Month: October 2012

Weekend Update: Nov. 2nd-4th

Don’t forget about Daylight Savings… this is the weekend we turn our clocks back an hour! If your weekend plans don’t include cleaning up from Hurricane Sandy, there is really only one event worth mentioning this weekend:

Don’t forget about Daylight Savings… this is the weekend we turn our clocks back an hour!  If your weekend plans don’t include cleaning up from Hurricane Sandy, there is really only one event worth mentioning this weekend:

World Championship Punkin Chunkin!

This local favorite has turned into a famous event that even has its own television show!  Punkin Chunkin brings people from all over to Bridgeville, Delaware!  This year’s festival is all weekend with gates opening to the public at 7:30am each morning (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  Tickets are $10 per day and parking is free except for oversized vehicles and/or trailers.  Children under 10 are admitted free.  The festival atmosphere includes vendors of many kinds and is fun for the whole family.  A cooking contest/chili cook-off and Mr. & Mrs. Punkin Chunkin Pageant are also part of the festivities.  For more information and a detailed schedule of events check out this link.  Keep in mind that adjustments may be made because of the storm, but as far as I can tell the event is still on.  Of course, if you miss out, you can always watch the televised version on Thanksgiving Night at 8pm on the Discovery Channel.

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.

October 31, 2012

“Enjoy your own life without comparing it to one of another.”  Marquis de Condorcet  “Envy should not enter into your life, make it what you will.”  (Fred)

 

Happy Halloween!  I talked to my son last night in Marlton, NJ, and when I asked if the grandkids would be out trick or treating tonight.   He said that the Marlton Police Dept. cancelled Halloween until Friday 11/02/2012.  I did not know that the Marlton Police Dept. had the power to cancel Halloween!  I guess that Hurricane Sandy had something to do with it.  Anyway have fun and be safe to the rest of the country tonight.

Sandy Update, 3 PM, 10/30/12.

Post-Hurricane Update

According to the Sussex County government website, travel is difficult and treacherous throughout the area, as roads are flooded and covered in debris. The travel ban has been reduced to a Level I warning which means that travel is permitted but strongly discouraged. Travel into evacuation zones is still prohibited. Survey teams are out and about canvassing the area to determine the extent of the damage done. There are three shelters in place for anyone who has been displaced. They are Cape Henlopen High School (1250 Kinds Highway in Lewes) and Milford High School (612 Lakeview Ave in Milford) which are both accepting pets, and Indian River High School (29772 Armory Road in Dagsboro) which cannot accept pets. All County government offices and schools are closed, but businesses may reopen without limitations at their own discretion. Whatever you do today, just stay safe!

According to the Sussex County government website, travel is difficult and treacherous throughout the area, as roads are flooded and covered in debris.  The travel ban has been reduced to a Level I warning which means that travel is permitted but strongly discouraged.  Travel into evacuation zones is still prohibited.  Survey teams are out and about canvassing the area to determine the extent of the damage done.  There are three shelters in place for anyone who has been displaced.  They are Cape Henlopen High School (1250 Kinds Highway in Lewes) and Milford High School (612 Lakeview Ave in Milford) which are both accepting pets, and Indian River High School (29772 Armory Road in Dagsboro) which cannot accept pets.  All County government offices and schools are closed, but businesses may reopen without limitations at their own discretion.  Whatever you do today, just stay safe!

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.

October 30, 2012

Today we will update you on Sandy in Laurel, DE.  We were very very lucky to not have lost power.  We had no large trees down on the property, but many are waterlogged.  More heavy winds might change that.  The small stream behind our home is now a small lake but still away from the house.  Fred

October 29, 5PM

October 30, 9AM

Are You Ready For An Emergency?

With Hurricane Sandy in our midst I just wanted to take a moment to link up some great sites for emergency preparedness. All families should have an emergency plan in place, including a disaster kit for each family member. It’s too late to go out now, but check out these ideas and put together what you can using things you have lying around. Do it now before the worst of the storm gets here!

With Hurricane Sandy in our midst I just wanted to take a moment to link up some great sites for emergency preparedness.  All families should have an emergency plan in place, including a disaster kit for each family member.  It’s too late to go out now, but check out these ideas and put together what you can using things you have lying around.  Do it now before the worst of the storm gets here!

Be Read Cross Ready – a list of the minimum basic supplies you should have put together by the American Red Cross.  This site includes links on the left hand side to help you navigate through a wealth of information on emergency preparedness, including special sections on children, people with disabilities, seniors, and pets.

Basic Disaster Supplies – This list is put together by FEMA, which is the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  There are a lot of helpful tips too.

Survival Checklist – This printable checklist published by Popular Mechanics is 107 emergency supplies everyone should have divided up by what should be kept in your home, your car, and a backpack ready to-go at any time.

