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Sprucing Up with Paint!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

If finances are tight, but you’re ready to give your home a new look, paint is the budget-friendly way to go.  Making it a DIY project is even more cost-effective, and with so many options and ways to add color to your walls, you need some guidance so it will look like it was done by a pro. 

 

Which Paint and What Finish? 

  • 1. Latex paint is best for walls, and oil paint is perfect for wood trim, because it seals stains.  2. Oil paint takes longer to dry, and has a strong odor, but if you add a tablespoon of vanilla extract per gallon, and open the windows, it helps keep the odor in check.  

  • 3. Flat paint goes on easily, but doesn’t clean easily; glossy paint is great for cleaning, and comes in semi-gloss, and satin, but doesn’t cover wall imperfections. For a nice compromise, an eggshell finish is somewhat flat, but easy to clean. 

 

Choose Your Color 

  • 1. Choose a color for the room/s you’re updating, and don’t be afraid of using a bold color.  2. This adds character and some wow factor to your home. Neutrals are great for quick-change decorating, or if you’re thinking of selling soon. 

  • 3. Using pint-can paint samples, apply a 2x2 foot area of each color on the wall you’re planning to paint, allow to dry for 24 hours, and look at them at different times of the day.  4. You’ll get a more accurate feel for the color in the different lights, and whether you can live with it or not. 

  • 5. Don’t forget the ceiling! You can change the feel of the room’s height by going a shade darker (for a lower ceiling feel), or go a shade lighter or use a lighter color to give the illusion of a higher ceiling. 

 

Painting Prep 

  • 1. Measure your room for square footage, and make sure you buy enough paint--about one gallon per 400 square feet. 

  • 2. Purchase good painter’s tape, drop cloths, putty, a good putty knife, caulking, and any tools you may need for removing hardware from any doors or walls. 

  • 3. Protect light fixtures, trim, or wall sconces with painter’s tape.  Move furniture and put down drop cloths. Use wall putty or caulking to fill and smooth any holes or other wall damage. 

  • 4. Clean, sand, and dust walls, using a vacuum to make sure all of the dust is off the walls. 

  • 5. Priming the walls is really important if you’re covering a dark color, if there are stains on the walls, or if you’re painting paneling or new sheetrock. Tint the primer with a little of your new wall color before applying. 

 

Start Painting 

  • 1. Paint mixing isn’t 100% perfect. Professionals mix all of the gallon cans together in a five-gallon bucket for color uniformity.   

  • 2. Paint in corners and close to the ceiling with a good brush before you paint the walls, working your way down to catch drips. This process is called “cutting in.” 

  • 3. Working in an overlapping W-pattern, apply paint until you need to reload the roller.  If you notice paint drying quickly, work in 3-4 foot sections of wall, but a whole wall can be accomplished in the case of a slower drying process. 

  • 4. Smoothing the paint is important and is done by using what paint is left on the roller to paint as close to the ceiling and corners as possible, where you’ve already cut in. This gives a smooth appearance to the finish. 

  • 5. Clean your equipment as soon as painting is done:  latex paint can be washed off with dish detergent and warm water, but oil paint should be cleaned off with paint thinner.  

  • 6. Once the paint is dry, after about 24 hours, move your furniture back in, but hold off hanging anything on the walls for a few days, and don't wash them until the paint has cured, usually two weeks to thirty days. 

 

A newly painted room can make your home feel fresh, and make it look as if you’ve redecorated.  If you’re feeling really adventurous, try painting a pattern on your wall.  It may take more time, but the dramatic effect it makes in the room makes the wall a focal point in itself. <span class="SpellingError SCXW241503921" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(" data:image="" gif;base64,r0lgodlhbqaeajecap="" 8aaaaaaaaaach5baeaaaialaaaaaafaaqaaaiilgaxcchrtcgaow="=&quot;);" border-bottom:="" 1px="" solid="" transparent;"="">diy Network has some great tips for a patterned accent wall here.

