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Credit Card Mistakes You Might Be Making

Wednesday, September 11, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


There are practical uses for credit cards, such as rewards points, cash back on purchases, and airline miles to name a few.  Having a credit card can also have drawbacks if you’re not responsible with that piece of plastic.  Read on to see if you’re making any of these mistakes… 

 

  • Paying the minimum payment every month keeps your credit score in check, but the interest added to the balance can make a negative impact on your credit.  Pay as much as you can afford over the minimum billed amount, or, better yet, pay off the balance each month. 
     

  • Late payments not only damage your credit, but if you’re sending it late every month, the late fees and interest on the balance will max that credit card out, and it could take years to pay it off.  Set up an auto-pay plan or mail your payment a week in advance of the due date. 
     

  • Spending just to receive rewards is a good way to get you into credit trouble!  Sure, those rewards are great, but they’re usually a small percentage of your purchases.  The added interest will be far more than any rewards you’re seeking and will cost much more in the end.
     

  • Cash advances may seem like help, but the interest on them starts as soon as that money is in your hand, and there are usually extra fees involved.  Cash advances are essentially cash loans and are treated as such.  Beware of “convenience” checks your card company offers to you because they are cash advances in disguise. 
     

  • Maxing out your balance, or worse, spending over your credit limit, is a good way to reduce your credit score.  The over-balance fees are tremendous, and not having any available credit left on the card will affect the credit utilization ratio. 
     

  • Tossing your statement without reading it can cause you to miss important announcements from the company, as well as fraudulent activity, or changes in your minimum payment due. 
     

  • Using your credit card at the grocery store or to pay utility bills will help in an urgent situation, but only if you can pay the full balance at the end of the month.  If you’re using a credit card for everyday purchases, it’s time to get your finances under control. 

 

Don’t let mistakes cost you money and a good credit rating!  Keep your balance less than 30% of your credit limit, maintain a manageable monthly payment, and your credit report will benefit.  Credit cards are good tools to use to build credit or keep your score high, but only if used wisely.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Breaking the Rules of Decorating

Wednesday, August 14, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Decorating is the most personal way to express yourself in your home, and sometimes, when you want to try something different--something that doesn’t seem to fit anywhere on the list of design rules--it may be tempting to go with the flow, despite what you want to do.  Get design-rebellious with these tips: 

 

Color 

  • - Small room?  It doesn’t have to be a neutral color!  Go bold but create balance with open shelving or smaller furnishings. 

  • - We’re told not to stick with one color in a room, but going monochrome creates a bold, dramatic statement. 

  • - Your ceilings can be considered another wall when it comes to color.  Just remember to keep the walls a neutral color and get samples to paint on the ceiling before you commit to it. 

  • - Trim doesn’t have to be white!  Use high-gloss black for drama, stain that complements wood flooring, or neutrals for a modern twist on a traditional look. 

 

Finishes 

  • - If the metal finish on your kitchen light fixture doesn’t match the drawer pulls, it’s fine!  Mixing metals is perfectly acceptable, and check out this article from the Invaluable blog for inspiration! 

  • - Wood finishes don’t have to be the same throughout the house; create dimension with different stain colors, adding depth to a room or the whole house. 

  • - Who said tile is only for kitchens and bathrooms? Create an accent wall with tile in any room.  Be inspired by using the HGTV photo library search for whatever room you have in mind and add “wile tall” to the search term.   

  • - Speaking of kitchen tile, why not use wallpaper for your backsplash?  Protect it from splashes and oils with mounted plexiglass or a sealant made especially for sealing wallpaper. 

 

Furnishings and Accessories 

  • - Furniture stores have us fooled into thinking that our furniture sets must match, and this logic applies to even pieces like dining chairs. Mixing styles adds interest. 

  • - Mixing more than two patterns can be scary, so start small with accessories in bold patterns that are easily changed.  Staying in the same color family with your patterns will made this decision less daunting. 

  • - If you’d like to add some natural pieces to your space but don’t have a green thumb, then don’t be ashamed to use artificial plants!   

  • - It’s tempting to just scoot furniture to the wall and leave it because you want to follow symmetry.  Go diagonal!  Check out the difference a rearrangement can make by placing the sofa at a slant and give it a try in your living room! 

 

Not all rules of design should be broken, and there are likely rules that tell us why going against the norm with our personal decorating has a great result.  If you want to do something different, try it--you may like it! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins. 

