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Terms & Conditions
To be eligible for the Real Estate Agent Rewards Program, the following registration guidelines must apply:
The online registration is valid for six months. It is the responsibility of the
Agent to re-register his/her Clients after the expiration date in order to be eligible for any
applicable Schell Brothers Rewards Program(s).
The Customer visited a Schell Brothers/Kincade Homes community and/or Branch Out Division
as a result of the Agent's recommendation.
The Customer was registered by the Agent before or during the Customer's first
visit to a Schell Brothers community.
The Customer acknowledges, that the Agent referred him/her to a Schell Brothers/
Kincade Homes community and/or Branch Out Division.
Schell Brothers/Kincade Homes will only pay one Broker commission per sale.
In the event the customer is registered by multiple Agents, Schell Brothers will pay the real estate agent designated by the customer at time of contract.
The Customer has been presented with a Customer Information Sheet (CIS).
Schell Brothers reserves the right to pay the broker commission prior to settlement
after contract ratification and receipt of a mortgage pre approval and/or proof of funds
available to settle on the property. However, in the event the Customer terminates the
contract, defaults on the contract, or does not settle on the property for any reason,
Agent/Broker agrees to reimburse Schell Brothers for the full commission paid.
Agent also reserves the right not to be paid prior to settlement.
* All information subject to change without notice, certain exclusions may apply. See Sales Team for more information.
Commission and/or bonus is pre-paid for non-contingent contracts only upon receipt of all deposits and pre-approval or proof of funds to close.
We reserve the right to reclaim commission and bonus if sale does not go to settlement.
Accordingly, the Agent may elect to defer payment until after settlement at his/her discretion.
July 30, 2020
|Comments Off on New Community Spotlight: Arbor-Lyn
When the going
gets tough, the tough keep building homes (at least in our case!). Now is a
good a time as any to move to the beach, the opportunity is almost too good to
pass up; low-tax living, beautiful beaches at your doorstep, an escape from the
hustle and bustle of daily life. We have so many homes and communities to
choose from, but our newest community, Arbor-Lyn, might be just the place for
you.
Ideally located
in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Arbor-Lyn is a local’s dream. It is perfectly
situated between Downtown Lewes and Rehoboth Avenue, making it easy to access
the beaches, local shopping, and fine dining. Better yet, you can access our
favorite local restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping without ever having to
drive on a major highway. By avoiding Route 1 going to the doctors with your
kids or grabbing snacks for the big game, you’ll be back home in minutes!
Every day is different
in the Rehoboth area. One day you could spend an afternoon enjoying tax-free shopping
at the famous Tanger Outlets and the next you could be running along 5 miles of
scenic views on the Junction and Breakwater Trail just minutes from your front
door.
Although Arbor-Lyn
is perfectly located for your Coastal Delaware exploration, you can enjoy the Coastal
life right in your community as well. The Arbor-Lyn amenities include an outdoor
pool, pool deck, lounge area, and covered porch with fireplace; the perfect
space to entertain friends, get to know your neighbors, and begin your new relaxed
lifestyle.
Also included in
your HOA fees are community maintenance amenities such as lawn care, snow
removal, leaf blowing and common area maintenance (such as the pool).
At the end of the
day, Arbor-Lyn’s location is what’s hard to beat. It gives you the perfect opportunity
to explore Coastal Delaware. Delaware is home to some of the best and cleanest
beaches in the nation, and we are certain that there is nothing a trip to the
beach can’t cure. Not to mention the year-round comfort of Delaware’s climate.
Not too hot in the summer, not too cold in the winter, over half of your days
here in Delaware will be covered with sunshine!
So, while you are
doing research for your new home build, check out Arbor-Lyn. The proximity to
state parks, beaches, trails, shopping, dining and more, is impossible to keep
out of your decision.
Watch this video from
the perspective of our very own, Grace and Josh, to learn about why Arbor-Lyn
is the perfect fit for you!
For more information about our company, Arbor-Lyn and Coastal Delaware, check out our website. Now is the time to start making your dreams a reality, why wait? Chat with our Community Sales Managers at Arbor-Lyn, Frank and Alli, they can help guide you and answer any of your questions.
July 20, 2020
|Comments Off on Coastal Delaware Bucket List
If you are thinking of visiting Coastal Delaware, or maybe
you are considering building a home with us, I recommend putting together a
list of activities to get you excited! Besides its beautiful beaches and
waterways, Coastal Delaware is full of fun for the entire family. From the
boardwalk to the vast array of farms inland, there is certainly plenty to add
to your Coastal Delaware Bucket List.
Although we are amid a global pandemic and many places have
adjusted how they run their business, that doesn’t mean that things aren’t
open! Now is the time to support our local shops and venues who are struggling
during this unprecedented time. You can still enjoy curbside pick-up, the
beautiful beaches, some musical acts, and other outdoor activities throughout
Coastal Delaware.
I talked to a few of our team members and gathered a list of
things that we believe you should add to your Coastal Delaware Bucket List:
The Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach
You can’t spend the day on Rehoboth Beach without taking a
stroll on the Boardwalk. There you will find local and tourist favorites such
as Funland, Dolley’s and Thrasher’s fries. There is plenty for the whole family
to enjoy, all with a beautiful view of the ocean.
The State Parks
If you’re in the mood for nature, but want to steer clear of
the beaches, head to one of our beautiful state parks. Cape Henlopen State
Park, located in Lewes, features campgrounds, a museum, nature center, and is
part of the Junction and Breakwater Trail. Enjoy a long walk or learn more
about our area’s history at the Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area. Other
state parks are Killen’s Pond State Park, Trap Pond State Park, and Fenwick
Island State Park.
Area Breweries
If you are a fan of craft beer, don’t worry, Delaware has
plenty to offer! First and foremost, we are home to the famous Dogfish Head
Brewery. The main brewery is in Milton Delaware. There you can enjoy brewery
tours, great food and craft beer at their outdoor beer garden. Plus, you can
even bring your dog. If you’re looking to hang around Lewes, check out The
Crooked Hammock Brewery, another great place to sit and enjoy a beer outside.
If Rehoboth is where you find yourself on a Friday night, check out Revolution
Brewery for a smaller scene with great drinks.
Music Venues
Live music is always a must, especially in the summer. Our
Schell employees love attending Freeman Stage Events in Selbyville, located in
our Bayside community. This venue is host to national acts, local acts and
cover artists of your favorite bands. If you like indoor venues with a
close-knit and intimate experience, check out the Bottle and Cork in Dewey,
which is also host to both local and national acts.
Fisherman’s Wharf Cruises
If the ocean is calling you and you are fascinated by life
under the sea, check out Fisherman’s Wharf Cruises in Lewes. They offer daily
fishing trips, evening cruises, and even dolphin watching trips. Who knows, you
might even spot a whale.
Kayak/Paddleboard Down Assawoman Canal
I am personally most excited to try paddle boarding down the
Assawoman Canal in Bethany Beach. If you head to Bethany Surf Shop’s website,
you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and experience a different kind of Coastal
Delaware nature.
Berry/Apple Picking Fifer’s Orchard
Fifer’s Orchards is a great way to have some fun with the
family while supporting a local Delaware business. Fifer’s is great because
they are open most of the year and any time of year you go, there is something
new to experience. In the fall, they host a fall festival and families can
enjoy picking apples and pumpkins. In the summer, they usually have berries. Although
the Orchard is in Northern Delaware, they have a market shop located in Dewey
Beach.
Cape May/Lewes Ferry
Taking the ferry is a must for you and your family. It is
such a fun experience for young kids to drive onto a boat and head across the
sea. Downtown Lewes has so much to offer as far as dining and restaurants, and
Cape May is equally quaint and idyllic, why not enjoy both in the same weekend?
Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor
This is another Delaware local spot that I am so excited to
try. Lavender is one of my favorite scents, and at Warrington Manor in Milton
you can walk through acres and acres of lavender fields, tour the bee and
butterfly garden, and shop for handcrafted bath and body products. You can even
take classes to learn about the lavender.
Seasonal Events
Delaware is the place to be EVERY season, not just the
summer. With each season comes new and fun events and activities for you and
your family. In the summer enjoy Dover’s biggest musical event, the Firefly
Music Festival. Towards the end of the summer head out to Harrington for the
Delaware State Fair. In the fall, enjoy fall festivals all over Coastal
Delaware, including the Seawitch Festival on Rehoboth Ave, we’ll be there with
our very own booth.
Lewes and Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market
We love supporting local, and what better way to do that
then at a farmer’s market! We have a few located here in Coastal Delaware. The
Lewes Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 8-12pm at George H.P. Smith
Park, and on Wednesdays from 8-11am at Crooked Hammock Brewery. The Rehoboth
Farmers’ Market is open on Tuesdays from 10am-2pm in Grove Park in Rehoboth
Beach, DE.
Downtown Lewes Shopping
Who doesn’t love shopping? Downtown Lewes has some of the
coolest and most fun boutiques in all Coastal Delaware. Shopping local is a
great way to support our community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two of my favorites are Edie Bees Sweets and The Bungalow on Second.
Whether you are on the fence about moving to Delaware or
just got here and are ready to explore, check out all of the things on our
Coastal Delaware Bucket List, I promise you won’t be disappointed! Delaware may
be a small state, but we have so much to offer.
Check out our website to find out which of our communities are located close to the items on this list and to find out more about how you can become a local to Coastal Delaware.
July 1, 2020
|Comments Off on Delaware Parks Guide
It was said at one point that the National Parks were America’s greatest decision. The open hills, the amazing diversity of wildlife, the great peaks of the mountains – all at the fingertips of its people, there for them to make a choice – to harm it or love it. From a young age, President Teddy Roosevelt felt strongly that it was our duty to love it, and he took that love and turned it into passion, making it the point of his time as our leader to forward the march toward conservation. He said that “There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm.” With that, he challenges us to go and see it for ourselves, rather than rely on the words that are used to describe it.
One of the few things we can do during our time in quarantine is get outside. Yes, we must make sure we are properly socially distancing and wearing our masks, but there are so many beautiful state parks to be discovered in Delaware, so get out there, scratch the itch you have to explore and stretch your legs a little.
Although
the east coast, and specifically Southern Delaware, is home to very few National
Parks, Roosevelt believed strongly in the preservation of any protected land he
could create. Delaware is home to 17 beautiful state parks, all
government protected, all ready for you to explore. Many of our communities are
located a short drive or even bike ride away from one of the largest of these
parks, Cape Henlopen State Park. Below are just a few of the many patches of
preserved land that you have at your fingertips:
Cape
Henlopen State Park
Located
in the small town of Lewes, this park was established in 1682 by William Penn,
who made it one of the first public lands established in the United States. The
park is home to three endangered shorebird species and vast array of other land
creatures. If you are thinking about visiting the park, be sure to check out
the Seaside Nature Center to educate yourself about some of these amazing
animals. The park is open from dawn to dusk and host to a 24-hour fishing pier,
campgrounds, public beaches, and more!
Trap Pond
State Park
Take a
drive a few miles inland, and you’ll hit another body of water, Trap Pond. The remnants
of a wetland that is now Sussex County, Trap Pond is a great getaway for you
and your family. Rent a kayak for an hour and sail through the extensive
patches of bald cypress trees. There is even a Nature Center so you can learn
about how they were used for lumber and dams before the land became protected.
Trap Pond is pet friendly, and a wonderful way for you to enjoy a warm Saturday
in fall!
Killen’s
Pond State Park
If you have kids,
or want to feel like a kid again, Killen’s Pond is the place for you! This park
is home to a fully functional summer water park, campgrounds, hiking, boating,
and much more. This park is historically significant because of its connection
to Native American culture. The pond, formally known as “millpond” was home to
Native American hunting camps. The park was then founded in 1965.
Head to one of these three beautiful state parks while the weather is still beautiful. You won’t regret the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, breathe in a bit of fresh air, and hear the simple sounds of the birds calling and the ground humming. And remember these wise words from Teddy Roosevelt when you do, “we have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune.”
Hey there! It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on how Project Kudos continues to impact the community and spread good vibes. The Kudos Bus is always on the move, and these past few months are no exception. Schell Brothers alongside Project Kudos, decided that the best thing to do for the community during the COVID-19 pandemic was to help alleviate stress and bring a smile to a few faces. The Kudos Bus mission this time around was to distribute much needed food and supplies to various communities in need across Coastal Delaware.
In case you need a refresher, Project Kudos is an initiative created by Schell Brothers to promote our company culture of happiness. We encourage the community to take the time and thank the people in their lives that need it the most. Sometimes that is a family member, and sometimes it’s a stranger. Either way, giving kudos is a great example of how we send happiness and good vibes out into the world.
In the past few months, Project Kudos was able to take that philosophy and impact well over 2,500 families across the Cape Henlopen, Indian River, Woodbridge and Seaford school districts. They were even able to deliver groceries to as many as 600 families in just one week.
Project Kudos could not have been as successful without the help of a larger network of community members via the CCC4Covid Task Force. These community members helped determine the needs of Sussex County making it easier for Project Kudos to determine where to distribute. Ultimately, they were able to successfully make 47 individual deliveries across the county. And with the help of funding from Schell Brothers, the Harry K. Foundation and private donations, Project Kudos was able to deliver a total of 5,345 sets of groceries.
The Schell Brothers warehouse turned into a fully functioning food distribution operation with five to six shifts of Schell employees sorting, pre-packaging, and boxing food. Those boxes included 200,000 pounds of food and water, 42,760 potatoes, 21,380 apples, and 21,380 oranges just to paint you a picture of how grand this food distribution project really was!
Schell Brothers employees are so thankful for what the company has been able to do for the community, here are a few words from some major contributors to the project:
“This seemed like an important thing to do. We are lucky to work for a company who puts happiness first and because of this, we have been able to positively impact our community and help hundreds of families.”
Alyssa Titus, Schell Brothers Marketing Director
“This has been an overall very emotional experience for me. Looking into people’s eyes and realizing that maybe you are the only one giving them food to put on the table for their kids, it’s an absolutely overwhelming feeling. I am filled with gratitude and happiness to be part of a company like Schell Brothers, that fully supports this initiative and chooses to stay connected to the human need. I always love to say ‘In a world where you can be anything, be KIND,’ and I think our mission and overall culture of happiness has shown that our local community can definitely count on us. I am beyond proud to work for Schell Brothers and represent the Project Kudos mission!”
Now that Delaware has entered into the next phases of re-opening, Project Kudos is handing off the food distribution project completely to the Harry K. Foundation. They will continue to deliver at two locations, King’s Market on a weekly basis and Seaford School District on a bi-weekly basis. They will continue the efforts through August 8th.
The best way to get through something as scary as a global pandemic is to support one another, spread good vibes, and have each other’s backs. We are in this together!
For more information about Project Kudos check out their webpage or Facebook. For more information about Schell Brothers check out their webpage or Facebook.
June 19, 2020
|Comments Off on 10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Learning at Home
If we’re being completely honest here, sending our children
off to school on the bus can be one of the best moments of a day in the life of
a parent. The house is finally quiet, toys are no longer strewn about the
living room, and you have a second to wash the dishes before hearing “Moooooom”
or “Daaaaaad” in the background. Don’t worry, we understand, and so we’ve spent
some time brainstorming ways to keep them occupied, but also more importantly,
learning.
Not only has summer vacation arrived, the country is still in the midst of a nation-wide quarantine. With schools changing policies to promote health and safety, education might look a little bit different moving forward. Sometimes our kids can give us a hard time when we try to teach them lessons at home, so try out these sneaky tricks to get your kids to exercise their minds until things get back to normal.
Teach Your Kid to Play Chess
Game night can be a great way to get your child to start thinking critically. Chess is the perfect example of a game that requires attention, strategy, and higher-level thinking in order to be successful. It can train your mind to discover, do math, and even think like an engineer.
Watch a Movie
This is probably my favorite method of sneaky learning. Most people avoid electronics or ‘screen time’ when trying to occupy their kids, but I think it is a great tool to teach lessons, decipher metaphor and help kids understand subtlety and art. Documentaries are a great way to introduce film as a method of study, it can teach kids about any piece of the world they are interested in, from cars to politicians.
Calculate Distance and Mileage
Take your kids on a trip to the grocery store but make them calculate the distance between your house and the store. You can even take it a step further and ask them to figure out how long it will take based on how fast you drive. This is a good way to get them thinking about math and distance!
Reading is an important tool to keep your brain exercised. In order to trick your child into reading, make them read the restaurant menus, the instructions for the games on game night, or even the recipe for dinner. You can even couple it with writing and ask your children to write a short story to read that night before bed. There are words everywhere, use them to inspire your children.
Build Something
Kids love to get their hands dirty, so send them out back with some hot glue, bird seeds and your recycling bin to make homemade bird feeders. You can use old milk cartons, the cardboard part of a toilet paper roll, anything! This activity promotes the use of critical thinking, motor skills, creativity and problem solving.
Plant a Garden
Earth Day 2020 just passed, but truthfully, everyday should be earth day! Help your kids pick a small patch of the garden to call theirs and let them plant whatever they want. This is a great opportunity for you to teach them about any bugs they stumble upon, and how they are helping the earth grow and heal by planting a garden. There are so many sustainable lessons to be learned.
Count Money
Encourage your kids to save a penny here and there throughout the summer. At different points, ask them to sort and count their money. This encourages growth in math and understanding the value in money. After they count, have them put the change away to save, teaching them how to responsibly maintain their earnings.
Sidewalk Chalk and Art
Take your kids to the driveway for some sidewalk chalking. Not only does this encourage their creativity and get them outside, it can brighten up the days of your neighbors or the people walking by! Try making chalk paint so their beautiful drawings can withstand the rain, click here for instructions.
Go on a Treasure Hunt
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a pirate
when I grew up, so I made any excuse to draw a map and embark on an epic
treasure hunt. Try it out with your kids. Draw a map and bury something in the
yard or hide it around the house. They will have to use their critical thinking
skills, directional skills, and map reading skills to figure it out! A perfect
way to get their minds moving while at home.
As you can see, there are so many ways to keep your kids
learning and growing, even when they aren’t in school. Although they might be
reluctant to do math sheets or assigned reading, this list of activities will
get their brains moving without them even realizing it!
Check our website for more information about our company and what we do. Check out the landing page for our brand campaign “Home is Where the Heart Is” to learn more about what teaching in your house can look like in a Schell home.
May 28, 2020
|Comments Off on How Our At-Home Offices Look
Many of you have been affected by the Coronavirus outbreak this year, and so daily routines and activities look a little different for you. In fact, many have discovered that they love working from the comfort of their own home. Setting up the laptop on your couch with your dog keeping you warm must be heaven, and some find joy in finally finishing that office space décor. We like to think of it as a wonderful reason to stay cozied up in our homes, after all, we are a new home builder. Home really is where the heart is, so why not make it where the office is too?
We believe it is important to feel relaxed and comfortable in your at-home office space, so dazzle it up with some home renovations, keep your furry friends nearby, or maybe even add a few wall decorations above your computer screen.
The majority of our Schell Brothers office team has been working from home for the last several weeks, so I asked a few of them to share their experiences, how they feel comfortable in their space, and few photos of their office set up. Here is what our Schell team work-from-home looks like:
Mike McCoy, CAD
“So we started working from home on March 13 and at that time I thought we’d be home for a couple of weeks, so I set up an office space in our bedroom because my husband works from home too. I had a small desk with a Surface Tablet. It definitely was cramped and after two weeks it was becoming a problem, so I started a little renovation project to reclaim our home office. The project involved new paint on the walls, removal of the carpet, installation of a new floor and some new furniture to finish it off. Attached are the before and after pics. My favorite thing about the office now is the extra space and I get to spend some quality time with my Axolotls, Toothless and Drago, I like to call them my dragons. They watch me work and beg for worms.”
Jordan Fruehauf, Sales
“My favorite parts: Our Peloton is right in front of me and I can take quick breaks to work out, and our puppy Medalla hangs out with me all day. My least favorite part…our Peloton is right in front of me and our puppy Medalla hangs out with me all day… 😉”
Tim Green, Land Development
“Although I’ve enjoyed working from my comfortable home office, I truly miss the daily interaction with my co-workers.”
Here are a few more photos from our Schell employees:
As you can see, a home office can look and feel a lot different for a lot of people. Some are even set up on their dining room tables! Either way, we believe that if home is where the office is, for now, we should make the most of it!
For more information about our homes and to schedule an appointment visit our website.
May 21, 2020
|Comments Off on 10 At-Home Date Night Ideas
At Schell Brothers, we believe that home is where the heart is. So, what better way to celebrate your loved one then to dream up some must-try at-home date night ideas! Kick back in your great room, spend hours eating your favorite snacks in the kitchen, or maybe don’t even leave your bed. No matter what you choose, there are so many ways to celebrate love from the comfort of your beautiful home.
Make Your Own Movie Theater
Although some of our Schell Homes allow for you to build your own in-house movie theater, it can be just as fun to set up a DIY version. Grab a pile of sheets and a few chip clips and attach them to coffee tables, chairs, and the TV to create a fort. Then pop some popcorn, cut out Regal movie tickets, and maybe even draw out the logo on a poster board. Make it as elaborate as you would like, and oh…don’t forget to pick a movie!
International Food Night
Cooking a meal together in your kitchen can be fun any night, but why not put a spin on it and make it a night of world traveling. Travel to France with a cheese platter and wine, hop on over to Italy for a homemade pizza, roll your own sushi in Japan, and mix yourself a margarita in Mexico. This idea is a great way to curb your need to travel when travel is unavailable.
Camp in Your Backyard
We love the idea of setting up a tent and sitting by the fire in our favorite National or State Parks. If you can’t get out somewhere like that, why not bring the campsite to you? Set up your tent in the backyard, throw up some fairy lights, turn on your fire pit and roast s’mores. Try to leave the electronics in the house to make it as authentic as possible!
Karaoke Night!
Disney sing-alongs, recorded versions of our favorite musicals, and live-streamed acoustic music sessions are becoming a normal part of TV entertainment. With all of that inspiration, wouldn’t it be fun to set up a sing-along of your own? Set up a stage, add some mood lighting and pull up the lyrics to your favorite ABBA songs and have a karaoke night! It’s just you and your spouse or partner, how embarrassing could it get?
Book Club Night
This idea you might need to plan for ahead of time. Pick a book that you both know you’ll enjoy and set a day to finish it by. Once the night comes around, set up your bookshelves around a coffee table, brew some decaf and sit and discuss your thoughts. It is a little more intimate than a group book club and a fantastic way to unplug and spend some time with your partner.
Puzzles and Pizza
Who doesn’t love some date night alliteration?! Support local businesses and order a pizza pie from your favorite local mom and pop shop and then pull out that puzzle you’ve been meaning to finish. If you’re looking for a night away from stress and the hustle and bustle of life, a pizza and puzzle night is the way to go.
Scrapbook Year in Review
If you are anything like me, you have boxes filled with movie tickets, plane passes, and Polaroids from your favorite trips from the past year. For this date night idea, grab a blank sketch book or buy a scrapbook online and put together a year in review with your partner. There is no better time to reminisce about traveling than when you are stuck at home!
Spa Date
An at-home spa can be so relaxing, especially without the high price tag. Get on your favorite robes and slippers and draw the bath. You can look up DIY facemasks and lotions or prep by ordering some online ahead of time. Finally, make a pitcher of water and add lemons and cucumbers, light your favorite scented candles and voila! You have created the perfect at-home spa.
DIY Wine and Paint
I’ve always wanted to try one of those ‘Wine and Design’ nights, but it can be just as fun to recreate it right in your own craft room or living room. Get your art supplies ready, set up the easel at the back window, and don’t forget the wine. If you aren’t artistic, don’t worry, pick a theme and have fun with it. Everybody loves a funny painting of your pet, or a modern self-portrait. Channel your inner Picasso and get creative!
Visit A Museum
With a global pandemic going on, it is a bit difficult to make it to your favorite museum for a date full of art and fossils. Lucky for us, many of the museums based in places like New York and DC are allowing you to virtually walk through their museum exhibits. This is a great way to get your history in for the night, while also having fun with your partner.
With some of these simple ideas, even with the inability to travel, date night can still be as fun and intimate as before. Afterall, home is where the heart is, so why not stay in and enjoy the company of those you love.
Check out our landing page for our Home is Where the Heart Is campaign, to check out other ways to make home a happy place.
May 7, 2020
|Comments Off on Home Hacks to Keep You Busy
With the spread of
the novel coronavirus, comes the implementation of many stay-at-home orders. And
with that comes the question of: What should we do while we’re stuck at home? Netflix
can satiate the boredom for a little while, but soon the itch to head out to
the store for nonessential items begins, and you’ve caught yourself wondering
how you can be more hands-on during your time in quarantine. We have a few ideas
for you! Your home is quickly becoming the most common four walls you see in a
day, so why not take the time to organize your pantry, or fix that hole in the
wall, here are a few home hacks for you to try out while adhering to your
stay-at-home orders:
The Garage
The garage is a great
place to start! Although the rain has been coming down, sunny days are ahead
and I’m sure you and your family will head out for a bike ride or you’ll start
picking weeds and mowing the lawn soon. Try attaching your bikes to the side of
your garage using a metal bar and some hooks. Garage wall storage is a great
way to keep the clutter off the floor. With the same idea in mind, use bungee cords
to hang your loose cables, this will keep them coiled nicely and be easy to
remove for future use. Try using wire racks to hang your fishing rods from the ceiling
of your garage, just cut the wires where the handles go through and you’ll be able
to keep the collection growing without taking up too much space! Building
shelfs, labeling storage bins, and utilizing bungee cords wherever possible,
will help make your garage as neat and organized as you’d always hoped it would
be.
The Kitchen
If you’re anywhere
close to my current kitchen situation, you are desperate to get that pantry
organized. With a little help from racks, Lazy Susan’s, baskets, containers,
labels and jars, you can start separating those grains, baking goods and fruits
into labeled jars, and before you know it, you’ll actually be able to find the
flour. Always look on Pinterest, they have so many great ideas for how to
organize kitchen supplies and how to make it easier and more fun for you to
cook. I know we are all running low on disinfectant wipes, instead of throwing
away the container, stuff it with your re-usable plastic bags. This would also
be the perfect time to clean all your appliances. Food waste and grim build up on
stove surfaces, inside the oven, and inside the microwave and fridge. Use hot
water, a magic eraser, distilled white vinegar and even a few lemon peels to
remove odors. Soon your kitchen will be sparkling and much more enjoyable to be
in!
The Newport at Independence
The Great Room
The great room is
probably where you are spending the most time these days. Sitting on the couch
watching TV or maybe playing board games with the family. This is a great space
to finish up projects you had been meaning to pick back up, fixing the hole in
the wall, learning a new skill online, or touching up the paint. Sometimes it
helps create a new atmosphere if you rearrange your furniture or change how you’ve
decorated your walls. If I’m feeling stagnant in my home, the first thing I do
is move the couch. If your furniture has any marks or scratches, try using a
small dap of toothpaste to rub those marks out. Many of you may have bookshelves
or other types of shelving in your great room, try rearranging your books,
maybe alphabetical order or by theme? Anything to spice up your living
situation, after all, it is possible your home is now where you work and spend
most of your time, so make it a happy place!
The Jasmine at Governors
Master Bedroom
Our bedrooms can sometimes be a space we don’t spend as much time in, but with a few changes and some organization hacks, you might find yourself never wanting to leave it in the morning. Try re-organizing your closet. Take everything out, purge and donate what you don’t wear, and then sort your cloths by category. Hanging more of your delicate and most worn items makes it easier to see and pick out great outfits in the morning. Place a soda can tab onto your clothing hanger and add another hanger so that you can fit more hanging cloths in your closet. Your bedroom is another great area of the house to re-arrange. Changing the space can make it feel like an entirely different bedroom. Use a vacuum under the bed and purchase some storage bins and labels – this may help you keep more of your clothing organized and increase space for your expanding wardrobe. Once you organize under the bed, you may want to keep your wires and cables in order. Try using the center of a paper towel roll to keep chords consolidated and easy to find.
The Lilac at The Peninsula
These are just a
few home hacks that you can use to spice up your free time during your
stay-at-home order. Try them out, see how it makes your space feel! We
encourage you to keep busy and make your home a space for you.
Check out our website for more information about our floor plans and model homes, maybe the photos will spark some interior design inspiration.
April 22, 2020
|Comments Off on Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home
Happy Earth Day
2020 guys! Earth Day is one my favorite days of the year because it gives me a
chance to celebrate the earth that I love so much and take a second to reflect
on how I treat her. Not only is being eco-friendly so important for the
environment and the health of our ecosystem, but it also saves us time and
money. Schell Brothers has a ton of insight when it comes to energy efficient
homes and I wanted to use that, paired with a few other tips and tricks, to
help you guys celebrate Earth Day 2020 and make some changes to your daily
routine.
I’m sure you’re
tired of hearing the phrase ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ but the simple catch
phrase is the best way to categorize how your home is or isn’t energy efficient
and eco-friendly.
Schell
Brothers Schellter Advanced Building Technology
At Schell Brothers, we take building energy efficient homes seriously, in order to reduce our carbon footprint and energy use. Through one of the three pillars of Schellter Advanced Building Technology, Enerwise, we seek to set a new standard for home energy efficiency. We build our homes with low HERS score ratings, with homes that are over 100% more energy efficient than a Standard New Home. We install Ultra High-Performance Windows that are well insulated and block solar heat gain. Windows are considered a major source of heat and cooling loss, with our high-performance windows, you don’t need to worry about that extra energy use. We also consider energy when building the framework of your new home in the second pillar of Schellter Advanced Building Technology, 4Tress. For example, we build a raised heel truss in order for us to extend insulation to the edge of the exterior wall. With 4Tress, your homes are not only stronger and quieter, but energy efficient and better for Mother Earth.
But you might not
be a construction manager, and you might be looking for smaller scale ways to
help reduce your carbon footprint. Here are a few in-home tips and tricks to
help with not only energy use, but also water and waste:
Recycle &
Use Re-Usable Products
It is important
to know what can and cannot be recycled. Paper, plastic, glass, metals,
batteries and electronics CAN be recycled. Loose plastic bags, polystyrene,
soiled food items or containers with soiled food or grease on them, plastic
utensils, straws, and broken glass CANNOT be recycled. It is also important to
remember that in Coastal Delaware, trash bags cannot be recycled, so empty your
recyclables directly into the can! To help reduce waste and even recycled
waste, try to use re-usable water bottles, re-usable utensils, metal
straws that can be washed, as well as re-usable grocery bags instead of the
plastic single use ones that cannot be recycled. There is always an
alternative, and on the plus side, you get to pick fun colors when you buy
re-usable!
Make Your Own
Cleaning Supplies
I have pets, so a
big question I had when I started my path to eco-friendly living was, do
eco-friendly cleaning supplies exist? They do! I started with how I was going
to clean the hardwood floors. I found myself using and throwing out too many
Swiffer pads. So, I bought a spray bottle at the dollar store and filled it
with 2 cups of warm water, ½ cup of distilled white vinegar, ¼ cup of isopropyl
rubbing alcohol, 1/8 tsp liquid dish soap, and 5-10 drops of my favorite
essential oil. I re-used old towels and rags to cover the end of the
Swiffer and was able to clean the whole house with ZERO waste. Amazing! Try to
buy decorative glass or ceramic soap dispensers and re-fill them with large
tubs of purchased soap. The large bottles of re-fill use less plastic
than if you were to go through say, 1 small bottle a week.
Energy
Efficiency
You can do your
part to make your home energy efficient as well. It is as simple as turning off
the lights when you aren’t in the room or in your home and opening your
curtains to enjoy natural light instead! Schell Brothers along with Clean
Energy USA, provide the opportunity for you, as a new home purchaser, to add
solar panels to the roof of your home. This will ensure you will never have
high electric bills and will help combat greenhouse gas emissions and reduce
dependence on fossil fuel. Helping the environment can also help your
wallet!
Go Local
Schell Brothers
loves to support local business in and around Coastal Delaware. In fact, if you
check out our website, we’ve partnered with a few local companies in our
Schellebrity Club program, so that homeowners can enjoy discounts from their
favorite local stops. By eating local, you help support locally established
farms, which reduces gas usage and ultimately alleviates our dependence on
fossil fuels.
Water
Reduction
Saving water is
another huge part of an eco-friendly home. Whenever you can, try to take
shorter showers. I keep a timer in my shower to make sure I stay under 5
minutes. Try to do your dishes by hand as well, filling up a bucket with soapy
water and using that to clean the dishes keeps the water from running for a
long period of time. Finally, collect rainwater to water your garden or
flowers, reusing what Mother Nature gives us is the best possible way to
help her.
I could most
certainly go on and on about all the ways that you can and should be as
eco-friendly as possible, but I’ll stop there. Take this social distancing time
to practice some of these methods, especially on Earth Day! There is no better
time to take the steps to make your home as green as possible.
April 17, 2020
|Comments Off on How to Prep For Your Design Selections Appointment
The big day is
coming, you’ve decided to trust Schell Brothers to build your beautiful new
home, and now you are prepping to make all of the decisions about what the
interior and exterior will look like. It’s Design Selections Day! At your
Design Selections Appointment, you are paired with one of our talented
designers who will assist you in making your dream home come together. Before
you either hit the road or get comfy on the couch with your webcam and laptop,
there are some things that you can and should do to prepare. Here are a few
tips and tricks to make you feel 100% ready for your big day, and even a video
from our designers themselves:
Do Your
Research
The first and
most important thing to remember is that homework pays off. You are about to
build a brand-new home, and I’m sure you must have some ideas about how you
want it to look. Cut out pictures from a magazine, scour the internet, or watch
some HGTV shows. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration. There are so
many resources out there that provide great tips about interior design and
exterior finishes.
Drive Through
Our Communities
We have plenty of
homes for you to see! Our communities are the perfect resource where you can
find a large variety of exterior finishes and color choices. I encourage you to
drive around the communities in the morning, afternoon, evening, and even
during sunny days and rainy days. You want to love your home no matter what Mother
Nature decides.
Use Our Online
Design Studio
Our Online Design Studio may become your new best friend. This is available to you any time and is an invaluable tool. The Online Design Studio features many of our selections as well as examples of exteriors throughout many of our communities. The Studio will allow you to make your own style collages so you can get a sense of what your interior and exterior will look like, even before you build. Check out our Online Design Studio here.
Take (Virtual)
Tours of the Models
Ideally, we would love for you to come visit us at our state-of-the-art and award winning models both here in Coastal Delaware and in our Richmond, Virginia locations; however, during this period that social distancing protocols are in place, we encourage you to utilize our virtual model tours located here on our website.
Talk to the
Community Sales Managers
Always feel free
to reach out to our Community Sales Managers with any questions you may have.
They are available to talk and will even set up a virtual appointment with you
if you want to talk ‘face to face’ (or at least as face to face as we can). Our
sales team is full of lots of knowledge and can help guide you in creating your
dream home.
Take a Look at
Our Digital Content
Check out our latest video that features our Design Consultants explaining in detail what to expect during your Design Selections Appointment. Be sure to take notes, they offer a ton of great advice. Also check out homeowner testimonials and listen to their experiences. They have been through the Design Selections Appointment and can offer great advice.
Karen Ryan, one of our design consultants at our Delaware Design Studio, has some advice as well:
“Buying a new home is a big investment, usually the biggest you will make in your lifetime, so it deserves giving it the proper amount of time to make sure you love all your decisions. We want to make sure you get everything you want in your home while having fun throughout the process! Most new homebuyers think about the kitchen, which I agree is the heart of the home and a great place to invest. But I would highly recommend thinking about every room in your home as you start doing your homework. I always say to take your floor plan including the elevation and think about what you would like in each space starting with the exterior and working your way inside. Think about the kitchen, the great room, your secondary bathrooms, the laundry room, where you might like additional recessed lights or interior trim options. The more you think through each decision, the more fun we can have pulling all your ideas together during your design day!”
Bottom line, be
sure to do your homework and be prepared for the big day. There are lots of
decisions to make and the day will be a lot more fun and run a lot more
smoothly if you know a little bit about what options you want to select. I hope
you’re as excited as we are, and we can’t wait to hear from you and help you design
your dream home!
