Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News Archives

As we head into late summer, now is the time to ensure your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania has had a proper check-up. Due to rising temperatures during these warmer months, you'll want to make sure your cooling system is in working order in addition to conducting an energy audit. Once these tasks have been completed at your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, you can enjoy the rest of the summer with few problems in sight!

Start an Energy Audit
Not as difficult as it sounds! Simply pick up a notepad and walk around your home looking for places energy might be able to escape. It has been said that a Delaware and Pennsylvania homeowner can save approximately 20% on heating and cooling bills just by plugging leaks, so take note of any cracks or gaps you see around the property. Doing an energy audit now before the cooler weather comes can save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Clean the Patio
Have you been enjoying your home's outdoor space this summer? While you're cleaning the rest of your home, give the patio a good sweeping and plan a quick spruce simply by cleaning the furniture! First, remove any cushions or pillows, washing those that are machine-safe, and spray down the furniture. The following recipe can be used to deep clean patio furniture:

2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP)
1/3 cup laundry soap powder
A quart of bleach
Three quarts of warm water

Clean the Walks
Over the summer, your sidewalks and driveway can begin to show signs of wear, as well as accumulate dirt and grime. You can easily rinse these away by renting a power washer. It's important while you're cleaning the sidewalks and driveway to be sure the water is running away from the foundation— if not, look for any cracks or gaps where water could seep into your Delaware and Pennsylvania home. If a problem arises, it might be wise to contact a home inspector.

All of these homeowner maintenance tasks can boost your home's appearance and even appeal to potential homebuyers in Delaware and Pennsylvania! If you're ready to sell this season, the Kat Geralis Home Team is here to help! Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your current property.

We even offer a FREE Home Seller e-Guide!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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Homebuyers are out in droves as the busy spring real estate season gets underway in Delaware and Pennsylvania. If you've already taken the steps to list your property in DE or PA or are planning to soon, the next step involves highlighting your home's key features that buyers will love.

The following elements of your home may seem like nothing to you, but to buyers, they could be just what they are looking for— Don't be afraid to point them out!

Location
You've heard the phrase "location, location, location" before and it never holds more true than when assessing your home's value. Is your home located near restaurants, shopping and entertainment? Do you have an excellent commute time from your neighborhood? Buyers will want to know! And as your real estate experts in Delaware and Pennsylvania, the Kat Geralis Home Team can help identify such selling points this year!

Storage
Many Delaware and Pennsylvania buyers are diving into the real estate market simply because their current home lacks storage; this is also one of the reasons current renters will make the transition to homeownership over the next few months. A large garage, walk-in closet or pantry just might spark the interest of a buyer whose sole purpose for moving is to gain more space.

Layout
While Millennials are expected to make a big impact on the real estate market this spring, another group ready to make a move is seniors. Those whose children are all grown and out of the house will be looking to downsize and features like a ranch-style layout, zero exterior steps and minimal upkeep will be high on their list.

We have helped many Delaware and Pennsylvania home sellers find the right buyer and we'd love to help you do the same! Give us a call today for more information on next steps toward listing your Delaware or Pennsylvania home!

We also offer a FREE Home Seller e-Guide! 

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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With home sales on the rise and home prices following suit, many Delaware and Pennsylvania residents will soon begin the process of listing their properties to take advantage of this exciting time in the market, as well as the warmer weather coming this spring! But one common disconnect between homeowners and their agents is the price at which they believe they should list the property. 

The price DE and PA homeowners have in mind is oftentimes not realistic for the local market and takes into account a variety of factors including their emotional ties to the home. Finding a comfortable price for you can be a major obstacle when selling your home and you may need to compromise— just take a look at these common reasons homeowners overprice their homes in Delaware and Pennsylvania:

You think your decor is the best
Naturally, your home will represent your unique tastes and style, but keep in mind that it may not do the same for other buyers. Your knick-knacks, bright colors on the walls and large furniture items can get in the way of buyers envisioning themselves living in the home, so take care to scale back on these during the selling process.

You have emotional ties
Homeowners who have lived in a property for several years will develop emotional ties to the home, especially if you've raised your family there. In your mind, the home's worth may be far more than what buyers are willing to pay, so remind yourself to be realistic and remove your homeowner hat. It's important to look at the property as a buyer, without emotional ties, in order to find an accurate price.

You want to make a major profit
Who doesn't want to make a profit when selling their Delaware or Pennsylvania home? This may tempt you to drive up the price, but don't be too hasty. Your home value is dependent on the current market, comparable properties and its condition. Just because you need a specific amount of money from the sale to purchase your next dream home does not mean you can or will sell your home for that amount.

If you're ready to start the process of selling your DE or PA home, give our experts at the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today! We even offer a FREE Home Seller E-Guide to get you the best information in an easy-to-read format!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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You've listed your Delaware or Pennsylvania home for sale and are ready to sit back and watch the offers roll in— after all, isn't it a seller's market? But the opposite happens. Maybe you've received a few offers, but they're too low. Maybe you've had showings, but no serious interest. Your home isn't selling as quickly as you'd like and you want to know why.

As your local real estate experts, we have compiled a list below of four common reasons why your Delaware or Pennsylvania home might not be selling in today's real estate market. 

You priced too high
When pricing your home, it's important to price with today's buyer in mind, as well as comparable properties in the area. If you price according to your emotions, you may be tempted to price too high— especially with all of the memories you have tied to the property. It is not uncommon for home sellers to believe their property is worth more than the market dictates, which can ultimately keep them from moving on.

It needs work
As a homeowner in Delaware or Pennsylvania, making repairs is always wise prior to listing as it will help you avoid problems during the inspection. But that's not all! Even small updates like fresh paint can boost your home's sale price! If you choose to leave everything as is, flaws and all, you could discourage buyers from taking any real interest or being scared away by the thought of what else the home may need repaired.

You're inflexible
Today's homebuyers are constantly searching for properties on their smartphones, their computers, you name it. If your property has made a buyer's short list and they attempt to schedule a showing, you will need to be flexible with your schedule to allow them inside. Making this process difficult for them can cause your home to "sit" on the market longer than necessary.

Clutter is king
Home staging can help a property sell both quicker and for more money, so be sure to follow at least a few of its guidelines! One of those is removing clutter. If your Delaware or Pennsylvania home is filled with large furniture that makes the space feel small, knick knacks, and other personal items, you could risk turning off a buyer immediately.

Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today for more information about successfully selling your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania or for a list of available homes in the area that might suit you next!

We even have a FREE Home Seller e-Guide! 

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

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 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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Selling your Delaware or Pennsylvania home during the holidays can be a lucrative move— if you pay close attention to important factors like pricing and of course, staging. Staging your property is one of the many elements that can help you to sell both quickly and for top dollar and as a seller in today's market, it is certainly something you won't want to skip over!  

As your local real estate experts in the Greater Wilmington and Southeastern PA area, we have included a few tips below for selling and staging your home during the holidays— so be sure to read before you begin to deck the halls!

Match your decorations to the style of your home
Keep your home's decor consistent during this time of year to create a cohesive vibe for homebuyers. For instance, if you have a more traditional home, keep the decor simple, classic, and elegant. If you have a more modern home, bring in modern decor and stick to a minimalist color palette. 

Try not to be too personal
The holidays do evoke nostalgia, as well as family memories you may have made in your home, but it's important to not be too personal when it comes to decor. You can still deck the halls with your favorite ornaments, lights, and the like, but try to save the "Baby's First Christmas" photos and "World's Best Mom" items for the next holiday in your new home. Remember that buyers want to be able to envision themselves in the home, so it's best to create a neutral space without overly personal decor. 

Skip the lawn ornaments
You may love your inflatable Frosty that sits on your front lawn, but today's buyers are easily turned off by loud, garish holiday decor. After all, they may not be able to focus on the exterior of the home itself if they are distracted by glittering reindeer, life-size snow globes, and flashing lights. Pass on the lawn ornaments this year and keep it simple with white lights.

Keep holiday cards organized
Stringing up your holiday cards in a garland-style across your kitchen is a fun holiday pastime, but not when you're selling your home. Keep holiday cards organized by storing them in a drawer or in a basket if you're trying to impress buyers.

Light a fire
Selling your home during the holidays can be a smart move as this tends to be a highly emotional time of year. Buyers are looking for a home where they can begin their own holiday traditions, host gatherings, or watch their family making memories— create a cozy feeling by lighting a fire if you have a fireplace or making sure the property is warm when they come in from the cold.

Ready to move on to begin the new year in a new Delaware or Pennsylvania home? Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today for more information about next steps and finding your home value! 

Happy holidays!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
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As you may have heard by now, the real estate market has much less inventory than it has in past years. We even shared in our last market stats post that inventory for Q2 of 2017 was standing around a 3.9 months supply— a 21 percent decrease from the previous year. But does that mean you should shy away from listing your Wilmington DE or Southeastern PA home this fall? No! 

The real estate market could use your home and if you've been thinking about selling, below are the top tips for a successful sale during this time of year:

Clean up the yard
This time of year, the leaves have started to change and fall and may be cluttering up your yard. Take the time to rake all of the debris currently in your yard to make a nice impression on potential buyers who may drive by or arrive for a showing.

Ramp up curb appeal
Curb appeal helps to create cozy, welcoming feelings in Wilmington DE or Newark DE buyers, so start with your front door! Add seasonal mums on either side and consider adding a subtle fall wreath to welcome buyers inside.

Warm up the house
When the weather begins to turn cold, you'll want to make sure that your Delaware or Pennsylvania home is warm for buyers. Turn up the heat to allow for a comfortable temperature inside and consider painting your living room walls a neutral, warm color to appeal to buyers.

Clean the fireplace
If your Southeastern PA home has a fireplace, this time of year is the perfect window to show it off! Gas fireplaces can be lit when buyers arrive, but if your wood-burning fireplace hasn't been cleaned, now is your opportunity to call the professionals and have it ready for the colder months ahead.

Turn on the lights
Buyers today are looking for natural light in properties, but if your home lacks a wealth of windows, you can still create that illusion by turning on all of the lights. Especially as it begins to get darker earlier, make sure all of the lights are on for buyers so the home feels warmer, more open, and of course, friendlier. 

Do not hesitate to contact the Kat Geralis Home Team with any questions about selling your home this fall or which steps you should take to list your home. We're here to help!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
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September is here and it's time to start getting your home ready for the fall season ahead. Say goodbye to summer by putting away garden tools, patio furniture and cleaning the gutters to make way for the falling leaves. 

As your local real estate experts in Wilmington DE and Southeastern PA, the Kat Geralis Home Team has listed five home improvement tasks to complete around your home this month:

Clean up siding
During the summer months, the siding on your home can easily become mildewed and damaged. Check for cracks in the siding that may need repaired and take the time to pressure wash away any dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the last few months. You will want to have any issues fixed before the cold arrives!

Check windows and doors
The seals around windows and doors become increasingly important during the fall and winter as they can let warm air escape and cold air enter. Check these seals in your Wilmington DE area home and if you spot a place where air can escape, you can apply a new bead of caulk or weatherstripping depending on its location.

Clean the chimney
If you have a fireplace in your Southeastern PA home, now is the time to have it swept for use in the fall and winter. The build up of soot can make you more prone to a chimney fire, so it's best to let the pros tackle this job.

Have HVAC inspected
When you go to reach for the thermostat this fall, you will want to know everything is in working order. Call your local technician to have your HVAC system inspected now and take care to change out your furnace filter. There is often a long waiting list to have systems inspected when the weather turns cold, so avoid this obstacle and cross it off your list now!

Clean and store yard equipment
It's time to put away the gardening tools, patio furniture, garden hose, and the like. While you may use them a few more times in the coming weeks, you can at least clean them now to ensure they will not rust or become damaged once in storage. Clear a space in the garage or shed to store all of your yard equipment and outdoor furniture and once you've decided to call it for the season, you'll know exactly where they go!

Ready to make a move this fall? Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today for more information about selling your home and finding your next dream property in Greater Wilmington, Chester County and Delaware County PA!

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
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

Now that we’re in the midst of summer, the real estate market has seen a rapid increase in buyer demand! Buyers are out in droves in Greater Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania, ready to find their dream homes, however they are also being met with limited inventory. How do you know what the market is like in your area? You can always count on the Kat Geralis Home Team to keep you updated with how the current real estate market in Wilmington, Newark, Chester County, Delaware County, New Castle County and beyond is behaving. Just take a look at the following statistics!

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