Real Estate Information

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, you likely will want to do a bit of renovating before doing so.  A great way to spruce up your home in order to sell it is by replacing the old kitchen counter-tops.  This is an easy upgrade that doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.  Here are a few different kitchen counter-top ideas  to get you started in the right direction and weigh the pros and cons of each.  

• Granite counter-tops are all the rage and it seems that everyone is putting these in their homes these days.  A good thing about granite counter-tops is that it is very hard to damage them.  Granite counter-tops are basically fool proof.  They will cost you around 2,000-6,000 but are well worth the money.  The only con I can think of when it comes to granite counter-tops is that you may need to reseal them every now and again because the edges and corners can chip.  This will need to be done by a professional.
•  Soapstone and marble are some other good ideas for replacing your current counter-tops with as well.  These types of materials will cost you anywhere from 2,800-8,400.  If you have this kind of money to sink into your counter-tops you may find that your home will go for a bit more when it comes to selling it.  Soapstone typically scratches easily and may even stain although it is very beautiful.   Marble also can have these types of problems as well being easily damaged from heat.  If you are selling your home you may be able to get a higher asking price if you put marble or soapstone counter-tops in, but if you are going to be living in your house and you want maintenance free counter-tops you may want to stick with granite instead.  You are going to have beautiful new counter-tops not matter which material you decide to use, so whatever you choose to do will be a winning situation.  
• Quartz is always an option when replacing kitchen counter-tops.  It looks a lot like stone but it won’t require as much maintenance.  You can get all sorts of cool colors if you choose quartz counter-tops.  If you are going to go with quartz counter-tops I would suggest that you have the edges rounded as they can sometimes chip and need to be repaired. 

Hopefully this blog has given you a few ideas if you are planning to replace your kitchen counter-tops.   Whether you plan to live in your home for many more years or you are planning to put it on the market, a nice new kitchen counter-top can do a lot for a home. 

Information provided by Wilmington DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.

The summer storm season is here and there are things that you may need to do to prepare your home for them.  In this blog post today we will give you a few tips on how to prepare your home for the upcoming storm season. 

• First, fix any damage the past winter has done to your roof.  You may need to replace a few shingles or you may even have to replace the entire roof.  Hire a professional if you don’t know much about how to fix your own roof.  You don’t want storms coming if you have damage to your roof because you may end up with damage on the inside of your house as a result. 
• Check to make sure your gutters are not full of debris and leaves.   During the winter months gutters tend to go un-checked.  If your gutters are full, the first summer storm that comes your way will most likely cause you and anyone who enters your home to get a hat full of rain water.  Take care of things like this before storm season arrives and you will be glad you did. 
• Have a professional come out and check to make sure your trees are secure.  Make sure the professionals cut down all trees that may have issues and get rid of any loose limbs.  You don’t want tree limbs flying through the air during a summer storm. 
• If you have a sump pump, make sure it is working and perhaps even get a battery powered back-up so that your pump will continue to work in the event the power goes out. 
• Have a plan in place for you and your family  in case of a bad storm.  You may live in an area where there aren’t many bad storms but you never know when one may come about. 
• Make sure that your windows are good and secure and that there are no areas in which water can get inside them.  If your windows are older you may consider replacing them. 

Hopefully these tips have given you a head start on getting your home ready for the storm season.  You can never be too prepared. 

Information courtesy of New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins.

With the summer season upon us, we need to tend to a few maintenance tasks before we can settle down in a hammock without a care in the world.  Keeping in mind the adage, “A stitch in time…”, we need to test the garage door opener, check the air conditioning system, and service the lawn mower to ensure a breakdown-free summer.

• When was the last time you thought about your garage door or its automatic opener?  Like any mechanical system, the door and opener need some periodic, preventative maintenance. If you live in an area of frequent thunderstorms, a tight, well maintained garage door can also help prevent expensive results of a storm-ruptured door. The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association International has a good guide to help you inspect and test your complete garage door system. It's a good idea to make monthly inspection and testing a part of your regular routine.
   
• Sweltering temperatures may be just around the corner, and your best defense is a central air-conditioning system. There are a few things you can do to make sure that it's tuned up and ready to go when the summer heat arrives.  Before you start tinkering with the system, however, it's important to have a basic understanding of: the condenser, the blower unit, and the ductwork of your system.  Visit the DASMA website for a complete explanation and instructions on how to fine tune it.
   
• Many small tasks are involved with getting your lawn mower ready for reliable summer use.

Check, belts, blades, all bolts and fasteners, tires, and wheels. If you have fuel older than 30 days stored in containers, not use it.  Any idea when you last changed the oil?  Drain it and replace it with oil the manufacturer recommends. Consider, too, replacing the sparkplug—if you do, add a couple drops of engine oil into the hole, and then replace the plug. Check your air and fuel filters and replace if they are dirty or clogged.  Follow the recommendations found at LawnCare.com.

Once you’ve completed these chores, feel free to visit yet another website for more suggestions—simple ones-- on how to maintain your home during the summer months.  So much for hammock time!

Information courtesy of New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins.

The majority of articles advocating home ownership center around financial benefits—fixed monthly expenses, tax benefits, accruing equity, etc.—and indeed these incentives do propel many people to purchase a home.  According to two recent polls (Gallop and the Allstate / National Journal survey), however, other more intangible factors also motivate the purchase of a piece of real estate.

• Sense of community:  As a homeowner, you’ll be centered in a strong community of like-minded people, which can be a valuable asset for you and your family.  Homeownership brings a sense of pride in both your home and your community.  Various studies suggest that a higher homeownership rate brings lower crime rates, higher property values, better educated children, and ultimately closer communities.  Investing in a home may also mean investing in your family and your community by getting involved.  Once you own a home, you feel more attached to the area in which you live. You're more interested in what happens in your neighborhood, to the roads, schools, and shopping areas.
  
   
• Renewed belief in the American Dream:  Although confidence in that dream has faltered in recent years, the desire to own a home is rebounding, especially among younger buyers and members of diverse ethnic groups.  Pride and family stability are important factors in today’s dream. Your house is the physical manifestation of your years of hard work and financial responsibility. And nothing says “success story” like owning your very own piece of the American dream.
   
• Higher academic achievement of children:  Consistent findings show that homeownership does have a significant positive impact on educational achievement.  Some studies find that homeownership brings residential stability, and it is this stability that raises educational attainment.  Another asserts that while homeownership raises educational outcomes for children, neighborhood stability further enhances the positive outcome.  Additional research has shown that there is an increased chance of success in many areas for the children of homeowners.
   
• Freedom to “do your own thing.”  If you own your house, the home improvement store is your oyster! You can paint, remodel, remove, or restyle just about anything in your home to meet your individual needs and/or reflect your tastes and personality.

Owning a home is certainly a wise investment—in so many ways!

Information courtesy of New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins.

If you watch home-and-garden cable channels, it looks like everyone is flipping houses. i.e. buying a piece of real estate, making minor repairs, and quickly selling it at a substantially higher price.  Basic investing 101: Buy low, sell high.

Certainly sounds appealing--and you may be tempted to join the ranks of those who have been successful in this field.  Be forewarned, however, that like most money-making endeavors, real estate flipping requires time, money, patience and skill.

For tips on how to begin, steps to follow, and advice on how to avoid pitfalls, read on…

Do your research and be knowledgeable well in advance:

• Talk to (and learn from) successful flippers, read up on the subject, follow real estate deals in the newspaper, use the Internet as a teaching resource, attend open houses and auctions.
   
• Identify possible house locations, size, and style.  Educate yourself on how to recognize promising properties and how to spot a lemon.
   
• Familiarize yourself with current prices, taxes, utility rates, HOA fees, municipal and restrictions in each area you are considering.   Study your market. Get to know it as well as you possibly can. Understand the trends, the kinds of houses, the neighborhoods, the streets.
   
• Visit the potential homes and neighborhoods in person.  Talk to residents, Realtors, and repair companies who are familiar with the area.

Set up a budget, a time line, and financing:

• Figure out how much money you have (or can put your hands on using investors) without borrowing.
   
• Calculate the cost of repairs, taxes, utilities, materials, contractor/labor expenses, and the like.  Professional contractors advise flippers to add an extra 10% to their repair estimate.  Also, to be on the safe side, make sure that you’ll be able to hold on to the home as a rental property for a while, if need be.
   
• Experts suggest factoring in the flip time into your budget and your potential profit before you purchase the home. According to investors, a successful flip is one that makes you around a 15% profit.

Be prepared:

• When you find the right house, you must act quickly to buy it.
   
• Have appraisers, agents, contractors, skilled laborers lined up so they can start work immediately upon your purchase.  Remember, in flipping, time is money!
   
• Be ready to make quick decisions, devote a great deal of time (and possibly sweat equity) to this project, and face unexpected expenses.

Two major caveats:  Be patient and don’t get greedy!

Information courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.

Curious about your home's current value? Get an instant market valuation here!

Information courtesy of New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins.

Most sellers have been advised to be aware of the importance of curb appeal in heightening the interest of potential buyers.  To that end, they keep the lawn mowed and bushes trimmed.  They also adorn the outside entrance way with colorful potted flowers, updated light fixtures and hardware, and a freshly-painted door—all invitations to potential buyers to go inside.

An effective selling strategy, of course, but the invitations and positive impressions need to continue when prospective buyers actually come into your home.  Be it large, small, or cleverly created, the interior entryway to your house serves as the transition from outdoors to indoors and can set the tone and expectations for the rest of the home.

Some tips to creating a welcoming and attractive foyer or hallway include the following:

• Use one piece of size-appropriate furniture to anchor the space (and possibly provide room for storage).  Think desk, chest, bookcase, etagere, bench, or comfortable chair, e.g.  Consider function as well as appearance.
   
• Stress neatness.  Not only does an entryway set the tone of a home, but it can also keep the rest of your home tidy.  Attaching attractive hooks or other hardware to the wall next to the doorway can be an excellent place to hang coats, purses, bags, and keys.  A coat rack and umbrella stand can also be useful items.
   
• Utilize color to introduce the style of your home and/or to make a statement.  Some designers recommend using bright (red) or dark (chocolate brown) hues to mask the dimensions of a small space.  Others favor neutral shades such as grey, ecru, or white to make the furnishings the central focus.  Still others promote the use of yellow to add light or shades of green to bring the outside in.
   
• Be aware of lighting and size proportion.  Include a table lamp or sconces—even a chandelier if the area warrants it.  The addition of a mirror helps to reflect light and expand the space.
   
• Utilize accessories tastefully.   Add a colorful area rug, a favorite painting or poster, and plants, perhaps even a ficus or palm tree if space permits. Display a few pieces from one of your collections.  Include a variety of textures, shapes, and colors in your selections.  Remember that fresh flowers, in addition to pleasantly scenting the foyer, always send a welcoming message.to would-be buyers of your home.

Information courtesy of New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins.

If you are considering a divorce or are currently going though one, it is important that you learn as much as you can about divorce laws and how they can impact your real estate holdings.  To learn about those laws in Delaware, click here.

Although a divorce eventually involves the distribution of all of a couple’s assets, generally the most pressing issue (other than child custody) is the division of your real estate. To make this potentially complicated and emotion-laden process work as smoothly and civilly as possible,  consider the following suggestions to help combat volatile issues and strong feelings:

• Consult with your divorce attorney.  A well-crafted settlement agreement can help to avoid many types of disputes. The agreement should be quite detailed, including all potential issues that could arise during the sales process.  The agreement should ensure that the interests of both parties are aligned towards selling your real estate so that you both can move on with your lives.  Have the property sold or refinanced into one name, while all of the other details of the divorce are being negotiated.  Even if your divorce decree assigns possession of those assets to one party, or if one of you voluntarily transfers title to the other, the liability for the loan will remain for both if you do not sell or refinance the asset.
   
• Find a real estate agent who specializes in selling property for divorcing couples.  With divorce rates continuing to rise, many Realtors are beginning to market themselves as specialists in selling homes for couples who are divorcing.  These agents understand the complexities of a pending divorce case and will work with you on an individual basis.

Before you can decide how your real estate is to be divided, you must first determine its value.  If both parties are unable to agree on the current market value, there are several valuation methods that can be used, including current tax assessed value, request for a new appraisal, or an evaluation by a Realtor.  Determining equity in order to equitably divide assets is a complex process which can become quite complicated.  For more information about this topic, click here.

Information courtesy of Tucker Robbins, Wilmington DE Realtor.

Each year around 65% of all household moves take place between May and September, so obviously you need to plan ahead if you’re moving to a new home this summer.

While the act of relocating to a new place can certainly be exciting, there are, of course, challenges to be met, especially during a hot, busy summer season.  Although there are no foolproof ways to make the experience totally stress-free, there are, thankfully, actions you can take to make your “adventure” a more positive one.

Sage advice to heed includes:

• Plan ahead!  Contact moving companies or truck rental firms at least six weeks in advance if possible. Try to schedule your move for a weekday and at a time when traffic is less heavy. Make prior arrangements for the care of young children and pets on moving day—for their sake and yours!  Line up commitments from friends and family if you’ll need their assistance for the move.
   
• Be strategic about packing.  Gather necessary supplies and start packing early.  Whether it’s one room, one cabinet, or a drawer at a time, weed through what may be years of accumulation.  Decide what to donate to charity, give to a friend, recycle, trash, pack now, or keep handy until moving day.  Label boxes as to contents and intended room in the new home.
   
• Take care of logistics in advance.  Ideally, you should contact your future utilities provider at least two weeks before you move regarding turning on your electricity, gas, phone, cable, and internet before your arrival, if possible.  Contact any new school for a list of documents needed for registration.  Do not pack these materials away it’s better to hand carry them for easy retrieval.  If you’re going to need to spend a night in a hotel, make those arrangements early.
   
• Make life simple.  Keep all small parts labeled, in plastic bags, and all together in one box.  Likewise, take pictures of electronic hook-ups for future use.
   
• Consider the heat.  Dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and refrain from placing certain items in a hot truck—candles or wine, e.g.  Click here for tips on packing cleaning products and toxins.
   
• Stay calm.  Relax, whistle, smile, and anticipate the pleasure of living in your new home. 

Information courtesy of New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins.

The New Castle County real estate market was HOT in March 2015 with sales and home prices increases in the double digits. Here's the detailed info...

Information courtesy of  New Castle County Realtor Tucker Robbins, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.