Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

Whether it’s a hurricane, blizzard, Nor’easter or another variety of weather event, losing power for an extended period of time is not just an inconvenience—it can put your family’s well-being at risk. In light of this, many homeowners have opted to invest in a portable generator, a more affordable option than the whole-house variety. While a welcome addition to your home and emergency preparedness plan, a generator must be used properly in order to avoid risk. Be sure to keep the following ten tips in mind for safely operating a generator, courtesy of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).  Get to know your generator before you use it.   Make sure your equipment is in good working order before starting it up. Do this well before a storm hits so that you are safely prepared for when you lose power. Thoroughly review the directions.  Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions and review the owner’s manuals so that the equipment is operated safely. If you’ve m...

Just like fashion, home designs come and go over the years. There are many styles that simply never need to be done again, but there are also some that come back into the home, even when you least expect them. This year, especially with more nostalgic-generations buying and designing homes, many home design trends are drawing inspiration from the past decades. Here are six home design trends that are making a comeback in today’s modern homes.  Floral Wallpaper  Wallpaper, in general, has made a massive resurgence when it comes to modern home design. From accent walls and ceilings, to covering every single wall in a room, this nostalgic trend has taken on a modern twist. Floral wallpaper, specifically, is impacting home designs across the country. However, you won’t find the same patterns that your grandmother had in her kitchen, but rather more modern patterns featuring bolder color palettes, unique designs and, of course, a wider range to choose from. Today’s wallpaper option...

If you’re planning to retire and looking for a place to spend your golden years, you may be considering a community for seniors. While assisted living facilities provide meals, activities, housekeeping and transportation, and may have on-site medical staff available, independent senior living communities do not offer that level of service. What are Senior Living Communities Like? Active adult communities may consist of single- or multi-family homes, townhouses or condominiums. Typically, at least one resident must be at least 55 years old, although age requirements vary and sometimes both residents must meet the age guideline.  Residents are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the interior of their property. Homeowners association fees pay for outside maintenance, repairs and lawncare. Senior communities often have amenities, such as a pool and tennis courts, for residents to use, plus a schedule of social and recreational events to encourage members to stay active and engaged...

When you purchase a home, one of the first tasks you need to take on is finding the right homeowner’s insurance. Though this can be an overwhelming and time consuming experience, it is important that you are getting the best coverage that fits your budget. Shopping around is imperative, and this is something you should never stop doing, whether you just bought your first home or have been paying your mortgage for over 30 years. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when comparing home insurance prices.  Read Your Existing Policy If you already have a home insurance policy, it is critical that you know what your current terms are, as your needs may have changed over the years. Also, each year, your renewal terms can change, premiums can go up and limits may have adjusted. Pull out the most up-to-date version of your policy and figure out what you are currently paying and the coverage you are limited to. Be sure to note your premium, deductibles, personal property coverage,...