Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

From Tesla to LG, a growing number of companies are now manufacturing solar panels for the home—and the benefits are far-ranging. In the past, the options available were unsightly and often required a significant amount of space. These days, however, there are a variety of sleek, efficient panels to choose from that won’t compromise the exterior of your home. Specifically, monocrystalline cells, which are made from a single silicon crystal, are the go-to choice for a high-end panel that’s both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to install solar panels, here are a few reasons why they’re a smart investment. Eco-Friendly First and foremost, harnessing solar energy is good for the planet because it lowers our reliance on fossil fuels that harm the environment, like coal and natural gas. So, if you want to decrease your carbon footprint, this is certainly a good place to start. While it’s theoretically possible to run your home entirely ...

When looking for a new home, you may come across properties with both finished and unfinished basements. There are several advantages to choosing a house with an unfinished basement.  Get a Great Deal A house with a finished basement will sell for a higher price than a comparable home with an unfinished basement. If most homes for sale in the area have finished basements, the seller of a property with an unfinished basement may even be willing to accept less than the asking price.  If you buy a house with an unfinished basement, you may be able to get more square footage than you would be able to afford if you focused only on homes with finished basements. You can finish the basement, quickly build equity and pay less overall than you would pay if you bought a similar house with a finished basement. If you sell the house in the future, you may get significantly more money than you paid for it.  Create the House of Your Dreams If a previous owner finished the basement, the...

We’re all spending more time at home these days and, as a result, more time in our kitchens. After a while, though, you might be ready to spice things up in your cooking space. Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting kitchen gadgets that you can bring into the home to make things a bit more fun when preparing your favorite meals or beverages. Here are a few ideas that you can bring into any luxury kitchen. Cold Brew Coffee Maker For those who haven’t had their cold brew fix lately, it’s time to start making it at home. With a cold brew coffee maker, you can treat yourself each morning to that unmistakably smooth cup of joe right in your kitchen. That is, as long as you remember to make it the day before. Ice Cream Compressor What’s better than going out for ice cream? Making your favorite flavors at home, of course! From rich gelatos to fruity sorbets, whipping up a frozen dessert is the perfect family activity that everyone’s sure to love. If you want to take it a step further, you ...

With more of your family working and learning from home, it may seem as though everything from the floors to the microwave is getting grimy faster. From professional housekeepers and school janitors, here are some tips and tricks for keeping your home clean and fresh without spending a lot of time or money: Dust with your dryer.  Blankets, pillows, drapes and other household textiles get dusty because they absorb moisture and act as a landing pad for dust from ceiling fans and air vents. If they are not machine-washable, toss them in the dryer on the air-fluff setting (no heat) for 20 minutes with a damp towel to remove dust and pet hair. Erase scuff marks.  Clean off shoe scuff marks from vinyl flooring with a clean, dry tennis ball. A light rub and heel marks are easily erased. Clean ceiling fans.  These fans are a blessing when the weather is hot, but the idea of cleaning them can be daunting. Wrap a dryer sheet around a clean painting roller and secure the ends with r...

Buying your first home is an exciting transition, but a home will be one of the largest financial investments you will make. Making sure that you are as prepared as possible is key. Saving for your home may feel like a big undertaking, but there are a few tricks you can use to make it easier. Determine Your Budget No good financial decisions can be made without a proper budget. Assess your most vital expenses and go from there. Ensure that you have a dedicated savings account for emergencies (experts recommend that you have at least three months of your income saved) and a separate savings for your future downpayment. Check with a financial planner to help you make the most of your budget long-term. Address Your Debt Debt can prevent you from achieving your house-buying dreams in two ways. First, and most obviously, bills for excess debt detract from your monthly budget. Secondly, if your debt-to-income ratio is unfavorable, you will be prevented from getting a mortgage or a reasonable...

Roof replacement is one of the largest maintenance expenses a homeowner will face, but roof repair is vital to properly protect your home. Even minor damage can be accentuated, as ice, rain, snow and wind take their toil. Roof damage can lead to water exposure that causes deterioration to insulation, wood and drywall. This in-turn makes electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems vulnerable. Simply put, every homeowner needs to make their roof a priority. Here are the top signs your roof is in need of repair or replacement. Roof Age Experts say that a roof should last between 20-25 years. Different factors such as your roof’s type, your local climate, attention to maintenance and whether or not your recent shingles were installed over a previous layer will all affect the specific timing. If your roof is edging on that timeline, you may need a replacement. Missing or Buckling Shingles Keep an eye on your shingles. Shingles that are cracking and buckling, or even missing altogether, indicate a...

When it’s time to make use of that storage area above your home, there’s no shortage of possibilities. Converting your attic into a finished space is a great way to add value and improve your home, but deciding what exactly to put there can be a challenge. If you’re considering a new project, here are several exciting options to transform any attic.  Full-Floor Master Suite If the space permits, the top floor of your house can be perfect for creating a private and spacious master suite. This will most likely be a significant undertaking, especially if it requires adding plumbing, but you’ll be rewarded with a luxurious getaway that you can escape to at the end of each day. To top it off, chances are you’ll also enjoy the best views in the home. Rec Room Since attics are typically one large, open space they can be great for converting into a rec room where the whole family can hang out. This makes a fun bonus space for the kids to run around, but be sure to add proper insulation and...