Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

Carpet experiences many forms of abuse on a daily basis. People and pets walk on it, furniture legs get scraped on it and all sorts of foods and beverages can get spilled on it.  Carpets can begin to show signs of wear after just a few years. You can have your carpets professionally cleaned, rearrange furniture so the carpet wears more evenly or use area rugs to cover up trouble spots, but you may eventually realize that it’s time to install new carpeting. Stains If something is spilled on a carpet and you act quickly, you may be able to prevent a stain. If a spill isn’t cleaned right away, however, a stain can set in and can be difficult to remove. Carpet cleaning products and DIY methods may not remove stains from the padding beneath the carpet, making things worse in the long run. Moisture Damage If your house has a leaky pipe or roof, water can damage your carpets. You may be able to handle minor damage yourself or hire a professional to take care of it. If the carpet is soaked...

If the siding on your house is damaged, or if you’re tired of the way it looks and think it may be time to make an upgrade, consider replacing it with wood siding. Like all forms of siding, wood has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some important things you should know to figure out if wood siding is right for you. Benefits of Wood Siding Many homeowners select wood siding because of its beautiful and timeless appearance. You can choose from a variety of wood species, as well as shingles, shakes, clapboard and other types of siding. Wood siding can be stained or painted in a wide range of colors, and a clear sealer or semi-transparent stain can highlight the unique characteristics of the wood. Wood siding is also known for being durable. If you decide to go with wood siding, the species you select and how well you maintain it will influence how long it will last. If the wood gets damaged, it will be easier to fix than some other types of siding. One or a handful of wood shing...

If you open the door to your shed and find insects lurking inside, you may feel a sense of panic. Insects can cause serious damage, but there are ways to get rid of them and keep them from coming back. Eliminate Bugs From Your Shed There are several types of products that you can use to get rid of insects. If you know what type of bugs are in your shed, look for a product that’s designed to deal with that species of insect.  Use an insecticide inside the shed to get rid of any insects that are currently there. Apply it around the perimeter of the structure to keep other bugs from being drawn to it and creating a problem in the future. If you have kids or pets, look for an insecticide that won’t be harmful to them or find a way to keep them away from the shed so they don’t get sick. Make the Shed Unappealing to Insects Insects are often attracted to sheds because there is food inside. If you use your shed to store pet food, grass seed or anything else that could be a source of food ...

If you’re frustrated by high heating bills, or if some parts of your house are colder than others, heated flooring may be the solution. Radiant floor heating can maintain a more consistent temperature, but it’s not right for every home or situation. What Is Radiant Floor Heating? Radiant heating warms the floor in a room, unlike a forced-air system, which warms the air. A radiant heating system can eliminate temperature fluctuations that can make you feel warm in one area and cold in another.  The temperature in your home is often controlled via thermostat. If you install a radiant heating system, you may be able to set your thermostat to a lower temperature and still feel comfortable because the house won’t have some areas that are colder than others. Since radiant heating systems don’t use a furnace, they are quiet. They don’t use air ducts and vents, which means they can’t spread allergens throughout a house. They’re also more energy efficient than other types of heating systems...

Attics often get cold in the winter and unbearably hot in the summer. If you’re thinking about finishing your attic to use it as a spare bedroom, playroom or home office, you’ll need to figure out how to regulate the temperature.  Use the Right Type and Amount of Insulation Insulation reduces the amount of heat transfer between the rest of the house and the attic. If your attic has extreme temperature fluctuations, it may benefit from additional insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy has divided the United States into zones so that homeowners can choose the type of insulation that’s suitable for their climate. Visit a local home improvement store to find out which zone your home is in and to get advice on the type and amount of insulation to use in your attic.  Prevent Air Leakage Gaps around windows and damaged window frames can lead to drafts. Air leakage can make the attic cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Check for any areas where drafts may occur and use caulk ...

Some types of flooring can attract contaminants, such as dust, mold and pet dander, that can affect human health. In addition, some flooring materials release chemical particles known as volatile organic compounds. Other household products, such as furniture, curtains, counters, cabinets and paint, release VOCs into the air, but flooring has more of an impact on indoor air quality than other sources because it covers a much larger amount of surface space. This is why your choice of flooring is so important when it comes to the quality of the air your family breathes. Which Types of Flooring are the Best and Worst for Indoor Air Quality? Carpet fibers can trap pollutants, such as dust and pet dander. Even frequent vacuuming and carpet cleaning can’t remove all those substances. Some carpets also emit volatile organic compounds, and carpet that is exposed to water can harbor mold. Those contaminants can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. If someone in your family has allergies...

