Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News Archives

No matter where you live—Greater Wilmington, Chester County or Delaware County PA—summer is often a busy time to move to a new home. The weather is ideal, mortgage rates are still low, the kids are out of school and you can settle into your new property before the fall season starts. 

However, with moving also comes waves of excitement and nerves that can cause you to forget a few things along the way (more than just an extra box or two!). You can count on the Kat Geralis Home Team to make sure your moving process is as stress-free as possible— take the following five steps into consideration as you plan out your move to a new home in Wilmington or Newark DE or Southeastern PA this summer:

Clean the carpets
You never know what kind of dust, dirt or pet dander has accumulated in your new home's carpets over the years, so take the time to clean them thoroughly. You can rent a steam cleaner and do the work yourself or hire a professional and pay around $50 per room. It's worth it to know you're starting fresh in your new space!

Change locks and label keys
Can you imagine how many people have been given a key to your home over the years? Friends and neighbors are just a few! You will want to change the locks as quickly as you can once you've moved into your new home— either installing the new bolts yourself relatively inexpensively or hiring a locksmith who will charge you labor per lock. 

Clean out your cabinets
Depending on how long the previous homeowner lived in the house, you may find residue from cleaning products, food, and even evidence of critters. You will want to do this prior to putting any of your belongings in the cabinets as if there is an animal that has taken up residence in your home, you'll want to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

Find the main water shut-off
Should you ever go out of town for a long period of time or need to turn off the water due to a leak or repair of any kind, you'll need to know where your main water shut-off valve is. If your home inspector hasn't already pointed it out and labeled it for you, take the time to do so yourself and avoid the headache later.

Find the circuit breakers
During a power outage or in the case of replacing light fixtures or bulbs, you will need to flip the circuit breakers to specific rooms and outlets. Find your circuit breakers as soon as possible once you have the keys to your new home and make sure each breaker works properly. Have a partner stand in various areas of your home while you flip the labeled breakers to double check that is indeed the room they belong to— if not, re-label them for future reference.

There is a lot to remember when it comes to moving into a new home in Greater Wilmington, Chester County or Delaware County PA, but with the Kat Geralis Home Team on your side, you can rest easy! Give us a call today for more information on available homes in the area, selling your current property or purchasing a new home!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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With the weather beginning to warm up and the official start of spring just a few weeks away, many homeowners in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are looking for ways to improve their property. But if you're one of those making a home to-do list this spring, it's important to consider the projects that will be worth your while in terms of boosting curb appeal and adding value.

Consider the following home projects that will pay off when it comes time to sell you home in the Greater Wilmington, DE area or surrounding counties in Pennsylvania.

Clean it up
Before you can start on improvement projects like adding new landscaping or painting the shutters, start by giving your home's exterior a good cleaning. Power wash away all of the grime, dirt and mildew that could have built up over the long winter. Wash the windows, inside and out, and don't forget to wash away any dust or dirt on the garage door. In some cases, simply washing your home can add thousands to the sale price.

Grab your paintbrush
Giving your home's exterior a fresh coat of paint might be just what you need to grab Greater Wilmington buyers' attention this spring. This is one of the easiest and most effective projects to complete—although it can be costly—as both the appraiser and buyer will see the value.

Groom the yard
Your home's lawn is a major focal point, especially in the spring. Take the weekend to clean up any branches and debris from around your home and groom any overgrown hedges, bushes, trees or plants that may give a Delaware or Pennsylvania buyer the wrong impression. 

Add new landscaping
Once your yard is cleaned up, you can start to plan for new flowers and other landscaping. Add fresh mulch around your trees, place a few pots filled with flowers by your front door and give your window boxes a fresh look. 

Replace fixtures
Do you have an old porch light that has a mind of its own? Now is the time to replace fixtures like outdoor lights, mailboxes and house numbers. These may be small touches, but they can have a big impact on giving your home an updated feel.

Questions about selling your home in Greater Wilmington? Wondering what your home might be worth in today's market? Give the KG Home Team a call today! We are here to help!

You can even download our FREE Home Seller e-Guide!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

When it comes to buying a home in Wilmington, Delaware and the surrounding communities, many do not know what is actually involved. From how much of a down payment you need to your credit score, numerous would-be buyers hold off as they do not think they will qualify. 

But that shouldn't stop you this year as the KG Home Team will walk you through everything you need, including the factors mentioned above, and these 5 documents that will be necessary to move forward with your Wilmington DE, Chester County or Delaware County PA home purchase:

Recent paychecks
When determining your ability to take on a mortgage, your Delaware or Pennsylvania lender will want to see proof of income. In most cases, your last two pay stubs will do the trick! In others, they may want as much as two years worth, so be prepared!

Proof of debts
Lenders will also want to know how much you have in debt, including credit cards, student loans and car loans. Leaving any debts out can cause your approval to be delayed or worse, rejected.

Bank statements
Homebuyers are typically required to provide bank statements to their lender as part of the standard procedure. Lenders will check that all income and financial transfers were completed legally.

Pre-approval letter
We have stated in the past that a pre-approval can speed things along, especially when competing with other buyers for your dream home in Wilmington or Newark. This document details how much home you can afford and proves your buying power.

Proof of insurance
After you've put an offer on a home in Greater Wilmington, you will need to provide proof of homeowner's insurance. Printed copies of the policies will do as your lender will need to keep these on file.

Do not let your previous ideas about what is required to purchase a home hold you back this year! The KG Home Team is here to answer any questions you have and walk you through the process as seamlessly as possible! We even offer a FREE Homebuyer E-Guide!

Give us a call today!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

2016 is already being heralded as a breakout year for homebuyers in New Castle County. Whether or not it's your first time buying a home, current real estate market conditions—like low mortgage rates and increasingly high rents—are contributing to this year being an optimal time to make that move and become a homeowner in the Wilmington area. 

It's also shaping up to be an excellent year for current homeowners! In fact, the lower number of homes currently for sale will give new Wilmington DE home sellers the chance to give their property more attention in a market with high demand. 

Of course, market conditions will vary by location, but according to the latest real estate market statistics, here's what we have been seeing in New Castle County:

December saw an increase in both the median sales price, coming in at $215,000 and a 7.5% change over December 2014, and average sales price, coming in at $234,000 and a change of 1.3% from the previous year. The number of closed sales also rose to 441, up 5.3% from the year prior. 

However, as mentioned above, buyers in the market will be met with fewer choices as inventory trends lower. There were 2,142 active single-family homes for sale in December in New Castle County, a volume nearly 5 percent lower than the year prior. 

If you're wondering about the first steps to take toward buying a home or would simply like more information about available properties in the Wilmington or Newark area, do not hesitate to reach out to us! The KG Home Team has been voted a 5 Star Real Estate Agent year after year and we are here to help make the process as easy as possible!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

The new year is here and it's time to kick those winter blues that may be starting to drift in after the busy holiday season! But lucky for you, the Greater Wilmington area has many fun events and activities to take advantage of this month that will keep them out of sight.

The KG Home Team is happy to share just a few of the many ways you can get out and explore Wilmington and Newark DE in January— Be sure to add the following to your calendar:

Riverfront Ice Skating
When: Through February 28, 2016
Times: Monday through Thursday 4 PM to 9 PM, Friday 4 PM to 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM
Where: Riverfront Wilmington, Wilmington DE

Don't let the colder temperatures keep you inside when you can enjoy the beautiful Wilmington Riverfront during the winter months! The Horizon Riverfront Rink is sponsored by local businesses and through the end of February, offers a fun activity the whole family can enjoy! The rink can be found in the Justison Landing Green at 308 Justison Landing. Skate rental is $3 per pair and admission is $5 for children 12 and under, $8 for ages 13 and up.

​Band of the Royal Marines
When: January 13, 2016; 8 PM
Where: Grand Opera House, Wilmington DE

The Royal Marines Band, wearing their iconic white helmets, presents some of the most memorable drills, music and visual performances you will ever see. The band will perform classics, Big Band, contemporary pieces and even solo numbers in this January event (their first US tour ever!) at the Grand Opera House. You won't want to miss this as the Royal Marines Band is one of the most versatile and skilled ensembles in military music!

2016 Wilmington Coin Show
When: January 14 through 16, 2016; 10 AM to 6 PM
Where: Nur Shrine Temple, New Castle DE

There is free admission to the 2016 Wilmington Coin Show where over 50 dealers will display US, world, ancient, currency, tokens, medals and more!

Downtown Newark Restaurant Week
When: January 18 through 24, 2016
Where: Downtown Newark, Newark DE

A great opportunity to explore not only Newark, but the local restaurant scene! Participating locations will offer two and three course prix menus for both lunch and dinner, ranging in price from $10 two-course lunches to $28 three-course dinners.

Delaware Symphony Orchestra Chamber Series
When: January 26, 2016; 8 PM
Where: Hotel DuPont, Wilmington DE

Enjoy a night surrounded by the sounds of Beethoven, Mozart and Schoenberg as performed by the Delaware Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Amado.

We hope you are enjoying your start to 2016 and as always, feel free to reach out with any questions about the Wilmington area real estate market, buying a home or selling your current property!

We can help you make this your best year yet by settling into a fresh, new space. We even offer FREE First Time Homebuyer Seminars!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

According to the latest Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) survey from the National Association of REALTORS, 94 percent of renters aged 34 and younger want to own a home in the future. Not only does this take into account their beliefs on whether or not now is a good time to buy or sell and their expectations of the mortgage market, but also their beliefs on homeownership as part of the American Dream.

The survey also found that indeed 77 percent of renters believe homeownership is part of their American Dream, 83 percent of overall renters (not just young renters) want to own a home in the near future and 84 percent of renters believe owning a home is a good financial decision.

So what does that mean for you if you are among the majority of Wilmington Delaware renters who are dreaming of owning a home in the coming year? We've rounded up a few tips below to help you prepare to become a homeowner:

Start saving your down payment
We have shared in a past blog post various ways to begin saving for a down payment, from setting up an automatic withdrawal from your account each month to cutting back on large purchases to downsizing your current apartment to save the difference for your future home. Either way—and no matter how much you intend to put down—you need to start putting money away for this purpose.

The survey found that one of the top reasons young renters do not currently own was the inability to afford it. With the rising costs of rent, it may be easier for you to save for your future home by downsizing in the meantime! 

Clean up your credit score
Errors on credit reports can take months to correct, but bad credit can take even longer. Start grooming your credit well in advance of applying for a mortgage and you will be that much closer to a speedy approval! Wilmington area buyers can begin by ensuring all payments are made on time and in full, paying down any large debt and keeping credit card purchases to a minimum.

Remember, you do not need the best score to purchase a home, but the higher you can get it, the better the interest rate you will be able to secure.

Make a budget
To better prepare yourself for buying a home, it is wise to start researching home prices in your desired area of Wilmington. Do you know what neighborhood you'd like to live in? How about your wants and needs in a home? Once you have these in mind, you can enter your monthly income and costs into a mortgage calculator to see if your dream home is within reach. If not, you can adjust your budget, but it is always helpful to have a price range in mind as you begin the homebuying journey!

Buying a home in Wilmington, DE is a big step, especially if it's your first time! But don't worry— the KG Home Team has consistently been ranked a Top Real Estate Team in Delaware and we are here to help you with every decision along the way! 

We even offer FREE First-time Homebuyer Seminars and a FREE Home Buyer E-Guide!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

Did you know Millennials (the age group of those born between 1980 and 1995) love working with real estate agents? According to the National Association of Realtors 2015 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report, Millennials are the largest homebuying generation in the U.S. and work with real estate agents more so than any other generation.

For instance, the Home Buyer and Seller Report found the following interesting statistics surrounding Millennials' real estate behaviors:

• 90 percent use a real estate agent to buy a home
• 70 percent would use their agent again, compared to 63 percent of home sellers
• 94 percent used websites to search for their homes
• 51 percent of buyers found their home online
• 75 percent of buyers used a real estate agent to walk them through the process

And despite the vast number of Millennials using an agent to buy or sell a home, they have the lowest percentage when it comes to using an agent again or recommending them to others (63 percent of home sellers).

Why is that? As stated by real estate news platform Inman, Millennials are harder to please than any other generation. They grew up with smartphones and the internet, thus they are different than any other real estate consumer.

Millennials are looking for the following in a real estate agent:

• Texting, but also phone calls
  More than any other generation, Millennials appreciate when their real estate agent communicates via text message. However, 75 percent of them also appreciate phone calls.
• Homes online
  Millennials appreciate browsing homes online more so than any other generation. The majority (58 percent) use iPhones, while 32 percent use Androids.
• Website information
  Millennials are more likely to use website information in their home search as well as throughout the buying and selling process. They want real estate agents who provide this readily and easily!
• Honesty and trustworthiness
  More than a quarter of this group of homebuyers look for agents who are both honest and trustworthy.

We understand how overwhelming choosing a real estate agent can be and The Kat Geralis Home Team is proud to provide all of the above to homebuyers and sellers in the Greater Wilmington DE area! If you are searching for a highly-rated real estate agent to walk you through the process this year, do not hesitate to reach out to us! 

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Millennials are also now putting less down on their future homes! In fact, 64 percent of Millennials put down less than 20 percent, with 36 percent putting down less than 5! Don't let the down payment factor hold you back from purchasing a home this year— homeownership is well within your reach.

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

Now that the weather has turned colder, selling your Wilmington home may not seem so easy. Homebuyers are not out in droves like they are in the spring and it takes a few strategic staging moves to make them feel comfortable during the winter months.

Yet the snowy season has been named the best time to sell your home for a reason— the homebuyers that are house hunting in Wilmington and Newark are motivated and ready to buy. Curb appeal and landscaping won't be first on your list, but here are four other important points to consider when listing your property:

Make sure you can easily navigate the property
With snow and ice, driveways and sidewalks can be a hazard for New Castle County homebuyers. Be sure to clear these and any back walkways before they arrive. And be prepared! You never know when buyers will want to look at your home— keep walkways clear to avoid last minute shoveling.

Turn on the heat
A cold home is not inviting and that can affect a buyer's perception of your Delaware home. Turn on the heat and make sure the home is warm and cozy before buyers arrive.

Play up your winter home features
Do you have a fireplace? Wilmington and Newark homebuyers will love to see this in the winter! Chat with your real estate agent ahead of time to ensure they are comfortable with using the fireplace as this can really create a welcoming feel for buyers.

Show the outside features
Even though there may be snow on the ground, it's important to show homebuyers your outdoor features like a deck, pool or patio. Keep these clear of snow and ice to allow buyers to view these from indoors. You will want them to get the whole picture when they tour the property.

With the right team, you can sell your home during the winter months! Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today to get started!

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More home sellers will soon return to the real estate market as equity continues to build. In fact, equity has returned to 85% of homes under $200,000 and 94% of those above $200,000.

Have you recently regained equity in your home? Beat the spring and summer busy seasons and list your home now! The Kat Geralis Home Team can get your listing in front of the right homebuyers and help you sell successfully!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

The real estate market has seen significant changes and pushes in the right direction this fall, all pointing to signs of a stronger, more positive future. For instance, mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point in over a year and are now hovering just under 4%. But that's not the only factor to sing about this season— new and existing home sales are also at their highest levels of the year.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, the sales of newly-built single family homes have edged up for the third consecutive month. Rising just 0.2 percent in September to an annual rate of 467,000 units, new home sales are now at their highest level since June 2008. The NAHB chief economist also acknowledged the slow-growing inventory of new homes as a sign of confidence among home builders.

While the inventory and sales of new construction homes does vary by location, the Kat Geralis Home Team is happy to provide you with more information on these properties in and around Wilmington, Delaware. 

On the existing home front, sales saw quite the turnaround in September as they climbed to the highest pace of the year. Every region except for the Midwest reported gains in existing home sales and given low mortgage rates, a healthy real estate market should continue as we near the end of the year.

"Traditional buyers are entering a less competitive market with fewer investors searching for available homes," said the National Association of Realtors' chief economist. However, they "may also face a slight decline of choices due to the fact that inventory generally falls heading into winter."

Existing home sales, rising to the tune of 2.4 percent in September, coupled with increases in newly-built single family home sales are two strong signs of confidence among both builders and homebuyers.

If you're ready to take advantage of the current real estate market conditions in the Wilmington, DE area, the KG Home Team is happy to help. Having just been ranked the #1 Keller Williams agent in Delaware, you can be certain you're working with the best!

Contact us today!

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Many homebuyers have misconceptions about how much down payment is necessary to purchase a home. 15 to 20 percent? Don't be too quick to assume! As it turns out, you may not need nearly as much as you think— you could become a homeowner with a down payment in the single digits!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter

Are you looking for a new place to call home? Consider Wilmington, Delaware! 

Located conveniently between New York City and Washington, DC, Wilmington has become a hub of culture and commerce given its low cost of living, low property taxes and ZERO sales tax! Not only is Wilmington one of the best places to live if you hate paying taxes, but it's also been ranked the 6th Most Tax-friendly State for Retirement.

The Kat Geralis Home Team with Keller Williams can get you moving this year, whether you're looking for new construction homes, investment properties, 55+ communities, or are preparing to buy your very first home. 

Last year, Keller Williams helped over 2,000 families move to a new home in Delaware and we'd be happy to help you do the same. Relocating to the area? Our team is well-versed in all things Wilmington!

Ranked the #1 Keller Williams agent in Delaware in 2013 and chosen as one of America's Best Real Estate Agents by Real Trends, I know the in's and out's of the community as well as the local market. My team of talented professionals is what drives our success and together, we have more than 50 years of combined experience to assist with your buying or selling a home in Greater Wilmington. 

Our services are a cut above when it comes to the real estate market— we are prepared to help both buyers and sellers with the following:

• New construction 
• 55+ communities
• Builder trade-in
• First-time homebuyers
• Relocation
• Short sales
• Foreclosures
• Investors
• Global Property Specialists

If you have questions about relocating to Wilmington, where to retire, or simply buying or selling a home in Delaware this year, don't hesitate to reach out! We can provide recommendations on everything from neighborhoods to local events to mortgage lenders. 

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter