home projects – Page 2 – Cooper Realty Associates

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!

Make Your Bathroom Bigger!

If your home has a small bathroom, but you are constantly dreaming of renovating and making something a bit more spacious, then this is the post for you! Here are a few easy tricks to make a small bathroom seem larger!

Replace the cabinets under your sink with a vanity. Although it won’t give you as much hidden storage, utilizing baskets or open shelving under the vanity sink will provide storage while making the room feel more open. A pedestal sink is also a great option for opening up floor space and giving the illusion of square footage!

Create a focal point. Change out the existing lighting for a beautiful chandelier. Switch some of the tiles out for colorful tiles or mosaics. You could even pull several tiles from the same area to create a mosaic mural or redo a whole wall in beautiful glass tiles. Replace your existing “boring” sinks with an eye catching bowl and faucet. There are many ways to create a focal point in the bathroom, and no matter which one you choose, drawing attention to a gorgeous feature will definitely draw attention away from the fact that you are in a cramped space. Just be cautious not to overdo it… you just want one focal point. Too many will just make the space feel busy and even more cramped, and that is not the feeling you’re going for!

Creative storage. Adding a tall, skinny cabinet behind the toilet or a pedestal sink can add storage to your space without adding bulk. Alternatively, cutting some recessed shelving in between wall studs can make the most of unused space and won’t take up even an inch of floor space!

Create an illusion. By trading your shower curtain for clear glass doors, you will create an illusion of space. Hanging a larger mirror is also a great way to give the illusion of space, just be sure to hang it so that it reflects one of your bath’s assets, or if you want to be really daring, hang two mirrors across from each other! Alternatively, using light colors throughout the whole room and allowing as much natural light into the space as possible will also give the illusion of space.

Replace your door. Trading out a standard door for a sliding pocket door opens enough floor space to make it worth the switch!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Boosting 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!

Best Tips for Painting

Everyone knows that a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to improving just about any surface, but a fresh coat of paint and a good coat of paint are two entirely different things. Here are some great painting tips to help you make the most of a coat of paint!

Buy Good Quality: You might try to save a couple bucks by buying the cheapest gallon of paint you can, but if you put out the cash for high quality paint and it will go on smoother, cover more, splatter less, and will be less likely to fade. Trust me, it’s worth the extra money!

Choose Your Gloss Wisely: Remember that the flatter the finish, the harder the paint is to clean. Flat paint is a good choice for ceilings, but be sure to use an eggshell for walls and semigloss in rooms that are cleaned more often.

Test It: The pros know that testing a paint out on a wide surface of wall is key to choosing the ride shade. The best way to do this is to buy sample sizes (or quarts if they aren’t available) of a few different colors and paint several chunks of wall. Make sure you leave the paint there for a few days so you can see it in all different lighting and then make your final choice.

Work Your Way Down: Begin painting at the ceiling and work down the wall for the smoothest results.

Mix It Together: If you’re using more than one gallon of the same color paint, mix all the gallons together in a bucket to guarantee a uniform color throughout the whole room.

Wrap Up Brushes: If you’re going to take a break wrap any brushes and rollers in plastic bags. Be sure there is no air in the bag and close it with a rubber band or twist tie. If you’re planning on taking a long break, like overnight, seal all the tools up and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

With tips like these, you can turn any paint project into a success story!

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!

Update Your Bathroom On A Budget

Everyone spends time in the bathroom every day, so shouldn’t it be a room that you enjoy? If you’ve been dreaming of updating your bathroom, but you don’t have a huge budget, consider these tips.

Go white to save green! Sticking to traditional white features such as sinks, tubs, and toilets will save you a ton of money because they are more readily available than their colorful counterparts.

Change out your hardware. If you don’t have the budget to replace cabinets, give them a low-cost face lift with new hardware. For a more dramatic impact you can paint or otherwise refinish cabinetry and then replace the hardware!

Organize your cabinets. Adding pullout shelves to cabinets will maximize your storage space and ease the frustration you feel when you can’t find what you’re looking for!

Go for style. Keep most of what already exists, but change out a few key pieces to add style and drama to your space. For example, replace your faucets and/or showerhead with a lovely new piece or switch out existing lighting for a dramatic chandelier.

Change the color. Painting is a fairly inexpensive weekend project. Follow-up by replacing hand towels and adding colorful accents such as vases, candles, and soaps.

Save on tile. If you love a specific tile that is far too expensive for you to afford, consider using a more affordable alternative (or keeping your existing tile!) and using the tile you love for a border or randomly placing a few here and there to create an interesting pattern.

Pinpoint your complaint. Sometimes changing just one aspect of a room will make you feel like you’re in a whole new space, so determine what it is that really bothers you about your space. For example, if your sink is in good condition, but the vanity bothers you, would replacing just the counter do the trick? Could you keep all of your features and just replace the floor? Keep the tub but replace the shower head and faucet? Specifically identifying problems and addressing them individually will save you a ton of cash!

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!

Things You Should Have In Your Kitchen

If you’re looking for a quick update in your kitchen, look around and consider which kitchen essentials are missing and then work around that to add what you can to create a more inviting space. Start by looking for ways to maximize natural light in your space. You can do this by eliminating cabinets near windows, perhaps opting for open shelving instead. Using materials that reflect light will also help. Adding texture also gives the kitchen a welcoming look. The woods, finishes and countertops work together to set the mood of the kitchen. So mix it up to create the personality you’re looking for and add a welcoming vibe. If your space allows it, an island is essential, especially if you want your kitchen to be a social hub in your home. Finally, add a great sink with some killer accessories to your kitchen to make it both stylish and efficient.

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 Bedroom Oasis Ideas

If you’re looking to add a little coziness to your bedroom, here are a few ideas:

1. Add texture. Cover the walls in a paintable, textured wallpaper.

2. Accent it. Pile on pillows and add color and pattern to the room through accents.

3. Create coziness. Amp up the cozy-factor by installing a remote-controlled gas fireplace.

4. Upholster it. Choose a favorite color, patter, or texture and have the headboard upholstered.

5. Block the light. Use room darkening shades or add a light-blocking liner to your drapes for added coziness.

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.

Living Room Update Ideas

The living room is one of the most used rooms in the house, but it is often overlooked when it comes to freshening and updating. Whether you just want to enjoy your own home more, or are looking to freshen the space before selling, here are a few tricks to update your living space:

Create a focus by framing a large panel of dramatic wallpaper behind a sofa against the wall.
Add a black or boldly colored coffee table to an otherwise neutral room.
Tile the fireplace in a bold color or freshen it with a coat of white paint and a new mantle.
Add a free standing divider to an open floor plan.
Add a window seat with drawers or a lid for storage space to bay window or other large window space.
Paint the walls with a fresh coat of paint and add accents such as pillows and accessories in bright and bold hues.
Play with your accessories – an arrangement of art or photos on the wall or a mantel display of cohesive but varied elements can really set a room apart.

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.

Best Spring Cleaning Methods

Spring is well under way, and though the weather has been finicky lately, we can expect it to start warming up permanently in the coming days. If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to get a little spring cleaning done! For some people, spring cleaning is not a big deal because they keep their home meticulously clean all year round, but for others spring is the perfect time to do a little deep cleaning to make your home sparkle! Here are some tips to help you take this huge undertaking and break it down into manageable pieces.

Step 1: Room by Room
For each room in your house, pick up clutter. Throw away any trash and irreparable objects and separate anything that you want to sell or donate. Make sure everything you own has a “home” and keep them there! Dust and vacuum each room, pulling out and moving furniture to clean around it. Here are some room by room tips:

Bedrooms – clean blankets and comforters according to care instructions, wash mattress pads and bed skirts, rotate and/or flip mattresses, and freshen pillows using the air (no heat) setting of the dryer
Bathrooms – clear your medicine cabinet and discard outdated products, throw away any old bath products that can no longer be used, replace shower curtain liners, and wash or replace shower curtains and bath mats
Kitchen – Clean out your cabinets and drawers – wipe them out with a damp cloth and organize contents, clean out your pantry and discard stale spices or expired items, clean the inside and outside of your refrigerator and freezer, and pull out appliances as far as you can and vacuum around them

Step 2: Wash Windows
Using a traditional or homemade window washing solution, clean windows both inside and out. Black and white print newspaper is best for cleaning windows because it doesn’t leave any residue behind, but don’t use any colored newsprint or your windows will look like bad stained glass! It is also best to clean windows on a cloudy day because washing windows when its sunny can cause streaks.

Step 3: Clean Window Treatments
There’s no sense in having clean windows with dirty window treatments! If your curtains or drapes are really dirty you can put them through the washing machine or have them dry cleaned (read your care instructions!), but most of the time your curtains can probably be cleaned by using the proper attachment on your vacuum cleaner.

Step 4: Check for Safety
Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to make sure they’re working. If you own a fire extinguisher, make sure its not expired and if you don’t own one, purchase one and learn how to use it!

Step 5: Deep Clean Carpets
Rent a professional grade carpet cleaner and deep clean all the carpets in your house, or hire professionals to do it for you. It’s best to do this after all your other cleaning is done, so that your fresh carpets don’t get covered with residue from all your other cleaning jobs.

Step 6: Clean Your Exterior
Spring is the perfect time to clean the outside of your home – rent a power washer and wash the exterior of your home as well as driveways and sidewalks. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional.

Don’t forget:

Sliding door tracks – these might not seem like a big deal, but having them clean makes a huge difference! Use a dry toothbrush to loosen dirt and then vacuum it up. If you want an even deeper clean use a wet rag or sponge to finish the job.
Light fixtures – make sure the electricity is off and bulbs are clean then dust with a microfiber cloth and wipe light bulbs down with a rag moistened with vinegar
Baseboards and doorframes – Put a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bucket and dilute it with warm water then wipe down baseboards and doorframes with a sponge
Walls – walls can be cleaned with the same mixture used for baseboards and doorframes

Interested in buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Real Estate Associates and put us to work for you — 302-856-6434!

3 Rules For Flipping A House

The idea of flipping a home is less popular now than it was a decade ago, but it’s still out there. If flipping a home is something you’ve ever thought of, here are three tips for you:

1. Remember the 70% rule. In order to profit from your purchase, take the price that the home will sell for after renovations and factor 70% of it. Subtract your renovations from the 70% and that leaves you with the maximum price you should pay for the home.

2. Remember the rules. If you’re considering a short sale or REO because of a great deal, be sure to research the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines that restrict resale of such properties within a set amount of time from the original sale.

3. Remember the inspection. Even though you intend to flip the home you buy, you should not forgo the home inspection. You will want to know if there are hidden problems that are more of commitment than you are financially prepared 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.

5 Steps to a Successful Remodel

I’ve been talking a lot about remodeling this week, and today’s post is no different. If you’re considering a remodel here are five steps to help you succeed:

1. Do your research. See yesterday’s post for several questions you should ask and do your own research before you even begin.

2. Get your money straight. Remodeling can be a big task with a seemingly endless cost attached to it. Before you begin any work be sure that you have a reasonable budget for the kind of work you want and that your financing is completely in order. Going back to number one, this is something you should research to determine what your best options are.

3. Get estimates. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and others that you know and then get in-person estimates from multiple designers, contractors, and anyone else you might employ. Ask for references and examples of work.

4. Consider the details. Make as many decisions as possible before you project begins. Even the smallest details will cost you time and money once your remodel is under way.

5. Plan for the unforeseen. There is no such thing as a perfect renovation and the unexpected can throw a wrench in even the best plans and even the most generous budget in the trash. Plan to cushion your budget by at least twenty percent from the beginning so that you are prepared if (often more likely, when) these things happen to 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.

Three Questions You Should Ask Before A Remodel

If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen or any other part of your home here are three questions you should ask yourself before you start anything:

1. What is the purpose of this remodel? Do you want a fresh look, completely new function, or a serious overhaul?

2. What is most important? Create a list of your priorities in the order of their importance to you before you begin and you will have a much easier time making budget choices in the long run.

3. What investment can I afford? Regardless of your personal budget, consider the value of the other homes nearby and the current value of your own home. Over spending may give you the results you want immediately, but it might not be the best long term investment, so be sure to consider your options.

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.

Kitchen Makeovers on a Budget

Yesterday I talked about kitchen makeovers, but the thing about totally redoing a kitchen is that it can be very pricy. If you’re wanting to give your kitchen a face lift in a more budget-friendly way, consider some of the following suggestions.

Stick to the Ws. Window and walls that is. There are basically endless options for wall coverings that can be easily cleaned. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room! Changing up the window treatments can also give the room a whole different feel.

Keep what you have. Installing new cabinets can be expensive, but your whole kitchen can feel like new if you refinish your existing cabinets. Just make sure you do your research and use high-quality prep products.

Repurpose other pieces. Consider using an armoire as a pantry or a unique table as an island. Repurposing individual pieces of furniture can save you money and add interest to an otherwise neutral room.

Appliances only. If you have some money to work with, but not enough for a full makeover, consider replacing only your appliances. Especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear. And remember that appliances can be expensive if you get all the fancy gadgets, but basic appliances that will fit your requirements can be just as nice if you are on a budget.

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.

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

It is no secret that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but they are also the centerpieces of family life too. A kitchen makeover can give your home a whole different feel. Whether you want a kitchen update to help sell your home faster or just to enjoy yourself, here are some helpful tips for design planning.

Plan for space. Kitchen design pros recommend walkways of at least 36 inches in all kitchen areas with 42 inch pathways in cooking areas and more if there is more than one cook.

Plan for traffic. Place the refrigerator accessible to anyone wandering in looking for a drink, but still convenient to cooking and cleanup areas.

Plan your corners. Keep all cabinets and appliances fully functional by planning space for the doors clearance and swing. Keep appliances away from corners and make sure doors won’t bang into each other if they are open at the same time.

Plan your landings. Landing space is work space for cooking. There should be a minimum of 15 inches of counter space on each side of the refrigerator and stove top as well as 15 inches near the microwave.

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.

Three Things To Consider Before Starting A Project

If you’re thinking of doing any projects or renovations in your home, here are three things to consider before you begin:

1. Budget. This is probably the most important aspect to decide on before you begin. Setting a budget will help you make decisions about everything else from whether to do it yourself or hire a contractor to what materials to choose.

2. Time Frame. Once you have a budget in mind, do research so that you can come up with a time frame within which you’d like to see different steps of the project completed. Keep in mind that the more custom your job is, the longer it will take. This is especially important if you are renovating a kitchen or an only bathroom, as you will need to make alternate arrangements for day-to-day activities such as cooking/eating and showering.

3. Work Sequence. If you’re doing the project yourself, think about the job as a whole and come up with a specific work sequence for your projects. Sticking to a specific order can save a lot of headaches, cleanup and mistakes. Always start at the top and work your way down. Ceiling, walls, and finally floors to prevent damage to newly renovated areas.

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.

5 Quick Kitchen Updates

Freshen your kitchen with one of these relatively quick and easy updates:

1. Open it up. Add some open shelving, which can be as simple as removing the doors from a few cabinets and show off your colorful, collective, or otherwise interesting or beautiful dishes.

2. Go glamorous. Add a beautiful or interesting chandelier over an island or kitchen table too add some architectural interest to the room.

3. Add some red. The color red is known to enhance the sense of smell, sensitize the taste buds, and stimulate appetite. If your kitchen is neutral, add a splash of this appealing color to the room’s palate.

4. Organize. Fit your silverware drawer with dividers, add a pot rack, and fit disorganized cabinets with wire shelving to clear the clutter and keep things neat.

5. Add an artful touch. Tile a backsplash for a simple, relatively inexpensive custom touch. To keep costs down choose a simple tile and throw in just a few accents.

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 Tools You Definitely Need In Your Toolbox

Whether you’re a die-hard do-it-yourselfer or you just tackle a project occasionally, here are five tools you definitely need in your arsenal:

1. Multi-bit Screwdriver. A screwdriver with interchangeable bits will tackle pretty much any job you will encounter and is a definite necessity in every homeowner’s tool kit.

2. Cordless Drill. Second only to the interchangeable screw driver in usefulness, the cordless drill is a versatile and necessary part of any tool kit.

3. Tape Measure. A tape measure is the first tool you use in many projects, but you don’t just need any tape measure. A quality tape measure is worth its price in the time it saves with improved accuracy.

4. Quality Level. A weighted level/straight edge is a definite must for all kind of projects from hanging photos to heavy repairs, and a magnetic level can be even more useful.

5. All Purpose Saw. There are many options for a small, power saw, so you just need to find a versatile one that you are comfortable with and learn to use it.

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.

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.