Author: Connie - Gadget Girl

Weekend Update: August 17-19 (and one for Thursday!)

This seems to be a light weekend for local activities, but here are a couple to keep in mind, including a family event for tomorrow night:

This seems to be a light weekend for local activities, but here are a couple to keep in mind, including a family event for tomorrow night:

Thursday, 8/16: Cinema By The Surf
Take the family to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a free showing of Happy Feet Two, sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Film Society.  The movie is a fun, family film rated PG and runs for approximately 100 minutes.  Movie begins at dusk. 

Friday, 8/17-Sunday, 8/19:  Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
As usual, you can catch free concerts beginning at 8pm every weekend evening.  This weekend features Lower Case Blues, a blues group voted best band in Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware 2009” on Friday, August 17th.  The perennial favorite US Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will perform on Saturday, August 18th.  A performance from NOMaD (North of Mason Dixon), an up and coming country band that has opened for some of the biggest names in the business (Toby Keith and Rascall Flatts, just to name two…) will round out the weekend with their performance on Sunday, August 19th.

Saturday, 8/18-Sunday, 8/19:  39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
If you didn’t get a chance to check it out last weekend, this weekend will conclude this annual festival.  This event features over 100 artists and artisans exhibiting fine arts and fine crafts.  Food, music, and entertainment for children are also scheduled.  This event is sponsored by the Rehoboth Art League and runs from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Know of any other events worth checking out this weekend?  Share in the comments!

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 to Choose a Home Inspector

If you’re in the process of buying a new home, you will need to hire a home inspector. This can be a daunting task. After all, you want to hire someone who is professional and is capable of warning you of any potential problems before you buy the property. There are several ways to find a trustworthy home inspector. You should start by asking for recommendations.

If you’re in the process of buying a new home, you will need to hire a home inspector.  This can be a daunting task.  After all, you want to hire someone who is professional and is capable of warning you of any potential problems before you buy the property.  There are several ways to find a trustworthy home inspector.  You should start by asking for recommendations.  Ask your agent!  Hopefully they have a relationship with one (or several) home inspectors who will do quality work since they want to keep getting references from your agent!  You should also check with friends and neighbors who have moved recently.  Checking online review boards such as Angie’s List can be helpful, and checking with the Better Business Bureau is a good move too.  You can check the American Society of Home Inspectors website to see if an inspector is a member, but just keep in mind that membership does not guarantee quality since the ASHI does not police its members work as long as they keep their education and dues up to date.  Finally, you may want to consider having a second inspection, especially if there is a particular area that you are concerned about and you want to have a specialist check it out.  After the inspection is complete, a quality inspector should stand by their work, so if you have any concerns ask them to reinspect the issues that concern you.

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

To Update or Not To Update…

If you’re considering selling your home, you might be considering whether or not to add updates before you put it on the market. There is no definite answer to whether or not updating your home is the right decision and no guarantee that you will recoup your investment, but if it is something you are thinking about, here are a couple of things to consider:

If you’re considering selling your home, you might be considering whether or not to add updates before you put it on the market.  There is no definite answer to whether or not updating your home is the right decision and no guarantee that you will recoup your investment, but if it is something you are thinking about, here are a couple of things to consider:

If you choose not to add updates, you will end up selling for a lower price than similar homes with upgrades.  However, in many areas home with updates and a higher price tag will still sell more quickly than older homes with discounted prices.  If you’re on the fence, this is something you should discuss with your realtor.  A good agent will be able to give you info about comparable homes and provide you with information about whether or not updates or a discounted price will be more likely to help you sell.  In addition to selling faster with updates, you may find that it’s a less costly route in the end too.  Buyers who put offers on homes that need updates (whether it’s paint, flooring, appliances, fixtures, etc.) will often request a credit off of the home price.  In a lot of cases, the discount that buyers request is significantly more than the amount it would cost the seller to just make the updates themselves, especially if you shop around for good deals.  Again, this is something that you should consult your agent about.

