Month: June 2012

Spotlight on Lighthouse Landing in Georgetown

Lighthouse Landing is better known as the Sussex County Airport Restaurant. Located at the Airport (21533 Rudder Lane in Georgetown), this is one restaurant you wouldn’t necessarily think to try, but won’t be sorry that you did. On one popular travel website, this little diner literally only has 5 star reviews. People I know who have tried it rave about the food, and although I’ve never tried it myself, I’ve heard that the French Onion Soup is some of the best around. The atmosphere at Lighthouse Landing is relaxed and inviting, and the service is superb! The best part about the location is that the restaurant overlooks the runway, which makes for a unique dining experience. So head in to Georgetown and check out this little gem!

Lighthouse Landing is better known as the Sussex County Airport Restaurant.  Located at the Airport (21533 Rudder Lane in Georgetown), this is one restaurant you wouldn’t necessarily think to try, but won’t be sorry that you did.  On one popular travel website, this little diner literally only has 5 star reviews.  People I know who have tried it rave about the food, and although I’ve never tried it myself, I’ve heard that the French Onion Soup is some of the best around.  The atmosphere at Lighthouse Landing is relaxed and inviting, and the service is superb!  The best part about the location is that the restaurant overlooks the runway, which makes for a unique dining experience.  Lighthouse landing is only open for breakfast and lunch, so don’t make any dinner plans, but definitely head in to Georgetown and check out this little gem!

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.

June 29, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from:  Confucius:  “Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.”  “Beauty and the Beast, pray the beast is appearance and not the heart.”  Fred

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 586568.  Located in the country outside of Laurel, DE, this adorable Rancher has 3 BR, 2 BA, a Screened Porch, on .75 acre and is in move-in condition and only 125K.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.  Fred

5 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value for under $500

If you’re trying to sell your house you can do a lot to increase the value without spending a lot of money. Here are five ways that can cost less than $500.

If you’re trying to sell your house you can do a lot to increase the value without spending a lot of money.  Here are five ways that can cost less than $500.

1.  Paint
I will never get tired of saying it.  Paint your house if you want to increase its value!  Not only do neutral colors make your home seem more desirable to the majority of people, but freshly painted rooms also look clean and updated… a strong selling point!

2.  Clean
Even if you clean your house regularly, there are most likely spots you overlook or can’t get to.  If you hire a cleaning service to come and do the dirty work then your house will be able sparkle from top to bottom and make the best possible first impression to potential home buyers.

3.  Go Green
Replacing loud, broken, or simply outdated light figures or ceiling fans with new, energy efficient fixtures will increase your bottom-line without costing too much.

4.  Scrape off the popcorn
If your home has popcorn ceilings, dedicate a weekend to bringing it into the 21st century by scraping the popcorn away.  Getting rid of this dated look will instantly update the value of your home.

5.  Update the Bathroom
Even if you can’t afford an entire remodel, spending a little bit of cash on a face lift will increase your bottom line.  Things like replacing old wallpaper, a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures, and new faucet & hardware can make the room seem brand new!

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

Thursday Three: 3 Ways to Find Out What Your Home is Worth

If you’re thinking of selling your home, one of the most important things to do is price it right. In order to do this, it is imperative that you know the value of your home. Guessing at a home price is definitely not the right strategy, so before you list, be sure to use at least one of these methods to figure out what your home is worth

If you’re thinking of selling your home, one of the most important things to do is price it right.  In order to do this, it is imperative that you know the value of your home.  Guessing at a home price is definitely not the right strategy, so before you list, be sure to use at least one of these methods to figure out what your home is worth.

1.  Appraisals
This method begins with a property inspection and ends with the recommendation of a listing price as well as an assortment of other valuable information.  An appraisal is really the best way to know what your home is worth, and although it’s not free, the cost of an appraisal (often several hundred dollars) is well worth it if it helps you price your home right the first time and thus sell it more quickly.  Just be sure to look for an appraiser who is state licensed and has a wealth of experience in the area in which you’re trying to sell.

2.  Automated Valuation Methods
Otherwise known as AVMs, these online programs use all kinds of information including public records of sale and demographics, and information that you input about size, location, and layout to determine the estimated value of your home.  Although this method is quick, easy, and free, it’s not actually the best method for determining your home’s value because it’s just a software program and can’t account for characteristics like curb appeal, noise levels, and safety.  If you want to use an AVM to get a general idea of your home’s value it might be a good first step, but it shouldn’t be the only information you get before determining your list price.

3.  Comparative Market Analysis
Otherwise known as CMAs, or more commonly referred to as comps, the process involves asking your agent to examine your home and then look around the local area for comparable homes that have sold recently.  CMAs are free and experienced agents are well-versed in preparing them.  It’s often a good idea to get comps from several agents and ask them to explain their process so you can understand how they came to their recommended list price before you make a decision.

For help determining an appropriate listing price for your home, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

June 27, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Claudius:  “To do nothing evil is good; to wish nothing evil is better.”  “A good man with a dark heart is a disaster waiting to happen.”  Fred

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 596069.  Here is an Estate on over three acres in Lewes, DE for only $649,000.  The home has 4 BR, 3 BA, 3 HB, 4883 sq. ft., a Screened Patio overlooking a Pool, 2 Offices, Geothermal HVAC, 3 gas Fireplaces, and a 3 Bay Garage.  Call me today to see this gem, at 302 258-6983.  Fred

Weekend Update: June 29th-July 1st

It’s Weekend Wednesday at the Cooper Realty blog! Here are just a few of the things happening around town this weekend:

Friday, June 29th – Celtic Fire: Irish Music and Dance
Michael Londra of Riverdance fame will bring his group Celtic Fire to perform at The Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville). This performance is full of energy and sweeps the audience right away with it! World class vocalists present the culture of Ireland and amazing Irish dancers jig the night away. Cost is $10 and kids are free. Performance begins at 7pm. For more information call 302-436-3015.

 It’s Weekend Wednesday at the Cooper Realty blog!  Here are just a few of the things happening around town this weekend:

Friday, June 29th – Celtic Fire: Irish Music and Dance
Michael Londra of Riverdance fame will bring his group Celtic Fire to perform at The Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville).  This performance is full of energy and sweeps the audience right away with it!  World class vocalists present the culture of Ireland and amazing Irish dancers jig the night away.  Cost is $10 and kids are free.  Performance begins at 7pm.  For more information call 302-436-3015.

Friday, June 29th-Sunday, July 1st: Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Head down to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand this weekend to see some great bands perform.  Friday, June 29th features talented Elvis tribute artist Jesse Garron performing some of the King’s famous hits!  Saturday, June 30th you can enjoy Journey tribute band Separate Ways The Band who will be performing for the first time at the bandstand this year!  Sunday, July 1st will feature the U.S. military band, U.S. Army Downrange.  All shows are free and begin at 8pm.

Sunday, July 1st: Breakfast At The Firehouse
Bring the family to join the firefights at the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company for a delicious, all you can eat breakfast at the firehouse in Bethany Beach (215 Hollywood Street).  Enjoy a tour of the firehouse plus an all you can eat feast of eggs, French toast, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, muffins, bacon, sausage, juice, and coffee.  There are also special activities to keep the kids busy.  Breakfast is $10 for adults and $5 for children over 5 and free for kids ages 5 and under.

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.

June 26, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Claudius:  “Acquaintance lessens fame.”  “When you meet a famous person and find out they are like you in many ways, it dims their aura.”  Fred

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 593068.  This large home in the Villages at Herring Creek, Lewes, DE is now available for $459,000.  The home boasts 5 BR, 3.5 BA, 4063 sq. ft., a gourmet kitchen, a fenced back yard, and an irrigation system.  Call me to see this home today at 302 258-6983.  Fred

Free Family Movie Tomorrow

Canalfront Park in Lewes is a great place for family-friendly events all summer long, and this week is no different! Enjoy a family friendly movie in the great outdoors tomorrow night. Bring a picnic dinner, spread a blanket out in the park, and enjoy time with your family. The Great Outdoors will be playing tomorrow night, Wednesday, June 27th. Other films in this summer’s Cinema By The Canal series are The Muppets on Wednesday, July 25th and Big Miracle on Wednesday, August 15th. Call 302-644-0107 or email info@lewescanalfrontpark.org for more information.

Canalfront Park in Lewes is a great place for family-friendly events all summer long, and this week is no different!  Enjoy a family friendly movie in the great outdoors tomorrow night.  Bring a picnic dinner, spread a blanket out in the park, and enjoy time with your family.  The Great Outdoors will be playing tomorrow night, Wednesday, June 27th.  Other films in this summer’s Cinema By The Canal series are The Muppets on Wednesday, July 25th and Big Miracle on Wednesday, August 15th.  Call 302-644-0107 or email info@lewescanalfrontpark.org for more information.

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.

June 25, 2012

Today’s Food for thought is from Charles Dickens:  “If there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers.”  “We hear of bad people all too often and the good not so much.”  Fred

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 592993.  This large North Shores-Rehoboth Beach, DE home has just been reduced to $1,495,000.  The home boasts 5 BR, 3 Full baths, 2 half baths, 3100 sq. ft., and a rooftop deck with Ocean and State Park views.  If you qualify, please call me to see this Ocean Gem @ 302 258-6983.

Landscaping For A Great First Impression

If you’re trying to sell your home (or thinking about it), then you want to brush up your home’s curb appeal to make a great first impression on your potential buyers. Here are a few landscaping tips that don’t require too much cash to make happen.

If you’re trying to sell your home (or thinking about it), then you want to brush up your home’s curb appeal to make a great first impression on your potential buyers.  Here are a few landscaping tips that don’t require too much cash to make happen.

First, plan for some low maintenance landscaping.  Adding some greenery and bright plants to your yard will bump up the curb appeal of your home, but for a low-cost, low-maintenance fix be sure to purchase plants that are native to our region.  Water-conserving plants that are drought-tolerant are also a good bet for a low-maintenance fix.  Another good idea is to plant a shade tree.  Although a tree won’t mature quickly, if you’re thinking ahead, planting one now will be planning for the future of your home.  Again, stick to native vegetation.  Planting a tree helps with curb appeal, offers shade, and can even cut cooling costs if properly placed.  Be careful about placement though because you don’t want to plant any trees too close to your house.  My last tip is to curate your lawn.  Overgrown grass, lawns with patches of dead grass or dirt, or lawns that are overrun by weeds all make a negative first impression on potential home buyers.  Luckily, these issues are easy to fix.  Consider hiring a landscaping company to clean up your yard, shape hedges, trim trees, etc.  Spending a couple hundred dollars fixing up your home’s curb appeal is worth it to attract home buyers that might otherwise be unimpressed.

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 – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on The Cottage Café in Bethany Beach

Whether you’re in the mood for fish, fowl, or something else altogether, The Cottage Café in Bethany Beach (Route 1 in Bethany Beach, ½ mile south of Garfield Parkway/Route 26) has you covered. Although I certainly haven’t tried everything on the menu, everything I’ve had has been delicious and what I haven’t tried has all gotten rave reviews as well! You can also check the schedule and enjoy life music every Friday night and DJ’d tunes throughout the week. So, if you’re in the mood for some amazing, all-American food head down to Bethany Beach and enjoy a delicious meal at The Cottage Café. You won’t be sorry.

Whether you’re in the mood for fish, fowl, or something else altogether, The Cottage Café in Bethany Beach (Route 1 in Bethany Beach, ½ mile south of Garfield Parkway/Route 26) has you covered.  Although I certainly haven’t tried everything on the menu, everything I’ve had has been delicious and what I haven’t tried has all gotten rave reviews as well!  You can also check the schedule and enjoy life music every Friday night and DJ’d tunes throughout the week.  So, if you’re in the mood for some amazing, all-American food head down to Bethany Beach and enjoy a delicious meal at The Cottage Café.  You won’t be sorry.

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.

June 22, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from John Calvin:  “I consider looseness with words no less of a defect than looseness of the bowels.”   “A careless word can cause you and others endless difficulties.”  Fred

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 596493.  An income property in Delmar, DE with 6 2 BR, 1 BA units, is now only $150,000.  The property has a monthly income of $3000.00.  Call me at 302 358-6983,  if you want to see this opportunity.  Fred

5 Things to Know About Pricing Your Home

They key to selling a home quickly is the right price. Whether we’re in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, the thing to remember is that houses are only worth as much as they sell for. Here are a few things to remember when trying to come up with your list price:

They key to selling a home quickly is the right price.  Whether we’re in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, the thing to remember is that houses are only worth as much as they sell for.  Here are a few things to remember when trying to come up with your list price:

1.  Get the research
Get your home appraised or have your agent pull the comps for your home before you determine a list price.

2.  Distance yourself
It’s difficult to be emotionally detached when selling your home, especially if you’ve lived there for a long time.  But you need to remember that your buyers do not have that kind of sentimental attachment.  Emotions should not inform your price, just stick to the facts.

3.  Get out of the past
Just like emotions can’t inform your price, neither can the past.  Forget what you paid for your home, or what your neighbor down the street sold their home for a few years ago, or even last week.  If you have to sell your home in today’s market you may not see the kind of appreciation you were banking on when you bought your house.  If selling is what you need or want then you need to let go of the past and remember that you need to price your home to sell in today’s market.

4.  Don’t pick the highest price
Pricing too high will most likely cost you in the long-run.  Choosing a lower price than you were hoping for might be a difficult reality to face, but if you don’t price right for the market in the first place you will be forced to drop your price anyway, and at that point you will be chasing the market which is most often fruitless.  Plus, with all of the real estate websites that allow buyers to access pricing information with a few swipes of the mouse, potential buyers will know that you’ve dropped the price and may be able to sense your desperation to sell.  In the meantime, whether or not you move, you’re still saddled with the mortgage payment.

5.  Adjust if necessary
No matter how much research you have backing you up, if your home isn’t selling, it’s not priced right.  If there has been interest but no offers, ask your agent to find out why.  Your agent can talk to other agents to find out what they liked and didn’t like about the house and what they thought about the price.  Find out what buyers didn’t like about the house and change it if necessary.  If it’s not possible to make adjustments based on feedback, then you should think about lowering the price accordingly.

As a general rule of thumb, houses that are priced right sell within 3 months of hitting the market.  So, do your research, distance yourself, and adjust your price if necessary to get your home sold!

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 Professionals You Should Consider Hiring For Less Than $100

If you’re thinking of selling your home (or just want to make updates to enjoy yourself!), hiring any or all of these professionals to give you their opinions can make a huge difference in the long-run, and all of them should cost you less than $100!

If you’re thinking of selling your home (or just want to make updates to enjoy yourself!), hiring any or all of these professionals to give you their opinions can make a huge difference in the long-run, and all of them should cost you less than $100!

1.  Interior Designer
Shop around because a standard hourly consultation fee is often less than $100.  Make it clear beforehand that you are looking for ideas and suggestions, not a room makeover.  Tour your house and in an hour the suggestions you receive, can go a long way to making huge improvements in the way your home looks and feels.  Even tips on things like paint colors and furniture placement can be huge changes!  If you don’t want to shell out the money for an interior designer and you are serious about selling, your realtor may be able to help you with this too.

2.  Get It Inspected
Many homes face hidden problems like termite infestation, outdated electrical systems and deteriorating roofs.  All of these and the many other problems that homes can hide all negatively impact the value of your home.  By hiring an inspector to check out these unseen areas you may be able to fix small issues now before they become huge problems.  The relatively small upfront cost of a home inspection now (inspection costs can vary widely) can save you tons of cash in the long-run.

3.  Cut Energy Costs
Call your utility company and ask if they offer energy audits of customers’ homes.  Many providers do this for free!  An auditor can show you how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency which will help you conserve power and water.  An energy efficient home helps you save money, and since this service is often free there’s really no reason you shouldn’t do it!

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.

June 20, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Robert Peel:  “There seem to me to be very few facts, at least ascertainable facts, in politics.”  “I the age of sound bites, the truth and facts are so twisted to a point of view that the voter is confused, making a sound decision dubious.”  Fred

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 592270.  This Seaford, DE, Cape Cod sites on a corner lot in Clearbrooke Estates.  The home has 4 BR, 2 BA, 1836 sq. ft. 2 car attached garage, laminate floors, upgraded moldings and doors, new carpet downstairs with fresh paint for only $183,500.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this home.  Fred

Weekend Update: June 22nd-24th

There are lots of great events taking place in and around Sussex County this weekend. Here are some of our picks:

Friday, June 22nd – Concert By The Canal
Dogfish Head is sponsoring a free concert at Lewes Canalfront Park from 6:30pm-8pm. The featured band will be Chester River Runoff which plays original bluegrass tunes.

There are lots of great events taking place in and around Sussex County this weekend.  Here are some of our picks:

Friday, June 22nd – Concert By The Canal
Dogfish Head is sponsoring a free concert at Lewes Canalfront Park from 6:30pm-8pm.  The featured band will be Chester River Runoff which plays original bluegrass tunes.

Friday, June 22nd – Broadway At The Beach
Clear Space Theatre Company’s talented ensemble will perform a revue of contemporary and pop/rock hits from popular musical theater shows at the Freeman Stage at Bayside.  Performaces will include everything from classics like “Les Miserables” to contemporary hits like “Rock of Ages” and blockbusters like “Wicked.”  Tickets are $10 and kids are free!  Venue address is 31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville.  For more information call 302-436-3015.

Saturday, June 23rd – CHEER Classic International Car Show
This event showcases classic cars from all over the world to raise funds for Meals On Wheels.  This year’s event will include world famous racer Mario Andretti’s Indy Car.  The event takes place at the CHEER Community Center (20520 Sand Hill Road in Georgetown).  Tickets are just $5 for anyone ages 10 and up.  Hours are from 10am-2pm.  For more information call 302-945-7122 or 302-856-5187.

Saturday, June 23rd-Sunday, June 24th – 2012 Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
Head down to the Lewes Historical Society Complex (110 Shipcarpenter Street) and for just $5 you can buy a pass good for both days of this unique festival.  The weekend will include more than 40 sea glass artists, other artists from all over the U.S., collectors, guest speakers, and more.  Hours are 9am-4pm Saturday and 9am-3pm Sunday.  For more information, check out the above link.

Sunday, June 24th – Heritage Shores Car Show
Head down to Heritage Shores Golf Club in Bridgeville for the 2nd Annual Car Show from 11am-2pm.  The afternoon will include food as well as fun and all kinds of cars!  Prizes are awarded for the top 20 cars, including the coveted Best in Show.  Come on down and vote for your favorite!  For more information call 302-337-9926.

Sunday, June 24th – Fish ‘n Kids
Lewes Canalfront Park will host this event sponsored by Quest Fitness & Kayak once again this year.  There will be fishing games and activities geared toward kids ages 3-12, including the chance for kids to make their own fishing poles!  If you bring a t-shirt kids can even make their own fish-embossed t-shirts.  This event runs from 12pm-2pm and admission is free!

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!

June 19, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Buddha:  “An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”  “An idea is difficult to defeat if it is put into action, no one knows about the others.”  Fred

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 593318.  This 3BR, 2BA, 1400 sq. ft. Class C home in Country Glen, Bridgeville, DE, has a handicap ramp, a soaker tub in the master bedroom and is priced to sell at $116,900 (no lot rent).  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home today!  Fred

Understanding Contingencies

Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will most likely have to deal with contingencies during contract negotiation. Contingencies are conditions placed on the contract that, if not met, allow the buyer to either back out of the deal. Of course in the case of an unmet contingency, buyer & seller can always renegotiate, if they would prefer. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home contingencies may seem a little overwhelming, so here’s some help explaining some of the most common:

Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will most likely have to deal with contingencies during contract negotiation.  Contingencies are conditions placed on the contract that, if not met, allow the buyer to either back out of the deal.  Of course in the case of an unmet contingency, buyer & seller can always renegotiate, if they would prefer.  If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home contingencies may seem a little overwhelming, so here’s some help explaining some of the most common:

  • Contingent on appraisal means that the home must be appraised and its appraised value must meet or exceed the offer price on the contract.
  • Contingent on inspection means that the house must pass any professional inspections that the buyer desires.  In addition to a general home inspection, this might also include specific inspections such as structural engineering, termites/pests, radon, mold, electrical, plumbing, roof, etc.  If any inspections turn up any problems that could be potential problems for the buyer or problems that would impact the price of the home the buyer may wish to renegotiate or to back out altogether.
  • Contingent on financing means that the buyer must secure a loan for the specified amount of the offer price.
  • Contingent on repairs means that the seller must repair any evident issues or issued turned up by the home inspection up to the agreed upon amount.
  • Contingent on closing costs means that the seller must pay the specified amount (up to 100%) of the closing costs.

There are many other contingencies that can be written into real estate contracts, but these are just some of the most common.  For help through the whole buying or selling process, including help through any and all possible contingencies, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.


June 18, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Henry Ward Beecher:  “A helping word to one in trouble is often like a switch on a railroad track,-but one inch between wreck and smooth-rolling prosperity.”  “A timely word that gives the correct direction can often avoid a wreck.”  Fred

 

Fred’s pick of the Day is MLS # 596178.  This Milton, DE home boasts 4BR, 2BA, Hardwood floors, a 30×40 heated/cooled garage, a new kitchen, gas Fireplace, a fenced rear yard, and an RV Carport-now only $234,000.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  Fred

Quick Updates To Sell Your Home

If you’re in the process of selling your home (or thinking about it), you might be thinking about what kind of remodeling you should do to put your home in the best light. As a rule, you should never undertake any big remodeling projects before putting your home up for sale, but there are a few things you can do with just a little bit of money to make your house more appealing on the market.

If you’re in the process of selling your home (or thinking about it), you might be thinking about what kind of remodeling you should do to put your home in the best light.  As a rule, you should never undertake any big remodeling projects before putting your home up for sale, but there are a few things you can do with just a little bit of money to make your house more appealing on the market.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, one of the least expensive ways to increase your property value is to paint the walls!  Neutrals are key, but don’t just buy a bucket of white and paint everything… that’s boring!  Browns/beiges, grays, and even some shades of blue and green can be considered neutral.  The idea is to get rid of any extremely personal colors in the house – you might love your red living room, but chances are most of your potential buyers won’t.  Another relatively easy fix that will attract buyers is nice flooring.  If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood under your carpeting, rip it up and have the floors refinished.  If hardwood isn’t an option, consider replacing your carpeting for a fresh look that will attract buyers.  To save money, go for a mid-range carpet, but put the best padding you can afford underneath… this cushiony layer really affects the look and feel of the carpet.  Updating your light fixtures can also really improve your home’s salability.  Replace any dated fixtures with something more classic for an instant pick-me-up.  Pay special attention to the lighting in your kitchen, bathrooms, and hallway.  You want your home to be well lit so that buyers can see it, don’t’ you?  And while we’re discussing fixtures, if your bathroom or kitchen seem dated, changing out the hardware for something new can make a big impact for not much cash.  If you can swing it, switching your old faucets with something newer can give new life to a room.  My final budget suggestion is another one I’ve mentioned several times before… check your curb appeal!  Most potential buyers will judge your house on their first impression, which is the outside!  So be sure your home is putting its best foot forward by trimming any hedges/bushes and trees in the yard, mowing the grass, trimming any weeds, and edging your driveway and sidewalks.  Power washing your side walks can make a surprisingly big impact too.  Finally, invest a little cash by painting the front door and placing some potted flowers by it.  For maximum impact, change out the hardware on your door with something new and think about getting a new mailbox.  Finally, be sure that your house number is visible.  If it isn’t, buy some new numbers and hang them immediately!

Since none of these projects cost all that much, the best part about them is that you’re pretty much guaranteed to recoup your cash when your home sells, which will probably be a whole lot sooner than if you hadn’t made the changes in the first place!

Looking for an agent who can help you with more great tips?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.