Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News Archives

This time of year, Delaware and Pennsylvania residents have filed their taxes and thinking one step ahead, are now planning ways to spend their refund. While you likely have dozens of ideas about how you're going to spend your money this time around, why not invest it back into your home? 

The following home upgrades actually pay off at resale and will be well worth their initial cost:

Remodeled Kitchen
Upgrading your kitchen is one of the smartest investments you can make in your Delaware or Pennsylvania home. Stick to high-quality fixtures, including stainless steel appliances and granite or quartz countertops. However, also keep in mind the size of your home when remodeling. If your home is a smaller, two-bedroom, you may not recoup all of your investment. Do not be afraid to ask your real estate agent about the best upgrades for your home's size if you're planning to sell this year!

New windows
During the winter months, you may notice drafts around your windows and doors, not to mention higher energy bills each month. Replacing windows will keep your home warmer and intrigue Delaware and Pennsylvania buyers that are looking for a newly-updated home.

Landscaping
Curb appeal is the first thing a buyer will notice when they visit your home or view it online. Every addition from hedges to flower beds is well worth your while as a homeowner as these tell homebuyers that you care about your property and its upkeep.

If you're thinking about selling your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, it is wise to invest in the upgrades that will pay off! Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today with any questions about the real estate market or for more information about selling your home for top dollar in DE and PA!

We have helped many Delaware and Pennsylvania home sellers find the right buyer and we'd love to help you do the same! 

We also offer a FREE Home Seller e-Guide and FREE Home Valuation Tool! 

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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While every Delaware and Pennsylvania homeowner's reason for selling their property will vary, there are a few red flags that will ultimately signal that it's time to move on. Whether you've grown out of the space or your job is taking you to a different community—or out of state completely—you can count on our team of experts to help you navigate the current real estate market as a home seller.

Below are five signs it's time to sell your Delaware or Pennsylvania home:

You've outgrown the home
As mentioned above, it is a great sign that you're ready for a bigger home if your family is growing (or if you're an empty nester, the opposite). If you're looking for a larger home to accommodate your needs or a property with fewer bedrooms as your children move out, you can count on the Kat Geralis Home Team to help you find the best fit.

Your costs are too high
It is not uncommon for DE or PA homeowners to find themselves unprepared for the costs that come with a property's upkeep. If you are in this position or think you could be soon, it's time to move on and find a property that better suits your financial situation with a lesser mortgage payment or overall maintenance costs.

The market is ready
Why not take advantage of the current Delaware and Pennsylvania real estate market and list your home while you have an edge? Especially if buyer demand continues to increase and you have the equity in your home, chances are high that you will be able to land a buyer quickly and move on to your next dream home.

You have the value
There is no better time for a DE or PA homeowner to sell than when they have equity built in their property and the market conditions are in their favor. Reach out to our real estate team to find your home's value and determine if now is the time for you!

It's been five years
Five years is the amount of time that industry experts recommend spending in your home before moving on, in an attempt to build enough equity for the move to make sense. After all, when paying a mortgage, the first payments are almost always all interest. Of course your personal situation will influence your decision, but unless you have an urgent need to pack your bags, you might like to consider staying put for a while longer.

Ready to get the listing process started or simply curious about your home value? Give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call! We can provide a list of next steps toward selling your DE or PA home and offer a snapshot of your market value in real time.

We even offer a FREE Home Seller E-Guide!

Give us a call today!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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When you've decided to sell your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, you'll want to make sure buyers are intrigued from the start. That means you've found the best possible listing pricing, have made any necessary repairs, and of course, staged the home in a way that buyers can envision living there. But before you decide everything is complete and sit back to welcome the offers that are sure to come your way, you'll want to take a good look at your kitchen.

It is no secret that kitchens sell homes in Delaware and Pennsylvania and there are a few things that may be found inside yours that can send a buyer running the other way. Take a look at the following to make sure your kitchen is ready for the market:

Pet Bowls
Remember, you love your pet, but not all buyers are pet people. Consider moving your pet food bowls out of sight when buyers arrive for a showing to ensure you don't turn them away, even if they otherwise love the property.

Trash Cans
If your trash cans are out in plain sight in your Delaware or Pennsylvania kitchen, clean the area as thoroughly as possible. This means the can itself looks clean, the bag is empty to avoid any odor, and the space around it is free of recycling items or other trash.

