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A Guide for Avoiding Foreclosure

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


Sometimes, homeowners can get into financial trouble by circumstances beyond their control. Job loss, divorce, medical bills, or the death of a family member are usually the culprits. While foreclosure seems to loom over an already bad situation, it does not have to get to that point!

 

Here are some tips that can help keep foreclosure proceedings at bay: 

 

  • Contact the lender before the first late mortgage payment, especially if there is equity in the home. Lenders normally do not begin the foreclosure process until payments are 120 days behind, so there is still time at this point. 
     

  • The mortgage servicer can offer several options to avoid losing the home to foreclosure: refinance the mortgage, a loan modification, working out a repayment plan, or forbearance. Two procedures that will affect the borrower’s credit score are the short-sale of the property, or going through a “deed-in-lieu of foreclosure." 
     

  • Selling expensive items--a boat that is only used a few times per year, for instance--can cut monthly expenses, and any proceeds can go towards the mortgage. 
     

  • Keeping mortgage payments current is more important than paying credit card bills! Credit scores will be affected by late credit card payments, but a foreclosure will do far more damage. 
     

  • Do not allow mail from the lender to go unopened if payments are currently behind. Mortgage lenders normally want to avoid foreclosing on the home as much as the homeowner. 
     

  • Credit counseling can never begin too early, and the HUD website offers lists of local credit counselors. Find other helpful information through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling®. 
     

  • Resist any quick-fix offers advertised on the internet, television commercials, and junk mail, or even from so-called investors. These “rescue mortgages” could be scams, and a home can be lost before foreclosure procedures can even begin. 
     

  • When the house payment is simply no longer affordable, get advice from an attorney whose specialty is foreclosure, as most will do a one-time consult at no cost. Legal Aid can assist the borrower in finding a pro bono lawyer. 

 

The best tip is to contact the lender as soon as finances become difficult to manage. Being proactive before the installments become overdue will allow more options to be available. A house is an important investment, and it is home. A homeowner should do all they can in order to keep it. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: Forbes 

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9 Tips for Cleaner Laundry

Wednesday, January 18, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Virtually everyone does laundry, but does everyone do it well? With so many different washers and products available it is natural to assume that the machine and detergent will take care of everything, but that is not always the case. Get your clothes their cleanest with this guide:

  • Adding too many items to the washer keeps them from getting truly clean. How much can your washer tub handle? The Spruce shows how to figure it out!
     
  • Never allow stains to dry, if possible. Even with the use of stain removers, not every set- in stain comes out. The American Cleaning Institute Stain Removal Guide has a solution for almost every stain under the sun!
     
  • Too much detergent can leave residue and actually cause stains! Measure carefully and add laundry boosters, such as borax or laundry soda, to get your laundry really clean.
     
  • Just like detergent use, adding extra bleach to a cycle of whites or towels will cause fabrics to eventually yellow and break down. Use the recommended amount on the bottle.
     
  • If you want that “clean” scent of “fresh” laundry, make your own scent booster with your favorite essential oil and Epsom salts. This is better for your laundry and the environment!
     
  • Ignoring hand-washing instructions can be a big mistake. When you do not have time to swish those pieces in the sink, use a garment bag and/or the delicate cycle on your machine, and lay items flat or hang them to dry.
     
  • Fabric softener can actually damage certain fibers, ie., athletic wear does not benefit from the softener because it coats the moisture-wicking fibers in the clothing. Adding one cup of white vinegar to the final rinse will remove detergent residue, and its strong scent fades quickly. Towels will be soft without softener when dried in the dryer.
     
  • Save the high-heat dryer cycle for towels and whites. Clothes may take longer on the low heat setting, but the lower temperature helps save your clothes from fading and shrinkage.
     
  • When you stop using fabric softeners or sheets, static from the dryer is the next issue. Try some aluminum foil balls–yes, aluminum foil!--and you will be finished with fabric softener sheets and static!

Change your way of thinking about doing laundry--not a job, but a process! It may add a few minutes to this chore, but you will benefit from longer-lasting clothes and less energy use, saving money in the end.

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

 

Photo credit: mommymusings.com

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Giving Locally in New Castle County DE

Wednesday, December 28, 2022
by Tucker Robbins


Making the decision to give charitably is a personal thing, because we normally give to organizations that share our beliefs, or support something close to our hearts.  National charities are great, but most of those larger organizations receive funding from large corporations and very wealthy philanthropists.  Have you ever thought about local non-profits that may need your help?  

 

  • - Some veterinarians have funds set aside specifically to assist pet owners who can’t always afford care for their pets. Most accept donations, and this would be a great way for pet-lovers to give to other pets in their community, just in a different way. 
     

  • - Speaking of pets, most shelters need assistance with everyday things like food, toys, litter and bedding, and will gladly accept these items, too.   
     

  • - Local schools usually don’t have a lot in their sports, clubs, or extracurricular budgets.  Call your local school system office and find out where you can help the most. 
     

  • - Free housing for cancer patients (like Hope Lodge) and families of sick children (Ronald McDonald House) is another great way to help those who are going through a tough time.  When you donate through the main websites, you can choose where your donation goes.
     

  • - Community centers are a great place for people to take classes of all kinds, play sports, or gather as hobby groups.  Get in touch with your local community center director to see if you can donate to a certain program or help get a new program off the ground. 
     

  • - Organizations that help protect victims of domestic violence is more than most people realize: they help victims relocate and set up new homes. Cash donations are great, but many accept used household items in good condition, diapers, personal hygiene products, and even gift cards to help their residents have a night out. 
     

  • - Food pantries and soup kitchens can always use monetary donations besides shelf-stable food items--people are hungry year-round, not just during the holidays. 
     

  • - Local theater groups are on very tight budgets--they gladly accept donations and volunteers! 
     

  • - Orphanages are commonly called “children’s homes,” and you may have one in your area and not realize it.  If you find one locally, give them a call and see what they need.   
     

  • - Government-funded senior centers are great places for those in the retired community to gather and can always use extra for programs that enhance the lives of those who are on fixed incomes. 

 

If you can’t afford a donation once a year, set up a monthly donation program for yourself, choose wisely, and give back to your community.  We all want to live in a happy place, and when we help our fellow citizens, everybody’s happy.

 

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

Photo credit: http://geoffsshorts.blogspot.com

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Creating a Restful Bedroom

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

Ah, rest--it is probably one thing that many people will say that they don’t get enough of.  Something we may not realize that’s vital to a good night’s sleep is a calm atmosphere in the bedroom.  Let’s look at what we can do to create a restful bedroom. 

 

  • - Keep the room free of clutter: use storage containers under the bed for clothes you may not have room for, keep jewelry neatly hanging or in a jewelry box, have a hamper tucked away for clothing that needs to be washed, and shoes should be tucked away. 
     

  • - Some smaller homes don’t have a designated room for an office, and it’s important to keep the two separate, even in the same room.  Face the work area away from the bed and use a screen if you like.  Keep the desk tidy, so you’re not looking at work that needs to be done while you’re preparing to go to bed.  Turn off any electronics that can disturb the quiet of the room when you’re not using them. 
     

  • - Low lighting is important, so use a low-wattage bulb in the bedside lamp and add a timer for it to come one just before bedtime so you won’t have to turn on the bright ceiling light when it’s time to get ready for sleep. 
     

  • - Sleep experts will tell you that the bedroom is no place for a television!  If sleep is an issue for you, keep the tv in the family room, as the light and noise will keep you from truly resting.  
     

  • - On that note, if you need some sort of noise to help you sleep, there are many white noise machines and smartphone apps, as well as playlists on many music streaming services that have a variety of relaxing background noise.  Ditch the tv and use white or “pink” noise to help you drift off. 
     

  • - Room-darkening shades can be very helpful in blocking city lights and help those who must work at night sleep during the day.   
     

  • - Pets are like family for most of us but allowing them to sleep in bed with you may not be such a good idea.   Have a special bed or crate for Spot to sleep in, so their nighttime movements won’t disturb your deep sleep cycles.  
     

  • - Room temperature is very important to rest.  If it’s in the budget, have a separate heating and cooling system for the bedroom, and keep it between 60° and 67°, and if that’s not possible, use a fan to keep you cool. 
     

  • - Choosing the color for decorating is important, as colors influence us when it comes to different activities.  Most of us know that blues, greens and grays are relaxing colors, but if you like to make a bold statement, light colors won’t work.  Royal blue, shades of teal, and browns can still make a room feel calm and add bright style to the room. 
     

  • - Obviously, your bedding is one of the most vital parts of getting a good night’s rest.  Have a comfortable mattress with good pillows and bedding appropriate for keeping you comfortable.   

 

Sleeping well is so important to many aspects of life, not to mention your health, and if your bedroom isn’t helping you get a good night’s sleep, it’s time to make some changes.  The Better Sleep Foundation has some other tips and information on how your bedroom can help you get the rest you need. 

 

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

Photo credit: Pinterest

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Keeping Your Packages Safe

Wednesday, December 14, 2022
by Tucker Robbins


With online shopping having become so popular, this time of year brings stories on the news about package thieves, as well as new gadgets to help deter someone from walking away with packages delivered while someone isn’t home.  There are several options we have that can help keep our deliveries secure, as well as help from online retailers.   

 

  • - Talk to neighbors that may be home during the days you’re expecting a package, and ask them to be on the lookout for a delivery to your home so they can hold it for you or stash it somewhere out of sight. 
     

  • - There are simple ways to hide an unattended package: have a large plant to hide boxes behind, or use a lockbox at your doorstep, with key instructions for the carrier in your delivery details. 
     

  • - Most large retailers will give you a “ship to store” option, and all you have to do is pick it up at the Customer Service desk.   
     

  • - If your package is coming via USPS, there are several ways to divert package delivery, as well as ask a carrier to leave it somewhere out of sight. 
     

  • - When you place your order, if you know you’re going to be at work, make sure your boss doesn’t mind if you have your items delivered to your workplace, and use that address for shipping. 
     

  • - Your local pack-and-ship store will receive deliveries for you for a fee.  
     

  • - Installing a visible security camera at your front door can deter some thieves, and some cameras come with motion-sensor options to set off a siren or other alert if someone gets too close to your front door. 
     

  • - Amazon is offering several delivery options:  Amazon Locker, Key In-Car Delivery, and Hub by Amazon. 
     

  • - UPS offers My Choice to customize your deliveries. For FedEx deliveries, go to their Delivery Manager, create and account, and manage your deliveries. 

 

The best way to prevent “package Grinches” from stealing your deliveries is to be proactive.  Use text message and email alerts, as well as specific delivery company smartphone apps to notify you when a package is left at your door.  

 

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

Photo credit: Best Buy

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Get the Kids Involved in Home DIY

Wednesday, December 7, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

Home projects and family go together! While there will be tools and situations where children should be closely supervised, there are plenty of activities that can include the entire family! 

 

  • If you have a room that needs painting, have the children paint the sample swatches on the walls. These areas do not have to be perfect, but this small job is the perfect way for them to learn beginner painting techniques. 
     

  • Furniture kits are a great way to have children learn about using tools and following step-by-step plans. Reading is not always required as there are many instructions that feature symbols, numbers, and diagrams that children can easily follow. 
     

  • Installing wall-hanging hardware or window treatments are excellent ways to teach school-age kids about using a level or measuring tape. 
     

  • Children and gardening go together naturally! Not only can they assist with planting projects, but building raised beds or trellises as well, and even preschoolers can be handy with a rake or help with weeding. 
     

  • Teach children that some repairs do not require a service call. Replace faucets, door knobs, or cabinetry pulls yourself, and let them in on the action when smaller tools are involved. They will not only learn valuable skills, but they will also learn about saving money! 
     

  • Creating outdoor spaces for the kids such as a pallet playhouse, a swing set kit, or simple soccer/street hockey goal will give them a sense of accomplishment if they help! 

 

Get your family excited about helping, have patience, and keep them safe while you are working. You will find that while you are spending time with them, those DIY jobs will start them on a journey of learning how to take care of their future home as a handy homeowner! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: PODS

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Make Your Outdoor Decorating Merry, Bright and Safe!

Wednesday, November 23, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

For many people, this is the time of year for dressing up their home and yard in lights galore! The planning and prepping are exciting and fun but keep safety in mind. Following these tips will have your outdoor decor safely sharing holiday cheer! 
 

  • Outdoor decor requires lights and extension cords that are manufactured for outdoor use. Look for this information on the packaging or tag at the end of the cord. Heavy-duty extension cord plugs should have a three-prong ground plug. 
     

  • Do not use lights that have stayed out since last year! Non-commercial light strands are only safely exposed to the elements for 90 days. Any longer, and deterioration of the insulation will begin. 
     

  • Outdoor receptacles should be ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets which will shut off power in case of electrical overload. If your home does not have enough outdoor outlets, purchase a portable outdoor GFCI plug. Safety outweighs any extra cost. 
     

  • As you unpack the decorations, inspect older lights for frayed wires, nicks, or cuts along the outer cord, as well as broken bulbs. Broken bulbs can be replaced but toss the strands with damaged cords in the garbage. 
     

  • Use clips or hangers that are UL-approved--never nail, tack, or staple lights to any fixture. 
     

  • Before adding lights to tree branches or tall fixtures, make certain no power lines run through the branches, and keep all lighting at least ten feet from power lines. 
     

  • Only connect strands with the same number of bulbs--in other words, do not connect a 100-strand with two 25-strands.  
     

  • Avoid using a metal ladder if you are having to get up high with your lights--use wooden or fiberglass instead. If metal is your only choice, do not plug the lights in until installation is complete.
     

  • LED light strands should never be connected to incandescent lights. Now may be the time to think about using all LED lights. The start-up cost will be higher, but it will save money on your power bill as well as in replacement costs--LEDs can last up to twenty years! 

 

Know your home’s electrical limits and use common sense and care while decorating. No one wants the friendly neighborhood competition to turn into a disaster or experience a classic Clark Griswold power outage at home. Keep your holidays merry, bright, and safe! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: www.grandinroad.com

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Grow These 8 Houseplants - No Green Thumb Necessary

Wednesday, November 9, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

One welcome comeback in home decor is the use of houseplants! Indoor plants bring so much to our homes, and one does not have to have a lot of gardening knowledge to grow beautiful plants. Here are just a few plants that will give even the brownest thumb success! 

 

  • - Succulents are at the top of the easy indoor plant list. No wonder–they need just a little bit of attention, take up very little space, and most only need indirect light. 
     

  • The spider plant is as lovely in a pot stand as it is hanging from a ceiling hook. Available in green or variegated leaf color, these plants offer a bonus: easily-rooted baby plants to share or keep for yourself! 
     

  • A proven air purifier, the ZZ plant is great for homes with low light. These plants will thrive in even the darkest corner of a room, but keep in mind that they need to be out of the reach of pets and is not for human consumption, either. 
     

  • For a bit of color, grow a variety of bromeliad. Other than needing to be misted often and keeping their natural “cups” filled with fresh water, these tropical beauties will reward you with splashes of color. 
     

  • The name “air plant” is synonymous with “easy to grow!”  These plants do not need soil, can be placed in virtually anything, and need only indirect sunlight and weekly misting or soaking. 
     

  • Lavender as an easy indoor plant? Absolutely! As long as there is bright light and occasional watering, the room will be filled with its comforting scent. 
     

  • A hanging basket of philodendron is a common sight, but this plant is easily grown in water! Choose an opaque container, keep the water fresh and chlorine-free, adding water-soluble fertilizer occasionally, and this trailing plant will thrive! 
     

  • If you want blooms, the tried and true African violet is the plant to grow indoors! This dainty plant simply asks to be placed in bright light and its soil kept moist. Many hybrids are available in several colors to brighten any space. 

 

There are many proven benefits to growing plants indoors, so why not try one or several easy-to-grow plants shared by Guide to Houseplants? Your health, home, and happiness will get a much-deserved boost, and it could be the start of a rewarding hobby! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: Readers Digest

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8 Things To Do Before Winter Weather Sets in

Wednesday, November 2, 2022
by Tucker Robbins

Fall is many people’s favorite time of year; they look forward to putting on their sweaters, drinking pumpkin spice lattes, and making a pot of soup. There are important items to check off the home to-do list before it gets cold. Get started on these eight items before it is too late: 

 

    Outdoors 

  • Take care of walkway/driveway cracks. Materials used for this job may not work as well once outside temps drop. 
     

  • Clean outdoor furniture and leave it to dry in the warm sun. When it is time to store them for winter, they will already be clean! 
     

  • If you are growing <span class="SpellingError SCXW40626055 BCX0" 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;"="">hostas, daylilies, spring-blooming bulbs, or peonies, divide these plants now. These plants will be happier if divided and replanted now instead of spring.   
     

  • Trees are best planted in the fall of the year as well. They still need regular and deep watering, but the cooler weather will make it easier for them to establish roots. 
     

  • Plant a fall garden. You will be rewarded with fresh greens and other vegetables for all of those slow-cooker recipes saved on your Pinterest board! 

   

    Indoors 

  • Check smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries, and test the smoke detector to be sure it is in proper working order. If there is no family fire plan in place, create one now and have a family fire safety meeting. 
     

  • No mudroom, no problem! Create a mudroom-like atmosphere near the entry your family uses most. Setup is easy using a sturdy indoor/outdoor area rug, a coat tree (using coat hangers when items are wet), and small bins or shoe trays to store wet or muddy footwear. 
     

  • Although the air conditioning may still be in use, have your furnace inspected and serviced now–before you need it. 

 

Waiting until a cold snap is bearing down on you before you get cold-weather prep done could be too late, not to mention regrettable. Take advantage of a pleasant fall weekend and get the family involved. Being ready for winter is great, but the time spent together taking care of your home is greater! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: enewsletters.k-state.edu/

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Trick or Treat Home Safety

Wednesday, October 26, 2022
by Tucker Robbins


It won’t be long before the streets of your neighborhood are filled with children, and some parents, will be costumed and carrying bags and buckets for Halloween treats!  Since many homeowners don’t regularly use the front entrance to their home, they may not think about all the little feet that will be tramping up the path to your door.  Make sure everyone has a safe trip for their candy by following these tips before October 31! 

 

  • - Do your own walk-up to your front door, and examine everything, including the driveway and front steps.  Make sure there are no loose pieces or large cracks that can cause anyone to take a tumble.  Porch railings should be secure. 
     

  • - Yard decor should be fixed securely so the wind can’t blow it over, or curious little hands cannot pull it down. 
     

  • - Battery-operated LED tea lights are inexpensive and much safer to use in place of lighted candles.  Many options are available for LED’s, including a flickering light that is perfect for your jack o’ lantern. 
     

  • - Speaking of lights, make sure that not only is your porch light switched on, but that the path you’ve created is well-lit. 
     

  • - Decor that hangs from the trees is scary and fun, so make certain they are hanging at least ten feet from the walkway, making certain they don’t obstruct anyone’s view. 
     

  • - Take an afternoon close to Halloween to be sure any shrubbery, trees or edging isn’t in the way of where trick-or-treaters must walk.  Inspect for loose branches in nearby trees and remove them. 
     

  • - If you have room in the garage, consider parking the car there.  The folks that are coming and going would likely appreciate the extra room to pass others. 
     

  • - A constantly-ringing doorbell or persistent knocking can cause your pets some distress and a lot of barking.  Confine them to a room, or even better, to their crate.  Check out these other great tips about your pets and Halloween from the ASPCA. 

  •  

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

Photo credit: allstate

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