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DIY Pet Project Ideas

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

Have you run out of DIY or handmade crafts yet? Probably not, but if some jobs you have in mind are a little more than you can tackle now, consider making something for the furry family members! From yummy snacks to backyard fun, there are plenty of ways to keep your pets busy and content!

An easy way to start giving your pet some extra-sweet treatment is to make homemade snacks! Most use simple ingredients are easy to make, so the kids can get involved! Taste of Home offers several doggy treat recipes, and here are some recipes your kitty will love!

Ideas for Dog Lovers

Once those treats are done, give your dog something to think about and create a treat game for them to play. This bottle-spinning puzzle requires few materials and basic building skills.
Using a purchased dog bed or making one yourself, you can create a special spot for the dogs to get their rest. Find the perfect dog bed project here from HGTV.
Traveling with Fido can create a real hairy mess on car interiors, but a hammock may be the answer! Sewing basics will come in handy for this fairly simple DIY hammock project.
Upgrade that cagey dog crate by creating this cover with a removable top. The cave-like atmosphere it creates is comforting for the dog and gives you space to use as a table!
An active dog is a happy dog when they have plenty to do outside! If you have the space, why not create a tire tunnel, tug toy, or PVC agility course?

Ideas Cats Will Love

Any cat owner knows that cats love to have a place to hide, sleep, observe. Make a fun hideaway with a t-shirt and a few other materials!
Keeping an indoor cat entertained can be a challenge, and toys can be expensive. Create a simple feather toy or cat-treat puzzle to keep them busy.

Bring the outside indoors: grow an indoor garden just for Kitty. She will think she is the queen of the jungle!
Will these inexpensive shelf steps keep your cat off the counters?
While it is virtually impossible to make your cat stay in the yard, making a “catio” gives them a place to be outside while keeping them safe, as well as local wildlife. Install a cat door or open a window and have a structure like one of these waiting on the other side, or build this catio as part of your home’s design.

Making or building something specifically for your pets will be worth the time and effort you put in because content pets are less likely to damage your home with chewing or bad bathroom habits. You will also have peace of mind, as you know your furry friends are safe, whether they are resting or playing.

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

Photo credit: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Eco-Conscious Decorating

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

When we think of being ecologically minded, what usually comes to mind is recycling, organic gardening, and alternative sources of energy. Far from our minds is our home’s decor! Decorating is a deeply personal part of living, and if you are thinking about becoming greener, here are a few ways you can reduce your carbon footprint while you create your interior environment:

In some cases, going green for decor can be expensive, but it does not have to be! Thrift stores, consignment shops, and tag sales are all perfectly green alternatives to buying new!
Paint and other wall/wood treatments can be full of harmful chemicals. Look for labels that say “non-toxic,” and paints that are low- or zero-VOC. Learn more about “green” paint from the spruce.
When shopping for new items, look for wood that is harvested responsibly, made from repurposed pieces, or even repurposed wood.

You will pay more for carpeting made of natural fibers or recycled materials and organic dyes, but a clear conscience for the green living you are trying to achieve will outweigh the cost. Create custom designs with Flor carpet tiles, or go with 100% biodegradable Earth Weave carpet.
Other eco-friendly flooring options are reclaimed wood, bamboo, and cork flooring.
Use natural fabrics for bedding and draperies, or even upholstery: cotton, linen, hemp, or wool are all more sustainable than synthetic textiles.
Look for locally made artisan furniture, art, or decorative pieces. You will likely find these crafters use locally found, sustainable materials.

Green living is a commitment to a lifestyle, but it does not mean your home’s interiors cannot be beautiful. Being fully committed to using less energy and water, as well as purchasing earth-friendly items for your home will make your home beautiful to you, and that is what matters most.

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

Photo credit: joyfulderivatives.com

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Container Gardening for Beginners

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

When you want to garden, but do not have the time or space for a full plot of veggies or flowers, container gardening is the next best thing! Plants are more manageable in containers, and you have more control over soil conditions, amount of sunlight, and how you treat them for pests and disease. Read on to learn more about this simple gardening method:

Vegetables

The larger the container, the better, when it comes to growing veggies. Purchasing pots is always an option but save money and use large buckets! Drain holes are easy to add with a drill and large bit, just make sure you have plenty of drainage.
Grow bags are becoming quite popular and are great for growing veggie plants, and even berry shrubs! They offer many benefits over plastic and even clay containers but will cost more initially. Some even have “windows” for watching root vegetables grow, something that will be fun for the kids to watch!

For soil, plain container mix is best; added fertilizers are not necessary, especially if you plan on using organic matter. Find a garden center that sells soil in bulk, purchased by the cubic yard, which will save money. Vegetables need at least six hours of full sun, and containers will be easier to move to a sunnier spot if they are not getting the needed amount.
If you have the right sized container, you can grow practically any vegetable. Check out this list from Farmer’s Almanac for a list of what will grow best in different sized containers.

Flowers

Flowering annuals and bulbs have different needs when it comes to sunlight. This means that you can have pots of flowers practically anywhere you want them!

Because flowering plants are solely for decoration, think outside the box when it comes to what to use. All you need are holes for drainage and almost anything can be a flowerpot.
Planting a mix of different plants in one pot makes for a lot of interest, just be sure you are not mixing flowers that require different amounts of light or moisture.
Think vertical as well--plant bags can be filled with flowers, and once the roots have taken hold, they can be hung from a nail or hook on any flat vertical surface.
Hanging baskets are another common container, but do not just keep them on the porch! Hang them from sturdy tree branches, pergolas, or from wall-mounted plant hangers are just a few ideas.

The two major factors that mean success or failure in container gardening is moisture and nutrients. Be sure you are watering plants in the mornings, and maybe even twice per day when the weather is hot. Water-soluble fertilizer mixed in the potting mix is an easy way to keep you from worrying about your plants getting the nutrients they need or use a liquid fertilizer every few weeks. Plants and vegetables growing in containers can be just as rewarding as having them growing in the ground!

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

Photo credit: WKBN

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Organizing the Pantry or Kitchen Cabinets

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

Many are taking advantage of being on stay-home-stay-safe orders and getting a head start on Spring cleaning. Don’t forget about the places that aren’t on display--the pantry and/or kitchen cabinets. Get them cleaned up and organized with these tips:

Grease collects on the outside and even the insides of some cabinets. Cut the grease with hot water and dishwashing liquid, rinsing afterward. For tough spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, rub onto the spot, then scrub off with a damp cloth. You’ll need to rinse this solution more than once, but baking soda makes it easy to remove, so the rinsing will be worth it.
For both cabinets and pantry, remove everything from shelves, and toss anything that’s out of date.
When it comes to what’s on your spice rack, 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 the freshness date on the container, and if it’s within that time frame, keep it. If not, throw it away and restock.

On to the shelves containing dishes, storage containers, and cookware: remove items, and if there’s something you can part with, get rid of it. Keep in mind local daycares or domestic violence shelters that can use kitchen items.
Wipe down all the shelving, preferably with a disinfecting cleaner, and once that’s done, place down non-skid liners where your dishes and glassware will go.
Heavier dishes should be on the bottom shelf. Cookware and bakeware that is used most often should be placed in the front part of the cabinet so they’re easy to get to.
For pantry storage, reshelf everything in categories: baking supplies, spices, sauces, breakfast items, pastas, and canned food items will be grab-and-go when you need them.
Don’t neglect the drawers! Clean them, purge anything you don’t need, and use trays or utensil organizers to keep everything where it’s convenient.

House Beautiful offers some organizing ideas for every budget, but whatever way you choose to organize your cabinets and pantry, make sure it makes sense to you and your family. Once everything is neatly in place, it will be easier for things to be put back in their places, saving you from hunting for the hand mixer or the bottle of five-spice.

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

Photo credit: Midtown Cabinetry

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Ideas to Brighten Your Home Decor in Winter

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

Taking down holiday decorations and storing them for the next year leaves many feeling a little down. Brighten the darker cold days with a few small changes or easy decorations; here are a few ideas:

- Simply using bright-colored accessories such as cozy throws, pillows, slipcovers, or accent rugs will reflect the natural light coming through the windows and help boost your mood.
- Interior lighting can affect our disposition, especially in winter. Install daylight-type bulbs in ceiling fixtures, but use warm bulbs for lamps and sconces.
- Natural items are not just for holiday decorating. A basket of pine cones with battery-operated LED lights woven through them or a simple wreath of twigs can double as decor for wintertime.

- Clip small branches and twigs, spray them with white paint, (or leave natural), and display them in vases with artificial snow, small pine cones, or leftover whole nuts as a filler.
- Snowflakes, no matter where you live, are a fun way to brighten up your interior. Have the kids cut out paper snowflakes or make these popsicle stick snowflakes. Hang them from a windowsill or use clear removable sticky dots and adhere them to the glass.
- Create a whimsical wreath by wrapping a foam core wreath with an unused knitted scarf, adding mittens in place of a bow. This is another easy craft where children can participate!
- Start forcing the flower bulbs you received as gifts to add a bit of green and color to your decor. Amaryllis and paperwhites are the easiest to grow indoors because they are tropical plants.
- Another way to give a spring-like feel inside is to force-bloom flowering tree branches! Just follow these tips from Fine Gardening.

Decorating for the colder months should be inviting and give off warm, cozy feelings. Boosting light and incorporating natural elements are just a couple of ways to make the home feel festive without a holiday theme.

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

Photo credit: Longfield Garden

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8 Tips for Saving Money in the New Year

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

Many think that saving money is impossible, but there are plenty of easy ways to stockpile your hard-earned cash. Take a few of these ideas and build up your savings account, save for a family vacation, a college fund, or add to your home emergency fund:

Ask your employer to deposit your pay directly into your bank account. Automate your savings by setting up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings each payday. When you do not see the money, you do not miss it.

Piggy banks are not only for the kids! At the end of each day, add coins to a large jar or other container. Save one- or five-dollar bills instead of spending them and add them to the jar as well. Set a goal for how long you will save until you deposit or spend the cash.

Utilize your local library to save on not only book-buying but monthly audiobook subscriptions and DVD rentals. Ask if your library offers the OverDrive or Libby smartphone apps that allow you to check out eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and videos.

Sign up with a rebate shopping website such as Rakuten or Ibotta, and have the rebates sent to your PayPal or other online payment system account and think of it as a no-interest savings account.

Once a loan or credit card balance is paid off, add the payment amount you would normally make to your savings.

Open a "club" savings account for holiday shopping or summer vacations. Automatically transfer a set amount each month, and when the shopping or vacation date is near, you may withdraw the money without penalty. Taking advantage of these low-interest savings accounts help with overspending, as well as cutting down on expensive credit card spending.

If you use coupons or a loyalty card while grocery shopping, look for “You saved $X today!” on your receipt, and squirrel away that total in your savings.

Round your checking account balance at the end of each month and transfer the difference to your savings. For instance, if there is $613.68 in your checking account, transfer $13.68 to your savings.

A few dollars here or a handful of change there does not seem like you are saving very much, but it truly adds up. Checking the balance every few months will encourage you to continue adding to your savings hoard. Have you met your savings goal? Increase it and keep saving! Once you develop a routine, saving becomes second nature--a habit you will not want to break!

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

Photo credit: Central Bank

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Ten Important Financial Terms for Home Buyers

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

While meeting with a lender to discuss the purchase of a new home, you may hear and read words you are not familiar with. Knowing these financial terms and acronyms will make that meeting go more smoothly. Here are some common financial terms that will come up during your mortgage transaction:

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): a type of mortgage in which the interest rate applied to the outstanding balance varies throughout the life of the loan. A fixed rate may be applied for the initial loan period, but after that, the rate will fluctuate. Sometimes called a Variable Rate Mortgage.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): the yearly rate of interest that an individual must pay on a loan.
Closing Costs: fees and expenses paid at closing, beyond the down payment; costs can run 3 to 5 percent of the loan amount and may include title insurance, attorney fees, appraisals, taxes, and more.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: the borrower’s monthly debt payments divided by their gross monthly income; the number is one way lenders measure the borrower’s ability to manage monthly payments of the loan they receive.
Earnest money deposit (EMD): deposit made after buyers make an offer on a property; sometimes referred to as a good faith deposit; held in escrow until closing.
Escrow: an arrangement in which a third party distributes the money paid during the property-buying transaction.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM): a type of loan in which the interest rate on the mortgage is fixed; the rate will not change during the term of the mortgage.
Loan Estimate: tells important details about the mortgage loan requested; compare and choose the loan that's right for your budget by getting a loan estimate from more than one lender.
Pre-Approved: when the home buyer is approved by a lender for a specific loan amount after the buyer provides documented financial information to be reviewed and verified by the lender.
Pre-Qualified: an estimate of how much the home buyer can borrow based on a review of financial information; not a guarantee of being approved.

Do not go into the lending process without some knowledge under your hat! Going into what is probably your largest investment without knowing anything about it may end up in disappointment and having to wait longer to buy your new home. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers many other terms not listed here and is a great resource for learning more.

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

Photo credit: investadisor

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A Seller's Guide to the Home Appraisal

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

The appraisal is one of the many steps in the buying/selling transaction. Lenders need an unbiased valuation of the home being sold, and the appraiser will look at the property. Sellers generally have at least two weeks to get ready, and because they have an important stake in the appraisal of their house, they should be well prepared:

Exterior

- Make sure the front and back yards are neat and free of debris. Check fencing, steps, and walkways for any damaged places and make any necessary repairs.
- As close to the appraisal appointment as possible, put down fresh mulch, colorful potted plants, and mow the grass.

- The exterior siding should not have peeling paint, broken or missing vinyl siding, or rotting wood.
- Make certain windows are in good working order, with no rotting sills, cracked glass, or peeling paint.
- Decking and porches should be in safe condition.
- From a distance, look at the roof for missing shingles or bad spots. Have any recent roof repair paperwork ready for the appraiser.

Interior

- Flooring that is worn, soft, cracked, scratched or stained will deduct from the home’s value. Clean the carpets, and make repairs to any hardwood, tile, or linoleum. Use an enzyme odor remover where pet odors are present.
- The appraiser will check the water pressure by turning on all faucets and will flush toilets, too.
- Kitchen cabinets should not have sagging doors, and all should close completely.
- If the odor of mold is present, it will be cause for further inspection. Clean the usual bathroom mold before the appraisal, but if mold is present anywhere else in the house, it is best to be straightforward with the problem and have it professionally eliminated.

Repairs that cost $500 or less are worth making, as they usually add to the appraisal value. Allow the appraiser to perform their job, answering questions along the way, and have any paperwork from previous repairs at the ready. After prepping the house for the market, it is important to maintain it during the showing process, as it will save time and money once an offer is made and the appraiser makes their assessment.

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

Photo credit: home junction

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9 Ideas for Hiding the Mundane Essentials in Your Home

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

When was the last time you looked through the photos of a beautiful home on a website or in a magazine layout? Did you miss anything? Probably not. The non-stylish parts of a house have been digitally removed from the photos so that all a viewer sees is style. Electrical outlets and cords, as well as HVAC vents, are necessities in a home, and while photo editing software cannot hide them, there are plenty of tricks to conceal them.

Canvas art usually has an open back and can be placed over flat-screen televisions, thermostats, and window unit air conditioners (when not in use).
Paint can cover many things we do not like, and if your kitchen appliances are lacking, there is paint for that! It does not have to be a color; appliances can be painted for a stainless look as well.
Create a gallery wall around the thermostat, and it will fade into the framed pieces.

Return air vents are necessities but can be made to look much nicer: purchase a stylish cover that is made specifically for return vents, hang a stylish doormat over the vent, or switch the everyday slatted panel with decorative sheet metal.
Hide the home <span class="SpellingError SCXW76850043 BCX0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(" data:image="" gif;base64,r0lgodlhbqaeajecap="" 8aaaaaaaaaach5baeaaaialaaaaaafaaqaaaiilgaxcchrtcgaow="=");" border-bottom:="" 1px="" solid="" transparent;"="">WiFi router in an empty box with holes cut in the back for cords, an inexpensive basket, or get crafty and make a screen from old book spines!
Cover popcorn or dated plaster ceilings with prefinished wood planks, faux beams, or tiles made of one of the many materials available at local home stores.
Make that plain bathtub go undercover with self-stick tiles. They come in all styles, shapes, and colors, and do not require any previous installation know-how.
Wall-mount televisions have become the norm, and the cords hanging from the screen can be unsightly. Home centers have cord cover installation kits in many styles and colors for those who feel confident enough to use some power tools.

Paint radiators in the same color as the wall. This may not hide them completely, but they will blend in, making them easier on the eye.

Who needs a designer or magazine layout to make those household essentials fade into the background? Updating the style of the mundane and functional parts of a home can be fun and easy, and while some of them may be little changes, they can make a big impact.

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

Photo credit: CTAM

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Six Common Home Hazards and How To Fix Them

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

We think of home as our safest space, but sometimes, hazards are lurking unawares. This guide to hidden dangers will help you find and make repairs before it is too late:

- Was your home built before 1978? If so, check for lead paint before scraping any painted woodwork. Purchase a lead-testing kit at your local home center or hardware store. In the case of a positive test, find a specialist that will remove the lead paint safely. You will find more information at epa.gov/lead or by calling 800-424-LEAD.

- Speaking of older homes, have an inspector check out the plumbing for lead or polybutylene (PB) pipes. It may be safer and less costly to filter the lead from drinking water with a product that meets NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction. PB pipes corrode over time, eventually causing a rupture, and should be replaced.

- Keep your dryer lint trap clean, using a vent brush to clean all lint as far as you are able once per month. Unplugging items that are not being used is an easy step to avoid a fire hazard. Other appliances that can cause a fire: ranges, coffee makers, and refrigerators.

- Check and maintain areas of your home that are possible fall risks. Handrails should be secure, and steps should be free of debris. Walkways and steps should not be loose or crumbling. Use non-skid tape for area rugs, and keep kitchen, bathroom, and utility room floors dry.

- Not all molds are extremely dangerous, though they do cause allergic reactions for some. As soon as mold is discovered in your home, clean it with non-ammonia cleaner and water, or for hard surfaces, use a one-cup-bleach:one-gallon-of-water mixture. If the mold continues to grow or if it is found in carpets and drywall, it is better to have those items replaced.

- Asbestos is only a dangerous substance if it is disturbed. If you notice deterioration in an area that you suspect is made of asbestos seek a local professional that can safely remove the offending material.

- Do your very best to save for emergencies like this. Insurance and home warranties do not always cover health hazards such as these. However, correcting problems as soon as you find them is best for you, your wallet, and your family’s health and well-being. Home safe home is a home sweet home.

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

Photo credit: family handyman

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Wilmington Real Estate Blog

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DIY Pet Project Ideas

Eco-Conscious Decorating

Container Gardening for Beginners

Vegetables

Flowers

Organizing the Pantry or Kitchen Cabinets

Ideas to Brighten Your Home Decor in Winter

8 Tips for Saving Money in the New Year

Ten Important Financial Terms for Home Buyers

A Seller's Guide to the Home Appraisal

9 Ideas for Hiding the Mundane Essentials in Your Home

Six Common Home Hazards and How To Fix Them

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