Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

A coffee bar is an increasingly popular home feature these days. With more people working from home and spending less time in cafes, it should come as no surprise that so many homeowners are creating a designated space specifically for a good cup of joe. Here are a few tips for designing the perfect coffee bar. Pick the Location Before you get started, take some time to consider the ideal spot. The kitchen or a nearby pantry is often the first choice, especially if it’s close to a breakfast nook where you enjoy your coffee each morning. Another option, however, is to place it in your home office, so you can stay energized throughout the workday without leaving your desk. Some homeowners even choose to put a coffee bar in the master suite, allowing them to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee the minute they roll out of bed. Get the Appliances The only piece of equipment that you really need, of course, is your preferred coffee maker, but there’s no reason why you have to stop there. A compact r...

A home gym can be the perfect opportunity to remove barriers to your motivation. Whether you are social distancing, don’t feel confident at the gym or simply don’t have a flexible schedule, gym equipment in your home can be convenient and motivating. If you don’t want to sacrifice your home’s style for your fitness routine, try out these tips. Buy With Your Space in Mind Sure, it could be awesome to have a full gym set up complete with every piece of equipment imaginable, but if your space cannot conveniently accommodate it, you’re likely to find yourself feeling constricted in your home. Not only can this negatively impact your day-to-day home life, but it can also make your workouts feel cramped, leaving you uninspired. Add Decor to Your Workout Area Whether you have a whole room dedicated to fitness equipment or you simply have a stationary bike in the corner of your room, adding wall decor and intentional accessories can make even clunky equipment look nice. Consider putting up som...

Saving enough for a down payment and closing costs and being able to afford a monthly mortgage payment may be challenging, but achieving those goals is possible with planning and foresight. Get Your Credit in Shape Request copies of your credit reports from the three credit bureaus—Transunion, Equifax and Fico. Go through them carefully and look for errors. If you find any, dispute the information and have the problems corrected so a mortgage lender doesn’t hold erroneous or outdated information against you. If your credit score is too low to qualify for a mortgage with a competitive interest rate, work on boosting your score. Make all required payments on time and pay down credit card debts to lower your debt-to-income ratio. That will make you more likely to get approved for a mortgage and will give you more room in your budget for a mortgage payment and other expenses. Look for Opportunities to Boost Your Income and Lower Your Expenses If possible, consider taking on a part-time job...

For many families, the attic is a place to store old clothes, holiday decorations and other things that aren’t used on a regular basis. If you need additional space for your growing family or for people to work or study at home, converting your attic can be a smart move that can pay off when you eventually sell your home. Reasons to Convert Your Attic Building an addition is an expensive undertaking. Depending on the current size and design of your house, the size of the yard and local zoning laws, adding to your house may or may not be a viable option.  Taking advantage of space you already have and using it in a different way may be a better solution. An attic renovation can also be much less expensive and can be completed in a fraction of the time you would need to build an addition. Ways to Use Your Attic Space Since an attic is separated from the rest of the house, it offers privacy. That can make it an excellent place to use as a bedroom, playroom or home office. A finished u...

Technology has updated even once-simple features, such as the doorbell, and made them more useful and convenient for homeowners. A doorbell with a camera can allow you to see who is at the door and monitor and control who enters your home. This technology can help you keep your family safe and may deter theft and vandalism. How a Doorbell With a Camera Can Improve Security A video doorbell can allow you to see who enters and leaves your house and when. That can help you keep track of when your kids come home, who is with them and what people bring into and out of your home. It can help you see when a package is delivered and see if anyone who isn’t authorized removes it from your doorstep. A doorbell with a camera can allow you to communicate with the person at the door without giving away any clues about your own location. A camera can let you see who is outside, and a microphone and speakers can allow you to have a conversation with that individual, no matter where you are.  Some...

