February 2013 – Page 2 – Cooper Realty Associates

Three Ways to Add Romance to Your Decor

In honor of Valentine’s Day here are three ways to add some romance to your décor:

1. Metallic Accents. A metallic accessory or two can be unexpected and glamorous and lend a feeling of romance to a room. Something like a chest of drawers, side table, or chair in a warm, metallic shade are perfect!

2. Monochromatic Colors with a Pop. A monochromatic color scheme can be give a room a crisp, romantic feeling as long as the shade is lovely and warm. But to keep it from becoming too boring, pop a bright color in the mix like bright pink or a warm violet in just one or two places.

3. Black and White. Black walls can be very sensual. Paint a wall black and hang white accents such as wall art in white mats for a very stunning 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 – 302-856-6434.

Weekend Update: February 15th-17th

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check it out:

All Weekend – “The Mousetrap” at Clear Space Theatre
Check out Clear Space Theatre’s rendition of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” all weekend long (and until the end of the month!) “The Mousetrap” is a murder mystery with a crazy ending that you won’t see coming! For more information or to purchase tickets check out this link.

Friday, February 15^th – Market Street Studios Gallery Opening Party
Enjoy the opening party at Market Street Studios Gallery in Lewes, followed by gallery sales all weekend. The gallery is located at 328 West Market Street in Lewes. For more information call 302-645-9030.

Saturday, February 16^th – Merchants’ Attic & Public Garage Sale
Delaware’s annual largest indoor garage sale will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Hall (229 Rehoboth Ave) this Saturday. Hours are 9:30am-1:30pm and the event is free, although donations are welcome. There are tons of vendors – all the space is sold out, so it’s definitely worth checking out!

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.

February 13, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Herbert Stein: “If something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” (Fred) “This is a no brainer unless you are a member of the US Congress, they don’t think like anyone I know.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS 3 601515-$149,900. A 3 BR, 2BA Rancher in Greenwood, DE is move-in ready with new paint, new StainMaster carpet, and the SS appliances make the kitchen shine. The adjacent 1 acre lot can be added for only 20K. Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this gem.

Paint Your Home Happy

Last week I mentioned that painting your home using the science behind color theory can be a simple and beneficial way to improve the quality of your home quickly and relatively easily. I was unable to find a way to explain this idea myself, but I did find an interesting article about the psychology behind paint colors that is an interesting read. This blog post takes some of the information and breaks it down into simple tips for using each color and ideas for decorating eating and office spaces putting color theory to use. So if you’re thinking of updating your home with a fresh coat of paint, consider the way the colors make you feel and paint for less stress and more happiness!

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.

February 12, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Jean Monet: “People only accept change when they are faced with necessity, and only recognize necessity when a crisis is upon them.” (Fred) “This happens when the can hits a wall and cannot go down the road.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 590764-$224,900. A townhome in the Villas of Bethany West, Bethany Beach, DE has 2 BR, 2 BA, and you can bike to the beach, with a condo fee of $2992.00. Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.

Make Your Entrance Grand

Whether you believe it or not, the front door of your home is a powerful tool to help you sell. Your front door provides the first impression for everyone who comes to your home and helps them form an opinion of your home before they ever even come inside. To help give your home the grand entrance that architecturally appealing homes have, first you need to be sure that your entrance is apparent from the street. This doesn’t mean it has to be magnificent, just that any old person passing by needs to be able to identify it. Some ways to do this are add a pediment, trim it out, or place it under a roofed porch. An unsheltered front door should never be flush with the house – that will give it the look of a side door. At the very least the front door should be recessed or projected from the house a noticeable bit. For the most welcoming atmosphere, provide a separate path for walking to your front door and keep electric meters and other utilities, garbage cans, or other unfortunate outdoor storage areas out of the path and vision of your entrance area. Remember, a great front entrance means a better first impression, which can mean an easier sale!

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.

February 11, 2013

Today’s food for thought comes from Vladimir Ilyich Lenin: “There are decades when nothing happens and there weeks when decades happen.” (Fred) “When things implode few are ready to respond and all suffer.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599081-$224,900. This lovely rancher in Rivers End, Seaford, DE has 5 BR, 2.5 BA, in 3915 sq. ft. on 1.75 acre. This home is a short sale and the buyer must use a 3^rd party negotiator. Call me if you want to see this home at 302 258-6983.

Spotlight on the Pickled Pig Pub

The Pickled Pub (18756 Coastal Highway) is a casual and creative pub in Rehoboth modeled after British Gastro Pubs. The menu is full of creative American fare that is consistently great. The fried pickles and barbeque hog wings come highly recommended, and there are many great, local beers on tap. The atmosphere at the Pickled Pig is welcoming and the service is great. This restaurant is definitely worth a try!

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 Ways To Improve Your Basement

If you have a finished basement that just isn’t very appealing, try these five relatively easy ways to finish off the space…

1. Install flooring – a floating, engineered-wood floor can be installed directly over concrete and will change the entire look of the space in amazing ways.

2. Paint – make the space feel warmer by choosing a warm, neutral color to cover the walls.

3. Camouflage – Keep the entire room bathed in the same warm, neutral tone to make the space seem more open and to downplay any unappealing aspects of the architecture.

4. Add light – If your basement does not allow in any natural light, consider installing a false-lighted window to add some light and warmth to the space.

5. Add interest – Take an area of your basement that is underutilized and add some interest – a great example would be to build a wine cellar under the basement stairs.

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.

February 8, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Debbie Hammond: “A true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.” (Fred) “Most people ignore these people, but they should be treated equally as no one knows what the future may bring.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599431-$134,900. Here is a Doublewide Rancher in Country Acres, Seaford, DE, that has 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1560 sq. ft. on .62 acre that has a fenced back yard, covered deck, soaking tub, kitchen island, and built-in bookcases. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

3 Quick Ways To Add Color To Your Home

If you’re looking to give your home a quick pick-me-up, try one of these options to brighten and freshen your look…

1. Add a variety of fabrics. Change the draperies and add some throw pillows in differing patterns, shapes, and colors. Just be sure that there is a common color typing everything together.

2. Rearrange out of the box. Instead of just rearranging all the things in a room, move things from room to room for a completely new and fresh look.

3. Decorate. Don’t just hang a few photos on your wall and be done – combine groups of objects to create interesting wall art.

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 – February 8th-10th

Here are a few events to consider for this weekend:

Friday, Feb. 8^th – Go Red For Women 2013
Help the American Heart Association fight heart disease in women by supporting this annual event. The Southern Delaware “Go Red” event takes place at the Sheraton Dover Hotel (1570 N. DuPont Highway in Dover) this year. Tickets are $35 each and include lunch, entertainment, gift bag, $10 gift card from Macy’s, and extensive health screenings. There will also be a silent auction. The event begins at 10am and the program starts at noon. For more information or to reserve tickets, check out this link.

Saturday, Feb. 9^th – Lewes Winter Fest Barkfest Pet Pagaent
This 7^th Annual event takes place in downtown, historic Lewes (around Second Street). Bank Street is renamed Bark Street for the event and pets of all kinds can strut their stuff. Categories include formal wear, leisure wear, companion look-alike, and kids freestyle. You can pre-register your pet at P.U.P.S. (Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop) at 117 Second Street or register the day of in front of Citizens Bank from between noon-1:30pm. Each entry is $5 and the money benefits the Georgetown SPCA. Registrants must be present by 1:30pm and the event begins at 1:45pm. For more information contact the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073.

Saturday, Feb. 9^th – Savory Sussex
This program, sponsored by the Zwaanendael Museum, highlights the “unique and delectable local flavors of Sussex County.” This event is free and takes place at the Zwaanendael Museum at 2pm on 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.

