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Staging Your Home Inexpensively

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


If you’ve made the decision to put your home on the market, your Realtor® has probably told you that staging plays an important part in the sales process.  You have a little painting you’d like to do, as well as do some work in the kitchen, but a full house staging just isn’t in your budget. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of having to fork out a lot of money to make your house looks perfect--there are inexpensive ways to stage your house, and here are just a few: 

 

  • Discount department stores are full of inexpensive home decor: faux plants, decorative pillows, framed art and mirrors.  
     

  • Sheer window panels cost less than half the cost of new curtains, allowing natural light to shine through, which is a huge plus, as a dark house isn’t on very many house hunters’ lists. 
     

  • After cleaning carpets or even refinishing hardwood floors, an area rug or runner to brighten and protect them may be necessary.  
     

  • The bathrooms can be given a fresh look with new shower curtains and a set of fluffy white linens in each room. 
     

  • Big box stores are the source for inexpensive cabinetry hardware, light fixtures, as well as faucets that you may choose to replace. 
     

  • A vase of fresh flowers brightens any room!  Discount bouquets or even single blossoms can be purchased in department store produce sections or flower markets and can last a week or more if cared for properly. 
     

  • If you’re planning on placing a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter, purchase oranges or apples instead of lemons. They can be eaten by the family, which saves money, as they won’t be tossed out! 
     

  • On the outside, inexpensive mulch can transform the flowerbeds.  Pots with annuals planted in them are all you need for a splash of color on the front steps. 

 

If you must use what you have, like many homeowners, ask your agent if they can recommend a stylist that specializes in redecorating with what is available. The cost would be much less than using an interior decorator, not to mention less stress for you.   

 

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

 

Photo credit: pinterest

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Virtual Home Buying

Wednesday, April 22, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


For obvious reasons, you won’t be seeing any Open House ads or signs at new homes for sale nearby, and it’s highly unlikely you’ll be going to any showings with your buyer agent. Remote home-buying is nothing new, however, and for this time of staying safe at home, we can learn a few tricks of this type of home purchase, so you don’t have to put that on hold!

  • Get pre-approved now! Current interest rates are just one incentive for buying a new home.
  • With social distancing being the norm, for now, be prepared for a lot of phone conversations, emails, and texts between yourself and your real estate agent.
  • Call a few agents and request an over-the-phone interview to find the one that’s right for you. Be sure they are comfortable and knowledgeable about a virtual house-hunt.
  • You are probably already house-hunting online and saving your favorites. Don’t forget to look at those that may not catch your interest quickly--there are sometimes diamonds in the rough!
  • Type up a list of what you’ll need for a home, as well as extras you’d like to see, and have it ready to email to your agent so they can get to work on looking for houses you might be interested in. Share your online wish list of homes with them as well.
  • Once your  Realtor® has a list of homes for you to see, take a 3D or video tour or each, comb through the photos, and ask questions. Ask your agent if they can do a live video tour of the houses that you like the most so you can get a better feel of what the house is actually like.
  • With the exception of places where going to a property for a showing is barred, your agent will be certain that they take proper measures to protect you as well as themselves. Follow all CDC guidelines for slowing the spread of COVID-19.
  • On that note, be sure to understand if a homeowner refuses to show their home if they are still living there.  In case they’re allowing showings, don’t be offended by personal questions about your health. We all have to have some extra understanding and patience these days.

Don’t allow this period of flattening the curve discourage you from buying a new home. In some cases, it may take a little longer, and if there’s an urgent situation that you need to move quickly, share your concerns with your agent, and they’ll be with you every step of that way, even if the home-buying venture is a virtual one.

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

Photo credit: zillow

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Spring Crafts and Activities for Kids

Wednesday, April 15, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


While school is out, and there will be days when the rain or even last bit of Winter weather will keep us inside, why not set aside time for some crafty activities with the kids? If possible, head out to your local discount store, and stock up on crayons, construction or cardstock paper, glue sticks,  child-safe craft paints, simple craft items (stickers, pompons, googly eyes, chenille stems, etc.), then bring on the smiles with these fun ideas: 

 

The Younger Set 

  • - Introduce your toddlers to coloring with crayons! Having a set of the thicker crayons are perfect for little hands, give them some plain paper, and let them scribble away! 
     

  • - Make these toddler-safe watercolors, have your older children help, and sit the younger one in a high chair and let them paint away, and if a little goes in their mouth, no harm! 
     

  • - All your preschooler needs to make the sun shine bright is a paper plate, yellow pipe cleaners, yellow paint and a bit of glue! 
     

  • - Bean art is back! Use a variety of beans to create animals, and paint over them with craft paint.
     

  • - A lint roller for crafts? Why not?! Attach foam craft sticker shapes to the adhesive side of the roller, dab some paint on each shape, and roll across any kind of paper. 
     

