Make The Most Of Your Entryway

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The entryway of a home is often either abused or underutilized.  At its best an entryway should welcome people into your home and be an organized spot that makes your life easier!  Here are three tips for organizing your entryway to allow for both beauty and function.

  1. Limit clutter – Don’t drop everything you’re holding in the entryway as soon as you enter.  Mail, keys, bags, shoes, coats etc. can clutter an area faster than you can blink, so make sure everything has a designated spot and put it away as soon as you walk in!
  2. Utilize multifunctional pieces – Multifunctional pieces that offer storage and fit your space are the key to having a welcoming, organized entryway.  For example, a chest can offer both seating and storage, a coat rack/bench combo has many uses, and a basket rack gives you a place to hang your coat as well as out of site storage for keys, mail, pet leashes, or anything else you might need to stash on your way in or out of the house.
  3. Have a key rack – Be sure to have a designated spot to put your keys as soon as you walk in the door.  Having your keys on hand will save you time and energy later when you need to run a quick errand or make it to an appointment on time!

Of course, once you put the time and energy into making sure your entryway is organized and inviting be sure to keep it that way by making new habits and maintaining them every time you walk through the door!

Are you looking to buy or sell a home in Southern Delaware?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

July 23, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Lord Russell:  “A proverb is the wisdom of many and the wit of one.”  (Fred)  “Wit of the author is a rare gift.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #604376-From $1,445,000 to $1, 385,000.  An Ocean Block home in North Bethany, DE with 5 BR, 4 BA, that boasts an open floor plan, and wrap around porches.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this gem.  www.fredsporch.comJuly 23, 2013

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

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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.

July 22, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Lord Acton:  “The danger is not that a particular class is unfit to govern.  Every class is unfit to govern.”  (Fred)  “All classes should be kept from a majority status; hopefully the compromise will come into play.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 601113-From $749,000 to $665,000.  Here is a Peaceful Estate in Frankford, DE which has 3BR, 3BA, in 2997 sq. ft. on 6 acres that boasts a private pier, 3 ponds, 2 wood stoves, a new HVAC in 2011 and is on Dirickson Creek.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJuly 22,2013

Spotlight on The Café on 26 in Ocean View

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The Café on 26 (82 Atlantic Ave) in Ocean View is a locally owned and operated gem that features homemade, fresh, local cuisine that is delicious!  They also specialize in gluten free menu options.  In addition to all of the delicious menu choices, try the Café special, jumbo lump crap dip appetizer topped with the clams casino appetizer… a local secret worth knowing!  With nightly specials, Sunday brunch, and delicious cocktails, Café on 26 really is a full service restaurant.  The service is great too!  The Café is open year round.  During the summer it is open from 11am-3pm for lunch and 4pm-9pm for dinner every day except for Sunday.  On Sunday they serve brunch from 8am-2pm and dinner from 4pm-9pm.  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.

5 Tips For Pricing Your Home

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The price of your home is the aspect that you, as a seller, have the most control over.  Even though the right pricing strategy can take a home off the market quickly, it’s amazing how many people still make mistakes when pricing their home.  Here are five tips for pricing your home right the first time!

Find an agent you trust:  Don’t just hire the agent that quotes you the highest list price for your home.  If they quote you a high price to insure that they get your listing, but then your home sits on the market forever because the price is too high, that’s counterproductive and you end up having to slash your price anyway.  The best idea is to interview several agents and choose someone who can back up their suggested list price with recent comps.  Which brings me to point number two…

Get the comps:  Once you have an agent you trust, ask them to prepare a comparative market analysis of similar homes that have sold recently in your area.  This is more important than looking at the list price of other homes for sale in your area, because the comps will tell you what the home actually sold for, which is often quite a bit lower than the original list price.

Pick the correct price:  Pricing your home correctly right out of the gate will gain the attention of serious buyers and sell your home faster.  If you have to list your home for less than you’d like to make this happen, think of it this way… it will cost you more in the long run to pay the costs associated with owning your home if it sits on the market for several months while you’re dreaming about an unrealistic asking price.  Then you’ll have to lower the price anyway, so wouldn’t you rather just price it right from the get go?

Price with the market:  If your house is priced to high from the start, you will most likely find yourself making price drops after several months on the market with no interest.  Dropping your price is a good strategy, but everyone else (whose homes were priced more reasonably to begin with) is dropping their prices too, meaning that your home is still the highest priced home on the market and will never catch up with the competition.  Instead of dropping the price several times causing buyers to wonder what’s wrong with your property, price it competitively from the start, rather than holding out for the high end of the market.  Remember, the more competitive the price you start with, the better the chance you will sell quickly for a higher price than if you wait it out and negotiate 6 months down the road.

Don’t balk at lowball offers:  When selling your home it’s hard not to be emotionally attached, but buyers most likely aren’t feeling the same way, so don’t be offended by lowball offers.  Use them as a jumping off point for negotiation and let it drop only if the buyer makes it clear they are not serious about buying.

Looking for a real estate agent you can trust to help you through the whole process of pricing and selling your home?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and let us show you why we’re the best – 302-629-6693.

July 19, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Herman Melville:  “It is better to fail in originality than to survive in imitation.”  (Fred)  “We are all originals, be yourself!

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #605367-From $19,900 to $17,500.  Here is a modified singlewide trailer in Lewes, DE with 3 BR, 1 BA and is only 200 yards from the Kayak Launch.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJuly 19, 2013

Three Quick Ways To Add Color To Your Home

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Looking for ways to add a quick pop of color?  Check out these ideas:

1.  Choose your favorite.  Take a look around and choose your favorite fabric of pattern already in the room.  Find the dominate color in that pattern and then add 5-10 accents in the same color around the room.  The amount depends on the size of the room and the accents you choose.  Keeping all of your accents in the same color scheme will add a pop to the room while still keeping a cohesive feel.

2.  Make seasonal changes.  Adding collections of seasonal decorations is a great way to add color.  Keep them simple and bright and don’t forget to change them out regularly!

3.  Remember the rule.  Designers recommend using the 60-30-10 formula as a guide for adding color to a room.  The rule is that 60% of your room should be the predominate (usually neutral) color, 30% of the room should be your secondary color – typically found in floor and window coverings, and the final 10% should be your accent color.

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: July 19th-21st

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Thursday, July 18th:  Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Head to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Thursday for several fun, free events.
Birding Field Trip:  This trip is led by local birding guides.  Bring binoculars, a field guide and a spotting scope if you have one.  The trip is free and open to the public.  Meet at the refuge office 10-15 minutes ahead of schedule and come dressed weather appropriately.  The trip will run approximately 8am-11am.
Pondside Adventures:  Discover what types of insects and aquatic life are in the area from 1:30pm-2:30pm.  Footwear that can get wet is required, no flip flops.  Sunscreen and hats are recommended.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information about these or other activities at the Refuge, call 302-684-8419.

Friday, July 19th: Nate Myers & The Aces
Head to Canalfront Park in Lewes for a free Americana/blues inspired concert sponsored by Dogfish Head Brewery.  The show begins at 6:30pm.  Don’t forget a lawn chair and some bug spray!

Saturday, July 20th: The Sound of Music
Local theatre company, Clear Space will perform the classic Broadway production, The Sound of Music on the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville).  Show begins at 7pm.  Cost is $10 per person, but kids 18 and under are free.  Don’t forget lawn chairs!

Saturday, July 20th:  Everyday Magic Artwork
Millville Town Peddler and Reynolds’ Back Door Surfboards will host artist Sharon O’Bien Huey and her “Everyday Magic Artwork” for a month-long exhibit.  This artist reception will kick off the event at 4pm with a meet the artist.  Admission to both the reception and the month-long show are free.  Come and enjoy the art, reception, specials and refreshments.  The event will be held at 35308 Atlantic Ave. in Millville.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Groove Train will perform a fun 70’s Disco & Funk show on Friday night, followed by a classic and modern rock performance by King’s Ransom on Saturday.  The Milford Community Band will wrap up the weekend with their performance on Sunday.  All concerts 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 – 302-629-6693.

July 17, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Herman Melville:  “There is all of the difference in the world between paying and being paid.”  (Fred)  “Compensation for ones efforts fulfills life’s design.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #603497-From $775,000 to $745,000.  A Contemporary with an inverted floor plan on the Delaware Bay in Milton DE That boasts 2BR, 2 BA, and is deeded to the Beach and a boat dock. Bay Views in the Front and Wildlife Refuse Views in the Rear make this home special.  Call me to see this unique home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJuly 17, 2013

Boosting Curb Appeal

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You only get one chance to make a first impression, and first impressions are lasting.  We know this, yet when many people put their home on the market they don’t take the time to make sure that the first impression is a good one.  When you’re trying to sell your home, you want buyers to fall in love at first sight!

Here are a few tips to boost your property’s curb appeal:

  1. Take a picture.  You’re so use to seeing the outside of your house that you might not notice it anymore.  If you take a photo (or several photos) you may be able to see the property with new eyes.  Show the photos to friends, family, neighbors, etc. and ask them to point out any concerns they would have if they were thinking about buying the place.  Make a list and address as many of the concerns as you can, especially recurring concerns.
  2. Paint – It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do for the exterior of a home.  If the entire home doesn’t need to be painted, consider freshening the trim, doors, shutters, and/or garage door.
  3. Clean & repair the driveway – Take the time to repair small cracks and rent a power washer to get that driveway clean.  If your drive way is a major mess, think about getting it redone.
  4. Spruce up landscaping – Keep your grass mowed and fertilized.  Rake your yard.  Edge along your sidewalks.  Plant some bright, low maintenance flowers – marigolds are a good choice!
  5. Replace your door – If your front door has seen better days, consider replacing it.  Remember, the door is what will welcome potential buyers into your home.  Make it a nice welcome!
  6. Clean – Wash your windows and doors (including screens), rent a power washer and spray down the deck, driveway, sidewalks, consider power washing the exterior of your home if you aren’t going to paint.
  7. Replace light bulbs – check the view of your home at night and replace any burned-out bulbs.  Consider adding lights if the property is in need of better lighting.

Of course the front of your house will offer the first impression to potential buyers, but don’t forget the back and side views as well!

Considering putting your home on the market?  Let us help.  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!

July 16, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Herbert Spencer:  “How often misused words generate misleading thoughts.”  (Fred)  “Keep ones lack of vocabulary from embarrassing oneself, or keep ones foot out of one’s mouth.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #601454-From $359,000 to $339,000.  A beautiful Colonial in Seaford DE which has 5 BR, 2.5 BA, in 3800 sq. ft. on .75 acre that boasts a first floor Master Bedroom, office, and fitness room, and great landscaping.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.  wwwfredsporch.comJuly 16, 2013

Best Tips for Painting

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Everyone knows that a fresh coat of paint goes a long way to improving just about any surface, but a fresh coat of paint and a good coat of paint are two entirely different things.  Here are some great painting tips to help you make the most of a coat of paint!

Buy Good Quality:  You might try to save a couple bucks by buying the cheapest gallon of paint you can, but if you put out the cash for high quality paint and it will go on smoother, cover more, splatter less, and will be less likely to fade.  Trust me, it’s worth the extra money!

Choose Your Gloss Wisely:  Remember that the flatter the finish, the harder the paint is to clean.  Flat paint is a good choice for ceilings, but be sure to use an eggshell for walls and semigloss in rooms that are cleaned more often.

Test It:  The pros know that testing a paint out on a wide surface of wall is key to choosing the ride shade.  The best way to do this is to buy sample sizes (or quarts if they aren’t available) of a few different colors and paint several chunks of wall.  Make sure you leave the paint there for a few days so you can see it in all different lighting and then make your final choice.

Work Your Way Down:  Begin painting at the ceiling and work down the wall for the smoothest results.

Mix It Together:  If you’re using more than one gallon of the same color paint, mix all the gallons together in a bucket to guarantee a uniform color throughout the whole room.

Wrap Up Brushes:  If you’re going to take a break wrap any brushes and rollers in plastic bags.  Be sure there is no air in the bag and close it with a rubber band or twist tie.  If you’re planning on taking a long break, like overnight, seal all the tools up and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

With tips like these, you can turn any paint project into a success story!

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!

July 15, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from George Washington:  “Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.”  (Fred)  “Borrow wisely and you worries will be small.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #596895-From $269,000 to $239,000.  A Contemporary in a 55+ Community in Bridgeville, DE which has 2 BR, 2 BA, with a Gourmet Kitchen, Sunroom and is on the Golf course.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this home.  wwwfredsporch.comJuly 15, 2013

Spotlight on Zogg’s Raw Bar & Grill in Rehoboth

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Zogg’s Raw Bar and Grill (1 Wilmington Ave) in Rehoboth is a Key West inspired restaurant serving up delicious fish tacos, a variety of other seafood dishes, standards such as burgers, wings, and chicken sandwiches, and classic southern fare such as fried gator, breaded frog legs and po’ boys.  Their famous homemade mac & cheese comes in six flavors, including duck confit & brie and crab & cheddar.  They have happy hour specials at the bar Monday-Friday from 4pm-7pm, a wide variety of worldwide brews on tap and over 250 kinds of rum at the bar.  Zogg’s is definitely worth checking out if you want a variety of delicious options in a laid back atmosphere.

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.

July 12, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Edward Coke:  “Things are worth what they will fetch at a sale.”  (Fred)  “The market always sets the prices of things, and the prices are always subject to change.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #604323-From $590,000 to $579,000.  An Ocean View Condo in Bethany Beach DE with 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1275 sq. ft. and is sold furnished.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. July 12, 2013

5 Ways To Provide Easy Access For Showings

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Selling a home is not necessarily a convenient prospect.  The best sellers keep their homes neat, clean, organized and smelling fresh and are also willing to vacate the property at a moment’s notice.  Here are some tips to help you, as a seller, be a dream to work with:

1.  Keep off hours.  Remember that most potential buyers have to work, so if your home is only available to show during “business hours” you are cutting out a lot of potential buyers.  Consider extending your hours until 8pm or so at least a couple of times a week.

2.  Allow a lock box.  If you insist that your home not have a lock box, many agents will forgo your home altogether to show more convenient homes to their clients.

3.  Consider the details.  The details count.  For example, if you live on a road where street parking is difficult, make sure your driveway is clear so that potential buyers and their agents can park there.  You don’t want potential buyers to be thinking of the downsides of purchasing your home before they even walk in the door.

4.  Don’t be too restrictive.  It’s a pain when buyers want to see your home on short notice, and it is within your rights as the seller to say no or ask to reschedule, but keep in mind that some of the most motivated buyers are moving from out of town and may not have too much flexibility.  Try to accommodate potential buyers as often as possible.

5.  Take care of your pets.  Just because you love your pets doesn’t mean a prospective buyer will.  In fact there’s a good chance a prospective buyer might be allergic, so having your furry friend roaming free is not going to help the home appeal to them.  If at all possible, make arrangements for your pets to leave your home during showings too.  If that’s simply not feasible ask your agent for suggestions.  Chances are they’ve shown lots of pet friendly homes in their career, so they can give you more tips.

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 12th-14th

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

Friday, July 12th-Saturday, July 13th: Nanticoke Riverfest
Head to downtown Seaford for the annual Nanticoke Riverfest with the theme “Rollin’ on the Nanticoke.”  Events start with opening ceremonies at 5pm on Friday and the fun continues on Saturday with registration for the Float-in starting at 8am.  The weekend includes lots of fun and festivities.  For more information, including a full schedule of events check out this link.

Saturday, July 13th: Milton House & Garden Tour
The annual Milton House & Garden Tour runs from 9am-3pm on Saturday.  For tickets or more information, call the Milton Garden Club at 302-684-3804.

Saturday, July 13th: Lewes Historical Society’s Summer Craft Fair
The annual Summer Craft Fair runs from 9am-4pm at the Historical Complex at Second & Shipcarpenter Streets in downtown Lewes.  Admission is $5 per person and children under 12 are free.

Sunday, July 14th: Sheryl Crow in Concert
Head to the Freeman Stage at Bayside for concert by nine-Grammy winner Sheryl Crowe.  Unlike most events at the Freeman Stage, this is an assigned seating event.  For more information or to purchase tickets call 302-436-3015.

All Weekend: Free Concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Enjoy the modern country sounds of Michael Christopher on Friday.  The Regal Beagles will perform their yacht rock set on Saturday, and Nate Myers & the Aces will perform Americana/Blues style music on Sunday.  All concerts 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.

July 10, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Edward Coke:  One threatens the innocent who spares the guilty.  (Fred)  “Can the guilty be truly reformed?”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #601875-From $349,000 to $339,000.  A Bay View End Unit Condo in Ocean View DE with 4 BR, 3 BA, in 1780 sq. ft. that boasts an upgraded kitchen, tile floors, new heat pumps and Hurricane windows.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comJuly 10, 2013

What To Do If Your House Won’t Sell

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Typically, Wednesday is our Weekend Update, but this week we’re doing something a little bit different and will post the weekend update tomorrow.  For today, here are some tips if your home has been on the market for awhile:

Assuming that your home is in saleable condition, if your home is still on the market, it is most likely priced too high for the area.  Luckily for you, of the three basic elements that sell a home (location, condition & price), price is the one you, as a seller, can control!

So, how do you know if you need to lower the price of your home?  Ask your real estate agent what the average time is for houses to be on the market in your area.  If your house has been on the market for longer than that, then you should consider lowering your price.  Another indicator that you may need to lower the price is if your house has been on the market for several months with low to no interest.  In many areas, home prices are continuing to fall, so even if your home was pried well when you first listed it, if it’s been sitting on the market for awhile, you may need to adjust it.

Once you decide that you need to lower the price of your home, you need to decide how low to go.  That decision should be based on local market research.  Again, to make the best decision you need to have a real estate agent that you trust and seek out their advice.  Ask your agent for a new comparative market analysis (comps), and be sure that the comps are recent.  If you put your home on the market without having it appraised, having it done now could help you even more.

Trying to sell your home?  Looking for an agent you can trust?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty and let us help you sell your home – 302-856-6434.