hardest steps in the homebuying process, but it can be done. Here are five strategies to help you save for a down payment and get you into your new home faster. Automate Savings Whether you have a portion of your paycheck deposited into a savings account or you set up your bank account to transfer money each week, automating your savings is a tried and true strategy to help you stack up your cash. With automation, you remove the pressure of seeing how much money is deducted from your paycheck each and every payday. Think of automating your savings as a way to set it and forget it. Before you know it, you’ll have saved up enough to put towards your down payme...

When it comes to sleep, it is important to ensure that you are as comfortable as you can be. But comfort doesn’t just mean a cozy comforter or a plush pillow. The environment in which you surround yourself plays an important role in catching z’s that will help you awake with the energy and excitement on each and every new day. Here’s how to transform your bedroom to create a place where your slumber and real rest is valued.  Paint With Soothing Colors When designing your ultimate bedroom, be sure to promote relaxation with the right tones. Because this is a place of rest, steer clear of bright colors. Also avoid white, as this can be an intense and jarring choice due to light reflecting off it first thing in the morning. Select a paint color for your walls in light and muted tones, such as greys, light blues and greens, like you would see in a spa.  Swap Out Those Bright Bulbs Bright white LED bulbs emit blue light, which is the last thing you want to fall asleep to or wake up...

Moving can be stressful, especially relocating to another house a significant distance away. Here are some tips on how to break things down into manageable steps and stay on track. Book Transportation and Get Help About two months before you move, rent a moving truck and hire a team of movers, if necessary. Request quotes from several moving companies to get the best deal possible. Figure out if you will need assistance with packing or disassembling furniture. If so, ask the moving company to send workers to help or get in touch with family members and friends to ask for assistance.  Make Other Arrangements If you’ll be flying to your new home or driving and staying at a hotel, make those reservations well before moving day. If you will need someone to take care of your children and/or pets on moving day, or you would like to hire a professional cleaning service to give your home a deep cleaning, make those arrangements early.  Decide What to Take and Start Packing Go through ...