3 Questions to Ask Contractors

If you’re hiring a contractor to do work around your home, ask these questions first:

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If you’re hiring a contractor to do work around your home, ask these questions first:

1.  What is your schedule like?  The best contractors might be in demand, so don’t waste your time or theirs before assuring that your time frame and their match up.

2.  Do you have referrals?  Ask for the names and phone numbers of past clients.  If they refuse for any reason find someone else.  Follow up with the referrals and get feedback from the homeowners.  If the referrals are willing, go check out the contractor’s work in person.

3.  What is your name and license number?  Get the full legal name of the contractor’s business as well as all contact information and the license number.  Follow up by calling around and verifying the status of the contractor and their insurance policies.

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: February 1st-3rd

If you’re looking for something new & different to do on Saturday, check out these events:

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If you’re looking for something new & different to do on Saturday, check out these events:

Saturday, Feb. 2nd – Piano Concert
Award-winning concert pianist Misha Dichter will perform works by Beethoven, Schubert and more at Bethel United Methodist Church (129 W. Fourth St.) in Lewes from 2pm-5pm Saturday.  For more information or to purchase tickets check out this link.

Saturday, Feb. 2nd – Learn About Geocaching
I’ve written about this high-tech treasure hunt before.  Learn more about it this Saturday at the Georgetown Public Library.  The class is free and begins at 11am.  Contact the library (302-856-7958) for more information.  Then, go geocaching afterward!

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.

January 30, 2013

Today’s Food for thought is from John Adams:  “I must study politics and war that my sons have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.”  (Fred)  “We have not reached that point yet, which is unfortunate.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 601085-$239,000.  This is a Commerical property with 1600 sq. ft. on the ground floor with 600 sq. ft. of garage storage space.  Upstairs is a 2BR, 1 BA, apartment with 1600 sq. ft. and a screened-in porch.  Call me to see this gem @ 302 258-6983.

January 30, 2013

January 29, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Charlotte Bronte:  “Men judge us by the success of our efforts.  God looks at the efforts themselves.”  (Fred)  “Failures should also be added to this quote.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 598849-$160,000.  A nice rancher in Lincoln, DE has 3 BR, 2 BA in 1792 sq. ft. on 1.04 acre.  Sold AS IS-the HVAC is not working.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

January 29, 2013

Why Your Home Isn’t Selling

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If your home has been on the market for a while with no interest there are several factors that could be holding you back.  Of course, before you assume that your home is taking forever to sell, discuss local real estate trends with your realtor and get their opinion.  The biggest reason that your home may not be selling is because it is priced too high.  You may think that a buyer will just offer a lower price for your home, but many sellers don’t want to waste time and energy on offers they aren’t confident in.  If you aren’t getting any showings, or you aren’t getting repeat showings then your home may not be priced correctly for the market.  Ask for feedback from buyers who see you home.  If they are positive about your house but indicate that the price is too high consider their feedback.  Another reason that your home may not be selling has to do with condition.  If your home has maintenance issues or is dated you will either need to fix the issues or lower the price to account for them.  If you have researched it and are confident that the price of your home is accurate for both your local market and the condition of your home consider talking with your agent about new ways to market your home.  And finally, if you don’t have a trusted agent, the best way to sell your home is to find one.

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.

Saving Energy At Home

Aside from your mortgage, utility costs generally account for the largest portion of the monthly bills you pay thanks to your home. However, there are several things you can do to lessen the blow a bit.

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Aside from your mortgage, utility costs generally account for the largest portion of the monthly bills you pay thanks to your home.  However, there are several things you can do to lessen the blow a bit.  The first is to take advantage of energy-efficient light bulbs.  Yes, they cost a bit more up front, but you can save a significant amount of money over the course of a year by replacing just one incandescent bulb, so imagine how much you can save if you swap out all of your bulbs!  Additionally, if any of your faucets, pipes, or toilets are leaking, fix it and save yourself a bundle.  Often times these types of leaks are an easy fix such as swapping out a washer, replacing a flapper, or tightening a valve.  Sometimes they require more extensive work, but even then it is best to do the work, even if you have to call in a professional for help.  Changing out your shower heads for low-flow counterparts can help save water too.  Changing and/or cleaning your furnace filters will also save energy in your home.  Lastly, don’t forget to be sure all of your doors and windows are well-sealed and your home is well-insulated.

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.

January 28, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Charlotte Bronte:  “Life is so constructed, that the event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.”  (Fred)  “We always seem to inflate our expectations beyond reality.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 601042-$339,900.  This to be built home in the Villages at Herring Creek, Lewes, DE has 3 BR, 2.5 BA, in 2297 sq. ft. on .46 acre.  The home has granite countertops and an open floor plan plus other pluses.  Call me to see the model and build your dream home at 302 258-6983.

 

January 28, 2013

Spotlight on Winter at Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months when sunbathing, sand castle building, and swimming are prime activities for beach-goers.  But did you know that Cape Henlopen has a lot to offer in the winter months too?  Here are 5 great activities for all ages that can be done any time of year:

  1. Visit the Seaside Nature Center
    Open from 9am-4pm all year round, theSeaside Nature Center has many exhibits and displays, tanks full of local fish, and even a touch-tank!  It’s definitely worth a visit.
  2. Take a walk on the beach
    Who says the beach is only for summer?  Taking a winter walk along the beach is invigorating!  Not only can you enjoy different scenery than in the summer months, but there are no crowds to fight for it!  I can’t think of anything better than a relaxing stroll under sun, listening to the waves crash nearby.  So, what are you waiting for?  Bundle up and get out there!  There’s nothing more beautiful than a beach you have all to yourself.
  3. Hike or bike the trails
    There are 8 trails within Cape Henlopen, ranging from just over half a mile to 5 miles in length.  Some trails are designated for hiking only, but there are lovely, paved bike trails as well, and even an equestrian trail.  If you like to hike, you can even take part in the Delaware State Parks Trail Challenge – 3 of the trails are within Cape Henlopen!  If biking is more your thing, stop by the Seaside Nature Center (see #1!) to borrow a free bike from the Friends Park Pedal program and pedal around these beautiful trails!  If you want to check out the trails in advance, you can even download trail maps here.
  4. Check out one of the organized programs
    Cape Henlopen offers a wide variety of public programs for all different ages.  Many programs are family-friendly and some are even geared specifically for children!  Upcoming programs include a Winter Moon Hike, Awesome Amphibians, and a Youth Saltwater Tying Workshop.  Some events require a small fee, but most are free.  Pre-registration is often required, even for free events, so it’s best to call early and save your spot!  There is a complete list of events on their website, and there’s plenty to choose from even in the winter months!
  5. Explore history
    Fort Miles was a key piece of our nation’s coastal defense during World War II, and it is located in what is now Cape Henlopen State Park.  Fort Miles is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a great place for families and history buffs alike!  So take a tour, participate in the interpretive program, and find out more about the role of the Delaware shore in World War II.  The Fort Miles Orientation Building is open from 10am-4pm on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of March.  Beginning it April is open from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as well.

These activities are available year round, but why wait for the heat and the crowds to take advantage of them?  Head over to Cape Henlopen soon and discover what the beach has to offer in winter!!  When you do, you’ll see for yourself why we love Cape Henlopen and the town of Lewes so much.

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!

January 25, 2013

Today’s Food for thought is from Calvin Coolidge:  “If I had permitted my failures, or what seemed to me at the time a lack of success, to discourage me I cannot see any way in which I would ever have made progress.”  (Fred)  “Another way of saying try try again.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 598789-$188,987.  This nice starter home in Georgetown, DE has 3 BR, 2.5 BA in 1550 sq. ft. on .25 of an acre, a nice back yard and a screened-in porch.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.January 25, 2013

5 Great Conversation Pieces

If you’re entertaining anytime soon and are nervous about awkward silences, consider displaying one (or several) of these conversation pieces and get things flowing!

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If you’re entertaining anytime soon and are nervous about awkward silences, consider displaying one (or several) of these conversation pieces and get things flowing!

1.  An interesting photo.  We’re not just talking family photos here.  To truly spark conversation the photo or album you display should contain people that your guests know, your guests or yourself with a celebrity, in an exotic location, or something otherwise interesting.

2.  An exotic or interesting plant.  Once someone mentions it don’t just thank them and move on, use it as an opportunity to jump start the conversation!

3.  A great book.  Displaying a beautiful coffee table book is nice, but a popular novel, book that has recently been made into a movie, or interesting biography also works.  Anything that will get your guests talking!

