Real Estate Agent
Carolyn Roland-Historic Homes For Sale In Delaware and S. Chester County PA
Selling older and historic homes in New Castle and Kent County Delaware, and Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania since 1987.
Cell: (302) 593-5111
Office: (302) 239-3000
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Real Estate Agent
Letitia Stevenson
Letitia A. Stevenson, REALTOR®, Listing Agent - Licensed in DE, PA & MD Affiliated with BHHS Fox & Roach REALTORS® | Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) | Success Coach | Home Marketing Consultant
Office: (302) 426-4426
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All About Delaware Real Estate

By Carolyn Roland-Historic Homes For Sale In Delaware and S. Chester County PA, Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS
(Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)
It seems like it's been weeks since we had a sunny day, and I didn't want to waste it by not taking a long walk at Winterthur Museum and Gardens.  Not yet looking like fall as far as the leaves were concerned, everything was green. The viburnums, however, did sport bright red berries. And the forested areas still were showing all green leaves.  But there was all kinds of live action going on, with the chipmunks appearing all over the place, and the koi in the ponds carrying on a swirly circle of activity.  And lets not forget all those hawks circling in the sky.  
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By Carolyn Roland-Historic Homes For Sale In Delaware and S. Chester County PA, Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS
(Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)
According to the Hockessin (Delaware) Historical Society,  if you’d passed a certain plain, stuccoed house in Hockessin in the 1990s, you probably wouldn’t have noticed it, I certainly never did. And I certainly didn't suspect that it contained a 1790s log tavern. But in the years around 1800, Tweed’s Tavern was an important layover stop for carters and others traveling between the Delaware River and the grain farms and gristmills farther inland. (photo-Tweeds on right, museum on left) In 2000, assessment work ahead of road construction uncovered Tweed’s Tavern, hidden within a house that had been modified regularly in the two hundred years after the tavern was built. The Hockessin Historical Society stepped in to help preserve the structure. It moved the log tavern to a nearby site, a...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  No matter how old you are, where you live or how many people you have in your family, moving is never easy. All that packing, sorting, labeling, finding a new home, and starting a new life in a new place is more stressful and exhausting than you could ever imagine. That’s why people generally don’t like moving too often — or at all. But, sometimes you’re forced to do it, so you’d better have a plan and get it over with as soon as possible. If this sounds like your current situation, here are a few tips that might help make your move a little easier and quicker. What Stays & What Goes Determining what you will and won’t take with you when moving could easily be the most important step of this entire process — although most people overlook this one. That’s because you probably won’t be...
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By Craig Beebe, I understand business owners because I am one
(NextHome Tomorrow Realty)
Lewes Delaware is a historic town located at the mouth of the Delaware bay and the Atlantic ocean. The historic district has homes dating back to the late 1600's.  At the corner of 2nd and Mulberry St you will find the Ryves Holt House.  It is the oldest home in Lewes Delaware, originally dated to 1665. The oldest home in its' original location is the Thomas Maull house located on Pilot Town Rd. Lewes Delaware has a walkable downtown with beaches, shopping, and dining. You won't find National hotels downtown, here are local options.Read more...
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By Carolyn Roland-Historic Homes For Sale In Delaware and S. Chester County PA, Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS
(Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)
A visit to the University of Delaware Botanic Gardens the other day turned out to be a colorful trip. The Trial Garden showed what could be done given the restrictions imposed by the gardeners. The plants are watered and fertilized for a week or two after planting, but that's it. Also on display are winners of the All-American Selections award given nationally. Then, every 2 weeks, a UDBG staff member ranks all plants and lists the last few years' winners on their website.  Here are some of the winners in my book!  Clockwise top left: Salvia (my parents always planted these in a border in front of their house along with white alyssum), Ornamental peppers, and 2 Datura or Angel's Trumpets.  First photo: not labeled but looks like an echinacea or coneflower.     
