Author: Connie - Gadget Girl

Advice for Downsizing

There comes a time in every home owner’s life when the idea of owning a large home just isn’t appealing anymore. When it occurs to you that the money spent on maintenance and the time spent on cleaning can be put to better use, it’s probably time to downsize. When you’re ready to think about downsizing think about the possible ramifications it may have. For example, to live comfortably in a smaller space you will have to get rid of a lot of your stuff – so if you’re emotionally attached, downsizing can feel like a step backward. In addition, if you have children, grandchildren, or friends and you like to have them come visit downsizing might make comfortable. However, if you feel like you can live with these ramifications, then downsizing might be a great option for you.

Once you decide to downsize, decide how small you are really willing to go and choose the neighborhoods you would like to live in. After you’ve got a good idea of what you’re looking for consider the costs of downsizing. Not only is there the cost of the home, but there are also other costs of downsizing. For example, you may need to purchase new, downsized furniture or need to rent storage space if you’re not ready to say goodbye to some of your beloved items.

Once you’re ready to make the move, call a trusted real estate agent and start looking! Downsizing might not be every home owner’s dream, but it can be a great move!

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

There comes a time in every home owner’s life when the idea of owning a large home just isn’t appealing anymore.  When it occurs to you that the money spent on maintenance and the time spent on cleaning can be put to better use, it’s probably time to downsize.  When you’re ready to think about downsizing think about the possible ramifications it may have.  For example, to live comfortably in a smaller space you will have to get rid of a lot of your stuff – so if you’re emotionally attached, downsizing can feel like a step backward.  In addition, if you have children, grandchildren, or friends and you like to have them come visit downsizing might make comfortable.  However, if you feel like you can live with these ramifications, then downsizing might be a great option for you.

Once you decide to downsize, decide how small you are really willing to go and choose the neighborhoods you would like to live in.  After you’ve got a good idea of what you’re looking for consider the costs of downsizing.  Not only is there the cost of the home, but there are also other costs of downsizing.  For example, you may need to purchase new, downsized furniture or need to rent storage space if you’re not ready to say goodbye to some of your beloved items.

Once you’re ready to make the move, call a trusted real estate agent and start looking!  Downsizing might not be every home owner’s dream, but it can be a great move!

Thinking of buying of 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 Buttery in Lewes

The Buttery is a great restaurant right in the midst of Historic Lewes. The Buttery serves lunch and dinner and is well known for their Sunday brunch service! The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, and the food is creative, flavorful, and delicious! The food can be pricey, but is also well worth it.

The Buttery is a great restaurant right in the midst of Historic Lewes.  The Buttery serves lunch and dinner and is well known for their Sunday brunch service!  The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming, and the food is creative, flavorful, and delicious!  The food can be pricey, but is also well worth it.  The Buttery is the perfect place for a relaxed Sunday brunch with family, and is equally great for a lovely dinner or just about any special occasion!  The Buttery also hosts their own special events, including their upcoming Murder Mystery Dinner on October 22nd, which sounds like a blast!  Locals love The Buttery and after just one visit it’s not hard to see why.  You should definitely check it out!

Thinking of buying of 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 Home Improvements for Under $1000

Yesterday I looked at three updates you could make to your home for under $200, but today we’re going to open that budget up a bit. Here are five for under $1,000:

Yesterday I looked at three updates you could make to your home for under $200, but today we’re going to open that budget up a bit.  Here are five for under $1,000:

1. Replace worn carpeting.  Nothing makes a home look grungier than yucky carpeting.  If you’ve got worn or stained carpeting, or other floor issues in your home, consider replacing the flooring.  If your budget prevents you from redoing all the floors, start in the rooms that have the most wear.

2.  Get a new water heater.  A tankless water heater is more environmentally friendly than older models and saves energy and money by heating only the water you use, as you use it.  This update will pay for itself in the long run, and will give your home added value if you put it on the market.

3.  Update the bathroom.  Bathrooms add value to a home, and you can easily do a minor remodel for under $1000.  Simple updates like replacing old plumbing, updating light fixtures, replacing tile, or switching out a vanity will update the whole room without a huge price tag.

4.  Update the kitchen.  Obviously you can’t do a whole kitchen remodel for under $1,000, but you can swap out one old appliance for a shiny, new, energy efficient model.  Another kitchen update to consider for under $1,000 would be replacing the flooring or updating the backsplash.  Any kitchen update adds value to your home.  You don’t necessarily have to redo the entire room to update it.

5.  Add curb appeal.  Lush, green grass sells homes!  Depending on the size of your yard, about $1,000 and some hard work will allow you to replace a weedy, patchy, or dead lawn with lovely, thick, green sod.  Just remember that landscaping requires follow-up commitment to get the full value!

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

Thursday Three: 3 Improvements for a Tight Budget

If you want to increase the value of your home, but you only have a little bit of cash, try any of these ideas which should each cost under $200.

If you want to increase the value of your home, but you only have a little bit of cash, try any of these ideas which should each cost under $200.

1.  Scrape the popcorn.  Popcorn ceilings seriously date your home, so if you’ve currently got them spending the time to scrape them away will add instant value without a whole lot of money.  All you need is something to soften the texture and some time to dedicate to scraping!

2.  Plant a tree.  As a shade tree matures over time it will add curb appeal (and value!) to your home.  Not only are shade trees desirable, but properly placed it can actually cut your cooling costs significantly.

3.  Filter your water.  Installing a water filtration system in your kitchen allows you to get the luxury of bottled water right from your faucet.  It’s an inexpensive addition that adds value because it seems luxurious!

Thinking of buying of 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 – 9/28-9/30

Well, seems like it’s a slow weekend in the area. The summer season is over, and fall activities haven’t picked up quite yet, but if you’re looking for something new and interesting, check out the Rehoboth Film Society’s monthly screening on Friday, 9/28 at 7pm. This month’s film is a “freewheeling comedy” titled The Trip which stars Steve Coogan will be shows in the upstairs screening room at the Movies at Midway in Rehoboth Beach. For a complete review of the film (which sounds hilarious!) check out this link. Tickets are $4 for Film Society Members and $6 for everyone else.

Well, seems like it’s a slow weekend in the area.  The summer season is over, and fall activities haven’t picked up quite yet, but if you’re looking for something new and interesting, check out the Rehoboth Film Society’s monthly screening on Friday, 9/28 at 7pm.  This month’s film is a “freewheeling comedy” titled The Trip which stars Steve Coogan will be shows in the upstairs screening room at the Movies at Midway in Rehoboth Beach.  For a complete review of the film (which sounds hilarious!) check out this link.  Tickets are $4 for Film Society Members and $6 for everyone else.

That’s pretty much all I’ve got for this weekend.  If you know of other area events that would be fun to check out, comment here!

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

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval

It’s a good idea to be pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting. In fact, many realtors won’t even work with you until you’ve gone through this process. There is a bit of confusion out there though, about the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. Many times these terms are used interchangeably, but they are, indeed, different

It’s a good idea to be pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin house hunting.  In fact, many realtors won’t even work with you until you’ve gone through this process.  There is a bit of confusion out there though, about the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval.  Many times these terms are used interchangeably, but they are, indeed, different.  Pre-qualification is basically a letter from a loan officer saying how much they believe you will be able to borrow based on your income, debt, work history, etc.  Pre-qualification is given without pulling credit scores, and is a “good faith estimate.”  However, even if you are pre-qualified you can still have trouble with your financing, since nothing about a pre-qualification is guaranteed.

Pre-approval takes everything a step further and involves pulling your credit report (which typically involves a small, non-refundable fee).  This process involves a lot more paper work, but shows that the bank is ready to work with you should you find a home that you love.  It is important to note that pre-approval does not guarantee a mortgage, but it does guarantee that the bank is ready and willing to work with you which shows that you are a serious buyer.

Many realtors will work with you if you are pre-qualified, but it is really in your best interest as a buyer to be pre-approved before you start the house hunting process.  It is heart breaking to fall in love with a home and then find out that it is way over your budget when you try to finance it.  When you’re ready to start house hunting, shop around for a mortgage and find a broker that you like and trust.  Once you have your pre-approval letter it shows your agent and the sellers that you are a serious buyer worth working with.

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

Types of Mortgages

If you’re in the market for a home, chances are high that you are not paying cash for it which means you will need to get a mortgage. There are two basic types of mortgages, conventional and government sponsored.

If you’re in the market for a home, chances are high that you are not paying cash for it which means you will need to get a mortgage.  There are two basic types of mortgages, conventional and government sponsored.

Conventional mortgages are come in two basic varieties, fixed rate mortgages (FRM) and Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM).  As the name suggests, fixed-rate mortgages have a set interest rate that stays the same throughout the length of the loan.  Usually fixed-rate loans are paid off over either 15 or 30 years.  These tend to be the most popular home loans.

In an adjustable rate mortgage the interest rate rises and falls throughout the length of the loan.  Typically, adjustable rate mortgages have a lower interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages, especially for the first year or so, but they can be risky, depending on the market and how long you plan to stay in your home.

With conventional mortgages, you are typically required to make a down payment of twenty percent.  Buyers who aren’t able to put that much down are required by their lenders to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you’ve paid down a full twenty percent of the home’s value.  PMI increases the monthly payment, and should usually be avoided if at all possible.

The other type of mortgage is though loan programs sponsored by the government.  These include Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, Veteran’s Administration (VA) programs for veterans, and Rural Housing Service (RHS) programs for families living in rural areas.  Government sponsored loans are intended for homebuyers with low income.  Most of these programs require low down payments and have more lenient qualification terms than conventional loans.  To finance a home through any government sponsored loan program, you still have to go through traditional banks or mortgage lenders to get your money.  In these cases, the government does not actually lend the money, they just guarantee the loans.

Thinking of buying of 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: DiFebo’s in Bethany Beach

Featuring award winning fresh seafood and a variety of other dishes, DiFebo’s (789 Garfield Parkway) is one of the highest rated restaurants in Bethany Beach, and it’s easy to see why.

Featuring award winning fresh seafood and a variety of other dishes, DiFebo’s (789 Garfield Parkway) is one of the highest rated restaurants in Bethany Beach, and it’s easy to see why.  The atmosphere is comfortable, the service is great, and the food is awesome! Considered a “modern Italian grill,” DiFebo’s is a chef owned restaurant and you can tell that the family takes great pride in their food.  Sourcing their food from local farms and fisheries as much as possible, DiFebo’s guarantees freshness.  If you’re looking for an delicious and enjoyable upscale meal, I definitely recommend DiFebo’s in Bethany or their sister location at Bear Trap Dunes in Oceanview.

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 Ways To Make Your Laundry Room Work For You

The laundry room is an often underutilized part of the home. Here are 5 ideas to give your laundry room more life and function:

The laundry room is an often underutilized part of the home.  Here are 5 ideas to give your laundry room more life and function:

1.  Add storage.  Add as many shelves and cabinets as you can and your laundry room can store not only cleaning supplies and toiletries, but also craft supplies, a gift wrap station, inbox for household mail, office space, and really anything that would benefit you that doesn’t need a huge amount of square footage elsewhere.

2.  Make it a mudroom.  Install durable flooring, a sink for washing grungy hands, a bench for removing shoes and a rack to store them on, and some hooks for coats.  Voila! You’ve got a great transition area between the outdoor living space and indoor living space of your home!

3.  Make it pet friendly.  If you’ve got to keep your pet confined during the day, the laundry room is a great place to do it.  If it would work for your situation, you could even add a doggie door so that Fido can let himself in and out during the day!

4.  Add amenities.  Adding things like a drying rack, hanging rod, and counter space for folding can help speed up the chore of laundry and cut down on your ironing.

5.  Boost your appliances.  If you have a front loading washer and dryer, put them on pedestals so that loading and unloading them isn’t so back-breaking.  But not only should you put them on pedestals, make those platforms work for you by building drawers or other storage into them!

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.

3 Steps To Appealing Your Property Taxes

On Tuesday I talked about property taxes. And today I am going to talk about how to appeal your property taxes if you feel that they are too high. Like I said before, property taxes are based on your homes assessed value, so if you feel that the value of your home as declined or is otherwise less than what it has been assessed for you may be able to file a grievance to have your property taxes reassessed. If you think you’re in this position, here are three actions for you to take:

On Tuesday I talked about property taxes.  And today I am going to talk about how to appeal your property taxes if you feel that they are too high.  Like I said before, property taxes are based on your homes assessed value, so if you feel that the value of your home as declined or is otherwise less than what it has been assessed for you may be able to file a grievance to have your property taxes reassessed.  If you think you’re in this position, here are three actions for you to take:

1.  Find out if and when there is a specific time to file a grievance with the county assessor and research the steps and guidelines that apply to your home.  Typically there is a specific time period each year in which grievances are accepted, so you need to find out when that is.  Every area is different, so you can start by visiting your local assessor’s website to get information, figure out the requirements for your home, and download forms to start the appeal process.

2.  Get research to back up the claim you are making about your home’s value.  In order to appeal you will have to prove your home’s market value is lower than its assessed value.  To do this, you will have to get the sale information of comparable homes in your neighborhood that have sold in the past six months.  Remember, that you are not just looking at the prices of all homes that have sold, you want to find comparable homes, so you’re looking for information on homes with approximately the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square feet, yard space, etc.  Also remember that home values vary widely from neighborhood to neighborhood, so you want to look for the comps in your specific area.

3.  After you’ve done the research on your home’s fair market value, if you find the number truly is lower than your home’s assessed value you should complete the forms and submit your documentation.  If the appeal doesn’t turn out in your favor, you usually have the right to appeal in person with that decision being final.

Although it does hurt when property taxes go up, just remember that this is actually good news because it means that the value of your home is also rising!

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: 9/21-9/23

Check out some of the fun things going on in Sussex County this weekend:

Check out some of the fun things going on in Sussex County this weekend:

Friday, September 21st: Fun Friday! Oktoberfest
This Friday the Lewes Chamber of Commerce will sponsor their first annual Oktoberfest!  This event will take place at Mary Vessels Park and on Market Street between Front Street and Second Street in Lewes from 4pm-8pm.  Local merchants and vendors will be serving German good and German-themed merchandise and specials throughout the day.  The festival will be all about live entertainment and family-fun and will include Bavarian dancers, an Oompah Band, and more! 

Saturday, September 22nd: Fall Beach Party in Dewey
On Saturday the Dewey Business Partnership will host their annual end of season beach party on the beach at Dagsworthy Street.  This event is open to the general public and property owners in Dewey alike.  Parking is free and the event runs from 5:30-9pm.  Good and drinks from local business will be available at discounted prices and live entertainment includes Jimi Smooth and Bruce in the USA.  This event is free to attend and is open to all ages.

Sunday, September 23rd: Sampling of Sussex County
The Jefferson School in Georgetown will be hosting its 2nd Annual Sampling of Sussex event from 12pm-3pm on Sunday.  This family friendly event will include face painting, a petting zoo, live entertainment, and samplings from local restaurants.  For more information and admissions costs call 302-856-3300.

Sunday, September 23rd: Farmer & Foodie Festival
Stop by the Georgetown Circle from 12pm-4pm Sunday for the Farmer & Foodie Festival!  This event celebrates and honors local farmers.  There will carriage rides, pumpkin decorating, a backyard bbq competition, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and tastings from local businesses.

Sunday, September 23rd:  Free Concert in Cupola Park
Head to Cupola Park in Millsboro on Sunday evening to see local favorites “The Funsters” perform live.  The concert begins at 5pm and is free for all!  Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket!  Picnic dinners are encouraged too.

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.

All About Property Taxes

Property taxes can be a significant portion of your monthly house payment, yet most people are painfully unaware of the ins and outs of property taxes and are happy to just be able to pay the bill each month. When you’re looking to buy a home, the property tax information is available on most real estate websites, but that information is not always accurate.

Property taxes can be a significant portion of your monthly house payment, yet most people are painfully unaware of the ins and outs of property taxes and are happy to just be able to pay the bill each month.  When you’re looking to buy a home, the property tax information is available on most real estate websites, but that information is not always accurate.  Although the information listed about property taxes may have been the amount paid in the previous year, property taxes are calculated according to the value of the property.  These are calculated yearly, and generally, when you buy a home the sale price is considered to be the assessed value.  The issue is that there are state laws that only allow the property value to be assessed at a small increase each year, so if the home hasn’t been sold in a long time, the home may have appreciated more than the assessed value shows, in which case a buyer’s property taxes can be much higher than the current taxes.  Of course, if the home has depreciated, this can mean your taxes are much lower.  On top of that, there are also lots of different tax exemptions that you or the previous owner may or may not be eligible for, so if you’re eligible for a different amount of tax breaks, that’s another reason that your property taxes will end up being higher (or lower) than the previously paid amount.

To best estimate what your taxes may be ask your realtor and/or mortgage broker to help you find out what the tax rate will be in the areas you are looking at then multiply your estimated purchase price by that rate.  Just keep in mind that this is only an estimate and that laws, assessment rates, and values can all change in the future.

Although it is difficult (or impossible!) to know exactly what your property taxes will be, these tips should help you be able to estimate more accurately than the tax history you find on a real estate website.  Happy house hunting!

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.

How Much Home Can You Really Afford?

When buying a home, many people end their thinking with whether or not they can afford the mortgage payment. Affording the mortgage payment is obviously a critical part of owning a home, but it is not the only part. There are many other costs that need to be factored into the monthly cost of home ownership.

When buying a home, many people end their thinking with whether or not they can afford the mortgage payment.  Affording the mortgage payment is obviously a critical part of owning a home, but it is not the only part.  There are many other costs that need to be factored into the monthly cost of home ownership.  The two most commonly thought of our taxes and insurance.  Property taxes cannot be avoided.  Depending on where you live you may have multiple levels of property tax to pay (such as city AND county taxes).  If you’re not sure, you can call the county property assessor’s office in your area.  Finding out the final number before agreeing to the home purchase is key, because the number may vary significantly from the tax data on the real estate listing or even any estimate you’ve received.  Taxes can add hundreds of dollars a month to your payment, so be sure to get the information before you close settlement.

Another big chunk of your monthly payment goes toward insurance.  You can’t own your home without it.  If you live in a flood danger zone, you will also have to get flood insurance which will be a second, separate policy.  Combined with your mortgage payment and taxes, your monthly payment may be higher than you realize.

In addition to these costs that most people are aware of, beware the hidden costs of home ownership such as Homeowner’s Association fees, utilities, and maintenance costs.  These are items you should budget for, but that not everyone thinks of.  All together, your monthly home payment is way more than just the cost of the mortgage.  Being prepared is about being aware of everything, so just be sure you’ve done your research and really understand what your home will cost each month before you sign on the dotted line.

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.

Spotlight on Lily Thai Cuisine in Rehoboth Beach

Whether you already love thai food or just like to try new things, you should definitely check out Lily Thai Cuisine in Rehoboth (10 N. First St. in Rehoboth). No matter what you order off the menu, you are guaranteed a delicious meal and if you’re afraid something is too spicy you can ask them to take the heat down a few notches (or up a few notches if you love peppers!). The staff is friendly and accommodating, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the prices are moderate.

Whether you already love thai food or just like to try new things, you should definitely check out Lily Thai Cuisine in Rehoboth (10 N. First St. in Rehoboth).  No matter what you order off the menu, you are guaranteed a delicious meal and if you’re afraid something is too spicy you can ask them to take the heat down a few notches (or up a few notches if you love peppers!).  The staff is friendly and accommodating, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the prices are moderate.  Although some prices seem a bit high, the portion sizes and deliciousness of the food make it worth it!  My personal favorite is Chicken Pad Thai, but I haven’t heard complaints about any of the menu options.  There are even vegetarian and vegan options available.  Lily Thai is definitely a restaurant to check out!