Summer is in full swing, which means warmer temperatures outside and indoors. If you struggle to keep your home cool in the warmer months, or your electricity bills are astronomical because you run the air conditioner all day, you may want to consider the following. Keep Sunlight Out Window coverings, such as thermal curtains or shades and blackout curtains, can reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home and keep it cooler during the hottest parts of the day. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day, especially on windows that face south and west. You can also use insulated window film to keep heat from pouring into the house. If one part of your house tends to get a lot of sun and there is nothing to block the sunlight, you can plant trees or bushes. Another option is to install awnings outside the windows. Seal Up the House to Control Airflow The average home has lots of small cracks and leaks around windows, door frames, skylights and other locations that let hot outdo...

Low water pressure can be frustrating and too much pressure can waste water and wear out plumbing components. You may be able to figure out the reason for the problem yourself, but solving it might require the help of a plumber. Check the Water Pressure The water pressure in a house should usually be in the range of 45 to 55 psi. A pressure greater than 80 psi can waste water and energy and can damage faucets, appliances, seals, water heaters and water softeners. If you get a low pressure reading, there may be an old and worn-out pressure-reducing valve on the water main, or the shutoff valve may not be open all the way. Investigate the Source of the Problem Ask your neighbors if they have low water pressure. If they do, the local authority may be delivering water at a lower-than-optimal pressure. Contact the water department to find out if they can fix the problem.  If the local authority will not raise the water pressure, you can install a pressure booster. That can also help if ...

Figuring out how much lighting you need outside your house and where to place light fixtures can be tricky. Too little lighting can create a safety hazard and can make your home a target for burglars, but too much lighting can make your yard so bright that it annoys the neighbors and makes your electricity bills sky high. Why Outdoor Lighting is Important  Adequate lighting can prevent accidents that could injure you, your family or your guests. A well-lit yard can also deter burglars. Exterior lights can allow you to enjoy your outdoor spaces after dark and improve your home’s curb appeal by drawing attention to focal points that you want to emphasize. If you plan to sell your house, the aesthetics and safety can help attract a buyer. Types of Lights to Use and Where to Put Them A lantern near the mailbox or two lights on either side of the driveway entrance can help people find your house. If you have a relatively short driveway, there is no need to light up its entire length sin...

Kitchen design is always a favorite topic among luxury homeowners. While we often pay close attention to materials used throughout, from appliances to cabinets to countertops, the floors tend to get overlooked. If you want a surface that boasts the perfect combination of durability and style in your kitchen, here are several excellent flooring options for any cooking space. Porcelain Tile Porcelain tile is a hard wearing material that holds up well in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Perhaps even more important, however, is the fact that it’s nonporous and won’t absorb liquids, making it easy to clean up the inevitable spills that happen in this part of the home. Plus, it can come in a variety of styles, such as a veined marble pattern or even “wood look” tile that mimics the appearance of hardwood floors. Oak Of course, some homeowners prefer the look and feel of having real hardwood floors in the kitchen. In that case, you may want to consider oak, as this type of wood is excepti...

Not many people love to clean, and among those rare tidy people that find the task soothing, few want to spend hours on end getting a specific cleaning job done. This means that for the rest of us—the ones who don’t find doing the dishes to be an act of meditation—spending hours on a chore can make the job unbearable. To combat this, take a note from the neat and tidy people in your life and follow these tips to make cleaning a painless habit rather than a tedious chore. Wipe Your Bathroom Counters Nightly From stuck-on hairspray to mysteriously far-traveling toothpaste spots, your bathroom counters can get grimy fast. Instead of spending precious minutes scrubbing layers of grime off your counters occasionally, incorporate a quick wipe-down in your nightly routine. A fast swipe of a cleaning rag or disposable wipe after you’ve brushed your teeth is all it takes to keep your counters spotless. Put Away Your Dishes Each Morning Letting dirty dishes pile up can cause unpleasant smells an...

