Kat Geralis Home Team Wilmington DE Real Estate News

Spring is almost here! And with many homebuyers and home sellers preparing to jump into Wilmington, Newark real estate and move to new homes this season, it's a great time to explore the surrounding communities and attend local events in the area.

Below are just a few events you can plan to attend this spring in Wilmington and Newark:

A Day with Dinosaurs
Through February 24, 2014; 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Delaware Museum of Natural History
Wilmington DE

There's a dinosaur in Wilmington— located at the Delaware Museum of Natural History! Spend a day with these extraordinary creatures and take the opportunity to get up close to the Hadrosaurus skeleton from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Guests can learn how scientists determine what dinosaurs may have looked like with this exhibit.

Etch A Sketch People, Presidents and Places
Through March 2, 2014; Tues-Sun 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Delaware Children's Museum
Wilmington DE

This is a great event for the whole family! Find out how artist Tim George creates curves with straight lines on Etch A Sketch toys with over 50 artworks. Including portraits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Delaware’s own U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Jr., each of the 44 U.S. Presidents from George Washington to Barack Obama, and landmarks from around the country, such as Mount Rushmore and the White House. You can even try your own artwork on the Etch A Sketch!

Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Take on the Capital One All-Stars
February 22, 2014; Game begins at 6:30 PM, Doors open at 5:30
University of Delaware Fred Rust Ice Arena
Newark DE 

On February 22, head out to watch the Philadelphia Flyers Alumni Hockey Team take on the Capital One 360 All-Stars. The legends will take to the ice at 6:30 PM, with doors opening at 5:30 to begin a silent auction and autograph opportunity with Flyers legend Brian Propp. Fun for the whole family can be found at this event with many activities and sports excitement planned for the evening!

DEEC Egg Drop Challenge
February 23, 2014; 1 PM to 3 PM
DuPont Environmental Education Center
Wilmington DE

A springtime activity and chance to have fun despite the winter weather! The second annual DEEC Family Egg Drop Challenge is the perfect event for teaming up with your family to win a prize! In this event, family members will take off on a scavenger hunt, earn points, and use the points to "purchase" materials to protect their team egg. The objective is to drop the egg off on the balcony, but will yours make it to the end? 

45th Annual Dollars for Scholars Book Sale
February 27, 2014 through March 14, 2014; Thu-Sat 10 AM - 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM - 5 PM
Concord Mall
Wilmington DE

Come out and support college scholarships for Delaware women in the area's largest sale of gently-used books, Dollars for Scholars. This year marks the 45th annual Dollars for Scholars Used Book Sale, presented by the Wilmington branch of the American Association of University Women. Most items are priced from $1 to $5 and include more than 50 categories from books to CDs and DVDs to puzzles. 

Ready to begin the process of buying Wilmington, DE real estate this spring? Contact us today and we can 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 Homebuyer Seminars! 

Katina Geralis
Wilmington, DE Real Estate Expert
Keller Williams Realty
Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
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With mortgage rates and housing prices on the rise, Wilmington and Newark DE homebuyers should consider buying homes in the area before the busy spring buying season. And not just because more homebuyers will be in the market to compete with— according to Realtor.com, home prices posted double-digit gains in 2013 and will only continue to increase as the new year goes on.

Home Prices Up Again
A trend that is not likely to go anywhere soon, more price increases are coming to Wilmington, Newark real estate. KCM reports that "Prices are projected to appreciate by over 25% from now to 2018. It would be rise to act now, but many homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, will what until spring and encounter a higher mortgage rate as well. In looking at the numbers over the past few months, it is inevitable homebuyers will end up paying more for the same home down the line if they wait to purchase.

Rent Increasing
More hikes are on the horizon for renters everywhere— making the investment of homeownership increasing more appealing. For instance, did you know that the net worth of the average homeowner is 30 times greater than that of a renter? Whether you buy homes in Wilmington and Newark or rent, you're still paying a mortgage— it just may be your landlord's. Make the investment now, save yourself money in the long run, and you could call yourself a homeowner by spring.