February 6, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Mark Twain: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” (Fred) “Nothing is ever the same but similarities cannot be dismissed. If it didn’t work in the past it probably will not work in the future.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 598804-$484,500. A large Contemporary in Hart’s Landing, Lewes, DE has 5 BR, 3.5 BA, in 3000 sq. ft. on .17 acres, boasts Pecan Floors, a double sided fireplace, designer lighting, stone countertops, and the house backs up to woods and tidal wetlands. Call me to see this lovely home @ 302 258-6983.

February 5, 2013

Today’s Food for thought is from James Freeman Clarke: “A politician thinks of the next election, a statesman, of the next generation.” (Fred) “Short sightedness is the curse of the now generation.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599821-$389,000. An Equestrian Ready, Quiet, Rural Estate in Milton, DE has 3 BR, 2.5 BA, in 2780 sq. ft., on 2.24 acres, with a gourmet kitchen, fireplace and a large pole building. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

Easy Home Improvements

Improving your home is helpful if you’re trying to sell, but it’s also beneficial for you and your family if you intent to stay in your home for the long term. An improved home helps you feel more organized and just all-around better. If you’re looking for relatively easy and inexpensive ways then start by going around your home and fixing everything that’s broken. Repair the broken leg of your coffee table, clean out your showerhead so that you get a complete flow, reseal windows and doors that are drafty, take your broken toaster to the repair shop (or throw it away!), etc. Spend a week taking care of all the little things in your home that need some TLC and throw out what you don’t need anymore. After you’ve done that, take it a little further and purge your home of the items you no longer need, want, or use. By getting rid of all the excess in your home you will remove stress and create space that will improve your quality of life in your home. If you’re not sure where to start, begin by donating clothes that no longer fit or you no longer wear, get rid of books that you’ve already read and movies that you’ve already watched, and move on from there. Finally, as I’ve said a thousand times before, a good paint job really can improve the quality of your home. There are studies that show that certain paint colors in certain rooms actually make people happier. Do a little research and spend some time painting your home. Begin with the two or three rooms you spend the most time in and see what a difference it makes!

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.

February 4, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Chief Joseph: “I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.” (Fred) “The American people are tired of that too, coming from our politicians.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 597592-174,900. This brick Colonial in Lincoln, DE has 3 BR, 2 BA in 2192 sq. ft. on .53 acre, plus a matching 2 car detached garage, front and side porches, a brick patio, and 2 fireplaces. Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this home.

Paying Off Your Mortgage Early – Yes or No?

Paying down your mortgage early is a great thing to do, and can be considered a good investment for many homeowners. I, myself, am not a financial advisor, but I have culled several interesting articles that outline the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early from several finance and real estate experts. First, check out this article, which outlines the benefits of mortgage repayment. Then, check out this article, which says basically the opposite thing! Finally, check out this article, which dispels some confusion over whether or not paying off your mortgage early is a good idea. Whether or not you should pay off your mortgage early is a personal decision that requires a lot of thought and discussion before it’s made. I know what my decision is, what’s yours?

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.

February 1, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Chester Arthur: “I may be the president of the United States, but my private life is nobody’s dammed business.” (Fred) “There are some things we don’t need to know about our neighbors let alone our President.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 593281. A nice Contemporary in Blackwater Village, Dagsboro, DE has 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1250 sq. ft. on .03 acre, with a stone fireplace, and a Great Room with vaulted ceilings. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

Five Wall Storage Ideas

Turn empty walls into storage with these ideas:

1. Niche Cabinet. This is a narrow, shallow cabinet that can be added to almost any wall since it’s only the width and depth of the wall studs. It’s great kitchen storage idea!

2. Mudroom Storage. Add some shelves and hooks to your mudroom to organize your entryway and make getting in and out of the house that much easier. Cubby-hole type storage is also very useful in this circumstance and isn’t too difficult to do yourself.

3. Media Built-In. Use shallow shelves for the best media unit.

4. Go to the ceiling. Take your bookshelves all the way floor-to-ceiling to add more storage and give the room a taller feel.

5. Hang Information. Hang a combination of blackboards, magnet boards, and cork boards to turn a blank wall space into an information hub for your family. Just be sure to keep the boards close to the wall for a streamlined 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.