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Tips for the Cleanest Windows on the Block!

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

The dry and dusty days of summer are over, and your home’s windows could use some sprucing up, inside and out. Do not let window-washing intimidate you--it is a time-consuming task, but one that goes quickly once you are in the zone! Here are a few tips to encourage you to get those windows sparkling clean:

Before you Begin:

- Mix up a cleaning solution in a large bucket: 1 gallon of water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a squirt of liquid dish detergent--it is best to use too little detergent than too much, as too many suds can lead to streaking and extra rinsing time.
- Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle (a car-washing brush would be perfect) or a flat microfiber mop, water hose, a step ladder or stepping stool, and a squeegee is the best tool, but a microfiber cloth will do.

Wash the dirt away:

- Begin by removing the screen panels, laying them on a hard surface, and giving them a good shower with the hose, then gently scrubbing with the cleaning solution. After rinsing, prop them up to dry while you tackle the windows.
- Much like washing a car, rinse off as much dirt as you can, starting at the top of the window. Use the brush to give the glass a gentle scrubbing, paying extra attention to anything that is stuck to the window.
- Rinse with the hose, and use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe off excess water. If you use a squeegee, work from top to bottom, and wipe the blade dry between swipes.

No Ladder Necessary

A ladder is not needed to get a clean finish on windows that are too high to reach using a hose and a hose-end window sprayer:

- Use the same recipe for the cleaning solution, but stir in 1-2 tablespoons of dishwasher rinsing aid to the mix.
- Give the entire window--screen and all--a thorough spray of plain water to remove and loosen dirt.

- Fill the sprayer with the cleaner, attach it to the hose, and, out of direct sunlight, spray from top to bottom.
- Immediately rinse with plain water, and the rinsing aid should allow your window to dry without streaks, no wiping or squeegee required!

The Family Handyman has a great tutorial, which includes a how-to for the sticky stuff, as well as getting the best results from a squeegee. Go ahead and get started on this much-dreaded chore. Once it is complete, everyone will see you have the most sparkling windows in the neighborhood!

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

Photo credit: Bob Vila

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Fire Prevention

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Although it may seem like it was only yesterday that you ran a check on all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, making sure your home and your family are prepared in case of fire cannot be repeated too often.

Fire Safety Tools

- Properly functioning smoke alarms are the first step in alerting everyone in the house of fire. Detectors should be installed on every floor, closest to bedrooms. Consider installing an interconnected alarm system so that when one goes off, all of them go off.
-A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible on every floor of your home. Learn how and where to store the extinguishers, as well as what types to keep in each place from Firefighter Insider.

- Homes with more than one story should have an escape ladder close to an easily accessed window on the upper floor. Safewise.com has a list of their best-rated ladders and offers tips for choosing the right ladder for your home.
- One prevention measure many homeowners do not consider is the installation of lightning rods. Lightning rods may seem like an outdated tool, but they can save electronics from lightning damage as well as preventing a fire. Home lightning protection comes in many styles that complement the exterior of your home.

Fire Safety Tips

- Is there a circuit breaker that trips frequently or a light switch that does not always work? These types of electricity issues are dangerous and should be checked out by an electrician.

- Using extension cords seems to be the best solution when there are not enough outlets. Overloading electrical outlets is dangerous, so call an electrician to install more. The cost of a professional upgrade outweighs the cost of a fire.
- Keeping the dryer’s lint screen and vent clean prevents lint build-up, making fire less likely.
- Never leave cooking food unattended, and even though your children may like to help, have their station set up far from any hot items. Keep towels and paper products away from anything hot.

- Besides knowing how to use an extinguisher, every cook in the house should know how to keep a grease fire from spreading.

Most importantly, set up a family fire plan, and call a family meeting so that all family members know what to do and where to go in case of fire. Consult the National Fire Protection Association’s guidelines and use the free printable tools to make your planning process go smoothly. No amount of time taken to put a plan into place and practice is too much when it comes to protecting your home and family from a fire.

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

Photo credit: epicurious

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6 Tips on Building Equity in Your Home

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

What is home equity? The Balance explains it this way: home equity “...is the amount that you own, or what you would get after paying off your mortgage after selling.” For most Americans, their home is their largest investment, so keeping a watchful eye on the equity and taking action when it is necessary is their first defense.

Before purchasing a new home, consider adding more to the down payment. This simple action creates equity by reducing the amount of your mortgage loan.
The smaller the loan term, the faster the loan is paid off. Your payments will be higher, but if it is affordable, it is a fantastic way to gain equity quickly.
Every monthly payment you pay towards your mortgage automatically builds equity unless your mortgage is an interest-only loan. Discuss this with your lender before you begin because you want to be certain that you are paying down the principal.

- Adding to your payment each month not only builds the equity, but it will save money on interest in the long-term.
- Consider dividing your monthly payment into two payments every other week. This plan makes it easier for you to squeeze in one extra payment per year. (26 half-payments=13 monthly payments)
- Less expensive ways to pay the principal down sooner: round up your monthly payment, budget a smaller amount each month to be paid on your loan, or use a tax refund or work bonuses to pay towards the principal.

Properly maintaining your home will at least keep up the value, depending on the market, of course. Roof leaking? Repair it. Paint peeling? Grab a paintbrush. Sweat equity does not cost you anything, but if you must, hire a pro so that the job is done right.
Adding value to your home is possible, but only if you are not spending too much out-of-pocket or dipping into a home equity loan to make the upgrades.

Refinance your mortgage only if it is necessary or if you are decreasing the loan term.

If you are unsure about the local market, call New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. and ask them to pull recent sales in your neighborhood so you can compare selling prices of similar homes with your mortgage balance. Now may be a good time to sell if you have enough equity in your home, and the agent will help you every step of the way!

Photo credit: mortgageloan.com

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Protecting Your Vacant Home For Sale

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Moving before your old home sells can cause some anxiety for the property’s safety. Criminals can be savvy these days, and you do not want your home compromised, especially when potential buyers are there for a showing. Besides having interior lights set on timers, window coverings, and motion-sensor outdoor lighting, there are a few more things you can do to add an extra layer of security:

- The first step is the most obvious: lock all doors and windows. If someone is looking for easy access, they will check every entryway, and if they are locked, they may decide to walk away.

- Before the move, check in with your insurance agent and make sure your homeowners policy covers a vacant house.

- Ask someone you know and trust to keep an eye on things, especially if your move is long-distance. If you must pay someone, check their references.

- Find a neighbor who is willing to park their vehicle in your driveway as another safety measure.

- Continue to maintain the landscaping, preferably by a reputable landscaper, neighbor, friend, or family member.

- As unlikely as it may seem, the HVAC unit should be secured. Installing a lock on the circuit box will discourage theft and adding a security cage is a plus.

- Home security systems are more affordable than ever, and you do not necessarily have to pay a monthly service fee to a company. Do some online research and find a system that connects wirelessly and has a coordinating smartphone app. You can keep an eye on things yourself, and if there’s anything suspicious, call your local contact and ask them to check your house for you.

- Your RealtorⓇ normally provides a lockbox to be placed in an out-of-sight place on the outside of the house. Advancements in technology have made these tools even more secure, including types that record who shows your house and when.

Think of the expense of taking additional precautions as an investment. There is no price tag on peace of mind and protecting your property when you are not present. Another bonus is that the added security could be more incentive to potential buyers, making your home sell sooner!