 

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

 

Photo credit: markspaintingblog.com

 

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Preventing Pests in Your Home

Wednesday, November 15, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

We normally associate pests and insects with Summer time, but now is a good time to think about what you can do to prevent creepy crawlers coming in to your home. It’s a simple matter of checking the outside as well as the inside, and staying ahead of them. 

 

Exterior 

  • 1. When you mulch plants, keep it from piling up against the house’s foundation. Insects can use the mulch for overwintering, but if you could add a border of rock or stone between the mulch and the house, or even use cedar mulch, it would discourage pests. 

  • 2. Inspect your foundation carefully for cracks or holes, as well as places where utility pipes and wires enter your home.  Cover or fill them with wire screen mesh, cement, or metal flashing. 

  • 3. Outside lights, when left on, draw flying insects, but if you can change the bulbs from incandescent to halogen, they are less attracted to the glow.  

  • 4. Check doors and windows for openings and seal them with caulking or weather-stripping, and repair any holes in your screens.

  • 5. Keep trash cans and surrounding areas clean, and make sure lids fit tight. Recyclables should be rinsed well, and container lids put back on before tossing them in the recycle bin. 

  • 6. If you have anything that can retain water, empty it as often as possible, and use a larvicide in your landscape’s water features.   

  • 7. If you use firewood, store it away from your home, at least thirty feet. 

  • 8. Gutters should be cleaned periodically, not only for their efficiency, but to help keep pests from making a home in the debris. 

 

Interior 

  • 1. The most important pest prevention tip for the inside of your home is cleanliness.  Keep crumbs off the counters and floors, clean food messes immediately, and keep food consumption limited to the kitchen. Wash up dishes before going to bed at night.  

  • 2. Storing open food in plastic containers with lids or plastic storage bags will lessen the chances of pests finding it. 

  • 3. Check stored grains, (flour, sugar, cornmeal), often, and discard it as soon as the expiration date passes.  Storing these in a sealed container is best. 

  • 4. Pet food is best kept in a storage container with a tight-fitting lid. 

  • 5. Keep inside garbage in a trash can fitted with a bag, and keep the lid closed. Remove the bag to the outside can as soon as it’s full. 

  • 6. Vacuum carpets frequently, especially if you have pets.  They can bring in little hitch hikers when they come in from being outdoors. 

  • 7. Inspect all baseboards, and replace or repair them if they’re broken, and walls should be checked for holes, and repaired as soon as possible. 

 

 

If you see pests in or out of your home, it’s best to call a professional to address the problem, and do it quickly so you don’t suffer an infestation.  Once you know you’re clear of bugs, it only takes a few minutes each week to keep them from feeling at home in your home.  

 

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

 

Photo credit: www.gopherthekill.com

 

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Protecting Your Credit

Wednesday, October 25, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

The Equifax information hack has many Americans afraid of identity theft, and rightly so. Thankfully, there are several measures everyone can take to protect their credit.  

 

  • 1. First and foremost, find out if your information was compromised here: https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/potential-impact/ 

  • 2. Phone lines at Equifax have been flooded with calls, so an online approach is more convenient for now.  

  • 3. Sign up for the free credit monitoring Equifax offers, but don't let that make you unaware of your credit reports. Check them as often as possible, and dispute errors.  

  • 4. Setting up a fraud alert with Equifax, as well as TransUnion and Experian, is another important step.  

  • 5. If you feel compelled, freeze credit reports at all three agencies. A fee is involved, and varies by state. Find more information here:  http://consumersunion.org/research/consumers-unions-guide-to-security-freeze-protection-2/     

  • 6. Married couples need to make sure both spouses have taken steps to protect their information. 

  • 7. File your 2017 taxes as soon as possible in 2018. If someone has your credit information, they can file a false return for a refund.  

  • 8. If you have family members that haven't checked their reports, especially the elderly, offer to help them.  

 

Even though 143 million people were affected by the hack, many will not bother to check their credit reports. If you're not proactive in protecting your credit information, it may cause major problems down the road.  

