Curb Appeal – Page 3 – Cooper Realty Associates

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

October 30, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from John Billings: “Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but dreadful uneasy to take.” (Fred) “The old saying: Do what I say not what I do.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 601654-From $334,900 to $325,000. Here is a Lewes DE Colonial with 3 BR, 2.5 BA in 2600 sq. ft. on .69 acre. This home is 8 years young and has most of modern upgrades. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

October 28, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Jonathan Swift: “Blessed is he who expects nothing; for he shall never be disappointed.” (Fred) “However, everyone expects something therefore, everyone experiences disappointment.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 608274-From $225,000 to $210,000. Here is a Milford, De home with 3 BR, 2 BA in 1485 sq. ft. on .47 acres. This home has a split and open floor plan. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

Tips For Upping Your Curb Appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and first impressions are lasting. We know this, yet when many people put their home on the market they don’t take the time to make sure that the first impression is a good one. When you’re trying to sell your home, you want buyers to fall in love at first sight!

Here are a few tips to boost your property’s curb appeal:

Take a picture. You’re so use to seeing the outside of your house that you might not notice it anymore. If you take a photo (or several photos) you may be able to see the property with new eyes. Show the photos to friends, family, neighbors, etc. and ask them to point out any concerns they would have if they were thinking about buying the place. Make a list and address as many of the concerns as you can, especially recurring concerns.
Paint – It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for the exterior of a home. If the entire home doesn’t need to be painted, consider freshening the trim, doors, shutters, and/or garage door.
Clean & repair the driveway – Take the time to repair small cracks and rent a power washer to get that driveway clean. If your drive way is a major mess, think about getting it redone.
Spruce up landscaping – Keep your grass mowed and fertilized. Rake your yard. Edge along your sidewalks. Plant some bright, low maintenance flowers – marigolds are a good choice!
Replace your door – If your front door has seen better days, consider replacing it. Remember, the door is what will welcome potential buyers into your home. Make it a nice welcome!
Clean – Wash your windows and doors (including screens), rent a power washer and spray down the deck, driveway, sidewalks, consider power washing the exterior of your home if you aren’t going to paint.
Replace light bulbs – check the view of your home at night and replace any burned-out bulbs. Consider adding lights if the property is in need of better lighting.

Of course the front of your house will offer the first impression to potential buyers, but don’t forget the back and side views as well!

Considering putting your home on the market? Let us help. Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

October 25, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Henry Fielding: “Wine is a turncoat; first a friend and then an enemy.” (Fred) “Wine-First Pleasure later Pain if abused.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #608361-$275,000. Here is a 4 BR, 2BA home with 2250 sq. ft. on 6.64 acres in Ellendale, DE. The home has a deck off the Dining Room and the Master BR. The entrance is from a bridge and deck over a Koi Pond. The home has been totally renovated. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home. www.fredsporch.com

Make A Great First Impression

Whether you’d like it to or not, the front door of your home gives people their first impression. Not only is it where people enter your home for the first time, but it’s often the first thing that catches the eye of anyone who is driving by. It also helps set the tone for your home, so whether you’re looking to sell your home or just to make it more inviting consider giving your front door a face lift so that it conveys the message and first impression you want it to give.

One very simple thing that you can do is to decorate it and update it regularly. Decoration could be a wreath, dramatic home numbers, shutters, door knocker and knobs, etc. This option is great for everybody because no matter what your personality, likes, or budget there is an option for you! Another quick decoration idea is to add planters to either side of the door. This is a quick solution for adding color, texture and beauty to your entryway. If you live in an area where flowers or plants can’t survive year round you can use the planters to display seasonal décor during colder seasons.

Another easy thing to do to improve your home’s first impression is to install lights at your front door if you don’t already have them. Lighting is another thing that has many options. You can opt for sconces on either side of the door, spotlights installed at the ground and aimed at the door, or overhead lighting if your front door is under a porch are all great options. And while we’re on the subject, please make sure your house number is well lighted too.

Finally, if you’re trying to sell your home, studies show that replacing your home’s front door can increase the perceived value of your home, so you might want to think about a full replacement if it’s needed. In the study, the home’s perceived value when the entryway was updated was as much as five times the cost of the door itself. If you’re going to update your entryway with something new, consider enlarging it to include a windows to the side or above the door as well to add natural light to the home as well as increase the value of the entryway.

No matter what you decide to do, remember that your entryway is the first and last impression that your guests and potential buyers see, so make the lasting impression a good 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 – 302-856-6434.

Boosting Curb Appeal

Here are a few tips to boost your property’s curb appeal:

Take a picture. You’re so use to seeing the outside of your house that you might not notice it anymore. If you take a photo (or several photos) you may be able to see the property with new eyes. Show the photos to friends, family, neighbors, etc. and ask them to point out any concerns they would have if they were thinking about buying the place. Make a list and address as many of the concerns as you can, especially recurring concerns.
Paint – It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for the exterior of a home. If the entire home doesn’t need to be painted, consider freshening the trim, doors, shutters, and/or garage door.
Clean & repair the driveway – Take the time to repair small cracks and rent a power washer to get that driveway clean. If your drive way is a major mess, think about getting it redone.
Spruce up landscaping – Keep your grass mowed and fertilized. Rake your yard. Edge along your sidewalks. Plant some bright, low maintenance flowers – marigolds are a good choice!
Replace your door – If your front door has seen better days, consider replacing it. Remember, the door is what will welcome potential buyers into your home. Make it a nice welcome!
Clean – Wash your windows and doors (including screens), rent a power washer and spray down the deck, driveway, sidewalks, consider power washing the exterior of your home if you aren’t going to paint.
Replace light bulbs – check the view of your home at night and replace any burned-out bulbs. Consider adding lights if the property is in need of better lighting.

Of course the front of your house will offer the first impression to potential buyers, but don’t forget the back and side views as well!

Considering putting your home on the market? Let us help. 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.com

June 5, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Julius Caesar: “As a rule, men worry more about what they can’t see than about what they can.” (Fred) “Trying to plan for every eventually usually causes inaction and that is not how things get done.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 603020-From $223,250 to $212,000. A lovely Contemporary in Delmar DE which has 4 BR, 2.5 BA, in 2268 sq. ft. on .34 acre and has a gas fireplace, irrigation system, a security system, a rear deck and hardwood and ceramic tile floors. Please call me to see this gem at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

May 28, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from James Buchanan: “What is right and what is practicable are two different things.” (Fred) “This rings true in a democracy, however, if you constantly dilute what is right, the concept will disappear.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 597882-From $189,500 to $179,900. A nice cape cod in Milford DE that has 3 BR, 2 BA on .46 acre, a nice floor plan, a rear deck, a partially wooded lot. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

May 17, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Miyamato Musashi: “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.” (Fred) “The eye is not to be always trusted and must be used in conjunction with the brain.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 600470 From $449,900 to $399,000. A Stately Colonial in Seaford DE with 4 BR, 3.5 BA in 4100 sq. ft. on 1.65 acres boasts a 4KW solar electric, a 7500 KW generator, a heated salt water pool, music room, 2 master suites and is directly on Patrick’s Pond. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com

May 15, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Millard Fillmore: “May God save the country, for it is evident that the people will not.” (Fred) “Today the people have thrown the country under the bus; we need that divine help now.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 602961- From $585K to 549K. A lovely open concept home in Bethany Beach DE, which has 5 BR, 3BA and a sunroom overlooking a Golf Course. Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983 www.fredsporch.com.

May 8, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Benjamin Franklin: “He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.” (Fred) “Everyone needs money, but not all issues can be resolved with it and sometimes it can be a detriment.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599553-From $129,900 to $119,900. A nice in-town Townhome in Georgetown DE has been reduced, that has 2 BR, 2 BA and a sun porch. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this townhome. www.fredsporch.com

Keep Up Curb Appeal

Whether you’re putting your home on the market or just looking to enjoy your home’s curb appeal yourself, there is more to it than just landscaping your property and maintaining your lawn. To really up your curb appeal be sure to maintain your home’s paint and siding by periodically checking for damage, mold growth, or peeling paint and fixing it. In addition, you should regularly check your roof and gutters for damage and debris as well. Keep windows and doors clean and fix any broken screens and shutters to prevent eyesores. Finally, clean up your driveway and sidewalks by weeding the cracks, sealing any cracks, and keeping them clean. By maintaining your home’s curb appeal you will cut down on the possibility of any of these problems becoming more dangerous or expensive to fix later on down the road, which is well worth the time and effort now.

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.

Improve Curb Appeal to Help Your Home to Sell

Selling your home can be a stressful experience, but you can make it easier on yourself with a few easy improvements to make your home stand out in the market. The first thing to do is to up your curb appeal. Curb appeal is the first impression potential buyers get of your home, so make it the best impression possible by improving your landscaping. Keep the lawn mowed, prune your bushes and trees, weed the garden, and plant flowers. In addition to landscaping, pressure wash your home’s exterior, clean the gutters and shutters and clean up any clutter in your yard as well. To really help your home’s curb appeal pop, give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a color that contrasts with your home and add new house numbers that are easily visible. Finally, add a new welcome mat to send the subliminal message that your home is open and inviting and that they are welcome.

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.

Patching Up Your Driveway

If your driveway is in need of a little TLC, now that the weather is warming up, it’s a perfect time to patch it up. You definitely want to patch driveway cracks because it will slow deterioration and keep moisture out. When moisture gets into your driveway it can cause expansion and contraction that works away at the concrete, further damaging it. Patching the cracks before they become a huge problem will give your driveway many more years of usefulness and will save you the time and money of a massive driveway overhaul. When you are getting ready to patch your driveway you should begin by finding and eliminating the origin of the problem. The most common causes of driveway cracks are roots and water. Once you are able to find and eliminate the source problem, it is time to prep the cracks. If there is grass or weeds growing up between the cracks in your driveway you should kill them with a strong herbicide and give them time to die. Make sure to kill them at the roots. Afterward, or if you don’t have plants, chisel off any loose pieces of concrete and use a wire brush to loosen debris. What you need to do is create a clean, solid surface so that the patching material will bind well. Once you’ve chiseled and brushed, use compressed air or a shop vac to clean all the dust, stones, etc. out of the crack. If your cracks are small, about a half inch in width or less, there are several easy options for sealing them, including concrete sealer, pourable concrete, and textured caulk. Just make sure you choose a product that will flex with the movement of the driveway, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions completely. For cracks that are wider than a ½ inch you need to chisel out a piece of the driveway under the crack so that the bottom portion of the crack is wider than the surface crack. This will keep the patching material stable so that it will stay fixed even with the expansion and contraction that concrete undergoes. Whatever option you use to seal the cracks, again, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and be sure to work in multiple steps of about ¼ inch of depth at a time to ensure that proper drying and shrinkage takes place so that the seal will hold tight. When you are finished patching your cracks be sure to blend the sealer with the surrounding area with a brush or broom to form a good seal.

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 Flowers To Plant Now

In keeping with this week’s theme of landscaping, one great way to up the quality of landscaping in your home is to add some color with flowers. Here are five options you can plant now:

1. Petunias. Petunias come in a wide range of sizes and colors, so they work in many situations. They are fast growing and will grow just as well in a pot as they will in a garden. For best growth, plant petunias in full sun to part shade areas. Petunias are annuals, meaning that you will only get one growing season from them.

2. Impatiens. These impactful flowers come in hues of reds, pinks, oranges, and white. They can survive with limited watering. These flowers do need some shade and also do well in areas that are fully shaded. Like Petunias, Impatiens are also annuals.

3. Carnations. Always popular, carnations are a fragrant flower that grow naturally in pinks, whites, and yellows. Carnations need full sun and are a perennial, meaning that they will grow back each year.

4. Geraniums. These flowers are hearty and colorful. Once you plant them they will bloom until frost, which gives them a nice, long season. Geraniums do best in areas that are partially or fully shaded and are a perennial bloom.

5. Phlox. This vertical flower is a great choice for adding multiple levels of interest to your garden. It comes in shades of pinks, blues, purples, and whites. Planted behind ground level blooms, Phlox makes a brilliant and colorful backdrop. Phlox is a perennial bloom that does best in areas of part to full shade.

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 Options For Your Adding Shade To Your Yard

This week I wrote a couple of posts about how to have a lush lawn. With landscaping on the brain, here are three great options if you’re looking to add a bit of shade to your yard:

1. Plant a tree. Obviously… trees are good for the environment, fantastic for the local ecosystem, and provide shade to boot. But not all trees are created equal. You have a lot of options, everything from evergreens to deciduous trees, from trees that fruit or flower to trees that only leaf. What you plant should depend on your budget, taste, and of course climate. The downside is that trees may take several years to provide the kind of shade you’re looking for, and they require care and clean-up throughout the year.

2. Add a pergola. A pergola can be a great option for adding both shade and style to a lawn. You can build a pergola to any kind of specification that you want top it with beams with an outdoor material woven through. Another option is to top it with lattice and vining plants intertwined with the lattice.

3. Consider a cover. A patio cover, that is. A patio cover can be as simple as a sloped roof that is either attached to your home at one end with beams supporting the other, or with beams supporting all four sides. Depending on your budget you can have a patio cover shingled to match your roof so it looks like a cohesive structure. Patio covers can be expensive to build, but they offer solid shade and year round protection from the elements, which can be a benefit to some people.

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.

Steps To A Healthy Lawn

Yesterday I wrote about how landscaping and a healthy lawn can actually bring up the value of your property. But how do you get that money-making, weed-free lawn? Whether you do it yourself or pay a professional, the best thing to do is start by removing any weeds. If your lawn is primarily covered in weeds, you may want to use an herbicide or other weed-removal product that you can pick up at your local home improvement store. Otherwise, you can remove the weeds yourself manually. Just be sure to remove the weeds by the root; using a handheld weeder or hoe (there are several types of each) is your best bet. After you remove the weeds you should detatch your lawn. Dethatching is loosening the matted debris that settles under the grass, stealing nutrients from the grass. You can detatch your lawn with a thatching rake or power dethatcher. Be aware that after detatching you will wonder if your lawn will ever look good again, but it will heal in a month or so. After dethatching you should check a section of your lawn to check on the roots. You want the roots of your lawn to extend 2 or more inches below the surface. If that’s not the case, you should water your lawn and aerate it a day or two later. Finally, find out what type of grass you have and overseed to cover any any bare spots, but be sure to evenly spread seed over the whole lawn. If you have a cool-season grass you should seed in early spring or early fall. If you have a warm-season grass you should seed in early summer. Whenever you seed, be sure to water immediately to help set the seed. Of course, once you go through all the trouble of establishing a healthy lawn you need to be sure to mow, water, and feed consistently and appropriately.

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.

Maintain Your Lawn To Increase Your Property Value

Now that it’s Spring and hopefully Spring weather will be on the way soon, it’s time to start thinking about landscaping projects. Landscaping is a great way to add both curb appeal and value to your home. All good landscaping starts with a lush lawn. An ugly yard brings down your home’s value, while a lovely lawn creates an excellent first impression and actually raises the value of your property. To bring up the value of your lawn on your own start by removing any trash, clutter, dead plants and weeds from the area. Spread seed or sod in areas that are just dirt patches and follow up by watering and mowing your lawn consistently. Look for lawn maintenance products such as fertilizers, etc. at your local home improvement store and use them for maximum impact. If you have the money, consider hiring a lawn professional who can treat your lawn for pests and fertilize it. Just keep in mind that proper watering and consistent maintenance is the key to a healthy lawn.

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.