August 2013 – Cooper Realty Associates

Spotlight on The Back Porch Café in Rehoboth Beach

The Back Porch Café (59 Rehoboth Ave.) is a Rehoboth Beach classic set in a beautiful Victorian house. With both indoor and outdoor dining options, it is the perfect time of year to enjoy a meal here. The restaurant is open seasonally and currently celebrating its 39^th season. Currently serving lunch daily from 11am-3pm, dinner daily from 6pm-10pm and brunch from 11am-3pm on Sundays only, they will only be open on weekend in October before closing up shop and reopening in May. In addition to the full menu, they also offer a prix-fixe dinner on Thursdays and wine tasking on Mondays as well. If you’ve never tried this local favorite, as the season dies down it is the perfect time!

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

Why You Should Take Lowball Offers Seriously

If you’re selling a home you should be prepared to deal with lowball offers even though you might find them annoying at best and offensive at worst. However, it would behoove you, as a seller, to take all offers seriously – even the lowball ones. For one thing, if a buyer liked the home enough to make an offer, even a lowball one, they are now emotionally invested in the property. As a seller, you can come back with a counter offer at or close to your asking price. At that point the potential buyers will either walk away, if they weren’t serious in the first place and you haven’t lost anything. Otherwise they will come back with a more realistic offer and you can negotiate from there. Through good negotiation a lowball offer can become your best option for selling. Remember that for every month your home stays on the market it is costing you money, so selling for a little less than you’re hoping for might actually bring you the most money in the long run, so it is in your best interest as a seller to take every offer that comes across your plate seriously.

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.

August 30, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Emile Zola: “If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.” (Fred) “Make your mark!”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604367-From $599,900 to $579,000. A Beach Home (4 blocks from the Ocean) in Bethany Beach DE has 3 BR, 3 BA, in 2400 sq. ft. that boasts Bamboo Floors, Kitchen with Corian and SS, multiple decks and a garage. Call me to see this Beach Getaway at 302 258-6983. www.fredspporch.com

Weekend Update: August 30th-September 1st

It’s Labor Day weekend, if you’re looking for something different to do this weekend, check out these local events!

Thursday, August 29^th: First State Ballet Theatre
The First State Ballet Theatre will perform classic and contemporary ballet highlights at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville beginning at 7pm on Thursday night. The show is free for all, just don’t forget lawn chairs!

Friday, August 30^th: History Happy Hour
This week’s History Happy Hour will focus on “Lewes and the Revolutionary War.” The presentation begins at 4pm and will take place at the Hotel Rodney (142 Second Street) in historic Lewes. History Happy Hours include a 20-30 minute lecture followed by a question and answer period, a glass of wine from Rose & Crown is served as well.

Saturday, August 31^st: Juggling 101
Cascading Carlos will be coming to the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) to teach a free juggling class to all ages. Through his show, which is primarily juggling, but also includes illusions and clowning around he teaches self-esteem, confidence, and focus in addition to juggling! The show begins at 10am. The show and lesson are free, but don’t forget a blanket or chair!

Friday, August 30^th-Saturday, August 31^st: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Friday The Bullbuckers will perform their soul/ska/island set described as the sounds of the islands in the 60s. And the Rehoboth Bandstand season will finish on Saturday with the rock/pop cover band She Said Sunday performing all your favorites from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today! Both shows begin at 8pm and are free. These will be the final shows of the 2013 Bandstand Season.

Thinking about 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.

August 28, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Edward Blake: “I may err in judgment, but I hope not in intention.” (Fred) “Many a disaster started with good intensions.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #601158-From $64,500 to $57,500. A 4 unit home in Seaford, DE destined for the investor. All demolition work has been done and is ready to finish. The units have separate electric. This property is sold AS-IS. Call me to see the potential at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Why You Might Want to Wait

With mortgage rates rising, home prices bouncing back, and the housing market showing signs of recovery you might be anxious to jump in and buy a home now, while the getting is still good. But, just because it’s a good time to buy a home in general does not mean it is a good time for you to buy a home. Before jumping in, consider whether or not making this huge purchase now is truly in your best interest. One reason you may want to hold off is because inventory is tight in many markets which means that you may not find the right home for you. Buying a home that doesn’t suit your needs now will just leave you looking to sell and buy again in a few years. Holding off until you can find what you actually need is a better financial decision in the long-run.

Real estate is intended to be a long term investment so whether or not you get in at the “right” time isn’t the most important thing to focus on. Making the right choice for your family is more than just buying when the math seems best, it is choosing the best home for your family and buying when the time is right for you.

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.

August 27, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Edgar Quinet: “Time is the fairest and toughest judge.” (Fred) “Revisionist history is really a biased judge.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #602401-From $439,000 to $295,000. A large ranch home in Seaford, DE has 3 BR 2.5 BA in 2413 sq. ft. on 2.33 acres. This home features vaulted ceilings, French Doors, a Formal Dining Room, a massive kitchen, and a 3 Bay 40’ x 60’ Pole building with heat and a kitchen. Please call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

How To Get A Good Deal On A Home

If you’re looking for a great “deal” on a home it can be possible to find one if you know where to look. These deals are not as easy to find as they once were, but if you’re willing to do the work, they can be found. Your best bet is to start by looking for homes that are overpriced, leaving them on the market for a lengthy period of time playing “catch up” while other similar homes in the right price range are “flying off the shelves,” so to speak.

Another, possibly easier way to find a good deal is to search out homes that don’t show well. For example, homes that are cluttered, cosmetically outdated, or smell like smoke or animals can sit for months on the market. If you’re willing to put a few weeks of work and can afford to put some money into the home, you can get a great deal and a good deal of equity in your home from the get-go.

If you see homes that sit on the market and become “stale listings” as opportunities rather than problems, you can walk away with the deal you are looking for.

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.

Spotlight on Purple Parrot Grill in Rehoboth Beach

The Purple Parrot Grill (134 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth Beach serves Caribbean classics in a relaxed, back porch setting. Open for the season for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Purple Parrot also offers Karaoke every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm til close and a popular Drag Show every Sunday night at 10pm. Happy hour is from 3pm-6pm Monday through Friday and features half off appetizers and special drink prices at the bar, and different specials are offered daily including a New England lobster bake on Thursdays and Snow Crab Legs and Steamed Shrimp on Tuesdays. Purple Parrot also serves brunch from 9am-1pm on Sundays. If you enjoy a colorful and relaxed atmosphere that reminds you of being in the Caribbean definitely stop by Purple Parrot.

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

Spotlight on Cultured Pearl in Rehoboth Beach

The Cultured Pearl (301 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth serves up the best of both Japanese and American classics for dinner starting at 3:30pm 7 days a week throughout the year. The sushi has been voted part of the traditional “Delaware’s Best” list, the rooftop bar is amazing, and the menu is full of wonderful fine dining choices. If you’re looking for a place to dine with your family, the family dining room allows children to be themselves while parents enjoy a fine meal at the beach. They also have a separate room great for private events, a stage where they showcase great local entertainment, and more. If you love sushi, other Japanese food, or just a lovely restaurant environment the Cultured Pearl is definitely a worthwhile stop.

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: August 24th-25th

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

Saturday, August 24^th: Bargains on the Broadkill
The annual summer festival in Milton features 40+ vendors including arts, crafts, jewelry, good, entertainment and more. The Great Duck Race will award 25 cash prizes, including the top prize of $500. The annual Broadkill 10 Mile Canoe and Kayak Race will take place on the same day. Events begin at 9am and take place in Milton Memorial Park at Chandler Street in Milton.

Saturday, August 24^th: Dusquesne University Tamburitzans
The longest-running multicultural song and dance company in the US is performing at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville on Saturday night beginning at 7pm. This two hour journey of color, sound and movement captures the culture and spirit of Eastern Europe and surrounding cultures through music, song, and dance. The performance begins at 7pm and is free for all, just bring a lawn chair or blanket!

