Nicholas Yount, REALTOR

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...