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What Does HOA Stand For?

Wednesday, September 14, 2016
by Tucker Robbins

hoa

If you are currently in the market for a new home it is likely that if you haven’t already you will eventually hear the term HOA.  What does HOA stand for you may ask?  HOA stands for Home Owners Association.  Many neighborhoods have a Home Owners Association these days but not all neighborhoods do.  Let’s take a closer look at what an HOA is all about and what exactly the fees associated with an HOA actually cover.

  • Home Owners Associations were created to keep neighborhoods on the up and up so to speak.  They will keep your neighbor for instance from painting their house hot pink or putting up an 8 foot tall fence.  HOA’s will also keep your neighbors yards looking nice and manicured as many of them have strict rules about keeping the grass cut short.
  • You can expect to pay as much as $400 per month for a Home Owners Association fee.  This price will vary of course depending on how expensive the homes are in the neighborhood in which you choose to live. 
  • Many times neighborhoods that have HOA fees will also have things for your enjoyment such as clubhouses and swimming pools for all to use.  Some may even have tennis courts and walking trails for you and your neighbors to enjoy.  If these types of things are important to you then you most likely won’t mind paying an HOA fee each month. 
  • You can choose to take part in monthly Home Owners Association meetings or you can choose not to.  Regardless of whether or not you are active in meetings, you will still have to pay your monthly HOA fees so don’t be confused by that. 
  • As a new homeowner you need to be well informed about all the rules and regulations as well as the costs associated with your homes owners association.  By staying in the loop you will know what to expect each month. 
  • Before buying your new home in a neighborhood that has an HOA, make sure that your new monthly payment as well as your HOA fees fit into your budget. 

As long as you go into an HOA well informed  you shouldn’t have any issues arise as a result of buying a home in an HOA community and you will be more able to enjoy all that an HOA has to offer!

Courtesy of New Castle DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

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New Castle County DE Real Estate Market Watch For July 2016

Wednesday, August 17, 2016
by Tucker Robbins

New Castle County DE listings decreased 12.7% in July 2016 with 112 less homes. The average sales price climbed 4.62% to $260,980, while market times remained the same.

new castle county de

Courtesy of Wilmington DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

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Things to Do Soon After Moving Into Your New Home

Wednesday, August 10, 2016
by Tucker Robbins

Just moving in

If you were lucky enough to move into a new home recently then you need to know a few things that you should strive to accomplish soon after the move.    These things will get you set in the right direction for being comfortable in your new home for years to come.  A few of these ideas are listed below. 

  • Be sure to take pictures of each room in your new home just before moving in. Sometimes the inspection takes place and then the previous owners come back to get a few last items of theirs moved out.  You never know, especially if the previous owners were forced to move due to a short sale, what they may have done to the house.  Take pictures before you move your furniture inside.  This way if any damage has occurred you will have full documentation of it and may be able to get things fixed more easily.
  • If you hire a moving company to move your belongings from one house to the other you will want to check all of your belongings to make sure there was no damage done to anything during the move.  You should have liability coverage in your moving contract and if that is the case if any damage occurs and you document the damage you should be able to get reimbursed for that. 
  • One of the most important things to accomplish as soon as you move into a new home is to change the locks.  You have no way of knowing how many folks have a key to your home from the previous owners and you surely don’t want to worry about someone being able to get inside of your home without your knowledge.  Get this task done right away. 
  • If you want to make the home have a nice new feel, painting is a great way to do that.  Painting an empty house is much easier than having to move the furniture around later. 
  • If you are a registered voter and you have recently moved into a new home that is in a different county, you will want to change your voter registration right away.  It’s not a good feeling to be turned away at the polls because your address is incorrect. 

These are just a few ideas of things you should strive to accomplish soon after moving into a new home. Hopefully they will be of some help to you and yours.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

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4 Ways To Make Your Home Comfortable and Safe for Your Pet

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
by Tucker Robbins

pets

For millions of Americans, pets are a member of the family. They provide companionship and countless memories that last a lifetime. Having a pet-friendly home increases the likelihood that these memories will be positive.

These tips can make pet ownership simpler, and create a safer, healthier environment for your four-legged companion.

