Spotlight on Claws Seafood House

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Claws Seafood House (167 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth serves up fresh, delicious seafood and more every night for dinner (Mon-Thu 4pm-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-9:30pm).  With reasonable prices and fresh, locally sourced ingredients plus a great happy hour at the bar and both daily and weekly specials, you can’t go wrong with dinner at Claws.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

June 28, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Leo Tolstoy:  If you want to be happy, be.”  (Fred)  “The right frame of mind makes all the difference in how we lead our lives.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #604379-From $228,826 to $219,900.  A lovely cape cod in Milford, DE with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 2055 sq. ft. on .46 acre that boasts a bonus room over the garage, a Sunroom, an updated kitchen, a wood beamed Cathedral Ceiling in the Great room.  Please call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJune 28, 2013

5 Mini Golf Courses To Try

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Mini golf is a great summer activity!  Check out these great, local courses for some great, family fun:

Ryan’s Mini Golf.  You really can’t get better than rooftop mini golf right on the boardwalk in Rehoboth!  Directly Above Ryan’s Gems & Junk Shop you will find a mini golf course that is easy enough for kids, but fun for the whole family.  Decorated with loads of animal sculptures, this is a simple course, but it has the most amazing views of any mini golf course I’ve ever seen!  Prices are reasonable too, and they just opened a second course on the lower level, right on the boardwalk.  Just be forewarned that it is hot up on that roof in the middle of the day!

Jungle Jim’s.  Jungle Jim’s is more than just mini golf.  It also features a water park, bumper boats, batting cages, go-carts, and more!  It’s a little pricier than other mini-golf places around, but with water traps and other challenges it’s more fun too!  Jungle Jim’s is located at 36944 Country Club Road in Rehoboth.

Shell We Golf.  Shell We Golf might be the most famous golf course in Rehoboth since it’s so easily recognizable as you pass back and forth on Route 1.  This course is great to play when it’s hot out since there’s a lot of shade!  This is a mid-range course.  Fun for the whole family, but with some pretty simple holes to keep the attention of the little ones!  Shell We Golf is located at 19366 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth.

Fire Mountain Golf at Midway Speedway.  Midway Speedway is another one-stop summer sport fun-land!  This mini golf course is located beneath a volcano and is challenging and fun for everyone!  In addition to mini golf there are also go carts, water slides, bumper boats, a climbing wall, and a lazy river!  A day at Midway Speedway is fun for the whole family!  Midway Speedway is located at 18645 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth.

Long Neck Mini Golf.  If you’re looking for a fun game of golf but don’t want to fight the traffic into Rehoboth, check out Long Neck Mini Golf.  Set amidst beautiful gardens, Long Neck is my mini-golf course of choice!  The course is fun and challenging, but not too hard for the little ones.  Several holes have creative twists, like water hazards, second holes, etc. so it’s an all-around fun course!  Long Neck Mini Golf is located on Long Neck Road in Millsboro – you’ll know it when you see the huge crab on top of the waterfall!  There’s also a pizza place and ice cream parlor within walking distance if you want to make an afternoon of it!

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Thursday Three: 3 Pizza Places at the Beach

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Pizza at the beach is a great tradition!  Here’s some of the best options:

Grotto Pizza.  With several locations along the boardwalk, more on Rehoboth Ave, and several locations inland as well, Grotto Pizza is a summertime favorite!  Though, not everyone loves Grotto, I have to admit it is my first choice for pizza in Rehoboth, and I’m obviously not alone because Grotto pizza has been voted Best Pizza in in Delaware in the past.  Yum!

Nicola Pizza.  Home of the famous Nic-o-boli, Nicola is the pizza of choice for many!  Locally owned and operated for over 40 years, there are 2 locations in Rehoboth to serve you.  Nicola uses a delicious 3-cheese blend and homemade sauce and dough, and will even ship many of their products, including jars of sauce and Nic-o-bolis.  Delicious!!

Louie’s Pizza.  In addition to good pizza, Louie’s also serves up their famous grinders as well as delicious subs and cheese steaks.  If you’re looking for some place a little less touristy than Nicola or Grotto then Louie’s is your best bet.  After all, they advertise themselves as “Rehoboth’s best kept secret: the place where locals eat!”

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Weekend Update: June 28th-30th

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If you’re looking for something fun and different to do this weekend, check out these local events:

Friday, June 28th: Concert By The Canal
Head to Canalfront Park in Lewes on Friday evening for a free concert sponsored by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.  Chester River Runoff will perform beginning at 6:30pm.  The concert is free, just remember to bring a lawn chair and bug repellant!

Friday, June 28th: WaCongo Dance Company & Drum Classes
Head to the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville and enjoy the WaCongo Dance Company, a traditional ensemble of drummers, musicians, and dancers from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The performance is free for all.  They will follow the performance with Congolese Drum Classes on Saturday, 6/29 at 10am, which are also free.

