Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News Archives

In a past blog post, we shared how to find the right mortgage for your personal situation, but do you know what it takes to get there? Many Delaware homebuyers in today's real estate market do not know what is necessary to qualify for a mortgage and as a result, avoid purchasing a home altogether.

But the KG Home Team is here to help! Do not let your ideas about qualifying for a mortgage keep you from taking advantage of the currently low interest rates and opportunities the upcoming fall season can bring.

Consider the following your checklist for preparing to buy a home in the Greater Wilmington area this year:

Credit Score
A large amount of today's homebuyers believe you need perfect credit to buy a home in Wilmington, DE, but that is just not the case. With a credit score of 720 or higher, you will be eligible for the best mortgage rates. However, a lower score can also allow you to qualify for a mortgage loan. The best idea is to meet with your lender to discuss your options and how a down payment can help your approval.

Down Payment
While there are loan programs in place that allow buyers to purchase a home with zero percent down, it is a good idea to meet your lender with a down payment saved. Your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is another factor that determines your eligibility and the more favorable the ratio (how much the property is worth to how much you plan to borrow), the more qualified you will become.

Solid Employment History
Your job history is just as important as the aforementioned requirements as it tells the lender you are able to repay the loan. Homebuyers in Wilmington and Newark who have been at the same job for two years or more will help the process to move along with less bumps than someone who frequently hops from job to job. 

Lower Debt-to-Income Ratio
Lenders will want to know your total monthly debts, including car loans, rent or other mortgage, credit card bills and student loans. This plays a part in your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and should not account for more than 40 percent of your monthly income. If yours is too high, take the time to pay down high interest credit cards or loans.

Budget Range Idea
Working with a mortgage calculator is one way to find how much home you can comfortably afford. Input numbers like down payment, private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20 percent, homeowner's insurance and taxes. After adjusting these numbers, you should be able to find where you'd like to be in terms of monthly payment and either work toward that amount by further saving or visit with your lender to discuss loan programs.

As your local real estate experts in Wilmington, DE, we are here to help you prepare to buy a home this year! Contact us today with any questions you might have! We even offer FREE first-time homebuyer seminars!

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The New York Times agrees that homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth! For instance, did you know that the average net worth of a homeowner is 36x greater than that of a renter? And now, buying a home while interest rates are low can help you get started building your financial legacy on the right foot!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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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

New construction has been growing as a popular alternative to existing Wilmington DE homes and just as with any property, buyers have a list of must-haves. A recent survey revealed what buyers can expect to find in the new construction market and as it seems, many of the trends just may fit the bill!

Here are the top five trends New Castle County homebuyers will likely find in new-builds this year:

• Updated Garages
  Garages in the area are getting more enhancements as of late, from new windows to insulated doors and those made of more energy-efficient materials. They're also getting larger! In 2013, most garages were built to accommodate three or more cars. 
   
• Less Carpeting
  While carpet continues to be the most popular flooring choice in new construction homes, less than half of living rooms now have carpeting. Hardwood floors are the second most popular choice of flooring and is included in over 1/4 of all new home installations. 
   
• Granite Countertops
  Granite counters are commonly listed among a Wilmington DE homebuyer's must-haves in a new home and according to the survey, they will be happy to find them in most new-builds. Granite is found in 64 percent of all new home installations.
   
• Appliance Combos
  Freestanding ovens are becoming less popular in new construction as cook tops and wall oven combinations gain traction. Freezer-on-bottom refrigerators are also gaining steam in the new home market.
   
• Kitchen Sinks
  Sinks are growing in importance for homebuyers today, with the single basin sink showing up in 20 percent of all new single-family homes in the last 10 years. Granite and stone kitchen sinks are also making an appearance in 8 percent of all new homes.

If you're in the market for a new construction home this year, you can count on the KG Home Team to assist you. As your buyer's agent, we always work on your behalf, never the builder's! Contact us today for information about available homes in the Greater Wilmington area.

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Many homebuyers today do not know what they need to qualify for a mortgage— it's less than you think! Gone are the days of 20 percent down or no deal! With a total of five common factors, you can make your homeowner dreams come true.

