Real Estate Information Archive

Take Care While Cleaning

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

We have spent a lot of time and effort keeping things clean lately, but are we thinking about how we can clean without damaging countertops, flooring, or other surfaces? Proper cleaning keeps them looking good as new!

Stainless Surfaces

Regular wiping with plain warm water is your first defense in cleaning any stainless surface, followed by a microfiber cloth or paper towel drying. Get rid of fingerprints with a glass cleaner containing ammonia.
For scratches, use a clean cloth with a few drops of mineral or olive oil. Wipe in the direction of the grain, and minor scratches will disappear.

Countertops

Countertops need daily cleaning, but they need disinfecting as well. Some chemicals in sanitizing products could be harmful, so to give surfaces some TLC while killing germs, use white distilled vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or just good old hot, soapy water.
Mild soap mixed in warm water is great for general cleaning, as well as keeping germs at bay for granite countertops. Applying bleach, ammonia or even acidic vinegar can be harmful, so spray with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water if you need to disinfect. Having it resealed annually helps protect it, as well as maintain the germ barrier.
Quartz is a tough surface, but treat it gently; since it’s a manufactured product, using anything to scour away an errant stain will scratch the surface. Warm, soapy water is best to keep it sparkling.

Flooring

Hardwood floors are fairly simple to care for: sweep often, and vacuum using the bare floor setting once a week. Chemical products for mopping are a no-no: a mop dampened with warm water and a mild soap is best, then rinsing any residue with a clean water mop.
Caring for tile is similar to hardwood using a damp microfiber mop and mild soap mixed with water. As the floor is drying, buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a beautiful shine. Unsealed grout can be cleaned safely with a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft brush.
Mix a half cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water when mopping vinyl floors. (The odor will vanish after it dries, or you can add some lemon essential oil to combat the initial smell.) Remove scuff marks by rubbing the streaks with a tennis ball, melamine sponge (sold as “magic” eraser/sponges), or clean pencil eraser.

Real Simple has some great tips for cleaning less common types of flooring such as bamboo, cork and natural stone flooring.

Advertisers bombard us with messages saying that we need their products to keep our homes clean and sanitized, and while those things are important, not all of those products are safe. Natural cleaners and mild detergents mixed in hot water clean just as well while protecting the material of each surface.

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

Photo credit: HGTV

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Protecting Seniors from Scams

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

Scammers are getting more and more creative with their swindling schemes, and older adults are no exception. Some scams target the general population, but many aim specifically at senior citizens, and we should make our older friends, neighbors, and family members aware. This article features five common schemes:

Fake Social Security Claims: This scam can begin with an official-looking letter in the mail or a phone call. The caller informs the recipient that there is a problem with their Social Security benefits or suspicious use of their SSN and could stop receiving their monthly deposits if the requested information is not provided immediately. Remind your older adult that the Social Security Administration will never call asking for more information unless they have applied for benefits. They should simply hang up and call their local SSA office or file a report through the SSA Inspector General Office website.
“Family Member” in Trouble: Someone posing as a family member, most commonly a grandchild, will contact the elderly person and claim to be in serious trouble. The caller says that they need money immediately and will als0 stress not to contact their parents to avoid getting in trouble with them. In spite of their urgency, the senior adult should hang up or disengage and contact another member of the family, or call the person claiming to be in trouble to make sure everything is okay.
Homeowner Scams: Older homeowners are targeted because they normally live in a home without a mortgage and a higher value than the purchase price. Property tax scammers will offer to send someone to re-assess the value of the property to lower the taxes, but for a fee. No matter how official the correspondence may seem, the homeowner should always contact their local tax office to make sure they are not being had.

Deceased Spouse’s Fake Debt: Fraudsters have no shame, and will go through obituaries, then contact surviving family members to claim that the deceased has an outstanding debt. The best defense against this is to not give out any financial information, and most certainly do not pay anything. The estate handles any outstanding accounts, not surviving spouses.
Medicare Scams: Phone calls come daily–to those who are not even over 65–claiming to be a Medicare representative. The most common claims the caller will make are asking to verify information, saying the account has a refund flagged, or offering free medical supplies. Simply hang up without engaging in conversation.

