If you are keeping up with current events, you may be feeling uncertain about the state of home prices and whether or not we are headed towards a housing crisis. Unfortunately, many news headlines are painting a bleak and inaccurate picture. The truth is, home prices are not plummeting uncontrollably. In fact, the most recent data reveals a much more optimistic outlook. Delaware prices are slightly up month over month.  When reviewing home prices from a year-over-year perspective, we notice that they remained positive, albeit with a slower rate of appreciation compared to the peak of the pandemic. However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the market trends, it is necessary to analyze monthly data. By doing so, we can obtain a more detailed picture of the fluctuations in the... 05/31/2023

Despite the recent moderation in home prices, most Delaware homeowners still possess a substantial amount of equity. However, what exactly is equity? In its most basic form, equity refers to the difference between the market value of your Delaware home and the outstanding balance(s) on your mortgage(s). The National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides a comprehensive explanation of how equity increases over time.“Housing wealth (home equity or net worth) gains are built up through price appreciation and by paying off the mortgage.”CLICK BELOW TO FIND OUT YOUR HOME'S VALUE How Your Number One Asset Can Help You With Your Financial GoalsAs a Delaware homeowner, you have the opportunity to build equity over time. This equity can be a valuable asset when it comes time to sell your curren... 05/23/2023

Despite Fees Dropping for Buyers with Lower Credit ScoresWhether you’ve been planning on buying a house in Delaware in the near future or not, you’ve probably heard that people with higher credit scores are now paying higher fees, and people with lower credit scores are paying lower fees when getting a mortgage.Hearing that might make you feel one of two ways if you’re planning on buying a Delaware house: Yippee! I’m finally getting a fair chance. It’s not fair that people who don’t need lower rates and fees always get the better end of the stick, and now I have a chance at buying a home. Not fair! I’ve worked hard to improve and maintain a great credit score, and now I’m being penalized for it?! What was the point of caring? Does it even pay off to be careful with my finances?   Regard... 05/18/2023

Exciting news for all you potential home sellers out there! The current housing market is experiencing a low number of homes for sale. Why, you ask? Well, it's because this season, there are fewer sellers listing their houses for sale than usual. So, if you're considering selling your house, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Don't miss out on the chance to sell your home in less time with a higher price potential. Get ready to say goodbye to your old home and hello to a new adventure!CLICK BELOW to find out for yourself So, if we take a trip down memory lane and look at every April since 2017, we can see that the only year with fewer home sellers was April 2020. That's when the pandemic hit and put a damper on the housing market (as you can see in the... 05/17/2023

Wow, have you noticed how the real estate market has transformed over the past few years? It's a whole new ball game out there! As a result, if you're looking to buy a home, it's essential to adapt your approach to match the current market conditions. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make the most of this exciting time in the real estate industry!And that change in approach to buying your Delaware home might include breaking some rules…A recent article from realtor.com outlined some of the common mortgage “rules” that buyers may want to consider breaking in today’s market, including:   A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the only way to go.  Now with the interest rates for fixed-rate loans hovering in the mid 6% range, if you're seeking a mortgage with a lower interest rate, you may wa... 05/10/2023

Is My Gym Membership Card OK As My ID For Notarization?The other day I came across this exact situation with a women whom I visited for a notary appointment. The individual handed me her Gym Club Membership ID. A notary may refuse to notarize if the signer does not present a valid, government issued photo ID to the notary who is present there to notarize.The individual I met had only her GYM ID even though it has her photo and signature on it.A notary shall not perform a notarization in this case. A notary can demand the presentation of signer's competent evidence of identity such as current ID that issued by a government agency bearing photograph and signature of the ID owner.When a notary public asks the signer to show their identification doc to verify their identity, but if the sign... 05/10/2023

When you’re selling your home, the steps you take to get your property ready for buyers can mean the difference between a quick and profitable sale and your home sitting on the market for months. And often, the best steps you can take to sell your home are the steps that other sellers overlook.  According to a recent article from Realtor.com, there are a few often-overlooked steps you can take to help sell your home faster and for a higher profit, including:  Make the right use of your rooms. You might be using rooms in your house for a variety of things (like a bedroom as a playroom or a den as a storage area), but staging each room to reflect its original purpose can help buyers see the full potential of your home.  Reglaze the bathroom. If you have a dated bathroom with oddly colored... 05/02/2023

If your or your clients' documents, (such as power of attorneys) are to be used in a foreign country, they need to be apostilled in the state where the docs were originated (notarized), before the documents are sent from the U.S. to abroad. If your clients' documents are written in a foreign language and they going to be used overseas, they need to be first translated to English by a certified professional translator who is not any way connected or biased to the document or the document owner. The authorized transalator will sign an accuracy certification. This certification is called 'Certificate of Translation Accuracy'. These  also need to be notarized by a commissioned notary public before you can request them to be lapostilled.As stated above, this multilevel steps have to be compl... 04/28/2023

When you sell your home, you want to sell it as quickly and profitably as possible. But in today’s market and economic climate, how, exactly, do you do that?A recent video from realtor.com outlined some steps you can take to increase the chances that your home will stand out and sell quickly in today’s market, including:  Work on your curb appeal. You only get to make a first impression once, and for potential buyers their first impression of your home takes place before they ever step foot inside. As such, if you want to sell your home quickly and profitably, make sure you’re making a good impression as soon as buyers pull up to the curb by mowing your lawn, planting flowers, and cleaning up your driveway and/or walkway.  Hire a home inspector. If you sell your home, your buyer is goin... 04/26/2023