  • - Everyone will probably enjoy making scented playdough! This involves a bit of cooking, but the older ones can be involved and help you choose color and scent combos. 
     

  • - Fastest homemade pompon ball ever; all you need is a new skein of inexpensive yarn, string, and scissors. (This craft is best for those who can use larger scissors.) 

 

Older Kids 

  • - String art is a fun craft from beginning to end for the older set, and they just might be willing to set up some for younger siblings to try. 
     

  • - Create a garland:  plastic eggs (make sure they have those tiny holes!) can be thread on thin twine or fishing line and made into a fun Spring garland. Or, for something to decorate the bedroom, cut small shapes out of colored paper or old greeting cards, and glue them together on either side of the string, and allow to dry. 
     

  • - Do you remember making friendship bracelets? Introduce your kids to this nostalgic craft! 

  • Jazz up flowerpots with decoupage! Cut from magazines or print images of flowers, and using decoupage medium and a foam brush, adhere the images all around the outside of the pot. 
           

  • - A small coat hanger can become the base of a mobile! Follow these instructions to create a friendship theme, but the possibilities are endless!   
                        

  • - Origami is a craft that’s truly an art form. Older children can create many things, from tiny boxes to boats to float and animal faces.  Origami Instructions website is the perfect place for beginners to experts--all you need is origami paper or cut your own! 

 

Be sure to protect clothes from paint with an apron or even an old button-up shirt, keep scissors out of reach of the younger ones, and use only kid-safe materials.  Have patience when showing them a new skill and make clean-up a game after your project is over--think of it all as time spent together! 

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

Photo credit: mum in the madhouse 

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Support Local Businesses Without Going Shopping

Wednesday, April 8, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


Small businesses are the backbone of our country’s economy, and many of them--namely in the food service industry--are hurting right now. What can individuals do to help them now? Don’t think of it as helping a business stay open but helping friends and neighbors during a time of crisis! 
 

  • Do you already have a monthly purchase at a local boutique or a pedicure in your budget?  Go ahead and call them and buy a gift certificate/card/credit in that same amount. Using it for the future would be great, but once everything is back to normal, give the gift card to someone else, and continue your normal shopping with the store. 
     

  • If those same establishments have their own merchandise, why not buy a t-shirt, mug or car sticker along with your gift card purchase? 
     

  • If it’s allowed, order takeout from your favorite restaurants, whether it’s lunch or dinner. Many eateries are bundling dishes into family meals and offering curbside delivery, making it easier for you to order. 
     

  • Some local businesses have online shopping available; if so, do your shopping that way. Most business owners are certain that everything is handled properly and will offer shipping or pick-up at the door. 
     

  • Leave a review for your favorites at any online review site, business Facebook page, or other social media. Everyone needs the encouragement, plus, it helps others decide whether to do business with the establishment in the future. 
     

  • Don’t forget your local produce stands and farmers’ markets! Grocery store chains must wait for deliveries, so if they’re out of your favorite lettuce, call around to the local stands to see what’s available. 

 

Many businesses are offering free shipping for online orders and are making it easier to shop via social media. It may take some creativity, but we can all do our best and do our part to help our local businesses, our local economies, and our neighbors. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: seattle made

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Keep Calm and Stay Home

Wednesday, April 1, 2020
by Tucker Robbins


For many, that popular buzz phrase can be changed around to fit the current situation! If you’re suddenly working from home and have kids doing their schooling long-distance, it could be a challenge getting into a routine and staying put.  How can we keep cabin fever away? Follow these tips so you can keep calm and carry on: 

 

  • Following a general routine is best for good mental health, especially with children in the home. Have a set time to wake up, have meals, etc., because it takes away any what-comes-next anxiety. 
     

  • Working in your yard or garden can be great therapy, believe it or not. The physical activity increases your mood, too, and getting the kids involved helps them as well. 

  • Clean house! A cluttered, dirty home can affect your mood, so put on some upbeat music, grab the dust mop, and get to work! 
     

  • When you dread doing something, the best stress-reliever is getting it over with.  So, if a junky closet or pantry has you in stress-mode, dive in, clean it up and get it organized. 
     

  • Keep in (distant) touch:  don’t neglect relationships just because you can’t physically be together. Instead of texting, give friends and family a call and talk for a few minutes. 
     

  • Add a long bath to your schedule! Soak your cares away in a leisurely bath, complete with those bath salts and soaks that have been sitting at the back of your bathroom closet since the holidays. 

  • Laugh! Stream-watch your favorite comedy shows or play a fun game with the kids. 

 

Remember--if you aren’t required by any government entity to isolate yourself, this isn’t a period of solitary confinement. Get out--keeping your distance--walk the dog, ride bikes or just play outside with the kids, shop for necessities only, and talk on the phone with friends and family. Taking care of you and yours, physically as well as mentally, is the best peace of mind anyone can have. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: teepublic

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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)
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