Real Estate Information Archive

Home Improvements: What Adds Value

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Most homeowners have some DIY projects or simple upgrades on their to-do list, from installing new gutters to sprucing up the landscaping. Something that does not always come to mind while getting those items done is adding to the home’s value. Not every home improvement increases the value of a property, whether they are a necessity or not.

Landscaping Keeping your yard trim and weed-free does not decrease or increase your home’s value, but when it is time to sell a home, neat landscaping is a must. The one outdoor project that could increase the resale value of the home is constructing a deck.
Flooring This is a personal choice, but if the homeowner knows that they will sell in the future, the cost of refinishing or adding hardwood flooring will come back to them in the sale. Installing the floors could be a long-range DIY job but hiring a pro for a refinishing job is the wisest thing to do. Think of it as an investment, not an expense.
Roofing Keeping the roof in sound condition is considered regular maintenance, so putting on new shingles because the homeowner would like a new color will not add value. Installing a metal roof, on the other hand, could add value to the house, depending on the location.

Home Systems Installing new plumbing or HVAC, or upgrading electrical are all considered maintenance, and no matter the cost, will not add to the value of the house.
Remodeling Kitchen and bathroom remodels are your best choice for a project that will pay you back upon the sale of your home.
Swimming Pool Putting in a pool is simply a personal choice. Rarely does an added pool or spa put money in your pocket in case the house is sold.
Additions Adding a sunroom, garage or home office will not necessarily give a good return on investment. An extra bedroom, however, is a good choice, but must be built to certain specifications to qualify as a bedroom in real estate terms. A reputable builder knows the requirements necessary for the extra space to be considered a bedroom, so choose wisely.

Nolo.com has some excellent information on projects that are worth the cost in home value, as well as other home improvement tips. When in doubt, do some research, and give your RealtorⓇ a call, as they know exactly what you need to do--or not to do--to get the most out of your house.

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

Photo credit: aj properties

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Tips for a Better Credit Score

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

When you realize that you are ready to afford a home of your own, the first and most important item to consider is your financial situation. For a lender to see you as a good prospect, the first thing they look at is your credit score. While there are very few perfect scores, you can (and should!) take the time to improve it before you start looking at prospective homes.

Begin by requesting a free credit report from all three reporting agencies. Look for errors and report them to the credit bureau and company that posted them. Legitimate collections that have been paid will not be removed from your credit history for seven years, although they will be marked as paid.
Late payments hurt your credit score. Stay current by creating a written budget with due dates for your bills or set up automatic drafts through your bank.
Pay off your credit cards! This is particularly important, because the more outstanding debt you have, the lower your score. Begin by paying off the smallest balance. Larger balances can be paid off sooner by increasing your payments or send equal payments twice per month if the creditor allows.

According to FICO™, it is better to pay off a credit card than canceling the account. Use it as minimally as possible--simply charging a once-a-month take-out meal will keep it active.
Having just one credit account in good standing is better than none for those who have not started establishing credit history. Shop around for a credit card with a good interest rate and apply.
Avoid new credit accounts while you are trying to bring your score up. Pay cash for everything, and if you do not have the cash, unless it is an emergency, do not buy it.
When you cannot see a light at the end of the financial tunnel, contact a reputable credit repair agency that can assist you in getting your bills paid, manage your finances, and increase your chance of becoming a homeowner.

Plan on spending up to a year to bring your credit score up to a number that will impress lenders, not to mention getting a better interest rate. Much like taking up exercise and a new diet to get into shape, take it slow, increase your efforts every month, and you will soon be showing off the results--in your new home!

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

Photo credit: nfcc.org

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Items Every Delaware Homeowner Should Have

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Becoming a homeowner usually means becoming a do-it-yourselfer, even if there are no plans to take on a major renovation. There is almost always a small job to do or an emergency that can be taken care of by having the right things standing by. What basic tools and other items does a homeowner need?

