Winter 2015

Delaware Housing Market 2015 Forecast

My email box is full of economists' forecasts for the 2015 housing market.

Looking at the  housing market as a whole, the consensus is that the market will be even better in 2015 than it was in 2014. What does this mean for in Delaware? That depends on which part of Delaware we look at. Continue reading ?

Southern DE: Lewes Makes Top 10 Retirement Cities

Florida may be "Yesterday," but at #10, Lewes, Delaware is SO Today! According to Yahoo Travel, "The town of Lewes, Delaware is quieter than its neighbor to the sout h, Rehoboth Beach . But there are plenty of waterfront activities to enjoy here; ferries run to and from Cape May. And cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and  Wilmington can be reached within a few hours by car." Continue reading ?
Did you know that people over 45 prefer to live near family, and within reach of basic services, and Delaware is only a 4 hour drive to 80% of the US population!

Northern DE: Retail Growth in Middletown 
An article titled, "Retail On The Rise In Middletown," is worth reading if you are looking to move to an area convenient to the Northeast Corridor of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.
Middletown's popularity is evident with our Boomer Clients looking to take advantage of Delaware's prime location to their family and friends. There are many 55+ neighborhood options , tax advantages and more. Continue reading ?

Buying A New Home vs. Buying A Car
When it was time to buy a new car, did you visit a dozen or more car dealers, registering with each one? And if you did give them your information, how many calls did you get and how many emails did you receive?

   Buying a new home is like buying a car in that the new home sales people are employees of the builder much like a new car salesman is employed by the Dealership. They represent the Builder, aka, the SELLER. They are not REALTORS?, they do not represent you, the BUYER. What's the best way for you, the BUYER, to be represented? Continue reading ? 
   Watch our website for new communities coming online including the Village at 5 Points, Lewes Crossing, Oakwood Village at Lewes and Parkside in Middletown
SUSSEX COUNTY NEWS     
By Kathy Sperl-Bell
Sussex County, (Coastal Delaware), is the fastest growing county in the state. Owning property in Delaware's resort towns and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland typically costs more than homes in Kent County and often cost more than those in Northern Delaware as well.

    On the western side of the county, single family homes can be found in the $300s. The closer you get to the beach, the higher the price of a new home. Pricing ranges will be in the $400s and $500s and higher.

    Inventory changes daily. To keep current with available listings in the state's most popular neighborhoods, or if you are ready to pursue your dream in Coastal Delaware while interest rates are low, please call 302-424-1890 or Email me for the most current Sussex County information.

 

Updates, QDHs and Resales
The opening of the COASTAL CLUB in Lewes was a busy one with the initial lots going quickly. This Neighborhood is designed after some of the best resort communities in Florida with five miles of walkways and over 600 homes built by NV Homes, Schell Brothers and Beazer. Watch my video to get the basics. Give me a call at 302-542-1203 or Email me if you would like more information on available incentives for buying right now. I'll be glad to share the latest. 

 

According to our agent and Heritage Shores resident, Linda Chick, Brookfield Residential has added a new floorplan, The Malone. This 2BR, 2BA has over 1400 Sq. Ft. of living space. HERITAGE SHORES, located in Bridgeville, is a 55+ amenity-rich neighborhood with an 18 hole Arthur Hills Championship Golf Course. It's a fabulous setting whether-or-not you play golf. Email us for more information or to see our beautiful homes for sale in the Neighborhood.They sell quickly! 

 

Are you looking for a 55+ community with an "East of Route 1" Lewes address? BAY CROSSING is the only active adult community in Lewes and right now, there are two Quick Delivery Homes available and only 4 lots remaining for sale. The 2-story Dory on Lot #109 has 3BRs, 3BAs, a full basement and screened porch. While on Lot #116 the Laser Model is also a 3BR and 3BA Quick Delivery Home with 2-stories, a full basement and sunroom. Both are ready for your choice of flooring, cabinet and countertops! When they're gone they're gone, Email me or call 302-542-1203 for a tour of this popular neighborhood.  

 

At INDEPENDENCE in Millsboro, Schell Brothers is putting the finishing touches on a new Sanderling Model Home. Builder Incentives may be available, call 302-542-1203 or Email me for the current new construction incentives and construction time lines. Even better, why wait months for your new home when we have a few top quality pre-owned homes on premium lots available right now.

 

There are a few homes available in the 50+ VILLAGE OF CINDERBERRY, located just outside of Georgetown. This is a mature community with only 170 home sites, with ponds, a pool and clubhouse... close to shopping and the beaches. View listings in this Neighborhood, if you see something you like, our agent Debbie Shearer will be glad to show you around the Neighborhood.

February brings sweet incentives at SAWGRASS NORTH including free gourmet kitchen and custom paint. Email me for the details.

  

Don't miss the last opportunity for a new Beach Haven Twin Home in BREAKWATER. Featuring a gourmet kitchen, a spacious great room with fireplace, sunroom and hardwood flooring in the main living area... Email me if this home fits your home search criteria. 

  

At SENATORS, situated on a corner lot, Schell Brothers is building a Heron with a luxury owners' suite. It's close to the Clubhouse and will be ready for March/April delivery. Call 302-424-1890 or Email me if you'd like more information on this Quick Delivery Home.

 

Our Agent Al Willis tells us that the VILLAGES at RED MILL POND  is anticipating a large number of Spring buyers. To prepare for an active buying season, they are busy building  Quick Delivery Homes, including the Loren, Ambassador, and Martinique models. Be in your new home for Memorial Day. Need to know what's available? Email us.
KENT COUNTY 
By Bill Bell
Kent County is home to Dover, the state capital, Dover Downs and Casino and the Dover Air Force Base. The area has a good selection of smaller 55+active adult communities and prices can be significantly lower than in the areas to the north or south. 
    Mid-state communities are popular with boomers looking to take advantage of Delaware's low property taxes, the tax-free shopping and for those who feel the beach is not a top priority in their retirement choice. Retired Military love the chance to be near the Dover Air Force Base and the PX. Inventory changes daily. If  Dover area/Mid-state Delaware is is a possibility for you, call me at 302-542-3747 or Email me for the most current list of homes for sale. 

Updates, QDHs and Resales

55+ CHAMPION'S CLUB AT JONATHANS LANDING continues to be popular with our clients looking to be near the state capital and/or the Casino in Dover. This community will have a total of 326 homes and is located only 15 minutes to Dover Mall, just 30 minutes to the Delaware Beaches and less than an hour to Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley in PA. View Listings in Champion's Club.   

 

There are only a few lots remaining in LONGACRE VILLAGE in Dover. Serious about Kent County and this Neighborhood? View these homes for sale, then call me at 302-542-3747 or Email me. Let's talk. 

 
NEW CASTLE COUNTY 
By Bill Bell  
New Castle, Delaware's northernmost county is closest to airports, Amtrak, and Route 95 with easy access to the major cities within the Mid-Atlantic region. The popular choice for people from NJ, PA and NY, is where you will find new homes ranging from the mid $300s to the high $400s and more, if you look further north in the Brandywine Valley area.
    New Castle County Inventory remains tight . C ontact me directly at 302-542-3747 or email me to get on my preferred list for Northern Delaware properties.

Updates, QDHs and Resales
If you read the article above, you now know that in Middletown retail business is growing and Middletown is becoming the destination of choice for many of our clients with PA/NJ/NY ties. Several of the popular 55+ active adult communities springing up in the area include the new PARKSIDE Neighborhood.
   Single family homes in this walkable neighborhood include eye-catching ranches and two-story homes centered around a picturesque park and community center. There are several homes currently under construction and a new phase with larger homesites backing to trees and a creek... just opened. Construction has also started on the 4BR Brady Model. Soon to be added to our website, if you need more information on Parkside, please Email me.

Construction continues at the amenity-rich, conveniently located 55+ PONDS at BAYBERRY SOUTH, also in Middletown. The Neighborhood will be reminiscent of a small American town with distinctive architecture; green, tree-lined boulevards, acres and acres of parkland, retail and recreational amenities and a variety of historically-inspired, energy-efficient homes. If Route 1 and the I-95/295 access is important in your search for a new home, we should consider e xploring this new community. 

What else can I say, but the Buyers at FOUR SEASONS AT SILVER MAPLE are looking and loving this community. The Neighborhood will encompass pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a 1.5 mile long walking path that meanders along the protected woods and throughout the community, with over half of the neighborhood remaining an open and protected area. View Available Listings in this Neighborhood.

Remember, in today's market interest rates, inventory and builder incentives change day-to-day. It is best to call me at 302-542-3747 or Email me for the most current listings in New Castle County.
We hope you have found this month's update useful. Feel free to share this newsletter with your family and friends who may be considering a move to Delaware, our sweet spot in the Mid-Atlantic.

 

Remember you can always... Email Kathy or reach her by phone at 302-542-1203 or Email Bill or call him at 302-542-3747. You can also call the Active Adults Realty office hotline at 302-424-1890 and Judy will find one of our agents to help you right away.

 

Sincerely,

Kathy Sperl-Bell, Broker

Active Adults Realty