Spotlight on Henlopen City Oyster House in Rehoboth

With delicious seafood and an extensive raw bar menu, it’s easy to see why Henlopen City Oyster House (50 Wilmington Ave. in Rehoboth Beach) is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Rehoboth Beach.  Henlopen City sources regional seafood markets, relies on locally grown fruits and vegetables, and only serves meats that have been raised locally.  This ensures freshness and deliciousness!  The only downside is that depending on when you go you might have to wait a bit to get a table since they don’t take reservations, but it is worth the wait.  The food is worth raving about, prices are reasonable, and the service is great.  Henlopen City Oyster House is a great choice for any occasion.  The restaurant opens at 3pm daily and begins serving dinner at 5pm.  You should 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.

September 7, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Benjamin Franklin:  “Well done is better than well said.”  “Deeds trump talk.”  Fred

 

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 596383.  Here is a Farmhouse with 3 BR, 1 BA on .75 acre with many updates and is in move-in condition.  The home is in Greenwood, DE and is only $95K.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

 

5 Quick Fixes For Your Kitchen

Yesterday we looked at some quick fixes to update your bathroom, and today we tackle the kitchen!

Yesterday we looked at some quick fixes to update your bathroom, and today we tackle the kitchen!

1.  Switch your faucet.  There are many styles of faucet on the market, so replacing your old one can quickly up the style factor in your kitchen.  Choose a faucet with the personality you want, but be sure that it will run well with your existing sink so you don’t have to change everything!

2.  Replace an appliance.  If it’s in your budget, replacing an old refrigerator or dishwasher can instantly update your kitchen.  And, replacing an old appliance with a new energy efficient model can save you quite a bit on your utilities, almost paying for itself.

3.  Replace your hardware.  If your cabinets are in good condition, you can give them a whole new look by replacing the handles and pulls.  Hardware stores, home improvement stores, and even antique shops have an unlimited variety to choose from, so you can pick the style that fits with your vision for the room.  Depending on how many cabinets and drawer you have, replacing everything should only take a couple of hours, if that.

4.  Add lighting.  Replacing existing light fixtures with a more sophisticated model can quickly give your room new life.

5.  Dress it up.  For a more time extensive project, consider replacing your backsplash.  Many companies make tiles that come in sheets but look like individual glass tiles.  With unlimited style and color options, the sky is the limit!

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.

Thursday Three: 3 Quick Fixes For Your Bathroom

If you’re looking to give your bathroom a quick face lift, try these three relatively inexpensive updates

If you’re looking to give your bathroom a quick face lift, try these three relatively inexpensive updates:

1.  Hang a medicine cabinet.  If you choose a cabinet that can mount directly on a wall, this project should take less than an hour!  You can choose a cabinet that suits your style, use a stud finder and a drill to hang it and voila, your bathroom has some new personality.

2.  Replace your showerhead.  A new showerhead can make your existing shower feel like a spa.  There are many models on the market.  A low flow model can save you money on your water bill, and as far as style, water flow, and price range, the choices are virtually endless, so you can pick the one that’s perfect for you.

3.  Change the sink.  Changing your sink is a bit more time consuming, but if done correctly can be relatively painless.  Choose a model that gives your bathroom the look you’re going for, but be sure it fits your needs as far as storage, rim room, and practicality as well as style.

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.

September 5, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Aristotle:  “Those that know, do.  Those that understand, teach.”  “The plumber knows how to do his job, a teacher can either teach the facts or try to alter them for an addenda known only by the teacher.”  Fred

 

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 595854.  This home is on almost 2 acres, has an in-ground pool, 3 BR, 2.5 BA in 2400 sq. ft.;  Updates include new paint, granite, and flooring all for only $259,900, in Seaford, DE.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983. 

Weekend Update: September 7th-9th

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

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

Thursday, September 6th-Saturday, September 8th: Riverwalk Freedom Festival in Milford
This annual event in Milford begins with a 5K run/walk on Thursday, and continues  from 4pm-9pm on Friday with a “Park Party” at Bicentennial Park.  The “Park Party” is free and includes food, vendors, live entertainment, a boat parade, and fireworks at dusk.  The festival concludes on Saturday with events from 10am-4pm including a vendors, food, live entertainment, a car show, and more.  The annual Duck Dash will take place on Saturday with $350 in prizes up for grabs including $200 to the first place winner!  There will also be a Kids Korner with pony rides, inflatables, games, a petting zoo and more!  For more information check out this link.

Saturday, September 8th: 34th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival
Head down to the boardwalk in Bethany for a premier fine arts festival this weekend.  Featuring over 100 skilled artisans, this juried show attracts more than 7,500 visitors yearly.  The festival takes place from 10am-5pm on the boardwalk and surrounding streets, with a silent auction to benefit the art programs at four local elementary schools from 10am-4pm.  Participating artisans work in basketry, clay, drawing, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, wood, and more.

Saturday, September 8th – 7th Annual Chocolate Tasting in the Park
Head into Cape Henlopen State Park to sample all kinds of tasty chocolate treats!  The $5 admission includes 6 samples.  All the chocolate is homemade!  This delicious festival runs from 1pm-4pm.

Saturday, September 8th – Town-Wide Yard Sale in Milton
If you like to score deals then check out the annual town-wide yard sale in Milton beginning at 9am.

Sunday, September 9th: Concert in Cupola Park
This concert at Cupola Park is Millsboro features Jr. Wilson with special guiest Kathie Martin.  The show begins at 6pm and is free for everyone.  Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair!

Sunday, September 9th: Chicken Plunge and Beach Party
This all day beach party takes place in Rehoboth at Grenoble Place and the Boardwalk.  Games, food, face painting, and more are part of the fun!  Tickets are $1 each or 12 for $10.  The Chicken Plunge takes place at 1pm and you must be registered.  For 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.

September 4, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Aristotle:  “We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”  “Excellence learned as a habit must not fall victim to corner cutting, which is an act of haste.”  Fred

 

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 586894.  This in town Colonial in one of Seaford, DE best neighborhoods is now only 197,000.  This home has 5BR, 2BA, in 3300 sq. ft. and a beautifully landscaped yard.  Call me to see this large home at 302 258-6983.

 

Around the World Film Series in Rehoboth Beach

This week the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and Lewes Public Library kick off the 2012-2013 season of their critically acclaimed international independent film series. This season’s theme is Around the World, and it begins tomorrow night, September 5th in the upstairs screening room at Movies at Midway (Route 1 in Rehoboth).

This week the Rehoboth Beach Film Society and Lewes Public Library kick off the 2012-2013 season of their critically acclaimed international independent film series.  This season’s theme is Around the World, and it begins tomorrow night, September 5th in the upstairs screening room at Movies at Midway (Route 1 in Rehoboth).  The film kicking off this series is Hospitalite, a comedic film that won the Best Independent Debut Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival.  The film description states:  “This raucous comedy follows Mikio Kobayashi, who lives quietly with his wife, daughter, and divorced sister in downtown Tokyo, where the only recent excitement is the disappearance of a pet parrot.  But a stranger appears and stirs up the monotony of Mikio’s former life with affairs, blackmail, and rampant youthful partying.

The movie begins at 7pm and admission is free.  This film is in Japanese with English subtitles.  For more information or a more in-depth summary of the film, check out the Rehoboth Beach Film Society website.

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

Pricing For Multiple Offers

A seller’s dream is to have multiple offers come in on their home. One way of driving multiple offers is to list your home at a lower price than it might be worth.

A seller’s dream is to have multiple offers come in on their home.  One way of driving multiple offers is to list your home at a lower price than it might be worth.  When this happens, competing offers can drive the price up and often result in a higher selling price than if you just listed your home at the right price to begin with.  However, this pricing strategy is inherently risky.  There is always a chance that you could end up with a single offer at or below the already low (in your opinion) asking price.  If this is a strategy you are considering I encourage you to be smart about it.  To make it work you should consider pricing your home at the low end of the range your comparables uncover.  The risk of pricing your home 2 or 3 or 4 percent below estimated market value may seem like a risk worth taking, but listing 20 or 30 percent below market value probably isn’t.  If you think this is something you may be interested in your agent should definitely be able to talk you through other pros and cons of this pricing strategy and let you know if they feel it is right for you and your home.  Just remember, the bottom line is that you should never agree to list your home at a price you’d be upset to accept.

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.

September 1, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Meister Eckhart:  “When you are thwarted, it is your attitude that is out of order.”  “Defeats or lost opportunities are often caused by attitudes.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 598210.  There are amazing panoramic views of Blackwater Creek from this 4 BR, 3.5 BA home with a large sunny great room/kitchen combo, a 4 season room, and a 2 car garage in Dagsboro, DE for only $325,000.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

Spotlight On Miltonian Pizzaria

The Miltonian Pizzaria (618 Mulberry Street, Milton) is a highly rated, local favorite! The pizza is great and their pasta dishes and entrees are awesome, especially considering the reasonable prices. The club sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and wings also get good reviews. The service is good, the prices are great, and the food isn’t fancy, but it is guaranteed to be hot and delicious. Next time you’re in Milton, be sure to check out this casual, no frills, local favorite!

The Miltonian Pizzaria (618 Mulberry Street, Milton) is a highly rated, local favorite!  The pizza is great and their pasta dishes and entrees are awesome, especially considering the reasonable prices.  The club sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and wings also get good reviews.  The service is good, the prices are great, and the food isn’t fancy, but it is guaranteed to be hot and delicious.  Next time you’re in Milton, be sure to check out this casual, no frills, local 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.

August 31, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Baltasar Gracian:  “Advice is sometimes transmitted more successfully through a joke than grave teaching.”  “Humor can temper a difficult message.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 596321.  This bank owned beauty has 3 BR, 3.5 BA, in 4100 sq. ft., an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen on 1.20 acres in White Owl Landing, Laurel, DE.  It is now only $239,000.  Call me to see this home at 320 258-6983.

5 Ways To Provide Easy Access For Showings

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:

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.

Three Ways To Time The Sale Of Your Home

If you’re selling your home to move to a new one the most dreaded situation of all would be to be stuck with two mortgages. To avoid this, consider these tips:

If you’re selling your home to move to a new one the most dreaded situation of all would be to be stuck with two mortgages.  To avoid this, consider these tips:

1. List your current home for sale and wait for some action before you go house hunting for a new home.

2. Don’t make an offer on a new home until your current home is under contract.  It is even better to wait until it is well into the escrow process.

3. If you do make an offer on another home, make sure the contract states that your purchase is contingent on the sale of your current 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.

August 29, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Arthur Schopenhauer:  “Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame.”  “One of life’s hardest decisions is to say, I have enough; but once said, life can be truly enjoyed.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the Day is MLS # 596832.This home in Ocean View, DE has been reduced to $349000.  The home has 3BR, 3BA, 2 half baths, an office, sunroom, den, hardwood floors, granite, 2 car garage, gazebo, a trail thru the woods, all on 1.03 acres.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

Weekend Update: August 31st-September 2nd

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Check out these local events:

Looking for something fun to do this weekend?  Check out these local events:

Friday, August 31st – Bronx Wanderers Doo-Wop Celebration
Enjoy this recreation of 50s and 60s music in an evening of toe-tapping, hand clapping, and dancing during this energetic doo-wop and rock-n-roll concert!  Tickets are $10 and kids are free.  Concert is at the Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville) and begins at 7pm.  For more information call 302-436-3015.

Saturday, September 1st – MSO Fireworks Season Finale
The Freeman Stage at Bayside (31750 Lake View Drive in Selbyville) has cooked up another fun, family event.  The internationally recognized Morgan State University Choir and Opera Workshop along with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony and Maestro Benichou will perform vocal and instrumental favorites including selections from the West Side Story.  The show begins at 7pm, is totally free, and will conclude with fireworks!  For more information call 302-436-3015.

Saturday, September 1st – Car Show
Jake’s Wayback Burgers in Millsboro (26670 Centerview Drive) will host a car show from 4pm-8:45pm.  Head on over to see some classics!

Saturday, September 1st-Sunday, September 2nd – Broadway at the Beach
Head down to Clearspace Theatre in Rehoboth Beach for an original revue of musical theater hits that are sure to please!  Show starts at 7:30pm, tickets range from $15-30/each.  For more info or to purchase tickets, check out this link.

Sunday, September 2nd – Breakfast at the Bethany Beach Firehouse
The heroes of Bethany continue their summer tradition this weekend!  If you haven’t gone yet, you should try it…  This delicious, all you can eat breakfast is hosted at the firehouse in Bethany Beach (215 Hollywood Street).  Enjoy a tour of the firehouse plus an all you can eat feast of eggs, French toast, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, muffins, bacon, sausage, juice, and coffee.  There are also special activities to keep the kids busy.  Breakfast is $10 for adults and $5 for children over 5 and free for kids ages 5 and under. 8am-11am.  For more information call 302-539-7700.

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

Tips for Evaluating An Agent

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market and you aren’t going the “for sale by owner” route, you need a listing agent. There are many choices when it comes to real estate agents, so here are a few tips to help you evaluate the agents you are considering.

If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market and you aren’t going the “for sale by owner” route, you need a listing agent.  There are many choices when it comes to real estate agents, so here are a few tips to help you evaluate the agents you are considering.  First, considering asking the agent’s for their data.  Looking at the sale-to-list ratio (how much the homes your agent has listed have sold for as compared to what they were listed for) as well as how long their homes have been on the market will give you a good idea of how well they know the local market.  Just remember that there is no absolute rule here since everything is relative so there is no “magic number” you are looking for when you look at these statistics, but if you are comparing several local agents this information can help you.

At Cooper Realty Associates we would be happy to share our experience and local stats with you.  Feel free to give us a call and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

August 28, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Mark Twain:  “To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.”  “Since Eve was made, mankind is better in pairs.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 597013.  This renovated townhome is in Ocean View, DE and is now only $239,000.  The unit has 4BR, 3.5BA, SS Appliances, in 2752 sq. ft. and the HOA fee is $830.00.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

August 27, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Martin Luther:  “Let the wife make the husband glad to come home, and let him make her sorry to see him leave.”  “Sound marriage advice, a happy home does more for society than anything else.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 595446.  A canal front home in Selbyville, De has been reduced to $779,000.  This home has 5 BR, 4 BA and all the bells and whistles, and was built in 2003.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this property.

The Truth About Driveway Repair

Driveway repair can be costly, and unfortunately is considered to be a maintenance issue of home ownership. Believe it or not, a damaged driveway can be a deal-breaker on an otherwise marketable home,

Driveway repair can be costly, and unfortunately is considered to be a maintenance issue of home ownership.  Believe it or not, a damaged driveway can be a deal-breaker on an otherwise marketable home, but offers extremely low (and often no) return on investment.  If you’re thinking of selling your home and your driveway needs some repairs you should ask your agent if they feel your driveway is going to hurt the sale of your home.  If you decide that you need to go ahead with repair, or if you aren’t selling your home and just want to fix up the driveway for yourself, speak with several contractors and get multiple bids (ask friends, family, and even your agent for recommendations!).  Finally, depending on how damaged your driveway is, consider resurfacing instead of replacing, which is likely to be much more affordable.

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.