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Pet Summertime Safety

Wednesday, July 5, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

When we’re enjoying the warm weather, our pets usually are, too.  When we’re spending time outdoors with family and friends, we usually include our pets.  Keeping our furry family members safe should always be a priority, and these tips may be a refresher course for some, but it never hurts to make sure all our loved ones are kept out of harm’s way. 

 

In the Backyard 

  • - Fencing should be examined to make sure there are no gaps at the bottom, and that all materials are in place and secure.  You don’t want Fluffy taking a neighborhood excursion by himself. 
     

  • - The garden and landscaping bring us great satisfaction, and animals like to take a bite of growing things occasionally.  Check these lists for cats and dogs from ASPCA to make sure you keep your pets from chewing on them. 
     

  • - Keep any swimming pool chemicals and mechanical lawn tools sealed and out of your pets’ way.  Some of these products have a scent that is enticing to animals, and they wouldn’t hesitate to give them a try.   
     

  • - It may sound sensational, but if you have an animal that is a toy breed, or weighs five pounds or less, keep an eye and ear out for any predatory birds.  Owls, hawks, and eagles have been known to attack small pets, mistaking them for a wild meal. 
     

  • - Sometimes it’s necessary to leave your dog or cat outside while you’re gone for a while.  Make sure they have adequate shelter to keep them cool, and plenty of cool water to prevent heat stroke or dehydration. 
     

  • - Allowing your cat to roam in the yard is great for them, as they are natural hunters, and they find great pleasure in all the sights and sounds.  Keep an eye on them in case they see a bird they’d like to get to know better, or find a snake in the flower bed.  Protecting wildlife and your feline friend go hand-in-hand. 

 

Out and About 

  • - Does your dog go with you for exercise while you’re biking or jogging?  Some active pet owners take a water bowl with them, so they can offer a cool drink to their pet, and you can train them to drink directly from the bottle using an adaptor created especially for dogs. 
     

  • - Going fishing or water skiing?  Make sure you have a life jacket for them, as well as an overboard plan.  If you think Fido would enjoy jumping into the water, maybe you should leave them at home or at the kennel for their safety as well as your own. 
     

  • - vetSTREET offers some great tips for taking your dog to the beach.  Heat, waves, and hot sand can all play a role in just how much fun everyone will have--or not. 
     

  • - It’s vacation time, and you’d like to bring your pet with you, so call ahead for information on pet-friendly lodging, and where they can stay for events where pets aren’t welcome. Make sure you have a vehicle safety harness or seat belt for them or their carrier while you’re traveling. 

 

Summertime brings water fun, cookouts, and don’t forget the insects!  Keep your pets safe from biting insects, and be sure they get a flea and tick repellent treatment and heartworm prevention to avoid any diseases these insects can cause down the road. Pets need to be kept as safe as small children, so take preventive measures so you can have a fun and healthy Summer with the whole family.   

 

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

Photo credit: Pets Animal Hospital 

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How to Make Your Outdoor Space More Inviting and Fun

Wednesday, June 28, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Make your outdoor space more inviting and fun for family and friends using the list below with ways in which you can accomplish this: 

  1.  If you already have landscape lighting, why not purchase a few fun colored lights to use in them for different holidays.  This will defiantly make your outdoor space a lot more fun.
  2. If you are getting tired of mowing your grass then you may want to replace your grass with a garden.  You might want to add a garden of flowers or a garden of vegetables or even put in a koi pond.  Any of these ideas will help to keep you from spending your summer evenings mowing the grass all the time, therefore making your outdoor space more fun.
  3. If your patio furniture is old and outdated, now is the time to go out to purchase some that allows you to show your style more effectively.  Outdoor furniture always makes outdoor spaces more inviting and fun.
  4. Adding a new doorbell to the outside of your home may seem like a small thing, however if you find a nice one that lights up the front door area it can do wonders towards making your home seem more inviting at night. 
  5. If you don’t already have a swimming pool, summertime is a great time to add one.  Not much can make your outdoor space more fun than a swimming pool for all to enjoy. 
  6. If you do add a swimming pool why not go out and make it really fun and cool by adding an outdoor shower to the mix.  This type of thing is pretty rare unless your home is at the beach, therefore your outdoor shower may quickly become the talk of the neighborhood.  

There are so many ways in which to make your outdoor space more inviting and fun; these are just a few of them that you may want to try.  

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

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Is It Time to Stop Renting?

Wednesday, June 21, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Between rising rent costs and the desire to have a place you can call your own, one might believe that purchasing a home is a far-off dream. Think again! There is much to consider, from finances to logistics to paint colors, many factors of homeownership are different than when you are a tenant in someone else’s home, so you need to prepare now for a new home later. 

 

  • Do you love your rental? If so, talk with your landlord about purchasing the property! Once they become aware that you are interested and possibly moving, the thought of preparing and looking for a new tenant may encourage them to agree to a sale. All you can do is ask!  
     

  • Consider purchasing a townhouse or condominium when searching for properties. Many are affordable and convenient and would make the perfect first home. 
     

  • Think about your community options--where you live can affect how much you pay in fees, property taxes, or maintenance costs. 
     

  • If you have renters’ insurance--and you should--take note that a homeowner’s policy costs more, because it covers much more than just your belongings. Most mortgages will include homeowners’ insurance in the monthly payment. If your current agent can find a cheaper rate, go for it! 

 

Do you want the freedom to paint your living room bright green? Are you tired of having to keep your growing family quiet so as not to disturb the neighbor’s downstairs? If so, it may be time to think about buying a house. Connect with a Realtor® to guide you through the entire home-buying process.  

 

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

 

Photo credit: ramseysolutions.com

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Maintaining Your Home's Exterior

Wednesday, June 14, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


We spend more time inside our homes than outside, and regular cleaning and maintenance of the outside of our homes is not something we think of as often. Taking care of the siding of our homes extends its lifespan and keeps our homes looking great! 
 

  • - Warm water and mild detergent are your first defense in keeping any siding material clean. Use a long-handled brush with soft bristles, and working in small sections, scrub from top to bottom to avoid streaks.
     
  • - Pressure washing is a great way to clean the outside but take care because you do not want to put a hole through vinyl or damage wood. Bob Vila offers a wonderful guide on the best use of a power washer for exteriors.
     
  • - Inspect your siding before you begin cleaning. Take care of any problems as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costly repairs. 
    - All siding: check for water or insect damage, foundational cracks 
    - Wood siding: look for peeling paint, cracked caulking boards, and trim 
    - Brick: crumbling bricks or mortar, and foundational cracks 
    - Vinyl: loose, warped, or cracked sections 
    - Stucco: cracks and holes  
  • - Painting the siding does not have to happen often, it simply depends on the material: 
    - Wood siding: every 3-7 years, or every four years if it is stained 
    - Aluminum siding: about five years 
    - Stucco: every 5-6 years 
    - Cement fiberboard siding: 10-20 years  
  • - Wood siding needs a little extra care for preventing insect and water damage. It should be treated with a sealer every two-five years, depending on where you live.
     
  • - Tougher grime, such as mildew or algae, may need more than soapy water. Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar will remove algae and mildew, and both are better alternatives for landscaping and your lungs than chlorine bleach. Peroxide cleaners are available in most home stores. 

While the home’s exterior is a large job to tackle, once it is done it will be easier to maintain over time. Regular inspection is more important, as the elements and other factors are always present. Proper maintenance and cleaning will not only add more life to the exterior materials, but it will also maintain the value of your biggest investment! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: pressureperfectcleaning.com

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Fun Rainy Day Things to Do Inside Your Home

Wednesday, June 7, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Don’t get bored being stuck inside; below is a list of a few rainy day things you can do inside your home.  If you have small children you know all too well how easily they can get bored when they are stuck inside due to bad weather.  Get them and read this list together to get started on some fun! 

 

  1. 1. One fun indoor activity you can do with your small children is to have an indoor scavenger hunt.  Write down some clues to where you have hidden items in your house and set your children out on an indoor hunt to find them!  This can be fun for you as well as you watch your kids trying their best to find what you have hidden. 
     

  1. 2. Another fun rainy day thing to-do inside your home  with your family is to go camping inside!  Get your tent out and set it up right in the middle of your family room.  You and your family can sleep in the tent together all night long!  If everyone doesn’t fit you can use sleeping bags to make it a full fledge family event.  A super fun way to make your indoor camping event even more real is to make smores in the microwave!   
     

  1. 3. Yet another fun rainy day thing to do inside is to gather all of your board games and get the entire family involved in playing them together!  If you don’t have any board games you can likely find some type of game for all to play online.   
     

  1. 4. If you don’t want to have to create something fun to do with your family, why not bake some cookies together!  It is always fun to get your little ones together in the kitchen to bake.  Have each child create their own cookie with the ingredients you have available, then let the rest of the family be judges to give the best cookie award! 

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These are a few fun rainy day things you can do inside your home that is sure to make everyone have an enjoyable time even if they can’t go outside!   

 

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

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Smart Gadget Ideas for the Home

Wednesday, May 31, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Smart Gadgets are quite fun to look at and try out but have you ever considered purchasing a few for your home?  Why not take the plunge to make your home a more interesting place to be by purchasing a few or all of the gadgets mentioned below. 

 

  1. 1. Many of you may have already seen or perhaps even tried the smart vacuum.  If you haven’t tried it you need to do so.  Just imagine pushing a few buttons and sitting down to relax while your vacuum cleaner does all the work for you.  What a revolution!  Be prepared to dish out $700 to $900, but it will likely be quite worth it in the end.  

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  1. 2. Smart trash cans have perhaps not been as heard of as the vacuum cleaners but they are just as cool none the less.  If you are the type of person that cannot stand to touch the top of the trashcan due to the fact that it is loaded with germs, this may be just the thing for you!  Not only will you not have to touch the lid but some of these gadgets even tell you when the trash is full and needs to be taken out!  How do you like that for smart?! $150 to $200 will buy you this luxury item!  

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  1. 3. Washers and dryers have had intelligent features for years but are beginning to add more and more as each year passes.  Some of them now have phone apps that let you remotely control them.  Some will sense when you are home and instantly begin using their quiet mode so as not to disturb you.  These types of machines will run you $1400-$1800 each but are well worth the money if you have it to spare.  

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  1. 4. Even air purifiers have been added to the list of smart gadgets folks are buying these days.  These items puts your homes air through different filters, then analyzes the data and sends it to your phone to tell you what types of things are prevalent in your air such as pollen, dust, pet dander, etc.  These cost from $200 to $750.   

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You may have thought that your home couldn’t be this smart but it can if you have the money to make it happen.  These items are so amazing that if you don’t currently have the money to buy them, you may want to consider saving up for one at a time.   

 

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

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Small Ways to Save Money At Home

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Just because your home doesn’t have any major issues such as a leaky basement or a floor that is about to cave in doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot of little ways you are losing cash each month.  Below are a few small tips to help you save money at home that may eventually add up big.   

 

  1. 1. If you have yet to change your lights over to energy efficient ones you should do that right away.   This is an easy way to save a little bit each month that doesn’t take long at all to accomplish.  LED lights are going to cost you a bit more than regular light bulbs but in the long run they will be a big help to your budget. 

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  1. 2. Big ticket items such as air conditioning systems can cost you and your family a lot each year if you don’t do your part to make sure they work to the best of their ability.  Make sure to change your air filters on a regular basis and clean all the vents as well.  This type of maintenance should be done before the heat of the summer begins so that all will work correctly when it is needed most.  

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  1. 3. Another small way to save money at home  is to make sure you eat what you put in your refrigerator.  Wasting food is a big money pit that affects many Americans today.   If you buy a lot of produce and other perishables you need to be sure to put them at eye level so that they don’t get lost in your fridge only to have to be thrown out later.  If you have a small family you might want to purchase smaller amounts of foods that don’t have a long shelf live to avoid wasting each week.  

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  1. 4. If you haven’t already done so, get rid of your landline phone.  Most everyone these days has a cell phone and the need for a landline phone has almost become obsolete.  Save that $40 per month and put it towards something of better use.  You may be surprised at just how quickly $40 each month can add up.  

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  1. 5. Before you decide to bring a furry family member into your home, realize that they are quite expensive.   If you are trying your best to save money perhaps buying a pet might need to go on the back burner for a while.

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These are just a few ways in which your pocketbook can get a bit of rest  on a regular basis.  Use the ideas you like and see what a difference they can make.   

 

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

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The People You Meet When Buying a Home

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

There will be more than just you, your real estate agent, the seller, and their agent involved in the process–unless you are paying cash for a new home! Appraisers, lenders, and inspectors are just a few of the folks you will come across, and it will relieve some stress on your part if you familiarize yourself with who they are and what part they play during your house purchase. 
 

  • Real Estate Agents  
    The agent you choose will be your resource and constant contact throughout the home-buying process. In most transactions, there will be a listing agent representing the sellers, but it is unlikely you will be meeting them. 
     

  • Mortgage lenders  
    To be adequately prepared to begin looking for a new house, you should be pre-approved for a mortgage. Meet with a few different lenders to find the best loan for you; see what the balance recommends for finding the right mortgage. 
     

  • Appraiser  
    The mortgage company wants to be sure that the property is worth what the asking price. The appraiser is usually one of the lender's choosing. Learn more about what is involved with the appraisal from realtor.com®. 
     

  • Home Inspector  
    You do not want any surprises with structural issues, mold, or insect infestation after you have the keys in hand, so it is in your best interest to hire an inspector to go over your prospective home. Call several inspectors, and ask these important questions. 
     

