Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

When it comes to packing for a move, the kitchen is generally the most difficult room to tackle. Dishes are fragile and you need to take extra care to get them to your new home in the same condition they were in when you packed them. Here are some simple and effective strategies. Use the Right Supplies When moving fragile belongings, cardboard boxes are safer than plastic containers. If you don’t have the boxes that your dishes originally came in, you can buy boxes that are designed for dishes, but that can be expensive and unnecessary.  You can pack dishes safely in ordinary cardboard boxes, provided you wrap and pad them carefully. Since you will be inserting dishes vertically, make sure you choose boxes that are tall enough. Use packing paper, not bubble wrap. Packing paper is easy to crumple up and put in and around dishes, and it will create air pockets to provide cushioning. Bubble wrap, on the other hand, is bulkier, harder to work with and takes up more space.  You wil...

While seasonal decor may be the final cherry on top of a styled home, you don’t have to create a magazine-worthy space to enjoy the benefits of weather-appropriate decor. In the fall and winter, great decor can enhance the warmth and welcoming atmosphere. These ideas can help you curate a space perfect for the cold weather. Opt for Hygge This Danish tradition may not be as trendy as it was in past years, but there is no doubt that hygge decor is perfect for the cold seasons. Danes combine cozy blankets and rugs, twinkling lights and relaxing with friends and family to create a warming atmosphere. They also use transparent fabrics like chiffons on windows to ensure privacy and encourage natural light. Go Reversible or Transitional Fall and winter are host to a plethora of favorite holidays. Don’t be afraid to highlight your favorite holiday with transitional or reversible decor. Throw pillows can be an excellent way to feature holiday-specific patterns. When the holiday is over, simply ...

Many homeowners love their pets as part of the family. If you feel that your furry friend deserves special consideration when it comes to home upgrades, you’re not alone. These four ideas are perfect for pet lovers who want to make their house a true home for their best friends. Purchase Pet-Proof Materials Even well-behaved pets can do a number on a fragile item. Between scratches, pet hair, slobber and accidents your home and furniture has to endure a lot when it comes to your pet. Ensure that you are looking for pet-friendly materials. Scratch-resistant flooring, stain-resistant fabrics and sturdy furniture should all be prioritized. Bonus? These choices can add value down the road, many families will love that their pets and children can play without risking too much damage to the space. Re-Landscape the Yard Pet-friendly yards are about more than a place to play with a fence. Cats and dogs are notorious for having reactions to common garden plants. Keep Fido and Tiger safe by eval...

Is your kitchen in need of a refresh? Instead of dropping thousands of dollars on a full kitchen remodel, a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets can transform this space and make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a brand new kitchen. But before you break out the paintbrush and a pop of color, you need to be prepared. Here are five tips you should follow before you take on this DIY painting project.  Remove the Doors and Hardware Though it can be tempting to paint directly on the cabinets—don’t. Taking the doors off is an essential first step for ensuring the best results. If you do not remove the doors, you may paint a cabinet shut, miss spots behind the doors and end up with an overall messy final product. This will also help to avoid dripping, which can cause a huge mess.  Once the doors are removed, be sure to take off any and all hardware, including door and drawer pulls, plus any hinges on the doors and cabinets. Be sure to label them as you take them off so that onc...

Are you planning a move to a new apartment or house? If so, you could likely use some moving boxes to transport your belongings. Unfortunately, purchasing moving boxes can quickly burn a hole in your wallet. Here are some places you can go to get yourself some moving boxes for free! Visit Your Local Grocery Store Grocery stores are a great place to find large, recycled boxes. Because they regularly stock their shelves with bulk deliveries, they likely have numerous boxes in their stock room. Simply go into your town’s grocery store, big or small, and ask if they have any boxes you can take home with you.  Check Your Work Office If you work in an office that has constant deliveries, you may not have to go very far to find some boxes perfect for your move. Talk to your mailroom or managers and ask them to set aside a few for you to use for your move.  Ask You Local Liquor Store Just like a grocery store, liquor stores regularly get bulk deliveries. Whether it is a case of liquor...

Roof repairs are often expensive. If a problem occurs, you may be tempted to buy materials, watch some videos online and tackle the repairs yourself. That can be a big mistake. You May Underestimate the Scope of the Problem Professional roofers know how to spot signs of roof damage. They also understand that issues are often more serious than they initially appear. If you don’t understand how roofing systems work and know what to look for, you may miss a significant problem. For example, you may think that your roof just has a few missing shingles. A professional roofer, however, may discover that water has gotten into the area where those shingles used to be and damaged the beams underneath and may realize that the roof needs major repairs. You Can Make the Problem Worse Fixing a roof isn’t as simple as it may seem. Using tools or installing shingles incorrectly can cause even more damage. For example, you may install shingles and leave gaps that can let water in. If that happens, you...

No matter the value of the space we call home, we want it to look as luxurious as possible, even on a small budget. Decorators share tips on small upgrades that add more than their money’s worth of grace and glamour. Quick tip: choose one or two as your budget permits. A Grand Entrance  -  First impressions begin at the doorway. Start with a clean and freshly painted door, add a nice doormat and a potted plant or two and be sure the entryway is effectively lighted at night. Attractive Lighting  -  Good lighting can bathe a room in luxury, and a huge array of interesting light fixtures is surprisingly inexpensive. Fake High Ceilings  -  Floor to ceiling drapes can make a room look tall and grand, and you can fake the look by placing the curtain rod higher than the actual window. Big Art  -  Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive, but it can look expensive when chosen well and placed on a major wall. A Backsplash  -  A backsplash, perhaps in...