Kitchen Makeovers on a Budget

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Yesterday I talked about kitchen makeovers, but the thing about totally redoing a kitchen is that it can be very pricy.  If you’re wanting to give your kitchen a face lift in a more budget-friendly way, consider some of the following suggestions.

Stick to the Ws.  Window and walls that is.  There are basically endless options for wall coverings that can be easily cleaned.  A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room!  Changing up the window treatments can also give the room a whole different feel.

Keep what you have.  Installing new cabinets can be expensive, but your whole kitchen can feel like new if you refinish your existing cabinets.  Just make sure you do your research and use high-quality prep products.

Repurpose other pieces.  Consider using an armoire as a pantry or a unique table as an island.  Repurposing individual pieces of furniture can save you money and add interest to an otherwise neutral room.

Appliances only.  If you have some money to work with, but not enough for a full makeover, consider replacing only your appliances.  Especially if they are showing signs of wear and tear.  And remember that appliances can be expensive if you get all the fancy gadgets, but basic appliances that will fit your requirements can be just as nice if you are on a budget.

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.

May 14, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Miyamato Musashi:  “Do nothing which is of no use.”  (Fred)  “Only do things that have value.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 601981-From $129,900 to 124,900.  A Delmar DE, doublewide that has 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1568 Sq. Ft. on a 1.06 Acre lot.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com  May 14 ,2013

Kitchen Remodeling Tips

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It is no secret that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but they are also the centerpieces of family life too.  A kitchen makeover can give your home a whole different feel.  Whether you want a kitchen update to help sell your home faster or just to enjoy yourself, here are some helpful tips for design planning.

Plan for space.  Kitchen design pros recommend walkways of at least 36 inches in all kitchen areas with 42 inch pathways in cooking areas and more if there is more than one cook.

Plan for traffic.  Place the refrigerator accessible to anyone wandering in looking for a drink, but still convenient to cooking and cleanup areas.

Plan your corners.  Keep all cabinets and appliances fully functional by planning space for the doors clearance and swing.  Keep appliances away from corners and make sure doors won’t bang into each other if they are open at the same time.

Plan your landings.  Landing space is work space for cooking.  There should be a minimum of 15 inches of counter space on each side of the refrigerator and stove top as well as 15 inches near the microwave.

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.

May 13, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Benjamin Franklin:  “To lengthen life, lessen thy meals.”  (Fred)  “A man of many talents, old Ben hits the nail on the head again.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 602860-From $129,000 to $120,000.  A rancher in Georgetown DE, which has 2 BR, 1 BA on .35 acre, which boasts hardwood floors, built-in /corner cabinets, arched doorways, and a corner lot.  Please call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. www.fredsporch.com  May 13, 2013

Spotlight on Mother’s Day Brunch

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Mother’s Day is tomorrow.  If you left planning until the last minute, you may be in luck. In addition to my suggestions from Thursday and Friday, here are a few more for all the last minutes planners out there.  You should definitely call right away for reservations though!  Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there!

In Bethany Beach
The Cottage Café  — a la carte brunch options from 10am-2pm
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 Suggestions for Mother’s Day in Rehoboth Beach

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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.

May 10, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Benjamin Franklin:  “You may delay, but time will not.”  (Fred)  “Delays are sometimes unavoidable but procrastination is avoidable.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS #600661-From $325,000 to $279,000.  An end unit Townhome in Bear Trap, Ocean View DE, that has 4 BR, 3.5 BA in 2068 sq. ft. and has a finished basement with a family room, bath and 5th bedroom.  The condo fee is $4500/yr.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.comMay 10, 2013

3 Mother’s Day Brunch Suggestions

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Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12th. It’s coming up quickly!!! Do you have brunch reservations for your favorite mom? 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 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 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm and restaurant seatings will be at 11:30am and1:30pm.  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 10th-12th

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

Friday, 5/10: Lewes Lunch & Learn
Lewes Lunch & Learns run from 12pm-1pm at the Lewes Life-Saving Station at Shipcarpenter Street and the Canal.  The Lewes Historical Society will provide soft drinks, and you can bring your lunch for this month’s discussion on “The Life and Work of a Surfman in the US Life-Saving Service 1870s-1915.”  This is the last lunch & learn of the season.

Saturday, 5/11: Dewey Beach Arts Fest
Head to the corner of Dagsworthy Ave and the beach for the second annual Dewey Beach Arts Fest will feature over 60 vendors, crafters and local artists as well as live music, food, activities for kids, a silent auction, and more!  Parking and admission are free.  Arts Fest runs from 10am-5pm with a magic show at 11:30am and 1:30pm.  Rain date is Sunday, May 12th.  For more information check out this link.

Saturday, 5/11:  Lewes Fire Department Auxiliary “Fire” and Plant Sale
The Lewes Fire Department Auxiliary is holding its 2nd annual “fire sale” and Mother’s Day plant sale at Station 1 on Savannah Road from 9am-3pm.  In addition to plant there will be a variety of vendors selling gifts, crafts, candles, and more.  There will also be refreshments for sale.  For more information please contact the Auxiliary at LFDaux@gmail.com.

Saturday, 5/11:  Flowering Wonders
Head into Cape Henlopen State Park on Saturday for a class on flowering plants that will celebrate Mother Nature just in time for Mother’s Day!  The program is for anyone ages 5 and older.  The cost is $2 per person, but mothers attend for free!  For more information or to pre-register call 302-645-6852.

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.

May 8, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Benjamin Franklin:  “He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.”  (Fred)  “Everyone needs money, but not all issues can be resolved with it and sometimes it can be a detriment.”

Fred’s Pick of the Day is MLS # 599553-From $129,900 to $119,900.  A nice in-town Townhome in Georgetown DE has been reduced, that has 2 BR, 2 BA and a sun porch.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this townhome.  www.fredsporch.comMay 8, 2013

Tips To Sell Your Home Faster

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If your home has been sitting on the market for longer than you’d like, or if you’d like to put your home on the market and have it sell quickly, consider that you might need to get creative!  One way to help your home sell quickly is to help it make an incredible first impression.  Some of the best ways to do this are to update things like carpeting, appliances, and wall coverings (strip wall paper, cover unique paint colors in a soothing neutral) just to name a few of the things that make a huge impression on buyers.

A good impression starts before the buyers even get in your front door.  If you want your home to sell quickly, you should start with curb appeal.  Try power washing the exterior and driveway, mulching flower beds, adding a fresh coat of paint to your door and freshening up your house number so that it’s easily visible.

You might also consider staging your home or having it professionally staged.  This includes de-cluttering, rearranging furniture, and more.  The point of staging is to attract as many potential buyers as possible by appealing to wide variety of people.  A professional stager can help your home sell more quickly by creating an inviting atmosphere that potential buyers can picture themselves in, as opposed to the personal space that they may be seeing by viewing your home as you live in it.

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.

May 7, 2013

May 7, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Benjamin Franklin:  “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.”  (Fred)  “Excuses never solve problems or contribute anything; however, they are sometimes valid.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 601345-From $239,900 to $229,900.  A Colonial in Frankford, DE which has 3 BR, 2.5 BA in 1800 sq. ft. in the subdivision of Clearwater, 2 miles from the Beach.  The community has an outdoor pool and tennis courts.  The home has large rooms, a gas fireplace and a Gazebo.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.  www.fredsporch.com

Reasons to Consider Refinancing

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With interest rates still low and likely to rise this year, now is a good time to refinance if you bought your home more than a couple of years ago.  Keep in mind, however, that most institutions have stringent refinancing criteria, so it may not be worth it unless you can refinance for a full 0.5% less than your current interest rate.  Refinancing your mortgage at the same terms you have currently but with a lower interest rate (ideally 0.5-1% lower) will not only lower your monthly payment immediately, saving a bundle in interest in the long run.  Another great refinancing option if you can afford a little bit of a higher monthly payment is to refinance from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan.  Although this means paying a few hundred dollars more each month for the duration of the loa5n, it can save a huge amount of interest over the life of your loan.  Of course, refinancing is not a great option if you are not planning to stay in your current home longer than it would take you to recoup the cost of the loan, otherwise it can be a great money saving option both immediately and for the long-term.

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.

May 6, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Benjamin Franklin:  “At 20 years of age the will rules; at 30 the wit; and at 40 the judgment.”  (Fred)  “And I hope at 60 wisdom reigns supreme.”

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 600146-From $239,900 to $234,900.  A lovely rancher near Trap Pond State Park that has 3 BR, 2.5 BA, in 2100 sq. ft. on 1.03 acres.  The home features a huge kitchen, sunroom, fixed attic stairs, an irrigation system and an above ground pool.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.  www.fredsporch.comMay 6, 2013

Spotlight On La Tonalteca

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La Tonalteca (4578 Rt 1) in Rehoboth serves up delicious tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and more alongside their famous margaritas.  With reasonably authentic lunch and dinner options including pork, chicken, beef, seafood, salads, and more La Tonalteca serves up good food with good service for reasonable prices.  In addition to the restaurant in Rehoboth, there are locations in Milford and Millsboro as well.  Not only is La Tonalteca a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it is also the place to enjoy a Mexican fiesta any time of year.

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.

Five Reasons to Buy Now

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If you’re in the market for a home, now is a great time to buy.  Here are five reasons why:

1.  Low Mortgage Rates.  It’s widely known that mortgage rates have been at all an all time low over the past year, but they are expected to creep up, by up to a full percentage point throughout this year, so buying before that happens is a great move.

2.  Prices Are Rising.  Just like mortgage rates, historically low home prices are a thing of the past.  Prices have appreciated over 5% in the past year and are expected to continue rising for the foreseeable future, making now a great time to buy.

3.  Insane Rents.  Rental homes on the market are renting for high prices that are continuing to rise.  For many people, buying now is a better financial decision than continuing to rent, and if you already own a home, renting it out if you’re ready to move could possible even net you a monthly profit.

4.  Good Inventory.  In many places, there are many homes on the market, leading to a larger selection and lower prices for buyers.

5.  Mortgage Regulations Are Changing.  Even though it can be tough to get a mortgage now, many experts believe that requirements will become even more stringent, making it even harder in the near future.

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.

May 3, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Henry David Thoreau:  “It takes two to speak the truth:  one to speak, and another to here.”  (Fred)  “Let us hope that the one who hears is impartial.”

Fred’s Pick of the day is MLS # 600277-From $189,900 to $178,500.  A nice Rancher in Millsboro DE that has 3 BR, 2.5 BA in 2100 sq. ft. on .68 acre that boasts a 2.5 car garage with workshop and a tank less water heater.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this home.  www.fredsporch.comMay 3, 2013

Three Things To Consider Before Starting A Project

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If you’re thinking of doing any projects or renovations in your home, here are three things to consider before you begin:

1.  Budget.  This is probably the most important aspect to decide on before you begin.  Setting a budget will help you make decisions about everything else from whether to do it yourself or hire a contractor to what materials to choose.

2.  Time Frame.  Once you have a budget in mind, do research so that you can come up with a time frame within which you’d like to see different steps of the project completed.  Keep in mind that the more custom your job is, the longer it will take.  This is especially important if you are renovating a kitchen or an only bathroom, as you will need to make alternate arrangements for day-to-day activities such as cooking/eating and showering.

3.  Work Sequence.  If you’re doing the project yourself, think about the job as a whole and come up with a specific work sequence for your projects.  Sticking to a specific order can save a lot of headaches, cleanup and mistakes.  Always start at the top and work your way down.  Ceiling, walls, and finally floors to prevent damage to newly renovated areas.

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: May 3rd-5th

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

All Weekend: Lewes Spring Sidewalk Sale
Merchants in the Historic Lewes Commercial District will take part in the annual Spring sidewalk sale beginning at 10am Friday, running all weekend, and ending at 5pm on Sunday.  Bargains galore are to be found!

Friday, May 3rd: Fun Friday – Fiesta!
Members of the Historic Business District in Lewes are hosting a Mexican-themed Fiesta that will take place all day on Friday.  The event will feature food, merchandise, and of course specials!

Saturday, May 4th: Milton Town-Wide Yard Sale
The town of Milton is hosting their annual spring yard sale this Saturday from 9am-12pm.  Come browse the town for treasures!  I personally know that there will be some great stuff there.  For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 302-684-1101.

Saturday, May 4th: Library Book Sale
Friends of the Lewes Public Library will hold their spring book sale from 9am-3pm on Saturday at the Lewes Library.  For more information, check out www.leweslibrary.org.

Saturday, May 4th: 18th Annual British Motorcar Show
The Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the British Car Club of Delaware will host the annual Lewes British Motorcar Show on Saturday from 11am-3pm.  The show will feature a wide array of interesting and classic British vehicles.  Admission is $3 and kids 12 and under are free.  To register a car you need the registration form which can be found here, as well as a $15 fee in advance or $25 the day of the show.

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.

May 1, 2013

Today’s food for thought is from Harry Banks:  “If at first you do succeed – try to hide your astonishment!  (Fred)  “Sometimes we do win!”

Fred’s Pick of the day is MLS #597762-From 609,900 to $604,900.  A horse friendly estate in Frankfort, DE has 4 BR, 4 BA, in 3800 sq. ft. on 14 acres has just been reduces.  There is also a 40’ x 50’ pole barn with stables and guest quarters, an in-ground pool, pond and a 2 car garage.  Call me @ 302 258-6983 to see this estate.  www.fredsporch.comMay 1, 2013