Month: September 2013

3 Bathroom Storage Solutions You Can Do Yourself

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Everyone needs more storage in their bathroom.  Take advantage of these handy, do-it-yourself ideas to create more in yours:

1.  Hidden Toothbrush Holder.  Cut notches in your medicine cabinet shelf for storing toothbrushes and they will be kept vertical and out of the way.

2.  Install a Glass Shelf.  Installing a shelf in the shower is a great way to get the clutter of bottles, etc. under control.  There are many options, but a tempered safety glass shelf won’t break up the visual line of the shower either, keeping things crisp, clean, and clutter free.

3.  Corral Cords.  Installing PVC piping on the inside of your vanity door to store curling irons and their cords – you need 5” lengths of 2” diameter piping for the curling irons and 3” pieces of 1 ½” diameter piping fo the cords.

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: September 13th-15th

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

All Weekend: Polkamotion By The Ocean
The 34th annual polka festival, Polkamotion By The Ocean will be held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (229 Rehoboth Ave) in Rehoboth this weekend.  There will be live music Thursday, 9/12 from 6pm-midnight.  The theme for the evening’s dress will be “Beachcomber.”  On Friday, 9/13 music will run from 4pm-1am and the theme will be “Friday the 13th Mardis Gras.”  On Saturday, 9/14 music will run from 4pm-1am and on Sunday, 9/15 events run from 11am-6pm.  The kitchen will be open during all events.  Tickets are sold by the day and range in price from $10-$17 depending on your age and the day.  Children under the age of 16 are always free.  For more information, including a full schedule, check out this link: http://www.rbpolka.com

Saturday, September 14th: Woodland Ferry Festival
Head to the Village of Woodland, near Seaford for the Woodland Ferry Festival.  Enjoy good food, free ferry rides across the Nanticoke River, vendors, games, music, and more.  The festival runs from 8am-4pm.

Saturday, September 14th: Town-Wide Yard Sale
The town of Milton will host their annual fall town-wide yard sale from 9am-12pm on Saturday.

Saturday, September 14th: Arts By The Sea Party
Head to the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive) in Selbyville for the Arts & Jazz Festival from 10am-6pm on Saturday.  Many jazz artists will share the stage, and some of Delmarva’s finest artists will display their work.  This event is free for all.  Don’t forget a lawn chair!

Sunday, September 15th: Lewes Dragon Boat Festival
The Lewes Dragonboat Festival will be held at Lewes Canalfront Park this weekend from 11am-4pm.  The day will include food, fun for the whole family, and of course, dragonboat races.  For more information, check out this link: http://lewesdragonboat.com

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.

September 12, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Diogenes:  “Man is the most intelligent of the animals-and the most silly.”  (Fred)  “Have you ever heard a goat tell a joke?”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604350.  An in-country modern Rancher is now available, situated in Lincoln DE, which is in the Milford, Georgetown, Lewes Triangle.  The home has 3 very large bedrooms and all have walk-in closets, 2 large baths, a large Living Room and a really nice sized Kitchen/Dinning area.  A laundry area and two car garage complete this home.  The extras are a good sized rear deck and storage shed plus a 1.11 acre lot.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comTrimble House Front 2

Back To School Storage Solutions

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If you or someone you know has gone off to college recently, chances are you’ve noticed that storage space is at a premium in college dorms and apartments.  Luckily, there are a few great storage ideas that can help any student make the most of their space.

  • Combine storage & seating.  Find items that do double duty such as a bench with storage inside or underneath.
  • Use everyday items for décor.  For example, hang a couple of hooks on the wall and attach a basic chain at both ends and then hang your jewelry for instant storage and décor for just a few dollars or hang some painted crown molding to display heels from. 
  • Make it mobile.  Add wheels to a bookshelf or bench and then place it in front of your closet door.  Added storage in an instant and you can just wheel it out of the way when you need access to your clothes!
  • Charging station.  Although it will take up space, creating a charging station will keep you and your space more organized, giving the feel of actually having more space.
  • Shoe rack.  If your space has a common area, create a shoe rack for everyone to keep the place cleaner and free up some valuable closet space.
  • Use old drawers.  If you can find some old drawers, painting and lining them and stacking them vertically will give a homey feel and much needed storage space in a small area.  Or, if you can find beautiful old drawers or baskets, filling them with the items that remain in plain sight (like lotions, toothpaste, etc.) will just make everything look nicer as well as be easy to move around if necessary.

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.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

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If you’re looking to buy a home there are some common mistakes that you should avoid at all costs.  The first is passing up homes that can be easily fixed.  If a home is in your desired location keep in mind that cosmetic issues can often be easily fixed for a relatively small amount of money.  Of course, a home that needs an entire new kitchen might not be worth your time and money, but a home that just needs a facelift, a coat of paint, or new carpeting can be well worth your time and money.  Another thing to consider is the total cost of homeownership.  Many homeowners forget to factor in the cost of home maintenance which is, on average, 1 to 3 percent of the full purchase price of the home, annually.  When you are buying a home, a good realtor can lead you away from the most common mistakes and more, so the best protection is a realtor you can trust!

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 the Beijing Buffet in Rehoboth

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The Beijing Buffet (18908 Rehoboth Mall Blvd) in Rehoboth has been recognized by Delaware Today as one of the top all-you-can eat restaurants fin Sussex County.  Serving all the classics that Chinese buffets are known for, this restaurant also offers some classic American fare, sushi rolls, and more.  Great for family dining, a quick meal, and those on a budget, Beijing Buffet is worth the stop if you’re looking for Chinese food, a buffet, or both.

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.

3 Kitchen Trends To Avoid

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If you are redoing your kitchen, or even just thinking about it, you may be tempted to update this popular room with some of the current trends.  Some trends, however, should be avoided so that your kitchen will age well and not be outdated in just a year or two.  Here are five current trends to avoid in order to add years to the life of your kitchen:

1.  Farmhouse Sinks.  These popular sinks are beautiful and all over design shows and floor rooms, but these trendy sinks may be outdated in just a few years.  For a sink that will stand the test of time go for something deep and stainless.

2.  Colorful Appliances.  White appliances are trending right now, but stainless is what will last forever.  Because stainless goes with every décor from country to contemporary to traditional, it’s really the best bet for anyone.

3.  Decorative Range Hoods.  Although still trendy, range hoods as a kitchen focal point is waning in popularity.  Avoid it to help your kitchen stand the test of 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.

September 6, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Diogenes:  “Dogs and philosophers do the greatest good and get the fewest rewards.”  (Fred)  “Dogs yes, philosopher’s maybe.”

Fred’s pick of the Day is MLS #604913-From $295,000 to $379,900.  A new Broadkill Beach home in Milton, DE has 3 BR, 2 BA and boasts 2 decks and a screened porch off the master BR with Delaware Bay Views.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comSeptember 6, 2013

Weekend Update: September 6th-8th

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

Friday, September 6th: History Happy Hour
This week’s history happy hour will feature Jim Bertholet presenting “The Life and Work of a Surfman in the US Life Saving Service 1870s-1915.”  This talk will take place at the Lewes Life Saving Station at the canal and Front Street.  All talks begin at 4pm.

Saturday, September 7th: 8th Annual Chocolate Tasting in the Park
The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park sponsor this annual event at the Biden Center in Cape Henlopen State Park.  The event featuring all homemade chocolate runs from 1pm-4pm.  Admission is $5 and gets you 6 tastings.  For more information call 302-858-6127.

Saturday, September 7th; Chicken Plunge & Beach Party
The chicken plunge and beach party is a fun, family event.  It runs from 11am-2pm and cost is $10 per adult and $5 per child.  The beach party is held on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk at Grenoble Place.

Saturday, September 7th: 13 Annual Riverwalk Freedom Festival
Head to downtown Milford for the 13th Annual Riverwalk Festival on Saturday for all day events including a burger eating contest, downtown scavenger hunt, cornhole tournament, children’s activities, and more.  For more information, check out this link.

Saturday, September 7th: 35th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival
The town of Bethany Beach will hold their annual arts festival downtown from 10am-5pm on Saturday.  The event includes over 100 fine artists featuring paintings, wood work, metal work, pottery, baskets, jewelry and more.  This year will also include sections for farmers market goods, wine tasting and a children’s corner.

Saturday, September 7th-Sunday, September 8th: Nanticoke Indian Powwow
The 36th annual Nanticoke Indian Powow will include American Indian drummers and singers, Native American foods, Authentic Indian Arts and Crafts and more.  Over 40 tribes from across the USA will be present.  This event runs from 10am Saturday through 5pm on Sunday.  Cost is $10 per vehicle for parking and entry.  For more information call 302-945-7022.  Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!

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.

What’s The Big Deal About Home Warranties?

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A home warranty can be a good investment or a complete waste of money.  Whether or not a home warranty is right for you completely depends on your situation.  There are many different companies that offer home warranties and they all offer different services for different prices, but in general a home warranty costs $300-$500 a year and will cover the cost of repairing or replacing almost any malfunctioning appliance or system in your home.  With a home warranty, when something in your home, like a dishwasher, oven, water heater, etc. breaks you call the home warranty company and they contact the repair company that the contract with and send someone out to fix the problem.  The home warranty would cover the costs, minus a small co-pay.  You can purchase a home warranty at any time that you own a home, but it is a particularly great incentive to offer if you are putting your home on the market.  For usually less than $500 you can offer a year’s worth of peace of mind to potential buyers, which can go a long way to helping your home show well and even 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.

September 4, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Desiderius Erasmus:  “Prevention is better than the cure.”  (Fred)  “Great advice, all too often not followed.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #600815-$229,900 to $218,900.  A Millsboro DE rancher with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1900 sq. ft. on .16 acres that boasts an open floor plan with an entry foyer and a community pool and clubhouse.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comSeptember 4, 2013

September 3, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Epictetus:  “All religions must be tolerated…for everyman must get to heaven in his own way.”  (Fred)  “Which road we take must be left to us.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #604025-From $5,250,000 to $4,750,000.  The “Mon Plaisir” is available for the first time in 63 Years.  This 1928 Colonial has 8 BR, 4.5 BA in 5000 sq. ft. on .34 acres.  This home has been carefully updated to retain the original character.  Call me to see this End of Season Special at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comSeptember 3, 2013

Housing Numbers To Consider

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When you are looking for house, whether it is to rent or to buy, there is always math to consider.  The first number that is important regardless of whether you’re going to rent or buy your credit score is vastly important.  If you have stellar credit, such as a score over 740, use it to your advantage to negotiate a better rate for yourself.  Mortgage rates are another important number if you’re looking to buy a home.  For every one percent that a mortgage rate increases, a home becomes twelve percent more expensive for buyers, so locking in the lowest possible interest rate you can is in your definite best interest as a buyer.  Finally, if you’re thinking of buying consider the total cost of home ownership which includes your mortgage, insurance and taxes.  The best rule of thumb is not to let the total cost of home ownership exceed twenty-five percent of your monthly income.  A good realtor can help you crunch these numbers and find the best fit for your family.

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.