Author: Connie - Gadget Girl

Paying Off Your Mortgage Early – Yes or No?

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Paying down your mortgage early is a great thing to do, and can be considered a good investment for many homeowners.  I, myself, am not a financial advisor, but I have culled several interesting articles that outline the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early from several finance and real estate experts.  First, check out this article, which outlines the benefits of mortgage repayment.  Then, check out this article, which says basically the opposite thing!  Finally, check out this article, which dispels some confusion over whether or not paying off your mortgage early is a good idea.  Whether or not you should pay off your mortgage early is a personal decision that requires a lot of thought and discussion before it’s made.  I know what my decision is, what’s yours?

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 Wall Storage Ideas

Turn empty walls into storage with these ideas:

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Turn empty walls into storage with these ideas:

1.  Niche Cabinet.  This is a narrow, shallow cabinet that can be added to almost any wall since it’s only the width and depth of the wall studs.  It’s great kitchen storage idea!

2.  Mudroom Storage.  Add some shelves and hooks to your mudroom to organize your entryway and make getting in and out of the house that much easier.  Cubby-hole type storage is also very useful in this circumstance and isn’t too difficult to do yourself.

3.  Media Built-In.  Use shallow shelves for the best media unit.

4.  Go to the ceiling.  Take your bookshelves all the way floor-to-ceiling to add more storage and give the room a taller feel.

5.  Hang Information.  Hang a combination of blackboards, magnet boards, and cork boards to turn a blank wall space into an information hub for your family.  Just be sure to keep the boards close to the wall for a streamlined look.

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

3 Questions to Ask Contractors

If you’re hiring a contractor to do work around your home, ask these questions first:

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If you’re hiring a contractor to do work around your home, ask these questions first:

1.  What is your schedule like?  The best contractors might be in demand, so don’t waste your time or theirs before assuring that your time frame and their match up.

2.  Do you have referrals?  Ask for the names and phone numbers of past clients.  If they refuse for any reason find someone else.  Follow up with the referrals and get feedback from the homeowners.  If the referrals are willing, go check out the contractor’s work in person.

3.  What is your name and license number?  Get the full legal name of the contractor’s business as well as all contact information and the license number.  Follow up by calling around and verifying the status of the contractor and their insurance policies.

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: February 1st-3rd

If you’re looking for something new & different to do on Saturday, check out these events:

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If you’re looking for something new & different to do on Saturday, check out these events:

Saturday, Feb. 2nd – Piano Concert
Award-winning concert pianist Misha Dichter will perform works by Beethoven, Schubert and more at Bethel United Methodist Church (129 W. Fourth St.) in Lewes from 2pm-5pm Saturday.  For more information or to purchase tickets check out this link.

Saturday, Feb. 2nd – Learn About Geocaching
I’ve written about this high-tech treasure hunt before.  Learn more about it this Saturday at the Georgetown Public Library.  The class is free and begins at 11am.  Contact the library (302-856-7958) for more information.  Then, go geocaching afterward!

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.

Why Your Home Isn’t Selling

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If your home has been on the market for a while with no interest there are several factors that could be holding you back.  Of course, before you assume that your home is taking forever to sell, discuss local real estate trends with your realtor and get their opinion.  The biggest reason that your home may not be selling is because it is priced too high.  You may think that a buyer will just offer a lower price for your home, but many sellers don’t want to waste time and energy on offers they aren’t confident in.  If you aren’t getting any showings, or you aren’t getting repeat showings then your home may not be priced correctly for the market.  Ask for feedback from buyers who see you home.  If they are positive about your house but indicate that the price is too high consider their feedback.  Another reason that your home may not be selling has to do with condition.  If your home has maintenance issues or is dated you will either need to fix the issues or lower the price to account for them.  If you have researched it and are confident that the price of your home is accurate for both your local market and the condition of your home consider talking with your agent about new ways to market your home.  And finally, if you don’t have a trusted agent, the best way to sell your home is to find 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.

Saving Energy At Home

Aside from your mortgage, utility costs generally account for the largest portion of the monthly bills you pay thanks to your home. However, there are several things you can do to lessen the blow a bit.

