Sussex County Real Estate Matters – Affecting Seaford, Georgetown, Lauel, Milton, Delmar, Bridgevil
Today’s food for thought is from Luc de Clapiers: “The fruit derived from labor is the sweetest of pleasures.” (Fred) “If you want to eat, you must earn it or become dependent on others which will destroy self-confidence.”
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604155-From $174,500 to $164,800. A lovely townhome in Frankford DE that has 2 BR, 1.5 BA, fresh paint, upgraded appliances in a community with a pool and tennis courts. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home. wwwfredsporch.com
As eager as most of us are to see our furry family members frolicking or napping in the sunshine, taking a few precautions can avert disaster and keep everyone safe and healthy all summer long.
There are five main categories of summertime dangers for companion animals:
· Heat
· Water
· Parties
· Poisons
· Pests
As eager as most of us are to see our furry family members frolicking or napping in the sunshine, taking a few precautions can avert disaster and keep everyone safe and healthy all summer long.
There are five main categories of summertime dangers for companion animals:
· Heat
· Water
· Parties
· Poisons
· Pests
Hazard #1: Heat
Your pet can overheat in a hurry. Dogs and cats can’t regulate their body heat as efficiently as humans can, because most of their sweat glands are confined to the pads of their feet. Panting is your pet’s primary means of regulating body temperature. Flat-faced pets can’t pant as effectively as breeds with longer noses, so they have even less ability to cool their bodies down.
In addition to overheating, your pet can also become dehydrated very rapidly. Make sure your pet has a constant source of fresh, clean drinking water.
If your pet will be outside in the heat for any period, she should have access to a completely shaded area and plenty of cool drinking water. Make sure your dog or cat is indoors when the temp climbs to 90oF (32 oC) or above.
If you or your family spends time in the yard on summer days or evenings, and your dog (or adventurous kitty) doesn’t like being stuck indoors, you can turn on the hose or sprinkler to cool off your pet. You can also fill a children’s small plastic wading pool with water and encourage your pet to sit or lie in it to cool off.
Exercise your dog either in the early morning or evening when the temperature is coolest. Try to stay in the shade during daylight hours, and no matter the time of day, don’t overdo outdoor exercise or play sessions. Even on an overcast day or in the evening, a long period of physical exertion in hot weather can cause heatstroke in your dog.
Don’t allow your dog or cat to stand, walk or rest on hot outdoor surfaces like sidewalks or parking lots. Your dog’s or kitty’s paws, belly or hindquarters can sustain burns from hot concrete. And remember your pet is close to the ground and the ground is much hotter than the air. Just walking on hot pavement can cause him to overheat.
Never under any circumstances leave your pet in a parked vehicle on a hot day. Your car or truck cab can become a furnace very quickly, even with the windows open, and can cause a fatal case of heatstroke in your beloved pet. Aside from the risk of serious illness or death, leaving pets unattended in vehicles in hot weather is illegal in many states.
Hazard #2: Water
Many dog owners mistakenly believe their pet was born knowing how to swim – especially if it’s a sporting or hunting breed. While some dogs do know instinctively how to move in water the first time they go in, most dogs get the hang of swimming only with repeated exposure to a pool, pond, lake, etc.
You should introduce your dog gradually to water, and either go in with her the first few outings, or be prepared to jump in to either encourage her or help her safely exit the water.
If you’re going out on a boat with your dog, I recommend she have her own flotation equipment. Even dogs who are strong swimmers can get hurt in the water or worn out from exertion. A flotation device will keep her in view until you or someone else can get her to safety. If your dog doesn’t consistently respond when you call her, I suggest you attach a length of rope to her flotation device so you can pull her in if you need to.
Hazard #3: Parties
Summertime is when many people host backyard pool parties and barbeques. There are holiday celebrations at the start and end of the season and of course July 4th in the U.S. The warmer months are also the time for block parties, picnics, family gatherings, and outdoor community events.
As much fun as the festivities are for the two-legged members of your family, it’s best to keep pets a safe distance from celebrations.
Take care not to lose a pet out a door or window left open during a party at your home. Keep dogs and kitties away from people food, beverages, garbage, and decorations.
Don’t leave your pet alone with unfamiliar children or even an irresponsible adult party guest or one who’s had too much to drink.
Unless your dog is very well trained on a lead, I don’t recommend bringing him to outdoor community events. Most pups are over-stimulated by all the new sights, sounds and especially the smells of a large outdoor gathering and neither of you will have much fun if he’s yanking at his leash the whole time while you try to calm and control him.
Also keep in mind many dogs and cats are terrified of fireworks displays, so it’s best to leave your pet safely at home on the 4th of July. If neighbors are setting off their own backyard displays, keep your pet home since the fireworks can cause a serious injury or be toxic to a curious dog or cat.
Hazard #4: Poisons
Many commonly used fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are loaded with chemicals that can prove toxic to pets. Same goes for rodent bait. Don’t allow your dog or cat access to areas of your garden, lawn, house or outbuildings where chemicals have been used. Take the same precautions when walking your dog. Store all chemicals out of reach of your pet.
Remember to keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of your pet’s reach as well.
If you’ll be doing any planting to brighten up your home or yard, before you stock up on seeds or visit your local nursery, make sure you know which plants, flowers and greenery are toxic to your pet if ingested.
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately if you suspect your dog or cat has swallowed a poisonous substance.
Hazard #5: Pests
Depending on where you live and your dog’s or cat’s lifestyle, you’ll need to prepare to manage summertime pet pests like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
In most cases, there are safe, effective ways to prevent or eradicate pest infestations that don’t involve dosing your pet with toxic chemicals.
For daily flea, tick and mosquito management, I recommend the Natural Flea and Tick Defense and Tick Stick. This product is a pest repellent system I recently introduced which includes an all-natural spray and a special tick removal tool which allows you to safely extricate the little blood suckers if they manage to attach to your pet.
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is endemic, be sure to read my recent article on the spread of this disease. Also make sure to read the latest information on heartworm drug resistance and the best way to keep your pet free of this disease.
Summer is the time for outdoor cookouts, pool parties and backyard play dates – not a time for bandaging scrapes, nursing burns – or worse. Learn these important summer safety tips and make sure everyone in your family knows them by heart too. That way, it will be a summer to remember, for all the right reasons.
Summer is the time for outdoor cookouts, pool parties and backyard play dates – not a time for bandaging scrapes, nursing burns – or worse. Learn these important summer safety tips and make sure everyone in your family knows them by heart too. That way, it will be a summer to remember, for all the right reasons.
Pool Safety
Backyard Safety
Playground Safety
People all around the world are affected by severe weather, but many are not completely informed or prepared when storms actually strike. It can be hard to imagine our own homes being impacted by severe weather but it can happen. In the aftermath of the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, it is now more important than ever to have a plan to keep your family safe. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself and your home for severe weather.
Be Informed.
Go to www.ready.gov to find out about any natural disasters that could possibly occur in your area. Know the hazards that have happened or could happen in your community and how you will find out about them. Although communities vary, a common method is to broadcast over emergency radio and TV or you may hear a special siren, get a phone call, or emergency workers may knock on your door.
Make an Emergency Plan.
Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family and decide how you will contact each other, where you will meet, and what you will do in different situations. Having this emergency plan will help you be prepared during and after a natural disaster. It is also a good idea to find out about emergency plans at places away from your home such as work, school, sports events, and commuting.
Build a Disaster Supply Kit.
In case of an emergency, put together a simple collection of basic items that you may need during severe weather. Make sure you have enough food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours and keep in mind that most people will use one gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation. A battery-powered radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert is also a must. For more resources about building your kit, go to www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness.
Get Involved.
There are many ways to help before severe weather hits, including volunteering to support disaster efforts in your community with organizations such as Citizen Corps, becoming part of the community planning process, joining a preparedness project, or making a donation. Visit www.citizencorps.gov or www.redcross.org for more opportunities to help and get involved.
It is important to understand that almost every area is at some risk for a natural disaster which is why knowing how to be prepared is absolutely necessary to protect your home and your family from all types of severe weather.
Now that the summer season is underway, free entertainment abounds. Here are three free summer concert series that will run this summer:
1. Summer Concerts at Stango Park in Lewes – Bring a blanket or lawn chair to Stango Park in Lewes, next to the Library along Kings Highway for a free concert every Tuesday night through the end of August. Concerts run from 7pm-8:30pm. The 2013 Summer Music Concert series is sponsored by WSFS Bank and the City of Lewes. For a complete list of bands playing this summer check out this link.
2. Summer Concert Series at Milton Memorial Park – This summer concert series is Wednesday nights through the end of August. Concerts begin at 7pm. For a complete schedule of bands and sponsors, check out this link.
3. Concerts by the Canal – Free concerts at Canalfront Park are sponsored by Dogfish Head Brewery. Concerts begin at 6:30pm and are on June 28th (Chester River Runoff), July 19th (Nate Myers & The Acres), and August 9th (The Bullbuckers).
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.
Today’s food for thought is from Lydia Child: “Belief in oneself is one of the most important bricks in building any successful venture.” (Fred) “Self confidence is the foundation block.”
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 601981-From $120,000 to $110,000. A great starter or retirement home in Georgetown DE that has 2 BR, 1 BA, on a .35 acre corner lot and the house has the original HW floors and arched doorways. Call me to see this gem at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com
Today’s food for thought is from Napoleon Bonaparte: “Soldiers generally win battles; generals get credit for them.” (Fred) “Employees do the work, CEO’s get the credit and hopefully stockholders get the money.”
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 600595-$512,000 to $514,000 and yes pieces are bottoming out and starting to go in the opposite direction. A to be built Pilot House on Pilings in Bethany Beach DE, has 5 BR, 3.5 BA in 2604 sq. ft. on .21 acres and you can add your personal touches. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this development. www.fredsporch.com
It’s a big weekend in the area, with several area stages opening for the summer entertainment season. Check out these events for something fun to do this weekend:
Thursday, June 13th: Rehoboth Beach History Tour
Hop on the Jolly Trolley for a local history tour of Rehoboth Beach offered by the Rehoboth Beach Museum. Cost is $10 and the tour begins at 9am at the Anna Hazzard House (17 Christian Street) in downtown Rehoboth. Call 302-227-7310 to reserve a seat.
All Weekend (Friday-Sunday): Family Boat-Building Weekend
Head down to the Lewes Canal this Father’s Day Weekend for the fourth annual family boat-building weekend. Sponsored by the Lewes Historical Society, there are events all weekend. For more information, call 302-645-7670.
All Weekend (Friday-Sunday): Opening weekend at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The season officially opens at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand this weekend with the Friday night performance of local modern rock band, Love Seed Mama Jump. Saturday’s performance is by buzzy new country group The Stickers. Sunday wraps up opening weekend with the classic soul music of Jimi Smooth & Hittime. All shows are free and begin at 8pm.
Friday, June 14th: Flag Day on Front Street
Head down to Front Street in Lewes to celebrate our nation’s red, white & blue!
Friday, June 14th: Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy opening night at the Freeman Stage at Bayside with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Julien Benichou. In addition to classic symphony pieces the Orchestra will also perform pop favorites and some other surprises as well. Tickets are $10 per person and kids 18 & under are free. Bring your own chair.
Saturday, June 15th: Lewes Garden Tour
The 23rd annual Lewes Garden Tour is a self-guided tour of seven private gardens and one public one. The tour runs from 10am-4pm and tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of. Tickets can be purchased at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. The tour also includes vendors, food and beverages, and a free shuttle service for ticket holders. For more information call the Chamber at 877-465-3937.
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.
After you’ve found your dream home and had your offer accepted it is time to hire a home inspector. Home inspection isn’t a step of a home transaction that you want to skimp on, so for your peace of mind and to save potential trouble be sure to find the right home inspector. To find a trustworthy home inspector you should start by asking your real estate agent, friends and family for recommendations. Once you have a list check the qualifications and references of the recommended inspectors and narrow down your list. At that point you can ask inspectors to see a sample inspection report or checklist so that you can insure that hiring the inspector will turn up a thorough inspection with explanations and not just a simple checklist. Additionally, it would be beneficial for you to hire an inspector who has membership in a national or state association of home inspectors. Home inspectors can easily make errors or overlook problems so ask the inspector for his or her company’s policy in such situations. Ask questions such as whether the company has insurance for errors or omissions, whether it is the company or the individual inspector who stands behind the report and whether or not there is a guarantee and if so, how long it lasts for. Finally, ask the inspector whether or not you are allowed to be present during the inspection. Walking along with the inspector can teach you a lot about your property and give you a great idea of the types of issues you might deal with in the future.
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.
Selling your home can be a stressful experience, especially if you’ve had offers fall through in the past. However, there are some things you can do as a seller to do your best to insure a successful sale the first time. The most common reasons for an offer to fall through is because of the buyer’s financing, appraisal issues, title issues and inspection issues, so the best way to protect your sale is to deal with these issues up front.
Buyer’s financing is to blame for a majority of home sales that fall through, so first you should educate yourself about financing and know what kind of financing your buyer has. Concentrate on buyers who have been preapproved and if possible, focus on those with conventional loans versus FHA loans. And if you get a cash offer, seriously consider it. Even if it is a lesser offer, cash sales do not have to go through appraisal and can move much more quickly and fall through less often than buyers who have to work with a lender.
Title and inspection issues should be dealt with as early as possible. Instead of waiting for the buyer’s inspection or title search to turn up problems, sellers should prepare themselves ahead of time. It is smart to get your own inspection before listing. Many of the repairs that turn up on inspections can be simple fixes that you can do yourself before sellers are scared off or request more off the price than it would cost to fix.
Finally, to keep your sale moving in the right direction you should prepare for the appraisal before you list by getting a professional opinion and pricing your home in line with the comparables in your area. Even then you can still run into problems, but at least you will be more prepared.
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.
Today’s food for thought is from Napoleon Bonaparte: “Throw off your worries when you throw off your clothes at night.” (Fred) “You know your worries will be waiting for you in the morning.”
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 600889-$425,000 to $420,000. Here is a Millsboro DE Colonial with 4 BR, 3.5 BA in 3190 sq. ft. on .51 acre that has a granite kitchen, a library, a gas fireplace, and an in ground pool. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home. wwwfredsporch.com
Adriatico Ristorante (First St. & Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach has been a Rehoboth Beach staple for over thirty-five years. Specializing in Italian and seafood dishes, they serve up delicious dishes and a great selection of Italian and American wines as well. Adriatico is also participating in Restaurant Week 2013 by serving a three course dinner featuring grilled salmon, seafood lasagna, prime rib or chicken italiano for $35 including a glass of house wine or a non-alcoholic beverage. But don’t forget, restaurant week ends tonight!
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.
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.
Today’s food for thought is from Nicholas Malebranche: “Just as our eyes need light in order to see, our minds need ideas in order to conceive.” (Fred) “Our brains need to be stimulated to work properly.”
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604042-$329,900 to $324,900. Here is a Rehoboth Beach De townhome that has 3 BR, 2.5 BA, new appliances, and the community has tennis courts and a pool. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com
Congratulations to the Laurel High School Girls Softball Team. For the first time in 24 years they won the State of Delaware Championship on Saturday June 1, 2013. To put icing on the cake sophomore Regan Green pitched a Perfect Game in the 3-0 victory over Polytech.
If you haven’t taken advantage of restaurant week in Rehoboth this week, what are you waiting for? Here are five must-try restaurants that are participating:
1. a(MUSE). Enjoy “progressive mid-Atlantic cuisine” a(MUSE) focuses on small, inspired plates of food and drink made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant week menu features a $45 prix-fixe option.
2. Blue Moon. This award winning restaurant is housed in a beautiful, restored Victorian beach house and serves great food alongside unique entertainment. The $45 three course prix-fixe menu features Miso Glazed Scottish Salmon, Crispy Barnyard Chicken, and a Stout-Brined Berkshire Pork Chop as the entrée choices.
3. Salt Air. Featuring locally inspired dishes with fresh, local and sustainable ingredients with an emphasis on organic choices, this restaurant is a popular local choice. The three course $35 prix-fixe restaurant week menu features several entrée choices including seafood, chicken, and steak choices.
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.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out these local events:
Saturday, June 8th: Secret Lives of Horseshoe Crabs
Explore the beach and find out what goes on inside the horseshoe crab. This program is run by Cape Henlopen State Park and is for ages 5 & older. Cost is $3 per person and limit is $20 people. Call 302-645-6852 to register.
Saturday, June 8th: Inland Bays Clean Up
Do some good for the environment by volunteering to help clean up at Massey’s Landing. Boats with captains (gift cards for gas are available) and volunteers are needed. Call 302-226-8105 for more info.
Saturday, June 8th: 3rd Annual Disc Golf Learn & Play
Join disc golf professionals at Cape Henlopen State Park from 8am-12pm to learn how to play disc golf! Cost is $10 per person.
Sunday, June 9th: Adelante in Concert
Relax in Olly’s garden at All Saint’s Episcopal Church (18 Olive Ave) in Rehoboth Beach and enjoy the smooth jazz trio of Adelante. No charge, bring a lawn chair or blanket. The concert runs from 2pm-3pm.
Sunday, June 9th: Fish ‘n’ Kids
Head down to Lewes Canalfront Park from 10am-12pm for the 3rd annual Fish ‘n’ Kids event hosted by Quest Fitness and Kayak. The day will be filled with events for kids from ages 3-12. Favorite events include building and using your own fishing rod and embossing a fish t-shirt. The first 50 kids get a free t-shirt, or you are welcome to bring your own. Water and fishing related games will be plentiful and a surf-fishing/net-casting demonstration will be provided. This event is free for everyone. For more information call 302-644-7020.
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.
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
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:
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.
Today’s food for thought is from Josh Billings: “There are lots of people who mistake their imagination for their memory.” (Fred) “Is this a revisionist memory or an unconscious attempt to have a better memory?”
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604057-from $229,900 to $215,000. A good size Rancher in Laurel DE with 3 BR, 2 BA in 1650 sq. ft. on .96 acre has a permanent staircase to a huge floored attic, a sun porch and abundant landscaping. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home. www.fredsporch.com 
It’s restaurant week in Rehoboth Beach this week, which means many of Rehoboth’s favorite restaurants are serving prix fixe dinner specials and some are offering lunch specials as well. Here are a few restaurants I’ve spotlighted before that you may want to check out this week:
Café Azafran (18 Baltimore Ave) is serving dinner from 5pm, featuring a 3 course menu for $35 with entrée selections including Grilled Ribeye Steak, Bacon Wrapped Pork Chop, Azafran Crab Cake or a Seafood & Pasta Sauce.
Dogfish Head Brewery (320 Rehoboth Ave) is offering a $25 three course prix fixe menu including entrée choices such as Pork Confit, Woodgrilled Rainbow Trout, Woodgrilled Brined Chicken, and more.
Eden Restaurant (23 Baltimore Ave) is offering a $45 three course prix fixe dinner menu which includes entrée choices such as Grilled Brazilian Strip Steak, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Cioppino, and Wood Oven Roasted Rainbow Trout.
Jam Bistro (21 Baltimore Ave) is offering a $35 three course prix fixe dinner menu including entrée choices such as Pork Flat Iron, Herb Marinated Sirloin, and Stuffed Flounder.
Mariachi Restaurant (14 Wilmington Ave) is offering a two course lunch menu for $15 and a two course dinner menu for $30 with choices such as Salmon Salad, Pechuga Empanadas, Seafood Fajita, Salmon Relleno and more.
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.