So, to update or not to update?  This is a question that each individual seller needs to answer for themselves.  You should definitely consider the cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment that updates would provide.  But remember, there are no guarantees in the real estate market.  With the differences in the real estate market even from neighborhood to neighborhood, definitely consult your agent for information about what might be the best decision in your local market before making the decision that is right for you.

Are you considering selling a home in the Sussex County area and looking for a great agent to be on your team?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight On Summer House in Rehoboth

Summer House is a local favorite known for its fresh food, relaxed atmosphere, and great service! Located right on the Ave. (228 Rehoboth Ave.) is open year round for lunch (11:30am-3pm) and dinner (beginning at 4pm). They also do a lovely Sunday brunch which starts at 11am. Summer House specialized in American favorites and super delicious seafood.

Summer House is a local favorite known for its fresh food, relaxed atmosphere, and great service!  Located right on the Ave. (228 Rehoboth Ave.) is open year round for lunch (11:30am-3pm) and dinner (beginning at 4pm).  They also do a lovely Sunday brunch which starts at 11am.  Summer House specialized in American favorites and super delicious seafood.  It’s a restaurant that suits pretty much any occasion, and from what I can tell it’s impossible to order something that isn’t delicious!  Their steaks, crab cakes, and seafood linguine have all gotten rave reviews, and everything else looks and smells equally scrumptious.  Summer House features several weekly specials (including half-price burger night on Mondays after 4!), and happy hour specials daily from 4pm-7pm.  If you’re a local, chances are you’ve eaten here before, but if you haven’t you’ve got to check it out soon.  It’s a Rehoboth Beach staple, after all!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in or around Rehoboth Beach?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you –302-644-2266!

5 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Agent

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are three questions you should always ask your agent:

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are three questions you should always ask your agent:

1.  Do you know a great _____________________?
Fill in the blank here with your desired expert.  Your agent should be able to refer you to a good mortgage broker and inspector for sure, but also painters, plumbers, electricians, structural engineers, and any other expert you may need or desire to work with during the home buying process.  Your agent should be a local expert, who will be able to guide you to other local professionals that can get the job done well.  In addition, professionals who often get referrals from your agent will usually treat you better than someone you found on your own because they want to continue getting business referrals from your agent!

2.  What should I expect?/What happens next?
These are questions you should ask continually throughout the home buying process, starting with your very first interview with your agent.  Your agent should be able to help you manage your expectations and guide you from the very beginning of the process until you’ve officially closed and have the keys in your hand!

3.  What are the possibilities here?
Again, you will probably ask this question more than once during your home buying process!  There’s really never a bad time to ask this questions, but particularly good examples would be when you are looking at a home that has a bonus room, unfinished basement, etc.  Your agent should have seen enough home to know what kind of realistic suggestions can be offered for the space.  Another great example would be in your home inspection turns up issues.  Asking your agent what the possibilities are opens up the opportunity for you to discuss requesting repairs, lowering your offer, etc. with an expert who can walk you through it.  My final example would be when it comes time to make an offer, asking about the possibilities gives your agent a chance to walk you through the various contract terms that you may or may not have thought of left to your own devices.  With these examples in mind, I’m sure you can come up with plenty of your own examples when asking this question would be perfect, so use it liberally throughout your home buying process!

4.  What do I need to know about this area?
When it comes to home buying each area is very different.  Again, your agent should be a local expert, so they should be able to guide you and help you with the ins and outs of the local you are considering.

5.  What else should I ask?/What else do I need to know?
This question relies on your agent to be your expert (which, they definitely should be!) and allows them the chance to share with you their extensive knowledge without relying on you to ask every single question.  Remember, your agent has gone through the buying process way more times than you have, so even if you are the type to ask a million questions, be sure to throw this one in there as well, because your agent definitely has expertise that you can and should rely on!

If you’re looking for an agent who can answer all of these questions and more, call us at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

Thursday Three: 3 Great Coffee Tables For A Small Space

If you’ve got a small living room, consider your coffee table as an opportunity to maximize space. Here are three great choices for small spaces:

If you’ve got a small living room, consider your coffee table as an opportunity to maximize space.  Here are three great choices for small spaces:

1.  Think Clear.  An all glass or clear acrylic coffee table in an excellent choice for a small space because it “floats” in your space, allowing the eye to skim over without breaking anything up.  This will make your room look and feel larger and more open.

2.  Think Convertible.  Choose a table that will do double duty.  There are many coffee tables on the market that lift up or otherwise unfold into a full height table, allowing you flexibility, which is critical in a small space!  There are several of these style tables on the market, allowing choices for every style!

3.  Think Small.  Instead of a coffee table, consider several smaller tables that can be blocked together and taken apart.  Whether you use two tables next to each other, three in a row, or four grouped in a square or line, they can always be taken apart and spread throughout the room when extra space is needed.  Additionally, many tables that are sold for this purpose can also be stacked or used as extra bench seating, when the need arises.  It’s a win, win!

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: August 10th-12th

There are a few great events going on this weekend. I hope you’ll check them out!

There are a few great events going on this weekend.  I hope you’ll check them out!

All Weekend: Big Thursday Festival in Millsboro
Millsboro’s annual Big Thursday Festival starts, of course, on Thursday, 8/9!  Thursday will be the President’s Auction at the Millsboro Fire Hall at 6pm.  Friday evening, 8/10 you can enjoy Elvins and The Mystery Train Band at Cupola Park at 5:30pm.  These events are followed up on Saturday August 11th with a full day of entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for the whole family.  Local favorites, The Funsters, will close out the festival on Saturday evening at 6pm.  For more information, contact the Millsboro Chamber of Commerce at 302-934-6777.

Saturday, August 11th: 39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Craft Show
The Rehoboth Art League (12 Dodds Lane) will host this long-time event that features over 100 artists and artisans exhibiting fine arts and fine crafts.  Food, music, and entertainment for children are also scheduled.  This event runs from 10am-5pm.  For more information contact the Rehoboth Art League.

Saturday, August 11th: Delaware Lighthouse Festival
Sponsored by the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation, the first ever Delaware Lighthouse Festival will be held this Saturday at the Lewes Terminal of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.  There will be tours of Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse as well as entertainment, food, family activities, canoe and kayak races, art, and more.  For those who are more interested in the history of lighthouses there will be lectures, experts, and talks with the descendants of local lighthouse keepers.  Parking and admission are both free!  For more information check out the event website.

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 Getting the Best Remodel Bid

Yesterday I wrote about tips for finding a contractor. Today, I am following up with tips for getting the best bid. When you’re planning an addition or remodel, knowing the average costs of the job you hope to do is helpful. One helpful guide for figuring average costs is to judge by the square footage of your space. Generally speaking, for a gut remodel,

Yesterday I wrote about tips for finding a contractor.  Today, I am following up with tips for getting the best bid.  When you’re planning an addition or remodel, knowing the average costs of the job you hope to do is helpful.  One helpful guide for figuring average costs is to judge by the square footage of your space.  Generally speaking, for a gut remodel, a kitchen remodel falls between $170-180 per square foot, a powder room averages around $130-140 per square foot, a full bathroom averages around $155-170 per square foot, and a family or living room runs about $85-$100 per square foot.  Once you factor the average range for your space, adjust for labor costs in your location (whether they are higher or lower than the average in the nation).  In the Sussex County area, increasing the general estimate by about 30-40% is probably a good average.  Once you’ve done that, you can adjust your estimated cost up or down based on the finishes you desire.  These averages assume mid-range fixtures, but if you’re going for upgrades such as granite countertops or stainless steel appliances in a kitchen or stone tile, heated floors, and soaking tubs in the bathroom, you need to raise your number again, by at least 30-50% depending on the number of upgrades you want.  Once you have a very general idea of the kind of estimate you are looking at, you can adjust your project to fit your budget (consider less updates or skip the gut remodel and replace or refinish what you’ve got instead!).  Then, go out there and get your (minimum of 3!) estimates.  Finally, be upfront with the contractors you choose about your bottom line and they will be able to help you get the most bang for your buck!

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

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

If you’re thinking of building or remodeling and you need to hire a contractor, consider these tips from the Contractor State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB is a state organization in California that licenses and regulates the state’s construction industry and protects consumers. Although we are several time zones away from California, the suggestions they offer are an excellent take away for consumers in any state.

If you’re thinking of building or remodeling and you need to hire a contractor, consider these tips from the Contractor State License Board (CSLB).  The CSLB is a state organization in California that licenses and regulates the state’s construction industry and protects consumers.  Although we are several time zones away from California, the suggestions they offer are an excellent take away for consumers in any state.

  1. Hire only state-licensed contractors and check public records, the BBB, and state licensing organization to check that licenses are up to date and the contractors have a good reputation.
  2. Get bids from at least three licensed contractors before making a decision.
  3. Ask for several references from each contractor bidding and take the time to actually check them.
  4. Get everything in writing.  No detail is too small.  If you want to protect yourself, get it in a contract.  And then keep all relevant paperwork together in a file that is easily accessible.
  5. Ask to see copies of insurance documents or call the contractor’s insurance companies to make sure that their liability and worker’s comp coverages are up to date and adequate to cover your job.
  6. Don’t pay more than 10% as a down payment. (If 10% is less than $1,000, a down payment of $1,000 is acceptable.) And if you’re making progress payments throughout the job, whatever you do don’t let your payments get ahead of the job.
  7. Whatever you do, do not make your final payment until you 100% satisfied with the work, including any last minute touch-ups and the clean-up.

If you’re thinking of remodeling, keep these tips in mind!  If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on Finbar’s Pub & Grill

Finbar’s is a classic Irish Pub known for its welcoming atmosphere. Located right on the Avenue (316 Rehoboth Ave.), Finbar’s is in the heart of it all! They serve a variety of meals, including steaks and fresh seafood. Most of their menu items utilize fresh, local produce and farm fare. Finbar’s also proudly supports local, sustainable farming and fishing practices.

Finbar’s is a classic Irish Pub known for its welcoming atmosphere.  Located right on the Avenue (316 Rehoboth Ave.), Finbar’s is in the heart of it all!  They serve a variety of meals, including steaks and fresh seafood.  Most of their menu items utilize fresh, local produce and farm fare.  Finbar’s also proudly supports local, sustainable farming and fishing practices.

The bar at Finbar’s is known for being welcoming, and with 28 beers on tap plus other extensive choices, it’s a good thing the bartenders have a reputation for being helpful!  Finbar’s is open year round and is even a great place to bring the family.  They have a nice children’s menu, and kids even get free ice cream for dessert!  So, if you’re looking to try some place new in Rehoboth, be sure to check out Finbar’s!

5 Art Galleries To Check Out in Rehoboth

Some people do not realize what a prevalent art scene Rehoboth Beach has. There are way more than five at galleries to check out, but if you’ve never checked them out, here are five popular picks to get you started:

Some people do not realize what a prevalent art scene Rehoboth Beach has.  There are way more than five at galleries to check out, but if you’ve never checked them out, here are five popular picks to get you started:

1. Rehoboth Art League.  Located at 12 Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres, the Rehoboth Art League is more than just a gallery.  They also hold events, classes, and competitions throughout the year.  You should definitely check it out!

2.  Aerie Art Gallery.  If modern art isn’t really your thing, check out this gallery, located at 45 Lake Ave.  Aerie Art features art work from the 1800s alongside modern, local art and gorgeous, custom furniture.