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

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

Spotlight on Winter at Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months when sunbathing, sand castle building, and swimming are prime activities for beach-goers.  But did you know that Cape Henlopen has a lot to offer in the winter months too?  Here are 5 great activities for all ages that can be done any time of year:

  1. Visit the Seaside Nature Center
    Open from 9am-4pm all year round, theSeaside Nature Center has many exhibits and displays, tanks full of local fish, and even a touch-tank!  It’s definitely worth a visit.
  2. Take a walk on the beach
    Who says the beach is only for summer?  Taking a winter walk along the beach is invigorating!  Not only can you enjoy different scenery than in the summer months, but there are no crowds to fight for it!  I can’t think of anything better than a relaxing stroll under sun, listening to the waves crash nearby.  So, what are you waiting for?  Bundle up and get out there!  There’s nothing more beautiful than a beach you have all to yourself.
  3. Hike or bike the trails
    There are 8 trails within Cape Henlopen, ranging from just over half a mile to 5 miles in length.  Some trails are designated for hiking only, but there are lovely, paved bike trails as well, and even an equestrian trail.  If you like to hike, you can even take part in the Delaware State Parks Trail Challenge – 3 of the trails are within Cape Henlopen!  If biking is more your thing, stop by the Seaside Nature Center (see #1!) to borrow a free bike from the Friends Park Pedal program and pedal around these beautiful trails!  If you want to check out the trails in advance, you can even download trail maps here.
  4. Check out one of the organized programs
    Cape Henlopen offers a wide variety of public programs for all different ages.  Many programs are family-friendly and some are even geared specifically for children!  Upcoming programs include a Winter Moon Hike, Awesome Amphibians, and a Youth Saltwater Tying Workshop.  Some events require a small fee, but most are free.  Pre-registration is often required, even for free events, so it’s best to call early and save your spot!  There is a complete list of events on their website, and there’s plenty to choose from even in the winter months!
  5. Explore history
    Fort Miles was a key piece of our nation’s coastal defense during World War II, and it is located in what is now Cape Henlopen State Park.  Fort Miles is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a great place for families and history buffs alike!  So take a tour, participate in the interpretive program, and find out more about the role of the Delaware shore in World War II.  The Fort Miles Orientation Building is open from 10am-4pm on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of March.  Beginning it April is open from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as well.

These activities are available year round, but why wait for the heat and the crowds to take advantage of them?  Head over to Cape Henlopen soon and discover what the beach has to offer in winter!!  When you do, you’ll see for yourself why we love Cape Henlopen and the town of Lewes so much.

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 Great Conversation Pieces

If you’re entertaining anytime soon and are nervous about awkward silences, consider displaying one (or several) of these conversation pieces and get things flowing!

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If you’re entertaining anytime soon and are nervous about awkward silences, consider displaying one (or several) of these conversation pieces and get things flowing!

1.  An interesting photo.  We’re not just talking family photos here.  To truly spark conversation the photo or album you display should contain people that your guests know, your guests or yourself with a celebrity, in an exotic location, or something otherwise interesting.

2.  An exotic or interesting plant.  Once someone mentions it don’t just thank them and move on, use it as an opportunity to jump start the conversation!

3.  A great book.  Displaying a beautiful coffee table book is nice, but a popular novel, book that has recently been made into a movie, or interesting biography also works.  Anything that will get your guests talking!

4.  A collection.  Everyone collects something!  Not only does the collection itself provide fodder for conversation, but you can also extend the conversation by asking what your guests collect and letting them tell their stories!

5.  A musical instrument.  Anything other than a piano can spark the interest of your guests and get conversation flowing.  Just remember the instrument is there to start conversation, not so you can give a concert!

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

3 Tips for Less Stressful Selling

Selling your home can be stressful. Here are a few tips to help it go smoothly…

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Selling your home can be stressful.  Here are a few tips to help it go smoothly…

1.  Detach yourself.  Most sellers are far too emotionally involved with their home.  Of course, that’s understandable.  After all, your home is the place where you’ve built memories for many years.  However, you must remember that the strangers that come through your home don’t have the same attachments.  The faster you can make yourself think of your home as a product to sell rather than your own, personal home the better off you will be.

2.  Plan your exit.  Have a strategy in place to make your sale as smooth as possible, especially if you are purchasing another home at the same time.  Research short-term housing options in case you need them, and be sure that you realistically understand how much money you will be taking away from your sale so that you can have the best understanding of what type of housing purchase you can afford to make.

3.  Hire a real estate agent.  Finding a real estate agent you like and trust as early in the selling process as possible can ease the entire process.  A good agent will not only show and sell your home, but he or she can advise you on the best strategies and tactics for selling your home, making the whole process less stressful.

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: Jan. 25th-27th

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It’s a bit of a slow weekend for events in Sussex County, but if you’re looking for something different today check out one of the many art galleries that are still open in and around Rehoboth Beach.  Many of them have new exhibits for 2013 and some even have events going on!  Here’s a post I wrote last year highlighting five to get you started.  Enjoy!

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.

Organize Your Junk Drawer

January is not yet over, which means that plenty of people are probably still working on their New Year’s Resolutions to get more organized. I know one project you can tackle today that will make you feel a whole lot better… your junk drawer!

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

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

Winter Safety & Your Home

Winter can be a treacherous time of year. Ice and snow can lead to car accidents, falls and injuries. Falling an ice can seriously injure anyone, but can be especially dangerous for children & the elderly.

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Winter can be a treacherous time of year.  Ice and snow can lead to car accidents, falls and injuries.  Falling an ice can seriously injure anyone, but can be especially dangerous for children & the elderly.  But did you know that if someone slips and falls on your property, you are considered responsible and are therefore liable?  Exact laws vary from place to place, but homeowners are responsible to “mitigate risks to others on their property” which means that as a homeowner you are responsible to put forth a good faith effort to keep your property free of ice and other dangers.  Simply put, if you know about ice and snow you are responsible to clean it up.  During storms it is best to salt or sand driveways and walkways to decrease the chance for ice and especially to prevent black ice from forming, which can be the most treacherous since it is not easily seen.  If someone does fall on your property they may file a “slip and fall” lawsuit, which can cost you several thousand dollars (although your homeowners insurance may cover part of it).  To avoid this the best step to take is prevention, so if the temperature falls below freezing you should salt your driveway, sidewalks, and walkways as a precaution.  Laying salt before it snows helps to prevent ice from forming in the first place.

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 Easy Fixes Before Selling

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If you’re putting your home on the market here are five cheap & easy fixes to increase your home’s sale potential.

1.  Declutter.  I’ve said it a million times before, and I will keep saying it… pick up your stuff, put half of it away, and if necessary, rent a storage unit while your home is on the market.  Especially stash collectibles, family photos, and personal objects.  Decluttering your house is the easiest and least expensive thing you can do to make it appeal to more buyers.

2.  Clean.  Deep clean, that is.  In addition to your normal cleaning have your floors cleaned professionally, remove scuff marks from walls and baseboards, pressure wash the outside of your home including the driveway, wash your window treatments, scrub tile, and clean your windows both inside and out.

3.  Paint.  This is another one that I’ve been a broken record about.  Repaint any walls in your home that are anything other than neutral in a neutral shade.  No buyer has ever said, “oh this wall is too tan” but plenty of buyers have said “oh, this wall is just so red” (or blue or yellow, etc.).  Neutral paint can literally sell your home!

4.  New Hardware.  Kitchens & bathrooms are the two rooms that buyers are most interested in.  By changing out the hardware, light switch & plate covers, towel/toilet paper racks, etc. you can give both rooms a mini makeover without shelling out too much cash.

5.  Curb Appeal.  Finally, take a look at your home through a buyer’s eyes.  If it could use a little curb appeal make over consider clearing dead plants, trim plants and bushes, and add some landscaping if necessary.

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 The Kitchen in Milton

The Kitchen, located in The Shoppes at Paynter’s Mill in Milton (3.5 miles north of 5 Points) and is owned and operated by Ray & Lisa Richardson who formerly owned the Second Street Grill in Lewes.

The Kitchen at Paynter's Mill

The Kitchen, located in The Shoppes at Paynter’s Mill in Milton (3.5 miles north of 5 Points) and is owned and operated by Ray & Lisa Richardson who formerly owned the Second Street Grill in Lewes.  The Kitchen prides itself on being “casual fine dining” for the family.  The food is excellent, flavorful, and fresh.  The atmosphere is comfortable, the presentation is beautiful, and the service is great!  The Kitchen is open from 11am-8pm Tuesday-Thursday and 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday.

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

3 Things To Check Out Before You Make An Offer

If you’re planning on buying a house anytime soon, be sure to check out more than just the home! Here are three tips to help:

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If you’re planning on buying a house anytime soon, be sure to check out more than just the home!  Here are three tips to help:

1.  Do a drive by.  Drive by the home at several different times of day, and don’t forget to drive by a few times at night too.  Be sure to drive by during the week and on weekends.  Check it out and get a feel for the area at many different times to be sure that it “fits” you.

2.  Check out your neighbors.  Look at the properties of your immediate neighbors, but also of others in the area.  Check out any shops & businesses nearby too.  Pay attention to the details and remember that neighborhood affects property value.

3.  Look at ratings.  Go online to check neighborhood ratings, school ratings, and crime ratings for the neighborhoods you are considering.  Remember, knowledge is power!

