Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News Archives

With spring nearly here, what better time is there to "green" your Delaware or Pennsylvania home than now? It's actually easier than you think to turn your home into an eco paradise and you probably have all you need already on hand!

Make it a weekend project or go room by room this week to spring clean and spring green the property. What's more, when you're ready to sell your Delaware or Pennsylvania home, buyers will notice that your home is already up to "green" standards or on it's way— which is a major plus!

Detox the Bedroom
An easy way to "green" your bedroom is to detox all of the linens and especially the curtains. You may wash your sheets and bed linens often, but how about your pillows? Cleaning your pillows will help keep toxins and dust mites at bay. You can also keep mold away in the bedroom by opening your curtains and shades and letting the sun take care of any extra moisture. Go the extra step by letting the sun shine on your bed linens for the same effect.

Reduce VOCs
There may be a few non eco-friendly products in your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania— for instance, cleaning products, paint and chemicals. An easy way to clear out the bad is to toss the cleaning products that contain chemicals like formaldehyde and purchase "green" cleaning products. Look for products and paint that do not include VOCs in their contents. Always check labels to make sure you're not purchasing harmful products.

Eco-Lighting
Switch your light bulbs to CFL, eco-efficient bulbs. According to Bright Nest, "CFL is an acronym for 'compact fluorescent lights,' and they function as an alternative to incandescent bulbs." These bulbs do not lose energy to heat and consume less power.

Recycle!
Come up with an easy recycling plan for your home. If you don't already have them, purchase containers that will hold your paper, glass, plastics and place them in easy to reach places. You may even want to visit your local recycling center to find out what you can and cannot recycle in your area. After that, post instructions near your home recycling center so you can gather all of the right products in the right bins.

As your Delaware and Pennsylvania real estate experts, the Kat Geralis Home Team is happy to help you prepare your home for sale.

Contact us today with any questions you may have about our local real estate market!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
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The listing price of your Delaware or Pennsylvania home is one of the most important aspects of the entire selling process. In fact, if the listing price is not reasonable from the very beginning, you could risk a whole segment of buyers passing over your property. What's more, there is one specific factor that will have the final say when it comes to what your Delaware or Pennsylvania home sells for and it could make or break the deal— the appraisal.

If the appraised value of your home comes back too far from the listing price, any deal you come to with a buyer could fall through. Below are four ways to get ready for your home appraisal so you can ensure your property is shown with its best foot forward:

Develop a critical eye
Walk around your home as if you were a buyer. Notice even small details like a leaky faucet, running toilet, or nails that have popped through the wall. You will want to make one big list of these items and start to tackle them one by one. It helps to have a critical eye when you're a home seller in Delaware or Pennsylvania to make sure everything—even chipped paint—has been accounted for! 

Complete improvement tasks
Do you know of any repairs that need to be made around your home? It's time to mark them off of your list before the appraiser arrives! You do not need to do full-scale renovations at this point, but fixing issues like squeaky windows or doors, clogged gutters or a faulty light fixture will all be helpful to the process.

Clean and organize
Cleaning and de-cluttering your home will help to showcase the property in the best way possible for the appraiser. Remember that your appraiser's opinion of your home could ultimately make or break the sale, so it's important that they are not left with a negative impression. 

Consult your real estate agent
One of the other factors that determines your property's appraised value is comparable sales in the area. Your real estate agent can help pull comparable properties that have sold in the last six months for the appraiser to help give them an idea— whether or not the appraiser uses that to make the decision is up to them, but this is always a helpful step!

Give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today for more information about selling your home!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty
Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
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Many Delaware and Pennsylvania homeowners tend to believe spring is the best time to list their property and prepare to move on to a better, more suitable home. And while they may not be wrong, it is important to note that selling is not always the best answer for every scenario. Depending on how long you've spent in the home and your location—among other factors—it may be ideal to consider staying put and simply making a few improvements. 

Below are five questions to ask yourself as you determine whether to sell or renovate your Delaware or Pennsylvania home this spring:

How long have you been in the home?
If you have spent decades in your Delaware or Pennsylvania home, it may be time to consider a move to a new property that better suits your tastes and space needs now. However, if it's been less than five years, consider staying a little longer. It may be best to determine what improvements could be made to allow the property to better accommodate you and your family. 

Do you know what renovation requires?
Renovation is an exciting concept— dreaming up changes to your Delaware or Pennsylvania home and seeing them come to life. But just keep in mind that real life renovation is not a real estate reality TV show. These projects can take much more money than you anticipate and last much longer than planned. Be sure to cover all of your bases, from required permits to budget, before you decide to start your projects. 

Will your projects over-improve your home?
Home prices in Delaware and Pennsylvania are, for the most part, based on comparable properties in the area. It is important that your renovation won't over-improve your home so much that you price it out of the neighborhood when the time does come to sell.