If your home has brick walls behind drywall, or if you’ve bought a house with brick interior walls, you may be wondering if it’s a good idea to leave brick exposed. Like other home design options, it has pros and cons. Aesthetics An exposed brick wall is a relatively uncommon feature that can serve as a focal point. Many people find exposed brick attractive and inviting. The texture of brick can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Since each brick is unique, an exposed brick wall can add character and visual interest to a room. If you plan to sell your house in the future, an exposed brick wall may make it appealing to buyers who are looking for something a little different.  Old brick walls are usually red, although their color can fade over time. Newer brick walls may be other colors. You can paint a brick wall, but if you don’t like the new color, it will be hard to remove paint without damaging the wall.  Although brick walls are attractive, they can be hard to decorat...

Basements tend to be places where things that are seldom used get put when people don’t know where else to put them. That can lead to a cluttered and disorganized mess. If it’s been years since you cleaned and organized your basement, here are some tips to help you tackle the project. Figure Out What’s Down There and What to Do With It When you start looking through your basement, you may find lots of things that you forgot you owned. It will take time to sift through it all. Divide the basement into sections and bring in someone to help you so it doesn’t feel so overwhelming.  As you go through items in the basement, figure out what to keep, what to sell or donate, and what to discard. Create areas for each category so you can keep things organized and move items out of the basement as needed.  When you come across belongings that have sentimental value, ask yourself if it makes sense to hold on to them. Things like family photos are obviously worth keeping, but toys that you...

Paints come in several sheens, or levels of shine. Paint with a higher sheen is shinier and more durable. From highest to lowest level of sheen, paint types fall into the following categories: high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell and flat/matte. The higher the sheen, the higher the cost per gallon.  Key Differences Between Paint Types  High-gloss paint has a shiny finish that reflects light. It is durable and is the easiest type of paint to clean, which makes it a good choice for high-traffic areas and places that kids touch frequently, such as the kitchen, walls and doors. Semi-gloss paint is less shiny than high-gloss paint, but it still has a sleek appearance. It’s durable and easy to clean, however, it is more likely to show blemishes. Semi-gloss paint works well in areas with a lot of traffic and moisture and is a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and cabinets. Satin paint has a soft appearance. It’s easy to clean, but it’s less shiny than semi-gloss paint, and appli...

You don’t need gallons and gallons of paint to make a stylish transformation to your space. In fact, the smallest pops of color can make the biggest impacts. With these simple, yet powerful paint projects, you can transform your space in a short period of time and for little cost.    Kitchen Island  If you have a kitchen island, you can create a unique look in no time. Consider painting the bottom of your island a different color than the rest of your kitchen cabinets. For visual interest, choose a color that contrasts with the rest of your kitchen. If you have white cabinets, go for a deeper shade, like navy blue or forest green. Whatever color you choose, be sure to finish it with a semi-gloss paint for easy cleaning of marks and scuffs. Pair with new hardware or finish with stylish bar stools to complete your new look. Doors and Doorways Front doors, specifically exterior-facing, often see more color options than any other door in the home. But why limit your colo...

To grow your own fruits and vegetables, you don’t need a greenhouse or large outdoor garden. In fact, you can enjoy homegrown foods from the comfort of your kitchen! Other than those veggies, like carrots that have deep roots, anything with a shallow root system can be grown right on your countertop or on the windowsill. Try growing these seven fruits and vegetables indoors, and enjoy them year round.  Lettuce Because of the shallow root system, lettuce is a great option to grow indoors. They do not require large pots, and while inside, you no longer need to worry about those munching little bunnies. All different varieties, such as bibb, leaf and romaine, can be grown from seeds or pre-planted pots.  Peppers Small peppers, such as chilis and jalapeños, are perfect for indoor gardening, as long as they have a sunny place to live and grow. Peppers are perfect for creating your own hot sauces, using as garnish or drying out and mixing into homemade seasonings. Be sure to plant p...

With people shopping online more than ever, it comes as no surprise that this tech platform has become ubiquitous within the real estate industry. From millennials to boomers, homebuyers of all ages and demographics are starting their home search from the comfort of their own computer or mobile devices. Taking into account that more listings than ever offer virtual and 3D home tours, there is so much information available online that buyers depend on. Here are four tips for starting your home search online and finding your perfect home from wherever you are. Check the Right Websites House-hunting online wouldn’t be possible without websites like Homes.com, Trulia and Realtor.com. With certain research tools available, such as searching by location, price point, number of bedrooms and more, you have the ability to find exactly what you are looking for. Also, with 3D tours, 360-degree room views and aerial drone footage of the property and neighborhood available, it is easier than ever t...