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

Wilmington Delaware has numerous events and festivals to attend year-round, whether it's a night at the Museum or on the water at the Riverfront. This summer is no exception! The weather will be beautiful and the opportunities to explore immense as we embark on the next two months of summer fun.

Here are just a few events planned for the Riverfront in our own Wilmington, DE!

Family Night on the River Taxi
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
7 PM

This 45-minute river taxi ride up the Christina runs from early June through August 27, 2015. Afterwards, you can enjoy ice cream at Molly's Ice Cream and Deli and the kids can jump at Stratosphere Trampoline Park. What a great opportunity to enjoy the summer weather and beautiful Wilmington scenery! Cruise times are 5 PM, 6 PM and 7 PM, leaving from Dravo Dock, and admission is $15 per family of 4. 

Splish-Splash Water Bash
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
10 AM

The DuPont Environmental Education Center is gearing up for their Splish-Splash Water Bash this month! Dip your toes in the DEEC pond and use a net to find out what animals live in the river. In addition, there will be water games, refreshments and more.

Shipyard Summer Concert Series
Thursday, July 23, 2015
7 PM

This summer concert series will feature various genres in performances from 7-8:30 PM under the colored cranes at Dravo Plaza. The Plaza is located on Justison Street next to the Shipyard Shops. Concert goers can bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show all summer long.

Riverfront Blues Fest
Friday, July 31, 2015 through Sunday, August 2, 2015
Beginning at 12 PM Noon

This year's Riverfront Blues Festival is back again at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park! This 3-day outdoor music festival is held on the waterfront and features performances from artists like Elvin Bishop, Pinetop Perkins and more!

Fun events and activities just like these are one reason so many like to call Wilmington home! If you'd like to hear about the benefits of living in New Castle County and the Greater Wilmington area, give us a call! We'd be happy to share our local expertise with you.

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It's a great time to be a first-time homebuyer in Wilmington, DE! While there has been much talk about the lack of new buyers in the market, findings have shown they are increasing in numbers this year! 

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

Summer is a busy time in the real estate market, with Wilmington DE homebuyers taking the time to tour homes for sale through open houses. However, if you're a first-time homebuyer, you may not know how to act at an open house. Don't worry! Like any aspect of Delaware real estate, there are guidelines to follow as you visit them this summer, but we're here to walk you through it!

As you head out to visit available properties in New Castle County this year, keep the following tips in mind to practice smart homebuyer etiquette and soon you'll be a pro!

Watch the other homebuyers
Take note of your surroundings as you visit open houses in Wilmington and Newark, watching the other homebuyers and listening. You can tell a lot about a home if you see other buyers leaving quickly without taking the time to explore. Are they finding issues? Is the home not in great shape? On the other hand, if buyers are sticking around to ask questions, that can mean great things!

Feel out the market
Visiting open houses is one way to get a feel for the real estate market without committing. In addition to mortgage calculators, online home searches and researching local real estate news, open houses can help you learn more about how homes are priced in the area, what homes in your price range may look like and how quickly they're selling. Open houses are also an excellent way to start a relationship with a real estate agent.

Ask questions
As you tour Wilmington area homes, do not be afraid to ask questions! The real estate agent present at the open house is there to answer your questions about the property, from taxes to operating systems to neighborhood and more. Remember, they have a direct line to the seller and often know more about the home than anyone. You can also make a list of questions to ask through your own agent, but regardless, ask away!

Visit as many open houses as you can while you prepare to buy a home in New Castle County! You don't need to be committed at the time, but simply listening and watching other homebuyers can really help you get a feel for the market. 

In addition, the KG Home Team can provide you with all of the information you need about the real estate market in your area. Want to know which neighborhoods would be best for your family? What programs can help you as a first-time homebuyer? Just give us a call! We're here to help you throughout the entire buying process.

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Homeownership—much more than renting—can help you build your family's wealth. Not only is owning a home a means of forced savings, but your payment will not increase with every year like today's rising rents. It's truly one of the best long-term investments you can make!

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

Inventory is sitting lower than it has been in past months and mortgage rates are trending on the lower end as well— so what are you waiting for? Now is prime time for Wilmington, Newark DE home sellers to make a move and list while motivated homebuyers are out and about. 

But the KG Home Team knows that not every homeowner in New Castle County can recognize the signs that it's time to move, so we've rounded them up! If you're still wondering if now is the best time to upgrade to a new property in Wilmington or even build new, here's why you should jump at the chance this summer:

You've outgrown your home
Many homebuyers in today's real estate market are ready to buy a new home simply due to lack of space. It's also another popular reason for homeowners to move on! Do you seem to have no room left in the closet? Is your family expanding? Do you have nowhere for guests to sleep when they come to visit? Upgrading to a larger home may be just what you need!

You've regained equity
Not every homeowner in New Castle County can say they have regained equity, although things have been proceeding in a positive direction. If you've regained equity in your home, you're in a great position to move. If you're not sure, you can always have your home re-appraised to determine if selling is the best idea for you right now.

You live in a popular area
Real estate is all about location, so consider yours in your decision to move! Are homebuyers flocking to your neighborhood in search of available properties? Are homes selling quickly in your area? We are happy to provide a list of comparable listings to give you an idea of what your home may sell for this summer— just give us a call!

You're just ready
In the summer months, we are all ready to get out of the house and change up the scenery. You do not need a better reason to move to a new home in the Wilmington area other than you're just ready for change! We understand and we're happy to help you find your dream home this summer.

There are many reasons to sell your home in Wilmington or Newark this summer, but you shouldn't wait to long to decide! Mortgage rates will not be this low forever and with current inventory, your property could be pushed to the top of homebuyer lists. The KG Home Team will guide you through a successful home sale and answer your questions every step of the way. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

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The real estate market has come a long way but right now, buyer demand is outpacing supply. If you're a home seller thinking about listing your home this summer, there is no doubt that now is the time!

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

As excited as we are about the warm, summer temperatures that have just arrived, the season also tends to bring its fair share of storms. Certain parts of the country are already experiencing bouts of bad weather and therefore, it's prime time to prepare your home in Wilmington, DE for any that may be coming our way.

Take this weekend to check off the following on your storm prep to-do list. With these tips, you can both secure your home and avoid any surprises that can come from Mother Nature this summer.

• Emergency plan. Draft an "emergency plan" with any notes or procedures your family should follow in case of inclement weather. Designate a room in which everyone should meet during a storm.
   
• Make repairs. Secure all broken or loose fence posts, reattach gutters or shutters. The last thing you want is for strong winds to blow these into your home or cause damage to your vehicles.
   
• Secure landscaping. Broken or loose tree limbs should be hauled away now before the storm season gets underway.
   
• Protect electronics. Install surge protectors for your expensive electronics and appliances as a lightening strike can quickly destroy them. 
   
• Create a storm kit. Gather flashlights, batteries, bottled water, snacks and a weather radio and place in your designated storm room for safe keeping.
   
• Prep for insurance claims. Take digital photos of your home, valuable, vehicles and the like to keep off site for potential insurance claims down the road.
   
• Store vehicles and furniture. Bring outdoor furniture into storage or secure it on your patio. Also, bring all vehicles into your garage to avoid storm damage.

Summer is such a fun season in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware, with sunshine, events at the Riverfront and more time for enjoying recreational activities. Don't let storms get in the way of your enjoying the summer or your new home in New Castle County. 

As always, the KG Home Team is happy to help walk you through the home buying and home selling process this year. From recommending local mortgage experts to providing a list of available homes in Wilmington, do not hesitate to contact us!

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Homebuyer demand is growing increasingly strong this season! Not only is competition increasing as well, but the real estate market is getting a much needed boost. However, the one thing that is lagging behind is housing inventory. If you're planning to sell your home this year, now is the time!

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

Recent reports have shown more homebuyers than usual are jumping into the real estate market this year and with this leap comes a heap of anxiety. The homebuying process can feel overwhelming with terms you may not be familiar with, interest rates and large amounts of money on the line. However, know that the benefits of homeownership should far outweigh your fears.

To put yourself at ease when buying a home in Wilmington or Newark DE this year, take a deep breath and prepare with the following steps:

Do your research
If you do your homework, there is no reason why the terms associated with buying a home in the Greater Wilmington area should scare you. Research the community or neighborhood you're moving to, the schools in the area, the entertainment, taxes and commute time. If you need suggestions or insight into a specific category, the KG Home Team is here to help!

Get pre-approved
One of the reasons homebuyers have such high anxiety this year is budget. To calm your fears of overspending, it's important to get pre-approved with an area lender. Here you will find out your price range, how much home in Wilmington or Newark you can afford and what types of homes you can begin looking into. Also, remember to shop around to find the best interest rate before making a decision with one specific lender and signing papers.

Rely on your realtor
The KG Home Team is a top-ranked team in Delaware and comes with decades of experience to put you at ease. With a qualified agent on your side, you can rest assured knowing that your best interests are being considered and you have a guide for the entire home buying process. Along your house hunting journey you will indeed have questions, always directly them to your agent! Be clear in what you want in a home and what your concerns are in order for your agent to properly assist you. 

Learn about making an offer
Before you put in an offer on a home in Greater Wilmington, it's important to know how long the home has been on the market, how it compares to other properties and how many other homes are for sale nearby. This is an area your real estate agent can help you with, but you can never be too educated as a homebuyer!

Buying a home should be an exciting time in your life, do not let your fears get the best of you! As your experienced, local real estate team, we are here to make it easier for you. Give us a call!

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When you're a senior, making a home purchase can be just as nerve-wracking. Being prepared with questions for your real estate agent can quickly give you a sense of calm and allow you to enjoy your dream of buying another property. 
 

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 it's May, most of us likely have our sights set on summer— Warmer weather, a schedule free from school and more fun events to attend. Wilmington, Delaware is a great place to spend the spring and summer months with numerous activities, events and attractions to visit with the whole family. 

Whether you're relocating to Wilmington or Newark DE, simply visiting for the weekend or wanting to get out and explore the community, consider the following 8 things to do and see. There's something for everyone on the list!

• DuPont Environmental Education Center

FREE! Hands-on activities and exhibits are housed in this 4-story nature center located on Wilmington's Riverfront.

• Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts

FREE! With rotating exhibitions among its seven galleries, this local museum has been called "one of the most innovative and prominent organizations of its kind on the East Coast," by the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

• ​Delaware Museum of Natural History

Here you can find life-size dinosaurs, an African watering hole, undersea adventure and even get up close to a jaguar! 

• Brandywine Park

Enjoy a stroll, have a picnic, bike from Brandywine Park to Rockford Park. 

• Wilmington & Western Railroad

The railroad has become one of the East Coast's premier scenic tourist railroads and is ready to celebrate its 50th season this year. 

• The Riverfront

A great place to catch a baseball game, have dinner, watch a movie or enjoy the entertainment planned for the day.

• Hagley Museum

An example of early American industry situated on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine. 

• Downtown Wilmington

Visit the Farmer's Market opening May 6, ride the Wilmington Trolley, tour local shops and businesses. Downtown is a hub of creativity! 

The KG Home Team is proud to call Wilmington, DE our home and we know you will be too! As your local real estate experts, we can provide local suggestions and fill you in on what it takes to become a homeowner in New Castle County. 

Contact us 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

Now that the spring season is officially here and the busy real estate market buzzing with buyers ready to find their dream home, it's time for an update on the status of the real estate market in Wilmington and Newark, DE in New Castle County!

For the first quarter of 2015, there were 2,288 homes for sale with an average sales price of $223,881— a figure now up +5.3% from this time last year. 1,104 homes sold within the first quarter in New Castle County—an increase of 15.8% from last year—and area home sellers are reported to have received 93.1% of the original price at closing.

Inventory in the area is still trending lower, with the first quarter showing inventory at a 5 months supply— 7.2% lower than last year's inventory during the same time. 

These updated market statistics provide just a brief snapshot of current levels in the local real estate market, so do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions about homes for sale in the Greater Wilmington DE area! The top-ranked KG Home Team is here to help with any of your needs from finding your dream home to relocating to selling your current property. 

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