Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News Archives

If you've been on the fence about buying real estate in Wilmington, DE, you may be anxious to know where the rising mortgage rates are headed. In today's housing market, this is the primary factor— along with rising housing prices— that decide whether Wilmington DE homebuyers will take the steps forward and start the real estate journey.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association forecast, "mortgage rates will likely rise above 5 percent in 2014 and average 5.3 percent by the end of 2015."

From where things stand now in real estate in Wilmington, DE, that's a big difference. In fact, just this week the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was at 4.33 percent which is the lowest average since June.

What's keeping the rates so low? The Federal Reserve's bond-buying program that will soon begin to taper down as we move into 2014. "The MBA expects that the Federal Reserve will decide to taper its $85-billion per month bond-purchasing program in early 2014 and end it altogether in September 2014," reported Realtor Magazine.

The MBA's Chief Economist weighed in: “As a result, mortgage refinancing will continue to drop, and borrowers seeking to tap the equity in their homes will be more likely to rely on home equity seconds rather than cash-out refinances."

And with the bulk of mortgage applications being refinancings, the MBA has also projected that that trend begin to slow and soon enough, reverse by next year. The new trend will be purchase loans making up 60 percent of originations next year, due to an increase in home sales and home prices, as compared to about 38 percent this year. 

Are you ready to take the plunge before mortgage rates rise even further? Ready to 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

These stats should be helpful for those looking to purchase real estate in our area! Ready to 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

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
Find me on Facebook

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

REAL Trends recently released their list of America's Best Real Estate Agents to honor and rank real estate sales professionals and teams in all 50 states and metropolitan statistical areas— and our own Kat Geralis was chosen! Using the data from individuals who closed more than 50 sides or $20 million and sales teams with more than 75 closed sides or $30 million in closed sales volume, REAL Trends chose Kat Geralis as one of the Best Real Estate Agents in Delaware.

REAL Trends reached out to virtually every leading brokerage organization, all Realtor® associations and MLSs and a variety of other sources to compile their list. The final list consists of 1,000 real estate agents, named the "2013 Top 1,000 Real Estate Professionals in the United States."

A native Delawarean and U of D grad, Katina Geralis grew up in North Wilmington, and has lived in DE most of her life. Kat is an entrepreneur at heart with a true passion for Real Estate. She has hands-on experience in all areas of residential real estate including; Luxury Homes, Investment properties, New Construction, Active Adult 55+, Short Sales and Foreclosures. 

When clients choose Kat as their Realtor, they get the advantage of her wealth of knowledge, experience and creativity, which leads to a very successful formula. “It is very rewarding to make a difference, by working thru each client’s unique situation to make a lasting impact in their lives.” Kat’s ultimate goal is to create a positive real estate experience and her persistence, drive, and customer follow-up shines through her “whatever it takes” attitude!

As a Top Producer and now one of America's Best Real Estate Agents, Kat’s Multi-Million dollar portfolio consists of a balanced mix of Buyers, Sellers, Short Sales, Foreclosures, and Bank-Owned properties.

Want to work with Delaware's Best? Contact Kat Geralis and her team at the Wilmington Homes Group to discuss your real estate goals. Are you a first time home buyer? Learn more about the homebuying process with one of 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
 

The curb appeal of your Wilmington, DE home is more important now than ever before. With housing inventory low and buyer demand high, you want to be sure your home is one piece of Delaware real estate that stands out in the crowd. By getting your home up to par this summer, you can be certain homebuyers in the market to purchase a home will take note of yours before they even step inside the door. Remember, first impressions are key!

Green Home, Smaller Bills

This summer, give your home an energy audit. Walk around with a notepad and notice any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, switch-plate covers, and the like. According to MSN Real Estate, experts say you can save up to 20% on your home heating and cooling bills by simply plugging leaks. You can even receive a rebate for home-energy audits performed by recommended auditors.

Insulate Pipes Now

It may seem like an odd time to talk about insulation, but ensuring your hot water pipes are insulated correctly now can save you on energy costs this coming winter. This can be done by purchasing flexible foam pipe insulation sleeves from a hardware store. Taking precautions now can save you money in the long run when you know your Wilmington home is utilizing energy and resources properly.

Clean Your Patio

Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the weather— that means your patio too. Remove your outdoor furniture cushions, cleaning them thoroughly, and spray down the frames with a soapy, bleach solution. A recipe to follow uses:

1/3 cup laundry soap powder

2/3 cup trisodium phosphate or TSP

A quart of bleach

Three quarts of warm water

Allow the furniture to dry and return the cushion covers while they are still damp to prevent shrinking.

Clean Your Deck and Concrete

Power washers are just the tool to clean concrete patios, driveways, and outdoor spaces in the summer. While your washing the concrete, keep an eye on the water direction to be sure it moves the water away from your Wilmington area home's foundation. If it does not, inspect the area, looking for cracks and flaws in the foundation. Next check the inside for water stains or wetness. If hiring an inspector to find a solution to the structural problem is not in the cards, installing a sump pump can often fix the water problem in these spaces.

Take Care of Your Deck and Planters

Outdoor plants add instant curb appeal to Delaware homes for sale and are sure to grab a homebuyer's attention. Just be sure that your planters and pots have feet placed underneath of them as standing water can cause your deck's wood to rot. Pot stands and even colorful bricks will also do the trick. 

Patch Cracks and Make Amends

One final way to add curb appeal to your property is to patch all cracks in the asphalt and concrete outside, as well as removing problem trees or pruning them for a polished look. Now is also the time to give shutters, doors, and fences a new coat of paint if their's has chipped or faded over the winter. Fix faulty locks or panels on your outdoor fence, especially if you have a garden or landscaped area, to keep out unwanted visitors and animals. 

The Final Step

Are you ready to put your home up for sale and invest in your next piece of Wilmington, DE real estate? Let me help you decide which type of property best fits your needs for homeownership. Together we will work to find the best home for both you and your family. You can also learn more about the buying process at our FREE first-time home buyer seminars! 

As always, feel welcome to contact me for more information about homes for sale in Wilmington and Newark. I am here to help you with your home ownership goals!

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