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Do I Need a Home Warranty?

Wednesday, February 24, 2021
by Scott Darling


Choosing to purchase a home warranty is something any homeowner, house hunter, and even seller should think about. While different companies offer home warranties, the purpose of a home warranty is generally the same. Let this guide help you decide if you need this service: 
 

  • A home warranty covers what homeowner’s insurance does not. When one of your home’s systems or major appliances breaks down or is damaged from normal wear and tear, a home warranty will help you with the costs. 
     

  • Homeowners pay a monthly fee, on average $300-$600 per year, according to Consumer Affairs. Most service calls through the company will require the homeowner to pay a set service fee to the technician when making a claim. 
     

  • A home warranty can be purchased at any time, which is great for someone who is selling their home.  Sellers can spend a good amount of money prepping the house for sale, and a warranty will help considerably if something breaks down during the selling process. Warranties can be transferred to the buyer, as well! 
     

  • A newer home may not necessarily need a home warranty, so stash an amount equal to a monthly warranty payment into your savings account!  You can build emergency savings and have the funds for unexpected repairs. 
     

  • Research home warranties for prices and coverage available. Your Realtor® will be able to direct you to companies they are familiar with, and you can trust you are working with a reputable home warranty company. 
     

  • Current homeowners who do not have a home warranty can find a company that is registered with the Service Contract Industry Council. Scroll to the “Home Service Contract Companies” for a complete contact list. 

 

There are so many different decisions to make when it comes to homeownership, it can feel overwhelming. Making good decisions depends on how much time you put into researching and asking questions.  Inform yourself by doing your research and having a discussion with your Realtor® and/or warranty agent to help make the best home warranty decision for your home and wallet. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: homewarrantyreviews

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Settling in Your New Home

Tuesday, January 12, 2021
by Scott Darling


Moving is such a huge task, and not only takes a physical toll on you and your family, it takes an emotional toll as well. While those unpacked boxes are staring at you, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed, and wonder when the new house will feel like home.  After making a few decisions, then getting to work, it will not take as long as you may think;  follow these tips! 

 

  • Before you move, think about how you want to set up and decorate your new home.  Here are a few factors you can focus on: 

  • - If you love the layout of your current home, do the same in your new house as closely as you can.  Use the same furniture placement, arrange your focal wall close to what you are familiar with, and keep your kitchen arranged as you do now. 

  • - Is there something you really dislike about where you are now? Switch things up in the new house for a completely different look that you love. Paint and furniture slipcovers go a long way if a total overhaul is not in the budget. 

  • - Those who thrive on change are going to have an easier time of moving to a new place.  Many go from one decorating extreme to another: farmhouse rustic to sleek and modern or from mid-century decor to a cottage style.    
     

  • If it is in your plan to do any painting or other work, have that done before moving, or get it completed as soon as possible.  The longer it takes to unpack and put your personal things in place, the longer you will feel unsettled. 
     

  • Getting unpacked as quickly as you can; no one feels at home having to maneuver around boxes that are stacked up around the house. If there are storage items that need to be put away, get them in the attic. Some rooms can be set up easily, such as the kitchen and eating areas, as well as bedrooms.  
     

  • Forgo the take-out food after a couple of nights.  If you simply do not have time for cooking, at least seat everyone at the table with your usual dishes and silverware.  
     

  • Having younger children’s rooms arranged with all their favorites will help them settle in.  Is there a family clock that chimes the hour? Get it unpacked and chiming as soon as possible.  Whatever is an “expected thing” in your home, the sooner it is in place, the more comfortable everyone will feel.
     

  • No matter the season, get your landscaping and outdoor items placed where you would like them. Personalizing with a monogrammed flag, your favorite flowers (in pots, as that is easier to care for after a recent move), and outdoor furnishings. 
     

  • Get into your normal routine as best you can, and if there are new jobs or places to be, go about them as you would have in your former home.  Keeping everything, you need for the everyday running of life in the same general way and area they were in before will make for some normalcy. 

 

Even if you are happy and excited about living in a new place, wanting to make it feel like home is important to everyone involved. Whether approached with a casual “whenever,” or a planned out unboxing and setting up, the comfort of home may take a few weeks or months to achieve.  Taking care of the little things will certainly get you on your way to feeling some home, sweet home. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: Domain

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Tax Benefits of Homeownership

Friday, November 6, 2020
by Scott Darling

When listing pros of owning a home in comparison to renting one, many think of things like lower monthly payments for the roof over their heads, the freedom to renovate or simply paint as they desire, or the opportunity to finally have a garden of their dreams. Tax benefits, however, are not something many consider; learn about some of the main tax-related advantages homeownership can bring: 
 

  • Tax deduction on mortgage interest:  when a homeowner’s mortgage is no greater than $750,000, the interest on that mortgage is tax-deductible. 

  • - In 2017, the IRS made changes to this deduction, reducing the mortgage limit. If your mortgage was taken out before December 2017 and is $1 million or less, this deduction applies to your situation as well. 

  • - Having a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that meets the above standards will receive the interest tax credit as well. 

  • - In case a homeowner has two mortgages that are each less than the $750,000 limit, but the total of those mortgages exceeds the limit, not all interest is deductible.  Learn more from the IRS Newsroom. 


  • When the home was purchased, were mortgage points used as part of the loan transaction? This may qualify for a tax credit. Use this handy worksheet from the IRS to determine eligibility. 
     

  • Many have used their homes for office space this past year, but not everyone qualifies for a home office tax credit.  Those who are independent contractors or self-employed are the only taxpayers allowed this credit. 
     

  • Your lender is required to include property taxes paid on the 1098 form they send at tax time.  Property taxes paid up to $10,000 are eligible for a tax deduction. 
     

  • If you are paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), the law to receive a tax credit for this has been reinstated as well as being retroactive. House Logic has more information about the changes and benefits. 
     

 

Do not miss out on these tax deductions!  Normally, hiring a professional tax preparer will get the most benefits for you if you give them all the necessary paperwork.  Keep in mind that using an online tax prep service will ask homeowner-related questions as you work through your return, and self-tax prep is generally less expensive, depending on the software company you choose.   

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: LA Property Solutions

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Before You Buy Budget Like a Homeowner

Tuesday, August 25, 2020
by Scott Darling


If you are a renter, you know that rent costs are on the rise, and it may be getting more difficult for you to stop thinking that a home purchase cannot be easier on your wallet. Starting on buying a home can come a year in advance of your first house hunt and creating a homeowner budget is the first step.   

 

  • Write a list of needs and wants for your future home, beginning with size, the number of rooms, type of neighborhood, size of the yard, garage, or no garage, etc. Be realistic, as there is only so much house you can afford. Set a price range, and stick to it. 
     

  • Create an income/expenses list, or use this handy budget calculator so you may see exactly where your money is going.  If there is little left of your paycheck at the end of the equation, it is time to begin eliminating unnecessary purchases so you can start saving. 
     

  • Start paying off any debt you currently have credit cards, car loans, or personal loans. Eliminating these balances will reduce your debt-to-income ratio, and will show lenders you’re serious about paying for a home. 
     

  • Once you start paying off debt, start depositing the amount of those payments into a savings account. Not only do you need to save towards the payment, but you’ll also have other costs for buying a home: appraisal, home inspections, and other fees may or may not be added to the closing costs. 
     

  • Some people that live on low incomes may feel like homeownership is a pipe dream, but that is not true. Many government-backed agencies will assist those with limited incomes buy a home: 

  • - Federal Housing Administration offers loans with low down payments (3.5%). 

  • - USDA  helps low-income families in rural areas with purchasing a home with no down payment. 

  • - VA loans assist veterans with home-buying, as well as home repair. 
     

No matter your income, homeownership is within reach if your credit report and score is within an acceptable range and may differ according to the lender.  Learning how to budget your income, paying your bills on time, and saving money are all possible, and it may take discipline on your part. The result, however--a home of your own--is worth all the time and effort it took to prepare for it! 
 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: ggwash.org

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Six Home Items You Should Inspect Now

Monday, July 13, 2020
by Scott Darling


Home ownership is a big responsibility! Sure, you have the financial responsibilities, but what about maintenance? Letting your house just sit and be a shelter for you is not going to work, even if you live in a newly constructed home. It is up to you to keep it in tip-top shape! Take a day to go over these items to make certain all is well at your house: 

 

  • Roof:  Your roof is probably your home’s most important part of its structure, so inspect it well:  take binoculars or use your phone’s camera to zoom in on the roof and look at every aspect. Check for damaged, missing, or curling shingles. For a tile roof, look for cracks or missing tiles, and metal roofs should be gone over for loose screws or damage to the metal. On a rainy day, go into the attic and check for leaks. Have any issues repaired as soon as you possibly can. 
     

  • Foundation:  The other important side of your home is its foundation. Check for cracks in the bricks, look at the grading around the outside (making sure water is running away from your home), and check for gaps in the outdoor walls and windows. On the inside, look for sagging floors or bowing walls, doors that do not want to close or windows that do not want to open. These are all signs of possible foundation issues. 
     

  • Siding:  Look for peeling, blistering, or fading paint, as these may be signs that you need new siding. Check for rot and warping on the soffits and any fascia boards. Visible mold can be a sign of a major moisture issue and should be investigated by a pro. 
     

  • Plumbing:  Grab a flashlight and go under your sinks and look for any signs of leaking. Toilets can leak “silently,” and you can figure out where the leak is coming from with a little food coloring and time.  Inspect around the water heater for any signs of leaks as well. 
     

  • Smoke/CO Detectors:  If you have battery-operated detectors, checking the batteries is fine, but you need to be sure they are working as well. CO detector kits are available at most home stores and testing a smoke alarm is as simple as blowing out a candle and allowing the stream of smoke drift towards the smoke alarm. Be sure to let everyone in the house know you are “crisis testing” the alarms! 
     

  • Gutters:  On a rainy day, or using the water hose, check to be sure gutters and downspouts are running freely (no clogs), and have no leaks around the seams. 

 

Taking the time to look carefully at possible problems in your house can save you time and money down the road, especially if you plan on reselling the house in the future. You are protecting your investment and protecting your family as well. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: Commercial Record

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Necessary Tools for the Homeowner

Thursday, August 9, 2018
by Scott Darling

While not everyone considers themselves a Weekend Warrior, every homeowner should have certain tools on hand.  A small hammer and duct tape are just the basics every person should own, and while a large toolset isn’t necessary, some items are. Keep this guide in mind the next time you head out to the home center or local hardware store. 

 

  • Toolbox:  It may seem obvious, but keeping everything in one place will save time when you need an item in a hurry, and keep the box in a dedicated place in your garage or storage closet. 

  • Claw Hammer:  Every home needs a hammer, preferably with a clawed end to remove nails or for prying hard-to-open objects. 

  • Adjustable Wrench:An adjustable wrench takes the place of a wrench set, and, hence the name, can adjust to most average-size bolts. 

  • Screwdriver:  Most people have two standard screwdrivers: flathead and Phillips.  There are screwdrivers that have changeable bits for different sized screws, and they are especially convenient. 

  • Pliers:  Many types of this versatile tool are available, and the basic design is perfect for all sorts of jobs.  You can get specialized styles:  needle-nosed, pliers with wire cutters--the choices are endless.  Get what you think is best for your needs. 

  • Boxcutter/Utility Knife:  A folding or disappearing blade would be best for this tool, especially if you have children. It’s a great tool to have for many uses, such as cutting insulation, trimming shingles, as well as repairing drywall. 

  • 25-foot Tape Measure:  You never know when you’ll need to measure more than a yard-stick’s length, and a 25-foot style is great for measuring rooms, or outdoor projects. 

  • Cordless Drill: Brian Kelsey, host of the online video series, Kelsey on the House, says a cordless drill will become your “...most-used tool in your tool kit,”  

 

Home centers will have an array of pre-filled toolboxes, and if that’s what suits your needs, purchase one of those. But if you know what you want, assemble a custom tool set to use for all your home projects/minor repairs.  Bob Vila provides a list with some extras not listed here, so if you’re a go-getter in the DIY field, see his recommendations for a little more than the basics. 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: http://turnkeymakereadybcs.com

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From Tenants to Homeowners in Chester County, PA

Friday, June 29, 2018
by Scott Darling

Whatever the reason you’ve decided that it’s time to go from renting a place to live to purchasing a home of your own, there is plenty to consider.  From down payments to paint, many factors of home ownership are different than when you’re a tenant in someone else’s home.   

 

- Begin budgeting now, if you do not already.  Homeownership has more expenses involved than renting, and you need to be able to manage your money properly. 

- Check your credit score and correct any mistakes, or do what it takes to bring your numbers up. 

- Start saving towards your down payment.  

- Be realistic.  You know about how much you can afford, so don’t start your initial search in the luxury homes sections. 

- Once your financial things are in good working order, shop around for a loan, and talk with the lender about your pre-approval amount.  Knowing how much you can afford will help keep you in check when it comes to the house searching. 

- Don’t balk at browsing other homes besides houses--there are affordable townhomes and condominiums that could be perfect for you as your first home purchase. 

- Think about your community options--do you want to live in a managed community (HOA), a rural area, new construction in a planned community, or an older suburban neighborhood?  Each can affect how much you pay in HOA fees, taxes, or maintenance costs. 

- If you have renter’s insurance, and you should, you’ll note that a homeowner’s policy costs more, because it covers much more than just your belongings.  Speak with your insurance agent about a quote so you can budget accordingly. 

- On the chance that you decide to relocate, you can choose to rent your property and become a landlord yourself.  You will have money from the rent to pay towards your mortgage payment, or, if the house is paid for, begin building a nest egg. 

- Purchasing a newer house than what you’re renting can save money in the end, because of less up-front maintenance, as well as being more energy efficient, thus having lower utility bills. 

 

Think about the freedom to paint your living room teal blue if you like, and feeling like dancing and not having to tiptoe because there are no neighbor’s downstairs.  As soon as you are ready, contacting a Realtor to help you get started is the first step you’ll need to take, as they are your guide during the whole home-buying process. 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: homie.com

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Fung Shui Ideas for Your New Home

Thursday, October 12, 2017
by Scott Darling

Decorating a new home is a fun process.  Whether or not you are an experienced decorator,  you can look and feel like a pro with the aid of some fung shui.  Below are a few ideas on how to make it work for your new home.  

 

  1. 1. Many folks like to hang mirrors at their entrance way to make the space look larger and more inviting as well.  Be sure to place your mirror on a side wall as you walk in instead of directly across from the door.  This will help with the flow of things as guests enter your house.  They will be able to see themselves and feel welcomed as they arrive as opposed to feeling like they are being pushed out with their own reflection.   
     

  1. 2. Another way to make fung shui work for you  is to keep clutter to a minimum.  This is especially true in the bedroom because a bedroom is a place of rest.  If there is a lot of junk all around the room those who spend time there will likely feel a bit disheveled.  If you feel as if you don’t know enough about this topic to do the job right, you can always higher an expert to help get you started in the right direction.   
     

  1. 3. Make sure that if you want to have live plants in your home that you place them in areas where folks will be hanging out and spending quality time together.  Try not to place live plants in areas where sleep takes place such as the bedroom because you need items that give off restfulness.    
     

  1. 4. Leaving the toilet lid closed is a great, easy little trick that will help to make everyone who enters your bathroom feel good about the space.
            

  1. 5. Keeping the flooring all one type in the home helps the energy to flow freely.  Try not to use two different types of flooring butted up against one another if you can help it as this will weaken the energy of the home.   
     

  1. 6. Be sure to place your bed across from the door to the bedroom or at least at a spot where the door can be easily seen.  This will enhance the comfort level of the room as opposed to putting the bed on the same wall as the door.   

  2.  

Fung Shui is fun and interesting and it really does work to help the energy of the home  feel comfortable and welcoming.  

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Photo credit: lakecountrykeys.com

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