  • Homeowners Insurance Agent   
    Most insurance companies offer a discount for having more than one policy with them, and it may be easier to go with your current insurer, so give your agent a call. Do not let that stop you from shopping around for better rates, however. 
     

  • Real Estate Attorney  
    Many states require you to hire an attorney, as they will go over all of the documents, handle funds, and perform the title search, to name a few of their jobs during the home sale process. Find out why it is always a good idea to have a real estate attorney, whether it is the law or optional. 
     

  • Title Insurer   
    In case there are any questions about the sale of the home being legitimate (no liens, family feuds, etc.), you will need title insurance, and in most cases, the lender or attorney will already have that lined up. 
     

 

These entities are typically involved in the home-buying process, but not every one. You may come across another professional or service during your experience. Your Realtor® will keep you informed of each step, so no need to be concerned if there is a step along the way you are not familiar with. Every one of them, however, is important for a smooth transaction, protecting you and your largest investment. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: IStock

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7 Things First-Time Home Sellers Should Expect

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

You have decided to sell your home, and dream of it immediately becoming a highly desired property with a bidding war that drives up your asking price and closing in thirty days dance in your head. Dream on! These seven tips can help bring you back to earth: 

 

  • - While you love your home, not everyone else will. Sellers must detach their emotions about the house while it is on the market. Think of it as a financial transaction or see it from the expectant house hunters’ point of view.

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  • - Major issues with your house should be repaired before the For Sale sign goes in the front yard, and if repairs are not possible, a repair credit will have to be offered to the buyer. Be prepared to do some painting and patching, at the very least. If you want the best sale price, you should do your best to earn it.

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  • - It is vital to be available to your agent, whether it be via phone calls, texting, or email. They are your link to the buyer, and it is possible to lose a sale by not being accessible.

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  • - If you or your agent have decided to hire a staging firm, do not take offense if they ask to put your belongings in storage. It is not about your personal taste, but about making the home appealing to the general public and seeing it as their home.

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  • - Flexibility is key when allowing potential buyers to see it. You will not be getting a weekly showing schedule that is set in stone, so be prepared for inconveniences.

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  • - Because every accepted offer does not result in a sale, have the “big” things packed and ready to move, but hold off on packing the necessities until closing is imminent!

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  • - Some sales take time, but incentives can make a property more attractive: cash towards the closing costs, a year’s home warranty, and payment of HOA dues are just a few ideas to attract buyers. 

 

There is much more to selling a house than decluttering and keeping the home clean for showings. Hopefully, being prepared, flexible, and practical will not only produce a satisfactory selling price, but it will also make the process less stressful for you and your family. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: facebook.com/firsttimehousesellers

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Extend Your Living Space - Outdoors!

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

It is time for favorite summer pastimes: grilling, dining al fresco, or relaxing in a hammock, and many homeowners realize they would better enjoy them if they had a patio or deck. Outdoor spaces can be an extension of our indoor living space, so if you are considering adding either a deck or patio, here are a few tips to get your ideas rolling: 

 

  • For outdoor spaces with level ground, constructing a patio from brick, pavers, stone or poured concrete is usually more cost-effective than building a deck. 

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  • Soften the hard surface and add privacy by adding landscaping. Plant a perimeter of shrubs or tall grasses or add plants of varying heights in containers–even trees!

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  • Because of the availability in many colors and styles, making a final decision on patio surfacing can be overwhelming.  Landscaping Network has done the homework for you, making it easier to choose your materials.

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  • Backyards with in-ground pools are better suited for a patio for ease of use and maintaining the pool. Another bonus is that there is less grass to mow!

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  • Create a path from the front approach of your home to your backyard courtyard if there is enough room on the side of your home. This will help keep a lot of extra traffic out of the house.

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  • Because they can be built on virtually any surface, including slopes and rocky ground, decks are the most popular outdoor space addition.

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  • Determine what size you will need as well as other aspects of the deck by how you want to use the space: grilling and/or dining, simple entertaining, or maybe a private space for a hot tub.

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  • If you have the know-how, by all means, DIY a new deck. This Old House offers a thorough guide to building a deck, from materials to designs.

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  • Two advantages to building a deck: increasing your home’s value, and cooler entertaining.

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  • Add screening and a roof for an all-weather space to protect you from the elements and insects.

  • If your local building codes require railings for the new addition, do it in style! Check out these deck railing ideas.

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Once your new outdoor “room” is complete, do not waste the time and expense it took to create it by not utilizing it! Add seating, shade, grill, or firepit, and enjoy summer evenings with family and friends or a good book. An investment in outdoor improvements can be an investment in your well-being! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: greenadvisorinc.com

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