Spotlight On Timothy’s At The Beach in Rehoboth

Timothy’s At The Beach (19598 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach) is a casual restaurant offering quintessential American favorites, especially steak and seafood!  Timothy’s has an extensive selection of beer, wine and spirits and offers great happy hour specials from 4-6pm every day.  If oysters are your thing, Timothy’s offers a decent raw bar selection.  Timothy’s also features great specials every night, including my favorite on Saturday – prime rib for $1 an ounce and ½ price bottles of wine.  Yum!

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 24, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Mencius:  “Friends are the siblings God never gave us.”  “A good friend can be better than a sibling.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 596056.  An approved short sale in Greenwood, DE is now only $99,000.  The home has 3 BR, 2 BA, in 1744 sq. ft. on 5.78 acres, built in 1948, some updates are needed.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

5 Projects That You Can Do This Weekend

Looking for a quick pick-me-up for your home? Try these projects, which shouldn’t take more than a day or two to complete!

Looking for a quick pick-me-up for your home?  Try these projects, which shouldn’t take more than a day or two to complete!

1.  Add Molding:  Any room can be improved with the finishing touch of crown molding, and you can match the style of molding not only with your own personal taste but also with the architectural style of your home – it’s win, win!

2.  Change Up Your Interior Doors: Your interior doors are often overlooked as necessary, but they don’t necessarily have to be boring to be useful.  Considering replacing interior doors with more unique or stylish counterparts.

3.  Put Your Lights on Dimmers:  Adding dimmer switches to your light fixtures is one of the quickest, easiest, and least expensive ways to add ambiance to any room.

4.  Install a Ceiling Fan:  Installing a ceiling fan is a relatively inexpensive way to cut down on your cooling costs and shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours.

5.  Style Your Staircase:  By adding some distinctive rails, architectural embellishments, or even a coat of paint you can give your staircase a whole new look.  The best part of this project is that you can get as creative as you’d like!

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 Things Sellers Must Disclose

If you want to sell your home federal, state, and local laws require you to disclose any information that affects the value or desirability of your property to potential buyers from the get-go. Here are three pieces of information you must disclose:

If you want to sell your home federal, state, and local laws require you to disclose any information that affects the value or desirability of your property to potential buyers from the get-go.  Here are three pieces of information you must disclose:

1.  Physical condition: This refers to the overall structure of the home and includes the foundation, roof, electrical system, plumbing, insulation, sewage, etc.

2.  Health & safety hazards: This includes environmental hazards and disclosures about past damage from natural disasters as well and includes disclosers about lead-based paint, asbestos, radon.

3.  Legal concerns: This includes disclosing any pending lawsuits and compliance with local building and zoning codes.

As always, your agent can guide you through this process, so you want to be sure you have a great one…  give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-856-6434.

Weekend Update: August 24th-26th

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:

Saturday, August 25th – Bargains on the Broadkill
This 23rd annual event in Historic Milton features arts, crafts, jewelry, good, and lots of other goodies.  The popular Great Duck Race offers cash prizes to the top 25 finishers with a grand prize of $500 and other prizes as well.  This event is sponsored by the Milton Chamber of Commerce.  The 10 mile Canoe & Kayak Race takes place simultaneously.  For more information, contact the Milton Chamber of Commerce at 302-684-1101.  There’s something for everybody on Saturday, so head down to Milton Memorial Park (Chandler Street) from 9am-3pm this Saturday and join the festivities!

Saturday, August 25th – Beach Barbeque
The Children’s Beach House is sponsoring their annual Beach Barbeque Fundraiser Saturday evening from 6:30-9:30pm.  Tickets for this bay-front bash are $85 and include dinner on the beach, beer, wine, & entertainment.  Dress is casual for this popular, local event.  For more information or to register for tickets, check out this website.

All Weekend: The Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Of course, if casual entertainment is your thing, the summer series at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand is your thing.  The series is winding down as we near the end of August, so if you haven’t been out yet, be sure to check out the bandstand this weekend!  Friday The Blue Tips Rhythm Revue will perform.  Blue Tips is a variety band with a 6 piece line-up and smokin’ brass section.  Saturday will be a concert by Sounds of Society which is a Chicago Tribute Band, and She Said Sunday will round out the weekend on Sunday.  She Said is a popular, award winning band that plays favorites from the 70’s through today.  All shows begin at 8pm and are totally free.