4.  A collection.  Everyone collects something!  Not only does the collection itself provide fodder for conversation, but you can also extend the conversation by asking what your guests collect and letting them tell their stories!

5.  A musical instrument.  Anything other than a piano can spark the interest of your guests and get conversation flowing.  Just remember the instrument is there to start conversation, not so you can give a concert!

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 Tips for Less Stressful Selling

Selling your home can be stressful. Here are a few tips to help it go smoothly…

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Selling your home can be stressful.  Here are a few tips to help it go smoothly…

1.  Detach yourself.  Most sellers are far too emotionally involved with their home.  Of course, that’s understandable.  After all, your home is the place where you’ve built memories for many years.  However, you must remember that the strangers that come through your home don’t have the same attachments.  The faster you can make yourself think of your home as a product to sell rather than your own, personal home the better off you will be.

2.  Plan your exit.  Have a strategy in place to make your sale as smooth as possible, especially if you are purchasing another home at the same time.  Research short-term housing options in case you need them, and be sure that you realistically understand how much money you will be taking away from your sale so that you can have the best understanding of what type of housing purchase you can afford to make.

3.  Hire a real estate agent.  Finding a real estate agent you like and trust as early in the selling process as possible can ease the entire process.  A good agent will not only show and sell your home, but he or she can advise you on the best strategies and tactics for selling your home, making the whole process less stressful.

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: Jan. 25th-27th

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It’s a bit of a slow weekend for events in Sussex County, but if you’re looking for something different today check out one of the many art galleries that are still open in and around Rehoboth Beach.  Many of them have new exhibits for 2013 and some even have events going on!  Here’s a post I wrote last year highlighting five to get you started.  Enjoy!

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.

January 23, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Charles Peguy:  “Tyranny is always better organized than freedom.”  (Fred)  “When freedom finally rises to the task, it cannot be denied.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599104-$54,900.  This small Rancher in Delmar, DE needs rehab but has 3 BR, 1.1 BA on 2.32 acres.  This will be a cash sale!  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

January 23,2013

Organize Your Junk Drawer

January is not yet over, which means that plenty of people are probably still working on their New Year’s Resolutions to get more organized. I know one project you can tackle today that will make you feel a whole lot better… your junk drawer!

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January is not yet over, which means that plenty of people are probably still working on their New Year’s Resolutions to get more organized.  I know one project you can tackle today that will make you feel a whole lot better… your junk drawer!  Nearly everyone has one, and although we say it’s filled with “junk” it is more likely filled with plenty of things we actually use if we could find it when we needed it!  If you want to have that great feeling of productivity then start cleaning out your junk drawer by dumping everything on a table, counter, or floor so you can spread it out and see it.  Once you can see it, sort it into piles… one pile for things to be thrown away, another for recycling, and another pile for things you need (or want) to keep.  Don’t save everything just because you feel you have to.  You don’t really need to keep the business cards of everyone you’ve ever met… chances are the important numbers are in your phone anyway.  If something broken has been sitting there for months (or years!) waiting to be fixed, toss it.  If you haven’t missed it enough to fix it already chances are you never will.  Test all your pens/markers, etc. if they don’t write, toss them.  (This is an excellent way to get children involved if they’re bugging you!)  After you’ve purged, look at everything in your “keep” pile and decide where it’s permanent home should be.  For example, receipts, old bills, appliance manuals, etc. should be filed away.  Loose change should be put in your wallet or a piggy bank, paper clips/rubber bands/thumb tacks/etc. should be moved to your office, and so on.  Once you’ve decluttered take everything that is left and organize it.  Ice cube trays make excellent organizers for small items, and empty margarine tubs or Tupperware containers are great for everything else.  Silverware drawer inserts are also a great way to organize without spending too much.  Finally, keep it all organized by adding a quick cleaning of the junk drawer to your monthly to-do list.

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.

January 22, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Charles Peguy:  “He who does not bellow the truth when he knows the truth makes himself the accomplice of liars and forgers.”  (Fred)  “Silence makes the lie fact.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 595675-$289,500.  A nice Colonial in Country Club Estates, Georgetown, DE has 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1836 sq. ft., on .38 acre and the community has a Golf Club and Course, tennis and a pool.  Call me to view this lovely home at 302 258-6983.

