Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

It’s that time of year again when harried Americans are gathering tax forms, digging up receipts and dreading what they may owe Uncle Sam this year—or dreaming about how they will spend their refund. Either way, you may find some diversion in a few of the facts behind the tax. You Can Blame Lincoln  -  Honest Abe is best known for ending slavery, but the Civil War came at a cost—Lincoln paid the bill in part by instituting the first national income tax, a flat 3% for any American earning more than $800 a year (about $18,000 in today’s money.) The Revenue Tax Act of 1964, which turned out to be fairly tough to collect on, did withstand a Supreme Court Challenge but was repealed by Congress in 1872.  It Moved in to Stay  -  The plan for more efficient national taxation bobbled around for a while in various iterations, but the 16th Amendment made it official in 1913. In its first year, fewer than 1% of Americans paid an income tax at the rate of about 1% of income....

When we think of getting fit, the first thing that often comes to mind is cardio and heavy weight training. While these can be great ways to stay active, they aren’t always the best option.  There are infinite ways to move your body to build strength and endurance. If the weight room just isn’t for you, try one of these fun alternatives to work towards improving your overall health and happiness.  Yoga This practice provides an abundance of benefits for the entirety of your wellbeing. Yoga is a great way to improve strength, flexibility and mindfulness. If an in-person class seems a little intimidating, there are plenty of online resources that allow you to practice yoga from the comfort of your own home.  Swimming An alternative to running, swimming is a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular health without damaging your joints. This low-impact option is perfect for those who are recovering from injury.  Rock Climbing  This low-impact activity is a fun wa...

We want the best for our children, and their birthdays are the perfect time to show them how much we care. Most parents want to throw them a fun-filled party that they’ll cherish forever. Try one of these unique themes to make your little one’s special day extra special this year! Holiday Celebration Pick the best part of each holiday for the ultimate celebration! Post up decorations from every time of year to transform your house into a holiday haven.  Start the party with an unconventional Easter egg hunt. Follow it up with sparklers and poppers outside to celebrate like it’s Independence Day. Next, lay out costume pieces for a DIY Halloween costume contest. Feed those hungry little bellies with a delicious Thanksgiving meal, followed by a goofy white elephant gift exchange. Finally, finish the party with a good ol’ New Years style celebration with a countdown to blowing out their candles. Battle of the Bands Throw it back to the golden age of rock and roll! Split your guests int...

If it feels like food prices are out of control, you are not imagining it. Consumer prices through December 2021 increased by 7%, the largest annual climb since 1982. Here are seven money-saving strategies you can use now to help reduce your tab at the grocery store. Don’t Wing It  -  Planning ahead is the only way to resist tossing too much stuff into your shopping cart. Plan your meals for the week, make a list of what you need and force yourself to stick to the list.  Download Store Apps  -  Know what’s on sale before you plan your meals and take advantage of digital and loyalty deals. Max Out on Sale Prices  -  When pasta, bread or other shelf-stable or freezable items are at super-low prices, buy one to use now and two to use later. Buy Reduced  -  Keep an eye out for those yellow labels in the meat and produce departments. They typically are on foods that are near their expiration date. But those meats frozen now will be fine when thawe...

Your kitchen counter stools can be the finishing touch for your kitchen that pulls the whole design together. Whether they are upholstered, leather or rattan, every counter stool style lends a different look and feel. One of the most essential elements of selecting a kitchen counter stool is ensuring correct measurements. Read on to learn more about measuring kitchen counter stools and how to choose the best set for your kitchen. Select the Seat Height The first step is selecting the right height for your kitchen island. You should allow nine to 13 inches between the seat and the counter to sit on the seat comfortably. As you search for kitchen counter stools, you may wonder about the difference between counter stools and bar stools. Counter stools are shorter than bar stools, as counter stools fit under a kitchen counter and bar stools are meant to fit under a bar. Counter stool seats range from 24 to 29 inches high, whereas a bar stool seat measures 29 to 32 inches high. Assess the F...

If that $4 cup of coffee you stop for every morning really seems to start your day off right, it may be worth what you’re spending. But if it’s just a habit, think how much you’d save if you brewed that cup of joe at home and took it with you in a reusable container. And if spending less and saving more is high on your to-do list, here are seven other spending habits that may be useless expenses that you can cut out immediately. Smartphone Upgrades  -  Trading up to the newest model each year will not necessarily give you vastly better features, but it will almost undoubtedly involve another upfront cost and perhaps a longer commitment.  Expensive Haircuts  -  Consider how much you’re spending now on basic haircuts and color. Switching from a luxury salon to a less expensive shop could save you hundreds of dollars a year, and leave you just as happy. Movies Out  -  The average cost of a movie ticket today is more than nine bucks a pop, plus the cost of...

Basements tend to be damp spaces. The paint that you used in your living room or bedroom won’t be appropriate for an environment with a higher level of humidity.  You need to use waterproof paint in your basement to keep condensation from forming between the concrete and drywall and to keep mold and mildew from growing in the basement. If your basement has concrete walls, waterproof paint can reduce the amount of moisture that seeps through the walls.  Types of Waterproof Paint Latex paint dries fast and produces less of an odor than some other forms of paint. It’s long lasting and less likely to crack or peel than some other types of paint. Latex also gives walls an attractive finish.  Epoxy is a durable and stain-resistant paint that resists cracking, peeling and other forms of damage. It has a satin finish and is easy to clean.  Acrylic paint is another option, although it’s not as durable as some other types of paint. It may work in an unfinished basement, but it...

Wildfires have become increasingly common in Western states, but they can and do happen in other regions. A fire can also start with an accident at a neighbor’s house, an explosion, a car crash or some other type of event.  Once a fire starts, it can spread quickly and engulf buildings nearby. Getting rid of flammable materials and objects in your yard can reduce the risk that your house will go up in flames if a fire starts at another location and spreads. Focus on the Area Near Your House Eliminate flammable materials from an area about five feet around your house. Clean your gutters to get rid of dry leaves, sticks and other debris that could catch fire. Gutter guards can keep a lot of debris out of your gutters and reduce the amount of cleanup required.  Remove other organic materials, such as leaves, pine needles and mulch, that could easily catch fire. You can use stone or another flame-resistant material instead of wood or bark mulch. Trim trees near your house to preve...

Are you bored looking at the same old decor around your house? Maybe it’s time for a change. If a slim budget is holding you back from updating your space, here are six ideas to help refresh your home that will cost about $100 or less. Wallpaper a Nook  -  For a big impact at a low cost, wallpaper a reading nook, an alcove or a study space. Today’s fantastic wallpapers range from retro florals to zingy geometrics, and at less than $15 a roll in the discount bins at your favorite home store, it’s a statement you can afford to make. Create a Sticker Backsplash  -  If tile is too expensive, consider a backsplash made of peel and stick, waterproof stickers. Just peel and apply them to a clear, flat surface. At a cost of $30 or less for 16 stickers, you can bring a whole new look to your kitchen. Highlight Your Front Door  -  Choose a stand-out paint color that says ‘Welcome.’ Add a jazzy new house number, a cool door mat and, if the budget will allow it, a brig...

When you’re planning to put your home on the market, you have to look at it through the eyes of potential buyers. Things that don’t bother you, or things that used to bother you, but you got used to, can be immediate turn offs for buyers. Replacing light fixtures can make your house more appealing. Replace Fixtures That are Broken or Outdated Buyers will notice light fixtures that don’t work and may come away with a negative impression of your house as a whole. A broken light fixture can be more than an inconvenience; in some cases, it can be a symptom of a serious electrical problem. Buyers may wonder if the house has other maintenance issues that were overlooked. Sometimes light fixtures work fine, but they’re relics of a bygone era. Lighting that was stylish when it was installed may now make your house look dated. If that’s the case, replacing those fixtures with more modern or timeless ones can make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.  Think About Energy Efficienc...

If you’re planning to buy a home, you may be eligible for help with closing fees. That can allow you to take out a smaller mortgage or purchase a more expensive house than you would have otherwise been able to afford.  How Do Closing Cost Assistance Programs Work? Each state has programs that provide homebuyers with funds that can be used for a down payment and/or closing costs. State and local housing commissions receive authorization from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to offer assistance. In some cases, nonprofit organizations and mortgage lenders have their own financial assistance programs. The amounts available and eligibility requirements vary by state.  Aid can take several forms. Some programs provide grants or forgivable loans that don’t have to be repaid, as long as the buyer lives in the house for a minimum number of years. If the homeowner sells the house or refinances the loan before that period of time has elapsed, the owner may have to rep...

If you don’t have a garage, or you have one that isn’t large enough to hold all of your family’s vehicles, you may park on your driveway on a regular basis. Under some circumstances, that can cause damage, particularly if the driveway has already been damaged or weakened by another issue. Too Much Weight Can Damage Your Driveway Excessive weight can cause a driveway to crack and potholes to form. A large vehicle, such as a camper or a truck that holds tools and equipment used for work, can cause damage to a driveway if it’s parked there for an extended period of time. Delivery trucks, moving trucks and multiple vehicles can also damage a driveway.  If you own a camper, a large truck or van that carries a heavy load, or another type of heavy vehicle, park it on the street instead of in your driveway. Avoid parking multiple vehicles on the driveway at the same time. If you have guests, encourage them to park on the street, if possible.  Snow Tires Can Cause Holes in Your Drivewa...

Bed frames and mattresses can be among the most difficult items to move from one house to another. Here are some tips to simplify the process and prevent damage and injuries. Don’t Try to Go It Alone A mattress, headboard and pieces of a bed frame can be heavy, bulky and difficult for one person to carry. Get someone to help so you don’t injure yourself and/or damage your bedding or your home.  Protect the Mattress If you have a spring mattress, don’t fold it. That can make it uncomfortable to sleep on and can even ruin the mattress. If you fold a memory foam or latex mattress, it will return to its previous shape without damage. Use a mattress bag to protect it from dirt, dust, scrapes and other sources of damage. Have one person hold the mattress and the other slide the bag over it. Tape the ends shut. If you find any holes or tears, tape those areas. Move the Mattress Safely Before you begin to transport the mattress to the moving truck, make sure you have a clear path. To lift ...

If you’re building a house, or if you already own a home and you’re planning to remodel the kitchen, you will most likely be shopping for appliances. You may be wondering if you should purchase appliances that match in terms of color and brand, or if it matters. It isn’t necessary to have matching appliances, but consistency can give your kitchen a harmonious look—and it may even save you money. Create a Consistent Design Scheme Mixing and matching appliances isn’t always a no-no, but it can be a distraction. Even if the kitchen has other beautiful, stylish elements, people’s eyes may be drawn to the mismatched appliances. To a potential buyer, appliances in different colors may be a turnoff. If all of your appliances are the same color, on the other hand, they will fit together and make the kitchen seem cohesive.  If you decide to match your appliances by color, they don’t necessarily have to come from the same manufacturer. White, black and stainless steel are the most popular co...

Homeowners insurance coverage isn’t always clear and straightforward. Insurance companies have rules and guidelines, but they look at cases individually and consider specific factors. When it comes to rodent damage, repairs may or may not be covered, depending on the source of the problem and whether it could have been prevented. Insurance Won’t Cover Rodent Damage Attributed to Neglect Homeowners insurance typically covers damage that occurs accidentally or suddenly. Rodent damage generally occurs over a period of time and can usually be dealt with before it becomes serious.  As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to perform routine maintenance on your property or to hire others to do so. The way insurance companies look at it, if you take care of your house, either rodents won’t cause damage or an issue will be detected quickly and addressed before it becomes a major problem.  If you file an insurance claim for rodent damage and an adjuster determines that the problem occ...

Packing up your belongings and getting ready to move can be stressful. If your kids are nervous about the move, that can complicate things. Getting them involved in the preparations can calm their nerves, give them a sense of control and help them feel emotionally invested in the idea of moving to a new home. Let Your Kids Decide What to Keep and What to Donate You’ve probably accumulated a lot of belongings that you haven’t used in a while and won’t need in the future. Before you move to a new house, it’s a good idea to go through each room and closet and decide what to take with you and what to throw away, sell or donate. That way, you won’t have to pay a moving company to transport things you won’t use, and you won’t have to worry about those items cluttering up your new house. Explain this to your kids. Have them go through their rooms to figure out which toys, stuffed animals, books and clothes to take to the new house, and which items to donate to children in need.  This can ...

When potential buyers look at your home, they will immediately notice the condition of the flooring. If it makes a bad impression, buyers may decide that the house isn’t for them, no matter how attractive and updated the rest of it is. If you’re thinking about selling your home and it has hardwood flooring that’s scratched and worn, you would be wise to have it refinished before listing the property. Make a Good First Impression Having hardwood floors refinished can cost thousands of dollars, but it will be money well spent. If buyers see freshly refinished hardwood flooring, they will assume that if you took care of the floors, you most likely did a good job caring for the rest of the house. Seeing a house with damaged or worn hardwood floors can create the opposite impression in buyers’ minds.  Give Your Floors More Universal Appeal Not all hardwood flooring finishes appeal to everyone. If you love the color of your floors, but it may not be a popular choice for others, you can h...

Your washer and dryer can make your chores easier, but a good set can be a sizable investment. To keep your clothes in their best shape, you must keep your washer and dryer in their top form. Your washer and dryer may do the cleaning, but it too needs a little help from time to time. These tips will help you clean your washer and dryer to keep it in its best form. Clean Your Washer There are a plethora of DIY solutions to keep your washer clean, many involve white vinegar. You can use a natural DIY alternative or stick to the tried-and-true store-bought options. Keep in mind, if you have a new high-efficiency washer, you may want to research if a DIY option is safe for your model. Washer cleaning pods are easily purchased and you simply have to pop them in your washing machine, set your machine on the cleaning setting and let it do its work. Leave Your Washer Lid Open Front-loading washers use a tight seal to keep water in during the washing cycle. This means that any excess moisture g...

The cold season is upon us, and for many, that means a high heating bill. This season, don’t choose between a toasty home and your pocketbook. Savvy heating tips can help you keep warm without sacrificing your cash; follow these ideas to save and stay warm this year. Weatherproof Sealing windows and doors can keep your heating and cooling bills down all year long. This DIY task may require some elbow grease, but it will certainly mean savings down the road. If you’re really looking to save, consider hiring a contractor to test your ducts’ tightness and repair any links. This can save you more than 25-30% of heating costs in an average home. Keep Your Heater Working Smarter A smart thermometer can keep your heater working smarter, not harder. A step above a simple timer system, a smart thermometer can ensure that you’re only heating your home when necessary. Set it to only heat while you’re home, and it will automatically keep your home’s temperature in an eco setting. You can even remo...

The teenage years are full of highlights and their fair share of strife. Giving your teen a safe and fun space to relax and unwind can be key as they navigate these years. Creating the perfect teen bedroom will look different for each child, but there are a few tips that can help you as you begin. Keep It Simple Gone are the days of over-the-top themes. As your teen grows, their interests will change and expand quickly—particularly if they get caught in the wave of the next new trend. An overtly themed room will quickly appear childish and will not grow with your teen.  Color Block Teen rooms don’t benefit from direct themes the way that young children’s rooms will, but that doesn't mean your teen’s room needs to be boring and look like an adult’s abode. Consider bold swatches of color in the form of color blocking. This will give a youthful and fun appearance to the room while keeping it simple and sophisticated enough for a growing teen. Use Bold Patterns Neutral colors and a sma...

Luxury kitchen appliances take a fully functional kitchen to an epicurious destination fit for a gourmet chef. From wi-fi refrigerators to under-counter beverage centers, adorning your kitchen with all the bells and whistles will make preparing everything from feasts to snacks a breeze. So whether you prefer to serve six-course seated dinners or are always preparing snacks in between picks and drop offs, the following appliances will make it all feel easier. Read on for the leading chef-inspired kitchen appliances. Sub-Zero Refrigerator Drawers These refrigerator drawers turn any drawer into a refrigerator. They are panel ready, meaning they can seamlessly integrate into your existing cabinetry, giving you additional refrigerator space throughout your kitchen, or even your family room, bedroom, basement and beyond. They open and close silently with soft-close technology, lock in cold air for freshness and have a high-humidity crisper. Installing a refrigerator drawer for produce close ...

A visit to the dollar store is a little like a treasure hunt, and it’s easy to load up your basket. But consumer advisors note that while some items at these discount stores are well worth stocking up on, others are sorely lacking in quality. Here are the best values to be found at the dollar store—and a few things better left behind. Do Purchase: Hair Accessories -  Scrunchies, barrettes, headbands and other hair accessories often get lost and don’t usually last long anyway. Buying them on the cheap makes sense.  Greeting Cards -  Prices at the drug store or food market are outrageous, but we love to send and receive them. Buying them at the dollar store is the answer. Cleaning Products -  Brand names and knock-offs in soaps, detergents, and other household cleansers, as well as sponges, rubber gloves, plastic buckets and more are among the best values at the dollar store. Disposable Bakeware -  From turkey-sized tin foil bakeware to disposable pie pans, lasagn...

If your roof is leaking or you have another urgent problem with your house, you’ll need to have a contractor repair it as soon as possible so it doesn’t get worse. Finding a qualified contractor can be a complex process, but you won’t have much time to do your homework if water is pouring through the ceiling. If you research contractors in advance, you’ll be prepared should an issue arise, and you’ll be able to avoid further problems. You Will Be Able to Find a Qualified and Reputable Company Not all contractors provide the same level of work and have the same commitment to customer service. Some cut corners, leave projects unfinished and engage in other practices that create additional headaches for customers. This is why it’s critical to vet any company before you have contractors work on your home.  Your family members and friends may be able to provide valuable information that can guide your decision-making process. If someone you know had a positive experience with a particul...