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How to Search for Homes in Wilmington, Newark DE

Friday, May 30, 2014
by Katina Geralis

The home search is only the beginning, it's also the most important aspect of your Wilmington real estate journey. It all starts with getting a feel for price ranges and what's available in your desired neighborhoods of Newark and Wilmington, then moving on to what you like and desire in a home and finally, touring those homes to find your best fit. With these home search tips, you'll be well on your way to finding a new home this summer. First-time homebuyer? No problem! We even offer FREE first-time buyer seminars to help!

Make a Homebuyer Wishlist
One of your first tasks as a homebuyer in the Wilmington and Newark area should be to sit down and make a wish list. Establish priorities for available homes— do you want a certain number of bedrooms, but would settle for less if the home had a finished basement? Things like this all add up in the bigger picture of the Wilmington real estate market. Credit.com suggests to "make a list of the ten most important criteria for a new home. Then divide your list items equally under two categories: "top priority" and "nice to have." After you've made this list, take it with you as you search for homes. Delaware homebuyers can oftentimes get distracted when house-hunting and it's helpful to refer back to the list.

Start Your Search, Two Places
Keeping your homebuyer wish list in mind, you can start searching for properties, narrowing down by price range. Homebuyers should start their home search online, but also in person as homebuying is an emotional process that requires buyers to experience a property for themselves. Once you've made a list of available homes that interest you, then go with your Realtor to view the property up close and personal. Refer back to your homebuyer wish list and take notes while you're inside the homes. You can then go back to see what you did and did not like about each property.

Consult Your Realtor
No matter what stage of the homebuying process you're in, it's always helpful to have a real estate agent on your side. Remember, they've done this before, numerous times. If you have questions, consider your Realtor your communication hub and sounding board— every question or concern can go through them. While you may have started your home search online, know that your real estate agent has an "in" per se, their finger on the pulse of the real estate market in your community. They're a great resource for finding Wilmington, Newark homes that may have just come on the market or will be going up for sale soon. And as always, "if you discover a listing you like, you can pass it along for your agent to evaluate," adds Credit.com. "It's important to develop this partnership!"

The KG Home Team is here to help at every stage of your homebuying journey in the Wilmington, DE area. Contact us today to get started and go over homes that may meet your wish list— summer is shaping up to be an exciting time in the market, so don't delay!

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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Wilmington DE Home Sellers Feeling Confident

Thursday, May 15, 2014
by Katina Geralis

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
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter

Staging Newark and Wilmington DE Real Estate to Sell

Thursday, May 1, 2014
by Katina Geralis

More homebuyers will be looking to the Wilmington real estate market this spring and summer. As a home seller, you would do well to highlight your Delaware home's best features. In many cases, staging can make all the difference! Some popular features a Wilmington DE homebuyer looks for are the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, storage space, and updated appliance, but they will be looking to see themselves in the home. Your home's overall flow, neutrality and ability to help the buyer feel comfortable are important— and much of this can be achieved by you, the home seller, with home staging. Below are a few staging tips to help you attract more homebuyers to the property:

Update the Spaces
It doesn't take much money to update the rooms in your Wilmington and Newark homes. For instance, a new coat of paint and shiny, upgraded hardware can all be done in a weekend, but really give the spaces a fresh, welcoming feel. To begin, make a great first impression and give your front door a fresh coat of paint. This little detail can help the potential buyer feel invited inside and give them a sunny outlook on the home overall.

Let There Be Light
Bright, airy homes are a must for many homebuyers in today's real estate market. And as a seller, you can add this factor yourself in your homes in Newark and Wilmington DE with updated light fixtures. But if adding in new or additional lighting is not an option in your home, simply swapping out low wattage light bulbs for high wattage bulbs can bring up the lighting factor with little effort. If you notice that updated light fixtures is one area where your home is lacking, replacing these is a great investment and can add charm to your home.

Bathroom/Kitchen Updates
Do you find that your kitchen is one of the areas of your home you spend the most time in? Homebuyers will notice that too! These are two areas where you'll want to focus your staging. You don't need a complete remodel, but updating appliances and fixtures here can peak homebuyer interest. At the very least, replacing the caulk and grout in these rooms is always a nice idea.

Curb Appeal
Again, first impression are everything when it comes to Wilmington, DE real estate. Take some time to amp up your landscaping, clean up the yard, replace railings and old outdoor hardware, make sure windows are clean and functioning— overall, take note that your home looks inviting from outside. Many homebuyers will begin their search online and if your home shows well in photos, it can bring them to your door!

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

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