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What to Ignore While House Hunting

Wednesday, January 29, 2025
by Tucker Robbins


You’ve given your agent all the must-haves for your future home, and they’ve combed through listings, and have found some houses for you to tour. You’ve got your hopes up as you walk through every door, but you need to keep in mind that not every house on the list will be move-in ready.  Don’t turn your back on them, though.  Read on to see what’s best ignored while on the hunt for a new home. 

 

  • Age of the house isn’t a factor if the house is structurally sound.  Just be certain to ask about updates or add-ons, and any other factors that could be problems with an older home. 
     

  • Poorly maintained curb appeal can be a turn-off as soon as you drive up, but if the house is great, the landscaping can be taken care of with a little hard work, new front door and mailbox, and a few pots of plants. 
     

  • Unattractive Paint/Wallpaper Walking into some can be like walking into a time capsule when you see a mauve living room, or a bathroom with swans adorning the wallpaper. A gallon of paint can take care of the ugly.  Focus on the structure of the walls, and check for cracks or holes.   
     

  • Dirty carpets can be a negotiating point when you make an offer on the house.  Sometimes the seller is willing to give credit for replacing the carpet or may change it out themselves.  Do, however, lift the corners of the carpet to see if it’s covering hardwood. 
     

  • Smells like cigarette smoke and animal odors can be a turn off but remember that a thorough cleaning and airing-out is what it takes to freshen up a house.  Moldy smells shouldn’t be ignored, however. 
     

  • Remember that many people that have an extra bedroom set it up as an office or use what's listed as a dining room for a sitting area.  Don’t let that keep you from imagining a sleek new dining room suite for entertaining, or the much-needed third bedroom for your growing family. 
     

  • The current owner’s decor may not be your style at all, but you’re not buying their furniture!  Simply take note of the general layout and size of each room to determine if the house will work for your needs. 

 

You will probably be surprised when you walk into some houses that haven’t been redecorated in thirty years, or that have a guest room functioning as a museum for their snow globe collection!  Have faith in the houses your agent finds, as they understand your needs, and know that some homes only need your touch to make it yours! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins. 

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Thinking About Downsizing Your Wilmington DE Home?

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
by Tucker Robbins


When your children are grown-and-flown, or your retirement is on the horizon, it is time for some decisions to be made.  Do you still need all the space you currently own? Do you dream of selling your home and traveling the world? No matter what your reasons are for downsizing, let these tips help smooth the process: 

 

  • Jot down your ideas, and talk with family and/or friends, share your thoughts, and have some of them help you start a Downsize Plan.  
     

  • Think practically before you finalize your decision: 

  • - Do you want to stay in the general area you are currently in or do you want to move across the country? Compare your home’s value to the locations you are interested in, making certain it is financially wise to relocate there. Even a move across town to another neighborhood could cost more in the long run.
     

  • - Maybe you have dreamed of traveling, and RV-living is more to your liking. If you think this is what you want, it may be a good idea to rent a travel vehicle for a long trip before you make a costly purchase, just to get an idea of RV life. 
     

  • - Are you tired of maintaining the yard and exterior of your home? Maybe a condo or townhome is right for you. 
     

  • If you decide to sell and move to a smaller home, the first step of the moving process is going through your belongings. Sixty&Me.com has some extreme but practical advice to help you start this emotional task. 
     

  • Do your children still have belongings stored in your attic or spare room? Have them pick a date to come over and go through them. They need to be aware that this is their last chance to have their things donated, thrown away, or keep them. Otherwise, you will be making those decisions. 
     

  • With a lifetime of “stuff,” it may simply be impossible to begin the first step on your own, and this is where a pro may help. Professional organizers do not only clean up closets, there are those who specialize in home clean-outs and downsizing.  
     

  • A smaller house means less space for your furniture. Find out if any family members want the pieces you will not take with you or get ready to sell or donate your pieces. Some thrift stores will refurbish the items, and domestic violence or homeless shelters can always use practical pieces in good condition. 
     

  • Once you finalize your decision, get in touch with a real estate agent. They will not only help you sell your home for the best price, but they can also assist with finding your new home! 

 

If you are getting ready for retirement or dreading the thought of the last child leaving home, downsizing can be something to look forward to--a new beginning! Whether you decide to travel the world or settle in a houseboat, your Realtor® will help you through selling your nest, every step of the way. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins. 

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Things to Know About Purchasing a Foreclosure

Wednesday, November 13, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Many people turn to the “Foreclosures” section of online house hunts or newspaper ads. Sure, the price is a bargain, but there is normally a different process when purchasing a home that is in foreclosure. Consider these tips before heading to the auction or making an offer:

  • If the property is on the auction block, the bidder will likely need the full purchase amount in cash. The lender is looking to recoup as much from the defaulted loan as possible, which does not allow time for the financing process.
     
