Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News Archives

For a successful real estate transaction in Wilmington and Newark, it takes two— both a homebuyer and home seller. Homebuyers have recently been built up as more confident than ever in their ability to purchase a new home—taking the local real estate market by storm— but now, home sellers are joining in.Wilmington home sellers are now recognizing that the low mortgage rates and housing prices won't last forever and now is a great time to move!

According to Fannie Mae in their most recent National Housing Survey, "The share of respondents who believe now is a good time to sell a home increased for the third consecutive month to an all-time high of 42 percent, an encouraging sign since many potential homebuyers will need to sell a home before entering the purchase market."

It seems the market has seen an overall shift in attitude for home sellers, with one senior advisor stating consumer attitudes toward selling are now at the most favorable level they have seen in the survey's four-year history. 

So why the sudden shift now? Wilmington, DE home sellers do not see the benefit in waiting to purchase a home or waiting for market conditions to move next to perfect. Home prices and mortgage rates are projected to continue rising over the next year and sellers are ready to take advantage of the current levels. Sellers also acknowledge that they are more likely to attract a homebuyer and come out with a sales price they are happy with while these mortgage rates are still low.

The majority of home sellers are looking to jump on this exciting time for Delaware real estate as they expect home prices to stay relatively the same, if not rise, over the next year. The survey's participants found only 5 percent actually expect prices to drop over the next 12 months. This is great news for both parties, as Wilmington and Newark homebuyers don't want to buy a home that may be worth less down the road.

There may indeed be more benefits to selling a home in Wilmington now versus waiting out the market— so take note! If you're ready to start your home search and like many others, attract homebuyers to your property while mortgage rates are still low, contact the KG Home Team today! We can help you sell your current property and be onto the next to enjoy the summer!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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Tax time has come and gone once again, but it will be back next year! If you're one of those people who hate paying taxes, you'll want to pay attention to the cities that offer the best "effective tax rate," or lowest amount taken for property taxes, sales tax, excise tax, and income tax. But before you pack your bags, consider this: Wilmington, Delaware is one of those cities! For those who despise paying taxes, here are just a few reasons Wilmington is the place for you:

Effective Tax Rate
Like I mentioned above, the effective tax rate is important to pay attention to for homeowners in a given city. And Delaware tops the list for most effective tax rate as this number for all of its citizens is under six percent! While it may be the second smallest state in the U.S., Delaware has no sales tax and boasts a relatively low cost of living for its residents.

Lots to Offer, Low Taxes
Wilmington could be characterized as one of those cities with the most bang for your buck. The largest city in the state, it has all of the charm of a small town and a deep history, offering residents quaint parks and gardens, but also all of the perks of a big city. Wilmington is rich in culture with attractions like the Playhouse, Grand Opera House, and Delaware Theater Company as well as many music festivals during the warmer months. What's more, the city offers all of this without the burden of a heavy tax rate.

Low Cost of Living
The low cost of living, compared to the state and U.S. as a whole, may be what drives many to build businesses and homes in Wilmington. For instance, "the median household income from 2008 to 2012 was $39,761," which is quite a bit lower than the state's $60,119," reported Credit Card Insider. "The nation's median income was $53,046, higher than Wilmington but lower than Delaware."

​Low Cost of Housing
Wilmington also has a low cost of housing— "the median value of owner-occupied housing was $179,300, which was lower than Delaware's $241,100 and the United States' median home value of $181,400," Credit Card Insider added.

Wilmington is a great place to live and its low taxes allow both residents and budding businesses to grow and succeed. Ready to call Wilmington your home too? Whether you're relocating or simply ready for a change, contact us today and we'll fill you in on the area's real estate market, plus how you can succeed in buying a home!

You can also learn more about the buying process at our FREE First Time Homebuyer Seminars! 

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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Have you been dreaming of buying a home in Wilmington or Newark this year? Come visit us at the Homebuying Fair in Wilmington tomorrow! We'd love to chat about potential properties for sale in the local real estate market, financing your new home purchase, and answer any questions if you're a first-time homebuyer in the Wilmington area. Details on the Homebuyer Fair below:

2014 Homebuyer Fair
Saturday, April 5, 2014
8 AM to 4 PM
Chase Center on the Riverfront
815 Justison Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

There is no cost to attend this local real estate event and you can even enter to win prizes! The 2014 Homebuyer Fair is a great industry resource for those planning to buy Wilmington real estate this year, especially as it will feature many industry exhibitors and service providers. 

