August 2013 – Page 2 – Cooper Realty Associates

August 13, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Desiderius Erasmus: “Great abundance of riches cannot be gathered and kept by any man without sin.” (Fred) “Sin must be defined as altering whatever rules are in place on a political, moral, and common sense playing field.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #599725-$225,000 to $215,000. A Milford DE Rancher with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1712 sq. ft. on .47 acre that boasts a split floor plan and a large kitchen with island. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Home Prices Are Up

Home prices have appreciated just over 10% in the past twelve months, which is great news for current sellers! This is actually the first time home prices have appreciated into the double digits percentage wise in seven years. According to a report accounting for 80% of the US housing market, appreciation is expected to drop and stabilize at around 6.5% in the next twelve months. Because homes are still affordable and the economy and job market are stabilizing in many areas, prices will continue to rise through the summer before beginning to drop off in the fall and winter, so if you’re considering a move, now might just be the perfect time to put your home 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.

August 12, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Desiderius Erasmus: “In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” (Fred) “The blind leading the blind rarely finds the desired location, whether the blindness is physical or mental.”

Fred’s pick of the Day is MLS #587948-$162,500 to $149,000. A Seaford DE Rancher with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 2194 sq. ft. on .39 acre which boasts HW Flooring, a Rear Deck, an Irrigation System, and a Den/Office. Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Spotlight on Conch Island Key West Bar & Grill

Conch Island Key West Bar & Grill (207 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth serves a Key West inspired menu in a lively atmosphere worth checking out. With live music daily and happy hour every day from 4-7pm. Aside from happy hour specials the full key west inspired menu includes many delicious options. With fair prices and good selection of both food and drinks, Conch Island is definitely a good option for a great time.

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.

Spotlight On Betty’s Pure and Simple in Rehoboth Beach

Betty’s Pure and Simple (18585 Coastal Hwy) in Rehoboth Beach serves up home style American cuisine that is a tribute to grandmas, aunts, and Betty’s from all over! This restaurant is only open from 4:30-9pm seasonally, and stays open until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Both the selection, taste, and service are worth talking about. This is definitely one American restaurant worth checking out during the season.

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.

Five Tips For Hiring A Contractor

If you are considering hiring a contractor to do work in (or outside!) your home, consider the following tips:

1. Start with research. This includes asking friends and family for recommendations, as well as checking out more unusual avenues for recommendations like lumber yards, building contractors, and others in the business. After you have recommendations call around and ask some key questions and then meet face to face with several contractors before choosing one.

2. Investigate. When you have narrowed your list down, check with your local Better Business Bureau and/or consumer protection agency to see if there is any history of disputes. You can also ask for a list of recommendations when interviewing contractors and call to check them. You can even ask some if you see the work first hand.

3. Get bids. Get bids from several contractors and ask for a breakdown of material cost, labor cost, other expenses, and profit. Don’t less price guide you however, because those who throw out a low-ball bid are probably desperate which isn’t a good sign. Additionally, assess your comfort level with each contractor. In the end it may be worth it to pay a little bit more for someone you can communicate well with.

4. Set a payment schedule. A contractor that asks for a huge chunk of the cost up front may have financial problems or worry that you will not pay your balance once you see the work, so asking for a payment schedule up front is one way you can see about the contractor’s work ethic. Typically you should expect to pay about ten percent up front, the final 10-20 percent when the project is completed and the rest spaced out in payments (usually 2-4) over the course of the work.

5. Get it in writing. When you’ve decided on a contractor, get everything in writing, including the payment schedule, start date, projected completion date, list of materials and products to be used, proof of insurances, and anything else you need or discussed.

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.

August 9, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from: Democritus: “It is greed to do all the talking but not to listen at all.” (Fred) “There are some who will talk just to hear themselves talk and never engaging in the art of listening, these are greedy at best.”