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

Five Things To Know About Purchasing a Foreclosure

Buying a foreclosed property can be a great deal, but it can also be confusing and stressful. Here are five things you should know to make the process easier.

Buying a foreclosed property can be a great deal, but it can also be confusing and stressful.  Here are five things you should know to make the process easier.

Take it or leave it.  Foreclosures are sold “as is.”  In a normal home sale the sellers are required by law to make all kind of disclosures about issues that the home has had in the past, repairs made to the home, repairs that need to be made to the home, etc.  In the foreclosure process the banks make it clear that they don’t live in the home, have never lived in the home, and have no idea about the home’s history, so you won’t be getting disclosures of any kind.  The home is yours to take or leave just as it is.

Check out the neighborhood.  The neighborhood that the home is in can tell you a lot about the potential value of the home.  Are there lots of homes for sale in the neighborhood?  Are the homes primarily rental properties or are they owner occupied?  Are the homes and yards nicely kept or is the neighborhood falling into disrepair?  The answers to all of these questions can give you a good clue about whether or not you will be getting a good deal if you are to purchase the foreclosed property.

Forget contingencies.  In a normal sale there are all kinds of contingencies that you can write into your contract without worrying about potentially losing the deal.  One of the most common is to make your offer contingent on the sale of your own home, but there are many others as well.  In a foreclosure sale no contingencies are the way to go.  The less reason you give the bank to reject your offer, the more likely you are to get the home.

Use cash.  Or at the very least have all of your financing secured.  Pre-approval does not necessarily mean that the financing will come through quickly enough in the foreclosure process.  The less hassle you have to go through to get the money, the better it is.  Cash is always the best option.

It’s all on you.  Depending on the laws in the area of the foreclosure you may have a short window of time to have an inspection done before committing to closing.  In this case, everything is riding on you.  It is up to you to know what work needs to be done to the home and how much it is going to cost.  Again, this goes back to the fact that there are no seller disclosures when dealing with a foreclosure.  Hire a trusted inspector (consider having two inspectors look at the property) and follow-up by hiring any necessary specialty inspectors and/or contractors to give you as much information as possible before closing because uncovering potential problems is your responsibility alone when buying a foreclosed property.

Cooper Realty Associates are REO specialists in Sussex County.  If you’re thinking of buying a foreclosed property, give us a call and put our expertise to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Polkamotion By The Ocean

We’re taking a break from the Thursday Three this week to highlight a unique event happening at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center starting today and running through Sunday. Head down at some point to check out the 33rd Annual Polkamotion By The Ocean! The last surviving “Beach” Polka Festival in the U.S.! Admission ranges from $10-$17 depending on your age and the day. Children 16 and under are always free!

We’re taking a break from the Thursday Three this week to highlight a unique event happening at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center starting today and running through Sunday.  Head down at some point to check out the 33rd Annual Polkamotion By The Ocean!  The last surviving “Beach” Polka Festival in the U.S.!  Admission ranges from $10-$17 depending on your age and the day.  Children 16 and under are always free!  In addition to a line-up of “polka hall of famers” they will be serving a menu of delicious Polish foods and $1 beers all weekend.  Each day of the festival has a theme, including Polka T-Shirt Night and Polka Dot Night.  Festival hours are Thursday-6pm-12am, Friday-4pm-1am, Saturday-4pm-1am, and Sunday-11am-6:30pm.  If you’ve never experienced polka before, this sounds like a fun event and the perfect opportunity to do so!  You can always count on Rehoboth for something fun!

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

Weekend Update: September 14th-16th

Here are some fun events happening in and around our area this weekend:

Here are some fun events happening in and around our area this weekend:

Friday, 9/14 – Lightship Overfalls FallFest
The Overfalls Foundation will host its 4th annual FallFest on the lightship grounds from 5pm-7pm Friday evening.  The Overfalls is one of only 17 remaining lightships out of the 179 original ships built between 1820 and 1952.  It was designated as a National Historic Landmark last year and is one of only seven in the country still open to the public.  This event celebrates the history of our very own landmark and is free to the public.  Everyone is asked to bring an appetizer to share.