  • Most foreclosures have been unoccupied and will be affected by that. The new owner will need to be ready to put in some work and cash to bring it up to code/living conditions.
     
  • Some states allow redemption to the homeowner, and HUD defines this as “...a period after [the] home has already been sold at a foreclosure sale when [a homeowner] can still reclaim [their] home.”
     
  • Because a foreclosed property is sold “as is,” the buyer will not receive any disclosures, meaning, a home inspection is a must!  Depending on who owns the property will make a difference in how much time the buyer has to complete the inspection. 
     
  • On the other hand, if the property is REO (real estate owned), the buyer will be able to go through the home-buying process in the usual way and have time to secure financing for the purchase.
     
  • An REO will be sold as-is just like an auctioned property, and all repairs will have to be done by the new owner--there are no repair requests or contingencies granted.
     
  • For buyers who are new to the foreclosure-purchase game, going through a bank to buy the property is their best bet versus bidding at an auction.
     
  • For distressed properties, it is recommended that the interested party have a title search performed. Buying a foreclosure takes long enough, and this will help remove any roadblocks.

For foreclosure-hunting convenience, realtor.com® has a search page specifically for foreclosures! Municipality offices also publish notices on tax foreclosures, and if the funding is available, pre-foreclosures and short sales are other great property bargains. Remember to contact a Realtor® that is experienced in distressed sales. Their knowledge and expertise can make a drawn-out process go smoothly!

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Down Payment Assistance Programs

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Most home buyers believe that they must have a 20% down payment before they can even think about purchasing a new home. This is simply not true! While there is nothing wrong with saving towards that amount, there are several programs available to first-time home buyers, as well as repeat buyers. With over 2,000 such programs in the United States, it should not be a problem to find one in your area.

  • Down payment assistance (DAP) are available in the form of grants or loans and are most often available through state and federal agencies:
    • Grant: money that is gifted and never has to be repaid
    • Loan: a second mortgage that is paid monthly along with the primary mortgage
    • Deferred loan: a second mortgage with deferred payments that only have to be paid when you move, sell, or refinance
    • Forgivable loan: a second mortgage that is forgiven over a set number of years (often five, but could be up to 15 or 20); repayment is necessary only if you move, sell, or refinance too early
       
  • Many lenders offer DAP that is built into the loan program, especially for first-time home buyers.
     
  • Government-backed lenders, such as FHA and USDA, require as low as 0-5% down on a home purchase. Check their websites for more information to see if you qualify.
     
  • Fannie Mae’s HomeReady Mortgage program offers DAP; see website for qualification and loan information.
     
  • Veterans can qualify for a mortgage that requires no down payment. Visit the Veterans Affairs government website to learn more about their mortgage loan program.
     
  • Public servants, such as teachers, first responders, and nurses can check out Next Door Programs for information about DAPs.
     
  • Not only do some lenders offer DPA, but they also offer loans to cover all or part of the closing costs, which can cost, on average, 2-6% of the purchase price of the home.

Take care when you are searching online for information about DAPs; many commercial websites are set up to appear to be the agency when they are in reality a lender or a website that receives kickbacks from lenders. Look for the contact information in your area or on official government websites so you can speak to someone who has no ulterior motive to assist in borrowing money to purchase a new home.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Getting the Best Home Inspection in New Castle County DE

Wednesday, August 7, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


Whether your offer on an older home has been accepted, or you’re buying brand-new construction, it’s highly recommended that you have the house inspected.  Yes, it’s an added expense to the home-buying process, but it could save you money and heartache in the end.  Get the most out of the inspection by following these tips: 

 

  • - Ask your RealtorⓇ for a list of qualified inspectors in the area.  Be sure to check reviews, and ask other recent home buyers for recommendations. 

  • - Call at least three different inspectors for price, experience, and whether your state requires a license and bonding or not, ask about these anyway.  A top certification they could have is one by ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors). 

  • - Once you choose an inspector, choose a date for the inspection when you can accompany them.  If they have a problem with you being there, find another inspector. 

  • - Ask the seller if you can go in the house on your own before the official inspection to get an idea of the condition of the property for your own satisfaction.  Popular Mechanics offers a thorough list of things to look for in your new prospective home. 

  • - While you’re in the house, look for cosmetic things like paint and patching that could be covering bigger issues. 

  • - The inspector will have a process of their own, complete with checklist, but make one for yourself so you can have a record of your own for issues they show you as you walk through the house. 

  • - Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the inspection--a reputable inspector welcomes questions, plus, you’re paying them for their knowledge.  Getting answers before you get their final report will help you understand it better. 

  • - If you’re not quite sure of how to change the hot water heater temperature, how to work the circuit breaker box, or where the water shut-off is, the inspector can help you become more familiar and knowledgeable about the house.  Use your smartphone to take photos and video as they give you a how-to lesson, so you’ll have it in case you need it. 

 

Once you get your report, go over it carefully.  If there are major repairs that need to be made, ask the seller to make the repairs or offer you a credit or reduction in selling price.  Being as knowledgeable as you can be during this process can mean more money saved.  Just be sure to hire a good inspector, and stay involved in the process. 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.  

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From Tenants to Homeowners!

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


Whatever the reason you’ve decided that it’s time to go from renting a place to live to purchasing a home of your own, there is plenty to consider.  From down payments to paint, many factors of home ownership are different than when you’re a tenant in someone else’s home.   

 

  • - Begin budgeting now, if you do not already.  Homeownership has more expenses involved than renting, and you need to be able to manage your money properly. 

  • - Check your credit score and correct any mistakes, or do what it takes to bring your numbers up. 

  • - Start saving towards your down payment.  

  • - Be realistic.  You know about how much you can afford, so don’t start your initial search in the luxury homes sections. 

  • - Once your financial things are in good working order, shop around for a loan, and talk with the lender about your pre-approval amount.  Knowing how much you can afford will help keep you in check when it comes to the house searching. 

  • - Don’t balk at browsing other homes besides houses--there are affordable townhomes and condominiums that could be perfect for you as your first home purchase. 

  • - Think about your community options--do you want to live in a managed community (HOA), a rural area, new construction in a planned community, or an older suburban neighborhood?  Each can affect how much you pay in HOA fees, taxes, or maintenance costs. 

  • - If you have renter’s insurance, and you should, you’ll note that a homeowner’s policy costs more, because it covers much more than just your belongings.  Speak with your insurance agent about a quote so you can budget accordingly. 

  • - On the chance that you decide to relocate, you can choose to rent your property and become a landlord yourself.  You will have money from the rent to pay towards your mortgage payment, or, if the house is paid for, begin building a nest egg. 

  • - Purchasing a newer house than what you’re renting can save money in the end, because of less up-front maintenance, as well as being more energy efficient, thus having lower utility bills. 

 

Think about the freedom to paint your living room teal blue if you like, and feeling like dancing and not having to tiptoe because there are no neighbor’s downstairs.  As soon as you are ready, contacting a Realtor to help you get started is the first step you’ll need to take, as they are your guide during the whole home-buying process.   

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Understanding Your Home Appraisal

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
by Tucker Robbins



During the selling/buying process, after the purchase agreement contract is signed, lenders order a home appraisal.  They want to be sure that the property is worth the mortgage they are getting ready to issue to the buyer, or in case of refinancing, the owner.  An appraisal is different from the home inspection, which should have already taken place.   

 

  • - The lender typically schedules the appraisal with a licensed professional, who contacts the homeowner to schedule a time.  Some appraisers don’t mind the owner being present, but usually work alone. 
     

  • - Sellers should have a few things readily available:  recent tax information, property survey, a list of what is being sold with the house, any addition construction information, including cost and construction date. 
     

  • - The assessment can begin before the appraiser even steps onto the property, as they do market information about the house, as well as research comparable sales in the neighborhood, much like the listing agent did for setting the price for the house. 
     

  • - Like someone viewing the house for purchase, the appraiser takes in the exterior appearance, curb appeal, looks for upgrades or additions, as well as the appearance of surrounding homes. 

  • The appraiser takes note of how many rooms are in the house, as well as size, building materials and finishes. 
     

  • - Condition of everything is taken into consideration, including the foundation, exterior finishes, wear on flooring, what shape the windows are in, and all home systems. 
     

  • - The appraiser will also access the basement, attic and crawlspace to check for water or insect damage. 
     

  • - Most of the time, the appraisal fee is set in the loan agreement, but in case it is not, the buyer pays the fee in the closing costs. 

 

Although the actual property inspection may take a few hours, the appraisal itself is normally given to the lender in an average of seven business days. Appraisers commonly use the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report. If everyone has done their homework, literally and figuratively, the value of the home will meet the selling price, and the new buyers will soon be on their way to home ownership! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Improve Your Credit Score

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

 


The main consideration in a home-buying decision is financials. In order for a lender to see you as a good prospect, the first thing they look at is your credit score.  No one is perfect, and even if your score isn’t ideal, you can (and should!) take the time to improve it before you start looking at prospective homes. 

 

  • - To see what your credit score is, request a free credit report from all three reporting agencies.  Check each report for errors, and report them to both the credit bureau and company that reported it. 

  • - If there is a legitimate collection on your credit report, pay it as soon as you can, but it will not be removed from your credit history for seven years, although it will be marked as paid. 

  • - Old debt on your report that was paid in full and on time is better for your score than having it removed.  So if you’ve paid off an account in good standing, leave it as long as possible. 