Potential buyers are strongly influenced by first impressions. If people form a negative initial impression of your home, it may be impossible to change their minds. They may immediately decide that the house isn’t right for them and may not even bother to look further. Flooring is one of the first things that prospective buyers will notice, so be sure that the flooring in your house creates the impression you want. Why Damaged Flooring Can Make It Hard to Sell Your House Potential buyers will instantly notice scratched hardwood floors or tile, stained or dirty carpet, damaged or stained linoleum, and pet odors. If the flooring looks or smells bad, it can be difficult for people to get past that and focus on the house’s positive qualities. No matter how much time and money you spend on cleaning, repairing, and staging in other parts of your home, buyers may not care about any of it if the flooring is in bad shape. When people view a house, they often make assumptions. If the flooring i...

If a room in your house is on the small side, you may be trying to figure out how to decorate it in a way that will make it seem more spacious. A mirror, when placed in the right location, can make a tight space seem much larger than it really is.  Reflect Light If you have a large light fixture, a well-placed mirror can reflect the light it generates and instantly make the room feel bigger. A mirror hung on a wall near a window can reflect natural light and make the room seem more spacious. Use Mirrors in Common Areas One or more mirrors in the kitchen can reflect light and make the room seem larger and brighter. You can place a mirror behind the stove, add one to the backsplash or glue mirrors to cabinet doors. A mirror next to the dining room table can reflect light and create a relaxing ambience similar to that in a restaurant. In an area with a fireplace, placing a mirror on the mantel can increase the perceived size of the room. One or more strategically placed mirrors in the...

Your mortgage is probably your largest monthly expense. When you retire, you will have to get by on a fixed income. Eliminating your home loan payments before you stop working can make it easier to make ends meet after you retire. Before you decide to put extra money toward your mortgage, however, take a careful look at your entire financial picture to figure out if that’s the best option. Reasons to Pay off Your Mortgage Early The average homeowner spends tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a mortgage. Paying off the loan early can dramatically reduce the total amount you will spend on interest. Many people find it difficult to adjust to living on a fixed income after they retire and realize that they underestimated their costs or didn’t save enough. Not having to worry about monthly home loan payments when you’re no longer working can give you peace of mind.   When to Focus on Retirement First If you started saving for retirement late, or haven’t saved ...

For many people, the laundry room is an area in the basement that looks unattractive and that they don’t think about much. With some simple changes, you can convert your laundry room to a more aesthetically pleasing and functional space. Storage Think about what you currently store in your laundry room and whether you have enough space. If not, consider a variety of design options. You will need enough storage space for detergent, fabric softener and other supplies that you use to wash and dry clothes, as well as an iron, ironing board, hangers and baskets. If you have young kids, make sure that you will be able to store chemicals out of their reach. Cabinets may work, or you may decide that shelves are a better choice based on the amount of space available.  Flooring When selecting a flooring material for a laundry room, keep in mind that the area is susceptible to leaks. You should therefore avoid wood, laminate or carpet and instead choose a material such as tile that can resist...

Your family will spend a significant amount of time in the living room, so you want it to be an area where you will feel relaxed and at home. An attractive color scheme can create a positive mood and make the room seem inviting. Your individual preferences will play a major role in choosing your living room’s design, but there are some general principles to follow. Start With the Flooring or Large Furniture Base the living room’s color scheme around a focal point, such as a carpet or a large piece of furniture. If you have a blue sofa, for instance, incorporating blue in other parts of the living room can create a cohesive style. Don’t base your color scheme on the paint color, since that is easy to change. Choose Colors and Use Them in Appropriate Amounts Select colors that reflect your personality and the atmosphere you want to create. If you want your living room to be relaxing, use colors that are near each other on the color wheel. If you’re decorating a formal living room or want...

If you’re attending college or graduate school and you’re thinking about buying a house, you may be able to get a mortgage. You will have to clear the same hurdles as other applicants, but you may face additional challenges if you’re not working full-time. Should You Buy a House While Attending School? Homeownership is expensive, even for people with full-time jobs. If you’re only working part-time or not working at all, making ends meet will be tougher, unless you have a spouse or partner who earns enough to cover most of the bills or you receive money from your family. Housing prices vary widely from region to region. Costs for university housing also vary from one educational institution to another. If you can purchase an inexpensive property or buy a house and rent out bedrooms to cover most of the mortgage, you may spend less in the long run than you would spend on campus housing.  Look at your current monthly expenses and estimate how much a mortgage, private mortgage insuran...