Credit card debt can strain your monthly budget and may keep you from achieving other goals, such as buying a house or a car. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by credit card bills and want to pay them off, here are some tips. Know Where You Stand Before you can tackle your debt, you need to know how much you owe and how much you’re being charged for interest. Gather your most recent credit card statements and make a list of the balance and interest rate for each card. That information will help you prioritize debt and make a plan. Figure Out Which Debt to Tackle First If you try to pay off all your credit card balances at the same time, you may feel overwhelmed and think your situation is hopeless. Instead, focus on paying off one credit card at a time.  Paying off the card with the highest interest rate first can save you a significant amount in the long run. Put as much money as possible toward that balance each month and make minimum payments on your other cards. Once you’ve paid o...

A pool can make your backyard more inviting and give family members a place to relax, socialize and get some exercise. A pool can also be expensive, even after the installation process is complete, since it can increase the amount you’ll have to pay in property taxes. A Pool Can Increase Your Home’s Value Property taxes are based on a home's assessed value, which is based on its size, condition, amenities and location. If you add an in-ground pool to your property, it will increase your home’s value because it’s a permanent structure. The same is not true of an above-ground pool. The tax assessor may estimate your home’s value based on how much it would be likely to sell for in the current market, how much it would cost to rebuild it if it were destroyed or how much you could earn by renting it out. Sometimes tax assessors use a combination of two or more of these methods.  If you install a pool in your yard and most other homes don’t have one, the pool may raise your home’s value ...

Moving is stressful for adults under the best of circumstances. For a toddler, it can be confusing and overwhelming. The reactions of a young child who doesn’t understand what’s going on can make the process of moving more difficult for the entire family. Anticipating how your toddler is likely to be feeling and taking steps to help your little one cope can make moving easier on everyone. Explain What’s Going to Happen in a Way Your Child Can Understand Tell your toddler where you’re going to live and what the new house is like. Talk about things that will be the same and things that will be different (i.e., new school, new friends, possibly different weather conditions, etc.). The more kids know what to expect, the less they tend to wonder and worry. Invite your child to ask questions and answer them to the best of your ability. It may be helpful to read children’s books about moving. Stories can help your toddler better understand and prepare for the upcoming changes. Involve Your Ch...

You don’t need gallons and gallons of paint to make a stylish transformation to your space. In fact, the smallest pops of color can make the biggest impacts. With these simple, yet powerful paint projects, you can transform your space in a short period of time and for little cost.    Kitchen Island  If you have a kitchen island, you can create a unique look in no time. Consider painting the bottom of your island a different color than the rest of your kitchen cabinets. For visual interest, choose a color that contrasts with the rest of your kitchen. If you have white cabinets, go for a deeper shade, like navy blue or forest green. Whatever color you choose, be sure to finish it with a semi-gloss paint for easy cleaning of marks and scuffs. Pair with new hardware or finish with stylish bar stools to complete your new look. Doors and Doorways Front doors, specifically exterior-facing, often see more color options than any other door in the home. But why limit your colo...

For the avid golfer, a few hours out on the links is never enough. After all, it requires the utmost practice and skill in order to keep your game sharp. If you’re among the many who have devoted countless hours to this beloved pastime, you may want to consider adding these golf-specific features to your home. Putting Green One of the best ways to lower your golf score is a backyard putting green. All you’ll need is a few minutes of free time to step outside and hone your short game each day without having to go all the way to the golf club. Depending on how much space you have, you can incorporate different breaks and practice from varying distances right in your backyard. Chipping Area Of course, if you’re going to add a putting green, then why not include a chipping area as well? Whether you want to improve your backspin or include a bunker that you can practice hitting out of, there are endless possibilities to turn your yard into a golfer’s paradise.  Golf Simulator If you don...