And finally, this link will take you directly to FEMA’s Hurricane Safety information.  As we weather this storm we just want to remind you to stay safe!

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.

October 29, 2012-9AM

Good will is the only asset that the competition cannot undersell or destroy.”  Marshall Field  “Good will is like your reputation, only you can build or destroy it.”

(Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick today is Sandy.  Today most of us sit home and watch the storm as it nears.  The picture attached is the stream behind our home.  It is up about 9” from the start of the rain on Sunday picture taken at 9AM.  We will take another look later.

Spotlight on Just Hooked in Fenwick Island

Just Hooked is a restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced foods that is built on the premise of “farm-ocean-table.” Located at 1500 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island, they have daily dinner specials, including $2 fish tacos on Mondays, 50% off ladies checks on Wednesday, and a 3 pre-selected 3 course meal on Sundays. In addition to delicious food, Just Hooked also serves a full bar and has drink specials as well.

Just Hooked is a restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced foods that is built on the premise of “farm-ocean-table.”  Located at 1500 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island, they have daily dinner specials, including $2 fish tacos on Mondays, 50% off ladies checks on Wednesday, and a 3 pre-selected 3 course meal on Sundays.  In addition to delicious food, Just Hooked also serves a full bar and has drink specials as well.

Just Hooked gets nothing but rave reviews.  The atmosphere is welcoming, service is great, and the food is some of the best in the area.  Definitely try the roasted red pepper soup… it is to die for!  To be honest, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

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.

5 Firewood Tips

It’s the time of year when lots of people have fires burning in their fireplaces, so here are five tips for dealing with firewood:

It’s the time of year when lots of people have fires burning in their fireplaces, so here are five tips for dealing with firewood:

1.  Know what a cord looks like.  A cord should be 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.  If you purchase your firewood by the cord, do your best to make sure that you are getting everything you pay for.

2.  Know the difference between “seasoned” and “green.”  Seasoned wood is dry and has been out in the open air for a while after its been cut.  Green wood still has a lot of moisture content so it burns cooler and is therefore not as efficient.

3.  Consider long term storage.  You should never store firewood against your house, but it should be kept in an area where it can be kept dry but still have access to the wind and sun.  The best option is a shed with open sides for air circulation but a roof and raised floor to protect the wood from absorbing rain and snow.

4.  Think about indoor storage.  Keeping a small amount of wood indoors makes it more convenient, especially if you are using your fireplace as an alternate heat source.  It is best to store about a weeks’ worth of wood indoors, if possible.  The basement or garage is an excellent option for indoor storage.  Just be sure that wherever you store your wood it is far from the fireplace or anywhere else where it could combust.

5.  Keep safe.  Of course you will want to store a very small amount of wood directly at your fireplace.  There are many options for storing this wood (some more attractive than others!), so you just have to find one that fits your style and needs.  However, do be sure to keep the wood far enough away that it won’t catch fire if sparks fly.  And never, ever, ever store kindling or other combustible materials near your fireplace.  Although it may be convenient it is not safe.  A home with a fireplace is lovely.  A home that catches fire because of the fireplace is just unsafe.

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.

October 26, 2012

Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living.  The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”  Mark Twain “My how things have changed since Mr. Clements

was with us.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 598674-264,900.  This very large Laurel, DE Colonial built in 2007 is a Fannie Mae Homepath bargain.  The home has 4 BR, 2.5 BA,  3000 sq. ft., Hardwood floors, granite, a 2 car attached and a 3 car detached garages.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.

3 Ways to Cut the Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance

3 Ways to Cut the Cost of Homeowner’s Insurance

1.  Raise Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you agree to pay before insurance kicks in to cover any claim.  Raising your deductible from $100 to $1,000 can save you up to 25% on your insurance premium.

2.  Bundle Your Policies
By combining your homeowners insurance with your auto insurance policy you can qualify for a discount of up to 10%.

3.  Get Rid of Coverage You Don’t Need
If you don’t live in an earthquake zone, then earthquake coverage is just costing you more money.  Same thing goes for flood insurance, jewelry policies, and more.  Comb over your coverage and dump the unnecessary parts to lower your premium.

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.

Weekend Update – October 26th-October 28th

Lots of Halloween events going on at the beach this weekend!

Lots of Halloween events going on at the beach this weekend!

All Weekend: 23rd Annual Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers’ Festival
This spooky annual event kicks off its 23rd year on Friday, October 26th.  The heart of this event is in downtown Rehoboth beach, although it overflows into Dewey Beach and on to Coastal Highway.  This year’s theme is Sea Witch is Smokin’ and there are events for all ages.  There will be a Tykes on Bikes parade on Friday, Costume Parade on Saturday, Sea Witch Hunt, Broom Tossing Contest, Make Your Own Scarecrow, Trick or Treating for kids, Fiddlers’ Festival, Magic Shows and much, much more!!!  For more information, including a full schedule of events, check out this link.

