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Curb Appeal Tips in New Castle County, DE

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Obviously, the first thing a prospective buyer sees when they drive up to your house is the front outdoor space and exterior.  First impressions can make or break a sale! Bring your curb appeal to life with a few easy and easy-on-the-budget ideas. 

 

  • - Use a long-handled soft brush and mild soap and water to wash the front of your home’s exterior.   

  • - If you don’t own a pressure washer, rent one from your local home store and give the driveways and walkways a good cleaning, paying special attention to stains from fallen leaves. 

  • - Store away any personal items you have in the front garden, like statuary, monogram garden flags, and even the basketball goal over the garage door.  You want the buyers to imagine your yard as their own. 

  • - Trim or remove shrubbery and trees, or large plantings that don’t show off the front of your home.  If the job is too big, a professional may need to be called in. 

  • - Give the front door a fresh coat of paint in a bright inviting color, add a new welcome mat, and if necessary, install new hardware and clean up or add new house numbers. 

  • - Simply changing your old porch or yard light sconces can make a big difference in appearance, as most homes are shown during the day, but many house hunters drive around in the evenings, looking at homes on their want list, so you want the lighting to shine bright. 

  • - If you don’t want to invest in a lot of flowers in the landscape in hopes that you will be moving soon, cover the beds with new mulch.  For some color, place pots and containers in strategic areas filled with flowers and greenery. 

  • - On a large front porch, add a sitting area with an indoor-outdoor rug and casually arranged porch furnishings.   

  • - Fencing adds value to your home, but it needs to be in great condition.  Clean the fence, painting and repairing where needed. 

  • - Don’t forget the mailbox!  Inspect the post and mailbox itself carefully, and give it a good cleaning, or replace it altogether.  Some low maintenance plants around it will make it stand out. 

 

You want your home to give your potential buyers a great impression when they drive up.  They will likely have already scrolled through your home’s photos in the online listing, so it needs to look as great or better than what they’ve already seen.  These tips may seem insignificant to you, but look at your home through a buyer’s eyes, and do whatever is necessary to turn that first impression into a sale! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors 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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Getting Ready for Outdoor Time!

Wednesday, March 27, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

 

Warmer days are on the way, and when the weather cooperates, home owners are outside preparing their yards, gardens and pools for the coming Summer. But is your patio looking a little sad?  Do you want to utilize your front porch more this season?  Your outdoor spaces only need a little TLC and elbow grease! 

 

  • - Sweep patios to remove loose debris.  Use a pressure washer on concrete, or a long-handled stiff brush and warm water mixed with bleach--a 10:1 mixture is strong enough to clean the area well.   
     

  • - For porches, sweep the flooring, as well as ceilings and posts, and a shower of water from the garden hose should remove the dust and cobwebs.  If something needs more attention, use a soft bristled brush or flat mop dipped in a mixture of warm water and mild dish detergent. 
     

  • - Wood decks may only need a simple sweeping and washing down with a hose and soft scrub brush. If you’re thinking about staining or painting the woodwork, a pressure washer would be the best tool to prep it for its makeover.  
     

  • - Screening should be checked for holes and rips that can be eventually be big problems, and is easy to replace for little cost. 
     

  • - Check for any cracks in cement patios.  Fill them with caulking or even quick-drying concrete.  Many easy and affordable repair kits are in local home stores. If the problem goes deeper than just a crack, call a contractor to come and make sure the problem isn’t structural. 
     

  • - Bricks and pavers can become loose over time, and filling the spaces between them with sand is one way to sturdy them.  According to Neave Masonry, after filling in between the pavers with sand, use a broom to distribute it evenly, wet the pavers, and once it’s settled, add more sand and repeat.  Continue to add sand until the spaces are filled with sand. 
     

  • - Keeping outdoor furniture covered when not in use is great, but it still would be a good idea to give it a good cleaning since you’ll be using it soon.  
     

  • - Get your planters ready for flowers by removing soil from them and clean with a spray from the water hose.  Soak them in a mixture of 9 parts water to one-part household bleach to get rid of any bacteria that could’ve grown in the Winter, and rinse well. 
     

  • - Outdoor pillows can take a beating, so if yours are looking grim, you can purchase new covers more inexpensively than completely replacing the pillows.  If they have been in outdoor storage, wash them, hang them outside to air dry, and add the new covers. 
     

  • - Spruce up the seating area with fragrant plants, an outdoor area rug, hang pretty sheets or shower curtains on tension rods to add some drama, and some DIY lighting--check out these ideas from BuzzFeed.   

 

Don’t wait until it gets steaming hot or two hours before your cookout guests arrive to get your yard and outdoor seating area in order.  Doing it now will encourage you and yours to spend more time in the outdoors to dine al fresco, relax with a good book, or spend time winding down after a long day at work.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.

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Selecting Plants and Flowers for Your Home Garden!

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


Many of us select plants for the garden at our New Castle County DE home based on their visual effect—color, height, size of blooms, etc. And so we should, as the sight of our plantings should be pleasing to our sense of sight. As we plan our garden, however, we should also be aware of the other four senses—and include plants which appeal to each of them.

SMELL: Aromatherapy is a powerful practice. With nothing more than a simple scent, the brain can be triggered to remember long forgotten memories, emotions, and feelings. With that being said, it is important to carefully select the flowers you want in the garden of your New Castle County DE home. With a few simple choices, you can create your own "memory lane' or relaxing oasis. In terms of fragrance, it’s hard to beat roses or lavender. Wisteria and jasmine are scented climbers which can really enhance the sensory pleasure of a garden, and amaryllis belladonna and spirea both add pleasant scents.

SOUND: Few of us associate the sense of sound with our garden, but the rustling of long grasses and the chirping of birds add a much-appreciated dimension. To attract songbirds, use fruit-bearing understory trees like dogwoods and service berries and shrubs such as viburnums and hollies and introduce low growing perennials and dwarf shrubs like creeping juniper and cotoneaster. You can also plant vines, ground covers, and sunflowers to increase chirping and tweeting.

TOUCH: Texture in garden design refers to the surface quality of the plant. Plant textures range from delicate and fine to coarse and bold. The feel of the foliage in your New Castle County DE home’s garden is not the only element of texture, however, as the texture can change with the play of light and shadow and even with viewing distance. Plants with thread-like leaves call out to be touched, so consider adding cosmos, baby's breath, asters, and grasses. In addition, iris and lamb’s ear will each provide softer tactile experiences.

TASTE: The world of herbs is nearly without limits. Think about basil, chives, rosemary, chamomile, cilantro, mint, and parsley, to name just a few tasty garden additions. Consider, too low bush blueberries or ligonberries. Lesser known, but equally valuable as salad additions are the flowers of the hibiscus shrub, columbine, and daylilies.

Some of the plants you have selected for your garden will serve more than one purpose and will appeal to more than one sense, so be sure to sniff, feel, taste, listen to, and view each of them!

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.   

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How to Clean Your Grill

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

 

Spring is here and that means that summer is right around the corner!  Summertime brings with it many things but one of the awesome things about summer is that it means many meal prep times will move from inside of the kitchen to outside on the grill!  Yum!  You will have to do your part to get your grill ready for all the outdoor cooking that is about to begin!  Below are a few ideas on how best to clean your grill for the upcoming season! 

 

  1.  The first place to start when beginning to clean your grill is to clean the grates.  These can get quite dirty during the outdoor cooking season.  If you were smart when the last season ended you cleaned them and wiped them down with cooking oil, however if you didn’t, there is still hope. One good and easy way to clean your dirty grill grates is to place them into your self-cleaning oven and let it do the work for you.  Another way to get your grill grates clean is to simply put them in the dishwasher.   
     

  1. Clean the burner tubes by simply brushing them and wiping them clean.   Be sure not to use any metal brushes as these have been deemed unsafe if the metal pieces come off and get into your food.   
     

  1. Clean the grease collection tray by scrubbing it with a clean damp cloth.   
     

  1. If you happen to have a charcoal grill, your cleaning process will be a bit simpler than with a gas grill.  Scrub the grill with a nylon brush and then clean the grates and that is it!  If you have old charcoal simply throw it out and buy some new for the season.  
     

These are just a few ideas on how to clean your grill to get it ready for the upcoming outdoor cooking season.  The best way to clean your grill is honestly just to clean as you go. If you do your part to clean up after yourself after each and every meal you will have a much easier time when it comes time to get the grill out again for the next season.  If you don’t do your part to clean as you go, at least now you have a few ideas on how to get rid of the grit and grime easily.    

 

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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Reducing Allergens Inside the Home

Wednesday, February 28, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

Allergies are usually associated with springtime and being outdoors, but our homes host allergens year-round. We can cut back on our suffering, and while it may take some work, it can certainly reduce our suffering. 

 

  • According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, keeping humidity as low as possible inside the homes is important for decreasing mold growth and dust mites, the two most common indoor allergens. 
     

  • A HEPA filter for the HVAC system works better than normal filters to keep allergens from re-circulating whenever the system is running. 
     

  • Use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other mold-killing products to clean bathrooms. 
     

  • Remove shoes upon entering the home, and have a pair of indoor-only slip on shoes available at the door. 
     

  • If possible, opt for hard flooring with wool or wool-blend area rugs. Vacuum carpets at least twice weekly, and steam-clean them twice a year at minimum. 
     

  • Speaking of vacuums, make sure the machine has a HEPA filter, and keep the exterior clean. 
     

  • Machine washable slipcovers are perfect for upholstery, but occasionally go over all fabric-covered furniture with the vacuum brush attachment. 
     

  • Use zippered covers for mattresses and pillows, and wash bedding in hot water every week.

    Keep decorative bedding to a minimum as it is basically an extra host for dust mites.      
     

  • In case of a pet dander allergy, do not allow pets on the bed! Keep pets’ bedding clean, vacuum and wash them often. 
     

  • During high-pollen times of year, wipe pets down with a damp cloth to wipe away pollen and mold spores when they come in from outdoors.  

 

Doctors are an excellent source for more information about reducing allergens in the home. Being proactive against irritating substances is important in getting a handle on allergies.

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.    

 

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Invest Your Tax Refund In Your Home

Wednesday, February 21, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


If you are planning on doing some homework with your refund, here are a few suggestions on how best to spend that money! 

 

$1,000 or Less 

  • Add or improve your front walkway.  Whether you plan on putting your home on the market soon or not, a new walkway will improve the curb appeal.  

  • Replacing the front door is an expensive job, but you can create a whole new look for the front exterior of your home just by having a new front entranceway. 

  • Install new light fixtures, especially if you’re tired of the builders-grade fixtures. If you shop smart, you can get stylish new flush-mount lights for every room. 

  • Do a minor bathroom renovation:  replace the toilet, faucets, and lights, and give the tub/shower a makeover with a refinishing kit. 

  • Paint the kitchen cabinets, replace the hardware, and add a tile backsplash. You won’t believe what a difference those three minor renos will make! 

  • Upgrade one kitchen appliance.  
     

$1,000-$2,000 

  • Any repairs that you’ve put off because of cost should be done before any improvements to renovating is done. Protecting your investment is more important than new bathroom tile. 

  • If your front lawn is a black canvas, hire a landscape designer to create some improvements.  

  • Have your “popcorn” ceilings removed by a pro and add new crown molding.  

  • Tankless water heaters, whether you choose whole-house or single-point, are worth the investment as you’ll see a difference in your electric bills. 

  • If you’re handy, you can take on a DIY job and save money: paint your home’s exterior, install new flooring, add wainscoting, or install kitchen countertops. 

 

As much as you’d like to see something physical after spending your tax refund, paying any accumulated debt down or investing it will pay you back in the long run. Check out these ideas from Investopedia,  and take off some of that financial load you may be bearing! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.   

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House Hunting Homework

Thursday, February 15, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


There is plenty to do to prepare for buying your new home, and once you’re actively touring homes or stopping into an open house, you can draw a blank when it comes time to ask specifics.  Have some questions ready to prepare yourself so you won’t forget! 

 

Open House and Walkthrough 

  • - How long has the house been on the market, and are there any current offers? The length of time it’s been for sale can mean savings for you, or you may not want to bother if there are already multiple offers. 
     

  • - Why is the current owner selling?  This may seem like prying, and you may not get the exact answer, but it can add flexibility to price negotiations if the owner is ready for a fast sale. 
     

  • - Ask for a seller’s disclosure before you think about making an offer. Check this list for your state’s info about what the seller must tell you before buying the house.
     

  • - How old is the roof? An older roof that has issues can either cost in the long run, or give you a discount on the sale price if it need replacing. 
     

  • - If it isn’t obvious, ask when the house was last updated.  With people living longer, some could have lived in the same home for fifty years and done nothing else besides redecorating. 
     

  • - Condition of the home’s systems are important, so inquire about the age of the water heater, electric, plumbing, security and climate control systems. 
     

  • - How is the home heated and insulated, including the attic?  You need to have a good idea of what your utilities will cost, and heating can be expensive, whether it’s propane, electric, or geothermal if the insulation needs improving. 
     

  • - Has the house been treated for pests on a regular basis?  This can keep a lot of headaches at bay in the long run. 
     

  • - What is included in the sale price, and are any warranties still active?  You don’t want to be surprised when you start moving in and find out you have to buy all new appliances. 
     

  • - You may be moving in the same general area, but a different city or county.  Property taxes vary per location, so make sure you know how much you will be paying if you eventually purchase the home. 
     

  • -If your prospective new home is in a historic district or homeowner’s association, there will be restrictions on how you renovate or build an addition, and fees for HOA.  Ask your realtor for these details. 

 

Pay Attention 

  • - While you’re on your walkthrough, pay attention to traffic and nearby surroundings.  Spend several minutes outside in the front and back yards and listen for any traffic noise, or a noisy possible neighbor. 
     

  • - Is your prospective new home on a busy shortcut street in the mornings and evenings?  Make time to discover for yourself and drive through on your way to or from work. 
     

  • - Look closely at fresh paint jobs for cracks or possible mold.  Sometimes, that new paint is covering up a problem. 
     

  • - Check your mobile phone for signal strength.  Different areas can be dead zones. 
     

  • - Drive through the area one evening after most people are home from work.  Is there plenty of parking available? 

 

Using these opportunities to find all the information you can about a potential new home is imperative when you know you’ll be looking at many different homes on the market.  Do your homework--keep a list of questions on your mobile phone’s notepad app so you won’t forget anything, or use a clipboard if you’re looking at multiple houses, keeping this information better organized. Since buying a home will most likely be your biggest investment, you want to be certain your money will be spent wisely. 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.   

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Preventing and Getting Rid of Mold

Wednesday, February 7, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


Mold is a subject that strikes fear in many people.  Though the toxic form of black mold is rare, there are plenty of other types that invade our bathrooms, basements and other places in our homes. Let’s look at the best ways to get control over any mold problem anywhere we find it. 

The bathroom is the most common place for mold, because it has all the right conditions for mold growth:  moisture, a place to grow, and food. 

  • - Use the exhaust fan every time you shower, and if your bathroom isn’t equipped with one, crack the window to allow the steam to escape. 

  • - Wipe down the shower walls and door when you’re finished, leaving the door open until everything is completely dry. 

  • - If you use a shower curtain, use an anti-mold spray, commercial or homemade, to spray the curtain down, and pull the curtain to its fullest length to dry. 

  • - Any leaks should be repaired immediately and inspect under the sink every few weeks to make sure everything is dry in the cabinets. 

  • - If you have a tile bath, give the grout a waterproof seal once a year. 

  • - When you do find mold on hard surfaces, the CDC recommends mixing a solution of no more than 1 cup of household bleach in a gallon of water.  Provide good ventilation, spray on affected areas, leave for five minutes, rinse, and allow to dry. 

  •  

Other common places for molds to grow, especially this time of year when we have the heat on, are closets, window sills, basements, and floors around entryways.

  • - Use washable mats and throw-rugs with waterproof backing at doorways. 

  • - Keep your home’s humidity below 40%.  Using a humidifier is a necessity in Winter, and you may need to use a hygrometer to help you keep moisture levels in check. 

  • - Occasionally inspect your fridge’s drip pan for excessive moisture, and clean according to manufacturer’s instructions. 

  • - Attics can be the first-place mold can start in case of a leaky roof, so get the roof repaired immediately, and clean the mold as soon as you discover it.  Be sure there are no leaves or other obstructions blocking the attic’s vents. 

  • - Having the crawl space of your home encapsulated can be expensive, but it is the only solution to keeping moisture from coming up from the ground and can help you see standing water in case of plumbing leaks. 

  • - The EPA has some tips for mold cleanup, as well as information on when to call in a pro for removal.  

 

There are many products available to help keep moisture in your home at bay.  Desiccant bags containing silica gel are great for hanging in small places such as closets.  Small non-electric dehumidifiers are also available for larger areas, and whole-house dehumidifiers are another option, just more expensive.  While not all molds are toxic, they are allergens, and prevention and action are keys to a healthier, mold-free home.


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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