Saturday, 9/15 – Arts & Jazz Festival
The Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville) hosts this awesome event from 10am-6pm on Saturday.  Some of Delmarva’s finest artists will have work displayed and talented jazz artists such as Joe Baione, Grace Kelly, Ron Carter and more will perform.  For more information call 302-436-3015.

Saturday, 9/15 — Fenwick Flicks
The Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce hosts this final free family movie of the season at dusk on Saturday (approx. 8:30ish).  The film this week is The Zookeeper and it will be played on the beach at Bayard Street in Fenwick Island.  In case of inclement weather, the movie will be on Sunday evening.  For more information call 302-539-2100.

Enjoy this last weekend of summer!

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

Refinancing Your Mortgage

With the current low interest rates, there hasn’t been a time in recent history that’s been better for refinancing a mortgage. If you’re thinking of refinancing, consider these tips to help you.

With the current low interest rates, there hasn’t been a time in recent history that’s been better for refinancing a mortgage.  If you’re thinking of refinancing, consider these tips to help you.

First, determine why you want to refinance.  Is your goal to lower your monthly payment by extending your loan back out to thirty years or are you looking to reduce the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of your loan?  Are you looking to consolidate debt, or hoping to get in or out of an adjustable-rate mortgage?  Whatever your reasons, be sure to pinpoint your goals of refinancing.  It’s never a good idea to refinance just because it “seems like a great deal!”  After you know why you want to refinance, figure out how many months of paying your new monthly payment it will take before you’ve covered the closing costs of refinancing.  If you don’t plan to be in your house long-term, refinancing probably isn’t the right choice.  Likewise, if you’ve only been in your house a short time before refinancing, that might not make sense either.  One thing to keep in mind, is that even if your interest rate is significantly lower, if you extend the loan terms back out to thirty years you are paying over a longer period of time and therefore it might not save you money in interest over the long run.  If you are considering refinancing, the best advice is to understand the terms of your current loan and any refinancing terms you are considering, crunch the numbers, and speak to a trusted advisor about your options.  Remember, refinancing can be a great deal, but it isn’t for everyone.

Be A Successful Home Buyer

The process of buying a home can be overwhelming, frustrating, stressful, and exhausting, but in the end having a place you love to call home is usually worth any hassle. If you’re looking to make the home buying process less stressful having a good agent that you trust is important, but there are also some steps you can take as a buyer to pave a smooth path for yourself.

The process of buying a home can be overwhelming, frustrating, stressful, and exhausting, but in the end having a place you love to call home is usually worth any hassle.  If you’re looking to make the home buying process less stressful having a good agent that you trust is important, but there are also some steps you can take as a buyer to pave a smooth path for yourself.  Before you even begin the process of looking at homes you should take a close look at your financial situation.  To avoid overextending yourself you should get preapproved for a loan, have a realistic understanding of the monthly payment you can afford, and agree that you are not going to look at homes above your price range.  After determining your affordable price range you should consider the goals you have for your home.  It can be tempting to get caught up in the details of how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, but considering the goals you have for your home will help you determine what is truly important and what you can compromise on.  Being proactive will also help to smooth the process.  As a buyer you can be proactive about securing financing, viewing only those homes that fall within your reasonable price range, viewing homes carefully and critically, reading inspection reports and following up, and negotiating the contract among other things.  It is important as a buyer to be as proactive as possible throughout the entire transaction because when all is said and done nobody is going to care more about your new home than you are.

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 Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth

With delicious seafood and an extensive raw bar menu, it’s easy to see why Henlopen City Oyster House (50 Wilmington Ave. in Rehoboth Beach) is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Rehoboth Beach.  Henlopen City sources regional seafood markets, relies on locally grown fruits and vegetables, and only serves meats that have been raised locally.  This ensures freshness and deliciousness!  The only downside is that depending on when you go you might have to wait a bit to get a table since they don’t take reservations, but it is worth the wait.  The food is worth raving about, prices are reasonable, and the service is great.  Henlopen City Oyster House is a great choice for any occasion.  The restaurant opens at 3pm daily and begins serving dinner at 5pm.  You should definitely 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.