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: January 18th-20th

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

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

Friday, January 18th – Classic Casino Night
Join the Dunes Pink Classic for their James Bond Style Classic Casino Night at The Cove at Bayside Resort (31806 Lakeview Drive in Selbyville) from 7pm-11pm.  Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door.  High Roller Table tickets are available in limited quantities for $100 each.  All tickets include heavy appetizers, 1 drink ticket, $100 in casino chips, music, dancing & fun.  High Roller tickets also include an additional 2 drink tickets, designated server and private area with choice of Black Jack or Poker.  For tickets or more information, click this link.

All Weekend – Rehoboth Beach Film Society “What Makes Us Tick” Series
The “What Makes Us Tick” is an annual, three-part film series that includes post-screening discussions led by professional mental health practitioners.  This year’s theme is “Families Taking the Gloves Off:  From Conflict to Understanding.”  And the films were selected to demonstrate families facing multiple challenges, with post-screening discussions including topics such as sibling rivalry, parent-child conflict, bullying, ethical dilemmas, and dealing with issues such as illness and death.  All films will be screened at the Swan Ballroom in the Atlantic Sands Hotel (100 N. Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach) and tickets are $13 per film and $36 for the three-film package.  Screenings are of The Savages on Friday, the 18th at 7pm, In A Better World on Saturday, the 19th at 2pm, and Pieces of April on Sunday, the 20th at 2pm.  For tickets or more information 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 — 302-644-2266.

Preparing Yourself To Buy

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If you’re planning to buy a home in 2013, there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself.  The first is to find a real estate agent that you trust to represent you fairly and with your best interest in mind.  The other person you need to get in your corner before you start house hunting is a lender.  Your real estate agent should be able to refer several that they like, but you can also check your bank or credit union and ask friends and family members for recommendations.  Your lender will run your finances and set your maximum price for financing.  This will help direct your search to homes that you can afford.  After you have an agent and a lender in place educate yourself by talking to people with experience, reading books and articles, and talking to anybody you can who can help you understand the real estate purchase process.  Meanwhile you can begin your search!

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.

Fix Air Leaks For A Warmer Winter

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If your home is losing heat there could be many reasons: poor insulation, drafty windows, improperly sealed doors, and more.  These energy losses can add up to huge energy bills and a cold family!  In the meantime, check these offending areas of your home and fix any leaks for greater efficiency and less expensive heating bills.

The biggest areas of heat loss in your home are in the doors and windows.  Heat should not be escaping from your doors when they are closed.  If you are losing heat from your doors you can easily replace ripped, worn, or otherwise improper seals on your own by purchasing new seals and weather stripping at a home-improvement store.  When it comes to windows, heat can escape through both the glass and the trim.  Double-paned windows are better at keeping heat in than single-paned windows are.  Insulated blinds or curtains can also help slow heat loss.  If you do have single-paned windows consider replacing them with storm windows or thermal windows.

In addition to your windows and doors, if you have a fireplace it can be a huge source of heat loss in your home.  Be sure to keep your damper closed unless a fire is going.  If you leave the damper open when you’re not burning a fire you can increase your heating bill by up to 25%.  If it doesn’t close tight, consider having it repaired.

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 Off Season Specials

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As I was doing some research for my regular “spotlight on” section of the blog I came across this great list from the Rehoboth Foodie, which highlights the off season hours & specials of many local restaurants.  I have reviewed some of these restaurants myself and others you can find reviews of right on the Rehoboth Foodie site.  But now that we are smack in the middle of the “off season” with plenty of off season ahead of us, I thought this might be an opportune time for such a list.  Check it out!

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

Five Projects To Do This Month

Put these items on your January “to do” list:

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Put these items on your January “to do” list:

1.  Put away the holidays.  It’s no fun packing up the holiday decorations, but it has to be done, so if you haven’t already gotten to it, it’s about time to do it now!

2.  Prepare for snow.  Be sure that you have snow shovels, ice scrapers, and salt ready to go.  Fire up your snow blower, change the oil, make any necessary repairs and make sure it’s gassed up.

3.  Prepare your home for snow.  Check the roof for leaks or weak patches, clear gutters if you need to, and purchase a roof rake if necessary.

4.  Purchase firewood.  If you haven’t already fired up your fireplace, now is the time to purchase properly seasoned wood.  Make sure you store it correctly too!

5.  Stay warm.  Save energy and stay warm by taking a bit of time to seal up any air leaks around your home’s doors and windows.

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.