Saturday, June 29th: Wheels For Meals Classic Car Show
Head into the CHEER Community Center (20520 Sand Hill Road) in Georgetown from 10am-2pm to support Wheels for Meals.  Admission is $5 for ages 10 and up, and free for ages 9 and under.  The day features the car show, displays, entertainment, and food vendors.

Sunday, June 30th: Paddle Fenwick Festival
The first annual Paddle Fenwick Festival will take place on the Indian River and will be divided into several divisions and classes.  The top three finishers in each division as well as each age bracket will be awarded.  There will also be a “Kids and Critters Fun Paddle” from 1:30-2pm.  All proceeds support Operation Second Chance.  For more information check out this link.

All Weekend: Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Enjoy the rhythm and blues performance by Vinyl Shockley on Friday, June 28th, the classic Zydeco beats of Zydeco-A-Go-Go on Saturday, June 29th and the hometown sounds of the Rehoboth Concert Band on Sunday, June 30th.  All concerts are free and start at 8pm.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

June 26, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Lewis Cass:  “People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.”  (Fred)  “The policy of: “Do what I say not what I do” has always been a non-starter.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 602337-From $469,900 to $449,900.  A Lewes DE Colonial with 4 BR, 3 BA on .64 acre that boasts a 3 car drive thru garage, basement, Rinnai HW, and a new HVAC.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home. www.fredsporch.comJune 24, 2013

Understanding Contingencies

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Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will most likely have to deal with contingencies during contract negotiation.  Contingencies are conditions placed on the contract that, if not met, allow the buyer to either back out of the deal.  Of course in the case of an unmet contingency, buyer & seller can always renegotiate, if they would prefer.  If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home contingencies may seem a little overwhelming, so here’s some help explaining some of the most common:

  • Contingent on appraisal means that the home must be appraised and its appraised value must meet or exceed the offer price on the contract.
  • Contingent on inspection means that the house must pass any professional inspections that the buyer desires.  In addition to a general home inspection, this might also include specific inspections such as structural engineering, termites/pests, radon, mold, electrical, plumbing, roof, etc.  If any inspections turn up any problems that could be potential problems for the buyer or problems that would impact the price of the home the buyer may wish to renegotiate or to back out altogether.
  • Contingent on financing means that the buyer must secure a loan for the specified amount of the offer price.
  • Contingent on repairs means that the seller must repair any evident issues or issued turned up by the home inspection up to the agreed upon amount.
  • Contingent on closing costs means that the seller must pay the specified amount (up to 100%) of the closing costs.

There are many other contingencies that can be written into real estate contracts, but these are just some of the most common.

For help through the whole buying or selling process, including help through any and all possible contingencies, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Quick Updates To Sell Your Home

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If you’re in the process of selling your home (or thinking about it), you might be thinking about what kind of remodeling you should do to put your home in the best light.  As a rule, you should never undertake any big remodeling projects before putting your home up for sale, but there are a few things you can do with just a little bit of money to make your house more appealing on the market.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, one of the least expensive ways to increase your property value is to paint the walls!  Neutrals are key, but don’t just buy a bucket of white and paint everything… that’s boring!  Browns/beiges, grays, and even some shades of blue and green can be considered neutral.  The idea is to get rid of any extremely personal colors in the house – you might love your red living room, but chances are most of your potential buyers won’t.  Another relatively easy fix that will attract buyers is nice flooring.  If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood under your carpeting, rip it up and have the floors refinished.  If hardwood isn’t an option, consider replacing your carpeting for a fresh look that will attract buyers.  To save money, go for a mid-range carpet, but put the best padding you can afford underneath… this cushiony layer really affects the look and feel of the carpet.  Updating your light fixtures can also really improve your home’s salability.  Replace any dated fixtures with something more classic for an instant pick-me-up.  Pay special attention to the lighting in your kitchen, bathrooms, and hallway.  You want your home to be well lit so that buyers can see it, don’t’ you?  And while we’re discussing fixtures, if your bathroom or kitchen seem dated, changing out the hardware for something new can make a big impact for not much cash.  If you can swing it, switching your old faucets with something newer can give new life to a room.  My final budget suggestion is another one I’ve mentioned several times before… check your curb appeal!  Most potential buyers will judge your house on their first impression, which is the outside!  So be sure your home is putting its best foot forward by trimming any hedges/bushes and trees in the yard, mowing the grass, trimming any weeds, and edging your driveway and sidewalks.  Power washing your side walks can make a surprisingly big impact too.  Finally, invest a little cash by painting the front door and placing some potted flowers by it.  For maximum impact, change out the hardware on your door with something new and think about getting a new mailbox.  Finally, be sure that your house number is visible.  If it isn’t, buy some new numbers and hang them immediately!