If you’d like to add some greenery to your indoor life, but your home is lacking in natural light, don’t worry—there are many varieties of houseplants that thrive in low-light environments. Select wisely, and you’ll have an indoor garden thriving in no time, not to mention a host of natural air purifiers making for a healthier living environment. Here are some plants that will be healthy and happy in not-so-sunny situations: Snake Plant.  This plant is known for its striking tall, skinny leaves, and small, fragrant lily-like flowers that bloom along a single stem. Snake plants also offer versatile design options for your home—ranging anywhere from 3-4 in. tall, to 3-4 ft. tall, they can perch nicely on a shelf or side table, or make a dramatic statement as a floor plant. An added plus—snake plants are very drought tolerant, making them the perfect option for busy (sometimes forgetful!) plant parents. Peace Lily.  While lovely peace lilies do require regular watering, they can ...

If you’re like much of the world, you’ve been spending more time than usual at home. And, like many, you may have become less than satisfied with your surroundings as you hone in on decor and functionality in a whole new way. While a major renovation or a move to a new home might not be in the cards right now, there are a few tricks you can employ to give your home renewed charm and appeal. Try one or two of the following to give your home a fresh vibe: Get the carpets or furniture cleaned.  Having your rugs or upholstered couches and chairs professionally cleaned can make these anchoring decor pieces look brand new, which will instantly brighten and elevate your environs. Let more light in.  If you’re feeling like your home is a bit on the gloomy side, let in more natural light. Replace heavy or opaque draperies with white or light-colored sheers. Instead of heavy blinds, opt for light-filtering Roman or honeycomb shades. Or, for rooms that face away from the street and are o...

If you’re one of the many people who are ready to take advantage of today’s favorable real estate market conditions, the first place you should start is by finding a great real estate agent. This can be easier said than done, however. To help you make the best selection possible, from industry educator Real Estate Express, here are the habits of a great real estate agent to look out for and ask about: They brand themselves.  Look for an agent who has a cohesive, consistent branding across all of their media—from business cards to their website. Why? If you’re selling your house, you need someone who understands marketing, and good personal branding is a sign that an agent does. They’re authentic.  If your agent is all about the sales pitch, move on. You want an agent who provides excellent counsel and information, regardless of whether you choose to work with them or not. They’re detail oriented.  The real estate market is nuanced and complex. Make sure your agent underst...

Before you begin to tackle a home improvement project, you may have to secure a permit from your local government. Rules vary from one location to another. Below are some general guidelines, but you should check with your local building department before you undertake a renovation project to make sure you comply with any relevant laws. Projects That Typically Require a Permit If you want to make structural changes to your home, you will have to secure a permit. Those changes may include adding or removing walls, changing the configuration of one or more rooms, finishing a basement, building an addition, or demolishing part of the house. Replacing the roof, installing new windows or exterior doors and building a new garage or deck will probably require a permit. You may also need a permit for large roof repairs. You will most likely have to get a permit before you begin to make changes to a major system in your house, such as the plumbing, electrical, or HVAC system. The local governmen...

People who want to sell their current home and buy a new one at the same time often face a dilemma: they find a new home they love before they sell their old one and have to figure out how to cover the cost of two mortgages at once. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some options to consider. How to Pay for Both Home Loans If your house has been on the market for months but you haven’t found a buyer, you might have more success renting it out. Renting out your home can provide you with a stream of income to cover your existing mortgage so that you won’t get in over your head when you have to begin making payments on your new home. If you’re considering renting out your home, you can either rent the property for a few months until you receive an offer or find a long-term tenant. Another option is to use a home equity line of credit to access cash. You may be able to get enough money to cover your new mortgage payments for several months until someone buys your old home. If...

