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How to Go Green This Spring

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Have you ever given any thought on taking part in going green?  If so you have come to the right place.  Below are a few tips on how you and your family can go green this spring!   Why not add going green to your spring cleaning list!  

 

  •  One way that you and your family can go green this spring is to simply take your shoes off before you enter your house!  You read that right; you can go green by simply taking off your shoes. 40% of all indoor contaminants actually come from the bottom of our shoes so do your part to keep this from happening to you and your family by taking those shoes off!  
     

  • Learn what ingredients are considered to be green so that when you go to the store to purchase all of your new green cleaners you can be confident that you are actually doing some good for the environment.  Some companies that claim to be green actually have some ingredients that are not green once they are mixed together.   Just read up on what ingredients are green and what ingredients are not and are typically passed off as green and you should be heading in the right direction on what to buy and what not to buy.  
     

  • Don’t forget the outside of your home when you are going green.  Many grasses are able to grow and thrive without the help of any type of pesticides and /or fertilizers.  The best way to start going green with the outside of your home is to replace the grass you currently have with native grasses to your particular area.  One perk of this switch is that you may find that you have a lot less upkeep of your lawn once you do this!  Who wouldn’t enjoy having more time with their family and less time doing yard work on a weekly basis! 

     

These are just a few ways in which you can help to make your home a bit more green this spring.  Once you get started going green it is likely that you will find more and more ways in which to do so.  It can become addicting once you make the decision to go green in and around your home! 

 

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

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Creative and Budget-Friendly Organization Ideas

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


We have all seen the beautiful dream closets: they are filled with drawers, shoe shelves, a vanity, and many other bells and whistles, but all come with a hefty price tag. Organizational gadgets can cost quite a bit, but there are many ways to get organized without spending a lot-- just get creative! 

 

Closets 

  • - Extend room for lighter clothing items, such as blouses and shirts, by using tension rods placed at the top and bottom of your closet. Add shower curtain hooks to store purses and other odd-shaped items. 
     

  • - Family Handyman demonstrates how to use a plant-hanger chain to store multiple shirts and blouses. 
     

  • - Mount a short curtain rod on the back of the closet door to hang scarves, and store more by using clip-style curtain rings to hang hats and gloves to keep them handy. 
     

  • - This use of tension rods for shoe storage is a great storage hack! 

 

Bedrooms 

  • - Create under-the-bed storage by upcycling old dresser drawers by adding adhesive felt or swivel caster wheels to the bottoms. Or get empty suitcases out of the attic and put them to use by storing seasonal clothing under the bed. 
     

  • - Turn a bookshelf into a headboard and create space for odd items such as remotes, glasses, morning medicines, and, of course, books. 
     

  • - No more rummaging through a mish-mash of cosmetics in a bag! This DIY magnetic makeup board is a great way to keep makeup handy and easy to find. 
     

  • - In the kids' room, mount wire wall planters and place books, plush toys, or arts and crafts items within a little one's reach. 

 

In the Kitchen 

  • - Get the pots and pans out of the cabinets by hanging them! Hang them on a wall or try this DIY ladder pot rack! 
     

  • - Keep the infamous junk drawer tidy by using a clean egg carton or small muffin tin; both are perfect for keeping small items organized. 
     

  • - Inexpensive dollar store baskets can be filled with cans, spices, and baking items for pull-out storage in the pantry. The baskets keep them neat and easy to access. 
     

  • - Place large utensils in a cookie jar on the counter to keep them within reach while cooking. 
     

  • - A wall file holder mounted on the inside of a cabinet door is transformed into a container lid holder. 

 

Begin your organization plans by decluttering, then using what you can afford or DIY to make it happen. Putting your home in order can be pretty, practical, and inexpensive! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: www.womansday.com

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Does Your Home Need an Energy Audit?

Wednesday, April 5, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Energy audits are becoming more common among homeowners as a way to save money on energy costs as well as check their carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an energy audit is a process to “assess how much energy a home consumes and evaluate measures to make the home more energy efficient." Is an energy audit something your home needs? This checklist will assist you in answering that question! 

 

  • Musty Odors:  When certain rooms, mainly bathrooms, have a musty smell or form mold quickly in between cleanings, there could be a hidden moisture problem that can cause more serious issues if it remains unchecked. 
     

  • Window Problems:  Can you feel cold or hot air seeping in from the outside when near a window? Is there condensation on the glass, no matter the season? These are obvious signs that your windows are interfering with the energy efficiency in your home. 
     

  • Insulation: Attic insulation requirements have changed over the years. When you are in the attic, can you see most of the joists in between the insulation? That is a sure sign there is not enough insulation to keep it heated and cooled efficiently. 
     

  • Comfort Level:  Are some rooms too cold, some too hot, or just the opposite? While everyone feels differently as a matter of personal preference, your home should not have major differences from room to room when it comes to temperature and comfort level. 
     

  • High Energy Bills:  The different components that use electricity in your home can add up if they are not running properly. If your HVAC is short-cycling, or you have outlets and/or electric cords that get too hot, or light bulbs burn out before they should, these are all problems that will add up on your power bill if not checked. 
     

  • There are two different levels of an energy audit for a house. Level one is a basic walk-through assessment, and level two begins with the basics in level one and includes an energy survey and analysis. 

  • - Homeowners can perform their own level one audit, and the U.S. Department of Energy offers a list of what you can check for without paying a professional. 
     

  • - This Old House offers a video that demonstrates a level two energy audit using different pieces of equipment and processes the pros use to assess your home’s energy use.  

 

The age of your home does not matter! Newer homes can be as energy inefficient as older homes! Once you have determined that your home could use some help to become a better consumer of energy, use the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) Home Energy Rating member finder for a list of energy audit professionals in your area. Do your homework on each one in your area to find the right one for your needs and budget. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: www.greenmountainenergy.com/

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Spring Cleaning the Natural Way

Wednesday, March 29, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Spring has officially sprung and that means most of us are starting to get the itch to clean our homes.   Below are a few spring cleaning tips for those of you who might be interested in doing it the natural way!  These items are such that you likely already have them in your house so there will be no need to go out and purchase anything.   

 

 The number one item you likely already have in your house and that is perfect for spring cleaning  is baking soda!  Yes you read that right, baking soda!  It has many uses such as the following:   

  • Clean the toilet using a bit of baking soda and a scrub brush 

  • Clean the inside of your oven using some baking soda mixed with vinegar and a rag 

  • To brighten up your laundry use half a cup of baking soda mixed with each load 

  • 1 cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar will help to unclog a clogged up drain in your sinks 

  • Sprinkle some baking soda on your rugs and carpets, wait 15 min, then vacuum to freshen them 
     

Another item that you likely already have on hand at home that can help make spring cleaning  easy is vinegar.  There are many uses for cleaning with vinegar such as the following: 

  • Mix vinegar with salt to get those pesky coffee stains out of your coffee mugs 

  • Spray vinegar in your bathroom for a good sanitization of each surface 

  • Believe it or not, let your socks soak in vinegar to freshen them.  This is done by adding 1 cup vinegar to a pot of water and letting them soak overnight 

  • Use a bit of distilled white vinegar on our toothbrush to make your smile brighter.  

  • If you want your windows to shine and you don’t want to use regular window cleaner, use white vinegar mixed with water in a spray bottle then wipe clean with a paper towel.   
     

Liquid dish soap is another great help in spring cleaning and my guess is you already have some of this too!  Here are a few uses for liquid dish soap: 

  • Mop your floors with it!  Mix a couple drops with a gallon of water 

  • Clean your granite countertops with some liquid dish soap mixed with warm water then dry with a towel. 

​​

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

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Tips to Reduce Moving Costs

Wednesday, March 22, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

As exciting as it is to be relocating to a new home or new city, very few actually look forward to the “moving” part! It can be as expensive as you choose, but as a new homeowner, the budget is always on your mind. Check out these ways you can cut costs when it comes time to move: 

 

  • Before you put the first item in a packing box, toss, sell, or give away as much as you can. You may have already decluttered when your current home was put on the market, but give everything one more look before you start packing. 
     

  • Moving.org has an up-to-date list of discounts and coupons offered to senior citizens, various occupations, and membership organizations. 
     

  • Rent a truck, then pack it and move everything yourself. It will be hard work, but get the family involved, have a plan in place, and save hundreds by DIYing your move. 
     

  • Portable storage can be more affordable than hiring a full mover. Reduce stress by having the container delivered a few weeks before the move, as you can pack it over several days, then have it sent to the new house once you are ready to go. 
     

  • If you choose to use a pro, contact at least three reputable moving companies at least a month in advance of the move. Ask if a fixed rate is available, and inquire about possible additional costs: charging more for a weekend move, or extra for wrapping furniture or moving items up and down stairs.  
     

  • Packing in advance when hiring a moving pro that charges by the hour will add to your savings. Have all containers ready in one convenient place, preferably in a garage or the room nearest the front door. 
     

  • Save on packing materials by getting boxes from grocery store produce departments, or ask in online forums for used packing items for free. Some containers are already in your home: suitcases, tote and duffel bags, as well as linens for packing material. 
     

  • Long-distance movers normally charge by weight, so taking items like a weight bench or furniture that you do not have room for in the new house will cost more. Consider selling them before the move. 

 

Probably the most important thing to remember is to plan at least a month ahead of the move, as it is not unusual to pay too much when in a rush. In one study, moving has been <span class="SpellingError SCXW231324750 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="=&quot;);" border-bottom:="" 1px="" solid="" transparent;"="">found to be one of the top three stressors in life! Keeping costs down as much as possible during the move can help reduce some of that stress. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: deccanherald.com

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St. Patrick's Day in America

Wednesday, March 15, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

St. Patrick’s Day has become a highly celebrated holiday in the US.  When Irish immigrants came to America, they chose that day to celebrate home and all that was Irish.  It took until the 20th century for people of non-Irish descent to join in the festivities.  Many American cities turn green on March 17, even coloring waterways green, not to mention green food and drink, and shamrocks on every corner.   

 

  • - Boston, Massachusetts hosts the reportedly oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade, and has grown substantially since the first parade of Irish-Catholic Redcoats marching down the streets with “Fifes and Drums” to honor their home country’s saint.  The South Boston parade route is three miles long and is attended by a million spectators.   
     

  • - Green water isn’t a welcome sight for most people, except on St. Patrick’s Day.  Savannah, GA, and St. Louis, MI, celebrate with city fountains flowing green; in Chicago, a portion of the Chicago River is dyed green, and Tampa’s Hillsborough River becomes the River O’ Green.   
     

  • - For 245 years, the streets of Philadelphia have filled with marchers, and the parade has grown to approximately 20,000 participants, including bagpipes, floats honoring the patron saint, and, in 2018, will be led by Grand Marshall Sister Mary Scullion, a member of the Catholic Religious Sisters of Mercy.   
     

  • - O’Neill, Nebraska is home to the world’s largest shamrock, and they celebrate the special day with a parade that centers around the giant concrete leaf and includes a dodgeball tournament. 
     

  • - San Francisco boasts the largest celebration in the western part of the country, and not only has a parade and lots of Irish music, but a huge scavenger hunt.  Party-goers enjoy a unique dish for the holiday--Irish nachos made of fried sliced potatoes, of course, topped with cheese, bacon and jalapeños. 
     

  • - New London, Wisconsin becomes New Dublin on March 17 after residents dressed as leprechauns, with city officials’ approval, change the signs in the town. Their parade isn’t complete without a parody adaption of James Joyce’s “Finnegan’s Wake,” using a green hearse. 
     

  • - Yes, Virginia, there is a Dublin in the US, and it’s located in Ohio!  The city hosts plenty of festivities for everyone, and the local Lions Club holds a pancake breakfast fundraiser with--you guessed it--green syrup! Before the parade begins, onlookers get to enjoy the Inflation Celebration, where the large inflatable parade entries are brought to life, and it’s a sight to see!  

 

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can be as unique as the cities they are held in.  If your local festivities aren’t as different as these, every town and citizen can still be Irish on March 17.  Just be sure to wear your green to avoid a pinch from a leprechaun! 

 

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

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Photo credit: kokefm.com

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Should You Use Your Home Equity?

Wednesday, March 8, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


If you have a good amount of equity in your home, and would like to make some home improvements, or need money to help you pay for a child’s college tuition, you may be considering using the equity in your home to help pay for these things.  Let’s look at the difference between the two so you can make the right decision before you sign on the dotted line. 

 

Home Equity Loan 

  • - Basically speaking, a home equity loan is a second mortgage on your home, which is used as collateral by the lender.  

  • - The lender usually bases the loan amount on the difference between the homeowner's equity and the home's current market value.  Investopedia can help you determine how much equity you have in your home. 

  • - Most lenders allow homeowners to borrow up to 85% of the home’s total value, but only based on what portion you actually “own.” If you haven’t finished paying your original mortgage off, your equity will be less than someone who has paid off their home loan. 

  • - A home equity loan will be paid as a lump sum and comes with a fixed interest rate. You will know how much you must pay every month, in addition to your current mortgage payment. 

  • - Just like the initial purchase of the house, your credit needs to be in good standing, so have all your financial records in order when you meet with your lender. 

 

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) 

  • - HELOC’s are a second mortgage as well, but instead of a lump sum, the homeowner typically has a five-to-ten-year “draw” period where they have access to the amount of the credit. 

  • - During the draw period, some lenders allow interest-only payments on the amount, while some require principle-plus-interest payments. Either way, pay more than the minimum so the principal can be paid off before the repayment period. 

  • - Once the draw period is over, repayment of what credit you have used will begin.  Keep in mind that these payments will be higher than the earlier amounts you’ve been paying. 

  • - Your line of credit can be used for anything, but if you’re thinking about an island getaway, or some other non-essential purchase, you are better off starting a savings fund.  If you can’t meet the payments once the draw period is over, you could lose your home to foreclosure.  

  • - In some cases, a lender will close your line of credit early if your circumstances change.  If you’re using that money to pay your child’s college tuition, you’ll no longer have access to it, creating financial strain. 

 

Before deciding to use either of these types of credit, find out if using the equity in your home is the right way to go.  If you’re already having a hard time paying the bills, a home equity loan or HELOC will only put your further in debt.  Contact a HUD-certified financial counselor to help you get your debt and other financial matters under control. 

 

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

Photo credit: washingtonpost.com

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Top Things To Purge From Your Kitchen

Wednesday, March 1, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Let’s face it we all have stuff we need to get rid of in our homes, and typically the kitchen has a ton of stuff that doesn’t need to be there lying around in it.  Since we are currently in the cold of winter, there is no time like the present to start cleaning out your kitchen and making it look a bit more presentable.  Below is a list of the top things you should purge from your kitchen.

  • We all have one, a junk drawer and that junk drawer is many times located in the kitchen.  It’s where we put all the items we have no idea what to do with but aren’t; quite sure we want to get rid of just yet.  Take that junk drawer and go through it with a fine tooth comb and decide what you need and what you don’t need.  Throw away all that you don’t need.  Most times the things you don’t need are the items you haven’t used in the past 6 months.  I promise you won’t miss anything.
     
  • Another thing we all seem to have lying around our kitchens is all those restaurant sauce packets we feel the need to keep.  Sure you might use one once in a while but most times they just take up space either in the junk drawer or in the refrigerator.  Throw all the restaurant condiments out!  It will make your kitchen look much lovelier. 
     
  • Yet another thing we all need to purge from our kitchens is the dressings, sauces and other items that have long since expired.  There isn’t much worse than getting ready to put some sauce on your food only to find that it expired two years ago.  Clean out your fridge and only keep those things that you are going to use within the next week or so or at least make sure that all the dates are current. 
     
  • Most everyone has some sort of a stack of lids in their kitchen that they just can’t seem to find a container for.  If you have a bunch of lids that don’t have matching containers to secure them to, why not just throw them out.  They no longer serve a purpose. 

Hopefully this list of items you need to purge  from your kitchen will get you starting thinking in the right direction.  At least it will be a starting point for you.  

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

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Tax Tips for New Homeowners in New Castle County, DE

Wednesday, February 22, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

It’s tax time, and many dread the prep and thought of paying them.  There are some deductions homeowners can take, so if this is your first time filing as a homeowner, make sure you get the maximum tax benefits out of your new home. 

 

  • - Homeowners can claim their mortgage interest for a tax deduction. On the chance that you’re using tax return software, it will calculate your deduction after you answer questions about your home purchase.  If you’d rather use an accountant or tax prep service to help you, they can answer all your questions. 
     

  • - If you moved more than fifty miles because of your job, or starting a new one, your expenses are tax deductible.  There are some time stipulations as well, according to number one in this guide from taxact.com;  make sure you meet the requirements before taking this deduction.
     

  • - Making your home more energy efficient by installing a solar energy system or solar water heater make you eligible for a thirty percent credit for parts and labor.  Unfortunately, the credit for geothermal heat pumps and small wind turbines has expired. https://www.energy.gov/savings/residential-renewable-energy-tax-credit 
     

  • - Are you self-employed and use a room or section of your living area for a home office?  There’s a deduction for that.  The IRS has a couple of requirements, and if you don’t want to go through figuring up the standard deduction, they offer a simplified deduction, but choose which method takes more off your tax responsibility. 
     

  • - Did you pay “points” to the bank to get a better interest rate? If so, that money is tax deductible. Since points are usually 1% of your home loan, if your loan was $250,000, your tax break would be $2,500 for paying down one point. 
     

  • - Any property taxes are tax deductible, beginning the official date that you purchase the home, which is usually on your settlement statement you receive at closing. 
     

  • - Hopefully, this hasn’t happened in your first year in your new home, but if you’ve had something unfortunate happen that insurance didn’t cover, there is a casualty loss deduction for out-of-pocket expenses.  The repair cost must be more than 10% of your gross income. 

 

Don’t let all this information scare you away from doing your own taxes!  No matter how you decide to file, gather everything you would normally use to file taxes, but make sure you have the 1098 mortgage interest form from the lender, property tax receipts, and any paperwork you saved from the casualty loss repairs or alternative energy installments. Home ownership has many benefits for the homeowner, and you should take advantage of every penny you have worked so hard for to put into your new home. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: realtor.com

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Unique Window Treatments for Small Rooms

Wednesday, February 15, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

When it comes to the smaller rooms in the house, window treatments play an important part in the feel of the space. You do not, however, have to give up style or privacy in these areas; check out these unique ways you can add pizzazz to your windows, and “space” to your small room: 

 

  • If drapes are your only choice, install the hardware higher on the wall than the top of the window. This simple trick will add a spacious feel to the room. 
     

  • Using a simple roller shade keeps an open feel to the room. Rollers come in many colors, or you can create a custom shade with adhesive-back shelf paper, fabric, or even wallpaper. 
     

  • Hanging a neutral valance will keep the room light, and add color to the window by hanging an old stained glass window section, or create your own “stained glass!” 
     

  • A simple way to add style and make the room seem larger by drawing the eye up is to use a cornice or a pelmet covered in colorful fabric and paired with plain sheer panels. 
     

  • Using shutters instead of curtains gives you privacy while allowing light to come through when you have adjustable louvers on the shutters. Most are made of wood and can be painted or stained to match your room’s decor or make a statement. 
     

  • Need privacy but need to keep the room well-lit? This is an easy DIY using “frosted glass” film or spray paint! A textured glass look can be created using clear glass craft paint. 
     

  • A sunny window is a perfect place for plants, so use them as your window treatment! Purchase shelving and install, or make shelves for your green thumb display. 
     

  • Window screens made of laser-cut metal are becoming increasingly popular and more affordable. Styles are seemingly endless and can be easily purchased at online home decor sites or even craft websites with laser-cutting machines becoming more common for crafters. 

 

The window treatments, placement and size of the furniture, and scale of the room’s decor are all factors for making a room seem open or stuffy. Choose wisely so time spent there will not leave you with a “cooped up” feeling! Simple is more in a small room! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: thecreativityexchange.com

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