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There's Never Been a Better Time to Buy a Home in Wilmington, DE!

by Katina Geralis

Most likely, you’ve heard time and again that there are far more benefits to buying a Wilmington, DE home than to renting a property. As rental rates continue to rise all across the United States, this holds true now more than ever in today’s buyer’s market. Recently, I came across a CNN Money article that lists the highest rental increase over the past 12 months as nearly 13% in Sarasota, FL. On top of already sky-high rental rates, the cost of renting is becoming unrealistic for many in Wilmington, DE and across the U.S.

Overall, asking prices for homes have decreased .7% while rental rates have increased on average 5%. Why the skyrocketing rental rates? It’s no secret that many here in Wilmington, DE and across the country are having trouble staying on top of their mortgage payments. Going through the process of a short sale or foreclosure leaves renting as the only option for so many people that there is a rising demand for a limited supply of rental units.

While I realize that buying simply isn’t an option for some, those who are in the market to buy a home in Wilmington, DE are at a great advantage. Trulia reported that home prices have continued to drop over the past 12 months and with rental prices expected to keep increasing, it’s never looked better to consider homeownership. We’re also looking at extremely low mortgage rates which makes it even easier to justify buying a home in Wilmington, DE rather than sinking money into a rental each month. CNN Money’s most recent report shows a 30-year fixed mortgage at 3.86% down from 3.90% last week.

To put this in better perspective, here’s an example using real numbers. As of the end of last week, the average list price in Wilmington, DE was $230,021 and as I mentioned before the 30-year mortgage rate is at 3.86%. Additionally, the average rental rate in Wilmington, DE is about $1,050 according to data by rentbits. Using a tool The New York Times provides, we are able to calculate how much money a Wilmington, DE homeowner will save over a renter and how long it will take to start benefiting. With 20% down, the average mortgage would be nearly $200 less per month than the average rent payment. Check out this tool and try it for yourself with your current monthly rent and the prices of some Wilmington, DE homes you have in mind.

As your Wilmington, DE real estate agent, I feel it’s my responsibility to provide you with the most up-to-date market statistics. I hope the information I provide and the tools I show you help your home buying or home selling process go smoothly and successfully. If you need any assistance selling your Wilmington, DE home, are considering a short sale, or would like to see some homes for sale in the area, please feel free to contact me. I’m well versed in the Wilmington, DE real estate market and would love to help you through your real estate transaction.

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty

Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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Negotiating Tips for Distressed Sellers in Wilmington, DE

by Katina Geralis

As we move deeper into the Spring season in the Wilmington, DE real estate market, things are really getting busy with buyers on the prowl for a great deal on a new home. I know, when you’re a seller, the last thing you want to hear about is the buyer’s market. This is especially the case if you are in a position where you need to sell your Wilmington, DE home quickly to avoid foreclosure.

In the past I have explained the difference between a short sale and a foreclosure, but to refresh your memory, a Wilmington, DE short sale occurs when a lender agrees to let a homeowner sell their property for less than what is owed on the home, forgiving all other amounts owed after the transaction is complete. Feel free to look back on my previous blog entry for more details as to how a Wilmington, DE short sale works.

While neither is desirable, a short sale is the preferred route when you’re in a situation where you are facing the possibility of losing your home. You will sidestep the major damage to your credit a foreclosure causes, you’ll avoid the humiliation and frustration associated with the foreclosure process, not to mention a load of stress will be taken off of your shoulders. In this type of situation, the guidance of a real estate agent experienced in Wilmington, DE foreclosures and short sales is invaluable.

Selling your home quickly can be stressful, so I wanted to provide you with some negotiating tips to get the best possible result even with the situation isn’t ideal.

  1. Keep quiet about your reasons for selling

When you’re approached with the “Why are you selling?” question, be vague about the fact that you’re in a hurry to sell. If other agents and their buyers know you’re in a pinch and need to achieve a sale quickly, you’re giving them an advantage. A simple, “Its just time” or “Moving closer to family” are good responses that will keep you in the clear.

  1. Head straight to the lender

If you speak to the bank and let them know you’re actively trying to sell your Wilmington, DE home, there’s a good possibility that they’ll lower your mortgage payment. The lender just wants its money, and the quickest way for them to get it is through a traditional sale.

  1. Have Plan B up your sleeve

This ties in with my first tip - you don’t want a potential buyer to know that you’re distressed. Make it known that you have other options, like putting your home on the market for rent, so that the buyer doesn’t know they have you under their thumb. The fact that you have other options and offers makes your Wilmington, DE home more desirable.

As your Wilmington, DE real estate agent, I understand how stressful it is to have financial troubles and be faced with the possibility of a short sale or foreclosure. The important thing to realize is that by putting your property on the market now, you’re being proactive about the situation and will end up with the best possible result. If I can be of assistance in any way, please contact me! I 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
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