 

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

 

Photo credit: www.pymnts.com

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Winterizing Your Pool

Wednesday, October 4, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

A backyard pool used to be a luxury.  Thanks to modern technology and lower prices, a swimming pool is a common sight.  Properly winterizing a swimming pool may take a few hours, but it’s worth taking care of your investment. 

 

In-Ground Pool 

  • 1. Remove any toys and floats, and clean all debris from the pool, skimmer and pump basket.   

  • 2. Remove ladders or other equipment.  If the ladders aren’t removable, you’ll have to cut your cover to fit.  This may negate the warranty, so check the label and cover instructions before you cut. 

  • 3. Test your water, and add the proper chemicals for your pool’s size. Check labels on packaging for proper mixing and distribution instructions.   

  • 4. Backwash the pump, and blow out the pipes according to manufacturer’s directions. 

  • 5. Lay your cover out on one long side of the pool, and place empty water tube weights in their loop holders.  Fill the tubes completely.   

  • 6. After the tubes are in place on one side, you may need the help of another person to pull the cover corners across the width of the pool.  Add water tubes to the remaining sides and fill. 

  • 7. If you invest in a leaf net, it will save the main pool cover from damage from rotting leaves, plus save your from extra cleaning when it’s time to open the pool again.  Put the leaf net in place over the cover and attach according to manufacturer’s instructions.   

  • 8. Once you are finished, walk around the pool to assure your cover is secure, and the pool surface is completely covered. 

 

Above Ground Pool 

  • 1. Follow the first three tips for in-ground pool winterizing. 

  • 2. Disconnect hoses, and drain the pump.  

  • 3. Draining a certain amount of water from the pool to protect the skimmer from cracking or breaking is an important step, but a winter skimmer plate installed over your skimmer can help you skip this step.  Drain the skimmer hose completely if you use a skimmer plate. 

  • 4. Fill the air pillow completely, and place it in the pool. 

  • 5. Pull the cover across the pool and air pillow. 

  • 6. Depending on whether there is a deck around your pool will determine what you need to secure the cover: if there’s a deck, use water tubes; use cover clips if your pool is deck-free. 

  • 7. Once you are finished, walk around the pool to assure your cover is secure, and the pool surface is completely covered. 

  • <span class="SpellingError SCXW212132132" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(" data:image="" gif;base64,r0lgodlhbqaeajecap="" 8aaaaaaaaaach5baeaaaialaaaaaafaaqaaaiilgaxcchrtcgaow="=&quot;);" border-bottom:="" 1px="" solid="" transparent;"="">8. Intex above-ground pools and their parts need to be completely drained, disassembled and stored inside, especially in very cold climates.  In warmer areas, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing. 

 

There are downloadable/printable resources with specific step-by-step instructions for all kinds of pool care.  Undertaking this task can save money, but if you are unsure of what you’re doing, or don’t have time, call your local pool maintenance team to winterize for you. You want your Summer pool opening as problem-free as possible when hot weather arrives. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: Pool Guys of Palm Beach 

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Benefits of a Backyard Wedding

Wednesday, August 30, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

Getting married to the love of your life is an exciting time no matter where the location.   If you and your soon to be spouse are looking for a nice place to become one, consider all of the benefits of a backyard wedding.  Below is a list of the many reasons why sharing your nuptials behind your home or your parents place may be a good idea.   

 

  1. 1. The number one reason you might want to consider wedding your soul mate in the backyard  is because you can save a ton of money.  No need to book a church or a venue because you will just need to step outside into whatever type of wedding oasis you choose to create.  You can get as elaborate as you want or keep it scaled down to save even more.   
     

  1. 2. Choosing the date of your special day can sometimes be an issue if you are looking to book a certain venue.  During the summer months it can sometimes be difficult to find a place in which to wed because others have already booked them in advance.  If you are one that waits until the last minute to get things done, holding your ceremony on the lawn is a perfect answer!  
     

  1. 3. Decorating your outdoor wedding  will be a snap because you won’t have to abide by anyone’s rules and regulations, only yours and/ or your parents.  Let your creative juices flow as you turn the outdoors into all you have ever dreamed of.   
     

  1. 4. The reception will be easy to set up with a few tables and chairs. You can have everything catered if you choose or if you would rather keep it simple, the kitchen will be close by so that you can have someone cook and deliver it right to the tables.  Easy enough! 
     

  1. 5. Your friends and family can be super involved in your celebration of marriage if you decide to go this route as well.  Perhaps you have some young kids in the family that would like to be ushers or help to serve the meal after the service.  
     

  1. 6. Committing your lives to one another is a sacred thing.  Doing so either in your parent’s backyard or your own is a great way to hold those memories very close.   

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

 

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The Pros and Cons of Building Vs Buying a Home

Wednesday, August 2, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

If you are in the market for a new home, you may have already begun to ponder whether you should build your new home or buy your new home.  There are many good reasons to go either way.  Below is a list of pros and cons of building vs. buying a home for your consideration.    

 

  1. 1. One pro of building a home instead of buying is that you can customize the home to be exactly what you are looking for.  There will be no need to go in and change things once you move in because the home will already be build to your liking.  A con of building a home to get everything you wish for is that the price may be out of your comfort zone.   

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  1. 2. A con to building your home instead of buying your home   is that picking every little thing out can quickly become a daunting task.  When you build your own home you will be picking out things you never thought much about such as door knobs and ceiling fans.  If you like to pick things out and you don’t mind spending time doing so then this may not be a problem for you.  

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  1. 3. If you want things done quickly and you like instant gratification then buying a home may be better for you than building one.  Typically when you set out to build a home you have a time frame you plan to finish it in that doesn’t work out quite like you planned.  If you are an impatient person you may want to just buy a home and fix it to your liking or better yet just buy a home that is everything you’re looking for.  

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  1. 4. A con to buying a home can sometimes be location.  If you love the home but you don’t like the neighborhood then buying may not be right for you.  When you build you will be able to build on land that you purchase and love.   

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These are a few pros and cons to building vs. buying a home that can get you starting thinking a little bit deeper about what you want to do.   Buying or building  a home is a big decision no matter which you choose, so be sure to think about every possibility before you begin.   

 

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

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Home Buying/Selling Psychology

Wednesday, July 12, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

Buying or selling a home is scary, happy, sad, exciting and the list goes on.  The emotions we all go through can be from one end of the spectrum to the other.  Homes tend to be our castles, our places to get away from the rest of the world, to just be us with no questions asked and nothing expected.  For this reason buying or selling your home is a pretty big deal.  Perhaps one of the biggest you may be involved with in your lifetime.    Let’s take a look at a bit of home buying/selling psychology to see what all might be involved and how to get through it all.   

 

  1. 1. Some times people get their mind set on that particular house, without giving much thought as to just how many hours they may have to work to keep it.  Think about your priorities when you are planning to buy a new home, then figure out which is more important to you….the house being exactly as you have planned in your mind or the amount of quality time you will be able to spend there with your family.  

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  3. 2. If you want to purchase a large home, you may have to come up with a pretty big down payment.  Think about whether or not you will have enough cash left over to decorate your place to fit your vision.  Perhaps buying a smaller home with a smaller down payment might work better for you desire a larger decorating budget.   

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  5. 3. When selling your place, consider if you really want to give up all the wonderful things you have done while there.  For instance if you have built a nice grill area in the backyard or a water feature or even put in a pool, spend some time thinking about if you really want to leave all of that behind.   

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  1. 4. Keep in mind that your children may have become quite fond of their home and may or may not be so easy to uproot from the place they have known all their life.  Is it worth it to move out from under the roof that sheltered precious memories? 

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There are many different emotions that you may experience whether you plan to sell your home or buy another one.  Now that you have become more aware of a few of them you may be better able to cope with what may come your way.   

 

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

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Man Cave’s Give Way to the She Shed

Wednesday, July 5, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

We have all heard of the man cave and many of us have them in our homes.  Did you know that there is something called the she shed that is starting to take over the popularity of the man cave?  That’s right!  Women now have their own special place they can go to get some alone time and it is called the she shed!  Below is a little bit of information about this new phenomenon.   

 

  1. 1. She sheds came about as a shed that was used for gardening but in the last decade they have quickly become nice outbuildings decorated in tasteful  feminine décor that are used by women to get away from it all!  How exciting is that?!  

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  1. 2. She sheds can be used for whatever you want to use them for.  For example if you like to read, create a she shed filled with books and comfy furniture.  If you like sewing and crafts make a she shed centered around that.  The world is your oyster when it comes to what kind of she shed you can create.  

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  1. 3. She sheds can be created on a budget scaled to fit your vision. They do not have to break the bank and they have endless potential. Again, you can make what you want out of your she shed.  

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  1. 4. If you want to build your own she shed there are plenty of DIY helps online to help you get the job done .  There are even she shed starter kits at local, well known hardware stores.  

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  1. 5. She sheds can even be used as beauty salons if you have a license and you want to have a shop at your home.  All you would need to do to make this a reality is to add the necessary plumbing to a she shed.  You can make them quite beautiful if you have the time and money that is required to do so.  

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  1. 6. As far as the “look” of a she shed, you can do it up or make it blend in.  Decorative lighting, artsy paint schemes, big windows, there are no limits. Plan your she shed to be whatever suits your fancy.    

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Now that you know there is such a thing as a she shed, it’s likely you will want to go online to find out more.   All you need to do is Google she shed and you will be well on your way to finding out about all there is to know in the world of the she shed! 

 

 

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

 

She Shed  

Links:  http://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/shed-shed-kits-ideas-decor ,  https://www.littlethings.com/she-sheds-taking-over-man-caves  

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Reasons Why Buying an Older Home May Be a Good Idea

Wednesday, June 28, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

Perhaps you are currently on the market for a new home.  You may have grand plans to buy the biggest and newest one you can find.  Have you ever given any thought to perhaps buying an older home instead?  Below you will find a list of reasons why you may want to do just that.   

 

  1. 1. If price is an issue for you when looking for a new place to live, going for one with some age on it instead of a new one may be something to consider.   If you can find one that was built in or around the 1970’s you may find a diamond in the rough.  Keep an open mind when looking for a house to purchase and you may just find the place of your dreams.   

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  1. 2. They just don’t build em’  like they use to.  Likely you have heard this statement before.  You may have wondered whether or not it is true and in fact it is.  Houses built in years past typically were built with old hard wood trees.  These trees were usually allowed to grow to an old age without being disturbed unlike trees today.  These old hardwoods are much less likely to have any warping issues and resist rot.   Instead of dry wood for walls, many older homes have been built with plaster and lathe.  These materials are superior to dry wall because they provide better insulation as well as sound proofing.   

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  1. 3. Many times new houses are built in newly established neighborhoods.  While this is not a bad thing in itself, it leaves unknown factors like crime rates, school districts and the general population of a certain area.  Older homes tend to be in areas that are well established so you won’t have any questions left unanswered.   

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  1. 4. If character in a house is important to you then buying a home with some age on it is a great way to get what you are looking for.   Crown moldings (which add a lot of character) are many times found in older homes.   

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  1. 5. If having a bit of a yard is something you wish to have then you may want to choose a place with some age on it. Newer homes come with less acreage.  

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These are just a few reasons why buying an older home might be appealing to you.  Now that you have some facts on the subject you may find that you have changed your mind and your direction in your search for a “new” home.   

 

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

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New Castle County DE Real Estate Market Watch For May 2017

Tuesday, June 20, 2017
by Tucker Robbins

New Castle County DE listings increased from 853 new listings in May 2016 up to 996 in May 2017. The average sales price climbed to $250,725, while days on market dropped by 2 days.

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

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