August 2012 – Page 2 – Cooper Realty Associates

Weekend Update: August 17-19 (and one for Thursday!)

This seems to be a light weekend for local activities, but here are a couple to keep in mind, including a family event for tomorrow night:

Thursday, 8/16: Cinema By The Surf
Take the family to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a free showing of Happy Feet Two, sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. The movie is a fun, family film rated PG and runs for approximately 100 minutes. Movie begins at dusk.

Friday, 8/17-Sunday, 8/19: Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
As usual, you can catch free concerts beginning at 8pm every weekend evening. This weekend features Lower Case Blues, a blues group voted best band in Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware 2009” on Friday, August 17^th. The perennial favorite US Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will perform on Saturday, August 18^th. A performance from NOMaD (North of Mason Dixon), an up and coming country band that has opened for some of the biggest names in the business (Toby Keith and Rascall Flatts, just to name two…) will round out the weekend with their performance on Sunday, August 19^th.

Saturday, 8/18-Sunday, 8/19: 39^th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
If you didn’t get a chance to check it out last weekend, this weekend will conclude this annual festival. This event features over 100 artists and artisans exhibiting fine arts and fine crafts. Food, music, and entertainment for children are also scheduled. This event is sponsored by the Rehoboth Art League and runs from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Know of any other events worth checking out this weekend? Share in the comments!

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.

August 15, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Mayer Amschel Rothschild: “Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes her laws.” “The Chinese must have discovered this quote.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 594988. This 2 BR, 1.5 BA River Front home is Seaford, DE is now only $244,000. The home is on .62 acres, has a bulkhead and mooring poles on the Nanticoke River. Upgrades include granite countertops, a gas fireplace, and hardwood and tile floors. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

August 14, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Miguel de Cervantes: “Those who’ll play with cats must expect to be scratched.” “It has been said before but its truth rings true.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 594377. This 4 BR, 2.5 BA 2 story colonial is bank owned located in Wagamon West Shores, Milton, DE and only $234,900. The home has a second floor laundry room and master suite and an unfinished basement in 2560 sq. ft. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

If you’re in the process of buying a new home, you will need to hire a home inspector. This can be a daunting task. After all, you want to hire someone who is professional and is capable of warning you of any potential problems before you buy the property. There are several ways to find a trustworthy home inspector. You should start by asking for recommendations. Ask your agent! Hopefully they have a relationship with one (or several) home inspectors who will do quality work since they want to keep getting references from your agent! You should also check with friends and neighbors who have moved recently. Checking online review boards such as Angie’s List can be helpful, and checking with the Better Business Bureau is a good move too. You can check the American Society of Home Inspectors website to see if an inspector is a member, but just keep in mind that membership does not guarantee quality since the ASHI does not police its members work as long as they keep their education and dues up to date. Finally, you may want to consider having a second inspection, especially if there is a particular area that you are concerned about and you want to have a specialist check it out. After the inspection is complete, a quality inspector should stand by their work, so if you have any concerns ask them to reinspect the issues that concern you.

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.

To Update or Not To Update…

If you’re considering selling your home, you might be considering whether or not to add updates before you put it on the market. There is no definite answer to whether or not updating your home is the right decision and no guarantee that you will recoup your investment, but if it is something you are thinking about, here are a couple of things to consider:

If you choose not to add updates, you will end up selling for a lower price than similar homes with upgrades. However, in many areas home with updates and a higher price tag will still sell more quickly than older homes with discounted prices. If you’re on the fence, this is something you should discuss with your realtor. A good agent will be able to give you info about comparable homes and provide you with information about whether or not updates or a discounted price will be more likely to help you sell. In addition to selling faster with updates, you may find that it’s a less costly route in the end too. Buyers who put offers on homes that need updates (whether it’s paint, flooring, appliances, fixtures, etc.) will often request a credit off of the home price. In a lot of cases, the discount that buyers request is significantly more than the amount it would cost the seller to just make the updates themselves, especially if you shop around for good deals. Again, this is something that you should consult your agent about.

So, to update or not to update? This is a question that each individual seller needs to answer for themselves. You should definitely consider the cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment that updates would provide. But remember, there are no guarantees in the real estate market. With the differences in the real estate market even from neighborhood to neighborhood, definitely consult your agent for information about what might be the best decision in your local market before making the decision that is right for you.

Are you considering selling a home in the Sussex County area and looking for a great agent to be on your team? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

August 13, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Napolean Bonaparte: “Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.” “For us who wallow in obscurity, the chance for glory is often ignored, but everyone wants a legacy.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 590857. This 9 BR, 5 BA rooming house is for an investor or a large family, located in Selbyville, DE and is only $160,000. The home has built-in china cupboards and bookcases, a fireplace, and a detached garage. Give me a call to see this home at 302 258-6983.

Spotlight On Summer House in Rehoboth

Summer House is a local favorite known for its fresh food, relaxed atmosphere, and great service! Located right on the Ave. (228 Rehoboth Ave.) is open year round for lunch (11:30am-3pm) and dinner (beginning at 4pm). They also do a lovely Sunday brunch which starts at 11am. Summer House specialized in American favorites and super delicious seafood. It’s a restaurant that suits pretty much any occasion, and from what I can tell it’s impossible to order something that isn’t delicious! Their steaks, crab cakes, and seafood linguine have all gotten rave reviews, and everything else looks and smells equally scrumptious. Summer House features several weekly specials (including half-price burger night on Mondays after 4!), and happy hour specials daily from 4pm-7pm. If you’re a local, chances are you’ve eaten here before, but if you haven’t you’ve got to check it out soon. It’s a Rehoboth Beach staple, after all!

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

August 10, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Hitch your wagon to a star.” “Always dream and think ahead of your present circumstances.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 596913. This huge home has 5 BR, 3.5 BR, 4544 sq. ft. on 2.5 acres for only $459,900. Call me to see this home for your large family at 302 258-6983.

5 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Agent

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are three questions you should always ask your agent:

1. Do you know a great _____________________?
Fill in the blank here with your desired expert. Your agent should be able to refer you to a good mortgage broker and inspector for sure, but also painters, plumbers, electricians, structural engineers, and any other expert you may need or desire to work with during the home buying process. Your agent should be a local expert, who will be able to guide you to other local professionals that can get the job done well. In addition, professionals who often get referrals from your agent will usually treat you better than someone you found on your own because they want to continue getting business referrals from your agent!

2. What should I expect?/What happens next?
These are questions you should ask continually throughout the home buying process, starting with your very first interview with your agent. Your agent should be able to help you manage your expectations and guide you from the very beginning of the process until you’ve officially closed and have the keys in your hand!

3. What are the possibilities here?
Again, you will probably ask this question more than once during your home buying process! There’s really never a bad time to ask this questions, but particularly good examples would be when you are looking at a home that has a bonus room, unfinished basement, etc. Your agent should have seen enough home to know what kind of realistic suggestions can be offered for the space. Another great example would be in your home inspection turns up issues. Asking your agent what the possibilities are opens up the opportunity for you to discuss requesting repairs, lowering your offer, etc. with an expert who can walk you through it. My final example would be when it comes time to make an offer, asking about the possibilities gives your agent a chance to walk you through the various contract terms that you may or may not have thought of left to your own devices. With these examples in mind, I’m sure you can come up with plenty of your own examples when asking this question would be perfect, so use it liberally throughout your home buying process!

4. What do I need to know about this area?
When it comes to home buying each area is very different. Again, your agent should be a local expert, so they should be able to guide you and help you with the ins and outs of the local you are considering.

5. What else should I ask?/What else do I need to know?
This question relies on your agent to be your expert (which, they definitely should be!) and allows them the chance to share with you their extensive knowledge without relying on you to ask every single question. Remember, your agent has gone through the buying process way more times than you have, so even if you are the type to ask a million questions, be sure to throw this one in there as well, because your agent definitely has expertise that you can and should rely on!

If you’re looking for an agent who can answer all of these questions and more, call us at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Thursday Three: 3 Great Coffee Tables For A Small Space

If you’ve got a small living room, consider your coffee table as an opportunity to maximize space. Here are three great choices for small spaces:

1. Think Clear. An all glass or clear acrylic coffee table in an excellent choice for a small space because it “floats” in your space, allowing the eye to skim over without breaking anything up. This will make your room look and feel larger and more open.

2. Think Convertible. Choose a table that will do double duty. There are many coffee tables on the market that lift up or otherwise unfold into a full height table, allowing you flexibility, which is critical in a small space! There are several of these style tables on the market, allowing choices for every style!

3. Think Small. Instead of a coffee table, consider several smaller tables that can be blocked together and taken apart. Whether you use two tables next to each other, three in a row, or four grouped in a square or line, they can always be taken apart and spread throughout the room when extra space is needed. Additionally, many tables that are sold for this purpose can also be stacked or used as extra bench seating, when the need arises. It’s a win, win!

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.

August 8, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Every artist was first an amateur.” “The same thought pattern can be used in all occupations.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the Day is MLS # 597562. This unique home is actually a 19^th Century Amish Barn brought from PA to Lewes, DE. The 2100 sq. ft. 4 BR, 2BA home has 12’ ceilings with exposed beams, sitting areas, sun room and is energy efficient all for only $649,900. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

Weekend Update: August 10th-12th

There are a few great events going on this weekend. I hope you’ll check them out!

All Weekend: Big Thursday Festival in Millsboro
Millsboro’s annual Big Thursday Festival starts, of course, on Thursday, 8/9! Thursday will be the President’s Auction at the Millsboro Fire Hall at 6pm. Friday evening, 8/10 you can enjoy Elvins and The Mystery Train Band at Cupola Park at 5:30pm. These events are followed up on Saturday August 11^th with a full day of entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for the whole family. Local favorites, The Funsters, will close out the festival on Saturday evening at 6pm. For more information, contact the Millsboro Chamber of Commerce at 302-934-6777.

Saturday, August 11^th: 39^th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Craft Show
The Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane) will host this long-time event that features over 100 artists and artisans exhibiting fine arts and fine crafts. Food, music, and entertainment for children are also scheduled. This event runs from 10am-5pm. For more information contact the Rehoboth Art League.

Saturday, August 11^th: Delaware Lighthouse Festival
Sponsored by the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation, the first ever Delaware Lighthouse Festival will be held this Saturday at the Lewes Terminal of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. There will be tours of Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse as well as entertainment, food, family activities, canoe and kayak races, art, and more. For those who are more interested in the history of lighthouses there will be lectures, experts, and talks with the descendants of local lighthouse keepers. Parking and admission are both free! For more information check out the event website.

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.

August 7, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Remy de Gourmont: “The woman who loves smells good.” “Ah, the French smell differently.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 593318. This 3 BR, 2 BA Class C home is in Country Glen, Bridgeville, DE. The home has a master suite has a soaking tub, is on a 125’ x 125’ lot and has been reduced to $99,900. Call me to see this move-in ready home at 302 258-6983.

Tips for Getting the Best Remodel Bid

Yesterday I wrote about tips for finding a contractor. Today, I am following up with tips for getting the best bid. When you’re planning an addition or remodel, knowing the average costs of the job you hope to do is helpful. One helpful guide for figuring average costs is to judge by the square footage of your space. Generally speaking, for a gut remodel, a kitchen remodel falls between $170-180 per square foot, a powder room averages around $130-140 per square foot, a full bathroom averages around $155-170 per square foot, and a family or living room runs about $85-$100 per square foot. Once you factor the average range for your space, adjust for labor costs in your location (whether they are higher or lower than the average in the nation). In the Sussex County area, increasing the general estimate by about 30-40% is probably a good average. Once you’ve done that, you can adjust your estimated cost up or down based on the finishes you desire. These averages assume mid-range fixtures, but if you’re going for upgrades such as granite countertops or stainless steel appliances in a kitchen or stone tile, heated floors, and soaking tubs in the bathroom, you need to raise your number again, by at least 30-50% depending on the number of upgrades you want. Once you have a very general idea of the kind of estimate you are looking at, you can adjust your project to fit your budget (consider less updates or skip the gut remodel and replace or refinish what you’ve got instead!). Then, go out there and get your (minimum of 3!) estimates. Finally, be upfront with the contractors you choose about your bottom line and they will be able to help you get the most bang for your buck!

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

August 6, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Robert Ingersoll: “If I owe Smith ten dollars and God forgives me, that doesn’t pay Smith.” “Your debts are yours and your soul is God’s, hopefully.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 593800. This 3 BR, 2.5BA 2 story contemporary home is located in Long Neck Shores; Millsboro, DE has been reduced to $238,000. The home has 2100 sq. ft. a first floor master, stone fireplace and a 2 car garage. Call me @ 258-6983 to see this home.

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

If you’re thinking of building or remodeling and you need to hire a contractor, consider these tips from the Contractor State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB is a state organization in California that licenses and regulates the state’s construction industry and protects consumers. Although we are several time zones away from California, the suggestions they offer are an excellent take away for consumers in any state.

Hire only state-licensed contractors and check public records, the BBB, and state licensing organization to check that licenses are up to date and the contractors have a good reputation.
Get bids from at least three licensed contractors before making a decision.
Ask for several references from each contractor bidding and take the time to actually check them.
Get everything in writing. No detail is too small. If you want to protect yourself, get it in a contract. And then keep all relevant paperwork together in a file that is easily accessible.
Ask to see copies of insurance documents or call the contractor’s insurance companies to make sure that their liability and worker’s comp coverages are up to date and adequate to cover your job.
Don’t pay more than 10% as a down payment. (If 10% is less than $1,000, a down payment of $1,000 is acceptable.) And if you’re making progress payments throughout the job, whatever you do don’t let your payments get ahead of the job.
Whatever you do, do not make your final payment until you 100% satisfied with the work, including any last minute touch-ups and the clean-up.

If you’re thinking of remodeling, keep these tips in mind! If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on Finbar’s Pub & Grill

Finbar’s is a classic Irish Pub known for its welcoming atmosphere. Located right on the Avenue (316 Rehoboth Ave.), Finbar’s is in the heart of it all! They serve a variety of meals, including steaks and fresh seafood. Most of their menu items utilize fresh, local produce and farm fare. Finbar’s also proudly supports local, sustainable farming and fishing practices.

The bar at Finbar’s is known for being welcoming, and with 28 beers on tap plus other extensive choices, it’s a good thing the bartenders have a reputation for being helpful! Finbar’s is open year round and is even a great place to bring the family. They have a nice children’s menu, and kids even get free ice cream for dessert! So, if you’re looking to try some place new in Rehoboth, be sure to check out Finbar’s!

August 3, 2012.

Today’s food for thought is from Soren Kierkegaard: “The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” “The nature of prayer is personal to the person who prays (guidance or reinforcement come to mind.” Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 596321. A large (4100 sq. ft.), Cape Cod home in White Owl Landing, Laurel, DE, has been reduced to $252,600. This home built in 2000, has 3BR, 2.5BA, an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen and several large bonus-craft/game rooms. Call me to see this home today at 301 258-6983.

5 Art Galleries To Check Out in Rehoboth

Some people do not realize what a prevalent art scene Rehoboth Beach has. There are way more than five at galleries to check out, but if you’ve never checked them out, here are five popular picks to get you started:

1. Rehoboth Art League. Located at 12 Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres, the Rehoboth Art League is more than just a gallery. They also hold events, classes, and competitions throughout the year. You should definitely check it out!

2. Aerie Art Gallery. If modern art isn’t really your thing, check out this gallery, located at 45 Lake Ave. Aerie Art features art work from the 1800s alongside modern, local art and gorgeous, custom furniture.

3. Gallery 50. This smaller gallery is located at 50-A Wilmington Ave. and features fine art and photography. The artists represented at Gallery 50 are almost exclusively young, emerging artists.

4. Philip Morton Gallery. Located at 47 Baltimore Ave., this gallery offers unique art of all kinds and highlights a different artist every month. This gallery was voted as best art gallery in Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware” 2012 edition.

5. Delaware Art Gallery. Located at 239 Rehoboth Ave this gallery specializes in beautiful beach photography. Definitely worth a look!

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!

3 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Space

With the weather being so great, have you been spending a lot of time outside? I know I have! If you have too and you’re just tired of the same old outdoor space, consider some of these quick tips to improve your deck, porch, or other outdoor space.

1. Container Gardens. Gardens are always beautiful, but by utilizing containers to plant some beautiful and colorful flowers you can stager the height and really use your plants as décor. If flowers aren’t your thing, certain veggies like tomatoes are great for container planting, and an herb garden is always an excellent choice!

2. Pillows. Pick up several beautiful, fun, fluffy pillows made from outdoor fabrics. They’ll withstand sand and rain, are easy to clean, and will brighten up your seating in a jif! Find some that appeal to your sense of style, or pick up a few bright prints to add a pop of color to your space.

3. Rugs. You can make your deck or porch seem much more like an outdoor room if you utilize a beautiful outdoor rug. A rug will add a cozy feel to the space, help define the area, and add texture which is always a great styling tip.

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.