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Banstand
The Sons of Pirates will perform their long running “yacht rock” set – where they say “every show is like a party at the beach” on Saturday and the Moonshine Society will perform their popular blues show on Sunday. 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.

3 Easy Storage Solutions

Consider these professional storage tips to declutter your home:

1. Sliding drawers. Add shelves on rollers to any deep, difficult to access storage space, such as a linen closet.

2. Divide and declutter. Set up busy drawers like nightstand drawers and junk drawers with compartments to keep things organized.

3. Mobile office. To help tame clutter keep your office mobile. A cart with wheels allows you to move about and work wherever you want, but it also limits the amount of clutter you can stow, keeping you organized and clutter-free.

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.

Weekend Projects To Change The Feel Of Your Home

Looking for a quick pick-me-up for your home? Try these projects, which shouldn’t take more than a day or two to complete!

1. Add Molding: Any room can be improved with the finishing touch of crown molding, and you can match the style of molding not only with your own personal taste but also with the architectural style of your home – it’s win, win!

2. Change Up Your Interior Doors: Your interior doors are often overlooked as necessary, but they don’t necessarily have to be boring to be useful. Considering replacing interior doors with more unique or stylish counterparts.

3. Put Your Lights on Dimmers: Adding dimmer switches to your light fixtures is one of the quickest, easiest, and least expensive ways to add ambiance to any room.

4. Install a Ceiling Fan: Installing a ceiling fan is a relatively inexpensive way to cut down on your cooling costs and shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.

5. Style Your Staircase: By adding some distinctive rails, architectural embellishments, or even a coat of paint you can give your staircase a whole new look. The best part of this project is that you can get as creative as you’d like!

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.

Tips for Buying, Selling, and Moving

Often times when people buy a home they are simultaneously trying to sell their previous one. If this describes your situation there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.

First of all, discuss your emotional expectations. You can expect to be stressed, busy, worried about finances or timing or both, and generally just really stressed! Buying and selling a home are both stressful experiences. Discuss these expectations with your spouse or significant other if they are involved in the home buying/selling process and protect yourself and your relationships from suffering from what I like to call “stress bombs.”

Secondly, discuss your practical expectations. Meet with your agent early and discuss your home’s worth, comparables, and tips for staging your home for showing as well as your wish list and expectations for your new home. The earlier you meet with your agent the more prepared you (and he or she) can be, and preparation can only be a good thing!

You also need to do the math. After discussing everything with your realtor you need to get a good handle on your finances so that you can move forward. Meeting with a mortgage broker or a lender to get preapproved also helps.

Finally, make a plan. Are you going to buy and sell with contingencies in place so that you can move from one place to another? Are you going to sell, move into temporary housing, and then purchase? Are you going to buy first and rent your home out in the short term and put it on the market later? These are all valid options, and you are the only one who can make that decision. Thinking everything through before making your first move can only be beneficial to you, so I encourage you to do so!

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.

Five Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Home

If you’re putting your home up for sale, avoid these common seller mistakes:

1. Overpricing. If you truly think your agent’s price is too low, get a second or third opinion, but an agent that lets you list at the price you want even though every other agent suggested a lower price will end up costing you money in the long run because a home that is overpriced will sit on the market and often become stale. On the other hand, a home that is priced right will generate a lot of interest and attention initially, and may even generate a higher price due to multiple offers.

2. Bad Quality Photos. Most home buyers start their search online and many are using mobile apps these days, so make sure that you list photos with your home and make sure those photos are high quality.

3. Not Prepping Enough. Prepping your home for sale should start before your listing becomes active. Declutter, clean and make repairs before you even list your home, so that it sparkles in the photos on your listing as well as in person. Waiting until you have a showing or an open house scheduled is shooting yourself in the foot!

4. Hiring A Friend Instead of An Agent. Don’t trust just anybody to sell your home or choose the person that offers you the highest list price or lowest commission price. You need to find someone who has an active plan for finding qualified buyers, is committed to negotiating on your behalf, and has a plan of attack for the crucial first two weeks that your home is on the market.

5. Not Considering All Offers. Normally homes get a lot of attention in the first few weeks they are listed. By holding out for a better offer or second guessing yourself you can hurt you in the end if you end up rejecting early offers and your home sits on the market and begins being rejected sight unseen by buyers who are leery of stale listings. Remember this, every month that your home stays on the market costs you in mortgage and utility bills, so settling on a price that is a little bit lower than you’d like may save you money in the long run.

Thinking about 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 Options For Staging Your Home

If you’re looking to sell your home, staging is an option that I recommend and have talked about several times before. If you like the idea, but can’t do a full staging, here are some options for you to consider:

1. Have a consultation. A one time consultation with a professional stager or designer is an investment that can be worth it! They will give you advice and options about what needs to be done and feedback about how to best prepare for sale. They can even recommend paint colors, carpet types, design suggestions and more. And many designers charge by the hour, so you can get a lot of advice for just a small investment.

2. Partial staging. This is when a stager or designers comes in and stages just a few key rooms to show off their best features. For example, if you’ve been using one of your home’s bedrooms as an office, a stager can help you show it as a bedroom or an office. Or if your furniture is old and outdated a stager can bring in a few key pieces to bring life to an otherwise dull living room, bedroom, or den.

3. Fluff staging. Fluff staging involves rearranging furniture, choosing pieces to move into storage, and rethinking pieces in rooms to give your home a cohesive and uncluttered feel. This is a great option for many people because you use all of your own pieces and just rearrange them in a way to suit the house for being on 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: August 16th-18th

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these local events:

Thursday, August 15^th: Local History Tours on the Jolly Trolley
The Rehoboth Beach Museum and the Jolly Trolley offer local history tours of downtown Rehoboth. The cost is $10 and tours start at 9am at the Anna Hazzard House at 17 Christian Street in Rehoboth Beach. You must reserve a spot in advance, which can be done by calling 302-227-7310.

Friday, August 16^th: Cherish the Ladies
This all-women traditional Irish band combines classic Irish song features with spectacular step dancing and traditions of Irish culture. They will perform their entertaining and humorous show at the Freeman Stage at Bayside at 7pm. Tickets are $15 per person. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!

Saturday, August 17^th: 40^th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
This annual festival continues this weekend with more than 100 artists and artisans exhibiting work in Rehoboth. Refreshments, music, entertainment, and children’s activities will be provided. The show runs from 10am-4pm at the Rehoboth Art League Campus (12 Dodds Lane) in Rehoboth Beach.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The US Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will kick things off on Friday, August 16^th. Another Level will perform their soul/Motown/R&B set on Saturday, August 17^th and Jamie McLean will perform his New Country set on Sunday, August 18^th. All concerts are free and begin at 8pm.

Thinking about 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.

August 14, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Desiderius Erasmus: “It is an unscrupulous intellect that does not pay to antiquity its due reverence.” (Fred) “History should not be ignored, that has been tried on numerous occasions.”

Fed’s Pick of the day is MLS #595960-$244,900 to $239,900. A Bridgeville DE Rancher with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1635 sq. ft., on .75 acre that boasts a rear deck, and a concrete pad for your RV or Boat, vaulted ceiling and a large Breakfast Room. Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Light Your Room Right

When designing rooms professionals often rely on a simple math formula to help them determine how much light is needed. Start by finding the square footage of your room (length multiplied by width) then multiply the square footage by 1.5 to determine the recommended wattage for lighting the room. For example, a room that is 10×10 is 100 square feet. 100 multiplied by 1.5 is 150, so to light the room properly 150 watts are necessary. This wattage covers the entire room, so when considering lighting (especially for rooms larger than 100 square feet!) don’t forget that lighting comes in several varieties. There’s general overhead lighting, task lighting, accent lighting and ambient lighting. And of course, remember that this formula is just a guideline to help you. You don’t have to stress about finding fixtures that add up to the exact wattage your calculation suggests, it just helps get you in the right ballpark so that you can adjust for personal taste while still maintaining a correct range.

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.