Fred’s pick of the Day is MLS #605256-$259,799 to $252,900. A Lewes DE Contemporary Rancher with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1800 sq. ft. on .59 acre boasts a private back yard with Patio and a Sunroom. Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Three Tips For Avoiding Sellers Remorse

In many ways, it is easier to be a buyer than a seller in the real estate market. When you’re buying you are in control of the situation and can back out through contingencies if you need to. When you’re selling however, there really aren’t many options for you except to sit back and wait to see what happens. Here are three tips for avoiding seller’s remorse:

1. List Only When You Are Ready
This means having a clear plan for what you are going to do when your home sells, where are you are going to go, and the time frame you are looking at to make everything happen. This also means cleaning, decluttering, and fixing up anything that is necessary so that your home can go on the market clean, crisp and ready to show!

2. Have A Solid Pricing Strategy
Work with your agent to develop a pricing strategy that is both realistic and competitive. When your home enters the market priced correctly it should generate immediate interest. The last thing you want is to waste the precious (and generally most active) first two to four weeks on the market with no interest because you’ve priced yourself out of the market.

3. Be Ready To Negotiate
In many places, sellers are finally in control of negotiations for the first time in awhile and should take that into account when negotiating with buyers. Don’t discount lowball offers, rather be ready to negotiate with your agent’s help and see where it gets 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 – 302-644-2266.

Weekend Update: August 9th-11th

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

Friday, August 9^th-Saturday, August 10^th: Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival
This annual festival runs from 5pm-10pm on Friday night and 8am-8pm on Saturday. The event includes performances, presentations, vendors and more. The event takes place at the Seaford Sports Complex. This year’s festivities will include two new additions: mascot mania where kids will eat free breakfast and play games with Sherman the Shorebird and other area mascots, and the Car & Cycle Show on the grounds of the Governor Ross Mansion.

Saturday, August 10^th: 40^th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
More than 100 artists and artisans will be exhibiting work at this 40^th annual festival 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.

Saturday, August 10^th: The Sounds of Michael McDonald
Five time grammy winner Michael McDonald will be performing at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville. Tickets start at $35 and are assigned seating.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
On Friday night, Robert Eric will perform their Billy Joel tribute set. On Saturday, Oh Boy! will perform a tribute to rockabilly, and Sunday NOMaD (North of Mason Dixon) will perform their new country sound. All concerts are free and begin at 8pm.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we can help! Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

August 7, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Democritus: “The wrongdoer is more unfortunate than the man wronged.” (Fred) “This is only true if the wrongdoer has a moral compass and many times they don’t.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #603249-$75,000 to $73,900. A modified singlewide trailer in Ocean View DE has been reduced. The 2 BR, 1 BA mobil home on its own .26 acre wooded lot is a great get-away. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Mortgage Rates Are Rising

The average mortgage rate dropped to an all time low of 3.3% in 2012, and is now rising rapidly. In June, mortgage rates in the US averaged 4.35%, but for those interested in buying, even though mortgages are at the highest rate in two years, they are still a great deal. Economists estimate that these rates will keep rising along with the improvement in the economy, so if you’re looking to purchase or refinance, now’s is a great time to do so, before the window on low mortgage rates closes for good. Prices are rising in the housing market too, making this a great time for sellers for the first time in awhile.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, we can help! Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

August 6, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Desiderius Erasmus: “Concealed talent brings no reputation.” (Fred) “One, who does not use his God given talent, is one to be quickly forgotten.”

Fred’s pick of the Day is MLS #604054-$450,000 to $425,000. A boaters Paradise in Selbyville DE has been reduced. The 75’ x 131’ lot is bulk headed with a 75’ deep water dock on Roy Creek. The home and sheds are tear downs. Call me to see this property at 302 258-6983.

Stage Your Home To Sell

Staging your home is one of the best ways to help it sell. Staging is about creating a mood giving the illusion that your home is brighter, warmer, and sometimes even larger than it might otherwise seem. Done correctly, staging helps create an environment that makes potential buyers want to bite the bullet. Staging is the final stage in prepping your home for sale. It should follow de-cluttering, cleaning, painting, and making any necessary repairs. To dress a room you can use a variety of items. Some popular ones are mirrors, lamps, flowers and plants, area rugs, pillows, throw blankets, baskets, etc. Most stager recommend using sparse furniture and accenting to make the room’s purpose apparent. For example, in your kitchen you can rub orange oil into dry cabinets to revive them and make them shine and put out large bowls of bright, polished fruit such as apples and oranges. It helps your bathroom to add spa baskets with towels tied with ribbon, scented soaps and lotions, etc. Stagers also recommend that you stage your yard too. Add plants and flowers as necessary, and remember that potted plants work too. You can also dress any patio furniture that you have with a fun tablecloth or other bright solution.

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.

August 5, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Desiderius Erasmus: “A nail is driven out by another nail. Habit is overcome by habit.” (Fred) “Habits can be overcome, or altered by another habit; but choose wisely, overcoming more than one bad habit can become daunting.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #604676-$225,000 to $199,000. A Contemporary in Milton, DE (Short Sale) with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1580 sq. ft. on .83 acre boasts a split floor plan and a spacious galley kitchen with a breakfast bar. Call me at 302 258-6986 to see this home. www.fredsporch.com

Update Your Home For $500 or Less

If you’re trying to sell your house you can do a lot to increase the value without spending a lot of money. Here are five ways that can cost less than $500.

1. Paint
I will never get tired of saying it. Paint your house if you want to increase its value! Not only do neutral colors make your home seem more desirable to the majority of people, but freshly painted rooms also look clean and updated… a strong selling point!

2. Clean
Even if you clean your house regularly, there are most likely spots you overlook or can’t get to. If you hire a cleaning service to come and do the dirty work then your house will be able sparkle from top to bottom and make the best possible first impression to potential home buyers.

3. Go Green
Replacing loud, broken, or simply outdated light figures or ceiling fans with new, energy efficient fixtures will increase your bottom-line without costing too much.

4. Scrape off the popcorn
If your home has popcorn ceilings, dedicate a weekend to bringing it into the 21^st century by scraping the popcorn away. Getting rid of this dated look will instantly update the value of your home.

5. Update the Bathroom
Even if you can’t afford an entire remodel, spending a little bit of cash on a face lift will increase your bottom line. Things like replacing old wallpaper, a fresh coat of paint, new light fixtures, and new faucet & hardware can make the room seem brand new!

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

August 3, 2013

Today I want to talk about an innovative business for the Vacation Crowd at the Delaware Beach. I ran across this new company that takes a lot of stress out of that week at the beach. Their name is “Sheets at the Beach”.

This company will rent you high quality sheets, towels, Beach Canopy, Beach Chairs, Beach Blankets, Aerobeds, Cribs, Strollers, and many other products. Now you don’t have to pack all this stuff or if you are flying in, it is a whole lot less to bring. Check out their website: http://sheetsatthebeach.com/

Have a great vacation this Summer!

Fred

August 2, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Mark Twain: “The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.” (Fred) “Today, special interest groups are hell bent on changing the definition of established words that just confuses the public.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 603398-$499,000 to $475,000. A secluded villa in Millsboro DE with 4 BR, 3.5 BA, in 3302 sq. ft. which boasts 2 master suites, 2 side porches and is in a golf community. Please call me to see this gem at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Find Space In Your Bathroom!

If your bathroom is seriously lacking in storage, consider these options:

A true space saver: Hang a decorative hook next to the sink, fill a beautiful bucket with your toiletries and then hang the bucket from the hook. Voila! Instant storage, and since you can get creative with the finishes of both the hook and the bucket there are a million different options for how this can look!

Pretend you’re in a hotel: Install a towel rack above the tub, over the toilet, or next to the sink – wherever you need to keep towels handy. Be sure the rack includes both shelves and hooks for maximum storage.

Hang shelves: Most people severely underutilize the wall space in their bathrooms. Make the most of yours by hanging shelves to open up many more storage options! Narrow shelves along a wall or the perimeter will add architectural interest as well as offer storage. Hanging shelves on a narrow or oddly shaped wall can offer an instant “closet” without any of the remodeling effort or cost! A small shelf directly above the sink will add the perfect place to stow away often used toiletries. There are many other ways to utilize shelving in your bathroom as well, so be creative!

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