  • - If you have a history of keeping your payments on time, that’s great, because late payments hurt your score.  Stay current by setting reminders to mail payments before their due date, or set up automatic payments through your bank. 

  • - Pay off your credit cards!  This is so important, because the more outstanding debt you have, the lower your score.  Pay off the smallest balance first, and the larger balances can be paid off sooner by increasing your payments, or send equal payments twice per month if the creditor allows. 

  • - Canceling a credit card that you’re trying to pay down sounds like a great idea, but it isn’t, according to FICO™.  It’s better to simply pay off the card, and use it as minimally as possible--charging to it once a month for a take-out dinner keeps it active. 

  • - Don’t have a credit card?  Shop around for one with a good interest rate, and apply.  Having at least one credit account in good standing is better than none at all for those who haven’t really started establishing a credit history. 

  • - Applying for loans or credit with multiple agencies can hurt your score.  Avoid new credit accounts while you’re trying to bring your score up. 

  • - If you are truly hurting financially, and don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, contact a reputable credit repair agency that can assist you in getting your bills paid, manage your finances, and increase your home purchase chances. 

 

There is no hurrying when it comes to improving your credit rating, so plan on taking several months to a year to bring your score up to a number that will impress lenders.  It’s not all about the loan, it’s also about getting a good interest rate.  Much like taking up jogging to get into shape, take it slow, increase your efforts every month, and you’ll soon be showing off the results! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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3 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


There are a few mistakes that many first-time home buyers make. Here are three of the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them when purchasing your first home.

Mistake #1: Assuming your credit is good.

The information in your credit report determines whether you can get a loan — and how much interest you will have to pay – so it pays to be certain your credit reports are accurate.

Check your credit reports for free from all three credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to make sure everything is correct. If you find errors, contact both the credit reporting company and the information provider (the person, company or organization that provided information about you to a credit reporting company) involved in the errors and ask them to fix the credit report errors.

Mistake #2: Getting pre-qualified, not pre-approved, for a loan.

It’s far better to be pre-approved for a loan than to be pre-qualified. Here’s why…

With pre-qualification, your lender does a preliminary evaluation of your ability to pay for a home and gives an estimate of the mortgage amount they’ll give you. The lender does not verify the information you provide.

Mistake #3: Allowing emotions to influence your decisions.

Buying a home is an investment. It needs to be treated as any other investment. You don’t buy stocks because they are pretty and you shouldn’t pick your home that way either. Make sure the home you buy fits your needs and allows you room to grow over the next few years. As with any sound investment, time is the key to a good return.

If you are a first-time home buyer, we would be happy to help you find (and get the best price for) your first home.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Keeping Our Children Safe Online

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


Technology surrounds us in every aspect of our lives, including this blog; it is always with us especially since it became handheld. Emails are sent and received, topics are searched for, books are written, video conferences are done, and listed homes are viewed online. Our kids aren’t just seeing us constantly be digital but they are becoming more tech-savvy at a younger age themselves, out of necessity in part. Even schools require students as young as lower elementary school to do projects involving computers. As parents we of course want nothing but the best for our children and always want them to be safe, keeping them safe in this digital age can be overwhelming to navigate. I want to help make this easier for both you and me.

Here are a few tips I think can be helpful in getting started to keep the kids safe.

Set Rules- Give them a set screen time when they can use digital devices and keep that time a constant. Decide what timeframe you are comfortable with beforehand. Create rules or actions if they break the amount of screen time they’re allowed or sites that are okay, e.g. losing the internet for a few days, not watching a show they enjoy, etc.

Be a part of their computer time- Know what sites your kids are visiting and check in on them to be sure they don’t need assistance and to be sure they are on ‘approved by you sites’.  Setting up an ad-blocker can be useful in aiding with younger children who are still navigating the web. Putting up the computer in a common family area like a dining room, living room or basement will make monitoring their online activity easier.

Make them aware- Let them know that things can happen online and to be careful of online encounters (e.g.- bullies, people talking to you that you don’t know, things that they know their parents wouldn’t want them to view, etc.). Telling your children, stressing how significant it is, on a regular basis the importance of protecting their privacy and always being aware and alert of what can go on in the digital world we live in.  Whether it is to understand there are cyber bullies around to the various cybercrimes, password strength and security importance and how identity theft works, or how to identify and handle it and being mindful of online profile.

Parent approved kid-friendly sites- There are sites out there that are parent approved yet kid- friendly and popular. Which still allows them to have fun online and gain experience with technology but they’re still child-safe. Options could include:

As a parent it doesn’t matter where your child goes when it comes to anything digital, when it comes to aiding in keeping them safe remember these guidelines. Teach them information and awareness, give them guidance, and encourage them. 

A couple good websites for additional reading: SafeKids  & iKeepSafe. 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Tucker Robbins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
3838 Kennett Pike
Wilmington DE 19807
(302) 777-7744 (direct)
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