Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

There’s a wide range of smart home technology available these days, from security systems to appliances and everything in between. While there’s no denying that these cutting-edge devices can help to make your home more efficient and provide convenience in your day-to-day life, certain types of smart technology are more likely to set your house apart when it’s time to put it on the market. Here are a few examples that are sure to impress any potential buyers. Full Automation System One of the downsides of having a different app to control every device in your house is that it can be overwhelming and ultimately less efficient. That’s where full automation systems, like Savant, Control4 and Crestron, come into play. These state-of-the-art systems offer the utmost convenience by allowing you to control the entire house using a single app. Imagine being able to manage lighting, climate, entertainment and security all in one place! Wellness Platform It’s no secret that wellness features are...

It’s well-known that today’s luxury homebuyers want their next residence to be equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen. After all, this is the heart of the home where families come together to cook, eat and enjoy each other’s company. Depending on your personal preferences, here are several styles of ranges that can instantly upgrade any cooking space. Cast Iron Range Today’s best cast iron ranges combine timeless appeal with modern functionality and there’s no better example than AGA’s stunning line of cookers. Renowned for their ability to retain and radiate heat, they’re sure to please any discerning gourmand while giving your kitchen a unique focal point that stands out as soon as one enters the room. French Range For a true statement piece, you can never go wrong with a breathtaking French range, like a La Cornue or a Lacanche. Of course, the appeal goes far beyond their beautiful appearance, as these impressive appliances offer a wide range of functionality and control when cook...

There are many exciting features that luxury homeowners want in their kitchens these days, from warming drawers to touch-free faucets. Yet, undeniably, there’s one simple feature that’s having a surprisingly big moment: the walk-in pantry. Here are just a few reasons why so many buyers want one in their next home. More Home Cooking Many of us have recently rediscovered the joys of cooking at home and are getting more use out of our kitchens than ever before. As a result, it might suddenly feel like you don’t have as much cabinet space as you used to. If this sounds familiar, then the perfect solution is a spacious walk-in pantry that can accommodate all your needs for daily meal preparation. Increased Organization Organization is considered essential to creating a relaxing living space, and this certainly rings true in the kitchen. Like a perfectly arranged walk-in closet, a pantry allows you to carefully organize all of your food and cooking supplies with a designated space for each i...

Purchasing a second residence is always a significant decision, especially if you intend to use it as a vacation home. Of course, there are many considerations to take into account beforehand, not the least of which is accounting for the associated costs of owning multiple properties for personal use. When you feel fully prepared to start looking for a second home, here are several additional factors to consider. Cater to Your Lifestyle While your primary residence likely caters to essential aspects of your daily life, such as proximity to schools and jobs, luxury buyers often seek a second home that supports their personal interests and provides access to a coveted lifestyle. Whether that means living in a golf community, in the mountains, or along the coast, this home should provide you and your family with a place to make special memories. Accessibility Are you willing to hop on a plane every time you go to your vacation property? Or is it essential that it be a car ride away? It’s ...

The asking price for a house is not necessarily the amount you will pay. You can make an offer based on what you can afford, the current state of the local real estate market or how badly you want a particular house to begin negotiations with the seller. Figure Out a Fair Offer Your real estate agent can provide information on comparable homes in the area that were sold recently. That can help you figure out if the house you’re looking at is over- or underpriced or if the list price is reasonable. It’s important to understand the seller’s mindset. If the asking price is low, the seller may be hoping to attract multiple buyers, trigger a bidding war and sell the house for more than the listed price. A seller who sets a high asking price may know that a buyer will make a low initial offer but may expect that the final sale price will still be competitive.  Make a Bid That Will Leave You Wiggle Room You should have already figured out how much you can afford and what the maximum is th...

It’s no secret that hardwood floors can completely transform a living space. They create a warm, rich aesthetic and, over time, will develop a beautiful patina that provides character throughout the home. Although they’re long-lasting, properly maintaining wood floors does require some work on your end. If you want to keep your hardwoods at their absolute best, here are a few tips to ensure they stay in tip-top shape. Shoes Off Taking your shoes off at the door makes it far easier to keep your home clean and your floors will certainly thank you for it. When dirt gets tracked into the house, it can cause undue wear and tear on the wood’s finish and all it takes is a pebble stuck in your shoe to create a scratch. While it’s possible to remove scuffs by hand, they’re far less likely to occur once you implement a “no shoes in the house” policy.  Cleaning Routine It’s helpful to have a cleaning schedule to ensure that your floors are properly cared for. Regularly going over them with a ...

Fitness rooms and wellness areas have quickly become important features for luxury homebuyers who want to practice a healthy lifestyle, but a state-of-the-art home theater is always appreciated when it’s time to relax. Whether you’re binge-watching a new TV series or settling in for family movie night, there are a handful of factors that contribute to creating the perfect viewing experience. Here are a few ways to upgrade your home theater. Make It Fully Immersive When looking to improve your home theater, it’s easy to get caught up analyzing the quality of your television or projector screen, but it’s just as important to look around the rest of the room. A cutting-edge surround sound system or even just a soundbar, for example, can greatly improve the audio quality in your home theater. Additionally, if there are any windows, blackout shades will make it easier to tune out the outside world and really bring the screen to life.  Direct Internet Pretty much everything that we watch...