Month: January 2013

Three Housing Trends for 2013

Based on a variety of surveys, here are three trends in the housing market to look for this coming year:

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Based on a variety of surveys, here are three trends in the housing market to look for this coming year:

1.  Rising home prices.  Five years after the housing market bottomed out, home prices started rising toward the end of 2012 in many markets, and seem on track to continue in that direction, with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecasting that home prices will rise 5-6% in the coming year.

2.  More short sales.  As of November 1st, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued new rules on short sales, making short sales more accessible to both buyers and sellers.  That’s not to say that short sales will become significantly easier, but they should be more plentiful in 2013.

3.  Fewer foreclosures.  As short sales rise this year, you can expect to see foreclosures, especially at bargain prices to fall.  The FHFA and banks are selling off distressed home loans through other methods so you can expect to find less foreclosures flooding the market.

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.

Weekend Update: January 4th-6th

As we ease into 2013 with a bit of a slow weekend, consider these events if you’re looking for something to do:

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As we ease into 2013 with a bit of a slow weekend, consider these events if you’re looking for something to do:

Saturday, 1/5: Wicomico Recreation Indoor Community Yard Sale
This huge, annual yard sale takes place at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center from 7am-12pm on Saturday.  Cost is $2 and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.  All proceeds from the sale benefit Wicomico Recreation.  If you’re interested in selling, call 410-548-4911 to see if there are any tables or booths available.

Sunday, 1/6:  Delmarva Bridal Showcase
From diamonds and dresses to flowers and food, the Delmarva Bridal Showcase covers all of the bride’s needs from start to finish.  If you’re planning a wedding, or know someone who is you don’t want to miss this huge event.  In addition to the chance to talk with industry professionals, the day also includes live entertainment, fashion shows, prizes (including the chance to win a free honeymoon), catering and cake samples, and plenty of tips and tricks from the professionals.  The event runs from 12pm-4pm on Sunday.  Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.  For more information or to purchase tickets, check out delmarvabride.com.

Tuesday, 1/8: Free Cooking Demonstration
This isn’t a weekend event, but it’s still pretty cool.  Catch 54 Fish House (Rt 54 in Fenwick Island) is offering a free cooking demonstration that focuses on low cal and healthy food choices for the whole family.  Cocktail hour begins at 4:45 with small plates available for purchase.  The free cooking demo follows from 6pm-7pm.  Reservations are required, and tend to fill quickly, so call 302-436-8600 to reserve a spot.

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 2, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Abraham Lincoln: ”Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?”  (Fred) “Our Congress should follow this advice; it’s amazing that 2 old men, second tier power brokers at that, are left to try to make a compromise when the other 533 elected officials will not do the job they were elected to.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599269-$122,000.  This home in Shiloh Woods, Laurel, DE has 2 BR, 2 BA, a rear deck on 1.03 acre.  It also has a 3 car detached garage and a pole building.  Call me to see this home 2 302 258-6983.January 2, 2013