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,...

In case you hadn’t noticed, everything’s more expensive these days, including used cars, which, as the price of new cars goes up, seem to be worth their weight in gold. But a used car may offer good value if you do your homework before buying. Buying a ‘pre-owned’ car from a dealer has certain perks; notably certification and a limited warranty. Buying from an owner, while it will likely save you money, comes with more risk—unless you approach it the right way. Do the Research Check online reviews for general information about the model. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA.gov/recalls) to check for recall notices, and be sure all necessary repairs were made. Get the car’s VIN number and check it at Carfax or Kelly Blue Book sites to see if the car has been in an accident or if the odometer has ever been rolled back. Examine the Exterior Be sure the doors, hood and trunk open easily and latch properly, and that headlights, panel lights and brake lights are wo...

A trampoline can be fun for kids, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re thinking about getting a trampoline, check with your insurance company first to find out if it would be covered and if you would have to take protective measures and pay higher premiums.  Why Insurers are Strict When It Comes to Trampolines When someone jumps on a trampoline, there is a risk that the person will wind up with a broken bone or a head or neck injury. It’s not just your own family members and guests who can get hurt.  A trampoline is an example of an “attractive nuisance,” something that is potentially dangerous to children and also appealing to them. A homeowner who has a trampoline, a pool or another type of attractive nuisance has a duty to put a barrier around it to keep kids away.  The reasoning is that young children will naturally be drawn to something that is dangerous, but they won’t understand the danger. The adults who own the attractive nuisance therefore have an obligation ...

Sometimes a seller who wants to save money lists a house as “for sale by owner,” or FSBO. That means the owner decided to sell the home without the assistance of a real estate agent in order to avoid paying a commission. If you see a house listed as FSBO, it may be worth considering, but you should be aware that the list price may be higher than the home’s market value. An FSBO Seller Can’t Benefit from an Agent’s Expertise One of a real estate agent’s most important jobs is to set a reasonable asking price for a house. The price should be based on the amounts that comparable properties in the area have sold for recently. That can help attract the attention of potential buyers.  Homeowners who list their own homes don’t have the assistance of a real estate agent and don’t have access to the same detailed information that agents use to set prices. Sellers who research recent sale prices online may find information that is inaccurate, or they may only find estimates. A seller may set...

When a kitchen is being designed, the room is typically laid out so that the sink, stove and refrigerator form a triangle. That concept has been a cornerstone of home design for decades. It’s still important, but in some ways, kitchen designs have changed to adapt to the needs of modern families. What Is the Purpose of the Kitchen ‘Work Triangle?’ The “work triangle” idea is intended to make a kitchen easy to use. Since people need to access the refrigerator and use the sink and stove to prepare meals, having those elements near each other can maximize efficiency.  The work triangle should be large enough to make the kitchen practical and functional, but not too large. If the sink, stove and refrigerator are spread out too much, a cook may have to waste a lot of time walking back and forth. A person should be able to move quickly from one area to the other, and there shouldn’t be anything that could get in the way, such as a table or an island. How Have Kitchen Designs Evolved? Fam...

Decor is key to making your house truly feel welcoming and homey. Unfortunately, it can be all too easy to spend hundreds of dollars on simple decor pieces without feeling like you’ve done enough with your space to truly make an impact. Thankfully, these creative tips can help you express your personal style while keeping decor costs low. Test Your Green Thumb Plants can add a warmth and sense of home to your space as few other things can. Consider low-maintenance plants for your bathroom. Choose plants that can tolerate high humidity. Ferns, bamboo and begonias are all great options.  For your main living spaces, keep maintenance reasonable. If you’re not a plant person, don’t choose a finicky species. Terrariums are excellent options for any space and you can add trinkets or small shells or rocks to show off your style. Keep costs low by finding plants on sale or propagating from a friend for a family member’s greenery. Change Up Your Lights Poor lighting can make any space feel ...

Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting milestone. It can also be an overwhelming process full of decision-making, seemingly endless paperwork and new responsibilities. When the dust settles and you officially sign for your new home, your work doesn’t end there. Many new homeowners don’t realize these important things. Don’t be caught unaware, be sure you understand these important tips. Your Insurance Needs to Be Updated Your home loan likely will require you to have adequate insurance on your house itself. This guarantees that in the event of an unpredictable situation, your lender will be protected. After all, if your house burns in a fire and is uninsured, the owner is unlikely to pay off the loan.  However, this is not all you need. If you and a partner purchased the home together, you will need to look into an updated life insurance policy. In the event of a death, the other person must be able to continue house payments, and the correct life insurance policy can help make th...

A sofa is considered a room’s most important piece of furniture, and the rest of the furniture is typically based around the sofa selection. Since the sofa is likely to be the most used piece of furniture, its comfort is equally as important as its style. However, there are so many sofa options that selecting the right one for your space can be overwhelming. Honing in on your room’s aesthetic style is the first step in choosing the best sofa for you.  Selecting the type of upholstery that will best hold up to your lifestyle is also an integral part of the decision-making process. Ultimately, the sofa you choose should achieve your comfort needs and work with the style of the room. The below guide breaks down the different types of sofas that you may be considering for your living space. Chesterfield Sofa The Chesterfield sofa is a timeless piece of furniture designed in the 18th-century. It’s known for its deep seating and high-rolled arms. It’s tufted backing is traditionally made...

No doubt you’ve heard a proponent of meal planning rave about its benefits in the past. There’s a reason that avid meal preppers seem to be so committed to the process. Meal planning can have a multitude of benefits for yourself and your household. Whether you are striving for weight loss, general health improvements or simply want to ease the burden of a task on your daily checklist, meal planning can be just what you need. Here are a few excellent reasons meal prepping can help your home. Less Waste You’ve likely heard that meal planning can increase your savings. The first reason behind this savings is obvious—eating at home can be a lot cheaper than ordering takeout or going out to eat. However, this is not the only reason that meal planning can save you some cash. If you find yourself tossing spoiled food often, you may benefit from a thoughtfully executed meal plan to ensure that you use your ingredients before they expire. This will prevent you from needing to replace items due ...

Self-care has become a popular topic of conversation in the past few years. As life’s stress has seemed to increase, so has the importance of self-care. While true self-care can look very different from person to person, there are a few great ideas that can work for almost anyone. These home items can truly upgrade your home to create a haven of rest and relaxation. Bathtub Tray There are few things more relaxing than a nice warm bath. A bathtub tray can take any sized bathtub and turn it into a spa-like experience. With slots designed to hold books or a tablet, your phone and even a glass of your favorite beverage, there is no doubt this simple tool will be something you turn to time and time again. Floating Shelf At first glance, a floating shelf may not seem to be a home item that can upgrade your self-care routine, but you would be surprised how a well-placed floating shelf can create harmony in your space. Not only do they boost the aesthetic of your room and increase its organiza...

A correctly sized rug has the power to effortlessly tie a room together, while an incorrectly sized rug can throw off the room’s entire aesthetic. In addition to the rug size, the pattern, color and material contribute to a room's overall look and feel. If you’re looking for the perfect rug for your space, read on for everything you need to know about selecting a new rug. The Rug’s Function When you’re buying a rug, the first consideration should be the function. Is it a high-traffic space frequently used by children and pets? Or is it in an infrequently used area and meant to serve as a decorative piece? Perhaps you want to lay on the ground comfortably, and you need an extra-plush rug with a high pile. Understanding the rug's purpose and the room will help guide your decision in shape, style, material and pile height. Using painter's tape will give you the most accurate idea for the correct size. Or, you can take the size of the entire room and subtract one to two feet fr...

There are certain touches that you can’t quite put your finger on, but that can elevate a home from average to luxe. Maybe you recently moved into a new house that could benefit from some upgrades, or you have a new construction home that has some remaining builder-grade finishes. If you’re looking to give your home some additional subtle touches to elevate its overall feel and aesthetic, there are ways to do so without undertaking an entire redesign. Read on to gather inspiration for the understated ways to upgrade your home that can make a significant difference. Update the Lighting Think of your home’s lighting as jewelry and consider how it will accessorize the overall space. Every light fixture should have an interesting detail, whether it’s the shape, finish or design. Another easy lighting update is to replace standard white chandelier shades with an option in an exciting color, pattern or texture. Add Molding Even if you have a fresh paint job, adding molding to the walls adds ...

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...

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...