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Take Care While Cleaning

Thursday, February 24, 2022
by Scott Darling


We have spent a lot of time and effort keeping things clean lately, but are we thinking about how we can clean without damaging countertops, flooring, or other surfaces?  Proper cleaning keeps them looking good as new! 

 

Stainless Surfaces 

  • - Regular wiping with plain warm water is your first defense in cleaning any stainless surface, followed by a microfiber cloth or paper towel drying. Get rid of fingerprints with  a glass cleaner containing ammonia. 
     

  • - For scratches, use a clean cloth with a few drops of mineral or olive oil.  Wipe in the direction of the grain, and minor scratches will disappear. 

 

Countertops 

  • - Countertops need daily cleaning, but they need disinfecting as well. Some chemicals in sanitizing products could be harmful, so to give surfaces some TLC while killing germs, use white distilled vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or just good old hot, soapy water. 
     

  • - Mild soap mixed in warm water is great for general cleaning, as well as keeping germs at bay for granite countertops. Applying bleach, ammonia or even acidic vinegar can be harmful, so spray with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water if you need to disinfect. Having it resealed annually helps protect it, as well as maintain the germ barrier. 
     

  • - Quartz is a tough surface, but treat it gently; since it’s a manufactured product, using anything to scour away an errant stain will scratch the surface. Warm, soapy water is best to keep it sparkling.   

 

Flooring 

  • - Hardwood floors are fairly simple to care for: sweep often, and vacuum using the bare floor setting once a week. Chemical products for mopping are a no-no: a mop dampened with warm water and a mild soap is best, then rinsing any residue with a clean water mop. 
     

  • - Caring for tile is similar to hardwood using a damp microfiber mop and mild soap mixed with water.  As the floor is drying, buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a beautiful shine.  Unsealed grout can be cleaned safely with a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft brush. 
          

  • - Mix a half cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water when mopping vinyl floors. (The odor will vanish after it dries, or you can add some lemon essential oil to combat the initial smell.) Remove scuff marks by rubbing the streaks with a tennis ball, melamine sponge (sold as “magic” eraser/sponges), or clean pencil eraser. 
     

 

Advertisers bombard us with messages saying that we need their products to keep our homes clean and sanitized, and while those things are important, not all of those products are safe.  Natural cleaners and mild detergents mixed in hot water clean just as well while protecting the material of each surface.  

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: istock

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Protecting Seniors from Scams

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
by Scott Darling


Scammers are getting more and more creative with their swindling schemes, and older adults are no exception.  Some scams target the general population, but many aim specifically at senior citizens, and we should make our older friends, neighbors, and family members aware. This article features five common schemes: 

 

  • Fake Social Security Claims:  This scam can begin with an official-looking letter in the mail or a phone call. The caller informs the recipient that there is a problem with their Social Security benefits or suspicious use of their SSN and could stop receiving their monthly deposits if the requested information is not provided immediately. Remind your older adult that the Social Security Administration will never call asking for more information unless they have applied for benefits. They should simply hang up and call their local SSA office or file a report through the SSA Inspector General Office website. 
     

  • “Family Member” in Trouble:  Someone posing as a family member, most commonly a grandchild, will contact the elderly person and claim to be in serious trouble. The caller says that they need money immediately and will als0 stress not to contact their parents to avoid getting in trouble with them. In spite of their urgency, the senior adult should hang up or disengage and contact another member of the family, or call the person claiming to be in trouble to make sure everything is okay. 
     

  • Homeowner Scams:  Older homeowners are targeted because they normally live in a home without a mortgage and a higher value than the purchase price.  Property tax scammers will offer to send someone to re-assess the value of the property to lower the taxes, but for a fee. No matter how official the correspondence may seem, the homeowner should always contact their local tax office to make sure they are not being had. 
     

  • Deceased Spouse’s Fake Debt:  Fraudsters have no shame, and will go through obituaries, then contact surviving family members to claim that the deceased has an outstanding debt.  The best defense against this is to not give out any financial information, and most certainly do not pay anything. The estate handles any outstanding accounts, not surviving spouses. 
     

  • Medicare Scams: Phone calls come daily–to those who are not even over 65–claiming to be a Medicare representative.  The most common claims the caller will make are asking to verify information, saying the account has a refund flagged, or offering free medical supplies.  Simply hang up without engaging in conversation.   

 

Though it may be difficult, stress to the older adult that their financial protection is as important as their physical well-being.  Giving a scammer any personal information can result in identity theft and financial ruin, so it is imperative that no matter their financial status, older adults understand not to trust any phone calls that initiate a financial or personal information transaction. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: OrlandoSentinel.com

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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

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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

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Fire Prevention in the Home

Friday, December 17, 2021
by Scott Darling

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 Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: istock

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6 Common Home Hazards and How To Fix Them

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
by Scott Darling

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 <span class="SpellingError SCXW48458862 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;"="">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 Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: LifeSavvy

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Six Tips on Building Equity in Your Home

Monday, November 22, 2021
by Scott Darling


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 is 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 me and ask me 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 I will help you every step of the way! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: Forbes

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Protecting Your Vacant Home For Sale

Wednesday, November 10, 2021
by Scott Darling

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 Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: moving.com

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Taking Care of the House After a Loved One's Passing

Friday, October 8, 2021
by Scott Darling


As if the stress and grief after a relative passes away are not enough, there is sometimes the responsibility of the family to take care of personal belongings, investments, or, most often, the home.  Emotions can be very raw and that can make it difficult to think practically when the time comes to take care of a home and its contents. These practical tips should help the process go smoothly: 

 

  • As soon as possible, secure the house:  check all doors and windows and be sure any valuables are safely stored away, preferably in a safe deposit box. Valuables now include anything that connects to the internet:  smartphones, tablets, and computers. 
     

  • Security is a must, and that could simply mean adding timers to lamps in different parts of the house to make the home look inhabited. Cancel newspaper and other regular deliveries, and have mail forwarded or check the mailbox daily.  Make sure the neighbors are aware of the death and ask them to look out for the empty home.  
     

  • Cleaning out the house may be difficult, and some want to start immediately after the funeral, while others may want to take their time.  In the case of larger families, set a date to begin, and have a plan in place so it is easier on everyone. 
     

  • Many families decide to have an in-house sale for items they will not be keeping. Set everything up in categories, and mark prices clearly; price them to sell!  If there is any speculation of something being valuable, have it appraised before you make a sale.   
     

  • If the house will need to be sold, contact a RealtorⓇ to help you get the house ready for the market.  Updates may be necessary for the best price, so be prepared to make changes to the home. 
     

  • On the other hand, some people have lived in the same house for fifty years, and never changed so much as the carpeting.  If you decide to sell as-is, your agent will know how to set the asking price.  While there are buyers who are specifically searching for a time capsule, they are not as common as those who want a turnkey house. 
     

Many real estate agents have already served families in the same situation and can offer advice on many aspects of the sale, so ask questions when the time comes. This last chore can be a labor of love if you allow it, so honor your loved one with a smooth sale and closing of their estate.  

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: sonja smith funeral group

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Choosing Your Home's Water Heater

Monday, September 27, 2021
by Scott Darling

 

Upgrading or replacing your home’s water heater is an expensive job, but a necessary one. With today’s technology, there are many options, and it can be a bit daunting when it comes to choosing the appliance that is right for you and your needs. Learn about different types and ways to save with this guide! 

 

  • Most importantly, installing a water heater is not an easy DIY unless you are an electrician or plumber. Saving a few hundred dollars is not worth the peace of mind of a properly and safely installed water heater. 
     

  • Traditional tank water heaters are the least expensive to purchase and have installed. When it comes to the real money saving--the energy costs associated with heating and maintaining the temperature--it is not the least expensive, as the radiant heat loss while being stored is great.
     

  • - The average family of four would need a storage capacity of forty gallons, adding ten gallons for each additional family member. 

  • - Because of government-mandated regulations, this type of unit has become larger over the years, making replacement an issue. 

  • - Storage-type water heaters have a lifespan of ten to fifteen years. 
     

  • Tankless or on-demand heaters can be installed in smaller spaces, and this is important if you are upgrading to a larger unit and the available space is not sufficient. 
     

  • - There are whole-house water heaters as well as smaller electric-only units that are installed under sinks for almost instant hot water whenever it is needed. 
     

  • - Tankless heaters use, on average, twenty to thirty percent less energy than storage-type heaters, meaning the higher cost of the unit will pay for itself in energy cost savings. 
     

  • - Some utility companies offer a rebate for qualified on-demand heater installation. Type in your ZIP code at the Energy Star website to see if there is a program in your area. 
     

  • Solar water heaters will need a stand-by traditional unit in case the water is not heated to the set temperature. The expense of installation of a solar unit will pay for itself over time, and they have a life expectancy of about twenty years. 
     

  • Heat pump water heating systems use less energy and are considered to be the best bang for your buck.  There are space and temperature requirements, however, so choose this water heater wisely. 

 

Another boost to installing an energy-efficient unit is a possible tax credit! Today’s newer units come with timers and smartphone apps so that you can control when your water is ready for use, which is another money saver. Research all of the available options so when your plumber installs your new water heater, you will have peace of mind that you have made the best decision for your home and family. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: hamericanstandardwaterheaters.com

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