You can also expect:

• A live broadcast by TOM-FM throughout the day
• Refreshments served
• Free parking
• Door prizes
• Credit to earn towards your HUD Homebuyer Education Certificate requirements

Come on out to visit the Homebuyer Fair and chat with the Kat Geralis Home Team at Keller Williams. There will be seminars held throughout the day, presenting valuable information on finding your next home in the Wilmington area, options for financing and downpayment assistance, home inspections and so much more.

If you're ready to buy a home, we hope to see you there! Walk-ins are welcome.

We're here to help you with your homeowner goals! You can also learn more about the buying process at our 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
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It's officially spring and the Wilmington, DE real estate market is about to take off! Mortgage rates are rising, housing prices are increasing, homebuyers are noticing the local real estate market heating up in Wilmington and Newark. But if you've never purchased a home in Delaware, the task can seem a bit daunting. Don't worry! Whether you're ready to buy this season or next year, there are a few things that can help you prepare for your first-time homebuyer experience:

Determine Your Budget
Start your first-time homebuyer journey off on the right foot and speak to a lender or mortgage broker. Before you begin your home search for Wilmington real estate, you'll want to find out how much home you can afford. A lender or broker can help you determine your budget, which type of home loan fits your needs and also better assess your financial situation.

Find Where You Want to Live
One of the beginning steps in preparing to buy a new home in Wilmington is finding the right neighborhood. Start by taking a tour of the neighborhoods that peak your interest. You've heard the phrase "location, location, location," and when it comes to buying a new home, it could not be more true. After you find out where you'd ultimately like to live, you can narrow down homes in Wilmington and Newark. This can also help your real estate agent pick the best properties for you  and your needs.

Search for Homes Online
You have determined your budget and the neighborhood you'd like to live in, now you can begin your search for Wilmington real estate. Categorize homes by price, size, and location— you can use our home search tool to get started. "Early in the stages of looking for a home, online is a great place to start. You get a good general sense," one real estate insider advised. Although, when you have questions and concerns, always run them past your real estate agent. The internet does not always have the right information for your particular area.

Partner with a Great Agent
As your Wilmington real estate team, we can help you find the best neighborhood and homes for you, as well as help with mortgage tips, especially for first-time buyers. When you choose the Kat Geralis Home Team at Keller Williams, you are putting yourself in great hands whether this is your first or fifth time buying (or selling!) a home.

We're here to help you with your homeowner goals! You can also learn more about the buying process at our 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
Follow me on Twitter

This fall is a popular time to make upgrades to homes in Wilmington, DE and many homeowners are planning renovations. According to the Zillow Digs Fall Home Improvement Trend and Spending Survey, "more than half [52 percent to be exact] of homeowners plan to make a home improvement or addition this fall." Are you one of these homeowners ready to upgrade your spaces in Wilmington, DE? Here's what you need to keep in mind this time of year:

Getting Started

Planning to make smart improvements to your home is one of the first steps in renovating. Think about what homebuyers in Wilmington, DE want in local real estate, what they're looking for in terms of home features, and if you're implementing home upgrades like appliances, think about the home improvements that are typically used by sellers to make an immediate impression on Wilmington, DE homebuyers. Once you've researched these elements of Wilmington, DE real estate, you're ready to get rolling on your renovation project.

Find Inspiration

You've researched, you know what homebuyers are looking for in real estate in Wilmington, DE. Now it's time to find inspiration for these new features heading into your home. Start the search online, like many homebuyers do, and find similar homes and how they've renovated their homes in similar ways. It's helpful to have photos, links, and design ideas before you head into this major project.

Popular Fall Renovations

Popular areas being renovated in Wilmington, DE homes are the home office and even playrooms— for both adults and childrens. Homeowners and homebuyers alike want clean, functional spaces that serve a dual purpose. For instance, a home office that doubles as a guest bedroom or an office that doubles as a library. Especially since the weather is changing this time of year, homeowners are looking for play areas for their children indoors and areas for them to take their activities inside. "Families want play spaces that keep the kids occupied as well as nearby areas for adults to stay active, such as a workout area or pool table," said the Zillow Board of Designers.

Why To Renovate

More than ever before, homeowners are seeing bigger returns on renovation projects at their homes in Wilmington, DE. Remodeling has finally regained the great investment factor and now, homeowners nationwide are seeing as much as a 61 percent return on their remodeling costs when the time comes to sell. Where is the biggest return coming from? It seems smaller projects and practical replacement jobs provide the best return for homeowners.

Looking to sell your newly-renovated home and begin your Wilmington, DE home search? Let us help you discover your real estate options and move closer to purchasing your next home— 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
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Busy schedules are starting to pick up again as school is back in session and a new season is beginning in just a few days. And with all of the excitement that comes with the changing of the leaves, the Wilmington, DE area is gearing up for a great fall season of events! The following events are on the calendar these next few months, coming up in September and October, and are certainly ones you will not want to miss. Wilmington and Newark, DE are great places to purchase a home, so now is a great time to get out and explore— experience all you can in the area so you can move forward with your Wilmington, DE real estate purchase.

Cool Springs Farmers' Market

Thursday, September 19 through October 17, 2013; 4 PM to 8 PM 

Recurring weekly on Thursdays

Lower Cool Spring Park; 710 North Lincoln Street, Wilmington

What better way to celebrate fall than with the fruits of the season? The Cool Springs Farmers' Market is a community-based initiative to promote access to fresh, health and delicious vegetables and produce in Wilmington's West Side, held in conjunction with "West Side Grows."

CUR(EAT): A Food Based Exhibition

Thursday, September 19 through November 17, 2013; Recurring daily

Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, Wilmington

CUR(EAT) is a series of socially engaged artworks that involve visitors in literal and metaphorical taste-tests. The exhibition initiates a dialogue surrounding art and creative ritual. The Act of Drinking Beer With Friends Is The Highest Form Of Art— Tom Marioni will build a beer bar featured in the gallery with local guest celebrities on select Wednesdays at the DCCA.

Oktoberfest at the Delaware Saengerbund

Friday, September 20 through 22, 2013; Delaware Saengerbund

49 Salem Church Road, Newark, DE

Friday 5 PM to 11 PM, Saturday 12 PM to 11 PM, and Sunday 12 PM to 6 PM

This perfect fall event will be fun for the whole family! The opening parade will begin Friday at 7 PM and this 3-day event will include Bavarian dancers and a German band for your entertainment. Numerous selections of German delicacies as well as imported gifts and souvenirs will be available for your enjoyment.

Walking Tour: Rocks and Roll Mills

Saturday, September 21, 2013; Recurring monthly on the 3rd Saturday

Hagley Museum and Library; 11 AM to 12:30 PM

Explore the geology of the Brandywine Valley and its impact on the milling industry on a tour created and led by Hagley Guide Tom Stack. Visitors will work with fellow guests to cut a piece of Delaware Blue Rock and take a souvenir home. Walking tour is included in cost of admission. Use Hagley’s main entrance off Route 141 in Wilmington, Delaware. The tour runs 11AM to 12:30PM on Saturday, September 21, October 19 and November 9.

Sunday Pirate Sail on KALMAR NYCKEL

Sunday, September 22, 2013; Recurring weekly on Sunday

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation; 1124 E. Seventh St., Wilmington

11 AM to 12:30 PM

KALMAR NYCKEL will be back in her home port of Wilmington, DE from September 13th through September 29th offering 1 ½ hour public sails from Dravo Plaza on the Wilmington Riverfront. Passage for all sails is $35 for adults and $20 for children 17 & under. To make your reservations, call 302-429-7447 or visit KalmarNyckel.org for more information. 

Newark Fall Home Show

September 27 through 29, 2013

Christiana Mall; 132 Christiana Mall, Newark 

Newark's Fall Home Show will be held on September 27 through 29, 2013. This annual show focuses on residential buyers by offering products and services for use in and around the home. A great way to spruce up your Wilmington, DE homes this fall!

Looking to make a move to this great area and begin your Wilmington, DE home search? Let us help you discover your real estate options and move closer to purchasing your next home— 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

With the impact of rising mortgage rates, housing prices, and lending standards changing so rapidly in today's housing market, a big question facing local real estate markets and those looking to buy real estate in Wilmington, DE is whether or not the perception of homeownership would be changed. The answer? Not quite. According to a new study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University found that many Americans still believe in homeownership, that it is still a major part of the American dream, and what's more, they are still looking forward to buying a home.

Some interesting things the study also found were:

Homeownership is still preferred over renting

One might think otherwise with the costs of housing and interests rates on an incline— but the truth remains that many homebuyers are still more interested in buying a house in Wilmington, DE over renting a home. The study reports:

“Even after the dramatic loss of equity and the high foreclosure rates, the early evidence suggests that people seem to believe that, over the long run, owning is still preferable to renting…The long term cultural preference for owning seems to have weathered the recent housing crisis.”

According to HousingWire, 90% of renters expect to buy a home in the near future. “The vast majority of renters believe owning a home is better is better when it comes to privacy, security, and raising a family.” The survey also reported 51% of renters think owning makes more sense than renting when comparing both the financial and lifestyle benefits of each housing choice. In the same study, 71% of current homeowners found owning a home to be a positive experience for themselves and their families. However, when asked the same question, only 34% of renters found renting to have positive effects.

Americans still want and expect to be homeowners in the near future

A new survey also shows just how upbeat Americans are about the real estate market— despite the threat of a continued rise in mortgage rates. “Fifty-three percent of Americans expect home prices to increase by an average of 3.9 percent over the next 12 months,” as reported by Realtor Magazine and Fannie Mae’s July National Housing Survey of 1,000 home owners. “Only 6 percent expect prices to fall, a new low in the survey’s three-year history.”

No matter the increases, Wilmington, DE homebuyers expect the market to make, the survey still found seventy-four percent of those surveyed believe now is a good time to purchase a house; 40 percent believe now is a good time to sell.

The Harvard study reported:

“The research on home-buying expectations supports the conclusion that very large percentages of Americans still expect to buy a home at some time in the future.”

Younger Americans Desire to be Homeowners

“Moreover, the finding that younger renters and owners are more likely than their older counterparts to expect to own bodes well for the future of the housing market,” the study found.

So, don’t be wary of purchasing real estate in Wilmington, DE based on your fear of where rising rates might go— homebuyers nationwide are chiming in to say now is a great time to buy and jumping in with both feet to start their home search and claim their piece of the local real estate pie.

Looking to make a move to this great area and begin your Wilmington, DE home search? Let us help you discover your real estate options and move closer to purchasing your next home— 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

If you're considering buying a home in Wilmington, DE, you've probably already mapped out your home feature wishlist and more importantly, your dream location. You might have neighborhoods in mind where you'd like to live and if not, now might be the time to begin researching them. Or maybe you've already found your dream home, visited the open house, had a private showing, and are now wondering if the location is best for your family. The location of Wilmington, DE real estate is as important as the home itself and how it's suited to your wants and needs. How do you know if the neighborhood is right for you? It pays to do your homework before making an offer and these tips should help you make the final decision when buying Wilmington real estate.

Talk to the Neighbors

Without being too intrusive, look for ways to speak to the neighbors— perhaps outside at an open house or during your private showings. Find out what they think of the block and the neighborhood, look for their opinions on the area and its safety. Maybe they will tell you about problem neighbors or recent break-ins nearby or bonus, someone on the block who's planning a remodel that will affect the neighbors or someone who's looking into selling their home soon. A more desirable home could be coming on the local market and one you might like to look into.

Visit at all Hours, Day and Night

Your showings are most likely during the day, as are the open houses. But try to visit the Wilmington property at night to check out the area and how it functions after dark. Observe the neighborhood— is it noisy or calm? Is there a lot of traffic? It might also be helpful to visit on the weekend and during the early morning to get a sense of how your neighborhood and future home could look should you choose to make an offer and eventually become a homeowner.

Read the Newspaper

Look to the newspaper for local happenings, crime in the area, school ratings, and even other Wilmington real estate listings or recently sold homes nearby. These are all telling of the type of neighborhood you might be moving into and for real estate, the prices of recently-sold homes can give you an idea of pricing strategies. Some neighborhoods even have blogs where neighbors and homeowners can post comments, complaints, advice and issues concerning the area. A simple internet search can help you find out if the neighborhood has a local blog.

Turn to Google

When buying a house in Wilmington, it's often helpful to do a Google search. Google the street address to find out other businesses on the block that might reduce the number of parking spaces, for instance. Google views are sometimes older photos where you might be able to take a peek into the history of the home— maybe you'll find out that the home has been extensively renovated and the homeowners have improved the home for the better (or worse). 

The internet has a wealth of resources for investigating your future Wilmington, DE home and neighborhood. Do your homework, research everything, and contact your Wilmington real estate agent for more details and options for purchasing. First-time homebuyer? Not a problem! Join one of our FREE First-time Homebuyer Seminars and soon, you'll have all of the information you need to become a homeowner in the Wilmington and Newark areas of Delaware Real Estate.

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

We have already moved into August and summer seems to be flying by at this point— but there are still plenty of great events and opportunities in Wilmington, DE to allow you to experience everything the area has to offer. Take some time this weekend to enjoy a museum exhibit, take in local history, relax with an afternoon tea, watch a musical, and so much more! Before fall begins, explore your neighborhood and area attractions, especially if you're planning to purchase a home in Wilmington! Below are a handful of fun events happening in Wilmington, DE this weekend:

Rock Climbing— Grab a Group and Go!