Cluttered Counters
You want to make your kitchen feel as open and spacious as possible, so start by removing all of your small appliances and other knick knacks from the countertops. Clean counters will help buyers note how much space they will have to work with in this area.

Dishes
Before buyers arrive to tour your Delaware or Pennsylvania home, be sure that the sink is clean and empty. Someone may love your home, but when they come across dirty dishes in the sink, they could get the impression that other parts of the home have been neglected.

Pests
Ants, flies, and even mice are not an uncommon homeowner problem, but when you become a home seller, it's important to remove any signs of household pests. This includes disposing of traps and bugs before buyers get to your front door.

Curious if your Delaware or Pennsylvania home is prepared for today's real estate market? Want to know what your home might be worth? Give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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It is common for the real estate market to experience ebbs and flows in Delaware and Pennsylvania— in fact, it's always changing! Some years, it could lean in favor of buyers, and others, sellers may have the upper hand. But how do you know which direction the market is headed right now? Are there signs to watch for?

There are indeed specific factors that can help you identify which type of market you're in and as your local real estate experts, the Kat Geralis Home Team is here to point them out! Below are three ways you can tell if you're in a seller's market:

Home Prices

One way to find out if you're in a buyer's or seller's market is to look closely at home prices. If you notice that home prices are rising steadily over time, you are likely in a seller's market. Curious about your Delaware or Pennsylvania home value? Give us a call! We're happy to provide more information for homeowners in the area.

Final Price vs. Asking Price

If sellers in your area are typically earning the asking price or even more (due to a bidding war or simply buyer demand) for their properties, you are probably in a seller's market. When homes sell for below their asking price, you would are in a buyer's market as these deals would ultimately work in a buyer's favor.

Days on Market

The average number of days that a property is on the real estate market, often referred to as DOM, will show you how "old" the listing is; you can find this figure easily on any listing sheet, either online or in-person. Take a look at this number— if homes are selling quickly (between 7 to 10 days), you are in a seller's market. This is especially important for local homeowners as this indicates their property is likely to sell efficiently and at a favorable price due to buyer demand.

No matter if you're a buyer or seller in Delaware or Pennsylvania, you can count on the Kat Geralis Home Team to walk you through the process! Contact us today!

We even offer FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminars!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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When selling your Delaware or Pennsylvania home, you'll want to make sure your property stands out from the crowd. And while it is important to complete all necessary repairs and price the home properly, curb appeal can go a long way in the eyes of a homebuyer. 

If you plan to list your Newark or Wilmington DE home this spring, below are five budget-friendly curb appeal tips to make your home the envy of the block:

Do an exterior deep clean
Take a weekend to clean the exterior of your Southeastern PA or Wilmington DE area home thoroughly. That means washing windows, power washing siding, and even the driveway, trimming bushes, and picking up sticks in the yard. You'd be amazed how fresh and new your property can look with a little elbow grease and a few hours of time.

Bring in subtle decor
When trying to impress buyers, you never want to overwhelm them with large decor items, lawn ornaments, or bold statements like a pink paint color on your home's exterior. Instead, bring in subtle additions like a seasonal wreath, pots flanking the door, or shutters to add character to the property.

Paint the trim
Instead of painting your entire home which can be quite time-consuming and costly, focus on the trim, front door, and shutters. Choosing a new color to accent the exterior—or simply giving it a fresh coat of the same—can make your home stand out to buyers in today's market.

Replace the numbers
This is one of the most inexpensive curb appeal boosting tasks you can complete and one that takes the least amount of time. You can pick up new house numbers for as little as $5 per number and you'll be surprised to find there are hundreds of styles to choose from which can give your home a much-needed update.

Hide the A/C unit
If the rest of your Delaware or Chester County PA home is up to par on style and decor, one task left is hiding eyesores like your air conditioning unit and trash cans. Consider adding a lattice box around the A/C to better mask it from the curb or placing your trash cans in the garage or behind a fence to keep them out of sight.

Give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today for more information about preparing your home for sale and available properties in today's real estate market! We look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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It may not feel like it just yet, but spring will be here before we know it! And while home buyers are indeed scouring the market for the perfect home year-round these days, traffic tends to pick up significantly in the spring months. What does that mean for you as a Delaware or Pennsylvania home seller? It means your property must be in tip-top shape to outshine the others on the market and as your local real estate experts, we have included a few tasks below to help it do just that!

Be sure to complete the following tasks before listing your Delaware or Pennsylvania home:

Clean the gutters
Once the warm temperatures begin to set in, we're all eager to get outside again— but you're probably not in a hurry to venture up to the roof. Don't forget to take stock of your gutters, giving them a good cleaning before the spring is in full swing. If left unattended, gutters can begin to overflow and wreak havoc on your foundation or the interior of your home via water damage.

Wash the windows
Not only do clean windows allow for more light to enter your Southeastern PA home, but they give the impression that your home is tidy and well cared for. No matter what time of year you list your DE or PA home, be sure to give your windows a thorough washing!

Remove yard debris
Especially before having listing photos taken of your home, you'll want to make sure your home's curb appeal is on point. Yard debris in the form of tree limbs, twigs, and dead landscaping can really bring down the property's image for buyers. Take the time to clean up your yard—as well as clear walkways—and ensure it gives off a welcoming aura to buyers.

Store your winter tools
Before you invite buyers into your Wilmington, Newark, or Southeastern PA home, it is essential to store your winter tools, including shovels and rakes. Not only do these items give the feeling of clutter to your outdoor space, but it suggests to the buyers that the rest of the property is not organized and maintained.

Repair animal damage
During the colder months, it is not uncommon for outside critters to find a way in! Raccoons, birds, bats, mice, squirrels, you name it— they can easily take up residence in damaged siding, under the roofline, and in holes around your foundation. If you spot these damaged areas, it is key to repair them as soon as possible before buyers point them out themselves!

If you're thinking about selling your home in Wilmington DE or Southeastern PA this spring, give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today! We are here to guide you through the entire process, starting with preparing your property for sale!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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When it comes to winter weather, the shorter days and colder temperatures may make for cozy evenings, but inside your home, it can make your Wilmington DE and Southeastern PA spaces feel darker and smaller than necessary. However, there are dozens of ways to bring more light into your home and help it feel just as cheery as in the spring.

Below are five ways to brighten up your Delaware or Pennsylvania home in the winter:

Take off the screens
Did you know you can let in 30 percent more light when you remove the screens from your windows? If your windows are still sporting them, store them until spring and let the sunshine pour in your home! But don't let them go far— you'll want to put them back in a few months to avoid running your cooling system too much. 

Trim back landscaping
Outside your home, overgrown landscaping and trees can quickly take up prized window space. Set aside a few hours to trim back any hedges, shrubs, or trees that could be blocking light from streaming inside your DE or PA home.

Replace light bulbs
Dim light bulbs can tend to cast a yellow hue over your indoor spaces, creating the illusion of smaller, darker spaces. Replace your older bulbs with energy-efficient models and opt for the cool white tone or blue white tone to help your home feel brighter and more open.

Refresh the paint
If you have rich, deep colors on your walls, the winter weather and shorter daylight hours will do no favors for the spaces. Consider refreshing the paint and choosing a lighter, more neutral tone like beiges, grays, or white to create a more airy feel.

Clean your windows
You may not have thought of this one, simple tip, but dirty windows can easily darken a home. It is only necessary to clean the glass outside of your home once per year, but inside, you should clean windows at least once a month to avoid blocking any light. 

Ready to move on to a new Delaware or Pennsylvania home in 2018? Give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today for more information about available properties, selling your home, and your home value!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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When you decide to sell your home in Delaware or Southeastern Pennsylvania, you begin to dream about how much profit you can make and moving to your next location. However, there is one figure you'll need to determine before you can make those dreams a reality— your home value.

It is not uncommon for homeowners to over-estimate how much their property might be worth, so as your local real estate experts, the Kat Geralis Home Team has put together a few tips that can help you determine just that.

Comparable properties
One of the first places to look to help find your home value is a list of comparable properties in the area. Look at homes that have a similar square footage to yours or those with the same types of features. Even if you think your home is better than the one down the street, you'll need to consider if it has a larger footprint, updates that yours doesn't have, or more bathrooms as these can add significant value. 

