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Saving Money for Your New Home Down Payment

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

 

With the new year here, many people are thinking about resolutions.  If you’re seriously considering buying a new home, you’ll definitely need to be thinking about having your down payment ready when you find the perfect house.  Follow these ideas for saving as much as you possibly can. 

 

  • - First and foremost, know your house-purchasing budget, and estimate needing 20% of that budget. 

  • - Set up a hands-off down payment high-yield savings or money market account. 

  • - Start cutting out expenses, or find ways to make extra money.  Every little bit counts. 

  • - If you plan on getting an end-of-year bonus or income tax refund, set aside that money to begin your new nest’s egg. 

  • - Sign up with your employer to deposit a portion of your pay into a down payment savings account if you’re not great at putting money into savings.  Most of the time, if you don’t see it, you don’t miss it. 

  • - Receiving gifts from family members towards your down payment require documentation so your  lender, as well as the IRS, knows where the money is coming from, and that the money doesn’t require re-payment.  More information about down payment gifts are here from The Mortgage Reports website. 

  • - Start paying off your credit card debt by paying more than the minimum payment.  Lowering and/or eliminating your card balance also lowers your interest rates, so you can start taking what you’d normally pay on credit cards and depositing it towards your down payment fund. 

  • - If you have investments in stocks or bonds, plan on liquidating those assets when it’s time to purchase your house.  Make sure you document these sales. 

  • - A pay raise at work is great, but if you happen to get one, stay on your old budget, and have the extra pay direct deposited into your down payment account. 

  • - You can always borrow from your 401k or IRA, but make sure you’re not having to pay penalties.  Talk with your account holder before you make any withdrawals. 

 

A down payment, especially at twenty percent, can look daunting.  If it just looks impossible, do your research.  There are many first-time buyer programs available, as well as lower down payment options through the USDA, the VA and state-specific programs.  Zillow has a terrific guide on low down payment guidelines and opportunities. Planning ahead and keeping your eye on your goal will get you well on the way to home ownership. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.   

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First Time Homebuyer Courses That Make the Process a Breeze

Wednesday, January 10, 2024
by Tucker Robbins

You are reading that correctly--classes for home buyers! If you are just starting the home-purchase process, you may get overwhelmed when you find out all that is involved. Sadly, it is not as easy as finding a house, paying for it, then moving in. It is a great idea to learn all you can about the purchase process as well as being a homeowner. 

 

  • The Department of Housing and Urban Development has a list of free classes in every state, from credit counseling and home maintenance to housing for seniors. Select your state and find all that are available. 
     

  • Sign up before you have found a house you want to purchase! However, if you are purchasing your home through FHA, USDA, or other agency, you may be required to take the courses. 
     

  • Before deciding what workshop is best for you, make sure it is certified through HUD, and any credit courses are nonprofit and accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.  
     

  • Credit counseling should take place about six months before you start looking at homes so you can learn about improving your credit score and creating a budget. You want the highest credit score possible in order to receive pre-approval for a mortgage. 
     

  • HUD-approved counseling agencies usually offer one-on-one sessions so you can get a better understanding of your financial situation, as well as answers to questions you may have. 
     

  • Many workshops have more than one “instructor;” you will hear from lenders, appraisers, inspectors, and insurance agents who will discuss their roles in the home-buying process. 

  • If there is no way to save or pay a 20% down payment, taking a workshop can help you find low down payment mortgages, as well as any grants that may be available in your community. 

 

When dreaming of buying your own home, do not allow the amount of information to overwhelm you and keep you from even trying! All it takes is this first step, and you will find that a home-buyer course will show you will not be alone on the road to homeownership. Once you learn the ropes of the process, you will feel confident when you contact a RealtorⓇ to begin your search. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.  

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Seven New Year Resolutions for Homeowners

Wednesday, January 3, 2024
by Tucker Robbins


New year, new you, right? Oh, we all seem to resolve to eat healthier, lose weight, kick dirty habits and all kinds of other things, but by the end of February, we find ourselves just trying to remember what our resolutions were, much less actually sticking to them! Homeownership is the same way--we start out with big ideas of what we’ll be doing to maintain it, then life gets in the way, and we fall short.  Get started with this guide: 

 

  • - Having an energy audit performed on your house will help you save not only energy but money, too. 
     

  • - Your dryer’s lint trap should be cleaned routinely after each load, but your vent and vent tubing should be cleaned at least annually.  Removing as much lint as you can helps dry your laundry faster and reduce the risk of fire. 
     

  • - Home security systems aren’t foolproof against hackers, and neither are smart home accessories.  Change passwords frequently, and don’t reuse passwords.  To make it even more difficult to hack, use two-factor authentication.  
     

  • - The Family Handyman has several tips for keeping the yard and yard tools in tip-top shape. 


  • - Resolve to cut the clutter in your house. While the temps are cool, and you’re spending more time inside anyway, take one room in your home per week to clean out and clean up. 
     

  • - Repair the little things that you overlook because they’re not necessarily a safety issue:  doorknobs that aren’t working, dripping faucets, or squeaky floors. Fix now to save you from something bigger happening and costing you more later. 
     

  • - Get your personal finances in order!  Commit to saving money, not only in the literal sense, but get the best rates on insurance, or consider refinancing your mortgage. NerdWallet has some great tips for building equity in your home. 
     

  • - Print out this free home checklist, and you won’t miss a thing each season! 

 

Find a good balance of taking care of home and taking care of you and your family.  Don’t spend every spare minute maintaining your home. Some projects can combine family and work time, like a big cleaning job, or yard work.  As important as it is to keep up your home, it’s important to keep up with family as well.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.  
 

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Start the New Year with New Savings Habits

Wednesday, December 27, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


When you are on a tight budget, savings may not necessarily be part of it. It can be easier than you think, however, and stashing money into a savings account is important not only for homeowners but for anyone. Check out these ideas and try adding them to your personal financial plans:  

 

  • Asking your employer if they offer a direct deposit paycheck program is wise. Not only does your money deposit a day earlier than others receive a paper check, but you can arrange for a certain amount to be put in a savings account.  
     

  • Cut back on lunch expenses on workdays and bring your own lunch. Add the normal cost of a take-out lunch to your savings account. 
     

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

  • Round off your checking account balance each week and transfer the difference to your savings account. In other words, if your final balance is $247.68, round it down to $240.68--or even better--$230.68.  
     

  • Save money on groceries by creating a meal plan each week and buy only the necessities for those meals with a limited number of snacks. Another way to save is to order your items online and pick them up at the store (it will save you from impulse purchases!). Watch your savings add up and put the difference in your savings each week.   
     

  • Sign up with a rebate shopping app like Rakuten (formerly Ebates) or Ibotta, and have the rebates sent to a PayPal account, and think of it as no-interest savings, and transfer the funds to your bank account whenever you want. Some rebate companies are now offering direct deposit as well. 
     

  • Believe it or not, unsubscribing from promotional emails can save money if you frequently click and buy through the emails they send. 

 

Once you develop a routine, saving becomes second nature. The increasing savings balance will encourage you to keep up the new habit, and maybe even find more ways to save!  

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.

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Natural Scents for Your Home

Wednesday, December 20, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

According to research done by Scentiments, 80% of Americans use home fragrances.  The choices can be overwhelming, and visitors and family members can be allergic to mass-produced products, as they likely contain chemical compounds.  Many people, however, have what they need for their home fragrances right in their pantries or available on grocery shelves! 

 

Fragrance Combinations 

  • - orange or lemon peels and whole or ground cloves 

  • - fresh rosemary stems and leaves, lemon peel, and a few drops of vanilla extract 

  • - lemon or lime peel and basil leaves, fresh or dry 

  • - sliced cucumber (or just the peel), basil leaves and a teaspoon of ground ginger 

  • - dried lavender, lemon peel and peppermint oil 

  • - grapefruit peel and lavender blossoms or rosemary stems with leaves 

 

--Mix one of the above combinations with a few cups of water, and simmer on your stove. Be sure to add more water as it evaporates, and the fragrance usually lasts about sixteen hours of simmer time.  If you have any scent left in the mixture but won’t be home to enjoy it, let the mixture cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few days. The mixture can also be used in a small electric simmering pot. 

 

--All you need is a spray bottle, distilled water, and one of the Fragrance Combinations, and you’ve got custom room spray!  Add your favorite ingredients to the bottle, fill with distilled water, and allow to sit for a few hours.  Keeping the spray refrigerated will keep it fresh for a week.  If you want to keep it longer, a few drops of rubbing alcohol or witch hazel astringent will help with preserving it. 

 

--Air freshener beads can be made with polymer absorbent crystals normally used for potting soil!  Mixing the same ingredients as the room spray, add a few drops of rubbing alcohol to keep the mixture from spoiling.  In a bowl, mix one teaspoon of the crystals and one cup of your scented water. For a stronger scent, add a few drops of essential oil or extracts leftover from baking.  Once the polymer has absorbed all of the water, divide them into two pint-sized jars.  Use a scrap of lace to cover the top, and add the screw lid.  

 

--Because essential oils are another natural alternative, here is an easy DIY reed diffuser idea.  All you need is your favorite essential oil, a glass bottle and bamboo skewers! 

 

Remember that these natural scents will not be as strong as commercially-produced fragrances.  The good thing about using what comes from nature can be used more frequently without the worry of using added chemicals in your home.  It will take a bit of getting used to, but a naturally sweet-smelling home will be a reward in many ways. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.

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Going Green for the Holiday Season!

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


We don’t need an official statistic to tell us that trash in the US increases during the holidays, but some reports say that over 1 million tons of extra waste are generated in the United States from Thanksgiving to the New Year!  How can we reduce that number?  It may take some effort on our part, but we can cut back on what we use and throw away during the holidays! 

 

  • - Not only will ditching store-bought gift wrap save room in the trash bin, but it will also save money! Check out these alternatives from How Stuff Works. In case you must buy something, look for inexpensive reusable tins, boxes and gift bags. 
     

  • - Besides gift cards, give presents that are about presence:  trips, a year’s pass to a museum or local amusement park, memberships to spas, or concert tickets. 
     

  • - Thrift-shopping is one way to reuse items, and treasures can be found by visiting them often.  Don’t forget local social media “yard sale” groups, as well as websites that allow people to sell used items. 
     

  • - Don’t forget the batteries but make them rechargeable! This type of battery is becoming more affordable, especially in the smaller battery sizes, and it keeps nasty battery waste from going to our landfills. 
     

  • - It is irritating to get the lights up and half a strand dies as soon as they’re plugged in, but don’t throw them out!  Read about how to check them over,, as well as tools that are made specifically for repairing lights.  If they are truly burnt out, find a recycling center for them instead of sending them out with the garbage. 
     

  • - Break out the “good” dishes instead of using disposables!  Ask everyone to pitch in once the meal is over, and clean-up will be a breeze. 
     

  • - Food waste is something we don’t think about often, but we can cut back on what we throw away by planning well and thinking creatively with leftovers.  Find helpful tips and recipes, as well as the Guest-Imator tool at savethefood.com. 
     

  • - Live trees are used in almost half of American homes, but they shouldn’t be sent to a landfill.  Learn about different ways to reuse the tree, or contact a conservation group to see if they can use it for wildlife. 

 

Cutting back during the holidays goes against what our society tells us about how we should spend these next few weeks, but even little things like using unconventional gift wrapping for just three gifts adds up, according to Visual.ly.  Commit to making three changes this year, and next year, add three more to your list.  Consider it a gift to the environment. 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins.

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End-Of-Year Giving!

Wednesday, December 6, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


With just a little more than a month left in the year, many begin to think about charitable donations.  Once you’ve decided on an amount to give, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

 

  • 1. Did you give last year?  Do a quick check of the organization’s website, or give them a call to see what sort of strides they’ve taken.  If you’re not satisfied, or don’t see progress, consider another charity. 
     

  • 2. As difficult as it can be to narrow your donation to one organization, a larger gift can be more beneficial as one gift, instead of spreading your donations around. 
     

  • 3. Keep in mind that there are thousands of charities who don’t have it in their budgets to advertise.  Consider giving to a local charity, or a national one that’s lesser known. 
     

  • 4. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, call the charities if you can’t find their mission statements online, and ask questions.  It’s the best way to get the information you need. 
     

  • 5. Although there’s nothing wrong with giving to your alma mater or the hospital that took such great care of a family member, find out if your local homeless or domestic violence shelter needs help.  These kinds of organizations usually struggle to make ends meet in providing services. 
          

  • 6. Make sure your charity is legitimate, and it’s very important to check their finances. Charity Navigator’s website will let your search a charity’s name and get feedback. 
     

  • 7. Because donations are tax-deductible, the IRS has a search tool that allows you to see what organizations are eligible for tax-deduction gifts. There are other handy options, such as seeing what organizations are no longer allowed to be considered exempt. 
     

  • 8. Avoid scams--charitable giving is at a high at the year’s end, and crooks abound.  Use the above IRS search tool to make sure your charity is a legitimate charity. 
     

  • 9. Keep receipts, check stubs or letters of thanks for when you’re filing taxes.  If your donation isn’t monetary, but something valued at over $5,000, the IRS requires an appraisal for your deduction. 
     

  • 10. Do you volunteer? Any out-of-pocket directly related expenses--even mileage--are tax deductible.  
     

  • 11. Keep in mind that last-minute online donations made December 30-31 are eligible for a tax write-off.  

 

Deciding who should benefit from your generosity can be a tough or easy decision, depending on what you already know. Just look for charities that depend on your generosity to keep their doors open, or who need your physical presence to be successful.  Giving isn’t always about money.  

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.   

 

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Safely Decorating with Outdoor Lights

Wednesday, November 29, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


It’s time to get the holiday house decorating in high gear, and you may have bought new light strands, but plan on mixing them with ones you have, or adding LED lights.  Safety is important this time of year, and making the days merry and the nights bright means taking a few precautions. 

 

  • 1. Check your old lights for frayed wires, nicks or cuts along the outer cord, and broken bulbs. Broken bulbs can be replaced, but toss the frayed strands, or those with cuts. 
     

  • 2. Decorating the exterior of your house means the lights you use must be made for outdoors.  Check the packaging or tag on the string to make certain. 

  •  

  • 3. Use clips or hangers that are UL-approved--do NOT nail, tack, or staple lights to any fixture. 
     

  • 4. If you’d like to light a tree in your yard, make absolute certain no power lines run through the branches, and keep any lighting at least ten feet from power lines. 
     

  • 5. Make sure your extension cords are specifically made for outdoor use, and have a three-pronged ground plug.  Your receptacle should be a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet in case of electrical overload, it will shut off power.  Portable outdoor GFCI’s are available for very little cost at Amazon. 
     

  • 6. Read and heed all labels when it comes to connecting strings of lights.  If the label says only three can be connected to one another, start a new chain of lights after the third strand is in place.  Also keep in mind that only strands with the same number of bulbs should be connected--in other words, don’t connect a 100-strand with two 25-strands. 
     

  • 7. Keep extension cords away from high-traffic areas, and out from under welcome mats or pavers. 
     

  • 8. Many people start decorating long before Christmas, but be aware that most non-commercial light strands are only safely exposed to the elements for 90 days.  Any longer, and deterioration to the insulation will begin.   
     

  • 9. Avoid using a metal ladder if you’re having to get up high with your lights--use wooden or fiberglass instead. 
     

  • 10. Never leave lights on when you’re not at home, or asleep.   
     

  • 11. If you’re considering adding LED’s to your holiday display, make sure you don’t mix connecting with incandescent.  Going all-LED will be costlier upon start-up, but will save money on your power bill, as well as in replacement costs--LED’s can last up to twenty years. 

 

You don’t want a friendly neighborhood competition to turn into disaster, nor do you want a classic Clark Griswold power outage at home.  Know your home’s electrical limits, and use common sense and care while you’re decorating. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.

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Minimize Holiday Waste

Tuesday, November 21, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, over 1 million tons of extra waste are generated in the United States! How can we reduce that number? It may take some effort on our part, but we can definitely cut back on what we use and throw away during the holidays! 

 

Gift-Giving 

  • - Besides gift cards, give presents that are about presence: a weekend getaway reservation, a year’s pass to a museum or local amusement park, memberships to spas, or concert tickets. 


  • - Thrift shopping is one way to reuse items, and treasures can be found by visiting thrift stores often. Other places to shop for bargains are social media marketplace groups as well as websites that specialize in resale. 


  • - Stop using store-bought gift wrap! Check out these alternatives from How Stuff Works. If you must by anything, look for inexpensive reusable tins, boxes, and gift bags. 


  • - If a gift you have purchased needs batteries, include a set of rechargeable batteries and charger. Rechargeable batteries are becoming more affordable, especially in the smaller battery sizes, and they keep nasty battery waste from going to our landfills. 

 

Holiday Decorations 

  • - Do not throw out a set of lights just because one-half of the strand is not working. Learn about how to check them over, as well as inexpensive tools that are made specifically for repairing lights. If they are truly burnt out, find a recycling center for them instead of sending them out with the garbage. 


  • - Live trees are used in almost half of American homes, but they should not be sent to a landfill.  Learn about different ways to reuse the tree, or contact a conservation group to see if they can use it for wildlife. 

 

Getting Together 

  • - Instead of disposable dinnerware, why not break out the “good” dishes?! Ask everyone to pitch in once the meal is over, and clean-up will be a breeze. 


  • - Recently, many are becoming more aware of food waste. We can cut back on what we throw away by planning well for our meals and party menus and thinking creatively with leftovers. Try using the "Guest-savethefood.com. 

 

Cutting back during the holidays goes against what our society tells us about how we should spend these next few weeks, but even little things like using unconventional gift wrapping for just three gifts can add up. This year, commit to making three changes to reduce holiday waste, and next year, add three more to your list. Consider it a gift to the environment! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor Tucker Robbins.

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Pets and Holiday Food

Wednesday, November 15, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


The time of year is upon us when we gather together and indulge in our favorite foods.  It’s so easy to slip Fido or Kitty a little scrap now and then, but it may not be such a good idea.  See this list for human foods that may or not be good for your pets. 

 

  • 1. Turkey may be an ingredient in some pet foods, and a bite or two of cooked, white meat is a nice treat. The skin, however, contains fat as well as spices that can cause an upset stomach, or worse, pancreatitis.  If they get turkey, remove the skin. 
     

  • 2. If you’re celebrating with prime rib, or ham, a few bites of meat without herbs or spices is a nice snack.  
     

  • 3. Bones of any kind can be a real danger because of splintering, and could cause choking as well as a perforated digestive system. 
     

  • 4. Gravy is a yummy treat poured over their regular food, but limit it to a few tablespoonsful.  Gravies are usually too salty for animals, and are high in fats. 
     

  • 5. Before you turn your baked sweet potatoes or pureed pumpkin into pies, pass a spoonful or two along as a treat.  Both are rich in vitamins and high in fiber, and are a great anytime snack. 
     

  • 6. Onions are a definite no--they contain thiosulphate, which is quite harmful to dogs and cats. 
     

  • 7. Stuffing may not only be too carb-rich, but the onions, garlic and spices that most stuffing’s contain can be toxic your pets. 
     

  • 8. Going sugar free? Make sure your artificial sweetener doesn’t contain xylitol, and if it does, make absolute certain your pet doesn’t eat anything it’s an ingredient in. 
     

  • 9. Baked goods contain too much sugar, or may have chocolate, which shouldn’t be fed to either cats or dogs in the slightest amount.  Call your vet if you think they may have eaten anything containing chocolate. 

 

We usually end up going a bit overboard on Christmas, but it doesn’t have to include our pets.  The extra people in the house and hustle and bustle in the kitchen can be a bit much for pets, anyway.  Provide a quiet corner for them so they can get away for a while.  When you sit down for your meal, make sure guests know not to feed the four-legged beggars with the sad eyes. 

 

If you really want to include your beloved canine in your family meal, try this little doggy casserole from The Bark, and cats will enjoy these turkey jerky nibblers that are easy to make! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtor 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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