Fire extinguisher Visit the USFA to see what type of extinguisher is needed for the kitchen, workshop, or multipurpose fires.
Portable safe Secure important papers, valuables, and other important items in a portable safe. This could be quite an investment when upgrading to fireproof materials or digital passcodes, but valuables and irreplaceable items need to be protected.
Cleaning items This seems obvious, but a good broom and dustpan, bucket, microfiber cleaning cloths, “shop rags,” and a flat mop are all that is needed to keep a home sparkling.

Simple tools: A hammer, heavy-duty scissors, screwdrivers, hex key tool, measuring tape, handsaw, and more; all of these things will make a homeowner’s life much easier when they need them.
Emergency kit FEMA offers a build-your-own kit list with everything necessary for an emergency.
Heavy-duty extension cord Do not use an indoor-rated cord outdoors. A cord that can handle a large capacity of electricity and bad weather conditions is best.
Wet-dry vacuum Having one of these handy can save clean up time from a dishwasher leak, or spilled nails on the floor.
Ladder A sturdy stepladder or six-foot A-frame is best for smaller jobs. Find out what ladder is best for the job.

Lawn and garden tools Besides a garden hose, mower, and string trimmer, every homeowner with a yard needs a leaf rake, shovel, pruning shears, and a wheelbarrow.

Not only do homeowners need physical items for upkeep, learning how to do different jobs in the home saves money and builds confidence to handle regular maintenance, which could lead to bigger things! With the right tools on hand and a little know-how, being able to care for a new home is a great satisfaction without a price tag!

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

Photo credit: new york times

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Easy Care Plants for New Gardeners

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

by Tucker Robbins

Come springtime, many new homeowners want to spruce up their landscape. If they have not planted a thing since their preschool bean-in-a-cup project, figuring out what is right for the landscape and their gardening skill level can be overwhelming. The solution to that problem is to start with something easy to grow!

Who would not want to plant grass that needs no mowing? Ornamental grasses such as zebra grass, purple fountain grass, blue fescue, and Japanese blood grass grow to different heights and can add interest and color with little maintenance. Plant around posts and hard-to-get-to places in the yard for a mower-free plot!
Offering a rainbow of easy-care color, daylilies come in hundreds of varieties. Plant different cultivars in a sunny spot, keep them watered well for the first few weeks, and you will be rewarded with pops of color all summer. Bonus: daylilies come back each year and can be divided!
Sunflowers come in varieties that range from a few feet tall that can be grown in containers or planted en masse with the giant varieties. If you plant seeds, try planting each set every two weeks for six weeks, and once they bloom, they will bloom until fall.

If your home faces north or the yard has lots of shade, try impatiens. They are non-stop bloomers if you keep them deadheaded. They are great in containers and hanging baskets, too!
Another plant for shady places is the fern. There are many cultivars, and ferns thrive in the shade, and come back every year.
Butterfly weed brings color and butterflies to your yard! It is a native wildflower, making it practically care-free. Look for plants already in flower in your garden center, as growing from seed will take a year or two for them to blossom.
Zinnias put on a show all Summer, and come in many colors and bloom varieties, and all it takes is a scattering of seeds. Like sunflowers, if you plant them every two weeks for about six weeks, you will have cheery blooms for months.
Portulaca, or moss rose, is a succulent plant that grows low to the ground and blooms in bright pink, orange, red, white, and yellow. Because they tolerate the heat and drought of summer, when everything else is drooping their small blossoms will stand out.

Roses do not always need to be coddled! There are many easy-care hybrid roses. Not only are the modern cultivations easy to grow, but some also bloom all season.

Before you order plants or seeds from a catalog or website that is labeled “easy to grow,” make certain the plant is not a banned invasive plant in your state. Check with your local cooperative extension service for advice on plants and flowers for your local climate. Protecting native species as well as any hybrid beauties is an important part of having a green thumb.

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

Photo credit: american meadows

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