Author: Connie - Gadget Girl

Home Features That Catch A Buyer’s Attention

There are a few features that will almost always catch a buyer’s attention. Of course, your home may not have all of these, but a few of them are easy to “fake” and others are affordable to update! So go on, catch the attention of your potential buyers!

There are a few features that will almost always catch a buyer’s attention.  Of course, your home may not have all of these, but a few of them are easy to “fake” and others are affordable to update!  So go on, catch the attention of your potential buyers!

Hardwood Floors – there really isn’t an easy way to fake this, but an affordable wood laminate can still make a big difference in selling your home if your carpet has been a turn-off to buyers.

Nice Countertops – It doesn’t have to be granite, but if your kitchen currently has tile or laminate counter tops, consider replacing them if you’d like to appeal to more buyers.  Any kind of slab countertop is appealing to buyers, but of course granite is the favorite!  Other options are butcher block, marble, Corian, concrete, and many other stone slabs.

Organized Closets/Cabinets – Spaces that are pre-organized suggest to the buyer that they too will be nicely organized if they moved into this home.  If you have closet organizers, be sure they aren’t dated.

A Nice Entryway – fake it with a fresh coat of paint on the front door and clever furniture placement.  A table or chest of drawers added near the front door can create the illusion of an entryway in a home that doesn’t necessarily have one.

Landscaping – Simple, clean landscaping with nice open lawn space is universally appealing.  Remember, massive landscaping projects might look beautiful, but when buyers see that they see maintenance.  If your yard space is a lot of dirt, growing some grass will help a lot!

Of course, other features like lovely bathrooms, and gorgeous kitchen appliances always catch a buyer’s attention too, but it is difficult to “fake” or cheaply upgrade those.  Of course, if you can figure out a way to do it, it will help your house sell all the more!

Looking to buy or sell a house in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us help you make your dream a reality – 302-644-2266.

Some Suggestions for Last Minute Mother’s Day Planning

Mother’s Day is tomorrow. If you left planning until the last minute, you may be in luck. Here are a few more suggestions. Don’t wait any more… call right now! Happy Mother’s Day to all your moms out there!

Mother’s Day is tomorrow.  If you left planning until the last minute, you may be in luck.  Here are a few more suggestions.  Don’t wait any more… call right now!  Happy Mother’s Day to all your moms out there!

In Bethany Beach
The Cottage Café – brunch buffet, 9am-3pm, $14.99, $6.99, kids, dinner specials beginning at 4pm
DiFebos – brunch, starts at 10am, modern Italian (789 Garfield Parkway)
Patsy’s – brunch, southern-style cuisine 10am-2pm (121 Campbell Place)

In Fenwick Island
The Cove at Bayside Golf Club – brunch, $17.95, $7.95, under 12
Nantucket’s – dinner, 3pm-9pm, $19 dinner special

Interested in buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and let us help you make your dream a reality – 302-856-6434.

5 Remodel Ideas to Increase Your Home’s Livability

If you google home remodeling, it’s easy to come across lists of which improvements give you the most bang for your buck and which improvements will be difficult to recoup in selling costs should you ever decide to move. However, if you know you’re going to be in your home for the long haul, should renovating be about what works best for your family and not what is going to get you the most money if and when you ever decide to sell?

If you google home remodeling, it’s easy to come across lists of which improvements give you the most bang for your buck and which improvements will be difficult to recoup in selling costs should you ever decide to move.  However, if you know you’re going to be in your home for the long haul, should renovating be about what works best for your family and not what is going to get you the most money if and when you ever decide to sell?

If your object in remodeling is to enjoy living in your home even more than you do now, then consider a few of these improvements instead of some of the more traditionally encouraged renos:

1.  Rethink bathrooms
There are a few ways you can get creative if you’re looking to change up your bathrooms.  First, consider sharing the master bath.  Meaning, position the floor plan so that the tub and sink are accessible to the rest of the house.  This can prevent you from needing a separate half bath.  Think about it!  How often do you use the toilet/sink portion of your master bath during the day?  You could always have a second sink in the “master” portion of the master bath as well.  That’ll still save you money!

Another idea is to do a similar thing with a second bathroom.  Tuck the toilet and shower away, and have a nice double sink in a separate attached area.  This will allow three people to get ready at once without needing three separate bathrooms!

2.  Consider a walk-in pantry or two
Cabinets can be very expensive and depending on how tall you are and how they are positioned, can also be a pain to utilize efficiently.  Consider using kitchen wall space for windows and building a couple of walk-in pantries instead.  They save space, store a lot more stuff in a more convenient configuration, and they cost less to build than cabinets do to install.

3.  Shower vs. Bath
The idea of a big bathtub is nice, but unless you use it often, it’s probably not worth the space it’s in.  Consider installing a large shower instead.  You will use it more often, guaranteed!  Plus, it takes up less space and saves you money since it uses less hot water.

4.  Skip the vaulted ceilings
Unless you are absolutely convinced that the drama of a vaulted ceiling will make your life better, consider skipping it.  It might add square footage, but it isn’t square footage you can actually use.  Rooms with high ceilings are harder to clean and decorate and cost way more money to heat and cool as compared to rooms with average ceilings.  If you really want high ceilings, go for the 10 foot ceiling and cap it there.  There are plenty of tricks for adding the illusion to height of a room if you feel too claustrophobic.

5.  Go for the view
If you have a great view somewhere, capitalize on it!  Instead of placing a couple of windows in each room, choose a room that faces the view and put (almost) all of your windows there!  Trust me, you won’t regret it.  One of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever been in was in Alaska.  It was not that fancy or that large, but two walls of windows in the living room looked out over one of the most amazing views I’ve ever seen (see above pic)!  I just wanted to sit in that living room all day long and stare!  I still drool when I think about that otherwise plain house.

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!

Thursday Three: 3 Ways to Save Money on a Contractor

Thinking of remodeling? Here are a few ways to save money on a contractor:

Thinking of remodeling?  Here are a few ways to save money on a contractor:

1.  Get Several Quotes
Let the contractors you are interviewing know that they have competition.  Haggling isn’t really the best option, since contractors might give you the price you want to hear and then cut corners to make it happen.  But if contractors know you are considering others they are more likely to give you their best price.

2.  Throw Out a Lowball Offer
Before the contractor bids, name a ball park budget that is around 20-25% less than you are really expecting to spend.  He might laugh in your face, but he’ll be thinking about your “budget” when he puts together your quote.

3.  Work With Your Contractor
After you decide on a contractor, work with him.  Ask him to suggest ways you could modify the project plans to save money, and be willing to make some changes.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and let us help you — 302-856-6434.

Weekend Update — Things to Do In Lewes & Rehoboth Beach 5/11-5/13

The week is almost over!!! It’s time to plan the weekend! Here are some ideas to get you started:

The week is almost over!!!  It’s time to plan the weekend!  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Friday, 5/11 – Head into Lewes for all kinds of festivities!
Fun Friday! Italian Festival! – 10am-10pm
Most shops and restaurants in downtown, historic Lewes are taking part in this fun festival!  Shops and business will feature special Italian-themed specials and restaurants will sell a wide variety of Italian favorites and specialties.  There will also be live music and entertainment for all ages!  You can check out the YouTube video the Lewes Chamber of Commerce sponsored by clicking here!

Festa Italiana at the Zwaanendael Museum – 10am-4:30pm
A variety of activities and programs centered around Italian history will supplement the Italian Festival.  Admission is free and all events are open to the public. 

All Weekend – Little Shop of Horrors
Head into Rehoboth and take in a performance of Clear Space Theater’s Little Shop of Horrors.  This classic pop-rock musical, based on a 1960’s film is a perennial favorite.  Read a summary or purchase tickets here.  Shows are at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 3pm Sunday.  Tickets are $30 with discounted tickets available for seniors, children, and students.  They also offer several different deals on tickets if you’re interested!

Interested in 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!

Projects You Should Do Right Now

There is a small window of time when the weather is beautiful and it’s not unbearably hot, and we are currently in it! So, it’s the perfect time to get some of those outdoor projects done. Here’s a quick rundown of a few projects you should do now!

