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Smart Gadget Ideas for the Home

Wednesday, May 31, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Smart Gadgets are quite fun to look at and try out but have you ever considered purchasing a few for your home?  Why not take the plunge to make your home a more interesting place to be by purchasing a few or all of the gadgets mentioned below. 

 

  1. 1. Many of you may have already seen or perhaps even tried the smart vacuum.  If you haven’t tried it you need to do so.  Just imagine pushing a few buttons and sitting down to relax while your vacuum cleaner does all the work for you.  What a revolution!  Be prepared to dish out $700 to $900, but it will likely be quite worth it in the end.  

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  1. 2. Smart trash cans have perhaps not been as heard of as the vacuum cleaners but they are just as cool none the less.  If you are the type of person that cannot stand to touch the top of the trashcan due to the fact that it is loaded with germs, this may be just the thing for you!  Not only will you not have to touch the lid but some of these gadgets even tell you when the trash is full and needs to be taken out!  How do you like that for smart?! $150 to $200 will buy you this luxury item!  

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  1. 3. Washers and dryers have had intelligent features for years but are beginning to add more and more as each year passes.  Some of them now have phone apps that let you remotely control them.  Some will sense when you are home and instantly begin using their quiet mode so as not to disturb you.  These types of machines will run you $1400-$1800 each but are well worth the money if you have it to spare.  

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  1. 4. Even air purifiers have been added to the list of smart gadgets folks are buying these days.  These items puts your homes air through different filters, then analyzes the data and sends it to your phone to tell you what types of things are prevalent in your air such as pollen, dust, pet dander, etc.  These cost from $200 to $750.   

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You may have thought that your home couldn’t be this smart but it can if you have the money to make it happen.  These items are so amazing that if you don’t currently have the money to buy them, you may want to consider saving up for one at a time.   

 

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

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Small Ways to Save Money At Home

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Just because your home doesn’t have any major issues such as a leaky basement or a floor that is about to cave in doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot of little ways you are losing cash each month.  Below are a few small tips to help you save money at home that may eventually add up big.   

 

  1. 1. If you have yet to change your lights over to energy efficient ones you should do that right away.   This is an easy way to save a little bit each month that doesn’t take long at all to accomplish.  LED lights are going to cost you a bit more than regular light bulbs but in the long run they will be a big help to your budget. 

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  1. 2. Big ticket items such as air conditioning systems can cost you and your family a lot each year if you don’t do your part to make sure they work to the best of their ability.  Make sure to change your air filters on a regular basis and clean all the vents as well.  This type of maintenance should be done before the heat of the summer begins so that all will work correctly when it is needed most.  

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  1. 3. Another small way to save money at home  is to make sure you eat what you put in your refrigerator.  Wasting food is a big money pit that affects many Americans today.   If you buy a lot of produce and other perishables you need to be sure to put them at eye level so that they don’t get lost in your fridge only to have to be thrown out later.  If you have a small family you might want to purchase smaller amounts of foods that don’t have a long shelf live to avoid wasting each week.  

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  1. 4. If you haven’t already done so, get rid of your landline phone.  Most everyone these days has a cell phone and the need for a landline phone has almost become obsolete.  Save that $40 per month and put it towards something of better use.  You may be surprised at just how quickly $40 each month can add up.  

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  1. 5. Before you decide to bring a furry family member into your home, realize that they are quite expensive.   If you are trying your best to save money perhaps buying a pet might need to go on the back burner for a while.

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These are just a few ways in which your pocketbook can get a bit of rest  on a regular basis.  Use the ideas you like and see what a difference they can make.   

 

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

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The People You Meet When Buying a Home

Wednesday, May 17, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

There will be more than just you, your real estate agent, the seller, and their agent involved in the process–unless you are paying cash for a new home! Appraisers, lenders, and inspectors are just a few of the folks you will come across, and it will relieve some stress on your part if you familiarize yourself with who they are and what part they play during your house purchase. 
 

  • Real Estate Agents  
    The agent you choose will be your resource and constant contact throughout the home-buying process. In most transactions, there will be a listing agent representing the sellers, but it is unlikely you will be meeting them. 
     

  • Mortgage lenders  
    To be adequately prepared to begin looking for a new house, you should be pre-approved for a mortgage. Meet with a few different lenders to find the best loan for you; see what the balance recommends for finding the right mortgage. 
     

  • Appraiser  
    The mortgage company wants to be sure that the property is worth what the asking price. The appraiser is usually one of the lender's choosing. Learn more about what is involved with the appraisal from realtor.com®. 
     

  • Home Inspector  
    You do not want any surprises with structural issues, mold, or insect infestation after you have the keys in hand, so it is in your best interest to hire an inspector to go over your prospective home. Call several inspectors, and ask these important questions. 
     

  • Homeowners Insurance Agent   
    Most insurance companies offer a discount for having more than one policy with them, and it may be easier to go with your current insurer, so give your agent a call. Do not let that stop you from shopping around for better rates, however. 
     

  • Real Estate Attorney  
    Many states require you to hire an attorney, as they will go over all of the documents, handle funds, and perform the title search, to name a few of their jobs during the home sale process. Find out why it is always a good idea to have a real estate attorney, whether it is the law or optional. 
     

  • Title Insurer   
    In case there are any questions about the sale of the home being legitimate (no liens, family feuds, etc.), you will need title insurance, and in most cases, the lender or attorney will already have that lined up. 
     

 

These entities are typically involved in the home-buying process, but not every one. You may come across another professional or service during your experience. Your Realtor® will keep you informed of each step, so no need to be concerned if there is a step along the way you are not familiar with. Every one of them, however, is important for a smooth transaction, protecting you and your largest investment. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: IStock

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7 Things First-Time Home Sellers Should Expect

Wednesday, May 10, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

You have decided to sell your home, and dream of it immediately becoming a highly desired property with a bidding war that drives up your asking price and closing in thirty days dance in your head. Dream on! These seven tips can help bring you back to earth: 

 

  • - While you love your home, not everyone else will. Sellers must detach their emotions about the house while it is on the market. Think of it as a financial transaction or see it from the expectant house hunters’ point of view.

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  • - Major issues with your house should be repaired before the For Sale sign goes in the front yard, and if repairs are not possible, a repair credit will have to be offered to the buyer. Be prepared to do some painting and patching, at the very least. If you want the best sale price, you should do your best to earn it.

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  • - It is vital to be available to your agent, whether it be via phone calls, texting, or email. They are your link to the buyer, and it is possible to lose a sale by not being accessible.

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  • - If you or your agent have decided to hire a staging firm, do not take offense if they ask to put your belongings in storage. It is not about your personal taste, but about making the home appealing to the general public and seeing it as their home.

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  • - Flexibility is key when allowing potential buyers to see it. You will not be getting a weekly showing schedule that is set in stone, so be prepared for inconveniences.

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  • - Because every accepted offer does not result in a sale, have the “big” things packed and ready to move, but hold off on packing the necessities until closing is imminent!

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  • - Some sales take time, but incentives can make a property more attractive: cash towards the closing costs, a year’s home warranty, and payment of HOA dues are just a few ideas to attract buyers. 

 

There is much more to selling a house than decluttering and keeping the home clean for showings. Hopefully, being prepared, flexible, and practical will not only produce a satisfactory selling price, but it will also make the process less stressful for you and your family. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: facebook.com/firsttimehousesellers

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Extend Your Living Space - Outdoors!

Wednesday, May 3, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

It is time for favorite summer pastimes: grilling, dining al fresco, or relaxing in a hammock, and many homeowners realize they would better enjoy them if they had a patio or deck. Outdoor spaces can be an extension of our indoor living space, so if you are considering adding either a deck or patio, here are a few tips to get your ideas rolling: 

 

  • For outdoor spaces with level ground, constructing a patio from brick, pavers, stone or poured concrete is usually more cost-effective than building a deck. 

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  • Soften the hard surface and add privacy by adding landscaping. Plant a perimeter of shrubs or tall grasses or add plants of varying heights in containers–even trees!

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  • Because of the availability in many colors and styles, making a final decision on patio surfacing can be overwhelming.  Landscaping Network has done the homework for you, making it easier to choose your materials.

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  • Backyards with in-ground pools are better suited for a patio for ease of use and maintaining the pool. Another bonus is that there is less grass to mow!

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  • Create a path from the front approach of your home to your backyard courtyard if there is enough room on the side of your home. This will help keep a lot of extra traffic out of the house.

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  • Because they can be built on virtually any surface, including slopes and rocky ground, decks are the most popular outdoor space addition.

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  • Determine what size you will need as well as other aspects of the deck by how you want to use the space: grilling and/or dining, simple entertaining, or maybe a private space for a hot tub.

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  • If you have the know-how, by all means, DIY a new deck. This Old House offers a thorough guide to building a deck, from materials to designs.

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  • Two advantages to building a deck: increasing your home’s value, and cooler entertaining.

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  • Add screening and a roof for an all-weather space to protect you from the elements and insects.

  • If your local building codes require railings for the new addition, do it in style! Check out these deck railing ideas.

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Once your new outdoor “room” is complete, do not waste the time and expense it took to create it by not utilizing it! Add seating, shade, grill, or firepit, and enjoy summer evenings with family and friends or a good book. An investment in outdoor improvements can be an investment in your well-being! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: greenadvisorinc.com

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