1. Pet-friendly flooring

Carpeted flooring can be a challenge for pet owners. Carpet traps unpleasant odors and is difficult to clean. Hardwood, bamboo, laminate and other alternatives - when properly maintained - offer a surface that's easier to clean, doesn't trap allergens and doesn't hide fur or other debris.

2. A space to call their own

Many pets seek shelter when startled by loud noises. Whether it's the clap of thunder or a boisterous guest, an unexpected noise can send your animal fleeing (or peeing). Having a dedicated space for your pet, be it a mudroom, door-less closet or comfy bed, provides a safe place for your animal during times of stress.

Also, pets need a little down time every once in a while. A cozy nook away from direct sunlight provides a perfect place for them to relax and recharge.

3. Picking the best paint

Even the cleanest of pets can leave marks on your walls. Choosing the right paint can make the difference between a permanent stain and one that's easily removed. Lower sheens can be difficult to clean, so opt for semi-gloss or satin.

Also, depending on your climate, you may prefer a light or dark paint color. Light colors can help keep your pet cool by reflecting the sun, while darker colors absorb the sun's heat and can warm the home environment.

4. Protect your curious pet

Pets are inherently curious. If it's within reach, chances are it will be investigated with a detective's attention. Even if the food is safe for pets, the packaging may be harmful. Medications, cleaners and cosmetics should also be kept on high shelves or behind a latched cabinet.

Most pet owners know to keep food and toxins off accessible surfaces, but it's easy to forget something on a bedside table or the edge of a counter.

Pets require time, attention and love. They will return the favor more naturally in an environment that's comfortable and safe. Consider these tips for creating a pet-friendly home. (BPT)

Courtesy of Wilmington DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

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New Castle County DE Real Estate Market Watch For June 2016

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
by Tucker Robbins

New Castle County DE listings increased 1.23% in June 2016 with 58 homes sold. The average sales price climbed 1.21% to $158,012, while market times rose by 4 days. 

new castle county de

Courtesy of Wilmington DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

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New Castle County DE Real Estate Market Watch for May 2016

Thursday, June 30, 2016
by Tucker Robbins

New Castle County DE listings declined 20.11% in May 2016 with 57 fewer homes sold. The average sales price dropped .88% to $231,096, while market times dropped by 6 days. 

new castle county de real estate

Courtesy of Wilmington DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

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Tax Rules When Gifting Real Estate

Thursday, June 23, 2016
by Tucker Robbins

gift of real estate

The gift of real estate is the gift that keeps on giving, and if you are in the place where you can do something like this for someone you love, you need to be sure to abide by the tax rules that are associated with giving such a large gift. 

  • It may be a good idea to give the cash for your loved one to purchase a house instead of purchasing a house for them.  You may think you know your relative or friend better than anyone but you may not know all their secret hopes and dreams because they may not tell you every little detail about themselves.  If you give cash to your loved one to buy a home you need to keep the amount at $14,000 or less.  The gift tax limit for a yearly gift called the annual exclusion allows you to give $14,000 cash or less to as many folks as you would like each year tax free.
  • Another great way to give the gift of real estate without disobeying any tax rules is to give the gift of a cash down payment. You will want to make sure that the loan officer knows that this is a gift and not a loan.  You will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork so that the fact that the down payment monies is a gift will be well clarified, otherwise you risk your friend or loved one losing out on getting their mortgage. 
  • If you would like to sell your children’s childhood home to them you may do so but be sure that you are careful how you do it.  Seller financing your home to your children is a great way to avoid being taxed to the max.  In this type of sale you basically will be given a small down payment and you will hold the note on the property.  This type of real estate gifting is great as long as you can trust your loved one to pay down the mortgage. 
  • Selling your home to your loved one at a low ball price is another way to give the gift of real estate all the while abiding by tax rules.  Of course the IRS may think you are crazy but once they see you are selling to a family member they will understand. 

Remember if you do decide to give the gift of real estate to abide by the tax rules and regulations and you will be sure to have some excited recipients! 

Courtesy of Wilmington DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

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Displaying blog entries 221-227 of 227

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