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Updated Real Estate Market Stats for Delaware and Pennsylvania

Thursday, October 25, 2018
by Katina Geralis

We're back with another Delaware and Pennsylvania real estate market update! The market is always changing, especially as the seasons change, but homebuyer activity is still high in Delaware and Pennsylvania as buyers continue to shop year-round for properties on their smartphones, tablets, even email alerts with new listings! As you may have also noticed, sales prices are still climbing while inventory is still much lower than it has been in past years. But remember, this is just a snapshot! If you have questions about the market where you live, it is always best to contact your agent for an up-to-date look at the market. As your local experts, the Kat Geralis Home Team is here to help!

For the third quarter of 2018, there were 1,765 homes for sale— a 24.4 percent decrease in inventory from the same time last year. Try not to worry too much about this as lower inventory trend is not something only occurring here in Delaware and Pennsylvania; this is something going on all across the country! The median sales price saw a 2.7 percent increase, rising to $231,000 and the number of home sales rose slightly by 0.2 percent for a total of 2,054 total closed sales in Q3. 

The average sales price in New Castle County for the second quarter was $254,149, a 0.1 percent increase from this time last year! This is something to note, home sellers— now can be the perfect time to sell your home as buyers are still out searching for their dream homes! The percentage of the original price received also saw a 1.1 percent increase in Q3, coming in at 96.8 percent!

Inventory for the third quarter of 2018 posted a 24.8 percent drop from the previous year, totaling a 2.9 months supply. Again, this is something to keep in mind, homeowners! The market could use your home!

Updated real estate market stats can provide brief insight into the local real estate market, but they are just that— brief! Contact us today for more information about the market where you live in Delaware or Pennsylvania or with any questions you have about buying or selling a home before the end of the year!

We even offer FREE First-Time Home Buyer Seminars!

Give us a call today!
 

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
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Updated Real Estate Market Stats for New Castle County DE

Thursday, May 24, 2018
by Katina Geralis

 

Curious what's been happening in the local Delaware or Pennsylvania real estate market? You can always count on the Kat Geralis Home Team to share updated market stats! Just remember, real estate is hyper-local, so it is always wise to contact your agent for a current snapshot of the market where you live.

For the first quarter of 2018, there were 1,690 homes for sale— a 24.3 percent decrease in inventory from the same time last year. But before you begin to worry that the market is taking a dip, keep in mind that this isn't just the case in Delaware and Pennsylvania, lower inventory is a trend all over the country right now! The median sales price saw a 2.4 percent increase to $214,900 (a great sign for home sellers!) and the number of home sales dipped slightly to 1,362 total closed in Q1. 

The average sales price in New Castle County for the fourth quarter was $232,206, a 1.8 percent increase from this time last year— again great news for home sellers looking to get top dollar! The percentage of the original price received also saw a 2.3 percent increase in Q1, coming in at 95.9 percent!

Inventory for the first quarter of 2018 posted a 27.4 percent drop from the previous year, totaling a 2.9 months supply— another sign that the market is ready for your home! With the right real estate expert on your side, you can sell your home quickly and for top dollar— you might just even spark a bidding war!

Updated real estate market stats can provide brief insight into the local real estate market, but they are just that— brief! Contact us today for more information about the market where you live in Delaware or Pennsylvania or with any questions you have about buying or selling a home this year!

We even offer FREE First-Time Home Buyer Seminars!

Give us a call today!
 

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

 

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
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6 Reasons to Buy Your Delaware Home Now!

Thursday, February 7, 2013
by Katina Geralis

Have you been waiting to buy a home in Wilmington or Newark? If you have been waiting to see if home prices will come down, or you are waiting for spring, you could be missing a golden opportunity to buy a Delaware home! Here are 5 reasons why right now could be the best time to buy!

1. Home prices are moving higher. According to Trulia, Wilmington home prices between Nov 2012 and Jan 2013 were 7.2% higher than a year ago. Nationally, economists expect home prices to continue to gradually appreciate.

2. Mortgage interests rates are rising. The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts that rates will trend higher throughout 2013.

3. Rents are expected to go up. Nationally, rents averaged a 4% increase during 2012. As the economy continues to improve, monthly rents are expected to follow suit.

4. Mortgage rules are changing. New guidelines exist for FHA loans. Meanwhile, the Consumer Protection Act may influence the type of mortgage products that are available in the future. Another new rule, called the Qualified Residential Mortgage, could change the requirements for credit scores and down payment amounts.

5. Closings are faster off-season. Real estate sales have lower volumes this time of year, meaning there are few backlogs in mortgage underwriting, appraisals, and home inspections.

6. Sellers are motivated. New listings are coming on the market in February! There are homes on the market today that must be sold; there are banks waiting to approve short sales, but they need offers!

Your ideal home could be on the market right now! Why not take a look at the Wilmington and Delaware homes for sale?

First-time buyers should give themselves an advantage by attending a free home buying seminar! Be prepared for the opportunities in Delaware real estate by attending one of the upcoming seminars below. Just register for the date and time that work best for you!

February 16, 2013 - 10:00am in Newark, Delaware
February 16, 2013 - 1:00pm in Newark, Delaware
February 16, 2013 - 1:00pm in Dover, Delaware
 
Contact me for expert help with your home buying questions!
 

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

 

Faster Short Sale Process Helps Distressed Home Sellers in Delaware!

Thursday, January 24, 2013
by Katina Geralis

You may recall from a prior blog post that short sale changes were in the works for mortgage loans backed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Those rule changes became effective November 1, 2012, and Freddie Mac is calling the new short sale process a success!

While it hasn't been quite three months since the new processes became official, Freddie claims that short sale timelines are now faster by 50 to 75%!

This has many positive implications for Delaware real estate. A faster, more effective short sale process means that more deals will be successfully completed, instead of falling through due to delays. As a result, we will see fewer homes entering foreclosure, which is good news for property values.

Since the Mortgage Debt Relief Act has been extended, there is good incentive for distressed homeowners in Wilmington and Newark to pursue a short sale. All together, this news brightens the picture for Delaware home sales in 2013!

Here are highlights of the new short sale process for loans backed by Fannie and Freddie:

1. Homeowners who successfully complete a short sale can get up to $3,000 in relocation assistance.

2. The mortgage servicer on the "front lines" - namely the company that collects your mortgage payments - is authorized to approve short sales for qualifying situations. No more second-level reviews by Fannie/Freddie.

3. The mortgage servicer must acknowledge receipt of a short sale request within 3 days of its arrival.

4. If your home does not have any additional mortgages or liens that require third-party approval, the mortgage servicer needs to either approve or deny your short sale request within 30 days. If they need more time to make a decision for any reason, weekly status updates must be issued to the homeowner.

5. The short sale process should not exceed 60 days, even if another lien holder is involved.

There's just one catch to all this: in order for the above rules to apply, you must have a mortgage loan that is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. You can use the loan look-up tool on their websites to determine this; just click on the links above.

If you are a homeowner in Wilmington or Newark with a personal hardship, and you want to sell your home but you have negative equity - let me help! I have extensive experience in short sales and foreclosures, and I can guide you through the options that are available. I also have tips on avoiding foreclosure on my website.

First-time buyers who may be interested in purchasing a home through a short sale should attend a free home buying seminar! Be prepared for the opportunities in Delaware real estate by attending one of the upcoming seminars below. Just register for the date and time that work best for you!

February 16, 2013 - 10:00am in Newark, Delaware
February 16, 2013 - 1:00pm in Newark, Delaware
 

Contact me for expert help with any of your real estate questions!

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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