November 2013 – Page 2 – Cooper Realty Associates

Things You Should Always Ask Your Agent

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are five questions you should always ask your agent:

1. Do you know a great _____________________.
Fill in the blank here with your desired expert. Your agent should be able to refer you to a good mortgage broker and inspector for sure, but also painters, plumbers, electricians, structural engineers, and any other expert you may need or desire to work with during the home buying process. Your agent should be a local expert, who will be able to guide you to other local professionals that can get the job done well. In addition, professionals who often get referrals from your agent will usually treat you better than someone you found on your own because they want to continue getting business referrals from your agent!

2. What should I expect?/What happens next?
These are questions you should ask continually throughout the home buying process, starting with your very first interview with your agent. Your agent should be able to help you manage your expectations and guide you from the very beginning of the process until you’ve officially closed and have the keys in your hand!

3. What are the possibilities here?
Again, you will probably ask this question more than once during your home buying process! There’s really never a bad time to ask this questions, but particularly good examples would be when you are looking at a home that has a bonus room, unfinished basement, etc. Your agent should have seen enough home to know what kind of realistic suggestions can be offered for the space. Another great example would be in your home inspection turns up issues. Asking your agent what the possibilities are opens up the opportunity for you to discuss requesting repairs, lowering your offer, etc. with an expert who can walk you through it. My final example would be when it comes time to make an offer, asking about the possibilities gives your agent a chance to walk you through the various contract terms that you may or may not have thought of left to your own devices. With these examples in mind, I’m sure you can come up with plenty of your own examples when asking this question would be perfect, so use it liberally throughout your home buying process!

4. What do I need to know about this area?
When it comes to home buying each area is very different. Again, your agent should be a local expert, so they should be able to guide you and help you with the ins and outs of the local you are considering.

5. What else should I ask?/What else do I need to know?
This question relies on your agent to be your expert (which, they definitely should be!) and allows them the chance to share with you their extensive knowledge without relying on you to ask every single question. Remember, your agent has gone through the buying process way more times than you have, so even if you are the type to ask a million questions, be sure to throw this one in there as well, because your agent definitely has expertise that you can and should rely on!

If you’re looking for an agent who can answer all of these questions and more, call us at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

November 15, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Buddha: “Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.” (Fred) “Find what you are good at: then pursue it with all you have-success is not found it is made.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #605045-From $768,000 to $735,000. A Coastal Style house in Bethany Beach, DE has 4 BR, 4 BA, in 2359 sq. ft. on .17 acre is now available. The home has canal frontage and is close to the Beach. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Quick Ways To Become More Colorful

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.

November 13, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Calvin Coolidge: “Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery.” (Fred) “Today, spending more than you collect is legally robbing your grandchildren.”

Fred’s pick if the day is MLS #596113-From$359,000 to $349,000. A cabin in Rehoboth Beach DE with 1 BR, 1 BA on a 49’x92’ lot is available. The home has a fenced rear yard. Call 983 to see this home @ 302 258-6986. www.fredsporch.com

November 12, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Buddha: Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” (Fred) “I read it in the paper, I saw it on the Internet, I heard it on the radio, my friend told me; make sure you take Buddha’s advice!”

Today’s pick of the day is MLS #606757-From $339,000 to $322,050. This Cape Cod in Milton, DE that boasts 4BR, 2.5 BA, in 3100 sq. ft. on 1.75 acres is available. This is a SHORT SALE and is sold AS IS. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Go Green To Save Green

Aside from your mortgage, utility costs generally account for the largest portion of the monthly bills you pay thanks to your home. However, there are several things you can do to lessen the blow a bit. The first is to take advantage of energy-efficient light bulbs. Yes, they cost a bit more up front, but you can save a significant amount of money over the course of a year by replacing just one incandescent bulb, so imagine how much you can save if you swap out all of your bulbs! Additionally, if any of your faucets, pipes, or toilets are leaking, fix it and save yourself a bundle. Often times these types of leaks are an easy fix such as swapping out a washer, replacing a flapper, or tightening a valve. Sometimes they require more extensive work, but even then it is best to do the work, even if you have to call in a professional for help. Changing out your shower heads for low-flow counterparts can help save water too. Changing and/or cleaning your furnace filters will also save energy in your home. Lastly, don’t forget to be sure all of your doors and windows are well-sealed and your home is well-insulated.

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.

Thank You Veterans!

Everyone here at Cooper Realty Associates would like to take a moment to thank all of the men and women who have served our country and are currently serving in the military right now. Most members of our armed services make great sacrifices to serve our country, and so do their families. If you are interested in truly thanking our nation’s veterans, here are two articles that offer some excellent suggestions. The first article “9 Ways To Say Thank You” can be found here. The second, “6 Ways To Thank Veterans Every Day” can be found here. Now, go thank a veteran!

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.

November 11, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Fred: “Today we must remember those who fought for our way of life, however, some of them would not recognize the changes made in the last 50 years.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #608179-From $269,000 to $259,000. A lovely Cape Cod in Seaford, DE has 3 BR, 2.5 BA, in 2900 sq. ft. on .86 acre. An entrance foyer leads to a great Room/kitchen combo with a view to the landscaped rear yard. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Down Payment Advice

It’s always best to put 20% (or more) down on a mortgage when you are buying a home. The main reason for this is so that you can avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments. PMI costs you a percentage of your mortgage depending on how close your down payment was to 20%. At first glance it might not sound like much, but over the course of a year PMI could cost you between $500-1500 or more depending on the sale price of your home and how much you put down. In addition to saving on PMI, putting 20% down can help you negotiate better loan terms and rates. Without putting a sizable down payment into your mortgage you will not be building equity in your home for a long time. If you can’t save 20%, saving as much as possible is definitely the best route.

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.

November 8, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Buddha: “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” (Fred) “Anger is an instantaneous reaction most times caused by misunderstood motives, count to ten.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 606355-From $548,000 to $538,000. A Gorgeous Brick Colonial in Rehoboth Beach, DE that has 4 BR, 2.5 BA in 3300 sq. ft. on .28 acres. The home has 2 FP, HW Floors, Granite/SS Kitchen and a private fenced yard. Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6893. www.fredsporch.com

3 Great Projects To Tackle Now

With the holidays just around the corner and the weather beginning to chill, November is a grea time to do these projects around the house:

1. Add insulation. To keep your home comfortable and energy costs down the most important place you can insulate is your attic, and specifically your attic floor. The basic purpose of insulation is to keep heat from escaping, and to do that there are certain guidelines that you can follow. With a little research and a little work you can stay warm and save a bundle too!

2. Seal drafts. Even a tiny draft can ruin the benefit of good insulation. Seal gaps around electrical outlets, ducts, windows and doors with foam sealant. If you live in an older home or have old windows in your home you may even want to consider covering them with a layer of plastic for the winter. It’s not the prettiest solution, but it will lower your energy costs, perhaps even significantly.

3. Inspect your ductwork. This is the perfect time of year to have your ductwork inspected for leaks and other issues. Repairing faulty ductwork not only helps your energy efficiency, but it also extends the life of your furnace. An expert can also recommend other ways to improve your energy efficiency and save money on your heating costs, so it’s not a bad idea to have one come 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.

Weekend Update: November 8th-10th

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

Friday, Nov. 8^th-Saturday, Nov. 9^th: Del Tech 30^th Annual Craft Fair
Delaware Technical Community College presents their 30^th Annual Craft Fair this weekend. It will run Friday from 3pm-7pm and Saturday from 9am-3pm. Admission is free and there will be door prizes and refreshments available. Vendors this year include floral arrangements, woodwork, ceramics, needlework, jewelry, glass art, clothing and more. The fair takes place on Del Tech’s campus.

Friday, Nov. 8^th: Lewes Lunch and Learn
This edition of the Lewes Lunch and Learn will present the history of the US Post Office in Lewes. The presentation will take place at the Hotel Rodney with Ned Maull presenting. The presentation begins at noon and is free. Don’t forget your lunch!

Saturday, Nov. 9^th: Celebrate Native American Day
Join the Nanticoke Indian Museum from 10am-4pm to celebrate Native American Day with food, special speakers, traditional storytelling, traditional dance and music, face painting, Native American crafts and more. This is a rain or shine event at the Nanticoke Indian Museum (26673 John J Williams Hwy) in Millsboro.

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.

November 6, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Buddha: “He is able who thinks he is able.” (Fred) “I agree that you must have confidence in your own abilities but be not delusional.”

Fred’s Pick of the day is MLS # 607302-From $1,895,000 to $1,750,000. A one of a kind Beach Home in Bethany Beach DE which boasts 4 BR and 2 BA. This home is less than a block from the Beach, Town, and Boardwalk. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

November 5, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Buddha: “It is better to travel well than to arrive.” (Fred) “Today’s air travel is most regrettable, from the degrading searches to the cattle car mentality of the airlines, it is much better to arrive than travel.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 606340-From $74,900 to $64,900. Here is a Georgetown DE Class C home, sold AS IS. The home has 2 BR, 2BA in 1056 sq. ft. on .51 acres. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Feel Better About Yourself: Organize Your Junk Drawer

There is one home project that everybody can do relatively quickly and easily that will immediately make you feel better about yourself… organizing your junk drawer! Nearly everyone has one, and although we say it’s filled with “junk” it is more likely filled with plenty of things you would actually use if you could find it when you needed it! If you want to feel productive and feel better about yourself in an hour or so then start by dumping everything on a table, counter, or floor so you can spread it out and see it. Once you can see it, sort it into piles… one pile for things to be thrown away, another for recycling, and another pile for things you need (or want) to keep. Don’t save everything just because you feel you have to. You don’t really need to keep the business cards of everyone you’ve ever met… chances are the important numbers are in your phone anyway. If something broken has been sitting there for months (or years!) waiting to be fixed, toss it. If you haven’t missed it enough to fix it already chances are you never will. Test all your pens/markers, etc. if they don’t write, toss them. (This is an excellent way to get children involved if they’re bugging you!) After you’ve purged, look at everything in your “keep” pile and decide where it’s permanent home should be. For example, receipts, old bills, appliance manuals, etc. should be filed away. Loose change should be put in your wallet or a piggy bank, paper clips/rubber bands/thumb tacks/etc. should be moved to your office, and so on. Once you’ve decluttered, take everything that is left and organize it. Ice cube trays make excellent organizers for small items, and empty margarine tubs or Tupperware containers are great for everything else. Silverware drawer inserts are also a great way to organize without spending too much. Finally, keep it all organized by adding a quick cleaning of the junk drawer to your monthly to-do list.

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.

November 4, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Buddha: “It is a man’s own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.” (Fred) “When one examines his own actions in a true light, he is usually his own worst enemy.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604221-From $115,000 to $110,000. This Seaford DE home has 3 BR, 2.5 BA in 1700 sq. ft. on a corner city lot. The home has an Eat-in Kitchen as well as a Formal Dining Room. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Spotlight on Jimmy’s Grille in Bridgeville

If you’re down at the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival this weekend and you’re looking for a nearby place to eat, check out Jimmy’s Grille in Bridgeville. I spotlighted this area favorite last year, so here’s the review:
Jimmy’s Grille & Family Restaurant in Bridgeville (18541 S. Main St.) is a great place to go for a down home family meal. They are well known for their fried chicken which has been called, “to die for,” “best at the beach,” and “greatest chicken ever!” but their Cream of Crab soup is also the best of the best. Their down-home desserts are also sure to please, and you can even order whole pies to go for special events or really any reason you’d like! The service is friendly and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming. If you’re looking for good food in a casual atmosphere, definitely try Jimmy’s.

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

Things to Consider Before Refinishing a Basement

Basements are versatile rooms that add useful living space to any home, but refinishing them poorly is not only a waste of money, but can also detract from the value of your home. Spending time planning, researching, and fixing any existing issues before you begin work will save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run! Consider these five basement refinishing tips…

Safety Standards and Zoning Codes. Make sure all access points meet safety standards – do the stairs from the inside of the house meet building codes? Are there any exterior entrances or does there need to be? Is the ceiling high enough? Will any structural support be altered? Is there enough airflow? Have you gotten any permits that you need for the work you’re planning to do? And if you’re planning to refinish your basement as a rental unit, you will need to check with your local municipality to be sure that rentals are allowed in your neighborhood.

Have a Plan for Keeping It Dry. Lots of basements flood. If you want to finish your basement, you need to make sure the exterior of your house has good drainage. If you have an older house, this is especially important. If you’ve recently purchased your house, consider living in it for a year before making any plans to finish the basement. See what it’s like in all seasons, so that you know what kind of moisture issues you are dealing with. If your basement has moisture issues, take care of them before you do any finishing work. Whether you need to install a drain, re-landscape for better drainage, reroute your gutters, install a sump pump, or waterproof the exterior of your house, not taking care of the issue before you finish your basement is like throwing time and money down the drain.

Know Your Purpose. Finishing a basement just to have it finished is a bad idea. Decide beforehand how the space is going to be used. Will it be a family room? An office? Converted into bedrooms? A media room? A game room? Your plans for the room will factor into your design and ultimately the amount of time and money it takes to do the work. For example, a game room might just need some walls, flooring, and paint. But more extensive projects will require you to think about electrical wiring, plumbing, and ventilation well in advance of starting the project.

Decide How To Weather-Proof. There is no sense in refinishing an area that is too cold to use in the winter and too hot to use in the summer. There are many different methods of insulating, and you should research them to decide what type will work best for your house. In addition to insulation you want to make sure you have the proper heating and/or air conditioning installed in the space as well. This might mean rerouting or adding duct work to your home, installing small wall units, or even upgrading your home’s existing system if it is not equipped to handle heating or cooling the extra space. Again, you will want to do all of this research before you start any work so that you don’t end up with any big, unexpected costs, or worse, a lovely finished basement that can only be used for a few weeks out of the year due to climate control issues.

Choose the Finishing Touches. There are so many options for finishing the ceilings, walls, and floors of your newly improved space that you will want to do some research ahead of time. A lot of these choices will depend on what you plan on using the space for (see #3), and I’m not suggesting you have every last detail down to your paint colors chosen before you start any work. It is in your best interest, however, to do some research and narrow down your decisions ahead of time. Putting this thought in before any work begins will prevent your costs from skyrocketing at the very end of the project.

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.

November 1, 2013

Today’s food for though is from Josh Billings: “Money will buy a pretty good dog, but won’t buy the wag of his tail.” (Fred) “Money cannot buy loyalty, friendship, or Love.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #603545-From $95,000 to $85,000. A Laurel DE home with 4 BR, 2 BA in 2400 sq. ft., on .87 acre, has been renovated. Call me to see this home @ 302 245-6983. www.fredsporch.com