There is a small window of time when the weather is beautiful and it’s not unbearably hot, and we are currently in it!  So, it’s the perfect time to get some of those outdoor projects done.  Here’s a quick rundown of a few projects you should do now!

Prep Your Mower – If you do your own yard work, chances are you’ve already been out mowing this year, but if you haven’t already, you should sharpen those blades before you cut any more grass!  Also check to make sure your other lawn & garden tools are in good operating condition.
Gutters and Downspouts – Check them out carefully to be sure none have gotten loose over the past year and clean out leaves and other debris.  Also check for sags and water stains that may indicate a problem.
Fans & Air Conditioners — Dust them, wash them, remove any debris or building, and clean or replace the filters.  If you don’t have central air and need to install window units, now’s the time.  Make sure to seal the area around them well!  While you’re at it, change the filter to your furnace, especially if you use the fan year round.
Roof Inspection – If your roof is older or you think there might be an issue now’s the time to get up there (or hire someone to do it for you!) and check it out.  Be on the look-out for missing shingles or shingles that may be loose.  Pay careful attention to the areas around chimneys, pipes, vents, skylights, and other such areas.  While you’re up there take a good look around and become aware of anything that might be a potential problem if there’s a nasty storm (such as nearby tree limbs, etc.)
Foundation Vents– Check your vent blocks and remove or open the covers to let some air circulate.  Clean them out if dirt has built up around them over the winter, and check to make sure the soil hasn’t shifted in a way that is allowing groundwater to drain into your basement or crawl space.
Outdoor Faucets – If they’ve been covered, uncover them and turn on the water supply if you shut it off over the winter.

Looking to buy or sell a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us work for you – 302-629-6693!

Simplify Your Life: Create a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Creating a weekly routine that works for you is the best way to keep your house clean. Here’s a list of chores that should be done once a week to keep your house in the best possible shape. Assign one room to each day of the week, and viola! you’ve got a weekly cleaning schedule that will help you keep your whole house spic and span in less than an hour each day!

Creating a weekly routine that works for you is the best way to keep your house clean.  Here’s a list of chores that should be done once a week to keep your house in the best possible shape.  Assign one room to each day of the week, and viola! you’ve got a weekly cleaning schedule that will help you keep your whole house spic and span in less than an hour each day!

Each Day
-wash and put away dishes
-wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters
-wipe out kitchen and bathroom sinks

Kitchen
-mop the floor
-wipe down cabinet doors and the exterior of the appliances

Bathroom
-polish fixtures
-scour the tub
-disinfect the toilet and wipe down the base
-mop the floor

Living Spaces
-dust shelves, furniture, and trinkets – don’t forget the things hanging on the wall!
-vacuum carpets and mop hard-surface floors

Bedrooms
-same as living spaces, plus
-wash bed linens

And don’t forget to sweep and de-clutter your front entry area/foyer each week too!  If you don’t like the idea of spending one day per room you can always change it up and do the kitchen one day, bathroom one day, and then spend one day dusting all rooms, one day vacuuming, and one day mopping all hard-surface floors!  Adjust as needed and do what works best for 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 – 302-644-2266.

Spotlight on Trap Pond in Laurel, Delaware

Recently named one of the top 100 Best Bass Lakes by Bassmaster, Trap Pond in Laurel, Delaware is highly ranked by visitors time after time again. It has been called beautiful, enchanting, glorious, amazing, and many other adjectives that indicate that it is a little piece of heaven on earth! One visitor said that Trap Pond had the “bet kayaking and the most wildlife in Delaware” and many people who visit can’t wait to come back!

Recently named one of the top 100 Best Bass Lakes by Bassmaster, Trap Pond in Laurel, Delaware is highly ranked by visitors time after time again.  It has been called beautiful, enchanting, glorious, amazing, and many other adjectives that indicate that it is a little piece of heaven on earth!  One visitor said that Trap Pond had the “bet kayaking and the most wildlife in Delaware” and many people who visit can’t wait to come back!

In addition to taking part in some of the nation’s best bass fishing, visitors to Trap Pond can also hike, bike, and picnic.  Canoes, kayaks, surfbikes, and paddleboats are all available to rent if you’d like to enjoy life on the water, and if it’s the fishing you’re after you can enjoy angling for pickerel, crappie and bluegill in addition to largemouth bass.  In the summer they even offer guided pontoon boat tours!  Many visitors to Trap Pond rave about the campground – you can bring in your own equipment or rent a cabin or yurt!  And of course, like most Delaware State Parks, there are nature programs for all ages available to participate in.  Trap Pond is even offering summer day camps for kids ages 8-12.

If you’re looking to escape from the real world for a few hours, or even a few days, Trap Pond is the destination you’re looking for!  And if you’re just after some great bass fishing, Bassmaster says you can’t go wrong!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Laurel or the surrounding areas?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-629-6693!

5 Suggestions for Mother’s Day in Rehoboth Beach

Yesterday I posted 3 suggested locations for Mother’s Day Brunch in the area. Today, I’ve got five more for you – all in Rehoboth Beach! Don’t forget to make reservations!

Yesterday I posted 3 suggested locations for Mother’s Day Brunch in the area.  Today, I’ve got five more for you – all in Rehoboth Beach!  Don’t forget to make reservations!

Victoria’s at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
Tea at Victoria’s would be a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day, or if Tea isn’t your thing, Victoria’s is known for serving a delicious brunch as well!  302-227-7169

Nage
Nage is an award winning eatery with multiple locations.  The Rehoboth Beach location is known amongst the locals as the place to enjoy a scrumptious dining experience.  Their Sunday Brunch is affordable and immensely popular, and I’m sure Mother’s Day will be no different!  302-226-2037

Blue Moon
Blue Moon has been a Rehoboth Beach staple for over 30 years.  Sunday brunch is served from 10:30am-2pm and each week features a different delicious menu – I dare say the menu on Mother’s Day will be decadent!  302-227-6515

The Back Porch
Serving delicious home cooked food in Rehoboth for over 36 years, if you’ve never enjoyed Mother’s Day brunch at The Back Porch Café, now is your chance!  With an a la carte brunch menu full of mouth-watering choices, you really can’t go wrong!  302-227-3674

The Summer House
If your mom is the type who likes something a little more low-key then brunch at Rehoboth Beach staple, The Summer House is the place to go.  With an extensive array of a la carte menu options, all at affordable prices, you can savor every bite!  302-227-3895

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.

The Thursday Three: 3 Mother’s Day Brunch Suggestions

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13th. It’s coming up quickly!!! Do you have your reservations? Here are three suggestions…

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13th.  It’s coming up quickly!!!  Do you have your reservations?  Here are three suggestions…

Magnolia’s Seafood Bar & Grill
Located in Ocean View and known for their quality seafood and great service, Magnolia’s is a great place to take Mom on her special day!  Their Mother’s Day Brunch is priced at a very affordable $19.99/person and will be served from 10am-2pm.  Featuring an omelet station, choice meats and hot entrees, a seafood station and of course, dessert you really can’t go wrong with this local favorite!  30415 Cedar Neck Road in Ocean View – 302-539-5671 – don’t forget to make reservations ahead of time!

Baywood Greens
Baywood Greens in Millsboro will be serving their elegant Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet in both their ballroom and clubhouse restaurant.  Ballroom seatings will be at 11am and 1:30pm and restaurant seatings will be at 11:30am and 2pm.  Adults are priced at $29.95, children 6-12 at $17, and kids 5 and under eat free.  Reservations are required, and payment is due at the time of reservation.  302-947-9225

The Buttery
Some have called enjoying a meal at The Buttery “the ultimate culinary experience!”  Located in historic Lewes, the inviting atmosphere of this restaurant almost requires you to bring Mom in for a rich and relaxing experience!  Their brunch is ordered a la carte and is served with fresh fruit and pastries as well as a choice of champagne, mimosa, or bloody mary.  Typically priced at $22.95/person, it is unclear on whether they will be making any adjustments especially for Mother’s Day.  If it were up to me I’d make reservations just be on the safe side!  102 2nd Street in Lewes – 302-645-7755.

Looking to buy or sell 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 – May 4th-6th

It’s Wednesday, and that means that it’s time to plan the weekend! Here are a few events going on in the area to get you started….

It’s Wednesday, and that means that it’s time to plan the weekend!  Here are a few events going on in the area to get you started….

Friday, 5/4-Sunday, 5/6 – Old Dover Days
Take a road trip and celebrate the history of the First State in its capital city!  This festival takes place on The Green & Legislative Mall and features Maypole dancing, walking tours, parades, yummy food, and more!

Saturday, 5/5:  17th Annual British Car Show
Head down to the Lewes Historical Society (Shipcarpenter St. btw 2nd & 3rd) to see beautiful British cars, featuring the Triumph Spitfire.

Saturday, 5/5: Town-Wide Yard Sale
The town of Milton is hosting a town-wide yard sale from 9am-12pm.  Come celebrate spring by finding some new treasures!

Saturday, 5/5: Nanticoke Indian Culture Day
Come to the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro for food, crafts, storytelling, and more!  Learn about the heritage of the area’s first residents!  This festival runs from 10am-4pm.

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!

25001 Cannon Road in Millsboro, DE

This gorgeous home in Millsboro, DE which is currently operating as a popular bed & breakfast has been nominated for the 2012 HGVT Doory Awards. A couple of weeks ago it won first place in its category – best hidden potential, and now its in the final round! Please help Cooper Realty win national recognition… click this link and vote for the home with BEST HIDDEN POTENTIAL! You can vote up to 5x a day, and even register to win a $5,000 prize if you’d like! Voting runs from now until May 11th! In the meantime, get to know this beautiful home…

This gorgeous home in Millsboro, DE which is currently operating as a popular bed & breakfast has been nominated for the 2012 HGVT Doory Awards.  A couple of weeks ago it won first place in its category – best hidden potential, and now its in the final round!  Please help Cooper Realty win national recognition… click this link and vote for the home with BEST HIDDEN POTENTIAL!  You can vote up to 5x a day, and even register to win a $5,000 prize if you’d like!  Voting runs from now until May 11th!  In the meantime, get to know this beautiful home:

25001 Cannon Road in Millsboro, DE  (MLS #592722)
This huge home is set on over 5 acres of beautifully landscaped property.  This unique home has over 6,000 square feet of living space, with the main home occupying approximately 4,000 square feet and the converted garage offering over 2,000 square feet of living space divided into two different apartments.  This custom built home has 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths as well as two apartments that are 1 bed/1 bath each.  Walk-in closets, a conference/game room, pond, beautiful salt water pool, and high-end features including Heartland appliances and hardwood floors are some of the awesome amenities offered by this property!  This home offers plenty of living space in the Indian River school district and is listed at $699,900.

Interested in this spacious home with gorgeous features and dual apartments?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty – 302-644-2266!

Garage Organization Tips

Tired of barely having enough room in your garage for your car? Check out some of these tips for organizing. With a little organization, you might find yourself hanging out in your garage, “just for fun!”

Tired of barely having enough room in your garage for your car?  Check out some of these tips for organizing.  With a little organization, you might find yourself hanging out in your garage, “just for fun!”

Two Words:  Adjustable Shelving
Hang several layers of shelving around the perimeter of your garage and stow away off season equipment, boots, buckets, etc.  By getting as possible off the ground and onto shelves, you eliminate clutter and gain a more organized space.

Peg Boards
Hang a few pegboards and use a variety of hooks instead of just one type and you’ll open up all kinds of storage opportunities!  Pegboards are great for hanging most tools and a whole lot more.

Garbage Cans
If you store large quantities of dog food, salt, sand, birdseed or other items that come in heavy bags, dump them in a garbage can (or put the whole bag inside), put the lid on, and label it.  Your storage will look much neater than if you have open, half-used bags lying around.  Throw a scoop inside and everything you need will be at your fingertips when you need it!

Canisters
Small kitchen-type canisters are useful for storing nuts, bolts, screws, nails, and more.  You can even get magnetic canisters and secure a magnetic strip to the wall for out of the way storage.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Let us help!  Give Cooper Realty Associates a call today – 302-629-6693.

Spotlight on Abbott’s Grill

I found Abbott’s Grill in Milford, Delaware through word of mouth, and I’m glad I did! Voted one of the top restaurants in Milford on Trip Advisor and was voted best restaurant in Milford in the 2010 edition of Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware” issue. Abbott’s Grill offers lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and happy hour. With a wide variety of menu items, delicious food, and great service, Abbott’s Grill is a must for anyone looking for a great meal!

I found Abbott’s Grill in Milford, Delaware through word of mouth, and I’m glad I did!  Voted one of the top restaurants in Milford on Trip Advisor and was voted best restaurant in Milford in the 2010 edition of Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware” issue.  Abbott’s Grill offers lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, and happy hour.  With a wide variety of menu items, delicious food, and great service, Abbott’s Grill is a must for anyone looking for a great meal!

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!

5 Perfect Plants For Your Garden

It’s almost May… if you haven’t already started thinking about your garden, now’s the time to get started. Here are five plants that grow well in Sussex County… with the proper care of course!

It’s almost May… if you haven’t already started thinking about your garden, now’s the time to get started.  Here are five plants that grow well in Sussex County… with the proper care of course!

Astilbe
This dense, colorful plant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender.  This plant grows best in shaded areas and needs plenty of water. (pictured above)

Bee Balm
If you love wildflowers, this is the plant for you.  Flowering in red, pink, violet, and white varieties this plant grows best in moist, sunny areas.  This beautiful plant also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while deterring most pests with its minty scent.

Lily-of-the-Valley
This ground cover plant is well recognizable with its bell-shaped flowers that small oh-so-sweet.  This plant grows well in moist, shaded areas.  Although it doesn’t flower all season, the deep green leaves are lovely all season long.

Soapwort
This beautiful plant features clusters of small pink, purple, or white flowers and is super easy to grow as long as you plant it in full sun and don’t overwater.  This plant can grow up to two feet tall and wide and blooms all summer and fall.

Trillium
This gorgeous plant blooms in shades of white, yellow, and maroon.  Trillium’s distinguishing three-petal bloom grows best in moist, shaded areas.  Just be sure to grow it along with other flowering plants, because Trillium goes dormant in midsummer.

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!

Thursday Three: 3 Ways To Use A Closet As Living Space

I realize that nobody really has “extra storage” in their house, but if you’re able to reorganize in such a way that you can free up some closet space, there are lots of great ways that you can turn it into viable living space. Here are three of my favorites…

I realize that nobody really has “extra storage” in their house, but if you’re able to reorganize in such a way that you can free up some closet space, there are lots of great ways that you can turn it into viable living space.  Here are three of my favorites:

In the Kitchen: Baking Zone
A moveable island or butcher block counter on wheels can slide in and out of the closet to add both storage and workspace.  High shelves allow storage for baking pans, tins, cookie cutters, etc.  Vertical slats offer convenient space for storing cookie sheets, cooling racks, and more.  Hang hooks on the back of the door for measuring cups and spoons, potholders, towels, and other miscellaneous odds and ends.

In the Bathroom: First Aid Center
By storing items that are only used occasionally (humidifiers, heating pads, etc.) on high shelves, that leaves the rest of the space available to store items in bins separated by family member or item type.  Another great way to store first aid products is on shelf that turns so that it’s easier to see everything at once – don’t forget to regularly purge expired products!

Any Room:  Home Office
By painting the interior of the closet a colorful shade and hanging a light fixture, a closet can be turned into a lovely and functional office with just the addition of a work surface.  Adding table legs, wall brackets, and a solid surface to a prefinished shelf creates a perfect desk and by adding some bookshelves, filing cabinets, bulletin boards, and other office accessories you’ve got yourself a nice home office that can easily be closed off when you’re not using it.

There are lots of things you can do with a closet, an afternoon, and a bit of creativity!  Which one is your favorite?

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!

Sussex County Weekend Update

Here are just a few of the events going on in Sussex County, Delaware this weekend…

Here are just a few of the events going on in the area this weekend:

April 26th-29th:  Delmarva Birding Weekend
This unique event begins tomorrow and lasts all weekend.  Started to promote ecotourism on Delmarva, this event draws birding and wild life enthusiasts from around the country.  Check out the website for more information.

Saturday, April 28th:  Second Annual Dewey Beach Treasure Fest Community Yard Sale
You might score some great deals at this event which runs from 8am-12pm in the Ruddertowne parking lot (Dickinson Ave & the bay).  Individual yard sales will be hosted around town as well.  Happy hunting!

Saturday, April 28th:  Bug & Bud Festival
This unique festival celebrates Bugs & Flowers with all kinds of events throughout the day, including a fishing contest for kids, costume parade, free paddle boat rides, craft vendors, food, and more!  9am-4pm, Downtown Milford

Saturday, April 28th:  Queen’s Day
Honor Lewes’ roots by celebrating the Dutch Queen’s birthday at the Zwaanendael Museum (Kings Hwy & Savannah Road).  Visitors are encouraged to wear orange in honor of the Dutch royal dynasty, the House of Orange.

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us help make your dream a reality – 302-644-2266!

Why Buying A Home Is Better Than Renting

With the housing market in its current state, many people are opting to rent rather than buy. They feel that renting gives them more flexibility and won’t leave them possibly unable to keep their house should they lose their job or have another hardship befall them. However, there couldn’t be a better time to buy! In fact, in 98% of today’s top housing markets, buying a home is actually more affordable than renting!

With the housing market in its current state, many people are opting to rent rather than buy.  They feel that renting gives them more flexibility and won’t leave them possibly unable to keep their house should they lose their job or have another hardship befall them.  However, there couldn’t be a better time to buy!  In fact, in 98% of today’s top housing markets, buying a home is actually more affordable than renting!

There are several reasons that buying is almost universally more affordable than renting.  First, home prices are at record lows throughout the country.  Second, mortgage rates are at historic lows.  And third, landlords acknowledge that they have control in a market flooded which results in high rent prices.

So, if you’re in a position to save for a down-payment now is the time to buy!  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us help you get out of your rental and into your own home – 302-629-6693.

Green Your Home Without Spending Too Much Green

Green home improvements continue to be a trendy topic when talking about real estate. Since yesterday was Earth Day I thought I’d highlight a few easy ways you can go green on the cheap….

Green home improvements continue to be a trendy topic when talking about real estate.  Since yesterday was Earth Day I thought I’d highlight a few easy ways you can go green on the cheap.

Cleaning Products
With a little white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, liquid soap, tea tree oil, glycerin, and empty bottles you can make your own green, non-toxic cleaning products.  These products are better for your home, the environment, and your wallet!

Insulation
Improving the insulation in your home means less drafts, which in turn means less money spent to heat or cool your home.  There are simple, inexpensive ways to add insulation to your home too, such as plugging your outlets with outlet protectors, using rope caulk around the perimeter of windows, and using foam insulating pads to plug air leaks elsewhere.

Dust Your Light Bulbs
Clean bulbs emit more light than dirty ones, plus dirty bulbs burn up faster and need to be replaced more often.

Be Aware Of Your Energy Output
If you are going to do laundry, make sure you’ve got a full load.  If you are planning to turn on the oven, do your baking for whole week at the same time.  Don’t run the dishwasher half empty.  Use your appliances wisely, and if it doesn’t need to stay plugged in (like a fridge or freezer), unplug it when it’s not in use.  To make it easier, plug electronics like a tv, dvd player, gaming system, etc. into one power strip and turn the power strip on and off as needed.

Of course, if you really want to go green you can always upgrade to eco-friendly appliances or add solar panels to your home, but these are not exactly easy on the wallet!

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 Geocaching

Delaware has its own geocaching trail that includes 75 locations statewide, with many in Sussex County, including a couple in Cape Henlopen State Park! If you love being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature then you should try geocaching.

 

Have you heard of geocaching?  Geocaching is basically a big outdoor treasure hunt!  Participants use a GPS or other navigational techniques to locate small boxes called “caches” and hide other caches.  Currently there are over 5 million geocachers in the world with caches in over 100 countries and on all seven continents.  Delaware has its own geocaching trail that includes 75 locations statewide, with many in Sussex County, including a couple in Cape Henlopen State Park!  If you love being outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature then you should try geocaching.  It’s fun whether you just try it once or make it a regular day of it!

Interested in buying your selling a home in Southern Delaware?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!