 In today's world where global warming is becoming a huge concern, it is of utmost importance to preserve energy as much as possible. Buying an energy-efficient house is a smart choice that not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves you money in the long run. These houses consume less energy for heating, cooling, and electricity due to a range of energy-saving features such as insulation, solar panels, and energy-efficient appliances. This means you can minimize your energy bills and conserve water while still enjoying a comfortable and stylish living space.Energy-efficient homes also have a higher resale value than conventional homes. People are becoming much more conscious about their carbon footprint and this is driving the need for eco-friendly homes. Many home buyers pre... 04/21/2023

That is a risk that must be weighed carefully.With the ever-changing housing market, it's natural to wonder what the future holds. One crucial factor that comes to mind is home prices, which have slightly decreased since their peak in June of last year. You may have also heard rumors of an impending price crash through various news outlets or social media platforms. As a result, you may be hesitant to invest in a home until prices drop significantly. However, this approach may not be the most effective strategy.It's essential to understand that the housing market is cyclical, and prices will fluctuate over time. While it's impossible to predict the exact trajectory of the market, experts suggest that waiting for a significant price drop may not be the best course of action. Instead, it'... 04/18/2023

The Northern Delaware housing market is showing signs of warming up this spring, with an increasing number of buyers entering the market. This is a positive development for sellers, especially after the rising mortgage rates had sidelined many buyers last year. It is evident that buyer activity is on the rise, as indicated by the increase In mortgage purchase applications. Essentially, the number of mortgage applications serves as a reliable indicator of the number of buyers seeking to obtain a mortgage. In simpler terms, an upsurge in mortgage applications translates to an increase in buyer demand. This trend has been observed since March, when mortgage rates began to decline steadily, leading to a surge in application activity. It is evident that mortgage rates have a significant infl... 04/12/2023

 It's that time of year again and you know what that means - deep cleaning. The idea of giving your home a spring cleaning may seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn't have to be. We've talked to a variety of cleaning experts to get the scoop on the best spring cleaning tips, and how to get your home looking spick and span—with as little scrubbing as possible.Open the windows, start your deep clean from the top and work your way down.    Dust. Dust and debris usually fall from higher surfaces, says Townsend, so it’s important to clean them first. “Start by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures and shelves, then move on to furniture and countertops,” she says. “Finally, clean your floors, ensuring that you vacuum or mop them thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt.”     Glass. Use old T... 04/05/2023

Make every morning brew-tiful by setting up a dedicated coffee-making space! Here are a few items to get you started. And if you need a new home to go with it, send me a message! 😉 #realestate #realestateagent #listreports #coffee #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #dreamhome #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome #financehub 04/02/2023

If you are considering selling your property this spring, the time to take action is now. Realtor.com conducted a thorough analysis of seasonal trends in recent years, (excluding 2020 due to  the pandemic). Based on their findings, they have identified the optimal week to list a house this year is April 16-22.  "If you have been waiting for the opportune moment to sell your house, now is the time to seize it. However, it is important to note that before you list your property, it must be prepared for the market. If you have not yet begun this process, it is imperative that you act swiftly. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind."Work with an Agent To Help You Determine Which Updates To MakeIn February, realtor.com conducted a survey of over 1,200 individuals who had recently s... 03/28/2023

As we move into the spring season, it is important for both buyers and sellers to stay informed about the current state of the market. By working with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent, you can navigate the complexities of the market and make informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run.It's important to note that the spring market is a crucial time for both buyers and sellers. As the weather warms up, more people become interested in buying and selling homes. This increased demand can lead to higher prices and more competition for desirable properties. If you're planning to buy or sell a property this spring, it's crucial to consult with a local agent who can provide you with valuable insights on the best time to list or start looking. By doing so, you can m... 03/22/2023

Being your own boss can be pretty cool. One of the best things is that you get to decide how much money you make. You might even make a ton of money! But sometimes, it's not easy to make money all the time. And even if you work really hard, you might not always get rich.  Sometimes it's hard to pay for everything you need when you don't get paid for a while. It might seem impossible to buy real estate, but this article for business people explains why it could be a really good idea. Here are some reasons why:Did you know that owning property can help you get money for your business? If you're having a tough time making ends meet or want to make your business bigger, you can use the value of your property to get some cash. This means you can refinance your property and take out some mone... 03/15/2023

  Get Your FREE New Castle County Home Value Now!   Christopher PatakiRealtor, RE/MAX Associates - Hockessin Phone: 302-562-0628 Office: 302-234-3800 License: RS-0019092, Delaware Contact Me     Special Financing Northern Delaware Home Selling Guide Northern Delaware Home Buying Guide Search All Homes For Sale FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminar   IMPORTANT. the content of this email and any attachments are confidential. They are intended for the named recipient(s) only. if you have received this email by mistake, please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the content to anyone or make copies thereof. 03/10/2023

When searching for a new home, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect every aspect of the property you intend to purchase. However, there are certain areas that are not within your purview as a potential buyer when touring a seller's residence. It is important to respect the seller's privacy and avoid prying into personal belongings or areas that are off-limits. By focusing on the features and amenities that are relevant to your needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision about whether the property is the right fit for you. Remember, a respectful and professional approach is key when navigating the home-buying process.To avoid any potential embarrassment or invasion of privacy, it is advisable to exercise common sense when exploring a property. However, for those who may be te... 03/08/2023

No matter how beneficial purchasing a home may be for your long-term financial security, the cost of buying your first house can often seem exorbitant and unattainable. This leads many younger individuals to delay purchasing a home until later in life than they would have if the costs were more manageable.Despite the common misconception that young people are unable to purchase homes, nearly 40% of individuals under the age of 35 are homeowners. This demonstrates that it is far from impossible or unaffordable for younger generations to become homeowners. Homeownership Stats by Age No matter how beneficial purchasing a home may be for your long-term financial security, the cost of buying your first house can often seem exorbitant and unattainable. This leads many younger individuals to d... 03/01/2023