Home Sellers Motivated
And while these new housing price hikes should give a push to homebuyers to purchase Wilmington real estate before they increase again, home sellers are seeing a similar push. “We expect the rising prices to attract more sellers, unlocking this pent-up supply, which will have a moderating effect on prices in 2014,” said one real estate economist. 

These home sellers may have previously been underwater in their Wilmington and Newark area homes and are now entering positive territory. The rising numbers on the housing price and mortgage rate front should offer the motivation to sell and be able to move to a new home in the area that they have likely been waiting to do.

Regardless, “the healthy and broad-based gains in home prices in 2013 help set the stage for the continued recovery in the housing sector in 2014,” another real estate economist told Realtor.com. “After six years of fits and starts, we can now see a clearer path to a durable recovery in single-family residential housing across most of the U.S.”

Are you ready to begin the process of buying Wilmington, DE real estate? 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 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
Follow me on Twitter

2013 saw a major recovery in the Wilmington real estate market and 2014 is expected to continue that trend. This year, homebuyers and home sellers alike will benefit from Wilmington, Newark real estate as the market continues to strengthen.  

In fact, according to MSN Real Estate, "Most experts predict a slower, steadier, more even "pace" this year in most of the country, even as mortgage rates and home values inch up." And while limited inventories may not be at the forefront of this year's Wilmington DE real estate market, there are a few other things to keep in mind when buying homes in Wilmington and Newark this year.  

Buy When You're Ready
Don't feel the need to buy a home in Delaware during the busy spring and summer real estate rushes. And don't feel out of the loop because you didn't strike during the hot market pick-up last year. You may have been able to get a better mortgage rate, yes, but you should buy a home when you and your finances are ready. The right time to buy a home will always be when you can afford it.  

Buying a Home is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
When you purchase a laptop or new phone, the process is quick. You find what you like and you buy it— not the same with real estate. Take your time finding the right home for you, not just one that will simply "do" for now because you can't find anything similar to what you truly want to own. Just as MSN Real Estate says, "Remember that a home is your place to live first and an investment second. Take the time you need to find the right home."  

Don't Crunch the Numbers on Your Own
If you're in the market to buy a new home, you're liking reading real estate articles and watching the news to hear all kinds of data and statistics on rates and levels. Don't crunch the numbers on your own! Consult your real estate agent and keep your own goals and numbers at the top of your mind. When you have questions about what you hear, consult your real estate agent.

Keep It Local
Real estate is all about the local markets. What's happening in other areas of the country that makes headline news is not necessarily happening or characteristic of the real estate market in Wilmington and Newark. Remember that our area of the country has its own real estate identity— if you have questions, just ask. The best thing you can do is chat with someone who has the knowledge of the area and the market.

Are you ready to take a look at the area homes for sale and begin the process of buying 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 Homebuyer 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 homeownership 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 

Want to learn more about the Wilmington and Newark real estate market? 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!

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 Wilmington homes for sale or Newark, DE real estate this year! 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

The local Wilmington DE real estate market saw an improvement in 2013, with housing prices improving, more homeowners gaining positive equity in their homes, and builder confidence on the up and up. Forbes recently released a list of predictions for the coming year and as it turns out, 2014 will be another great year for real estate in the Wilmington and Newark DE area. 

More Inventory
2013's housing market saw a shortage of homes for sale in Wilmington and going forward, homebuyers will see a change in inventory numbers. According to Realtor.com, inventory has been softening since February and will continue to do so in 2014. "New construction and rising prices should bring more homes, both new and old, on to the market in 2014, helping inventory return to traditional levels," the industry insider reported.

Mortgage Rates Will Increase
Mortgage rates have been seen rising in Wilmington real estate and will continue to increase. In fact, by the end of 2014, mortgage rates will be hovering around the 5 percent range— but homebuyers should note, rates near 5 percent are still relatively low. In Forbes' list of housing predictions, a prediction is included from Zillow which suggests "rates will hit 5% by the end of 2014–well up from the 4′s and 3′s of late, but still well within normal levels." 

Home Prices Will Rise
In 2014, real estate insiders Redfin and Zillow are predicting home prices will rise somewhere between 3 and 5 percent. This is a similar increase to what Wilmington homebuyers saw in 2013 where prices jumped 5 percent and in some hotspot areas in the country, more than 20 percent. This coming year, with mortgage rates increasing and more expensive home prices, the rate at which these prices climb will begin to slow and stabilize in local housing markets. This is also driven by more homeowners moving out of the underwater status in their homes and more new construction powered by builder confidence in the area.

Fewer Homeowners Will be Underwater
Again, more homeowners are regaining positive equity in their homes and this trend is set to continue through 2014. According to Realtor.com, "rising prices helped 2.5 million homeowners with underwater mortgages regain positive equity status during the second quarter of 2013," and while millions of homeowners are still underwater in their homes, that number will shrink significantly in 2014.

Ready to take advantage of the seller's market and sell your Wilmington home? Let us help you with your selling 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

Annual Holiday Art Market
Through December 31, 2013; 11 AM to 3 PM Tues-Sun, 11 AM to 6 PM Thurs. and Sat.
Newark Arts Alliance, Newark DE

A great place to pick up last minute holiday gifts and creative bits for those on your list! Shop for locally-made art and crafts for holiday gift giving at this FREE Newark event. All art by local artists is guaranteed to be unique and to make your loved ones feel special. There will be 11 artists selling jewelry, mosaics, felt ornaments, photography, watercolors, handweaving, fiber art, pottery, tie dye and batik and window ornaments. A portion of the proceeds benefits NAA programs. 

Santa Claus Express
Through December 22, 2013; 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM
Wilmington and Western Railroad, Greenbank Railroad Station
Wilmington DE

Why stand in line at the mall and wait to see Santa when you can ride the train and have Santa come to you? The Jolly Old Elf himself rides the train and greets everyone on board and gives all children a chocolate treat. PLUS he may even bring Mrs. Claus with him! Be sure to bring the camera and have Santa pose for pictures with your child during this 1½-hour round-trip to Ashland. This event is powered by one of the railroad's antique steam locomotives. 

The Sound of Christmas
December 14, 2013; 8 PM
Grand Opera House, Wilmington DE

A festive opportunity to listen to the sounds of the season at Grand Opera House in Wilmington. Come enjoy familiar songs of the holidays starring Elisabeth von Trapp, acclaimed granddaughter of the "Sound of Music" family, with the Carolina Brass.

Christmas Brunch at the Rail
December 22, 2013; 10 AM to 2 PM
White Clay Creek Country Club at Delaware Park
Wilmington DE

Reservations are required for this special holiday brunch in Wilmington. There will be special performances by "The Yuletide Singers" to give the event a festive flair at 11 AM, Noon, and 1 PM. Guests can also partake in pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 10 AM to 2 PM.

The Nutcracker at the DuPont Theatre
December 21 and 22, 2013; Saturday 2 PM and 7 PM, Sunday 2 PM and 6 PM
DuPont Theatre, Wilmington DE

Presented by Wilmington Ballet Academy of The Dance, this holiday event is one for the whole family! Come watch this classic production of The Nutcracker, featuring New York City Ballet principal dancers and music by Wilmington Ballet orchestra and chorus.

The Nutcracker at The Grand
December 21 and 22, 2013; Saturday 2 PM and 7 PM, Sunday 2 PM
Grand Opera House, Wilmington DE

A second opportunity to enjoy this age-old production that's always a crowd favorite. At the Grand Opera House, First State Ballet Theatre will present its magical production of The Nutcracker staged by Kirov trained artistic director, Pasha Kambalov, and featuring spectacular dancing by the company's 22 professional dancers, beautiful costumes created in Russia and Tchaikovsky's beloved score.

Want to learn more about the Wilmington and Newark areas? 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!

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

Many homebuyers have the mindset that moving to a new home in the Wilmington or Newark DE area is a hassle during the winter months, but what they might not know is that buying real estate this time of year is actually beneficial! For home sellers, here's why you'll want to sell your Wilmington home before spring:

Serious Buyers
This homebuyers in the Wilmington DE real estate market this holiday season are serious about buying a home. You can be assured there will be less "looks" and more serious inquiries at this time of year as spring is technically where more homebuyers come out to simply begin their searches.

Less Inventory
During the holidays, there will be less inventory for homebuyers to choose from. And the lower the number of homes for sale in Wilmington, the more likely a serious homebuyer will be to choose your home from those available. 

All about the Homebuyer
When it comes to buying a home during the holiday season, homebuyers are more emotional which means they are more likely to become attached to a home that catches their eye. Some homebuyers are also interested in buying Wilmington real estate before the end of the year for tax purposes. It's all about the homebuyer this time of year! 

You Can Capture the Market
January is a time when many employees begin new jobs and you as a home seller can capture that market by having a home for sale during the next month. Also, due to the limited inventory of Wilmington homes, you can place a higher price tag on your home and expect to see a sale price at or close to that number. You as a home seller have power during the holidays.

Ready to begin your Wilmington, DE home search or sell your current home? 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

Finding the perfect home in Wilmington DE can be challenging— especially if you have an extensive home feature wish list. Have you been searching for homes for sale in Wilmington DE or Newark DE? Let us help you with your homebuyer questions and make the right decision in purchasing Wilmington real estate. Below are a few homes for sale in Wilmington and Newark— take a look and contact us with any questions or to view more properties in the Wilmington/Newark real estate market. We even offer FREE first-time homebuyer seminars!

1402 Clinton St
Wilmington DE 
4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 1 half bath
3125 square ft.

Price: $600,000

SUPER! City-Chic home loaded with updates & close to Rockford Park! Newer construction, contemporary floor plan w/over 3000 SF. Dramatic 2-story entry with turned staircase lead to formal Living Dining rm. Bright space w/tall designer windows, Hardwood floors throughout, track & recessed accent lighting. Spectacular Gourmet kitchen with upgraded cabinets, quartz counters, oversized island with 5-burner Dacor cooktop & breakfast bar, Dacor wall ovens; informal dining area with slider to lovely screened porch overlooking backyd landscaping & fenced yard. Adjoining cozy family room with woodburning fireplace. 

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402 Saint Regis Dr
Newark DE 
4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1 half bath
2300 square ft.

Price: $315,000

PRICE REDUCED! Come see this BEST BUY in Chapel Woods! Colonial style home w/Contemporary design, situated on a private lot. Enter into the 2-story Foyer w/vaulted ceilings. Formal Living & Dining rooms feature NEW hardwood floors. Tastefully decorated w/neutral colors, abundantly bright and open floor plan. Kitchen features large breakfast room w/ NEW wrap around counter space and large pantry. Newer appliances include smoothtop range, dishwasher and microwave. Relax on the large, rear deck overlooking tall, mature trees and fully fenced yard. 

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2 Michael Townsend Ct
Newark DE
4 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms | 1 half bath
2775 square ft.

Price: $399,900

Price REDUCED 20k! MASTERPEICE HOME located in the sought after Preserve at Lafayette! This gorgeous brick colonial features a dramatic 2-story foyer,9' ceilings and many special upgrades throughout. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining. You will be captivated by cathedral ceilings, beautiful hardwood flooring, crown molding and chair rail that accentuate the home. The gourmet kitchen boasts upgraded 42" cabinetry, center island, Stainless appliances and Corian countertops. A separate family room with gas fireplace and a home office are added bonuses.

View Property

Want to see more properties like these? 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!

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