Some homeowners love ceiling fans since they can improve air circulation, make a house more comfortable and keep utility bills down. Others think fans can detract from a room’s appearance and make it feel smaller. Consider your home’s design when deciding if you should install ceiling fans. Air Circulation In the summer, a ceiling fan can distribute air that has been cooled by an air conditioner. The breeze a fan creates can reduce the temperature in a room, which means you won’t have to rely on the AC so much for cooling. This can help you save money on your utility bills. In the winter, reversing the direction the blades spin can distribute warm air.  Lighting  If you choose a fan with one or more lights included, it can provide illumination that can spread throughout an entire room. This can help you avoid relying on several smaller lamps. If a fan has a light fixture, the movement of the fan blades across the light may, however, create shadows that may be distracting....

If you’re planning to buy a house, you’ve probably given a lot of thought to your down payment, closing costs and new furnishings and appliances. Don’t forget to factor moving costs into your budget. Potential Costs Associated With a Move If you want to hire a moving company, you will have to pay for a truck and a team of movers. The amount of stuff you transport, its weight, the date you choose and the distance will all influence the cost. If you want to move heavy or valuable items, expect to pay additional fees. You should also plan to tip the movers. You may have to purchase insurance in case your belongings get damaged in transit. The moving company may include limited coverage in its fee, but it may not be enough to replace an expensive item. Check your existing homeowners or renters insurance policy to find out if it will provide coverage during a move. If you plan to move on your own with the help of family or friends, you will have to pay to rent a truck and fill it with gas, ...

Home renovations can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, you may be thinking about tackling some projects yourself. If you know what you’re doing and can do the job safely, that may be a good idea, but there are some renovations that should be left to professionals. Are You Qualified to Do the Job? There are plenty of projects, such as painting and replacing kitchen and bathroom fixtures, that you can handle yourself with little or no training. Watching an online video may be enough to teach you what you need to know. In some cases, however, you shouldn’t attempt a project unless you have received formal training. Plumbing is one example. You may be able to fix a leaky faucet, but if you want to move fixtures and don’t have the appropriate training, let a contractor or plumber handle it. If you make a mistake, your kitchen or bathroom may flood or cause a slow leak, which can cause structural damage or mold. Moving walls or creating an open floor plan is a project that should be...

When you buy a house, you will have to make a down payment and pay closing costs. Many people, especially first-time buyers, are confused about the differences between them and what each includes. They’re separate expenses, and one does not cover the other, although they may be paid at the same time. What Is a Down Payment? A down payment is a sum of money that you will have to pay before you buy a house. That amount will depend on your mortgage lender’s requirements and your financial circumstances. Your lender may require you to put down a minimum percentage of the purchase price, but you may decide to make a larger down payment.  If you put down less than 20% of the purchase price, you will probably have to buy mortgage insurance. That may add thousands of dollars per year to your total cost of homeownership. Making a low down payment may also cause you to have a higher interest rate than someone who puts more money down. You will have to pay earnest money after you make an offe...

Making home improvements can allow you to have a house that better suits your family’s needs and lifestyle. It can also be an opportunity to make your house more energy efficient and to reduce your energy consumption and utility bills. The specific steps you take will depend on the nature and scope of your renovation plans. Here are some ideas to discuss with your contractor. Reduce Air Transfer If you’re planning to install new windows in your home, look for ones that are energy efficient and constructed with two or three panes of glass to prevent air leakage. Low-e windows have a protective layer that can block out UV rays and reduce the amount of sunlight that enters a house, which can keep it cooler in the summer. Choose windows with well-built frames and have them professionally installed.  Cracks and gaps around windows, doors, skylights, pipes and electrical wires can lead to air leakage and drafts. That can allow cold air to get inside the house and warm air to escape durin...

People who need to borrow money to buy a new home typically take out a conventional mortgage. If you want to purchase an expensive property, a conventional mortgage may not be able to provide the amount of money you need. In that case, you may want to consider a jumbo mortgage. What is a Jumbo Loan? Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac limit the amount that a customer may borrow through a conventional mortgage. A jumbo mortgage is a non-conforming loan that allows a homebuyer to borrow more than is typically allowed. The limit depends on location.  Some lenders only allow a jumbo mortgage to be used for a primary residence, while others will approve an application for a vacation home or investment property. In some cases, a second appraisal may be required. Can You Qualify for a Jumbo Mortgage? Jumbo loans can’t be guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which means a lender won’t be protected if a borrower doesn’t make the required payments. Since jumbo loans are riskier for lenders than c...