Since none of these projects cost all that much, the best part about them is that you’re pretty much guaranteed to recoup your cash when your home sells, which will probably be a whole lot sooner than if you hadn’t made the changes in the first place!

Looking for an agent who can help you with more great tips?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on Lupo di Mare in Rehoboth Beach

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Lupo di Mare (247 Rehoboth Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach fuses classic coastal Italian cuisine with local ingredients.  Serving dinner from 5pm-9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm-10pm Friday and Saturday, Lupo di Mare also features a happy hour daily from 5pm-7pm.  The menu features delicious seafood choices such as seared octopus, gorgeous mussels, pan seared sea bass, spice seared tuna, and more.  Classic Italian fare includes crab gnocchi, carbonara, wild mushroom buccatini, chicken parmesan, and more.

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.

June 21, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Leon Gambetta:  “The great recipe for success is to work, and always work.”  (Fred)  “Work can be for compensation or charity, but work we must to fulfill our lives.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 601933-From $319,000 to $299,900.  Here is a 1 story Contemporary in Selbyville DE that has 3 BR, 2 BA, on .58 acre which has a Formal Dining Room, Fireplace, a screened porch and beautiful landscaping.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJune 21, 2013

Five Tips To Keep Your Home Safe This Summer

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With Summer vacation season in full swing, keep your home and family safe when you’re away with these tips:

1.  Keep quiet.  Don’t announce your vacation plans on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks and refrain from posting pictures or travel updates until you are back home safely.

2.  Stop your mail.  It’s free to put a hold on your mail at the post office, but asking a friend or neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, and packages will do the same thing.  Nothing announces that you’re out of town faster than a mailbox bursting at the seams or a doorstep full of unread newspapers.

3.  Unplug.  Turn off and unplug any appliances you don’t need to leave on to lower your potential fire risk.

4.  Set timers.  Put both outdoor and indoor lights on timers, especially in often used rooms that face the street.  Also consider putting your television or a radio to give the illusion that someone is home.  If possible, vary the timers each day, especially if you are going to be gone for a long time.

5.  Lock up.  This may seem like common sense, but double check all doors and windows to be sure they are locked and engage your alarm system if you have 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.

Three Ways To Dress Up A Blank Wall

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If you’ve got a blank wall in your home that you’re looking to dress up, try these solutions:

1. Antique Fabrics.  Search antique stores, second hand stores, and flea markets for old frames and fill them with pieces of classic quilts, tablecloths, or other antique or meaningful linens.

2.  Embroidery Hoops.  Frame any fabric that you love in different sized embroidery hoops and create an original piece of wall art by placing them in any method you choose.

3.  Floating Shelf.  Adding a floating shelf or series of floating shelves and layer framed prints, pictures, accessories, and anything else you like to add some personality to your space.  The best part about floating shelves is that you can easily change out the contents for seasons, holidays, special occasions, or just because!

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: June 21st-23rd

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If you’re looking for something different, fun, or interesting to do this weekend, check out these local events:

Friday, June 21st: Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience
Head over to the Freeman Stage at Bayside and enjoy this Grammy award winning musical artist as he shares the Zydeco experience.  Terrance Simien has been performing live for over 25 years.  Tickets are $10 per person and kids under 18 are free.  Don’t forget to bring your own lawn chairs.

Saturday, June 22nd:  Jack & The Beanstalk
If you have young children, the Freeman Stage at Bayside presents a two-man show of Jack and the Beanstalk on Saturday, June 22nd.  The show is designed for ages 3 and up and is free for everyone.

Saturday, June 22nd-Sunday, June 23rd: Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
This 4th annual festival will run from 9am-4pm Saturday and 9am-3pm Sunday at the Lewes Historical Center Complex.  Admission is $5 per person and children under 12 are free, this includes a wrist band that is good for both days.  The event includes crafters, vendors, beautiful artwork and activities for children.  For more information contact 302-645-7670.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The Lower Case Blues will perform “modern, energetic blues” on Friday, 6/21.  The Eddie Sherman Show will perform their traditional jazz show on Saturday, 6/22, and on Sunday, 6/23 the Lloyd Dobler Effect will perform their well known rock show.  All shows are free and begin at 8pm.

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.

June 19, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Lord Acton:  Opinions alter, manners change, creeds rise and fall, but the moral laws are written on the table of eternity.”  (Fred)  “Our moral fiber must be at the center of our being because it is too easy to drift away, many things change but some don’t.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604960-$1,750,000.  Here is an Estate!  This home has 3 BR, 3.5 BA, on 38.6 acres with water frontage on the Nanticoke River.  The estate has an automatic front security gate with video, full fencing, extensive landscaping with gardens, a fountain, a Koi Pond, irrigation system and a heated in ground pool.  The home itself has too many extras to mention.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this Estate.  www.fredsporch.com June 19, 2013

Tips For Selling Your Home During The Summer

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If your home is on the market during the summer months, the outdoor space takes a larger stage for potential buyers than it does at colder times of year.  To take advantage of this, add a pop of color to your outdoor areas by planting flowers.  Additionally, do your best to keep your grass green by watering it often.  Clean up your yard as well as any porch or deck areas that you have.  Be sure to keep your yard neat and all toys, BBQ equipment, and other outdoor paraphernalia cleaned up.  Do your best to clear out any gnats, mosquitoes, and other bugs so that they don’t distract potential buyers.  Finally, really inspect your outdoor areas and do any general maintenance that is lacking.  This might include painting your front door or trim, filling holes in the yard, fixing broken screens, or anything else that will help the exterior of your home shine and sell.

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.

June 18, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Louis XIV:  “It is legal because I wish it.”  (Fred)  “Let us not go down that path.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 603947-From $239,900 to $209,900.  An Ocean View DE luxury first floor condo which has 2 BR, 2BA, a large living room, upgraded kitchen with new appliances, new carpet, an a screened porch.  Call me to see this gem at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJune 18, 2013

Things You Should Have In Your Kitchen

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If you’re looking for a quick update in your kitchen, look around and consider which kitchen essentials are missing and then work around that to add what you can to create a more inviting space.  Start by looking for ways to maximize natural light in your space.  You can do this by eliminating cabinets near windows, perhaps opting for open shelving instead.  Using materials that reflect light will also help.  Adding texture also gives the kitchen a welcoming look.  The woods, finishes and countertops work together to set the mood of the kitchen.  So mix it up to create the personality you’re looking for and add a welcoming vibe.  If your space allows it, an island is essential, especially if you want your kitchen to be a social hub in your home.  Finally, add a great sink with some killer accessories to your kitchen to make it both stylish and efficient.

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.

June 17, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Louisa May Alcott:  “Good Books, like good friends, are few and chosen; the more select, the more enjoyable.”  (Fred)  “Let us hope we gather a large library.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 603472-From $595,215 to $589,500.  A 13 year old Bay Front home in Slaughter Beach DE which has 3 BR, 2 BA, on .21 acre which boasts high end finishes, an open living are, a sunroom with a hot tub and is steps away from the Delaware Bay.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJune 17, 2013

Spotlight on Father’s Day

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Father’s Day is tomorrow, so take a minute to think of all the wonderful fathers that you know and call a couple to tell them how awesome they are!  If you’re in a bind because you didn’t plan ahead for Father’s Day, here a few quick ideas that can be pulled off at the last minute by heading into Rehoboth:

Breakfast on the Beach
Stop for an delicious egg sandwich or pastry at The Bake Shoppe (222 Rehoboth Ave.) and head down to the beach to enjoy breakfast with your favorite dad!

Father’s Day Fish
Take your favorite father to Fins Fish House and Raw Bar (243 Rehoboth Ave), Big Fish Grill (20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth), or another local seafood place for a delicious dinner.  Or, if your dad is the do-it-yourself type, take him fishing and grill up what you catch (assuming you catch some keepers, of course)!

A Soulful Celebration
Bring your favorite dad to the bandstand in Rehoboth for a “classic soul” style performance by popular D.C. based band, Jimi Smooth & Hittime.

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 Free Family Events This Summer

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If you’re looking for some free family fun this summer, check out these ongoing local events:

1.  Monday Night Movie On The Beach
Head into Dewey to the beach at Dagsworthy Street for free Monday night family movies.  Don’t forget the blanket, chairs and popcorn!  Movies begin at approximately 8:30pm and are weather dependent.  Movies begin on Monday, June 17th and run every Monday through the end of August.  For a full schedule, check out this link.

2.  Wednesday Night Bonfires on the Beach
Bring your family and the makings for some s’mores to the beach at Dagsworthy Street in Dewey every Wednesday night from 7:30pm-11pm beginning Wednesday, June 19th through the end of August.  Bonfires are weather dependent.

3.  Fenwick Flicks
Head into Fenwick Island to the beach at Farmington Street for free film screenings on Tuesday, June 18th (Mirror, Mirror), Wednesday July 17th (Madagascar 3), and Tuesday, August 13th (Oz, The Great and Powerful).  Movies will start at dusk.  Don’t forget your chairs and blankets!

4.  Cinema By The Canal
Head to Canalfront Park in Lewes for free film screenings on June 19th (Cirque Du Soliel: Worlds Away), July 10th (The Pirates! Band of Misfits), July 31st (Here Comes The Boom), and August 14th (The Odd Life of Timothy Green).  Movies begin at dusk.  Don’t forget your lawn chairs!

5.  Summer Concert Series at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Check out free summer concerts every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the end of August.  Concerts begin at 8pm.  For a complete schedule of bands, 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 – 302-856-6434.