Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

When temperatures start heating up and the school year comes to an end, there’s nothing better than having a summer residence that the whole family can escape to. Of course, finding the perfect vacation home that meets all of your needs can be a daunting task. To help steer you in the right direction, here are a few tips to keep in mind when in the market for a summer home that matches your lifestyle. Focus on Outdoor Living Spaces Chances are, you want a home where the whole family can spend time outside together. That’s why a luxurious outdoor living space is one of the most important features to look for in a vacation home, but it’s necessary to consider how you’ll use it. For some, it’s all about a resort-like pool and outdoor kitchen, but others may prioritize a spacious backyard for the kids to run around and mature gardens where you can grow your favorite plants. Guest Accommodations While you might be envisioning a place where your immediate family can go for some quiet R&R...

With all the natural beauty and outdoor activities that come with it, it’s hard to beat lakeside living. Perhaps that’s why so many luxury homeowners choose to purchase a lake home for their second property. If this sounds familiar, here are a few features to keep an eye out for when looking for the ideal lakeside retreat. Private Dock If you want to take full advantage of living on the water, then having your own dock is an absolute must. Even if you don’t have a boat, a dock is perfect for all sorts of activities, like swimming, fishing or even creating a small seating area where you can take in the surrounding natural beauty. If you do have a boat, then it probably goes without saying that you’ll appreciate being able to keep it right in your backyard. Outdoor Living Space When you’re not spending time on the water, chances are you’ll still want to be outside. That’s why it’s important for the home to have thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces that can be enjoyed at all hours ...

These days, it’s all too easy to follow a simple formula when it comes to interior design. If you want your home to stand out from the rest, however, you need to get a little creative. Adding a statement wall is the perfect way to set your living space apart and infuse some personality. Here are several ways that you can do just that. Mural Commissioning an artist to paint a custom mural in your home is a surefire way to make a design statement. You can transform any room with a life-sized work of art that will instantly become the visual centerpiece and make a memorable impression on all of your guests.  Accent Color Of course, simply painting an accent wall is another option for breaking the mold. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can introduce a bright shade to energize the room or try a darker tone for a sleek and moody ambience.  Hand-Painted Wallpaper Whether it’s an elegant Chinoiserie pattern or a traditional landscape, hand-painted wallpaper is an excellent ...

Running the vacuum cleaner around your house seems like a pretty straightforward task, no?  Not according to cleaning experts. To really get a deep clean and an all-around fresher home, make sure you’re vacuuming the right way with the following hacks: Freshen up.  Carpets tend to trap odors, which may be a frequent occurrence if you have pets and/or small children. Let your vacuum do double duty as a deodorizer by first sprinkling the carpet with baking soda, then letting it sit for several hours (keep kids and pets away). This will allow the baking soda to absorb any odors. Then simply vacuum it up! Use aromatherapy.  Dip a cotton ball in your favorite essential oil, then pop it into your vacuum’s canister. This will diffuse the scent throughout your house as you vacuum. Remove dents.  If you want to rearrange your furniture, you’ll be left with dents in the carpet to contend with, left behind by the legs of the table or chair you’re moving. To undo a carpet dent, ...

Light, bright spaces not only appear to be larger than dark spaces, they also seem to make us feel happier. But not all of us live in light, sunny spaces. Designers and decorators recommend six sound tips for adding light, or the illusion of light, to help brighten your rooms and your mood:  Start With White -  Small or dark spaces are not the place to try out a dark color palette. The lighter the walls, the more light they will reflect. Start with white or a pale, neutral grey or beige wall, and if you choose a color other than white, think about painting the ceiling a shade lighter to help light bounce around the room. More Ceiling Tricks -  Blue skies brighten the world. Painting your ceiling the color of the sky can create the illusion of light. Or, paint the ceiling with a high-gloss paint to help reflect light.  Bring in Colors of the Sun -  One proven way to brighten a space is to bring in yellows, reds and oranges—the colors of the sun. You can do this w...

Gardening can serve to boost your home’s curb appeal, prove to be an enjoyable hobby and can naturally lead to gently encouraging healthy eating. Not to mention, creating your own vegetable garden can lead to food savings all season long. Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice your whole backyard to plant a wonderful garden. Evaluate Your Space Whether your home boasts a huge backyard or just a small patio, you can find a way to embrace the space only when you truly evaluate what it has to offer. Asses where in your yard you would like a garden. If your options are limited, this is even more vital. Evaluate how much direct and indirect sunlight your space gets and where. A building or tree located nearby may mean that part or all of your space is not viable for full sun plants. Decide what your space can easily cultivate. Think Outside the Planter Box Traditional garden planter boxes can make having a garden easier, but if your gardening space is limited, don’t be afraid to get creati...

Visitors notice the front door when they come to your house, but exterior doors are responsible for a lot more than just curb appeal. Your front and back doors should provide security, keep rain and drafts out, and limit the amount of noise from outside that enters your home. If an exterior door is failing in any of those regards, it’s time to replace it. The Door is Damaged or Doesn’t Fit the Frame Correctly Over time, an exterior door may become warped or cracked, paint may peel or the door may be damaged by insects. It may have one or more dents caused by objects banging against it as people entered or left.  An old door may be difficult to open and close, and may not fit well in the frame. That can be more than just a hassle. A door that’s damaged or that doesn’t close tightly can make your home vulnerable to air and water leaks, insects and burglars. If you can see light around the edges of a door when it’s shut, that means it isn’t fitting in the frame as it should. Your Util...

A new crib for your baby should be designed in a way that will minimize the risk of an accident. The crib’s design, type of bedding and its placement in the room are all important. Here are some things you should know. Types of Cribs A standard crib has slats on four sides and is durable enough to last for years. Many families use the same crib for multiple children. A convertible crib can be modified to transition from a crib to a toddler bed to a full bed as your child gets older. A convertible crib will be more expensive than a standard crib, but it can save you money in the long run since you won’t have to buy additional furniture in the future. Safe Crib Design Crib designs have changed over the years. Some features that used to be common, such as drop rails, have been found to be dangerous and are no longer permitted.  If you purchase a new crib, it should meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s current requirements. If you buy an older crib or get one as a gift, or if ...

Scratches and dents in stainless steel appliances may not affect the way they function, but your eyes, and those of your guests, may be drawn to them immediately. Fortunately, there are some relatively easy ways to address those issues. How to Fix Scratches If your stainless steel appliance has a light scratch, a non-abrasive cleaner may get rid of it. Use a damp cloth and apply liquid cleaner to it. If you’re using a powder, combine it with some water first to create a paste.  Wipe the cleaner back and forth over the scratch, in the direction of the grain, then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth. Repeat, if necessary, until the scratch is gone. Then apply some stainless steel polish or olive oil. A light coat is all you need. If that process doesn’t work, try a whitening toothpaste, which is mildly abrasive. Rub it on with a toothbrush and follow the same process as above. If your stainless steel appliance has a deep scratch, you may be able to sand it out. Lightly rub sandpape...

Moving can feel overwhelming to members of your family, but you may not realize how the controlled chaos is affecting your pet. Here are some tips to help your pet cope with the changes. Comfort Your Pet While You’re Packing Let your pet get used to boxes and other packing materials before you actually start the packing process. An animal can pick up on your emotional state and will react accordingly. While you’re packing, talk to your pet in a cheerful voice so it doesn’t get stressed out. If you feel frustrated, anxious or overwhelmed, take a break to unwind. Be sure to pet and play with the animal from time to time during the packing process. Make Your Pet Feel Safe Animals feel safe when they know what to expect. Keep your pet’s routine as consistent as possible, both before and after the move. Obviously, there will be some disruptions, but the more you can keep things the same, the smoother the transition will be. On moving day, put your pet in a safe place. If you’re moving local...

In a world dominated by technology, kids are consumed by their phones, tablets and televisions. Designating limited screen time is becoming tougher and enjoying old school, outdoor playtime has been put on the back burner. So, why not spruce up your own backyard and inspire your children to get outside and away from their screens? With these backyard upgrades, you can help your kids appreciate the great outdoors. Here are some ideas that will help everyone get outside, enjoy the sunshine and connect with nature.  Treehouse For kids, there’s almost nothing more fun, or classic, than climbing a tree. And having a hangout in the treetops makes it that much better! Let your kids decorate to their liking, making this their own nature-filled sanctuary space. You can find instructions, materials and tools to make this a DIY project at your local hardware store, or hire a pro for a more luxurious look.  Swingset A staple in almost every suburban backyard, a swingset is a great way to ...

With student debt looming and career paths constantly changing, the financial situation for a lot of young adults is tough. If your kids are in their 20s or 30s and still haven’t purchased a home, maybe you would like to help them. For those who can’t afford to give their adult children the entire cost of a home, there are options available to assist them financially in the home-buying process.   Let The Live With You...Temporarily If your children are trying to save up their paychecks for a down payment on a home, but the cost of rent and utilities are too high for any legitimate savings, invite them back home temporarily. This can relieve their financial burdens and significantly help them boost their savings quickly.  Loan Them Money If you’re financially able, you can loan your child money for a down payment, closing costs and other home-buying fees. Be sure to establish terms and conditions, as well as expectations for repayment and interest. The IRS requires that yo...

Hanging artwork is an art form in itself. Too high or too low can throw off the dimensions and design of an entire room. Whether you want a simple frame, a statement piece or a gallery wall, you want to ensure that your artwork is hung properly, securely and adds a touch of your personality and style without disrupting the room’s aesthetic. If you choose to take on this task without help from a professional, here’s some steps that can help you. Choose the Right Size Are you planning to hang a piece of artwork behind your couch or over your bed? How about down the hallway or in the kitchen? No matter where you plan to display your artwork, you want to be sure the size fits the space and everything in it, like furniture or architecture.  Plan the Positioning  One of the most important factors in interior design is planning. And this includes not only the artwork itself, but how and where you plan to hang it. Cut paper or cardboard to the same size and dimensions of your artwork....

Do you ever wake up to a foul odor in your home? From old food in the fridge to wet towels laying on the floor, there can be many reasons your home doesn’t have that fresh, clean scent. Unfortunately, lighting your favorite candle or clouding a space with room spray may not be the trick, rather just a mask. Be sure to identify the source of the smell by checking these common problem areas.  Trash Can Though this seems an obvious place to start, the stench from garbage doesn’t always just come from it’s contents. As you take out the trash regularly, spills and crumbs may build up, causing the odor to linger inside of the bin. Before you place a new garbage bag in the bin, be sure to wipe it out with a wet wipe or paper towel and a disinfectant spray. For a deeper clean, spray the bin with diluted bleach, let sit for a few hours, and wipe it out. Finish with soap and water, and enjoy the fresh scent in your kitchen.  Dishwasher If you still haven’t found the source of the stink ...

It may have taken a little longer than expected, but millennials are finally making their presence felt in the luxury real estate market. With their own tastes and preferences that are demonstrably different from past generations, it’s fair to say that they’re shaking things up and will continue to do so for years to come. Following are just a few things to know about how millennials are impacting the high-end market. Redefining the “Starter” Home High-earning millennials aren’t exactly buying your traditional “starter” home. In fact, although they may be entering the market a little later than past generations, a few extra years of saving has allowed many to go straight to the luxury sector, which has been a welcomed surprise for sellers. Leveraging Mortgage Rates Historically low mortgage rates over the last 12 months proved to be a boon for millennials, the majority of whom were entering prime years to purchase their first property. This was likely one of several catalysts that push...

It’s quite common for luxury homebuyers to look for a property that has just the right balance between luxury and natural beauty. Perhaps that’s why homes that thoughtfully blend indoor and outdoor living spaces are often in high demand. If you’re looking for a property that offers exactly this, here are a few features that can deliver the best of both worlds.   Retractable Glass Walls You can remove the barrier (literally) between the interior and exterior of your home with a retractable glass wall. This sleek, modern feature is ideal for anyone who wants to open up their living space to a fresh breeze and create a seamless connection to the terrace or backyard, while also enjoying an abundance of natural light and unobstructed views even when the glass wall is closed. Outdoor Kitchens Who said you have to spend hours inside to prepare a wholesome family dinner? Outdoor kitchens have fast become a favorite amenity for homeowners who want all of the high-end appliances found i...

Small rooms can feel cramped and uninviting. Incorporating the right paint colors and selecting appropriate light fixtures can create an optical illusion to make a tight space feel larger than it really is. How to Choose the Right Color for Your Walls Lighter colors, such as off-white and light shades of green and blue, can reflect more light than darker colors. That can help you capitalize on natural light and can make a small space seem more open. In a room that receives a large or moderate amount of natural light, painting the walls in a shade of white, light taupe, grey or pink can create an impression of space. A dark paint color can be overwhelming in a large room, but it may work perfectly in a tighter space. Using a darker color, such as charcoal or black, on the walls can make a small room seem cozy. If you decide to use a dark paint color, balance it out by incorporating furniture and accessories with lighter hues. How to Use Accent Colors to Make a Room Seem More Spacious Yo...

The transition from a baby to a toddler is an exciting process. The bedroom furniture, layout and design that worked when your child was younger may no longer be appropriate. Here are some tips to help you create a new bedroom for your toddler. Choose Furniture That’s Functional, Stylish and Safe A toddler needs a big-kid bed that sits at a safe height and has a comfortable mattress. You may be able to buy a bed that’s decorated with an image of a favorite character, that’s designed to resemble a car or that has some other feature that appeals to your child. You may also be able to take an ordinary toddler bed and modify it yourself. Avoid bunk beds due to the risk of falls and injuries. Toddlers tend to have lots of belongings, and bedrooms can get messy if there isn’t a clearly defined system to keep things organized. Use a toy box, shelves, cubbies, baskets and plastic bins to store toys, books and clothes and avoid clutter. Mark containers with pictures or colors so a child who can...

Many people have recently begun working from home, while others have been doing so for years. Some have converted a room to an office, but others were only able to carve out a workspace in a corner of a room. No matter how big or small your home office is, keeping things organized can help you find what you need when you need it and be more productive. Get Rid of Things That Don’t Belong in Your Office  It’s easy for a home office to get cluttered with objects that shouldn’t be in an office at all. Look for dishes, toys, magazines, and other things that should be in different rooms and put them where they belong. Go through documents in your home office and shred or discard ones that you don’t use now and won’t need in the future. If you have documents that you don’t use regularly but need to have access to, store them in a filing cabinet or a box in a closet or a different room. If you don’t need those documents in paper form, consider storing them digitally to save space.  C...

Trees can provide shade and privacy and can be an attractive addition to a natural landscape. They can also be problematic sometimes. If you’re thinking about planting one or more trees in your yard, be sure to place them far enough from your deck or shed to avoid issues later on. How Trees Can Damage Structures on Your Property Tree roots seek out water and often grow to a length that is much greater than a tree’s height. They may eventually extend under an existing structure, such as a shed or deck, and cause damage.  Branches that hang over a shed can scratch the roof or siding. Branches hanging above a deck can create a distraction, and possibly a safety hazard. A branch that falls due to a storm or disease can damage a shed’s roof or furniture on a deck and may injure people or pets who happen to be on the deck when the branch comes down.  Some species of trees grow fruit or acorns. They can create quite a mess if they fall on the roof of a shed or on a deck. Fallen fruit...

Recessed lights are installed in holes in the ceiling, unlike traditional light fixtures that are mounted on the ceiling and hang down. Recessed lights can use either incandescent or LED light bulbs. Lights that are powered by LED bulbs may cost more upfront, but they can save money in the long run. A recessed light fixture can be adjusted to illuminate a specific area. Recessed lights generally require little maintenance and can last for many years.  Where is Recessed Lighting a Good Choice? Since recessed lights are installed in holes in the ceiling, you may want to consider this option in an area with a low ceiling, such as a basement or attic, or a place where a hanging light fixture would be impractical or could make the space feel small. For example, you don’t want a light fixture hanging down in the shower, where it could get wet or you could bump your head on it, so a recessed light would make more sense. In a hallway, a hanging light fixture could make the space feel even ...

The colors that you see on paint cans or cards in a store may not reflect the way the paint would look on your walls under different lighting. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a few samples and test them all in your home before you make a choice. Lighting and Décor Can Impact Perception of Color The lighting in a room will influence the way you see a paint color. Even if you use the same paint and the same number of coats on each wall, the shade on one wall may look different than those on other walls depending on the way light hits each section of the room. Those differences may be more pronounced than you would expect. Natural lighting can change throughout the day, and the types of artificial lights, their locations and the brightness of the bulbs can affect the way the paint color looks. The furniture, curtains and artwork in a room can also affect your perception of paint colors and may therefore influence your choice. It’s important to take all those factors into account. How t...

The kitchen is likely a place where members of your family spend a significant amount of time. It’s used for cooking and eating, and sometimes for working and doing homework. The kitchen therefore tends to attract and accumulate a lot of clutter. Here are some tips to help you tidy your kitchen and keep things organized. Ask Yourself What Is Truly Necessary Many homeowners have all sorts of kitchen tools and appliances that they bought themselves or were given as gifts. Often, people only use a fraction of what they own and the rest may take up valuable space. Go through your kitchen and sell or donate things you don’t use. Weeding out the items that you don’t need may free up a lot of usable space that you can use to more effectively organize what you have left.  Assign a Home to Everything That Belongs in the Kitchen The kitchen tends to be a place where people put things down when they come home. Your kitchen is a place to store items that you use for cooking and eating. It’s no...

If you need more space for a growing family or would like room to spread out, you don’t necessarily have to move. If your home has an attic, you may be able to convert it to a bedroom. Pros of an Attic Conversion When you need more space, building an addition is an option, but it can reduce the amount of space in the yard. If you convert your attic to a bedroom, it won’t change the overall footprint of your home. Remodeling your attic can be cheaper and less disruptive than moving. An attic conversion may cost tens of thousands of dollars, but that may be a good deal compared to the cost of buying and moving to a new house. Having contractors come and go for weeks may be inconvenient, but it will be easier on your children than moving to another town, leaving their friends behind and starting over at a new school. If two of your kids have been sharing a room, but they’re craving privacy now that they’re older, converting the attic to a bedroom may be the best solution. Creating a bedro...

The luxury real estate market has been booming throughout much of the country lately and one unavoidable takeaway is that more buyers are looking for turnkey homes than ever before. For many, the advantages of moving into a property that’s already finished to the highest standards are worth paying top dollar for. Here are just a few reasons why this trend will continue for the foreseeable future. Construction and Appliance Shortages For starters, far-ranging shortages of construction materials and home appliances make it increasingly difficult to build your dream house these days. Rather than dealing with inevitable delays and compromises throughout the process, purchasing a turnkey residence is far more desirable, even if it means having to navigate a seller’s market with short supply. Immediacy is Everything For today’s buyers, the ability to move in immediately is a major draw that trumps all else. Fewer people are open to the idea of taking on a long-term renovation or restoration ...