It’s natural to become emotionally attached to your house after living there for years. Prospective buyers won’t see your house the way you do. They will view it as a potential financial investment. Looking at the sale of your home as a business transaction can help you stay level-headed as you go through the process. You Need to Set a Reasonable Price Sellers often allow their emotions and memories to influence them when setting a price, which causes them to ask for more than their house is worth in the current market. If you price your home too high, it will likely fail to attract a buyer. You will be able to lower the price later, but the house probably won’t garner as much attention as brand-new listings. Asking for too much money can delay the whole process and may complicate things if you need or want to move by a specific date. You Have to Be Open to Feedback You may think your house is perfect, but a home inspector will probably uncover several problems, which may range from mi...

If you’re a new pet owner and want to protect your place, there are a few things you can do to help keep your house in tip-top shape while your furry friend is potty training and learning the rules of their new home. Every new pet owner should have these four items on hand. Enzyme Spray No matter how hard you work at potty training, your new pet will likely have some accidents. Keep a cool head and don’t worry too much about accidents if you have some enzyme spray in your arsenal. This cleaner will not only help clean the spot, but will also reduce the urine smell completely. Handheld Carpet Cleaner While enzyme spray will ensure that your house doesn’t smell, to keep your carpets truly spic and span, consider purchasing a handheld carpet cleaner. These are invaluable for any pet mess—from potty accidents to stomach upset and muddy paw prints. Pet-Safe Cleaning Supplies Keeping your home clean is imperative, but your usual bathroom and kitchen cleaning supplies may actually contain har...

If your home’s water heater isn’t working properly, you may find yourself forced to take an ice cold shower. You can avoid problems like this by having the water heater inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Draining the tank is one task you may be able to handle yourself. Why Your Water Heater Needs to Be Drained  Sediment, which may include minerals and other types of debris, can build up in the bottom of the tank and make the water heater operate inefficiently, which can cause your utility bills to gradually increase. Hard water with high mineral content can cause limescale to form at the bottom of the tank. Limescale can cause uneven heating or even make the heating element burn out. It can also cause clogs. If sediment calcifies, the water heater may fail completely and need to be replaced. Regular maintenance can help you avoid those problems. Draining your water heater tank periodically can remove any sediment that may be present so the unit can function as it should. ...

The dining room is a special place in the home. While it may not be used each and every day, it’s often where families come together to celebrate holidays, milestones and more. If you want to ensure your dining room is a worthy setting for making memories, here are several tips for designing the perfect space to share special occasions with your loved ones.  Focus on Functionality First and foremost, your dining area should be functional. That means it’s able to accommodate groups of varying sizes and can easily be accessed from the kitchen to allow for seamless entertaining. You might also want to have a wet bar nearby so you can refresh drinks without having to leave the room. Identify Focal Points When designing your dining space, it helps to know what your main focal points will be. It could be a scenic view, a grand fireplace or an artistic chandelier that catches the eye as soon as one enters. Once these have been identified, you can design around your focal points to help th...

With a well-equipped home bar, you’ll have everything you need to appease your inner mixologist. Perhaps that’s why so many luxury homeowners appreciate having this feature under their roof. From small and simple cabinets to full-fledged bars, here are several different styles that can look great in any house. Bar Cart The easiest way to add a bar area to your home is to purchase an elegant bar cart where you can put your favorite liquors and barware on display. While it may be somewhat limited in space, a unique advantage of this is that it can be moved around throughout the house, or even outside. This provides a flexible option for when the party moves from the living room into the dining room. And on warmer days, there’s no reason why you can’t bring it onto the terrace for a poolside beverage. Wet Bar For those who take their mixology seriously, you may want to upgrade to a wet bar that’s equipped with a sink, counter space, cabinets and maybe even a few more features. Under-count...