3.  Gallery 50.  This smaller gallery is located at 50-A Wilmington Ave. and features fine art and photography.  The artists represented at Gallery 50 are almost exclusively young, emerging artists.

4.  Philip Morton Gallery.  Located at 47 Baltimore Ave., this gallery offers unique art of all kinds and highlights a different artist every month.  This gallery was voted as best art gallery in Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware” 2012 edition.

5.  Delaware Art Gallery.  Located at 239 Rehoboth Ave this gallery specializes in beautiful beach photography.  Definitely worth a 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 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Space

With the weather being so great, have you been spending a lot of time outside? I know I have! If you have too and you’re just tired of the same old outdoor space, consider some of these quick tips to improve your deck, porch, or other outdoor space.

With the weather being so great, have you been spending a lot of time outside?  I know I have!  If you have too and you’re just tired of the same old outdoor space, consider some of these quick tips to improve your deck, porch, or other outdoor space.

1.  Container Gardens.  Gardens are always beautiful, but by utilizing containers to plant some beautiful and colorful flowers you can stager the height and really use your plants as décor.  If flowers aren’t your thing, certain veggies like tomatoes are great for container planting, and an herb garden is always an excellent choice!

2.  Pillows.  Pick up several beautiful, fun, fluffy pillows made from outdoor fabrics.  They’ll withstand sand and rain, are easy to clean, and will brighten up your seating in a jif!  Find some that appeal to your sense of style, or pick up a few bright prints to add a pop of color to your space.

3.  Rugs.  You can make your deck or porch seem much more like an outdoor room if you utilize a beautiful outdoor rug.  A rug will add a cozy feel to the space, help define the area, and add texture which is always a great styling tip.

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: August 3rd-5th

Here are a few events going on in and around the area this weekend:

Here are a few events going on in and around the area this weekend:

Saturday, August 4th – Wyoming Peach Festival
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, head up to Wyoming, DE for the annual Wyoming Peach Festival.  This event takes place from 9am-3pm and includes crafters, live entertainment, food, orchard tours, and of course all things peach… peach ice cream, peach pie, peach nectar, and more!  Of course there are contests, and there’s even a special area just for kids!

Saturday, August 4th – 34th Annual Sandcastle Contest
The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual event on Fisherman’s Beach in Rehoboth (at the North end of the boardwalk, by Henlopen Hotel).  With over 100 teams and 800 participants, checking out these amazing sandcastles is a must-do!  The contest is open to both adults and kids and registration begins at 8:30am.  There are categories for Adults (15 & older), Children 7-14 and Children 6 and under.  Sculpting can begin anytime after registration and judging takes place at 3pm.  Winners will be announced around 5pm and prizes will be awarded.  In addition to formal judging, there will also be people’s choice awards.

Saturday, August 4th – 7th Annual Beach Ball
Dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions are part of this benefit for the Rehoboth Beach historical Society.  Tickets start at $100 for members at $125 for non-members and it’s a great, local cause!  The ball will be held at Kings Creek Country Club (1 Kings Creek Circle) in Rehoboth.

Do you know of other fun things happening in the area this weekend?  Comment and let me know!

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.

Mistakes That Sellers Make (and how to fix them…)

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, there are several common seller pitfalls that you need to steer clear of. The first is pricing your home too high. No matter what you think your house is worth, you need to remember that you are emotionally attached to it in a way that a buyer won’t be. There are many ways to research home values, but remember your home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, there are several common seller pitfalls that you need to steer clear of.  The first is pricing your home too high.  No matter what you think your house is worth, you need to remember that you are emotionally attached to it in a way that a buyer won’t be.  There are many ways to research home values, but remember your home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.  Many homes sit on the market for months, if not longer, because the sellers are holding out for the price they want rather than the one they are likely to get.  Second, avoid doing major renovation before selling.  Most renovation projects don’t bring any return on investment.  Small changes like a fresh coat of paint, updating cabinet and drawer hardware, updating light fixtures, and cleaning up your home’s curb appeal are more likely to make a big impact than a brand new kitchen or bathroom.  Lastly, many sellers hold off and wait until spring to list their homes for sale, but just because spring is historically the busiest time for real estate doesn’t mean that your home won’t sell if you list it at another time.  If you need to sell your home, do so, just be sure to showcase whatever features are most applicable to the given season.  For example, highlight your central air in the summer and your wood burning fireplace in the winter!  Of course, having the right team on your side can help your home sell even faster.  That’s why we’re here!  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates today and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

Tips for Pricing Your Home Right

If you’re looking to sell your home, setting the right price is probably something that you’ve thought a lot about. Of course, a good real estate agent will be able to help you with this (which is one reason you should call us!), but here are a few other tips while you consider the best price for your home.

If you’re looking to sell your home, setting the right price is probably something that you’ve thought a lot about.  Of course, a good real estate agent will be able to help you with this (which is one reason you should call us!), but here are a few other tips while you consider the best price for your home.  First of all, although it is important to know your competition, remember that current listings haven’t sold.  Your best bet for learning about successful pricing strategies is to check out recent past sales in your area and in homes similar to yours.  Sellers that aren’t in a rush to sell their homes often price higher than sellers who are looking to sell quickly.  Pricing high is not smart, especially in today’s market.  Sellers who price high often have to slash their price in a few weeks or months when their homes have sat with little to no interest.  This strategy leaves sellers chasing the market, which is never good.  Price your home right from the get-go.  Pricing your home low may even work out in your favor, if a bidding war ensues.  Again, consult your agent!  Finally, detaching yourself from your home emotionally will help you.  Think like a buyer, and talk with your agent about trends in the market.  Ask what buyers are looking for and consider your home.  All buyers are likely to find something wrong with your home, but the right price can compel them to overlook the downside and make an offer!

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 GreenMan Juice Bar and Bistro

Green Man Juice & Bistro is the only restaurant in Rehoboth Beach to offer a full-service juice and smoothie bar. The menu at GreenMan focuses on whole foods and is especially appealing to vegans and vegetarians, although there are plenty of delicious options for any diet! GreenMan is an especially appealing option for breakfast or brunch, which is served until noon daily. Homemade waffles with whipped cream and berries sound delicious to me, or better yet… crème brulee French toast… yum, yum!

Green Man Juice & Bistro is the only restaurant in Rehoboth Beach to offer a full-service juice and smoothie bar.  The menu at GreenMan focuses on whole foods and is especially appealing to vegans and vegetarians, although there are plenty of delicious options for any diet!  GreenMan is an especially appealing option for breakfast or brunch, which is served until noon daily.  Homemade waffles with whipped cream and berries sound delicious to me, or better yet… crème brulee French toast… yum, yum!

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 More Staging Tips

Yesterday I looked at three tips for do-it-yourself staging. Here are five more expert staging tips!

Yesterday I looked at three tips for do-it-yourself staging.  Here are five more expert staging tips!

1.  Group furniture.  It isn’t necessarily true that rooms will feel bigger if all the furniture is pushed against the walls.  Positioning pieces in conversational groups is cozy and creates an obvious pattern of traffic flow.  Creating more user-friendly spaces actually opens the room up, thus creating an illusion and making the room seem larger.

2.  Move things around.  Consider everything you have in your home.  Remember, furniture doesn’t have to stay in the room where it currently resides.  You can move things from the living room into the bedroom or vice versa.  It may be possible to create a whole new environment with a little creative rearranging!

3.  Use good lighting.  Many staging experts recommend 100 watts for every 50 square feet of living space.  For the best lighting each room should utilize overhead and task lighting along with accent lamps on tables or walls.

