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New Castle County Real Estate Market Watch for March 2015

by 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...


new caslte real estate

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

Consider a Home Warranty When Buying Or Selling

by Tucker Robbins

Not to be confused with homeowner’s insurance, which covers the structure and contents of your  home, a warranty service contract is designed to cover systems and appliances that stop working due to normal usage.  Basic coverage generally includes the repair and replacement of major appliances such as heating/cooling system, water home warrantyheater, refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, etc.  Plumbing and electrical systems are also usually covered, and some companies include washer, drier, microwave, and roof maintenance in the basic tier.

Gaining in popularity with both buyers and sellers, warranty service contracts serve to reassure owners that they won’t face major repair/replacement costs.  Sellers use them to protect the home while it’s on the market and as an incentive to attract buyers.  Buyers rely on them to protect them from unexpected and expensive repairs.  Even Freddie Mac will offer a $500 home warranty credit to home buyers who purchase a qualified, foreclosed single-family home, townhouse, or condominium through their HomeSteps® division.

A warranty plan is fairly inexpensive, typically ranging from $250 to $400, depending on coverage. The policy is prepaid for a year in advance, at which time it expires or can be renewed.  The usual procedure for service needs is as follows:

  • If a home system or appliance breaks or stops working, the home owner calls the home warranty company.
  • The home warranty company calls a provider with which it has a business arrangement.
  • The specific provider calls the home owner to make an appointment.
  • The provider fixes the problem. If an appliance is malfunctioning and cannot be repaired, depending on contract coverage, the home warranty company will pay to replace and install the appliance.
  • The home owner pays a small trade service fee (less than $100) for each service call.

Most home warranty companies offer a variety of plans, each providing different levels of coverage, so be sure to read the details of any contract before buying. If you choose to renew the contract from year-to-year, double-check the details of your plan each time since coverage can change annually.

According to the Service Contract Industry Council, 32 states require home warranty companies to register or obtain a license with that state's department of insurance and comply with applicable laws and financial standards. Membership lists are available at their website.

Information courtesy of Wilmington DE Real Estate Expert Tucker Robbins.

Spring To-Do List for Real Estate Owners

by Tucker Robbins

For much of the country, winter woes are forgotten as the literal “greening of America” begins, and warmer weather, blossoming trees, chirping birds, and colorful flowers signal a time of rebirth and renewal.  Life is good…

spring cleaning…and demanding.  Spring requires much of a homeowner, and home maintenance checklists remind the often-harried proprietor  that it’s time to inspect the roof, repair the deck, check for cracks in concrete, repaint exterior trim, recondition lawn mowers, grills, and garden tools, and refurbish outdoor furniture.

Not quite ready to tackle such large, time-consuming chores?  Consider, then, easing into the requisite activities by initially taking on smaller, non-time-consuming tasks that generate a feeling of accomplishment while providing a gradual transition into the big jobs.

Granted, the majority of these items are for the interior of your home, but they’re important, too, and a far cry from the annual rug-beating, wall-scouring spring cleaning of yesteryear.

A sample of the” start-off-small” responsibilities includes the following:

  • Shut off the water to the washing machine, remove the water supply hoses and examine them and the washers. Replace worn and damaged ones.
  • Dust ceiling fan blades.
  • Change or washing bathroom shower curtain liners.
  • Test the pressure and temperature relief valve on the water heater by opening it and allowing some water to flow out. If little or no water flows out or it doesn't shut off, replace it. Bad valves can cause explosions.
  • Clean the garbage disposal. Grind two trays of ice cubes made from a mixture of one cup white vinegar to one gallon of water.
  • Check fire extinguishers to make sure they are not outdated, have lost pressure, or are damaged.
  • Move throw rugs, mats, and area carpets and clean underneath them.
  • Remove mineral deposits from faucets and shower heads.
  • Thoroughly clean the refrigerator—one section at a time.  After six or seven mini-sessions, the entire job will be complete.

Finished?  Ready to take on tasks requiring a bit more time, know-how, and energy but guaranteed to bring peace of mind and the satisfaction of knowing your home is well-maintained?  Check out Princeton Online for monthly suggestions.

Information courtesy of Wilmington De Realtor Tucker Robbins.

Wilmington DE Home for Sale: 101 Lastrada Lane

by Tucker Robbins

Wilmington DE Home for Sale:

101 Lastrada Lane, Wilmington DE
MLS# 6542031

Lovingly Cared For!

Beautiful home in much sought after neighborhood! Lovingly cared for by original owner and it shows! Walk in to two story foyer with skylights. Entertaining dream is awaiting with this huge living and dining room featuring cathedral ceiling, hardwood floors, large windows flanking wood burning fireplace, and two sliding doors out to deck. Open kitchen and family room. Kitchen features plenty of cabinets, island, skylights, built in shelving, and huge pantry/laundry room. Eat in area between the kitchen and family room. Warm and inviting family room with stone fireplace and cathedral ceiling. Three sliding doors off kitchen and family room to deck. First floor master suite with two walk in closets and luxurious private bath. Upstairs landing with alcove for study/den. Three additional bedrooms upstairs. One bedroom with private bath and a Jack and Jill bathroom divides the other two bedrooms. Lower level has a climate controlled wine room and plenty of room for storage or game rooms. Minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and schools. Put this on your must have list for spring!

Marketed by Wilmintgon DE Realtors The Robbins Team.

Displaying blog entries 1-4 of 4

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