 

January 22, 2013

Winter Safety & Your Home

Winter can be a treacherous time of year. Ice and snow can lead to car accidents, falls and injuries. Falling an ice can seriously injure anyone, but can be especially dangerous for children & the elderly.

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Winter can be a treacherous time of year.  Ice and snow can lead to car accidents, falls and injuries.  Falling an ice can seriously injure anyone, but can be especially dangerous for children & the elderly.  But did you know that if someone slips and falls on your property, you are considered responsible and are therefore liable?  Exact laws vary from place to place, but homeowners are responsible to “mitigate risks to others on their property” which means that as a homeowner you are responsible to put forth a good faith effort to keep your property free of ice and other dangers.  Simply put, if you know about ice and snow you are responsible to clean it up.  During storms it is best to salt or sand driveways and walkways to decrease the chance for ice and especially to prevent black ice from forming, which can be the most treacherous since it is not easily seen.  If someone does fall on your property they may file a “slip and fall” lawsuit, which can cost you several thousand dollars (although your homeowners insurance may cover part of it).  To avoid this the best step to take is prevention, so if the temperature falls below freezing you should salt your driveway, sidewalks, and walkways as a precaution.  Laying salt before it snows helps to prevent ice from forming in the first place.

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.

January 13, 2013

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Today’s food for thought is from Charles Goodyear:  “Life should not be estimated exclusively by the standard of dollars and cents.”  (Fred)  “Satisfaction of you life’s accomplishments is worth more that money.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599161-$219,000.  This Seaford, DE Colonial has 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1800 sq. ft. on .73 acres and has a gas fireplace, wet bar, large eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, a large composite deck in the rear, and an outbuilding.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this home.

January 21, 2013

5 Easy Fixes Before Selling

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If you’re putting your home on the market here are five cheap & easy fixes to increase your home’s sale potential.

1.  Declutter.  I’ve said it a million times before, and I will keep saying it… pick up your stuff, put half of it away, and if necessary, rent a storage unit while your home is on the market.  Especially stash collectibles, family photos, and personal objects.  Decluttering your house is the easiest and least expensive thing you can do to make it appeal to more buyers.

2.  Clean.  Deep clean, that is.  In addition to your normal cleaning have your floors cleaned professionally, remove scuff marks from walls and baseboards, pressure wash the outside of your home including the driveway, wash your window treatments, scrub tile, and clean your windows both inside and out.

3.  Paint.  This is another one that I’ve been a broken record about.  Repaint any walls in your home that are anything other than neutral in a neutral shade.  No buyer has ever said, “oh this wall is too tan” but plenty of buyers have said “oh, this wall is just so red” (or blue or yellow, etc.).  Neutral paint can literally sell your home!

4.  New Hardware.  Kitchens & bathrooms are the two rooms that buyers are most interested in.  By changing out the hardware, light switch & plate covers, towel/toilet paper racks, etc. you can give both rooms a mini makeover without shelling out too much cash.

5.  Curb Appeal.  Finally, take a look at your home through a buyer’s eyes.  If it could use a little curb appeal make over consider clearing dead plants, trim plants and bushes, and add some landscaping if necessary.

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 The Kitchen in Milton

The Kitchen, located in The Shoppes at Paynter’s Mill in Milton (3.5 miles north of 5 Points) and is owned and operated by Ray & Lisa Richardson who formerly owned the Second Street Grill in Lewes.

The Kitchen at Paynter's Mill

The Kitchen, located in The Shoppes at Paynter’s Mill in Milton (3.5 miles north of 5 Points) and is owned and operated by Ray & Lisa Richardson who formerly owned the Second Street Grill in Lewes.  The Kitchen prides itself on being “casual fine dining” for the family.  The food is excellent, flavorful, and fresh.  The atmosphere is comfortable, the presentation is beautiful, and the service is great!  The Kitchen is open from 11am-8pm Tuesday-Thursday and 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday.

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.

January 18, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Charles Goodyear:  “A man has cause for regret only when he sows and no one reaps.”  (Fred)  “A wasted effort is always cause for regret.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599377-$139,000.  A brick rancher in Seaford, DE has 4 BR, 3 BA in 2484 sq. ft. on .56 acre.  The home has a full basement and 2 wood burning fireplaces.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this home.

January 18, 2013