Home improvements
Have you made any recent improvements to your Chester County or Delaware County home? They could make a big impact on your home value— or not add as much as you thought. Know that there are some updates that don't add as much value as others at resale so it is always wise to consider ROI (return on investment) prior to completing projects. If you are unsure if a certain update will boost your value, you are welcome to consult your real estate agent!

Location
There is a reason "location, location, location" is a real estate mantra. Factors in your area like the schools, proximity to entertainment, parks, commute times, neighbors, and of course, a sense of community can all either help or hinder your home value. 

Age of the home
Your home's condition and the age of the property can also influence how much it may be worth. Oftentimes, homes deemed "historic" and newer properties tend to be worth more than others. The aforementioned factors do play a big role in finding your home's worth, but typically as homes age, their value lessens.

There are many ways for you to determine the value of your Greater Wilmington or Southeastern Pennsylvania home and it is helpful to have an idea of what you might be working with prior to listing the property. Remember, it's best to put on your home seller hat and set aside your emotional ties to the property to find a realistic price.

Curious about your Delaware or Southeastern Pennsylvania home value? Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today to find out!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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It is no secret that mortgage rates won't be this low forever and as a result, many Greater Wilmington DE homeowners are thinking about refinancing. Refinancing can indeed save you thousands if you strike while rates are low, however, this is one real estate topic that comes packaged with dozens of myths.

Below are three common refinancing myths that end up holding Southeastern Pennsylvania homeowners back from saving money on their loan:

1. You're Too Late to Refinance
If hearing about rising rates has caused you to hit pause on your decision to refinance, think again! You most definitely have not missed your chance to save on your mortgage. As long as your lender confirms that refinancing will indeed lower your monthly payment and you are on the same page with the costs associated with the refinance, now is still a great time to make it happen!

2. You Won't Qualify
Even if you are trying to improve your credit or have recently switched jobs, you may still be able to qualify for a refinance. Don't let this hold you back from inquiring! The best course of action is to meet with a local lender to discuss your options and your eligibility as many requirements are beginning to loosen again and you could be surprised!

3. You'll Have to Reset the Term to 30 Years
If a refinance could be favorable for you, but you've already paid off decades of your home loan, don't jump right into thinking the term will be reset to the 30 year mark. Perhaps the best move during your refinancing is not the standard 30-year loan, but a shorter term ARM (adjustable rate mortgage). Consider your future plans and the time you plan to live in your current home as a shorter loan could still allow you to save and when the higher rate sets in, you may be ready to sell and move on!

Questions about the local real estate market, selling your home, or recommendations for lenders in the Wilmington DE, Newark DE, or Southeastern PA area? Give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
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If there are two spaces that can help sell your Greater Wilmington home, it is the kitchen and the bathroom. Buyers today are looking for homes that require little updating and if your home fits the bill, you could already be well on your way to home sale success! But how can you be sure your property has what buyers are looking for?

Let's start with the bathroom! Below are four bathroom trends that could risk turning off Delaware and Pennsylvania homebuyers this year:

The all white bathroom
This may have been the trend in past years, but buyers today are shying away from the all white space. White tile, white floors and white paint in the bathroom can be tricky to keep clean, especially with moisture in the room. But you don't need to completely renovate your bathroom to get around this— you can easily paint and bring in color with towels or even swapping out hardware and light fixtures.

Wacky color schemes
While buyers are looking for color in their bathroom, it's essential to not get too carried away. Outlandish color schemes like mustard yellow, bright pink or even purple can be too much. Introduce subtle colors, sticking to soft hues as much as possible.

Medicine cabinets
This bathroom feature does provide more storage, but it can take up valuable space, especially in small rooms. If you have a medicine cabinet in your Chester County or Delaware County PA home, you might consider replacing it with open shelving or with a simple mirror instead.

Oversized tub
This may make your bathroom feel smaller and buyers will notice. In fact, the desire for bathtubs has been on the decline in recent years, with more buyers preferring a spacious shower. You do not need to remove your tub, but if you're thinking of replacing this feature, be realistic about its size. 

You can count on the Kat Geralis Home Team to walk you through the home sale process, from finding your property value to preparing for showings to negotiating the best offer. Give us a call today for more information! 

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook