April 30, 2012

Today’s food for thought from Michel de Montaigne:  “Ignorance is the softest pillow on which a man can rest his head.”  “A man who does not take an interest in what goes on around him, may sleep well, but will never control his destiny.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 594577.  This home is a foreclosure in Laurel, DE.  It has 2BR, 2BA in 1500 sq. ft., a 3 car detached garage and a nice pole building on over an acre.  The house needs some work but at only $149,900 there is value.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.  Fred 

Garage Organization Tips

Tired of barely having enough room in your garage for your car? Check out some of these tips for organizing. With a little organization, you might find yourself hanging out in your garage, “just for fun!”

Tired of barely having enough room in your garage for your car?  Check out some of these tips for organizing.  With a little organization, you might find yourself hanging out in your garage, “just for fun!”

Two Words:  Adjustable Shelving
Hang several layers of shelving around the perimeter of your garage and stow away off season equipment, boots, buckets, etc.  By getting as possible off the ground and onto shelves, you eliminate clutter and gain a more organized space.

Peg Boards
Hang a few pegboards and use a variety of hooks instead of just one type and you’ll open up all kinds of storage opportunities!  Pegboards are great for hanging most tools and a whole lot more.

Garbage Cans
If you store large quantities of dog food, salt, sand, birdseed or other items that come in heavy bags, dump them in a garbage can (or put the whole bag inside), put the lid on, and label it.  Your storage will look much neater than if you have open, half-used bags lying around.  Throw a scoop inside and everything you need will be at your fingertips when you need it!

Canisters
Small kitchen-type canisters are useful for storing nuts, bolts, screws, nails, and more.  You can even get magnetic canisters and secure a magnetic strip to the wall for out of the way storage.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Let us help!  Give Cooper Realty Associates a call today – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on Abbott’s Grill

I found Abbott’s Grill in Milford, Delaware through word of mouth, and I’m glad I did! Voted one of the top restaurants in Milford on Trip Advisor and was voted best restaurant in Milford in the 2010 edition of Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware” issue. Abbott’s Grill offers lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and happy hour. With a wide variety of menu items, delicious food, and great service, Abbott’s Grill is a must for anyone looking for a great meal!

I found Abbott’s Grill in Milford, Delaware through word of mouth, and I’m glad I did!  Voted one of the top restaurants in Milford on Trip Advisor and was voted best restaurant in Milford in the 2010 edition of Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware” issue.  Abbott’s Grill offers lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and happy hour.  With a wide variety of menu items, delicious food, and great service, Abbott’s Grill is a must for anyone looking for a great meal!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434!

Aptil 27, 2012

Today’s food for thought from Elizabeth Barrett Browning:  “Measure not the work until the day’s out and the labor is done.”  “Finish your daily goals then add what you have time for-don’t waste available time, because you never get it back.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS# 594456.  This large home in Frankford, DE (4 miles to the beach) is now only $319,000.  The home has 4BR, 2.5 BA, an open floor plan, a deck with hot tub and is on 2.5 acres.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this gem.  Fred

5 Perfect Plants For Your Garden

It’s almost May… if you haven’t already started thinking about your garden, now’s the time to get started. Here are five plants that grow well in Sussex County… with the proper care of course!

It’s almost May… if you haven’t already started thinking about your garden, now’s the time to get started.  Here are five plants that grow well in Sussex County… with the proper care of course!

Astilbe
This dense, colorful plant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender.  This plant grows best in shaded areas and needs plenty of water. (pictured above)

Bee Balm
If you love wildflowers, this is the plant for you.  Flowering in red, pink, violet, and white varieties this plant grows best in moist, sunny areas.  This beautiful plant also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while deterring most pests with its minty scent.

Lily-of-the-Valley
This ground cover plant is well recognizable with its bell-shaped flowers that small oh-so-sweet.  This plant grows well in moist, shaded areas.  Although it doesn’t flower all season, the deep green leaves are lovely all season long.

Soapwort
This beautiful plant features clusters of small pink, purple, or white flowers and is super easy to grow as long as you plant it in full sun and don’t overwater.  This plant can grow up to two feet tall and wide and blooms all summer and fall.

Trillium
This gorgeous plant blooms in shades of white, yellow, and maroon.  Trillium’s distinguishing three-petal bloom grows best in moist, shaded areas.  Just be sure to grow it along with other flowering plants, because Trillium goes dormant in midsummer.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434!

Thursday Three: 3 Ways To Use A Closet As Living Space

I realize that nobody really has “extra storage” in their house, but if you’re able to reorganize in such a way that you can free up some closet space, there are lots of great ways that you can turn it into viable living space. Here are three of my favorites…

I realize that nobody really has “extra storage” in their house, but if you’re able to reorganize in such a way that you can free up some closet space, there are lots of great ways that you can turn it into viable living space.  Here are three of my favorites:

In the Kitchen: Baking Zone
A moveable island or butcher block counter on wheels can slide in and out of the closet to add both storage and workspace.  High shelves allow storage for baking pans, tins, cookie cutters, etc.  Vertical slats offer convenient space for storing cookie sheets, cooling racks, and more.  Hang hooks on the back of the door for measuring cups and spoons, potholders, towels, and other miscellaneous odds and ends.

In the Bathroom: First Aid Center
By storing items that are only used occasionally (humidifiers, heating pads, etc.) on high shelves, that leaves the rest of the space available to store items in bins separated by family member or item type.  Another great way to store first aid products is on shelf that turns so that it’s easier to see everything at once – don’t forget to regularly purge expired products!

Any Room:  Home Office
By painting the interior of the closet a colorful shade and hanging a light fixture, a closet can be turned into a lovely and functional office with just the addition of a work surface.  Adding table legs, wall brackets, and a solid surface to a prefinished shelf creates a perfect desk and by adding some bookshelves, filing cabinets, bulletin boards, and other office accessories you’ve got yourself a nice home office that can easily be closed off when you’re not using it.

There are lots of things you can do with a closet, an afternoon, and a bit of creativity!  Which one is your favorite?

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Sussex County Weekend Update

Here are just a few of the events going on in Sussex County, Delaware this weekend…

Here are just a few of the events going on in the area this weekend:

April 26th-29thDelmarva Birding Weekend
This unique event begins tomorrow and lasts all weekend.  Started to promote ecotourism on Delmarva, this event draws birding and wild life enthusiasts from around the country.  Check out the website for more information.

Saturday, April 28th:  Second Annual Dewey Beach Treasure Fest Community Yard Sale
You might score some great deals at this event which runs from 8am-12pm in the Ruddertowne parking lot (Dickinson Ave & the bay).  Individual yard sales will be hosted around town as well.  Happy hunting!

Saturday, April 28thBug & Bud Festival
This unique festival celebrates Bugs & Flowers with all kinds of events throughout the day, including a fishing contest for kids, costume parade, free paddle boat rides, craft vendors, food, and more!  9am-4pm, Downtown Milford

Saturday, April 28thQueen’s Day
Honor Lewes’ roots by celebrating the Dutch Queen’s birthday at the Zwaanendael Museum (Kings Hwy & Savannah Road).  Visitors are encouraged to wear orange in honor of the Dutch royal dynasty, the House of Orange.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us help make your dream a reality – 302-644-2266!

Why Buying A Home Is Better Than Renting

With the housing market in its current state, many people are opting to rent rather than buy. They feel that renting gives them more flexibility and won’t leave them possibly unable to keep their house should they lose their job or have another hardship befall them. However, there couldn’t be a better time to buy! In fact, in 98% of today’s top housing markets, buying a home is actually more affordable than renting!

With the housing market in its current state, many people are opting to rent rather than buy.  They feel that renting gives them more flexibility and won’t leave them possibly unable to keep their house should they lose their job or have another hardship befall them.  However, there couldn’t be a better time to buy!  In fact, in 98% of today’s top housing markets, buying a home is actually more affordable than renting!

There are several reasons that buying is almost universally more affordable than renting.  First, home prices are at record lows throughout the country.  Second, mortgage rates are at historic lows.  And third, landlords acknowledge that they have control in a market flooded which results in high rent prices.

So, if you’re in a position to save for a down-payment now is the time to buy!  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us help you get out of your rental and into your own home – 302-629-6693.

April 24, 2012

Today’s food for thought from Sallust:  “Everything that rises sets, and everything that grows, grows old.”  “We just need to stretch that growing old part.”  Fred

 

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 589174.  Tis home in Grant’s Way, Milton, DE was just reduced to $158,900.  This is a Class C manufactured home with 3 BR, 2 BA in 1400 sq. ft., with laminate flooring and a fenced rear yard.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 if you want to see it.  Fred

April 23, 2012

Today’s food for thought from Elizabeth I:  “Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested.”  “Loose lips sink ships or complicate one’s life enormously.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 593949.  Rental income on this Lewes, DE home was 45K last year.  The home boasts 5 BR, 3 BA, and marries old world charm with contemporary renovations – all for only $759,000.  Call me if you want to see this stately home @ 302 258-6983.  Fred

Green Your Home Without Spending Too Much Green

Green home improvements continue to be a trendy topic when talking about real estate. Since yesterday was Earth Day I thought I’d highlight a few easy ways you can go green on the cheap….

Green home improvements continue to be a trendy topic when talking about real estate.  Since yesterday was Earth Day I thought I’d highlight a few easy ways you can go green on the cheap.

Cleaning Products
With a little white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, liquid soap, tea tree oil, glycerin, and empty bottles you can make your own green, non-toxic cleaning products.  These products are better for your home, the environment, and your wallet!

Insulation
Improving the insulation in your home means less drafts, which in turn means less money spent to heat or cool your home.  There are simple, inexpensive ways to add insulation to your home too, such as plugging your outlets with outlet protectors, using rope caulk around the perimeter of windows, and using foam insulating pads to plug air leaks elsewhere.

Dust Your Light Bulbs
Clean bulbs emit more light than dirty ones, plus dirty bulbs burn up faster and need to be replaced more often.

Be Aware Of Your Energy Output
If you are going to do laundry, make sure you’ve got a full load.  If you are planning to turn on the oven, do your baking for whole week at the same time.  Don’t run the dishwasher half empty.  Use your appliances wisely, and if it doesn’t need to stay plugged in (like a fridge or freezer), unplug it when it’s not in use.  To make it easier, plug electronics like a tv, dvd player, gaming system, etc. into one power strip and turn the power strip on and off as needed.

Of course, if you really want to go green you can always upgrade to eco-friendly appliances or add solar panels to your home, but these are not exactly easy on the wallet!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Spotlight on Geocaching

Delaware has its own geocaching trail that includes 75 locations statewide, with many in Sussex County, including a couple in Cape Henlopen State Park! If you love being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature then you should try geocaching.

 

Have you heard of geocaching?  Geocaching is basically a big outdoor treasure hunt!  Participants use a GPS or other navigational techniques to locate small boxes called “caches” and hide other caches.  Currently there are over 5 million geocachers in the world with caches in over 100 countries and on all seven continents.  Delaware has its own geocaching trail that includes 75 locations statewide, with many in Sussex County, including a couple in Cape Henlopen State Park!  If you love being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature then you should try geocaching.  It’s fun whether you just try it once or make it a regular day of it!

Interested in buying your selling a home in Southern Delaware?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

April 20, 2012

Food for thought from Horatio Nelson:  “Gentlemen, when the enemy is committed to a mistake we must not interrupt him too soon.”  “Again patience is a virtue.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 594901.  A Historic Victorian Home in Historic Bethel, DE is now only $109,900.  This 11 room home has porches on all sides.  This is an estate sale and sold AS IS.  Please call me if you want to see this gem, at 302 258-6983.  Fred

5 Reasons to Retire to the Delaware Beaches

Delaware Today recently published an article on why Kent and Sussex Counties are great places to retire. After reading it, I began to think of the many reasons that retiring to the Delaware beaches is ideal for many people. Here are my top five reasons…

Delaware Today recently published an article on why Kent and Sussex Counties are great places to retire.  After reading it, I began to think of the many reasons that retiring to the Delaware beaches is ideal for many people.  Here are my top five reasons:

  1. No sales tax
    Delaware is one of only five states with no sales tax.  This makes the cost of living lower than many other places, a real plus for retirees on a fixed income.
  2. Low property taxes
    Property taxes in Delaware are among the lowest in the country.  In addition to lower property taxes, other tax perks for retirees in Delaware include no tax on social security benefits and no inheritance or estate taxes.
  3. Location
    Sussex County Delaware is a day trip away from Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and many other places, so for people who like a slower pace of life with access to big city amenities, Delaware is a great choice!  It’s also ideal for people wishing to retire near family.
  4. Culture
    There’s plenty to do in Sussex County, but it’s also a short drive from many cities saturated with all the culture you could ever hope for (see #3!).
  5. Beauty
    Delaware boasts a significant amount of coastline, and the Delaware shores offer pristine natural beauty that offer a wonderful environment for retirement.

Thinking of retiring to Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associate and let us help you find the ideal home – 302-644-2266!

The Thursday Three: 3 18-Hole Golf Courses

If you love to golf, there are plenty of courses in Sussex County that are worth checking out. Here are three of them…

If you love to golf, there are plenty of courses in Sussex County that are worth checking out.  Here are three of them: 

Baywood Greens
Baywood Greens is an “exclusively public 18-hole championship golf course.”  This highly rated course in Longneck has been called both beautiful and interesting.  Covering over 6,000 yards, this scenic course offers both a challenge and a good time!  After a round of golf, you can even enjoy a delicious meal at the Baywood Clubhouse Restaurant with their popular “Gold & Dine” package. 

The Rookery
This popular course in Milton covers nearly 6,500 yards with a par of 71.  The Rookery offers a “championship 18-hole layout” and is open to the public year round.  The Rookery offers a wonderful playing experience for golfers of all abilities.  The Rookery offers many different packages which can be customized to your unique needs. 

Old Landing
This course, one of the most established courses in Sussex County, features over 6,000 yards of golf and a par of 71.   Old Landing is open to the public and offers a fun and interesting playing experience for a reasonable cost.  Instruction and memberships are also available. 

Interested in buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

April 18, 2012

Food for thought from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:  “Heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but, while companions slept, they were toiling upward in the night.”  “There is no substitution for hard work, except for smart work.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS #594513.  OCEANFRONT:  2.33 acres, 167’ on the Ocean and 183’ on Route 1.  Also included are two very nice ocean front homes and a swimming pool.  This lot can be subdivided, all for only $20,000,000.  Call me for more information @ 302 258-6983.  Fred

Weekend Update – April 20th-22nd

Whether you want to celebrate Spring, do good for the environment, or stuff your face with some succulent barbeque, this weekend holds something for you… enjoy!

Whether you want to celebrate Spring, do good for the environment, or stuff your face with some succulent barbeque, this weekend holds something for you… enjoy!

Friday, April 20th-Sunday, April 22nd – Pork in Park BBQ Festival in Salisbury, MD
This family-friendly BBQ festival is the largest KCBS Festival on the East Coast.  Last year there were over 140 competitive BBQ teams and more than 35,000 attendees!  Competing teams will be cooking up succulent pork, chicken, and beef in hopes of winning cash and prizes.  Categories to be judged include whole hog, beef, chicken, pork, ribs, “anything butt”, seafood, and dessert.  This competition takes place within an exciting festival that is fun for the whole family.  Enjoy live music and entertainment, amusement park rides, and delicious BBQ and festival foods.  For a list of events and schedule of activities check out this link.  Cost is $2 per person, and kids 12 and under are free.  Festival hours are Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 11am-5pm.

Saturday, April 21st – Spring Into Spring Festival in Georgetown, DE
Head down to The Circle in Georgetown to enjoy live music, good food, children’s activities, crafts, entertainment, and more.  12pm-9pm.  For more info and a schedule of activities check out this link. 

Saturday, April 21st – Earth Day Beach Cleanup in Fenwick Island, DE
Want to do good for the environment and your community?  Volunteer to help out at the Earth Day Beach Cleanup in Fenwick Island State Park.  Cleanup is from 9am-12pm at the parking lot of the main beach bathhouse at the south end of the park.  Call 302-227-6991 for more info. 

Saturday, April 21st – The 23rd Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour in Bethany Beach, DE
More than a thousand cyclists of all ages participate in this yearly event.  This event is sold out for participation, but there will be festivities at the start/finish line from 10am-1pm for those who want to head down to cheer on the participants!  The start/finish line is at Garfield & Pennsylvania, next to PNC Bank in Bethany Beach.  Check out this link for more info.

Interested in buying or selling a home in Southern Delaware?  Give us a call at Cooper Real Estate Associates and put us to work for you — 302-629-6693!

April 17, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Henry B. Adams:  Power is poison.  “Its effect on Presidents has always been tragic.”  “The last couple of Presidents are especially guilty.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 594112.  This Lewes, DE estate has 5 oversized BR with 5.5 BA, a chef’s kitchen, library, and geothermal HVAC.  The price has been reduced to $676,599.  Call if you want to see this gem, at 302 258-6983.  Fred

Property Hunting in Seaford, Delaware

If you’re thinking of moving to Sussex County, Seaford is worth a look. With great schools, community activities throughout the year, and a thriving downtown area, Seaford is one of America’s best small towns! If you think Seaford might be an ideal location for you, check out these great homes…

If you’re thinking of moving to Sussex County, Seaford is worth a look.  With great schools, community activities throughout the year, and a thriving downtown area, Seaford is one of America’s best small towns!  If you think Seaford might be an ideal location for you, check out these great homes: 

24232 Beaver Dam Drive
This charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home includes a formal dining room, family room, screened-in pation, and laundry room.  This home features hardwood floors, multiple fireplaces, walk-in closets, and includes all appliances.  This beautiful colonial is listed for $169,900. 

200 Clearbrooke Boulevard
This gorgeous 4 bedroom, 2 bath home features over 1800 square feet of living space on just under half an acre.  This home features dual master bedrooms, walk-in closets, insulated doors & windows, and 2 car garage.  This lovely Cape Cod-style home is listed for $187,000. 

Interested in one of these homes, or perhaps others in the area?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us help you find your dream home – 302-629-6693.

April 16,2012

Today’s food for thought is from Plato:  “Any man may easily do harm, but not every man can do good to another.”  “Why is that?”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 582791.  This mid-century 3BR, 2BA, brick rancher is a bargain at $145,000.  Assets are hardwood floors under the carpet and a new HVAC.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 if you want to see it.  Fred