Month: October 2012

Prepping Your Home To Sell

When you’re prepping your home for sale there are a few things you can do to give yourself a “leg-up” in this market. Things such as improving your landscaping, cleaning your gutters, pressure washing your siding and driveway, and keeping your lawn manicured all add to your home’s curb appeal and can ultimately help improve its chances at selling.

When you’re prepping your home for sale there are a few things you can do to give yourself a “leg-up” in this market.  Things such as improving your landscaping, cleaning your gutters, pressure washing your siding and driveway, and keeping your lawn manicured all add to your home’s curb appeal and can ultimately help improve its chances at selling.  Painting your door with a fresh coat of paint that contrasts with your home’s exterior color and replacing worn house numbers with new, easy to see alternatives will also help increase your home’s appeal.  You should also consider making necessary repairs such as changing broken windows, fixing a leaking roof, or replacing cracked flooring.  You want your home to make its best first impression, and to do that you need to maintain it so that buyers will be interested in a second look.  When staging your home, be sure to remove all unnecessary clutter.  Removing at least one piece of furniture from each room and clearing out clutter will not only simplify your life, it will help your home sell.  While you’re decluttering, you should also remember to clean out closets and drawers.  When your closets and drawers are stuffed to the brim or disorganized it makes your home appear as if it is short on storage space, which doesn’t work in your favor when trying to sell.

To give your home the best chance in today’s market, you should definitely consider these and other staging and sprucing tips.  The difference between homes that sell and homes that don’t are often in the small details.

Thinking of buying of 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 Cafe Azafran in Lewes

Wonderful food and an inviting atmosphere are what keep customers coming back to Café Azafran in Lewes. Open daily the Café serves breakfast beginning at 7am and lunch from 11am-3:30pm. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday only, beginning at 5:30pm.

Wonderful food and an inviting atmosphere are what keep customers coming back to Café Azafran in Lewes.  Open daily the Café serves breakfast beginning at 7am and lunch from 11am-3:30pm.  Dinner is served Wednesday through Sunday only, beginning at 5:30pm.  Located right in the heart of Lewes (behind Kings Ice Cream), Café Azafran repeatedly gets rave reviews and repeat customers are the heart of its success, which tells you how great the food really is!  If you’re looking for a great, local restaurant for a casual breakfast or lunch, then you can’t go wrong with Café Azafran.  Dinner is a bit more formal, but the food is equally good!  Be sure to check it out.

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

Five Ways To Conserve Energy In Your Home

1. Install a tankless water heater. Tankless water heaters quickly heat water as it runs through a heating element as opposed to storing gallons of hot water and waiting until you use it. On average they are twenty-two percent more efficient than storage-tank water heaters.

1.  Install a tankless water heater.  Tankless water heaters quickly heat water as it runs through a heating element as opposed to storing gallons of hot water and waiting until you use it.  On average they are twenty-two percent more efficient than storage-tank water heaters.

2.  Update your appliances.  The appliances in your home account for a large percentage of your monthly utility bills, so by replacing older models with energy efficient appliances (especially those with the energy star label) you can conserve a ton of energy.

3.  Switch to energy efficient light bulbs.  Energy efficient light bulbs use about 75% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs.  If you switch out all the bulbs in your home you can seriously cut your cooling costs too since they emit only a quarter of the heat that traditional bulbs do.

4.  Check your water heater temperature.  If your water heater is set to anything about 120 degrees F you are wasting energy.  Lowering the temperature even further can save even more energy, but setting it to 120 can reduce costs by 6 to 10 percent or more.

5.  Install a digital thermostat.  By replacing an older thermostat with a new digital, programmable thermostat you can regulate your home’s temperature constantly and save both energy & money.

Thinking of buying of 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 5, 2012

“The best weapon against an enemy is another enemy.”  Friedrich Nietzsche “The better question is why do enemy’s exist?   Are they God’s way of population control?”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 597297-$189,900.  This in-town, Seaford, DE, Colonial boasts 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 3 fireplaces, a screened porch, separate studio/office building, 2 car garage, and a potting shed.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

3 Ways To Update Your Fireplace

With fall upon us, those of us with fireplaces will probably think about using them soon. Before fireplace season begins, consider updating your home by updating your fireplace. Here are three updates to consider:

With fall upon us, those of us with fireplaces will probably think about using them soon.  Before fireplace season begins, consider updating your home by updating your fireplace.  Here are three updates to consider:

1. Change your Mantel.  Changing your mantel can work wonders, especially if you never have before.  A mantel with enough depth to display photos and anything else you’d like to showcase is a necessity.  Between style, material, and color, there are so many options that you can really personalize this detail of your home to your exact taste.

2.  Make it More Efficient.  Adding a gas or wood burning insert to an existing fireplace can make your home more energy efficient without tearing apart your home.  Just be sure to research it first!

3.  Makeover the Face.  If you have an older fireplace that seems dingy and/or falling apart, consider installing a stone or other face over the existing wall.  Often, this can be done on a tight budget, but you can also be as extravagant as you’d like!

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

October 3, 2012

“Woman was God’s second mistake.”  Friedrich Nietzsche “Kind of a negative view, like the nature shows-man screws up everything.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 594346-$79,900.  Here is a 3 BR, # BA Doublewide on a corner lot.  Lot rent is only $467.00/mo.  Call me to see this property at 302 258-6983.

Weekend Update: October 5th-7th

I can’t believe it’s already October! If you love to shop, this weekend is a great one for you, but there are also a couple of great festivals happening. There’s tons going on this weekend, so check it out:

I can’t believe it’s already October!  If you love to shop, this weekend is a great one for you, but there are also a couple of great festivals happening.  There’s tons going on this weekend, so check it out:

Friday, October 5th – Lewes Merchants’ Fall Sidewalk Sale
From 10am-5pm this Friday the merchants in the Historic Lewes Commercial District will be participating in the annual fall sidewalk sale.  It’s worth checking out!

Saturday, October 6th – Lewes Historical Society Craft Show
This annual craft show is well known for the quality of the over 80 Craftspeople in attendance.  Admission is $5 at the door, and kids under 12 are free.  The show is held at the Lewes Historic Complex (110 Shipcarpenter Street) and runs from 9am-4pm.  The day also includes refreshments & live entertainment.

Saturday, October 6th – Artisan Festival in Bethany Beach
There is also an arts festival in Bethany Beach this weekend.  The event is hosted at the Bethany Beach Fire House (215 Hollywood Street) and features over 40 vendors displaying a variety of work including glass, metal, pottery, jewelry, fine art, and more.  The Festival is from 9am-3pm and admission is free.

Saturday, October 6th – Boast the Coast Maritime Festival & Lighted Boat Parade
Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean & Environment, Boast the Coast is a fun festival that runs from 10am-dusk on Saturday.  The festival includes seafood tasting, live entertainment, kids entertainment, free tours of the Cannonball House & Lightship Overfalls, and free boat tours.  The festival concludes with a lighted boat parade at dusk.  For more information, check out this link.

Saturday, October 6th – Wings & Wheels Fall Festival in Georgetown
This 5th annual event takes place at the Sussex County Airport in Georgetown.  Over 20 vintage planes, which fly in and hundreds of cars will be at the show, which includes all day entertainment, food, games for kids, a living history program, and more.  Admission is free for this unique festival.  For more information check out this link.

All Weekend – 36th Annual Fall Sidewalk Sale in Rehoboth & Dewey
The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center sponsors this annual event that is going into its 36th year!  The sale runs from 9am-9pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, although some store hours may vary.  Shopping is on downtown Rehoboth, downtown Dewey, and along Route One in between.  Call the Chamber at 302-227-2233 for more information.

All Weekend – 50th Annual Rehoboth Christmas Shop
Get your Christmas shopping started early with this annual event presented by two area churches.  The shop is set up at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (229 Rehoboth Ave.) and costs $1 for entry.  Kids under 12 are free.  Sale hours are 10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am-4pm Sunday.  Items for sale include unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, gourmet food, holiday décor and more!  This has been a Rehoboth tradition for many years, so definitely worth checking out!  For more information call 302-227-7202.

Thinking of buying of 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 2, 2012

“A person who has not done one half of his day’s work by 10 o’clock, runs a chance of leaving the other half undone.”  Emily Bronte “I know that we are more productive in the morning but one half by 10 o’clock is difficult.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 598457-$184,900.  This ranch home in Lewes, DE has 3 BR, 2BA, 1400 sq. ft. and an in-ground pool.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.

Advice for Downsizing

There comes a time in every home owner’s life when the idea of owning a large home just isn’t appealing anymore. When it occurs to you that the money spent on maintenance and the time spent on cleaning can be put to better use, it’s probably time to downsize. When you’re ready to think about downsizing think about the possible ramifications it may have. For example, to live comfortably in a smaller space you will have to get rid of a lot of your stuff – so if you’re emotionally attached, downsizing can feel like a step backward. In addition, if you have children, grandchildren, or friends and you like to have them come visit downsizing might make comfortable. However, if you feel like you can live with these ramifications, then downsizing might be a great option for you.

Once you decide to downsize, decide how small you are really willing to go and choose the neighborhoods you would like to live in. After you’ve got a good idea of what you’re looking for consider the costs of downsizing. Not only is there the cost of the home, but there are also other costs of downsizing. For example, you may need to purchase new, downsized furniture or need to rent storage space if you’re not ready to say goodbye to some of your beloved items.

Once you’re ready to make the move, call a trusted real estate agent and start looking! Downsizing might not be every home owner’s dream, but it can be a great move!

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

There comes a time in every home owner’s life when the idea of owning a large home just isn’t appealing anymore.  When it occurs to you that the money spent on maintenance and the time spent on cleaning can be put to better use, it’s probably time to downsize.  When you’re ready to think about downsizing think about the possible ramifications it may have.  For example, to live comfortably in a smaller space you will have to get rid of a lot of your stuff – so if you’re emotionally attached, downsizing can feel like a step backward.  In addition, if you have children, grandchildren, or friends and you like to have them come visit downsizing might make comfortable.  However, if you feel like you can live with these ramifications, then downsizing might be a great option for you.

Once you decide to downsize, decide how small you are really willing to go and choose the neighborhoods you would like to live in.  After you’ve got a good idea of what you’re looking for consider the costs of downsizing.  Not only is there the cost of the home, but there are also other costs of downsizing.  For example, you may need to purchase new, downsized furniture or need to rent storage space if you’re not ready to say goodbye to some of your beloved items.

Once you’re ready to make the move, call a trusted real estate agent and start looking!  Downsizing might not be every home owner’s dream, but it can be a great move!

Thinking of buying of 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 1, 2012

“The past cannot be cured.”  Elizabeth I “Trying to repair something done in the past is a wasted effort, look to the future and don’t make the same errors again.”  (Fred)

 

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 595414-$369,900.  Here is a home at the north end of Slaughter Beach, DE that sits on the Delaware Bay.  The home has 4 BR, 2 BA, hardwood floors and many other updates.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.