Have I outgrown the home or will I soon?
Many buyer motives in today's real estate market is space— a lack of it! Take stock of your storage and family needs in terms of bedrooms and living space. Have you already outgrown your home? Can you see yourself needing more space in the near future? If so, it may be best to consider moving on now!

Could my location be better?
For homeowners everywhere, location is one of the most important priorities! There's a reason why location, location, location is a common phrase in real estate. Where is your home located in Delaware or Pennsylvania? Do you like your neighborhood? What are home prices like in your area? If you can think of a better place your home could be located, consider selling and moving to your ideal area. If not, it is likely best to stay put and make the necessary improvements to your home. 

Do not hesitate to contact the Kat Geralis Home Team for more information to help you make this important Renovate vs. Sell decision this spring! We have walked numerous homeowners through the process and are here to help you do the same!

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

Especially during the winter months, once all of the holiday decor is put away, Delaware and Pennsylvania homeowners start to play with how to make their living spaces feel both brighter and larger. After all, homebuyers today are looking for that open, airy layout! There are dozens of easy ways to go about it, and even if you are working with a smaller footprint in your Delaware or Pennsylvania area home, you can count on the Kat Geralis Home Team for expert tips!

Below are five ways you can make your Delaware and Pennsylvania home both look and feel larger:

Don't empty the room
If you're already prepping to sell the home—maybe you've even moved on to another property—don't feel tempted to leave the rooms empty. You may think this makes the spaces feel larger, but it can actually confuse buyers as they have no point of reference for their own furniture or if there is enough room for entertaining.

Highlight focal points
As you are arranging furniture, mind the focal points of the rooms. Do you have a great picture window? How about a fireplace? Consider these in your seating arrangements and furniture placement to draw attention to them without letting the space feel cluttered. For example, you wouldn't want to place a chair in front of that window and block the view!

Do a furniture edit
It may seem obvious that clutter will cause your Delaware or Pennsylvania home to feel smaller, but just to be certain you're not going down that road, do a furniture "edit." Opt for a smaller loveseat and chairs instead of a large sectional, remove knick knacks and excess decor items like baskets that could be taking up vital floor space.

Stay neutral
Deep, bold colors may be trendy, but not when it comes to selling your Delaware or Pennsylvania home and creating an illusion of a larger space. Stick to a neutral palette as it will appeal to more buyers and trick the eye into thinking the space is airier and more open than it actually is.

Let in the light
We may not currently have much to work with in the middle of winter, but you will want to let in as much light as possible! Before buyers arrive, turn on all of the lights, replacing any dim bulbs, and open all of the curtains. If you have exterior lights, be sure to turn those on as well.

As always, if you have any questions about buying or selling a home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, do not hesitate to reach out! The Kat Geralis Home Team is here to help!

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

Many homeowners in Delaware and Pennsylvania believe spring and summer are the best, if not the only, time to sell— but that is not always the case! In fact, it is this idea that brings a wave of new inventory to the market every spring and thus, increases competition among home sellers!

Instead, consider the benefits of selling your home during the holidays or the winter season, in general. There are numerous factors that make this time of year one of the best to move on and the Kat Geralis Home Team is happy to share a few with you below!

The lack of competition
Just as I mentioned above, there are simply fewer homes for sale in Delaware and Pennsylvania during the winter months. Because many homeowners prepare and renovate their homes in the winter in order to list in the spring, the inventory tends to remain on the lower side this time of year. By selling your home now, you can give your home more time in the spotlight than any other time of year!

Buyers are more likely to notice your home now as they will have fewer properties to overwhelm them!

Buyers are ready to move
Just before the start of the new year, homebuyers in Delaware and Pennsylvania grow increasingly motivated to change their scenery and settle into a new home. Or they may have a strong reason to— job changes and relocation are two common factors for moving into a new home before the new year.

Holiday decor
While we may not have any snow in Delaware and Pennsylvania, the holiday season does evoke magical feelings for buyers. Seeing properties lit up at night or draped in festive greenery can help buyers feel more at home and see themselves (and their own decorations!) in the new space. Listing your home this time of year can play to your advantage simply due to the charm of the season.

Remember, if you're thinking about waiting until spring to sell your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, so is everybody else! Contact the Kat Geralis Home Team today to discuss how you can take advantage of the winter season by listing now!

Ready to get started on listing your home before 2020 comes? We even offer FREE Home Valuations and FREE Home Seller e-Guides!

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

As we get closer to the official start of winter in Delaware and Pennsylvania and temperatures continue to drop, homeowners would be wise to consider whether they are prepared for winter storms ahead. While some may feel prepared for any weather coming our way, others will be scrambling to de-ice sidewalks and driveways and protect pipes after the fact. 

