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A Seller's Guide to the Home Appraisal

Wednesday, December 15, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


The appraisal is one of the many steps in the buying/selling transaction. Lenders need an unbiased valuation of the home being sold, and the appraiser will look at the property. Sellers generally have at least two weeks to get ready, and because they have an important stake in the appraisal of their house, they should be well prepared: 

 

Exterior 

  • - Make sure the front and back yards are neat and free of debris. Check fencing, steps, and walkways for any damaged places and make any necessary repairs. 

  • - As close to the appraisal appointment as possible, put down fresh mulch, colorful potted plants, and mow the grass. 

  • - The exterior siding should not have peeling paint, broken or missing vinyl siding, or rotting wood. 

  • - Make certain windows are in good working order, with no rotting sills, cracked glass, or peeling paint. 

  • - Decking and porches should be in safe condition. 

  • - From a distance, look at the roof for missing shingles or bad spots. Have any recent roof repair paperwork ready for the appraiser. 

 

Interior 

  • - Flooring that is worn, soft, cracked, scratched or stained will deduct from the home’s value. Clean the carpets, and make repairs to any hardwood, tile, or linoleum. Use an enzyme odor remover where pet odors are present. 

  • - The appraiser will check the water pressure by turning on all faucets and will flush toilets, too. 

  • - Kitchen cabinets should not have sagging doors, and all should close completely. 

  • - If the odor of mold is present, it will be cause for further inspection. Clean the usual bathroom mold before the appraisal, but if mold is present anywhere else in the house, it is best to be straightforward with the problem and have it professionally eliminated. 

 

Repairs that cost $500 or less are worth making, as they usually add to the appraisal value. Allow the appraiser to perform their job, answering questions along the way, and have any paperwork from previous repairs at the ready. After prepping the house for the market, it is important to maintain it during the showing process, as it will save time and money once an offer is made and the appraiser makes their assessment. 

 

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

Photo credit: home junction

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9 Ideas for Hiding the Mundane Essentials in Your Home

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

When was the last time you looked through the photos of a beautiful home on a website or in a magazine layout? Did you miss anything? Probably not.  The non-stylish parts of a house have been digitally removed from the photos so that all a viewer sees is style.  Electrical outlets and cords, as well as HVAC vents, are necessities in a home, and while photo editing software cannot hide them, there are plenty of tricks to conceal them. 

 

  • Canvas art usually has an open back and can be placed over flat-screen televisions, thermostats, and window unit air conditioners (when not in use). 
     

  • Paint can cover many things we do not like, and if your kitchen appliances are lacking, there is paint for that!  It does not have to be a color; appliances can be painted for a stainless look as well. 
     

  • Create a gallery wall around the thermostat, and it will fade into the framed pieces. 
     

  • Return air vents are necessities but can be made to look much nicer: purchase a stylish cover that is made specifically for return vents, hang a stylish doormat over the vent, or switch the everyday slatted panel with decorative sheet metal. 
     

  • Hide the home <span class="SpellingError SCXW76850043 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;"="">WiFi router in an empty box with holes cut in the back for cords, an inexpensive basket, or get crafty and make a screen from old book spines! 
     

  • Cover popcorn or dated plaster ceilings with prefinished wood planks, faux beams, or tiles made of one of the many materials available at local home stores. 
     

  • Make that plain bathtub go undercover with self-stick tiles.  They come in all styles, shapes, and colors, and do not require any previous installation know-how. 
     

  • Wall-mount televisions have become the norm, and the cords hanging from the screen can be unsightly.  Home centers have cord cover installation kits in many styles and colors for those who feel confident enough to use some power tools. 
     

  • Paint radiators in the same color as the wall.  This may not hide them completely, but they will blend in, making them easier on the eye. 

 

Who needs a designer or magazine layout to make those household essentials fade into the background?  Updating the style of the mundane and functional parts of a home can be fun and easy, and while some of them may be little changes, they can make a big impact. 

 

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

Photo credit: CTAM

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Six Common Home Hazards and How To Fix Them

Wednesday, December 1, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


We think of home as our safest space, but sometimes, hazards are lurking unawares. This guide to hidden dangers will help you find and make repairs before it is too late: 

- Was your home built before 1978? If so, check for lead paint before scraping any painted woodwork. Purchase a lead-testing kit at your local home center or hardware store. In the case of a positive test, find a specialist that will remove the lead paint safely. You will find more information at epa.gov/lead or by calling 800-424-LEAD. 

- Speaking of older homes, have an inspector check out the plumbing for lead or polybutylene (PB) pipes. It may be safer and less costly to filter the lead from drinking water with a product that meets NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction. PB pipes corrode over time, eventually causing a rupture, and should be replaced. 

- Keep your dryer lint trap clean, using a vent brush to clean all lint as far as you are able once per month. Unplugging items that are not being used is an easy step to avoid a fire hazard. Other appliances that can cause a fire: ranges, coffee makers, and refrigerators. 

- Check and maintain areas of your home that are possible fall risks. Handrails should be secure, and steps should be free of debris. Walkways and steps should not be loose or crumbling. Use non-skid tape for area rugs, and keep kitchen, bathroom, and utility room floors dry. 

- Not all molds are extremely dangerous, though they do cause allergic reactions for some. As soon as mold is discovered in your home, clean it with non-ammonia cleaner and water, or for hard surfaces, use a one-cup-bleach:one-gallon-of-water mixture. If the mold continues to grow or if it is found in carpets and drywall, it is better to have those items replaced. 

- Asbestos is only a dangerous substance if it is disturbed. If you notice deterioration in an area that you suspect is made of asbestos seek a local professional that can safely remove the offending material. 

- Do your very best to save for emergencies like this. Insurance and home warranties do not always cover health hazards such as these. However, correcting problems as soon as you find them is best for you, your wallet, and your family’s health and well-being. Home safe home is a home sweet home. 

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

Photo credit: family handyman

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Tips for the Cleanest Windows on the Block!

Wednesday, November 24, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

The dry and dusty days of summer are over, and your home’s windows could use some sprucing up, inside and out. Do not let window-washing intimidate you--it is a time-consuming task, but one that goes quickly once you are in the zone! Here are a few tips to encourage you to get those windows sparkling clean: 

 

Before you Begin: 

  • - Mix up a cleaning solution in a large bucket: 1 gallon of water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, and a squirt of liquid dish detergent--it is best to use too little detergent than too much, as too many suds can lead to streaking and extra rinsing time. 

  • - Use a soft-bristled brush with a long handle (a car-washing brush would be perfect) or a flat microfiber mop, water hose, a step ladder or stepping stool, and a squeegee is the best tool, but a microfiber cloth will do. 

 

Wash the dirt away: 

  • - Begin by removing the screen panels, laying them on a hard surface, and giving them a good shower with the hose, then gently scrubbing with the cleaning solution. After rinsing, prop them up to dry while you tackle the windows. 

  • - Much like washing a car, rinse off as much dirt as you can, starting at the top of the window. Use the brush to give the glass a gentle scrubbing, paying extra attention to anything that is stuck to the window. 

  • - Rinse with the hose, and use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe off excess water. If you use a squeegee, work from top to bottom, and wipe the blade dry between swipes. 

 

No Ladder Necessary 

A ladder is not needed to get a clean finish on windows that are too high to reach using a hose and a hose-end window sprayer: 

  • - Use the same recipe for the cleaning solution, but stir in 1-2 tablespoons of dishwasher rinsing aid to the mix. 

  • - Give the entire window--screen and all--a thorough spray of plain water to remove and loosen dirt. 

  • - Fill the sprayer with the cleaner, attach it to the hose, and, out of direct sunlight, spray from top to bottom. 

  • - Immediately rinse with plain water, and the rinsing aid should allow your window to dry without streaks, no wiping or squeegee required! 

 

The Family Handyman has a great tutorial, which includes a how-to for the sticky stuff, as well as getting the best results from a squeegee. Go ahead and get started on this much-dreaded chore. Once it is complete, everyone will see you have the most sparkling windows in the neighborhood! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: Bob Vila

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Fire Prevention

Wednesday, November 17, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

Although it may seem like it was only yesterday that you ran a check on all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, making sure your home and your family are prepared in case of fire cannot be repeated too often. 

 

Fire Safety Tools 

  • - Properly functioning smoke alarms are the first step in alerting everyone in the house of fire. Detectors should be installed on every floor, closest to bedrooms.  Consider installing an interconnected alarm system so that when one goes off, all of them go off. 
     

  • -A fire extinguisher should be easily accessible on every floor of your home. Learn how and where to store the extinguishers, as well as what types to keep in each place from Firefighter Insider. 


  • - Homes with more than one story should have an escape ladder close to an easily accessed window on the upper floor. Safewise.com has a list of their best-rated ladders and offers tips for choosing the right ladder for your home. 
     

  • - One prevention measure many homeowners do not consider is the installation of lightning rods. Lightning rods may seem like an outdated tool, but they can save electronics from lightning damage as well as preventing a fire. Home lightning protection comes in many styles that complement the exterior of your home. 

 

Fire Safety Tips 

  • - Is there a circuit breaker that trips frequently or a light switch that does not always work? These types of electricity issues are dangerous and should be checked out by an electrician. 
     

  • - Using extension cords seems to be the best solution when there are not enough outlets. Overloading electrical outlets is dangerous, so call an electrician to install more. The cost of a professional upgrade outweighs the cost of a fire. 
     

  • - Keeping the dryer’s lint screen and vent clean prevents lint build-up, making fire less likely.
     

  • - Never leave cooking food unattended, and even though your children may like to help, have their station set up far from any hot items. Keep towels and paper products away from anything hot.
     

  • - Besides knowing how to use an extinguisher, every cook in the house should know how to keep a grease fire from spreading. 

 

Most importantly, set up a family fire plan, and call a family meeting so that all family members know what to do and where to go in case of fire. Consult the National Fire Protection Association’s guidelines and use the free printable tools to make your planning process go smoothly. No amount of time taken to put a plan into place and practice is too much when it comes to protecting your home and family from a fire. 

 

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

 

Photo credit: epicurious

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6 Tips on Building Equity in Your Home

Wednesday, November 10, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


What is home equity? The Balance explains it this way: home equity “...is the amount that you own, or what you would get after paying off your mortgage after selling.”  For most Americans, their home is their largest investment, so keeping a watchful eye on the equity and taking action when it is necessary is their first defense.  

 

  • Before purchasing a new home, consider adding more to the down payment. This simple action creates equity by reducing the amount of your mortgage loan. 
     

  • The smaller the loan term, the faster the loan is paid off. Your payments will be higher, but if it is affordable, it is a fantastic way to gain equity quickly. 
     

  • Every monthly payment you pay towards your mortgage automatically builds equity unless your mortgage is an interest-only loan. Discuss this with your lender before you begin because you want to be certain that you are paying down the principal. 
     

  • - Adding to your payment each month not only builds the equity, but it will save money on interest in the long-term. 

  • - Consider dividing your monthly payment into two payments every other week. This plan makes it easier for you to squeeze in one extra payment per year. (26 half-payments=13 monthly payments) 

  • - Less expensive ways to pay the principal down sooner:  round up your monthly payment, budget a smaller amount each month to be paid on your loan, or use a tax refund or work bonuses to pay towards the principal. 
     

  • Properly maintaining your home will at least keep up the value, depending on the market, of course. Roof leaking? Repair it. Paint peeling? Grab a paintbrush. Sweat equity does not cost you anything, but if you must, hire a pro so that the job is done right. 
     

  • Adding value to your home is possible, but only if you are not spending too much out-of-pocket or dipping into a home equity loan to make the upgrades. 
     

  • Refinance your mortgage only if it is necessary or if you are decreasing the loan term. 

 

If you are unsure about the local market, call New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. and ask them to pull recent sales in your neighborhood so you can compare selling prices of similar homes with your mortgage balance. Now may be a good time to sell if you have enough equity in your home, and the agent will help you every step of the way! 

 

Photo credit: mortgageloan.com

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Protecting Your Vacant Home For Sale

Wednesday, November 3, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


Moving before your old home sells can cause some anxiety for the property’s safety. Criminals can be savvy these days, and you do not want your home compromised, especially when potential buyers are there for a showing. Besides having interior lights set on timers, window coverings, and motion-sensor outdoor lighting, there are a few more things you can do to add an extra layer of security: 

 

- The first step is the most obvious: lock all doors and windows. If someone is looking for easy access, they will check every entryway, and if they are locked, they may decide to walk away. 
 

- Before the move, check in with your insurance agent and make sure your homeowners policy covers a vacant house. 
 

- Ask someone you know and trust to keep an eye on things, especially if your move is long-distance. If you must pay someone, check their references. 
 

- Find a neighbor who is willing to park their vehicle in your driveway as another safety measure. 
 

- Continue to maintain the landscaping, preferably by a reputable landscaper, neighbor, friend, or family member. 
 

- As unlikely as it may seem, the HVAC unit should be secured. Installing a lock on the circuit box will discourage theft and adding a security cage is a plus. 
 

- Home security systems are more affordable than ever, and you do not necessarily have to pay a monthly service fee to a company. Do some online research and find a system that connects wirelessly and has a coordinating smartphone app.  You can keep an eye on things yourself, and if there’s anything suspicious, call your local contact and ask them to check your house for you. 

- Your RealtorⓇ normally provides a lockbox to be placed in an out-of-sight place on the outside of the house. Advancements in technology have made these tools even more secure, including types that record who shows your house and when. 

 

Think of the expense of taking additional precautions as an investment. There is no price tag on peace of mind and protecting your property when you are not present.  Another bonus is that the added security could be more incentive to potential buyers, making your home sell sooner! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: lakehomes.com

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Moving? Should You Sell or Lease?

Wednesday, October 27, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

When the time comes to relocate, the thought of selling your home while purchasing another seems too much, so renting your current place sounds like a win-win for you. The extra income sounds great, knowing your house is still there in case you need it is another nice thought.  There are pros and cons to this decision, however, so look through these tips to help you finalize your decision: 

 

  • One major factor to consider is when you know the move is not permanent.  If you know you will be returning in a few years, and it may be a good idea to lease while you are away so you will not have to house hunt upon your return. 
     

  • Take a close look at the financial aspects of renting your house: 

  • - Landlord’s insurance premiums may cost more than a homeowner’s policy. Talk to your insurance agent about the differences in cost. 

  • - If you have equity in your house, or the money a sale will generate will allow for a nice deposit on another, you really should consider a sale. 

  • - Do the math--if you have a loss after all your expenses (insurance, repairs, property taxes, etc.) are deducted from the rental payments, it would be a better idea to sell. 
     

  • Take into consideration that in larger areas, there may be times of a vacancy.  Can you handle your current mortgage and rent or mortgage payment in the new place?  If not, put the house on the market. 
     

  • Renting may be a good choice if the house needs repairs or improvements to bring a good sale price, and the cost of those fixes all at once is out of your budget. 
     

  • Consider the occasional tenant that will not care for the property as you do. Landlord insurance will not cover normal wear-and-tear, nor intentional damage. 
     

  • Things can happen, and even good tenants are suddenly unable to pay rent on time--or worse, stop paying rent--and you will be stuck with the mortgage payment, not to mention the possibility of the costs of going through the eviction process.  
     

  • If you live in an area that attracts visitors or tourists, consider short-term leasing with an online booking company. Be sure you are within your city’s regulations for short-term rentals and consider the frequent cleaning costs and other risks taken when renting to tenants that you have little means to check into before they enter your house. 

 

The stress of renting just might be greater than the house-hunting in the case of a temporary move.  Talk to other property managers in your area and look at your financial information before you make the final choice. When you decide to sell, call New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.

 

Photo credit: multibriefs

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7 Budget-Friendly Bathroom Redo Tips

Wednesday, October 20, 2021
by Tucker Robbins


According to Homeadvisor.com, the average bathroom remodel costs about $10,000! When yours is crying out for help but the money for a complete overhaul is not in the budget, there are plenty of options that are easy on the wallet. Find some inexpensive inspiration in the following tips: 

 

  • Something as simple as updating your light fixture can be a huge improvement. Whether you buy brand new at your local home store or a good-as-new used piece, this is an easy DIY. Call a reputable electrician if you choose to add lighting or move the current connection. 
     

  • Add style to a plain mounted mirror with a frame! Framing kits come with everything you need for this quick update and are available at home centers and online for less than $100. 
     

  • Old linoleum that is in good condition can be covered with adhesive-backed vinyl tile or painted with porch paint. Create a custom look by using a stencil. Supplies may cost a bit more than other paint jobs, but it beats the expense of replacing the flooring. 
     

  • Are the walls covered in thirty-year-old wallpaper? The easiest fix for that is to paint over it! Benjamin MooreⓇ suggests you start by sealing any peeling spots with adhesive and applying clear caulking where wallpaper meets the ceiling or the floor. Save time by using paint with built-in primer, and paint as you would any other wall surface. 
     

  • A new faucet is a quick way to update the sink. Confident do-it-yourselfers can switch the old with the new with help from this step-by-step video how-to for faucet installation from Home Depot. 
     

  • The most inexpensive update for the cabinet would be paint and new hardware. Even laminate countertops can be painted or tiled for a fresh look. 
     

  • If your budget is tight, just the purchase of a new shower curtain, window treatment, inexpensive framed prints, and one nice coordinating towel set can make a huge improvement to a dated bathroom. 

 

Having several remodeling jobs on the to-do list usually means beginning with the most affordable projects. Making budget-friendly bathroom updates will help ease the urgency of needing a full renovation. Save yourself stress and money by holding out just a little longer, and when it’s time, you’ll have the perfect bathroom! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: Sherwin-Williams

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A Seller's and Buyer's Guide to Property Disclosures

Wednesday, October 13, 2021
by Tucker Robbins

Realtor® Magazine’s definition of disclosures is “federal, state, county, and local requirements of disclosure that the seller provides, and the buyer acknowledges.”  In most states, this means that a seller must let a buyer know about known problems with the property they are selling.  Disclosing issues with a house is important for both buyer and seller. Understand more about property disclosures in this guide: 

 

Disclosures and the Seller 

  • - Every prospective property seller will receive a disclosures form from their listing agent.  This form should be filled out truthfully and to the best of the seller’s knowledge. 
     

  • - Most states want these items disclosed to the buyer:  lead paint or asbestos, previous repairs or additions, mold or water damage, pest issues, drainage problems, foundation cracks, problems with HVAC and other appliances, and roof condition/age. 
     

  • - The listing agent will be aware of all government disclosure requirements--federal, state, and local.  Transparency from the seller is a must at this point of the property sale. 
     

  • - “Better safe than sorry,” should be the homeowner’s motto when it comes to disclosures.  For instance, if there is a possibility that mold is an issue under the house, an inspector should have a look. 
     

  • - Disclose minor things that you have learned to live with.  Items a seller considers small--such as a rattling window on a windy day, or a repair made many years past--can be big things to the buyer. 

  • The disclosure should be ready before the seller accepts an offer--for their protection. 

 

What the Buyer Needs to Know 

  • - Once a potential buyer receives the disclosure statement, they should read it over carefully and without distraction. Any questions should be marked or written down and questions presented before the disclosure form is signed. 
     

  • - The added expense of having a home inspection is vital to this part of the sale.  When the buyer meets the inspector, the disclosure form should be in hand so each item can be checked out thoroughly. 
     

  • - Check local government building permit and zoning information to make sure any additions were performed legally by licensed people. 
     

  • - If negotiations about any disclosure’s issues break down, it may be best for the buyer to walk away from the sale. 
     

  • - In the end, doing due diligence is the best way for a buyer to find problems that will be a major issue after the sale. 
     

Disclosures should be a seller’s protection plan, and smart sellers will be completely honest, and even disclose more than necessary.  Sellers should make sure that their state laws ask them to disclose things like traffic noise, undesirable neighbors, or even paranormal activity!  Choosing a Realtor® with experience will help sellers through the disclosures process so that buyers will have full confidence in the property they are purchasing, which makes for a quick and smooth sale! 

 

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

 

Photo credit: mwlp

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