Recurring daily, Alapocus Run State Park

165 Bancroft Mill Road, Wilmington, DE

Staff will instruct, guide and belay climbers, with helmets, harness and ropes provided. Open to ages 8 and up; children under 18 must be accompanied by parent. This event is recurring daily and those interested are encouraged to contact the Wilmington State Parks Office to register and pre-pay ahead of time. Book a two-hour private climb today for a fun outdoors event.

Centennial Tea Service at Hotel DuPont

Recurring daily, 3 PM to 4:30 PM, Green Room, Hotel DuPont 

11th and Market Street, Wilmington, DE

The Centennial Tea features a new centennial tea blend, created especially for the Hotel DuPont’s centennial celebration.  This tea is infused with a burst of pineapple, the international symbol of hospitality, to commemorate the hotel's commitment for 100 years. Also featured at the Centennial Tea are various blends from the Delaware Art Museum and several DuPont Estates in the Brandywine Valley. Come relax and enjoy your choice of Longwood, Winterthur, Hagley, and Nemours teas. 

Fashion Meets Science: Introducing Nylon

Recurring daily, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington, DE

Seventy-five years ago on October 27, 1938, a brand new material named nylon was announced to the public. Created in DuPont’s labs, nylon replaced silk in the ladies hosiery industry. Nylon was so popular that its early sales created near riots because demand was so high. Hagley’s exhibition will discuss the early development of nylon and its impact on the fashion industry. 

Bellevue State Park Summer Concert Series

Sunday evening, 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Bellevue State Park, Wilmington, DE

Enjoy a night of music this summer on both Thursday and Sunday evenings for this FREE Summer Concert Series! Bring a picnic and blanket or lawn chair and come experience the summer line-up with something for everyone, from blues and jazz to swing and big band music. This program is made possible, in part, by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

Water's Extreme History

Monday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday 12 PM to 4:30 PM

Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington, DE

During summer, many of our activities take place around water. This exhibit takes visitors on an exciting and important adventure quest for clean water. Experience the watershed as a water drop, exploring first-hand the science behind the water cycle. Water's Extreme Journey was created by world-renowned marine life artist Wyland and Seattle-based Minotaur Mazes.

Looking to make a move to this great area and begin your Wilmington, DE home search? Let us help you discover your real estate options and move closer to purchasing your next home— 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

It's not only a great time to purchase a home in Wilmington, DE, but also to invest in home updates if you're a current Wilmington homeowner. If you plan to live in your home for many years to come, adding the following design features will not only make the property safer and more comfortable for you, but also appeal to Delaware homebuyers if you decide to sell your home later. 

Unlike home improvements that are typically used by sellers to make an immediate impression on Wilmington, DE homebuyers, these home updates are those that may not even be noticed until pointed out. It is these types of universal home updates that are the best investment for you as a homeowner as they will not only please your tastes but also the tastes of general homebuyers when the time comes to sell your home.

No-step Entries

Adding entryways that do not include steps are the first home upgrade to broaden your buyer reach. If you have a basement, consider altering your landscape to create a new entry on the lower level. Thinking of building a ramp to an existing space like a deck or patio? Consider a ground-level gradation without the building of steps. Buyers with kids and even older homebuyers will appreciate this.

Easy-open Doors

Levers instead of knobs on doors make opening them and entering your home much easier. If you're looking to buy Wilmington, DE real estate, you might consider every scenario— like when you're handling groceries and don't have an extra hand to turn a knob, this is when levers come in handy. Again, a great universal design addition that might not be noticed until pointed out.

Replace Your Old Faucet and Stove

Separate handles for hot and cold reduce the risk of scalding on your home faucet and stove. Therese Crahan, executive director of NAHB Remodelers, a division of the National Association of Home Builders, told MSN Real Estate that she recommends buying a stove that has the controls in the front so you won't have to reach over the heating elements to use them.

Turn Your Floors Fall-proof

Non-slip vinyl flooring and non-glossy tile is quite appealing to both current homeowners and future homebuyers. These types of fall-proof flooring eliminate the chances of your slipping and also remove variance in floor height from room to room.

Level Appliances and Cabinetry

Any appliance and cabinetry that eliminates the need to reach up or bend over is a great investment in your home's future. For instance, cabinets with pull-down shelving, refrigerators with middle drawers, and washers and dryers with raised platforms are all helpful for you as a homeowner and will provide your home with an advantage when you wish to sell.

Looking for these features in your Wilmington, DE home search? Ready to sell now and looking to install these features to give you an edge? Let us help you consider your real estate options and move closer to purchasing your next home— 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