Sussex County Real Estate Matters – Affecting Seaford, Georgetown, Lauel, Milton, Delmar, Bridgevil
Today’s food for thought is from Napoleon Bonaparte: “The best way to keep one’s word is not to give it.â€Â (Fred) “Sometimes we make promises that turn out very difficult to keep in the future.â€
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 604384-$116,000. A beautifully reconditioned home on a dead in street with Nanticoke River views is in Blades DE. Four bedrooms and one bath for a large family at an affordable price and is move-in ready. Call me to see the home @ 302 258-6983. 
Spring is well under way, and though the weather has been finicky lately, we can expect it to start warming up permanently in the coming days. If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to get a little spring cleaning done! For some people, spring cleaning is not a big deal because they keep their home meticulously clean all year round, but for others spring is the perfect time to do a little deep cleaning to make your home sparkle! Here are some tips to help you take this huge undertaking and break it down into manageable pieces.
Step 1: Room by Room
For each room in your house, pick up clutter. Throw away any trash and irreparable objects and separate anything that you want to sell or donate. Make sure everything you own has a “home†and keep them there! Dust and vacuum each room, pulling out and moving furniture to clean around it. Here are some room by room tips:
Step 2: Wash Windows
Using a traditional or homemade window washing solution, clean windows both inside and out. Black and white print newspaper is best for cleaning windows because it doesn’t leave any residue behind, but don’t use any colored newsprint or your windows will look like bad stained glass! It is also best to clean windows on a cloudy day because washing windows when its sunny can cause streaks.
Step 3: Clean Window Treatments
There’s no sense in having clean windows with dirty window treatments! If your curtains or drapes are really dirty you can put them through the washing machine or have them dry cleaned (read your care instructions!), but most of the time your curtains can probably be cleaned by using the proper attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Step 4: Check for Safety
Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to make sure they’re working. If you own a fire extinguisher, make sure its not expired and if you don’t own one, purchase one and learn how to use it!
Step 5: Deep Clean Carpets
Rent a professional grade carpet cleaner and deep clean all the carpets in your house, or hire professionals to do it for you. It’s best to do this after all your other cleaning is done, so that your fresh carpets don’t get covered with residue from all your other cleaning jobs.
Step 6: Clean Your Exterior
Spring is the perfect time to clean the outside of your home – rent a power washer and wash the exterior of your home as well as driveways and sidewalks. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, you can always hire a professional.
Don’t forget:
Interested in buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Real Estate Associates and put us to work for you — 302-856-6434!
Today’s food for thought is from James Buchanan: “What is right and what is practicable are two different things.â€Â (Fred) “This rings true in a democracy, however, if you constantly dilute what is right, the concept will disappear.â€
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 597882-From $189,500 to $179,900. A nice cape cod in Milford DE that has 3 BR, 2 BA on .46 acre, a nice floor plan, a rear deck, a partially wooded lot. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com
Whether you are buying or selling a home, you will most likely have to deal with contingencies during contract negotiation. Contingencies are conditions placed on the contract that, if not met, allow the buyer to either back out of the deal.  Of course in the case of an unmet contingency, buyer & seller can always renegotiate, if they would prefer. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home contingencies may seem a little overwhelming, so here’s some help explaining some of the most common:
There are many other contingencies that can be written into real estate contracts, but these are just some of the most common.
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.
Thank you to all the service men and women who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country! I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable weekend.
And now that the summer season is officially kicked off it’s officially the time of year for all of the free concerts to begin! The Town of Milton free summer concert series starts this week on Wednesday, 5/29 at 7pm. Concerts are held in Milton Memorial Park, and moved to the Fire Hall in case of inclement weather. This week will feature Reunion Band which plays Chicago-style rock music. Refreshments are available.
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.
Jam Bistro(21 Baltimore Ave) in Rehoboth Beach  is the casual answer from the owner’s of Eden. Specializing in down-home cookin’ and craft cocktails, Jam is open for lunch from 12pm-3pm and dinner from 5pm 7 days a week. With a wide variety of menu options and daily specials, Jam Bistro is definitely worth checking out for a good American meal with a twist.
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.
If you’re trying to decide whether to keep renting or buy a home, consider the following questions:
1.  Where will you be in the next 5 years?  If you buy a home, you need to live in it long enough for it to appreciate in value. If you end up moving, changing jobs, or anything else unexpected comes up, selling a home quickly can result in loss of money.
2.  How’s my credit?  Look into your credit and the credit of your partner if you are buying together and take steps to fix any discrepancies before applying for a mortgage.
3. What’s the expense?  In addition to the down payment and cost of the mortgage, consider the expense of insurance and taxes, monthly upkeep and maintenance as well as any necessary repairs.
4. What’s the market like?  Don’t just look at the current market, take into account over the past few years too. Resist the urge to pay more than you should for a home and keep in mind that the more quickly you have equity in your home, the less of a burden it is.
5. Plan your exit.  Decide what you will do if and when the time comes for you to move. Keep in mind that you will not be able to sell for a profit until home values rise in your market or until you’ve lived there long enough to have equity in your home.
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.
Today’s food for thought is from James Anthony Froude: “The first duty of an historian is to be on guard against his own sympathies.â€Â (Fred) “I really dislike revisionist history, they are seeing things from a very different perspective than even a bias participant in the making of that history.â€
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 602257-From $174,000 to $147,000. A Fannie Mae property in Lewes, DE with 3 BR, 1BA on .31 acre, that is in a great location. Call me to see this property at @ 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com
The idea of flipping a home is less popular now than it was a decade ago, but it’s still out there. If flipping a home is something you’ve ever thought of, here are three tips for you:
1. Remember the 70% rule. In order to profit from your purchase, take the price that the home will sell for after renovations and factor 70% of it. Subtract your renovations from the 70% and that leaves you with the maximum price you should pay for the home.
2. Remember the rules. If you’re considering a short sale or REO because of a great deal, be sure to research the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines that restrict resale of such properties within a set amount of time from the original sale.
3. Remember the inspection. Even though you intend to flip the home you buy, you should not forgo the home inspection. You will want to know if there are hidden problems that are more of commitment than you are financially prepared for.
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.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out these area events:
Friday, May 24th: Lightship Overfalls Opening Party & Auction
This year celebrates the 75th birthday for “Big Red,†the historic lightship in Lewes. This fabulous annual party will take place from 6pm-9pm at the Virden Center on the University of Delaware Marine Campus. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door until they are sold out. This event is a great kick-off to the summer season and includes food and drink, games, raffles, silent and live auctions and more. For more information or to purchase tickets, check out the Overfalls website.
Saturday, May 25th: Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival
This annual event is hosted by the Milton Chamber of Commerce and will run from 10am-4pm at Milton Memorial Park. This will be the tenth year for the festival, which boast over 1500 visitors yearly. The day includes arts and crafts, boat rides on the Broadkill River, canoe trips on Prime Hook Creek, games, food, music, trail walks, kids’ train rides, a scavenger hunt, and more! A shuttle bus is available to transport guests to and from the Refuge. For more information contact 302-684-1101.
Saturday, May 25th: Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market
Don’t forget that the Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market is now open for the season. See more details in this post.
Saturday, May 25th-Monday, May 27th: Maritime Weekend
Celebrate maritime weekend all weekend long at the Zwaanendael Museum in Historic Lewes. For more information call 302-645-1148.
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Â Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you — 302-644-2266.
Today’s food for thought is from James Bryce: “Three-fourths of the mistakes a man makes are made because he does not really know what he thinks he knows.â€Â (Fred) “Make sure you have all the facts or as many as possible on both sides of the issue before making a decision.â€
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 603801-From $114,900 to $109,900. A 3 BR, 1BA older home in Seaford, DE that has 1150 sq. ft. on .39 acre with new carpet, paint, and septic. There is also a 24’ x30’ garage pole building with a lean-to. Call me @302 258-6983 to see this home. www.fedsporch.com
When you are buying a home, the industry standard is a 30-year mortgage. However, if you can swing it there are definite advantages to a 15 year mortgage instead.  The biggest benefit of a fifteen-year mortgage is, of course, that you pay your home off in half the time and wind up saving a lot of money in interest. In addition you will also accumulate equity in your home faster as you pay off the principal, which could free you up to take out a home equity loan if needed. Of course, you shouldn’t bury yourself to be able to afford a fifteen-year mortgage. Remember that you don’t want to spread yourself too thin… your home should not be your only source of savings. You also want to make sure you can save for retirement and emergencies each month.
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.
Today’s food for thought is from Charles Buxton: “You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it.â€Â (Fred) “If time is required, make sure you set it aside.â€
Fred’s Pick of the day is MLS # 603412-From $850,000 to $799,900. An inverted floor plan home in Rehoboth Beach, DE has 5 BR, 2 BA, 2 half baths, in 2544 sq. ft. on .90 acres boasts a deep water dock, a large granite kitchen in an open floor plan. Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home. www.fredsporch.com
The Historic Lewes Farmers Market opened for the season last week and will be open every Saturday until the end of September. Most Saturdays the farmer’s market is at the Historical Society (110 Shipcarpenter Street), but on June 22nd, July 13th, and August 3rd the market will move to the Shields Elementary School parking lot (910 Shields Ave.). Vendors sell everything, including fresh beef & pork, homemade jellies and jams, fruits, veggies, organic baked goods, gourmet cheese, and more. For a full list of vendors, check out this list. It is definitely worth checking out, although you should leave your pets at home because they are not allowed.
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.
Today’s food for thought is from Miyamato Musashi: “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.â€Â (Fred) “The eye is not to be always trusted and must be used in conjunction with the brain.â€
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 600470 From $449,900 to $399,000. A Stately Colonial in Seaford DE with 4 BR, 3.5 BA in 4100 sq. ft. on 1.65 acres boasts a 4KW solar electric, a 7500 KW generator, a heated salt water pool, music room, 2 master suites and is directly on Patrick’s Pond. Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com
I’ve been talking a lot about remodeling this week, and today’s post is no different. If you’re considering a remodel here are five steps to help you succeed:
1. Do your research. See yesterday’s post for several questions you should ask and do your own research before you even begin.
2. Get your money straight. Remodeling can be a big task with a seemingly endless cost attached to it. Before you begin any work be sure that you have a reasonable budget for the kind of work you want and that your financing is completely in order. Going back to number one, this is something you should research to determine what your best options are.
3. Get estimates. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and others that you know and then get in-person estimates from multiple designers, contractors, and anyone else you might employ. Ask for references and examples of work.
4. Consider the details. Make as many decisions as possible before you project begins. Even the smallest details will cost you time and money once your remodel is under way.
5. Plan for the unforeseen. There is no such thing as a perfect renovation and the unexpected can throw a wrench in even the best plans and even the most generous budget in the trash. Plan to cushion your budget by at least twenty percent from the beginning so that you are prepared if (often more likely, when) these things happen to 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.
If you are thinking of remodeling your kitchen or any other part of your home here are three questions you should ask yourself before you start anything:
1. What is the purpose of this remodel? Do you want a fresh look, completely new function, or a serious overhaul?
2. What is most important? Create a list of your priorities in the order of their importance to you before you begin and you will have a much easier time making budget choices in the long run.
3. What investment can I afford? Regardless of your personal budget, consider the value of the other homes nearby and the current value of your own home. Over spending may give you the results you want immediately, but it might not be the best long term investment, so be sure to consider your options.
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.
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out this list of local events:
All Weekend:Â 30th Annual Rehoboth-Dewey Sidewalk Sale
The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center will run from 9am-9pm from Friday through Sunday. Individual stores may operate at different times though. For more information call the Chamber at 302-227-2233.
Friday, May 17th – Remember Lewes
As part of the Lewes Historical Society’s “Remembering Lewes†series Churck Fithian will bring his extensive knowledge to the Lewes Historical Society when he presents a program about Delaware’s role in the War of 1812. The program runs from 7:30pm-9pm and will be held at the Lewes Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Kings Highway. Everyone is invited to attned this free educational event.
Saturday, May 18th – Youth Finish Tournament
The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park will host their annual youth fishing tournament on Saturday from 8am-11am, with a rain date of Sunday, 5/19. This tournament is open to all kids ages 16 and younger. The entrance fee is $10 and the first 50 registrants receive a free t-shirt! Prizes are awarded.
Saturday, May 18th – Maritime Day 2013
Congress first declared Maritime Day in 1933, and the Cape May-Lewes ferry will honor that celebration on Saturday at the Lewes Ferry Terminal with a ceremony at 1pm. Admission is free and includes engine room and bridge tours, maritime displays and more. Food and drink will be available and the event will take place rain or shine.
Saturday, May 18th – Pooches in the Park
If your four-legged friends are more like family, consider this event which will take place from 1pm-3pm on Saturday at Canalfront Park in Lewes. The event features specialized and pet-friendly vendors, a doggie spa, agility and obedience demos, and more. Admission is $5 per pup, but free for their two-legged friends and owners. One dog per handler and all dogs must be on a non-retractable leash with a maximum length of six feet.
Sunday, May 19th – Fitness ‘n Fun
Quest Fitness and Kayak is hosting its 2nd annual “Fitness ‘n Fun from 8am-12pm in Canalfront Park in Lewes on Sunday morning. This event is completely free and open to anyone. Activities include yoga, book camp, pilates, zumba, kick boxing, spinning, Kids FIT, and more. For a schedule of events and more information, check out this link.
Thinking of buying or selling a home in Sussex County? Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.
Dear Bryant,                                                             May 14, 2013
If you have a minute, I have an interesting story to tell. I was having a nice day last Friday when I got an e-mail from one of my co-workers. She stated that she got a call from a young lady who wanted to rent one of my listings. The problem was the house is for sale not for rent. She sent us the Craig’s List Listing. Lo and behold, it was my house and it was for rent for $880.00 plus a $400.00 security deposit. The pictures and copy where mine and just cut and pasted onto the Craig’s List ad.
I told the young lady that the home was not for rent and do not send any money. I thought about what to do.
The first thing I did was to contact Craig’s List and told them about the scam. They pulled the ad by Monday when I checked again. On Monday I called the Delaware State Police, they said it was a crime but I had to contact the Seaford Police. They promptly came to my office and took my report. About an hour later they called me and said that it was a crime but I should contact the Federal Trade Commission.
Today I received another call form a consumer who wanted to rent the house and asked about the request to wire the deposit and security deposit. I told him it was a scam and do not send the money. I then called the FTC and made a complaint to them. I gave the name, email address, and phone number of the scammer to them. She said thank you and gave me a complain number. She also said I should contact the State attorney General’s Office. I called the Consumer Protection Unit of the Delaware Attorney’s office and repeated my story.
Everyone I contacted was polite and professional. My concern is that I had to make contact with 4 different government agencies. Only the FTC gave me any reference number about my complaint and she didn’t even want the address for the property.
My expectations for a successful apprehension of the scammer have dropped considerably. He will continue until he is caught, in the meantime how many unsuspecting people will be scammed out of their money?
The Internet is a good thing to everyone, including scammers. Never wire money to anyone you don’t know. If the deal is too good to be true in usually is a scam. Buyer and renter BEWARE!!!
Fred Sponseller
Realtor-Seaford DE
Today’s food for thought is from Millard Fillmore: “May God save the country, for it is evident that the people will not.â€Â (Fred) “Today the people have thrown the country under the bus; we need that divine help now.â€
Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 602961- From $585K to 549K. A lovely open concept home in Bethany Beach DE, which has 5 BR, 3BA and a sunroom overlooking a Golf Course. Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983 www.fredsporch.com. 