As your local Delaware and Pennsylvania real estate experts, the Kat Geralis Home Team is happy to provide a few suggestions to protect your property from winter weather and help you stay as stress-free as possible through these hectic holiday months.

Remember, the cold, winter conditions can wreak havoc on your home and it's important to take the following steps ahead of time:

Shut off outdoor faucets
Be sure to shut off inside valves for your outdoor faucets and unhook hoses. Any excess water left in the exterior faucets should be drained ahead of a snowfall in Delaware and Pennsylvania. When the temperatures dip low, the pipes leading to these faucets are susceptible to damage, so you might also consider wrapping them in a towel for added insulation.

Protect indoor pipes
Cold air can also put your indoor pipes at risk of bursting. Open your cabinet doors under the sink to allow warm air from your home to circulate inside. If necessary, you can always turn up the heat inside your Delaware or Pennsylvania home to warm up the pipes.

Clean the gutters
Prior to a snowstorm, your gutters should be clear of any leaves as ice dams can form and flood your home.

Purchase salt and sand
Sprinkling salt or sand ahead of a snowfall can actually cut down on your shoveling time! A few hours before the snowfall, toss on walkways and driveways to be safe.

Check carbon monoxide detectors
Gas appliances and wood-burning fireplaces have the potential to produce carbon monoxide, so it is always wise to conduct a routine check of your detectors. 

As your local Delaware and Pennsylvania real estate experts, the Kat Geralis Home Team is here to answer any questions you might have about buying or selling a home in the winter months—as well as year-round—so do not hesitate to contact us!

And if moving is on your agenda before 2020, we even offer FREE Home Valuations and FREE Home Seller e-Guides!

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

With the majority of buyers today starting their home search online, it is important to wow them during this initial look. If Delaware and Pennsylvania buyers see something they don't like just from flipping through listing photos, they are less likely to ever make it to the front door for a showing or visit an open house.

So how do you pique the interest of buyers in Delaware and Pennsylvania without turning them off?

Below are five things you will want to avoid as a home seller in our area:

Do not convert your garage
Keep in mind that a large number of buyers who will begin house hunting this spring are first-timers who are tired of renting, with others simply in the market for more space (which includes a place to park their car). Avoid converting your garage to anything other than what it was intended for— that means no living room, gym or media space.

Do not convert your spare bedrooms
If you have multiple bedrooms in your Delaware or Pennsylvania home, you can get by with keeping one as an office space while it is on the market as this can easily be changed back. But if you have built-in media equipment, wine storage, craft or workbenches in additional bedrooms, it could be a major turn-off for buyers who are looking for more space for their family.

Do not lay carpet over hardwood
Buyers today love wood floors, so don't cover them up if you have them! Older homes are more likely to have a layer of carpet over wood flooring and you might consider removing it before buyers arrive.

Do not leave out your dog accessories
Of course you love your pets, but a potential buyer may not. Pick up any toys or beds that are scattered around the house and consolidate them to one area.

Do not install bold fixtures
A helpful rule of thumb for Delaware and Pennsylvania home sellers this year is to create a neutral space that appeals to the majority of buyers. That means swapping out your over the top light fixtures with those more on the simple side. 

Selling your home may seem like uncharted territory if you're not familiar with the process, but we have decades of experience in assisting homeowners! Give the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today with any questions you have about listing your home or how you can prepare your property for the real estate market. 

We even offer 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

When you've decided to list your home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, it may seem like your to-do list grows longer and longer. You will need to start searching for a new home, clearing the clutter and packing up to make your move a bit easier when the time comes. But it doesn't end there! One more added stress for you may be keeping your home buyer-ready for showings.

There are dozens of little tasks you can check off to prepare your home for a showing in minutes and as your local real estate experts in Delaware and Pennsylvania, I am sharing a few with you below!

Mop or vacuum
Complete a quick cleaning of the floors in your entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. If necessary, spot clean debris on the floor with a sponge or towel.

Dust screens and furniture
The last thing a buyer wants to see if dust lingering in the air or on your furniture. Dust your coffee table or end tables, TV screens and computer monitors before they arrive.

Remove clutter from counters
Small appliances, knick knacks, mail and other miscellaneous items should be cleared off of counters and stored elsewhere. After you've removed these, wipe down all of the counters to ensure they are clean.

Make the beds
This task takes just a few minutes and can make a world of difference in helping a room look put together. 

Empty trash cans
You do not want any lingering odors in your home when buyers arrive for a showing, so make sure all trash cans have been emptied.

Turn on the lights
Letting light into your Delaware or Pennsylvania home can help it feel lighter, airier and larger. Turn on all of the lights in your home and open the blinds or drapes to let in more sun. If necessary, clean your windows so they are free of streaks.

The Kat Geralis Home Team has years of experience in helping homeowners sell their properties and move on to their next dream homes! If you're ready to do just that, contact us today!

We even offer 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

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
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

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
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook