Five Tips To Keep Your Home Safe This Summer

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With Summer vacation season in full swing, keep your home and family safe when you’re away with these tips:

1.  Keep quiet.  Don’t announce your vacation plans on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks and refrain from posting pictures or travel updates until you are back home safely.

2.  Stop your mail.  It’s free to put a hold on your mail at the post office, but asking a friend or neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, and packages will do the same thing.  Nothing announces that you’re out of town faster than a mailbox bursting at the seams or a doorstep full of unread newspapers.

3.  Unplug.  Turn off and unplug any appliances you don’t need to leave on to lower your potential fire risk.

4.  Set timers.  Put both outdoor and indoor lights on timers, especially in often used rooms that face the street.  Also consider putting your television or a radio to give the illusion that someone is home.  If possible, vary the timers each day, especially if you are going to be gone for a long time.

5.  Lock up.  This may seem like common sense, but double check all doors and windows to be sure they are locked and engage your alarm system if you have 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 – 302-644-2266.

Three Ways To Dress Up A Blank Wall

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If you’ve got a blank wall in your home that you’re looking to dress up, try these solutions:

1. Antique Fabrics.  Search antique stores, second hand stores, and flea markets for old frames and fill them with pieces of classic quilts, tablecloths, or other antique or meaningful linens.

2.  Embroidery Hoops.  Frame any fabric that you love in different sized embroidery hoops and create an original piece of wall art by placing them in any method you choose.

3.  Floating Shelf.  Adding a floating shelf or series of floating shelves and layer framed prints, pictures, accessories, and anything else you like to add some personality to your space.  The best part about floating shelves is that you can easily change out the contents for seasons, holidays, special occasions, or just because!

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.

Weekend Update: June 21st-23rd

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

Friday, June 21st: Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience
Head over to the Freeman Stage at Bayside and enjoy this Grammy award winning musical artist as he shares the Zydeco experience.  Terrance Simien has been performing live for over 25 years.  Tickets are $10 per person and kids under 18 are free.  Don’t forget to bring your own lawn chairs.

Saturday, June 22nd:  Jack & The Beanstalk
If you have young children, the Freeman Stage at Bayside presents a two-man show of Jack and the Beanstalk on Saturday, June 22nd.  The show is designed for ages 3 and up and is free for everyone.

Saturday, June 22nd-Sunday, June 23rd: Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival
This 4th annual festival will run from 9am-4pm Saturday and 9am-3pm Sunday at the Lewes Historical Center Complex.  Admission is $5 per person and children under 12 are free, this includes a wrist band that is good for both days.  The event includes crafters, vendors, beautiful artwork and activities for children.  For more information contact 302-645-7670.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
The Lower Case Blues will perform “modern, energetic blues” on Friday, 6/21.  The Eddie Sherman Show will perform their traditional jazz show on Saturday, 6/22, and on Sunday, 6/23 the Lloyd Dobler Effect will perform their well known rock show.  All shows are free and begin at 8pm.

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.

Tips For Selling Your Home During The Summer

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If your home is on the market during the summer months, the outdoor space takes a larger stage for potential buyers than it does at colder times of year.  To take advantage of this, add a pop of color to your outdoor areas by planting flowers.  Additionally, do your best to keep your grass green by watering it often.  Clean up your yard as well as any porch or deck areas that you have.  Be sure to keep your yard neat and all toys, BBQ equipment, and other outdoor paraphernalia cleaned up.  Do your best to clear out any gnats, mosquitoes, and other bugs so that they don’t distract potential buyers.  Finally, really inspect your outdoor areas and do any general maintenance that is lacking.  This might include painting your front door or trim, filling holes in the yard, fixing broken screens, or anything else that will help the exterior of your home shine and sell.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Things You Should Have In Your Kitchen

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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.

Spotlight on Father’s Day

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Father’s Day is tomorrow, so take a minute to think of all the wonderful fathers that you know and call a couple to tell them how awesome they are!  If you’re in a bind because you didn’t plan ahead for Father’s Day, here a few quick ideas that can be pulled off at the last minute by heading into Rehoboth:

Breakfast on the Beach
Stop for an delicious egg sandwich or pastry at The Bake Shoppe (222 Rehoboth Ave.) and head down to the beach to enjoy breakfast with your favorite dad!

Father’s Day Fish
Take your favorite father to Fins Fish House and Raw Bar (243 Rehoboth Ave), Big Fish Grill (20298 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth), or another local seafood place for a delicious dinner.  Or, if your dad is the do-it-yourself type, take him fishing and grill up what you catch (assuming you catch some keepers, of course)!

A Soulful Celebration
Bring your favorite dad to the bandstand in Rehoboth for a “classic soul” style performance by popular D.C. based band, Jimi Smooth & Hittime.

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 Free Family Events This Summer

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If you’re looking for some free family fun this summer, check out these ongoing local events:

1.  Monday Night Movie On The Beach
Head into Dewey to the beach at Dagsworthy Street for free Monday night family movies.  Don’t forget the blanket, chairs and popcorn!  Movies begin at approximately 8:30pm and are weather dependent.  Movies begin on Monday, June 17th and run every Monday through the end of August.  For a full schedule, check out this link.

2.  Wednesday Night Bonfires on the Beach
Bring your family and the makings for some s’mores to the beach at Dagsworthy Street in Dewey every Wednesday night from 7:30pm-11pm beginning Wednesday, June 19th through the end of August.  Bonfires are weather dependent.

3.  Fenwick Flicks
Head into Fenwick Island to the beach at Farmington Street for free film screenings on Tuesday, June 18th (Mirror, Mirror), Wednesday July 17th (Madagascar 3), and Tuesday, August 13th (Oz, The Great and Powerful).  Movies will start at dusk.  Don’t forget your chairs and blankets!

4.  Cinema By The Canal
Head to Canalfront Park in Lewes for free film screenings on June 19th (Cirque Du Soliel: Worlds Away), July 10th (The Pirates! Band of Misfits), July 31st (Here Comes The Boom), and August 14th (The Odd Life of Timothy Green).  Movies begin at dusk.  Don’t forget your lawn chairs!

5.  Summer Concert Series at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Check out free summer concerts every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the end of August.  Concerts begin at 8pm.  For a complete schedule of bands, check out this link.

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.

How to Avoid these 5 Summer Dangers that Could Threaten Your Pet’s Life…

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

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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 SAFETY SURVIVAL GUIDE: 10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE

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 SAFETY

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

  1. Supervise constantly: Good supervision means you are able to scan the pool area every 20 seconds and be able to reach the pool in 10 seconds.
  2. Put multiple safety barriers between children and the pool: Install a four-foot fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach. Also cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence surrounding the pool.
  3. Always check the pool first if a child is missing: Child drowning is often a silent death that alerts no one with splashes or yells for help. Many drowning accidents happen when children have been missing for less than five minutes.
  4. Empty small wading pools and remove all toys after children are through playing: Infants can drown in just a few inches of water. Floats, balls and other toys may attract children to the pool when it is unattended.

Backyard Safety

  1. Keep grills at least 10 feet from any structure: Grilling mishaps cause more than 8,300 fires and send 3,000 people to the emergency room each year. Never grill indoors or near garages or porches, even if it’s raining.
  2. Have a spray bottle or fire extinguisher handy: An unexpected flare up can burn more than your burgers. Use a spray bottle to avoid flare ups, and have a fire extinguisher nearby. Also, coals get hot – in some cases up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit – so dispose of charcoal away from kids and pets and cool it down with a hose.
  3. Never use gasoline or kerosene to light a charcoal fire: Both can cause an explosion. When grilling, use insulated, flame-retardant mitts and long-handled barbeque tongs and utensils to handle food and coals.
  4. Check gas grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks: If the tank valve or grill needs repair, do not attempt to do it yourself. Take it to your local home improvement store or qualified appliance repair person.
  5. Inspect outdoor decorative lights carefully: Some families add backyard ambience with outdoor decorative lighting. Do not connect more than three midget light string sets together. Light strings with screw-in bulbs should have a maximum of 50 bulbs connected together. Be sure to use light strings bearing the UL Mark, which means UL has tested samples of the product for risk of fire, electric shock and other hazards.

Playground Safety

  1. Carefully inspect backyard playground equipment: According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 70 percent of all playground-related deaths occur on home playground equipment. Make sure equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed and bolts are not protruding. For more information on playground safety, click here

HOW TO BE PREPARED WHEN SEVERE WEATHER STRIKES

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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.

 

 

Three Free Summer Concert Series To Check Out

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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.

Weekend Update: June 14th-16th

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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.

Home Inspection Help

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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.

Keep Your Sale On Track

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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.

Spotlight on Adriatico Ristorante

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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.

5 Bedroom Oasis Ideas

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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.

Three Restaurants to Try During Restaurant Week

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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.

Weekend Update: June 7th-9th

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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.

Living Room Update Ideas

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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.

Enjoy Restaurant Week

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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.