Though it may be difficult, stress to the older adult that their financial protection is as important as their physical well-being. Giving a scammer any personal information can result in identity theft and financial ruin, so it is imperative that no matter their financial status, older adults understand not to trust any phone calls that initiate a financial or personal information transaction.

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

Photo credit: lifecareservices-seniorliving.com

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DIY Pet Project Ideas

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

Have you run out of DIY or handmade crafts yet? Probably not, but if some jobs you have in mind are a little more than you can tackle now, consider making something for the furry family members! From yummy snacks to backyard fun, there are plenty of ways to keep your pets busy and content!

An easy way to start giving your pet some extra-sweet treatment is to make homemade snacks! Most use simple ingredients are easy to make, so the kids can get involved! Taste of Home offers several doggy treat recipes, and here are some recipes your kitty will love!

Ideas for Dog Lovers

Once those treats are done, give your dog something to think about and create a treat game for them to play. This bottle-spinning puzzle requires few materials and basic building skills.
Using a purchased dog bed or making one yourself, you can create a special spot for the dogs to get their rest. Find the perfect dog bed project here from HGTV.
Traveling with Fido can create a real hairy mess on car interiors, but a hammock may be the answer! Sewing basics will come in handy for this fairly simple DIY hammock project.
Upgrade that cagey dog crate by creating this cover with a removable top. The cave-like atmosphere it creates is comforting for the dog and gives you space to use as a table!
An active dog is a happy dog when they have plenty to do outside! If you have the space, why not create a tire tunnel, tug toy, or PVC agility course?

Ideas Cats Will Love

Any cat owner knows that cats love to have a place to hide, sleep, observe. Make a fun hideaway with a t-shirt and a few other materials!
Keeping an indoor cat entertained can be a challenge, and toys can be expensive. Create a simple feather toy or cat-treat puzzle to keep them busy.

Bring the outside indoors: grow an indoor garden just for Kitty. She will think she is the queen of the jungle!
Will these inexpensive shelf steps keep your cat off the counters?
While it is virtually impossible to make your cat stay in the yard, making a “catio” gives them a place to be outside while keeping them safe, as well as local wildlife. Install a cat door or open a window and have a structure like one of these waiting on the other side, or build this catio as part of your home’s design.

Making or building something specifically for your pets will be worth the time and effort you put in because content pets are less likely to damage your home with chewing or bad bathroom habits. You will also have peace of mind, as you know your furry friends are safe, whether they are resting or playing.

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

Photo credit: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Eco-Conscious Decorating

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

by Tucker Robbins

When we think of being ecologically minded, what usually comes to mind is recycling, organic gardening, and alternative sources of energy. Far from our minds is our home’s decor! Decorating is a deeply personal part of living, and if you are thinking about becoming greener, here are a few ways you can reduce your carbon footprint while you create your interior environment:

In some cases, going green for decor can be expensive, but it does not have to be! Thrift stores, consignment shops, and tag sales are all perfectly green alternatives to buying new!
Paint and other wall/wood treatments can be full of harmful chemicals. Look for labels that say “non-toxic,” and paints that are low- or zero-VOC. Learn more about “green” paint from the spruce.
When shopping for new items, look for wood that is harvested responsibly, made from repurposed pieces, or even repurposed wood.

You will pay more for carpeting made of natural fibers or recycled materials and organic dyes, but a clear conscience for the green living you are trying to achieve will outweigh the cost. Create custom designs with Flor carpet tiles, or go with 100% biodegradable Earth Weave carpet.
Other eco-friendly flooring options are reclaimed wood, bamboo, and cork flooring.
Use natural fabrics for bedding and draperies, or even upholstery: cotton, linen, hemp, or wool are all more sustainable than synthetic textiles.
Look for locally made artisan furniture, art, or decorative pieces. You will likely find these crafters use locally found, sustainable materials.

Green living is a commitment to a lifestyle, but it does not mean your home’s interiors cannot be beautiful. Being fully committed to using less energy and water, as well as purchasing earth-friendly items for your home will make your home beautiful to you, and that is what matters most.

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

Photo credit: joyfulderivatives.com

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