Month: April 2020

If you’re a parent, sometimes you need to get a little creative to make sure your little munchkins have enough room to play and do the things they enjoy. When your yard or living room area just isn’t enough, you might consider revamping your basement just for them. Here are a few tips!

Keep It Comfy

Your kids will likely spend a lot of their time playing with various games and toys on the floor so you want to give them a nice surface to do so. Install materials like cork flooring, rubber or foam mats, or synthetic carpet tiles, like nylon or olefin, that are cost-effective and easy to install.

Get Creative with Color and Décor

Because your basement is hidden away from most guests, this room doesn’t necessarily need to align with the décor and color scheme you’ve chosen for the rest of your home. By choosing bright or unique colors, you can help open up the room and create an exciting space for your children to be creative. Don’t rule out wallpaper either! It can be a great way to incorporate your child’s favorite animal, movie, color, and more. You may want to hang family photos in this area too.

Separate the Space

If your basement is multi-use and the playroom will share the area with your man cave, downstairs bar, or laundry room, consider installing a divider to keep those areas separated. You can invest in installing a sliding door or curtain system or opt for a simpler choice like a folding screen or bookshelf.

A typical real estate transaction is complicated and has many moving parts. In plainest terms, many parties have to come together, ready and willing to move forward at one time, for a real estate transaction to close. Nearly every aspect of real estate transactions has increased in complexity, and despite advances in technology, delays are still common.

            When a delay arises, one of the first questions asked is: “What are my rights?” Some may wonder if a delay is a breach of the contract. More often than not, a delay is not necessarily a breach of the contract, or if it is, it is a breach that can be remedied and excused through prompt action by the delaying party. This situation can easily trigger an emotional response, and the first thought might be how to penalize the offending party, but in most cases, what happens next is determined by the terms of the sales contract.

            The party wronged by the delay might take no solace in the fact that many contracts provide for an opportunity to cure the delay within a specified time period. For example, the North Carolina “standard” residential sales contract (Form 2-T) allows for a delay period that extends for up to fourteen (14) days beyond the agreed settlement date without penalty to the delaying party, provided they are acting in good faith to close the transaction. South Carolina’s contract allows buyer and seller to agree on an extension period at the time the contract is signed. Other contracts may contain different provisions, so a careful reading of the contract would be required to determine what a non-delaying party may do with respect to the delaying party.

            Delays which are not cured, or for which the contract does not provide for a cure period, must be addressed through the available legal channels described in the contract. As with the above, this will require a careful reading of the contract. In some cases, the contract provides for the forfeiture or return of earnest monies and the termination of the agreement as the sole remedy. In other cases, a non-delaying party may have the right to sue for actual damages or enforce the contract through a specific performance action (in other words, force the completion of the contract terms by court order).

            A closing delay is an ever-present possibility. The best advice to ease the stress of the delays is to be reasonable in your expectations, never promise more than you can deliver, always have an alternate plan (or two) in place in case things do not work out, and maintain open and candid communications about the transaction with all involved. Arriving at closing with the moving van packed is an invitation for things to go poorly. If your closing is delayed, the first thing to review is your contract. If this raises more questions than it answers or you are simply not sure, an attorney at Black, Slaughter & Black can help guide you through the situation and understand your rights and obligations.

If you’d like to speak with Joseph about the closing process, you can reach him at 704.970.1593 or via email at JThompson@LawFirmCarolinas.com.

You can find more information about Black Slaughter & Black by clicking here!

Finding mold in the basement is a problem that many homeowners have to face. Unfortunately, once you do, it can be difficult to get rid of, plus it can cause health issues for those residing in the home. That’s why it’s best to be proactive and take steps to prevent its growth.

1. Monitor humidity levels. If a basement reaches a humidity level of 45 percent or higher, there is the possibility for mold growth. Purchase a hygrometer, which is fairly inexpensive, and schedule regular checks for yourself.
2. Increase airflow. One of the main reasons for an increase in humidity levels in the basement is stagnant air that does not get circulated throughout the area. If you live in an area where the weather doesn’t permit you to regularly open windows or you don’t like to, consider installing dehumidifiers and run them at least one or two hours daily.
3. Review your drainage system. Make sure the ground outside your home slopes away from your walls to allow for rain and melting snow to drain away from your foundation. Homeowners should also inspect all downspouts to make sure they are pointed in the right direction and extend far enough away from the home.
4. Choose synthetic carpet. If you are installing carpeting in your basement, opt for mold-resistant fibers like nylon or olefin and steer clear of natural fibers that feed mold.
5. Avoiding overloading. Clothes, books, and even the cardboard boxes are materials mold can feed off of. Plus, if your basement is packed to the brim with items in storage, it reduces airflow and ventilation.

This year is the 50th year of honoring and celebrating Earth Day! The Yancey Realty team is happy to do their party by recycling, reducing and reusing! Our office thermostats are set to only turn on while we’re there so as not to use unnecessary energy, we only have metal, reusable water bottles, and we recycle weekly!

What steps do you take to help protect the Earth?

Green thumb or not, every homeowner should try their hand at growing fresh herbs. Here are 5 easy-to-grow herbs you can pick up and start tending to today.

1. Mint. The perfect addition to a cool, refreshing summer drink, mint can be grown indoors in a wide pot of moderately rich soil. They recommend placing this herb in indirect light in an area with temperatures no more than 65 to 70 degrees during the day.
2. Basil. This plant thrives off plenty of sunlight and warmth, so plant its seeds in a pot and place in a south-facing window. Once ready, this herb is a great addition to any tomato sauce or Italian dish.
3. Oregano. Another Italian food staple, oregano is a great addition to your indoor garden. This herb requires direct sunlight and should be turned occasionally. Make sure to select a pot with a drainage hole and be careful as oregano plants are sensitive and can easily be killed by overwatering
4. Chives. Commonly used to top scrambled eggs, soups, baked potatoes, and more, chives are a great indoor herb. Choose a 4- to 6-inch pot with well-draining soil to plant your seeds. This herb requires at least 8 hours of direct sunlight a day and should be turned periodically as it tends to grow towards the sun. 
5. Cilantro. Have an affination for Mexican food? Then you’ll definitely want to add cilantro into the mix. Plant the seeds in an unglazed pot with a lot of drainage holes to allow for moisture and air to pass through and place in the sun for four to five hours per day.

Most homeowners will experience a little fruit fly trouble throughout their lifetime. These pests are easily attracted to things like moist, fermenting fruits and vegetables, empty bottles, drains, mops, garbage disposals, and more. Although small in size, these flies can be irritating and unsightly. Check out the below natural, DIY ways to remove them from your home.

After a nice nightcap of wine or beer, leave a little bit of alcohol at the bottom of the bottle and set it out without a cap or cork. Flies are attracted to the sugar and scent and will become trapped due to the skinny neck of the bottle. Throw in a couple of drops of dish soap to help the process.

Grab a cup and pour a little apple cider vinegar in the bottom then cover the top with plastic wrap. Secure the cover with a rubber band and poke several holes in the plastic to allow for the flies to enter. Alternatively, you can opt for using a mason jar. 

Just screw the lid on and punch small holes through the metal. Attracted to the scent of the apple cider vinegar, the fruit flies will enter the cup but will be unable to leave once inside.

Take a small bowl and fill the bottom with vinegar then add 3 to 4 drops of dish soap. The flies remain attracted to the vinegar and the soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar and makes the solution thicker, which sinks the flies to the bottom.

With a little bit of diligence and a combination of these solutions, you should have your kitchen back to yourself in no time!

You’ve moved into your new home with the high-tech kitchen and spacious dining and living area of your dreams! Now that you’ve unpacked and decorated, it’s time to start planning all the incredible dinners, parties, game nights, and more ahead of you. And what modern-day host or hostess has a get-together without a charcuterie board to complete it? That’s why we’ve outlined the easiest way to create your own from scratch! 

The Cheeses

When you are shopping in the cheese section, it’s important to select a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. Select three to six different types of cheeses, depending on the size of the board you’re creating, such as mild or medium cheddar, sheep or goat milk cheese, gruyere, gouda, brie, blue cheese, and more.

The Meats

Most standard grocery stores have a great selection of aged meats perfect for your board. Some fan favorites include prosciutto, sopressata, pancetta, and pepperoni. These are full of flavor and pair well with different types of cheeses.

The Sides

Here’s where your creative side can really come out! Consider picking up some fruit to garnish your board, like strawberries or grapes, and selecting a couple of jams and preserves to pair with your cheese, such as fig butter or apricot jam. Pickled vegetables, olives, and nuts, like macrona almonds and cashews, are also a popular addition. Finally, purchase a variety of crackers to complete your charcuterie board.

With the ongoing quarantine, now is a great time to do some research, and order a pretty board offline to build the charcuterie platter of your dreams once this is over and we can entertain again!

Our team is working around the clock at home to ensure all your real estate needs are met during this uncertain and unprecedented time! If we can help you in any way at all, please let us know!

Call us at 704.467.8877 today! 

#WFH#StayAtHome#HereForYou#YanceyRealty#InThisTogether

March Housing Market States are here courtesy of Canopy Realtor® Association. Want to learn even more? Click here!

For most people, retirement feels like a long way off. But, if you don’t start preparing as early as possible, you may find yourself in a place of financial insecurity when the time does come! To avoid this, consider implementing the following tips. 

1. Calculate your target savings. In general, it’s recommended that you save between 10 to 15% of your income for retirement. However, you can always use an online savings calculator to determine the amount you need to save for your specific needs and goals.
2. Contribute to your employer’s retirement savings plan. Does your job offer a 401(k), traditional IRA, or Roth IRA? Sign up, and start saving as soon as they allow you to! It’s recommended to set up automatic paycheck deductions and, once the money is in your retirement fund, don’t touch it. 
3. Take advantage of employee benefits. Many employers offer matching, which generally requires you contribute a certain percentage of each paycheck and your company will then contribute a matching amount with funds of their own. They might also offer health savings or flexible savings account. By contributing to these accounts, you reduce your amount of taxable income, allowing you to save more money!
4. Pay off your debts. Start by paying off any high-interest credit card debt first. Then look at other debts, such as student loans and car payments, and make a plan for paying those off incrementally.
5. Reduce daily spending. Although this feels like a no-brainer, spending your money thoughtfully now can make a big impact later. Seek out areas of your life where you can cut costs and stick to a budget.