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Cleaning Before Closing

Wednesday, July 31, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Getting your home ready to sell requires thorough cleaning and decluttering, but once your belongings are packed and ready to move for the new owners to move in, you may see things that were hidden by furniture and other items. While most contracts state that the home should be “broom clean” at the time of closing, some extra cleaning will be necessary.

  • Once the walls of every room are bare, use a vacuum, flat duster, or sweep mop to go over all of the walls, permanent fixtures, and ceilings. Wipe the walls and ceilings down with mild cleaner and water, and a flat mop is a great tool to make this work go quickly and efficiently.
  • Vacuum all drawers and cabinet interiors, then wipe down with a mild cleaner and allow to dry before closing.
  • Ceiling fans and light fixtures should be turned off, dusted, and wiped down thoroughly.
  • Clean and disinfect bathrooms and kitchens from top to bottom.
  • Move appliances to clean beneath and behind them, and ensure interior surfaces are completely clean.
  • Have your agent reach out to the buyer’s representative to ask the buyer if they would like for you to leave any extra paint, tile or flooring, vinyl siding, etc., especially if they are not planning on a remodel. If so, stack them neatly in the garage or storage area.
  • All outdoor areas should be free of debris, do not leave garbage behind, and mow the lawn shortly before closing.
  • The best time to vacuum carpets and clean hard flooring is after everything is out of the home.

At best, the house should be sparkling clean upon the final walk-through. Sometimes, a dirty home can hold up closing, and that is never a good thing. If you simply do not have time to do a thorough cleaning before moving out, hire a professional team to do the dirty work for you.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Summer Remedies From Your Pantry

Wednesday, July 10, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

A day in the sun is over, and you notice that the white straps on your bathing suit have turned an ugly light brown or orange color, stained by the sunscreen we all need.  You might have just what you need to remove those stains in your cleaning supplies, and many remedies for Summer maladies can be found in your kitchen and bathroom.  Save some money with these home remedies! 

 

  • - Powdered cleansers that contain oxalic acid, like Bar Keeper’s Friend, are perfect for sunscreen-stained swimsuits and clothing.  Wet the stain, apply the cleanser, and let it sit for a few minutes.  - - The stain may take some rubbing, or reapplication, but it usually comes out and your suit isn’t ruined! 
     

  • - Bee stings are a common ailment, especially for those who like to be barefoot.  In the case of a minor allergic reaction, such as pain, itching and swelling, apply an ice pack for several minutes.  If the symptoms return, reapply the ice. 
     

  • - Baking soda has a long list of uses, and add “soothing heat rash” to that list.  Add one cup of baking soda to a tepid bath, and soak for at least twenty minutes.  The alkalinity of the soda will help dry the affected areas. 
     

  • - Spending a lot of time at the beach may inevitably mean getting too close to a jellyfish.  White vinegar poured on the wound will dissolve the stingers that the jellyfish leaves on the skin, allowing the pain to subside.  Fill a small spray bottle with vinegar and add it to your beach bag, just in case. 
     

  • - Your hair can suffer from hot wind, sun, and chlorine in swimming pools.  Rehydrate it with a coconut oil treatment!  Apply it from root to ends, wrap your hair in a warm towel, and allow to soak in for a half hour.  Wash it with your regular shampoo to remove the excess oil. 
     

  • - Mosquitos, biting flies, and fleas are the most common insect bites in the summer.  Dab bites with peppermint oil to cool the skin and reduce the itch. Do not apply to a bite that’s been scratched red nor to broken skin--the result will not be cooling at all! 
     

  • - Many gardeners and hikers come across poison ivy in spite of the “leaves of three, let it be” mantra.  An oatmeal bath will soothe itchy, irritated skin:  pulse one cup of oats in a blender or food processor until they’re ground, and add it directly to a warm bath. 

 

Use common sense with any side effects from bites, stings, or any other skin issue:  if the problem persists, by all means seek medical attention.  Don’t let your warm weather fun turn into a recuperating period!  Summertime ailments don’t always require a trip to the drug store, so look in your pantry for items you need in a pinch, and enjoy your time in the sun! 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Common Architectural House Styles Explained

Wednesday, July 3, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

While browsing listings, you may not understand the difference between a ranch, Tudor, or a Craftsman style in the property description. The following list of the eight most common architectural styles describes the basics of each one:

  • Arts and Crafts or Craftsman houses became popular in the 1930s. Known by their low-pitched roof, and front porch with tapered columns, the interiors of this type of home feature lots of woodwork and built-ins.
  • Cape Cod-style homes are rectangular in shape, usually with the front door in the center of the front of the home, shuttered windows on either side of the front door, and gable ends. Traditional structures are one and a half stories, with living, sleeping, and dining rooms divided by walls.
  • Colonial houses are the predecessor of the Cape Cod, and they are similar in shape, style, and interior. The biggest difference between the two? A Colonial’s second story is a full story, and the Cape Cod’s is a half-story.
  • A home that is described as Contemporary should be just that--a house of “now.” Think of a contemporary home as having Colonial, Ranch, or other architectural characteristics, just with an updated look.
  • As times changed during the 1930s-60s, Mid-Century Modern-style houses began to make an impression using sleek straight lines, asymmetrical form, and basic materials like glass, concrete, and metal.
  • Ranch-style homes were a popular architectural style in the US in the housing boom of the post-World War II years through the 1970s. The one-story form is usually low on the ground, with mixed exterior siding and an attached garage.
  • Looking like something from a fairy tale, Tudor homes feature curved roof lines and doorways, timbered or half-timbered gables filled with masonwork or shingles, decorated windows, and cross-gables on the front exterior.
  • The Victorian era brought romance and frills, and the homes of that period are no different. A Victorian-style home will normally have a steeped-pitch roof, gabled windows, decorative woodwork, bay windows, and a wide front porch.

Check out this guide to many other house styles from REALTOR® Magazine, complete with images of the basic look of each type and a brief description. Once you are familiar with these terms and the houses they describe, you will feel more confident as you search for your new home.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins. 

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Keep Cool this Summer with an Outdoor Water Feature

Wednesday, June 19, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

As the Summer temps get ready to bear down on us, we start thinking about ways to keep cool. Why not add a water feature to your landscape? Besides actually cooling the air around them, water features have other benefits.  Which is right for your yard? These ideas should help you decide!

  • Pre-formed pond inserts make it easy to create a small water habitat in a flower bed or empty corner of the yard.  Add a solar-powered waterfall or fountain, and the running water not only helps clean the air, but it also actually cools the ambient temperature nearby.
  • A simple birdbath with a solar-operated fountain or recirculating pump is a great way to get the sight and sound of running water into your landscape without great cost or taking up a lot of space.
  • Fountains come in so many styles–tiered, wall-mount, free standing– it is easy to find the right one for your landscape.  Keep in mind that if you choose an electric connection, a GFCI receptacle is needed for the electric cord, and the cord will need to be out of sight or buried if it is near walkways.
  • For a covered patio, tabletop fountains can be purchased for as little as twenty dollars, and many are battery-operated. Some styles include LED lighting with different settings to help with your mood! 
  • Spillways are great ways to incorporate water to the exterior (or interior!) without having to use standing water.  This slate rain wall DIY can be used indoors or out.

The benefits for body and soul with a fountain or other water feature nearby are priceless; they can become the main attraction by adding lighting or plants.  Find more inspiration for features that go from formal to whimsical, and you may find yourself with a new project!

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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Using Your Garage for Storage - The Right Way

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Americans use their garages for much more than just parking their cars, and storage use is the number one choice! While it makes sense to stash things in there, out of the way and unseen because it is more convenient to get there than it is in the attic, some items should not be kept in the garage.

  • Propane tanks should be stored outside, on a flat surface, away from anything that can spark. If you have tanks inside your garage, and the valve begins to leak, it can be deadly.  
  • Any cloth or rags with oily residue should be treated with great care, as they can spontaneously combust. Check out this quick video from This Old House that shows how to treat rags used for woodwork, and soak cloths used for car repair in a bucket with dishwashing liquid and hot water, rinse, and wash in your machine or toss them in the garbage.
  • Paint is highly flammable, and can be rendered useless in a garage, where temperatures can be extreme. Look for the manufacturer's recommended temperatures on the can, and store it accordingly.
  • Firewood is an attractant for pests, and as convenient as it may be to keep it close by in the garage, it is best to keep most of it at least twenty feet from the house. Bring in only what is needed for a day.
  • Canned food should be stored at room temperature, so if you find your pantry overflowing, donate extra to a food pantry. Keeping it in fluctuating temperatures can cause spoilage or affect the quality of the food.
  • Refrigerators not manufactured to stand extreme temperatures can fail in a garage, leaving you with a mess and ruined food. Purchase a refrigerator made for garage use, or add a garage kit to an existing unit that will maintain the temperature outside the unit in winter. Deep freezers should be kept out of direct sunlight, or at least in the coolest area of your garage.

Cleaning out the garage can be a monumental task, but if you have any of these items stored there, you need to get them out and stored properly. Keeping your home and family safe should be the highest priority, and no amount of hard work is worth the risk of losing either.

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

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Smart Tax Refund Home Improvements

Wednesday, April 3, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Credit Karma conducted a recent survey and discovered that 33% of those asked are expecting a refund of $1,001 or more this year, and 16% responded that they expect $2,501 or more. Now, we cannot get into the financial sense of tax refunds, but if you are one of those expecting a refund and planning to use it for some home-work, here are a few suggestions on how best to spend that money!

$1,000 or Less

  • Replacing the front door is an expensive job, but it can create a whole new look for the front exterior of your home.
  • Improve an existing front walkway or add one.  Whether the home is going on the market soon or not, a new walkway will improve the curb appeal.
  • Make the kitchen look like it has undergone an expensive update: paint the cabinets, replace the hardware, and add a tile backsplash.
  • Install new light fixtures in the home. Shop smart, and every room in the house can get stylish new flush-mount fixtures.
  • DIY a minor bathroom renovation:  replace the toilet, faucets, and lights, and give the tub/shower a makeover with a refinishing kit.
  • Upgrade one appliance kitchen appliance.

            $1,000-$2,000

  • Making repairs that have been put off because of the expense should be done before any improvements are made. Protecting your investment is more important than new bathroom tile.
  • Bump your front lawn landscaping up a notch and hire a landscape designer to create a custom design for your yard.
  • Have those “popcorn” ceilings removed by a pro, and add new crown molding.
  • Tankless water heaters, whether whole-house or single-point, are worth the investment, as there will be an immediate difference in power usage.
  • Take on a DIY job and save money: paint the home’s exterior, install new flooring, add wainscotting, or install kitchen countertops.

A tax refund can feel like a small lottery win, and using it for a visible home improvement job is very satisfying. However, using those funds to pay down any accumulated debt or as an investment will pay back in the long run. Check out these ideas from Investopedia, and take off some of that financial load!

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.

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Spring Cleaning Tips!

Wednesday, March 6, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

It is almost that time of year again--time to throw the windows open and start washing, scrubbing, sweeping almost every room in our homes.  Deep cleaning some items are necessary not only for the sake of cleanliness, but to keep our homes looking great. Add these to your list: 

 

  • Your kitchen cabinets/pantry should be emptied and wiped down, and while you are at it, check your spices! McCormickⓇ reports that whole spices last 3-4 years, 2-3 years for ground spices, and herbs have a shorter life of 1-3 years.  Check their expiration dates and toss or keep. 
     

  • If you do not regularly clean your oven because of the fumes, mix enough baking soda and water to create a paste. Cover the interior with the paste and allow to sit overnight. Use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime, and wipe with a damp cloth. 
     

  • Carefully move the kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum the dust bunnies and dirt, then mop with a hot water/vinegar combination to wipe away build-up dirt and grime. 
     

  • Bathroom exhaust fans can collect dust like ceiling fans, so give them a good cleaning to keep the humid air from causing mold or mildew to grow.  Today’s Homeowner has step-by-step instructions for getting your fan clean and running efficiently. 
     

  • While the bathroom is getting its spring clean, place hairbrushes and combs in the sink and get them clean. Makeup brushes should be soaked, given a lather, then rinsed in cool water and allow to air-dry. 
     

  • Vacuum both sides of mattresses and prop them in the sunlight for a few hours if possible.  The sun’s rays freshen them, and sunlight can help kill some germs. When you replace them on the beds, make sure the mattress is flipped and rotated from its original position. 
     

  • Walls collect dust and dirt as well! Remove dust and cobwebs with an extended duster, then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt. Different wall treatments require different cleaning methods to protect them and bring them back to almost new. 
     

  • Curtains and blinds collect a lot of dust but are usually washable, so check the manufacturer’s information before you toss them in the washer or clean them. 
          

  • Once your deep clean is complete, take care to wash or clean brooms, mop heads, and dusters, as this simple move will help your home stay fresher as you do your regular cleaning. 
     

Never consider spring cleaning a monumental task! Spread it out over a few days or weekends, making lists to stay organized and the job will not overwhelm you.  Getting the entire family involved will help things go faster, too!  Once everything is gleaming, you can enjoy the coming months more, knowing your home is clean, and the job is done for another year. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors 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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