4.  Trick with paint.  If you have several small, boxy rooms, they will feel bigger if you create a seamless transition by painting them all the same (warm, neutral but not boring!) shade.

5.  Finish projects.  If you have any missing floorboards, cracked tiles, holes in the wall, cracks in the sidewalk, etc. fix them!  It will cost you much less to fix these relatively minor problems than potential buyers might deduct from the price before making an offer, so it’s worth it in the end.

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 Suggestions For Staging Your Home Yourself

If you’re thinking of selling your home, or if your home has been on the market for awhile and is not selling you might want to consider staging it. Staging a home is not just about cleaning. It’s arranging furniture and accessories in a way that offers the illusion that your house is larger, cleaner, warmer, and more inviting that it might be. A lot of people think that it isn’t worth their time or effort to stage their home, but trust me, it really is. Recently, a friend of mine moved half-way across the country. Their home was for sale for months with plenty of interest but no offers. It was on the market for so long that my friend’s husband had to move without her and their kids to start his new job. Finally, they had a professional come in to stage their home. The very next person to see the home bought it… within a week they were under contract!

If you’re thinking of selling your home, or if your home has been on the market for awhile and is not selling you might want to consider staging it.  Staging a home is not just about cleaning.  It’s arranging furniture and accessories in a way that offers the illusion that your house is larger, cleaner, warmer, and more inviting that it might be.  A lot of people think that it isn’t worth their time or effort to stage their home, but trust me, it really is.  Recently, a friend of mine moved half-way across the country.  Their home was for sale for months with plenty of interest but no offers.  It was on the market for so long that my friend’s husband had to move without her and their kids to start his new job.  Finally, they had a professional come in to stage their home.  The very next person to see the home bought it… within a week they were under contract!

Staging your home can help it sell faster and for a higher price than if it sits on the market for months, causing you to lower the price in order to sell.  However, if you’re still not willing to budget for a professional to stage your home, consider these three do-it-yourself tips:

1.  Clear it out.  Most homes are stuffed to the brim with furniture.  Take one larger piece out of each room and rearrange remaining furniture to open up floor space.  If you need to rent a storage unit, do it.

2.  Pack Up.  Box up valuables, personal photos, and extra clutter.  Remove all personal objects so that potential buyers can imagine their own things in the space.  Remove all small appliances, etc. from kitchen counter tops and box them up.  Clean out your cabinets and closets.  Leave only what is absolutely necessary to live with and box up all other serving sets, clothes, cleaning products, etc.  Take half of the books off of all bookshelves.  Remove any personal collections from your walls.  You don’t need to clear out completely (after all, you still need to live there!) but clearing out everything that is not absolutely necessary will give the all-important impression of more space.  And again, take the boxes to storage.

3.  Spruce it up.  Paint, replace worn carpeting, etc.  If you don’t have time to do these relatively quick, inexpensive things, lower the price to make the imperfections of your home seem less important.

Remember, just because you love your home doesn’t mean everyone will.  In order to stage your home well, you need to avoid looking at everything through your own personal lense and use an objective eye.

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: July 27-29

Okay, so I know this is supposed to be the weekend update, but there’s one cool event going on tomorrow, so I’m throwing that in here too! Here are my weekend suggestions:

Okay, so I know this is supposed to be the weekend update, but there’s one cool event going on tomorrow, so I’m throwing that in here too!  Here are my weekend suggestions:

Thursday, July 26th – Best of Delaware Party
Head up to Dover for a celebration of Delaware Today’s annual Best of Delaware issue.  The Best of Delaware Party is a fun event that celebrates the state’s favorites but also raises money for charity.  Year after year it continues to be super popular.  Tickets are $55 in advance or $70 at the door and the event takes place at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (1131 North DuPont Hwy in Dover), so you can make a weekend of it!  The party is from 6pm-9pm, although you can purchase a ticket for the VIP preview party that begins at 5pm.  Tickets for the VIP party are $75 and must be purchased in advance.  There is an after party beginning at 9pm at Fire & Ice.  In addition to exhibitors from across the state, several local favorites will be represented including Abbott’s Grill, Baywood Greens, Candy Kitchen Shoppes, Dogfish Head Brewery, and Grotto Pizza!  To purchase tickets or for more info, check out this link.

Friday, July 27th-Saturday, July 28th – Delaware State Fair
The State Fair is wrapping up this weekend in Harrington.  You can check out this post that I wrote about the fair last weekend, or go straight to the source and plan your weekend at the fair here.

Friday, July 27th – Free Concert at the Village of Five Points
Check out “The Funsters” in concert at the Community Center Lawn at the Villages of Five Points.  This is a free event.  The concert is from 7:30pm-9:30pm.

Friday, July 27th – A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert
A1A is the only Jimmy Buffett tribute band personally sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett himself!  Enjoy Buffett hits along with other summertime hits and some original music too.  Tickets are $10 and kids are free.  The concert is at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville) from 7pm-9pm.

Saturday, July 28th or Sunday, July 29th – “Broadway at the Beach” by Clear Space Theater
Head down to Clearspace Theatre in Rehoboth Beach for an original revue of musical theater hits that are sure to please!  Show starts at 7:30pm, tickets range from $15-30/each.  For more info or to purchase tickets, check out this link.

Sunday, July 29th – Breakfast at the Bethany Beach Firehouse
The heroes of Bethany continue their summer tradition this weekend!  If you haven’t gone yet, you should try it…  This delicious, all you can eat breakfast is hosted at the firehouse in Bethany Beach (215 Hollywood Street).  Enjoy a tour of the firehouse plus an all you can eat feast of eggs, French toast, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, muffins, bacon, sausage, juice, and coffee.  There are also special activities to keep the kids busy.  Breakfast is $10 for adults and $5 for children over 5 and free for kids ages 5 and under. 8am-11am.

 

Of course, the bandstand at Rehoboth is always a great option for free weekend entertainment.  Performers this weekend include The City of Fairfax Band (Friday), the US Navy Sea Chanters Chorus (Saturday), and The Avalons (Sunday).  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.

Buyers Are Interested in Foreclosures More Than Ever

In 2009, a survey done by realtor.com showed that only twenty-five percent of potential buyers were interested in foreclosed homes. An updated survey, done this year shows that the number has jumped by forty percent, and that nearly 65% of buyers in the current market would be willing to consider a foreclosed property. In addition, the survey showed that most of the people (over 93%) considering a purchase that had been through the process of foreclosure would be purchasing the home as their main residence as opposed to an investment property.

In 2009, a survey done by realtor.com showed that only twenty-five percent of potential buyers were interested in foreclosed homes.  An updated survey, done this year shows that the number has jumped by forty percent, and that nearly 65% of buyers in the current market would be willing to consider a foreclosed property.  In addition, the survey showed that most of the people (over 93%) considering a purchase that had been through the process of foreclosure would be purchasing the home as their main residence as opposed to an investment property.

This rising interest is in part due to the amount of foreclosures on the market.  Because of the attention the foreclosure market has gotten in the past few years and the supply available, purchasing a foreclosed home is a much less intimidating prospect than it once was.

The survey also showed that purchasing a home that has been through the foreclosure process can save a homebuyer between 10-30 percent, and different survey done this year by Lender Processing Services stated that the nation-wide average discount on the price of a foreclosed home is nearly 29% .

Buyers willing to consider REO properties can take advantage of the market to score some great deals.  And according to these surveys, most buyers are willing to consider this prospect.

If you’re a prospective buyer, call Cooper Realty Associates – we are REO specialists, and we’d love to help you through the process of buying your home, whether you’re interested in a foreclosed home or not.  Call us today – 302-629-6693.