All Weekend: Children’s Fantasy Trail in Lewes
This 24th annual event will be held at the Nature Center in Cape Henlopen State Park.  Children are encouraged to wear their costumes and trick-or-treat on the trail.  Cost is $5 per person and the trail is open from 6-8:30pm on Friday and Saturday and 6-7:30pm on Sunday.  After the trail families may enjoy entertainment the includes magicians, sing-alongs, juggling and more.  There will be refreshments for sale as well.  This event benefits the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park.

Saturday, October 27th: Wags, Witches, and Warlocks
This 2nd annual Halloween Festival includes a costume contests, pumpkin decorating, trick or treating, hay rides, crafts, music, and more.  The parade begins at 10am and the rain date is Sunday, October 28th.  For more information, check out this link.

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.

October 24, 2012

“He never chooses an opinion; he just wears whatever happens to be in style.”  Leo Tolstoy “This sounds like our political leaders; problem solving has become a lost art.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 590990-$189,000.  A historic Seaford DE Colonial that has modern amenities including hardwood floors, updated kitchen and first floor master, in-ground pool and a garage with a workshop. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

The Truth About First Time Homebuyers

Many people don’t realize that the term “first time homebuyer” is not necessarily a literal one. If you are interested in taking part in a state or local program for a first-time homebuyer, you should research the true definition according to the individual program.

Many people don’t realize that the term “first time homebuyer” is not necessarily a literal one.  If you are interested in taking part in a state or local program for a first-time homebuyer, you should research the true definition according to the individual program.  Some programs define a first-time home buyer as someone who has never owned a home in that specific area or who hasn’t owned a home in that area within the past three years.  Most of the time this means if you owned a home more than three years ago in the same area or even if you currently own a home outside the area covered by the program you can still be considered a first time home buyer.  There can be many other obstacles to qualifying for first-time home buyer assistance, but understanding that you could possibly qualify is the first step.

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.

October 23, 2012

“The production of too many useful things results in too many useless people.”  Karl Marx “Everyone needs a purpose, find it.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 595091-$574,900.  Here is an Ocean View, DE Contemporary with 4 BR, 3.5 BA in 3612 sq. ft. boasting HW floors, granite kitchen, 1st floor Master Suite, wet bar, outside oasis with fire pit and hot tub.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.

Buying A Short Sale

A short sale occurs when a home sells for less than the seller owes on it. In this case, the bank agrees to the loss they will take by agreeing to the sale price. A short sale helps a seller avoid foreclosure which could ruin their credit report. Short sales can be a significant bargain, but in reality they are anything but short.

A short sale occurs when a home sells for less than the seller owes on it.  In this case, the bank agrees to the loss they will take by agreeing to the sale price.  A short sale helps a seller avoid foreclosure which could ruin their credit report.  Short sales can be a significant bargain, but in reality they are anything but short.  As a buyer you will have to be very patient should you decide to purchase a short sale property.  Not only will you have to agree to a price and terms with the sellers, but then the bank also has to agree to all of the same terms, which can take up to months.  In addition, it is not likely that you will be able to write any contingencies into your contract.  Any negotiation you want to do will probably not work in your favor since the bank will already be losing money and only cares about the bottom line.  If you go the short sale route, keep in mind that just because you and the sellers agree on the terms of the sale doesn’t mean that the house is yours.  Lenders approve less than 50% of all short sales, so you may spend months waiting on news only to be answered with a big, fat no.

If a short sale does work for you, be sure you are getting a clear title to your home.  It is helpful to have a good agent and real estate attorney on your side to help you through all the contractual nightmares that a short sale can bring.

Short sales are not for everyone, but if you are willing to be patient then they can pay off big-time.

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.

October 22, 2012

“Without doubt, machinery has greatly increased the number of well-to-do idlers.”  Karl Marx “Technology has increase spare time therefore, we need to be entertained.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 579899-$999,000.  This is an Ocean Front townhome in Fenwick Island, DE, with 4 BR, 4 BA, in 2046 sq. ft. that has been recently renovated.  Call me to see this gem at 302 258-6983.

October 20, 2012

“It’s easier to go down a hill than up it but the view is much better at the top.”  Henry Ward Beecher “Ambition is always going to the top, and we all know what comes downhill.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 593306-$529,000.  A large Contemporary in Lewes, DE with 4 BR, 2.5 BA, a morning room, a large Master suite, backyard with pool, pool house, and beautiful landscaping is ready for you.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.