If there is one thing the global pandemic has left us with, it’s the realization that home is where the heart is. Millions of Americans have been on the move in search of more space or amenities. But millions more are seizing the moment to upgrade the homes they live in. Here are five of the most popular backyard projects with tips on costs and installation. Landscape Design  -  Since the pandemic began, there has been soaring interest in gardening across the board. Now, many homeowners are seeking a more pleasing design. Experts say the average landscape project in the U.S. will cost between $1,000 and $5,800. Fence and Gate Installation  -  While some are more than ready to invite people in, most people want boundaries as well, and the installation of gates and fences is the second most popular yard project. For many, the big decision is whether to use wood or vinyl. Since the lumber shortage has caused soaring wood prices, the gap in cost between them is narrow, p...

There’s no better way to infuse energy into your home than with a few houseplants. Of course, with so many options to choose from, picking the right plants for each space can be a little overwhelming. To help simplify your life, here are the perfect plants for every room in your home. Foyer: Peace Lilies  Because it’s said to represent good luck and prosperity, the peace lily is an ideal plant to decorate the entryway of your home and greet visitors with. Its glossy leaves and white flowers provide an elegant focal point and, perhaps best of all, peace lilies are touted for their ability to purify the air.  Kitchen: Aloe Vera An aloe vera plant can look great in any part of the home, but chances are you’ll benefit the most from having it in your kitchen. Should you burn your hand on a hot frying pan or get a small cut while dicing vegetables, you can break off a small piece of aloe vera and apply it directly to your skin for relief. Living Room: Fiddle Leaf Fig The fiddle leaf...

If you’re like many homeowners, your electric bill takes up a significant portion of your monthly income. There are several steps you can take to reduce your energy usage that will take very little time and will have little or no impact on your day-to-day life. Make Your Fridge More Efficient Check the recommended temperatures for your refrigerator and freezer, and compare them to your current settings. You may be able to save money by raising the temperature settings a few degrees and still keep your food cold enough.  Another way to reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses is to keep it full. Food can act as insulation to help the refrigerator regulate its temperature and use less electricity.  Many homeowners don’t clean their refrigerator coils. When coils are covered with dirt and dust, the appliance can’t work efficiently. Cleaning your refrigerator’s coils regularly can help it use less energy and save you money. Minimize Your Energy Usage When Washing Dishes ...

When it comes to repairs on your home, it can be hard to strike a balance between trying to save and making sure you’re getting the job done safely and effectively. This can be especially true with electrical and plumbing projects. Here are some DIY-friendly projects you can tackle. Install a Dishwasher or Toilet Installation projects will certainly cause you to work up a sweat, but thankfully, they don’t require you to rack up a lot of coins for a professional. The hardest part of installing a dishwasher or toilet is likely just the process of moving it to its designated spot. Most installations are fairly seamless as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and have a basic amount of handyman skills. If you’re needing a step-by-step guide, you’re likely to find instructions for your exact make and model with a quick search on YouTube. Prep Your Pipes During the cold winter months, exposed pipes can prove problematic. At best, your exposed supply pipes aren’t great at preser...

Whether you hate to cook or enjoy being an at-home chef, there’s no doubt the task can come with its share of chores. Thankfully, you can make your time in the kitchen easier than ever before with the right tools. Whether you’re hoping to whip up a simple dish, or a gourmet treat, these fun and fancy kitchen tools will help you complete your tasks in no time. Fish Spatula This kitchen tool may not scream fancy, but it is an accessory often found in a professional chef’s arsenal that home cooks rarely possess. In spite of their namesake, fish spatulas can be used for far more than just fish. Their thin and flexible design can not only help you flip delicate fish but other foods that require more finesse when cooking. Mandoline If you have been chopping and slicing the old-fashioned way, you may be missing out on some big-time savings. Purchasing a small mandoline can ensure that your vegetables can be sliced as thin as you like with uniform precision. Most mandolines are even dishwasher...

If you’re hoping to get your outdoor space ready for your furry friends, there are a few important things you should consider. These tips for creating a pet-safe yard will have your property ready in no time. Provide a Perimeter Keeping your yard pet safe first requires that your outdoor space is a secure area. Provide a perimeter to ensure that your pet cannot escape from to ensure that your best friend is not in danger of getting lost or injured. Finding the best fencing for your pet means understanding your pet’s breed and abilities. For example, a large dog bred for hunting can jump higher and further than a small toy dog and will have different fencing requirements. Beware of Chemical Treatments Whether you have lawn fertilizers, weed killers or pool treatments, all chemical substances used for your yard’s care should be kept locked away from your pets. These toxic substances should also be used with care; be sure to read the instructions to understand when it is safe for humans a...