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.

Understanding Escrow

Escrow basically means to place something important in the custody of an impartial third party. In real estate, an escrow account is utilized after an offer has been accepted and while the buyer and seller are working to meet the conditions of the contract. This is the state of being “in escrow.” The escrow officer could be an attorney, title company, specific escrow firm, or other qualified and impartial third party. The escrow officer orders a title search, requests payoff information for the existing mortgage and any other liens on the property, prepares all documents including the grant deed to transfer ownership, prepares the closing documents, and takes charge of all funds involved in the transaction, such as paying off the existing mortgage.

Escrow basically means to place something important in the custody of an impartial third party.  In real estate, an escrow account is utilized after an offer has been accepted and while the buyer and seller are working to meet the conditions of the contract.  This is the state of being “in escrow.”  The escrow officer could be an attorney, title company, specific escrow firm, or other qualified and impartial third party.  The escrow officer orders a title search, requests payoff information for the existing mortgage and any other liens on the property, prepares all documents including the grant deed to transfer ownership, prepares the closing documents, and takes charge of all funds involved in the transaction, such as paying off the existing mortgage.

Of course, like all things confusing things, the term escrow also has a second meaning in the real estate world.  It can also mean an account that your mortgage company requires you to keep a certain balance in to cover the cost of property taxes and insurance when they come due.

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.

Personal Items In A Home Purchase

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you want to be sure that when you buy (or sell) a home your contract is definitive when it comes to what comes with the house and what doesn’t.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you want to be sure that when you buy (or sell) a home your contract is definitive when it comes to what comes with the house and what doesn’t.  Even if there is a spoken agreement about what comes with the house, be sure to get everything you care about in writing, otherwise it is not binding.  For example, if you are a buyer who desires the washer and dryer that were in the house during the showing, ask for it in writing.  Typically, items that are permanently attached such as flooring, light fixtures, built in bookcases are included unless they are specifically excluded in writing.  If, for example, a seller excludes the fireplace mantel because it’s a family heirloom that would need to be in writing.  Be sure to ask in writing for the buyer to replace the fixture before closing.  Likewise, if the house is equipped with a wall mount for a flat screen television that you don’t want, write it into the contract for the sellers to remove it and make any necessary repairs to the walls, etc.

If you’re a buyer don’t make the mistake of thinking that everything you saw when you viewed the house is coming with it just because it “goes with the home.”  For example a fountain, potted plants, custom bar stools, or a table that fits so perfectly in the breakfast nook that it seems like a built-in may or may not come with the home.  So, what’s the moral of the story?  If you’re a buyer and you want it, you need to ask for it.  And if the buyers agree, be sure to write it into the contract!  If you’re a seller and you’re planning to take your items with you, making that clear to the buyers from the get-go can make your life easier, but whatever you do, be sure to write everything that you care about into your contract.

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.

Spotlight on Hopkins Family Creamery in Lewes

Hopkins Family Creamery is one of the top rated ice cream shops in Lewes for good reason! The ice cream is DEEE-LICIOUS! (And you can trust me, I am an ice cream connoisseur!) You can’t get much fresher… this creamery is located right on the dairy farm.

Hopkins Family Creamery is one of the top rated ice cream shops in Lewes for good reason!  The ice cream is DEEE-LICIOUS!  (And you can trust me, I am an ice cream connoisseur!)  You can’t get much fresher… this creamery is located right on the dairy farm.  The prices are high, but not absurd and there is a great selection of flavors.  Personally, I’ve tried moo cookies, coconut, brownie, and strawberry and all were rich, creamy, and delicious.  Located at 18475 Dairy Farm Road, right off Route 9, it’s not too far off the beaten path, and the atmosphere is great too.  There is a picnic area to enjoy your ice cream, a play area for kids, and a lot of times you can even see the cows!  If you haven’t tried Hopkins Family Creamery yet, you definitely should.  I love that it’s family owned, and it’s some of the best ice cream around!

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 Things To Consider Replacing Before You Sell

If you’re trying to sell your home here are five things you should consider replacing before your home goes on the market:

If you’re trying to sell your home here are five things you should consider replacing before your home goes on the market:

1.  Worn flooring… especially carpet.  Replacing worn carpet is fairly inexpensive when you consider the amount of time your home could potentially stay on the market if the floors are turning potential buyers away.  You don’t have to replace carpet with carpet either… consider wood or laminate alternatives which can be attractive to buyers.  If you can’t replace the carpet in your home, at the very least, shampoo it and get out smell and stains, or even better, get it professionally cleaned.  Dirty and worn flooring is a huge turn-off to potential buyers.

2.  Wallpaper.  Wallpaper is very personal to each persons taste, so if you’ve got any in your home (including borders) you should consider removing it and replacing it with a coat of paint.  You want the potential buyers to see your home, not your personal taste, when they walk through the door.  If you don’t want to take the time to remove all the wallpaper in your home, at the very least remove any that is peeling, cracked, or faded and paint those walls.

3.  Outdated fixtures.  I know I’ve mentioned this before, but changing out the hardware and faucets in your kitchen or bathroom can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make the room feel fresh.  Likewise, changing out doorknobs, light switch covers, socket covers and lighting fixtures for new ones can give every room a little makeover.  The little things really do make a big difference!

4.  Faded/old paint.  Repainting is the most cost efficient way to get your home buyer-ready.  By choosing warm, but neutral colors you can freshen up any space.

5.  Personal décor.  You want potential buyers to envision your home as theirs, so pack away any personal photos and knick knacks.  Remember, less is more when you’re trying to sell.  Likewise, get rid of any potentially offensive décor, for example deer heads, gun collections, etc.).  Remember, just because it’s your taste, doesn’t mean it’s everybody elses, and you don’t want to scare away potential buyers when you’re trying to sell!

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 17, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Maximilien Robespierre:  “To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency; to forgive them is cruelty.”  “When I first read this I thought it was backward, but it might be true.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 594707.  This 3 BR, 2 BA home is a Fannie Mae Homepath candidate located in Milford, DE and is now $109,900.  The home has an oversized 2 car detached garage.  Call me to see this home @ 302 258-6983.

 

Thursday Three: 3 Reasons to Consider Getting a Home Inspection Before Selling

Most people don’t ever have their homes inspected, but most potential buyers do. Here are three reasons you should consider getting your home inspected before you put it on the market:

Most people don’t ever have their homes inspected, but most potential buyers do.  Here are three reasons you should consider getting your home inspected before you put it on the market:

1.  Your buyers are 99% sure to get one anyway.  Since your buyers are going to get one anyway, you can be one step ahead.  Yes, a home inspection costs money, but having a heads up about what will surface in an inspection will keep you and your buyer from any surprises and keep the process moving along smoothly.

2.  You can make repairs now.  If your home inspection turns up repairs that you can fix before putting your home on the market it will save you money in the long run.  Most buyers over estimate the cost of small repairs, so if you’re a step ahead and fix everything now, you won’t have to bump your price down later to compensate for repairs that the buyers first hear about at inspection.

3.  You’ll be prepared.  In the unfortunate case that an inspection turns up costly repairs and you choose not to fix them, you can disclose the information to buyers or be prepared to negotiate your price after their inspection, rather than be caught off guard.

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: August 17-19 (and one for Thursday!)

This seems to be a light weekend for local activities, but here are a couple to keep in mind, including a family event for tomorrow night:

This seems to be a light weekend for local activities, but here are a couple to keep in mind, including a family event for tomorrow night:

Thursday, 8/16: Cinema By The Surf
Take the family to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand for a free showing of Happy Feet Two, sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Film Society.  The movie is a fun, family film rated PG and runs for approximately 100 minutes.  Movie begins at dusk. 

Friday, 8/17-Sunday, 8/19:  Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
As usual, you can catch free concerts beginning at 8pm every weekend evening.  This weekend features Lower Case Blues, a blues group voted best band in Delaware Today’s “Best of Delaware 2009” on Friday, August 17th.  The perennial favorite US Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will perform on Saturday, August 18th.  A performance from NOMaD (North of Mason Dixon), an up and coming country band that has opened for some of the biggest names in the business (Toby Keith and Rascall Flatts, just to name two…) will round out the weekend with their performance on Sunday, August 19th.

Saturday, 8/18-Sunday, 8/19:  39th Annual Outdoor Fine Art & Fine Craft Show
If you didn’t get a chance to check it out last weekend, this weekend will conclude this annual festival.  This event features over 100 artists and artisans exhibiting fine arts and fine crafts.  Food, music, and entertainment for children are also scheduled.  This event is sponsored by the Rehoboth Art League and runs from 10am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Know of any other events worth checking out this weekend?  Share in the comments!

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 15, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Mayer Amschel Rothschild:  “Give me control of a nation’s money and I care not who makes her laws.”  “The Chinese must have discovered this quote.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 594988.  This 2 BR, 1.5 BA River Front home is Seaford, DE is now only $244,000.  The home is on .62 acres, has a bulkhead and mooring poles on the Nanticoke River.  Upgrades include granite countertops, a gas fireplace, and hardwood and tile floors.  Call me at 302 258-6983 to see this home.

August 14, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Miguel de Cervantes:  “Those who’ll play with cats must expect to be scratched.”  “It has been said before but its truth rings true.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 594377.  This 4 BR, 2.5 BA 2 story colonial is bank owned located in Wagamon West Shores, Milton, DE and only $234,900.  The home has a second floor laundry room and master suite and an unfinished basement in 2560 sq. ft.  Call me to see this home at 302 258-6983.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

If you’re in the process of buying a new home, you will need to hire a home inspector. This can be a daunting task. After all, you want to hire someone who is professional and is capable of warning you of any potential problems before you buy the property. There are several ways to find a trustworthy home inspector. You should start by asking for recommendations.

If you’re in the process of buying a new home, you will need to hire a home inspector.  This can be a daunting task.  After all, you want to hire someone who is professional and is capable of warning you of any potential problems before you buy the property.  There are several ways to find a trustworthy home inspector.  You should start by asking for recommendations.  Ask your agent!  Hopefully they have a relationship with one (or several) home inspectors who will do quality work since they want to keep getting references from your agent!  You should also check with friends and neighbors who have moved recently.  Checking online review boards such as Angie’s List can be helpful, and checking with the Better Business Bureau is a good move too.  You can check the American Society of Home Inspectors website to see if an inspector is a member, but just keep in mind that membership does not guarantee quality since the ASHI does not police its members work as long as they keep their education and dues up to date.  Finally, you may want to consider having a second inspection, especially if there is a particular area that you are concerned about and you want to have a specialist check it out.  After the inspection is complete, a quality inspector should stand by their work, so if you have any concerns ask them to reinspect the issues that concern 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 – 302-629-6693.

To Update or Not To Update…

If you’re considering selling your home, you might be considering whether or not to add updates before you put it on the market. There is no definite answer to whether or not updating your home is the right decision and no guarantee that you will recoup your investment, but if it is something you are thinking about, here are a couple of things to consider:

If you’re considering selling your home, you might be considering whether or not to add updates before you put it on the market.  There is no definite answer to whether or not updating your home is the right decision and no guarantee that you will recoup your investment, but if it is something you are thinking about, here are a couple of things to consider:

If you choose not to add updates, you will end up selling for a lower price than similar homes with upgrades.  However, in many areas home with updates and a higher price tag will still sell more quickly than older homes with discounted prices.  If you’re on the fence, this is something you should discuss with your realtor.  A good agent will be able to give you info about comparable homes and provide you with information about whether or not updates or a discounted price will be more likely to help you sell.  In addition to selling faster with updates, you may find that it’s a less costly route in the end too.  Buyers who put offers on homes that need updates (whether it’s paint, flooring, appliances, fixtures, etc.) will often request a credit off of the home price.  In a lot of cases, the discount that buyers request is significantly more than the amount it would cost the seller to just make the updates themselves, especially if you shop around for good deals.  Again, this is something that you should consult your agent about.

So, to update or not to update?  This is a question that each individual seller needs to answer for themselves.  You should definitely consider the cost-effectiveness and return-on-investment that updates would provide.  But remember, there are no guarantees in the real estate market.  With the differences in the real estate market even from neighborhood to neighborhood, definitely consult your agent for information about what might be the best decision in your local market before making the decision that is right for you.

Are you considering selling a home in the Sussex County area and looking for a great agent to be on your team?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266.

August 13, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Napolean Bonaparte:  “Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.”  “For us who wallow in obscurity, the chance for glory is often ignored, but everyone wants a legacy.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 590857.  This 9 BR, 5 BA rooming house is for an investor or a large family, located in Selbyville, DE and is only $160,000.  The home has built-in china cupboards and bookcases, a fireplace, and a detached garage.  Give me a call to see this home at 302 258-6983.

Spotlight On Summer House in Rehoboth

Summer House is a local favorite known for its fresh food, relaxed atmosphere, and great service! Located right on the Ave. (228 Rehoboth Ave.) is open year round for lunch (11:30am-3pm) and dinner (beginning at 4pm). They also do a lovely Sunday brunch which starts at 11am. Summer House specialized in American favorites and super delicious seafood.

Summer House is a local favorite known for its fresh food, relaxed atmosphere, and great service!  Located right on the Ave. (228 Rehoboth Ave.) is open year round for lunch (11:30am-3pm) and dinner (beginning at 4pm).  They also do a lovely Sunday brunch which starts at 11am.  Summer House specialized in American favorites and super delicious seafood.  It’s a restaurant that suits pretty much any occasion, and from what I can tell it’s impossible to order something that isn’t delicious!  Their steaks, crab cakes, and seafood linguine have all gotten rave reviews, and everything else looks and smells equally scrumptious.  Summer House features several weekly specials (including half-price burger night on Mondays after 4!), and happy hour specials daily from 4pm-7pm.  If you’re a local, chances are you’ve eaten here before, but if you haven’t you’ve got to check it out soon.  It’s a Rehoboth Beach staple, after all!

Thinking of buying or selling a home in or around Rehoboth Beach?  Give us a call at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you –302-644-2266!

August 10, 2012

Today’s food for thought is from Ralph Waldo Emerson:  “Hitch your wagon to a star.”  “Always dream and think ahead of your present circumstances.”  Fred

Fred’s pick of the day is MLS # 596913.  This huge home has 5 BR, 3.5 BR, 4544 sq. ft. on 2.5 acres for only $459,900.  Call me to see this home for your large family at 302 258-6983.

5 Questions You Should Always Ask Your Agent

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are three questions you should always ask your agent:

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are three questions you should always ask your agent:

1.  Do you know a great _____________________?
Fill in the blank here with your desired expert.  Your agent should be able to refer you to a good mortgage broker and inspector for sure, but also painters, plumbers, electricians, structural engineers, and any other expert you may need or desire to work with during the home buying process.  Your agent should be a local expert, who will be able to guide you to other local professionals that can get the job done well.  In addition, professionals who often get referrals from your agent will usually treat you better than someone you found on your own because they want to continue getting business referrals from your agent!

2.  What should I expect?/What happens next?
These are questions you should ask continually throughout the home buying process, starting with your very first interview with your agent.  Your agent should be able to help you manage your expectations and guide you from the very beginning of the process until you’ve officially closed and have the keys in your hand!

3.  What are the possibilities here?
Again, you will probably ask this question more than once during your home buying process!  There’s really never a bad time to ask this questions, but particularly good examples would be when you are looking at a home that has a bonus room, unfinished basement, etc.  Your agent should have seen enough home to know what kind of realistic suggestions can be offered for the space.  Another great example would be in your home inspection turns up issues.  Asking your agent what the possibilities are opens up the opportunity for you to discuss requesting repairs, lowering your offer, etc. with an expert who can walk you through it.  My final example would be when it comes time to make an offer, asking about the possibilities gives your agent a chance to walk you through the various contract terms that you may or may not have thought of left to your own devices.  With these examples in mind, I’m sure you can come up with plenty of your own examples when asking this question would be perfect, so use it liberally throughout your home buying process!

4.  What do I need to know about this area?
When it comes to home buying each area is very different.  Again, your agent should be a local expert, so they should be able to guide you and help you with the ins and outs of the local you are considering.

5.  What else should I ask?/What else do I need to know?
This question relies on your agent to be your expert (which, they definitely should be!) and allows them the chance to share with you their extensive knowledge without relying on you to ask every single question.  Remember, your agent has gone through the buying process way more times than you have, so even if you are the type to ask a million questions, be sure to throw this one in there as well, because your agent definitely has expertise that you can and should rely on!

If you’re looking for an agent who can answer all of these questions and more, call us at Cooper Realty Associates and put us to work for you – 302-644-2266!