Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 25

Make Your Outdoor Decorating Merry, Bright and Safe

Tuesday, November 22, 2022
by Scott Darling

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 Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: www.grandinroad.com

Add Comment

Get the Kids Involved in Home DIY

Thursday, November 10, 2022
by Scott Darling

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 Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: www.blesserhouse.com

Add Comment

Travel Safely this Summer!

Thursday, July 14, 2022
by Scott Darling

A summertime getaway is just what many need to visit faraway family, spend time learning about other places, or simply to relax and have fun. Keep these tips in mind to make your trip as safe as possible: 

 

  • Before hitting the road in the family vehicle, schedule a check-up–for the car! Have a reputable mechanic to check the engine and parts thoroughly, including all fluids, belts, and the battery, and make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated.   

  •  

  • Pack items that you will need for emergencies where they can be easily accessed. Purchase one of the many emergency car kits that suits your needs or make your own kit and keep them in a storage tote. A small first-aid kit should be kept in the glove compartment, especially when the kids are traveling, too. 

  •  

  • Check the forecast for all of your travel days. Summer heat means afternoon thunderstorms, and you will need to know where you can safely pull over if rain and wind become too heavy for driving.

  •  

  • When using electronic navigation, be sure that the destination address is correct, and that the map is routed correctly. Print or purchase a paper map to consult in case you pass through areas where there is a poor signal is a must.  

  •  

  • Air travel means added time to your day. Once at the airport, distribute the kids between the adults and go to different security screening lines, and your wait will be shorter. 

  •  

  • Before getting comfortable on the plane, using alcohol-based disinfectant cloths, wipe everything down, giving extra attention to the food tray and the back of the seat pocket area. 

  •  

  • If possible, leave your cell phone at home and opt for a prepaid cell phone to stay in touch.

  •  

  • When you are not using Wi-Fi, disable it on your device, as well as the Bluetooth signal. Public connections can give hackers easy access to your stored personal data. 


  • Upon arrival at your hotel or rental home, ask for the official Wi-Fi router name and password, and see if there are other networks available throughout the property. Fake wireless connections can be created by hackers, leaving your personal information at risk of being breached.   


  • If paying for something online is your only option, disable your cell's Wi-Fi connection and use your cellular data as a security measure. 

 

While you are looking forward to some fun in the sun, it is important to keep yourself, your family, and your digital presence safe. Some mishaps are unavoidable, but when you are prepared, it makes your time away from home more fun and less stressful! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: CNBC

Add Comment

Ideas to Brighten Your Home Décor in Winter

Friday, February 4, 2022
by Scott Darling


Brighten the darker cold days with a few small changes or easy decorations; here are a few ideas:  

 

  • Simply using bright-colored accessories such as cozy throws, pillows, slipcovers, or accent rugs will reflect the natural light coming through the windows and help boost your mood. 
     

  • Interior lighting can affect our disposition, especially in winter. Install daylight-type bulbs in ceiling fixtures, but use warm bulbs for lamps and sconces. 
     

  • Natural items are not just for holiday decorating. A basket of pine cones with battery-operated LED lights woven through them or a simple wreath of twigs can double as decor for wintertime. 
     

  • Clip small branches and twigs, spray them with white paint, (or leave natural), and display them in vases with artificial snow, small pine cones, or leftover whole nuts as a filler.  
     

  • Snowflakes, no matter where you live, are a fun way to brighten up your interior. Have the kids cut out paper snowflakes or make these popsicle stick snowflakes. Hang them from a windowsill or use clear removable sticky dots and adhere them to the glass.  
     

  • Create a whimsical wreath by wrapping a foam core wreath with an unused knitted scarf, adding mittens in place of a bow. This is another easy craft where children can participate! 
     

  • Start forcing the flower bulbs you received as gifts to add a bit of green and color to your decor. Amaryllis and paperwhites are the easiest to grow indoors because they are tropical plants. 
     

  • Another way to give a spring-like feel inside is to force-bloom flowering tree branches! Just follow these tips from Fine Gardening.  

 

Decorating for the colder months should be inviting and give off warm, cozy feelings. Boosting light and incorporating natural elements are just a couple of ways to make the home feel festive without a holiday theme. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: amazon.com

Add Comment

8 Tips for Saving Money in the New Year

Thursday, January 27, 2022
by Scott Darling


Many think that saving money is impossible, but there are plenty of easy ways to stockpile your hard-earned cash.  Take a few of these ideas and build up your savings account, save for a family vacation, a college fund, or add to your home emergency fund: 

 

  1. Ask your employer to deposit your pay directly into your bank account.  Automate your savings by setting up an automatic transfer from your checking to your savings each payday. When you do not see the money, you do not miss it.  
     

  1. Piggy banks are not only for the kids!  At the end of each day, add coins to a large jar or other container. Save one- or five-dollar bills instead of spending them and add them to the jar as well.  Set a goal for how long you will save until you deposit or spend the cash.  
     

  1. Utilize your local library to save on not only book-buying but monthly audiobook subscriptions and DVD rentals. Ask if your library offers the OverDrive or Libby smartphone apps that allow you to check out eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and videos.   
     

  1. Sign up with a rebate shopping website such as Rakuten or Ibotta, and have the rebates sent to your PayPal or other online payment system account and think of it as a no-interest savings account. 
     

  1. Once a loan or credit card balance is paid off, add the payment amount you would normally make to your savings. 
     

  1. Open a "club" savings account for holiday shopping or summer vacations. Automatically transfer a set amount each month, and when the shopping or vacation date is near, you may withdraw the money without penalty. Taking advantage of these low-interest savings accounts help with overspending, as well as cutting down on expensive credit card spending. 
     

  1. If you use coupons or a loyalty card while grocery shopping, look for “You saved $X today!” on your receipt, and squirrel away that total in your savings. 
     

  1. Round your checking account balance at the end of each month and transfer the difference to your savings. For instance, if there is $613.68 in your checking account, transfer $13.68 to your savings. 

 

A few dollars here or a handful of change there does not seem like you are saving very much, but it truly adds up.  Checking the balance every few months will encourage you to continue adding to your savings hoard. Have you met your savings goal? Increase it and keep saving!  Once you develop a routine, saving becomes second nature--a habit you will not want to break! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: vfcu.net

Add Comment

9 Ideas for Hiding the Mundane Essentials in Your Home

Friday, January 14, 2022
by Scott Darling


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 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 Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: Hello Tech

Add Comment

Natural Options for a Chemical-Free Garden

Thursday, July 29, 2021
by Scott Darling

When you make the decision that you would like to use more organic products for your garden and landscaping, it can be difficult to know where to begin. There are so many mass-manufactured chemical products that are inexpensive and easy to help keep weeds and insects at bay!  The fewer chemicals we use in our lawns and gardens, the better it is for everyone, and these tips will help you get started on a more natural approach to a healthy garden, even halfway through the growing season! 

 

  • Grass clippings from your lawn can be used to mulch and enrich the soil.  According to Mother Earth News, a mulch of 1”-2” of cut grass can feed your garden for the season.   
     

  • Natural fertilizer can be found in worm castings, and vermicomposting is one project the whole family can get involved in!  Learn how to create worm beds from gardeningknowhow.com. 
     

  • Proper mulching is the best natural defense against weeds. Some plants are persistent, so the gardener needs to be persistent about keeping them in check!  Pull the plant by hand, (complete with roots), or use a hoe to get them out of the ground. 
     

  • While water is probably the most important ingredient for a productive garden, timing is important for keeping diseases and pests at bay.  Watering your plants in the evenings can cause fungi and mildew to grow, and neither is easy to get rid of once they set in. 
     

  • Learn how to identify beneficial and detrimental insects.  While they may strike fear when we see them, many stinging insects are taking care of the bad ones that are eating up our vegetables.  The Sod God offers some excellent information as well as infographics to help you distinguish between the good and the bad. 
     

  • Fragrant plants attract beneficial insects; plants like marigold, sweet alyssum, cilantro, yarrow, and fennel are just a few you can companion grow near your veggies to bring the good bugs to your garden. 
     

  • Row covers are a great and chemical-free way to keep not only insects away, but veggie-loving birds as well.  If they cover your plants completely as they grow, they will provide a barrier between your plants and the bad guys. 
     

  • If your plants are being taken over by soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies, make your own insecticidal soap--just follow these easy instructions from Horticulture magazine. 

 

Using fewer chemicals in your landscape and garden takes knowledge and a little extra work.  Contact your local extension agent for help and look for sources that have been certified as an organic entity or are written or produced by someone who has been gardening the natural way and has lots of experience.  Reap the rewards of not only a great vegetable harvest, but the rewards of keeping chemicals out of the ground and water sources.

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo Credit: Mamavation

Add Comment

Tips for the First-Time Gardener

Wednesday, May 27, 2020
by Scott Darling


Gardening--no matter if it’s a veggie garden or a landscape filled with flowering plants, it’s no small undertaking. Many first timers spend a great deal of money on plants, fertilizer, and tools, only to find that their plants die or simply don’t produce as they’d planned. There are a lot of factors to a successful garden or landscape, and the basics are covered here in these tips! 

 

  • Start talking to gardening friends and family now. They have been where you are and know it’s not easy to have a magazine-worthy garden the first year. Find out what grows best in your area and choose a few vegetables to try. 
     

  • Your first plot needs to be small and in a part of your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. Shade in the evening is great to help cool plants on those hot Summer days, but full sun is best during the day. 
     

  • A soil test is important and is most easily done through your local cooperative extension service. The results normally include recommendations for improving your soil quality. 
     

  • Consider using a raised bed for your first attempt! It will make soil-amending easier and gives you more control of water retention/drainage.   
     

  • Purchase seedlings from your garden center instead of starting everything from seed. You’ll have a head start on the harvest!  
     

  • Don’t forget to add some flowering plants to your vegetable garden! Planting a few companion plants will bring pollinators and beneficial insects that help keep the bad bug population down. 

 

    Flower Gardening 

  • Once again, talk to your neighbors; look at what they are growing in their landscapes and flower beds, and ask them what is the easiest to grow and care for. 
     

  • Soil prep is just as important for blooms as it is for the vegetable garden; test the soil from the areas you’re planning on planting. 
     

  • Flowering plants have different needs when it comes to sunlight. While geraniums thrive in full sun, impatiens need mostly-to-full shade. Take care to note the sunlight recommendation on plant tags when you’re making your purchases. 
     

  • If you don’t have time to lug the water hose or sprinkling can all over the yard, you might want to plant in one main area, or purchase a soaker hose that will stay put so you only have to turn the water on. 
     

  • Planning is important, and you’ll save time in the nursery if you decide what you’d like to grow before you go. Check out this list of easy-to-grow flowers from HGTV. 

 

Virtually all gardeners have learned by trial and error, and it’s likely you will, too. Don’t let a few failures keep you from falling in love with growing plants and vegetables. It’s such a rewarding undertaking, and recent studies are even looking at how digging in the dirt can improve your mental health as well! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: kcremodelandgarden.com

Add Comment

Support Local Businesses Without Going Shopping

Wednesday, April 8, 2020
by Scott Darling

Small businesses are the backbone of our country’s economy, and many of them--namely in the food service industry--are hurting right now. What can individuals do to help them now? Don’t think of it as helping a business stay open but helping friends and neighbors during a time of crisis! 

  • Do you already have a monthly purchase at a local boutique or a pedicure in your budget?  Go ahead and call them and buy a gift certificate/card/credit in that same amount. Using it for the future would be great, but once everything is back to normal, give the gift card to someone else, and continue your normal shopping with the store. 
     

  • If those same establishments have their own merchandise, why not buy a t-shirt, mug or car sticker along with your gift card purchase? 
     

  • If it’s allowed, order takeout from your favorite restaurants, whether it’s lunch or dinner. Many eateries are bundling dishes into family meals and offering curbside delivery, making it easier for you to order. 
     

  • Some local businesses have online shopping available; if so, do your shopping that way. Most business owners are certain that everything is handled properly and will offer shipping or pick-up at the door. 
     

  • Leave a review for your favorites at any online review site, business Facebook page, or other social media. Everyone needs the encouragement, plus, it helps others decide whether to do business with the establishment in the future. 
     

  • Don’t forget your local produce stands and farmers’ markets! Grocery store chains must wait for deliveries, so if they’re out of your favorite lettuce, call around to the local stands to see what’s available. 
     

Many businesses are offering free shipping for online orders and are making it easier to shop via social media. It may take some creativity, but we can all do our best and do our part to help our local businesses, our local economies, and our neighbors. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: twitter

Add Comment

Bringing the Outside In...

Thursday, January 9, 2020
by Scott Darling
 

Growing green things indoors can keep the air clean, and boost your spirits, both of which are important, not only during the dark Winter months but year-round. If you’d like to bring the outside in but are concerned about the plants needing sunlight, don’t worry.  Many houseplants can be tucked away inside for Winter that thrive in low light! 

 

Find one, or two, in this list: 

 

  • Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, has many hybrids, and come with splashes of silver and red.  Not only will you have a plant that doesn’t need a lot of watering, but you’ll have a plant that brightens without having to buy a bouquet of fresh flowers every week! 
     

  • Using contrast in your rooms can apply to plants as well.  Calathea is a plant with variegated leaves, and some types have red stems and undersides of its leaves.  Placed in a corner with light-colored walls will make this low-light lover take the stage!
     

  • What sounds tougher than cast iron plant (Aspidistra)? These long-leafed plants thrive in shady spots, can handle poor soil, and if you forget to water them, they will survive! 
     

  • Corn plant or dragon tree, (Dracaena fragrans) is a great plant if you’re looking for height.  It might need pruning once it starts getting too tall but is great for medium light.  Children would love to tell their friends they have a dragon tree in their house! 
     

  • Turn your room into a tropical oasis with parlor palms (neanthe bella)!  The best thing about this palm is that it doesn’t grow very tall and can do well in virtually any amount of light. 
     

  • Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) is a common houseplant, and rightly so.  While enjoying medium-low light, they do need water at least once per week to keep their beautiful dark green leaves and white blossoms. 
     

  • There are so many types of philodendron that you can find one for any houseplant need you have.  They prefer medium-low light, but in perfect conditions, they can grow tall. You get a bonus with philodendron, as they are proven air-cleaners! 
     

  • If you have a dark corner but no space for placing a container on the floor or furniture, pothos is the plant for you. The trailing vine is perfect to hang in a dark corner, and there are several hybrids to choose from. 
     

  • Does your grandmother have a pot of Swedish ivy that she’s been caring for as long as you can remember?  Plectranthus verticillatus grows very well in low light and be sure it has plenty of room to spread its trailing vines.   
     

  • When there’s little light and almost no room for a plant in your home, a terrarium filled with mosses, small-growing ferns, Pilea glauca “Aquamarine,” and sweet flag (Acorus) are just a few of the plants that will grow well tucked inside an enclosed case.  Learn more about this age-old type of gardening. 

 

Bringing the outside in doesn’t mean you have to use the only sunny spot in the house.  

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: hort zone

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 25

Syndication

Categories

Archives