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there’s no denying that a cemetery is a spooky place—especially after dark. Some people also fear the potential of criminal activities taking place in the various hiding spots between tombstones. But despite those possible perils, it turns out buying a home near a graveyard may not be such a scary idea. America is home to more than 144,000 graveyards and cemeteries, according to Redditor and data visualization expert Joshua Stevens, who mapped out all the graveyards and cemeteries in the contiguous United States in a map titled “The Geography of the Dead.” With so many cemeteries, it’s little surprise that many are located in bustling neighborhoods. “I’ve had clients who both were not wanting to be near or next to a cemetery and others who didn’t...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  Home inspections are scary. Just when you swear you’ve found the house of your dreams, a home inspector comes along and tells you everything’s that’s wrong with it—which might lead you to think you should run for the hills! But rest assured, most things turned up during a home inspection aren’t deal breakers. Still, there are certain red flags that really should make you very, very afraid. So how can you tell? For starters, you should try to attend your home inspection to see firsthand how your inspector reacts as he checks out your house. “If your inspector comes to an abrupt halt when entering a room, or their whole demeanor changes, it’s possible they’ve just run across something very bad,” says Welmoed Sisson, a Maryland home inspector from Inspections by Bob, and author of the b...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  Like most major milestones in life, becoming a first-time homeowner comes with quite a few learning curves. Even after you close on the house and it becomes officially yours, there’s still a lot to learn when it comes to taking care of the place—and setting yourself up for long-term success. Having recently purchased my first home, I’ve had a front-row seat to all the trials and tribulations that come with learning how to be a homeowner. Here are seven of the biggest mistakes first-time homeowners make (myself included), plus some helpful tips from the experts on how to avoid them.     1. Calling a repair person with the wrong specialty This might not sound like a big deal, but it can actually end up costing you quite a bit of time and money—especially if there are significant househ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
Buyers often don’t realize that the final walk-through before closing is a vitally important part of the homebuying process. They should be reminded that this final walk-through can determine if and when they will close on their new home.   The ideal time to do the final walk-through is within 48 hours of closing. If there is a large measure of time before that, the status of the house could change. Unexpected events may occur: a tree may fall, or movers could cause damage. The purpose of the walk-through is to make sure the home is in the same condition it was when last viewed by the buyers, to confirm the post-inspection agreed-upon work has been completed, and that items included in the offer remain in the home.     The house should be broom-clean, with the following things verified...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
2407 IVANHOE LANE, WILMINGTON, DE Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click Here to Get Directions $3250004bed - 2bath - 0.22 sqft lotA well maintained and updated 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Cape Cod in Limestone Acres that is much larger than most homes in the neighborhood. Originally built with a sizable addition joining kitchen, family room and breakfast room creating a large open floor plan, as well as adding a main level laundry with sink. Another addition at the opposite end of the home added a 2nd Master bedroom and allowed space for an expanded main level bath. The 2nd floor Master Bedroom Suite has an additional 10' x 5' Dressing Area and a deep soaking tub. There are nice oak hardwood floors in the Living Room, Dining Room and main floor bedrooms as well as Bay windows in the Living and ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  As the weather cools off, autumn lawn care is a combination of clean-up and encouraging new growth. It's also a good time to help your grass recover from being trampled during your backyard games of catch or maybe bocce ball this summer. Pave the way for lush, healthy grass next spring with these timely chores. Checklist Fall Lawn Care Checklist  Deal with fallen leaves Turf grass won't tolerate thick layers of leaves well. If you don't have a lot of leaves, skip raking and mow over them to chop them into smaller pieces that will add nutrients to the soil.      Seed or lay sod Cool temperatures combined with late fall rain make for ideal conditions in most regions for establishing new lawns or making repairs.      Aerate your lawn Plan to aerate high traffic areas annually to loosen ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  First impressions go a long way. This is applicable to not only when you meet someone new, but also when somebody sees your house for the first time. Regardless of whether it’s a friend or colleague coming over to visit or a prospective buyer looking at a property you’re trying to sell, the importance of curb appeal shouldn’t be underestimated. You might think that it takes a lot of work and money to update the curb appeal of your home, but that doesn’t have to be the case. It’s possible to significantly increase the curb appeal of your home and your property just by changing your landscaping. Here are a few ways that your landscaping can change up the look of your property and give your overall curb appeal a significant boost. Adjusting Existing Landscaping It doesn’t take a lot to ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  Ceiling fans create cooling breezes that can make a stuffy room feel pleasantly comfortable. But as they rotate through the air, the blades can collect a ton of dust, dirt, pollen, and other small particles. Depending on where it's located, your fan might also gather greasy or sticky buildup over time, which can cause dust to cling even more. Not only does a dirty ceiling fan run less efficiently than a clean one, but it can even scatter clumps of particles throughout the room. To keep your home's air cool and free of dust, it's important to know how to clean a ceiling fan effectively. The trick is to remove the dust and grime without making it rain down on your floors and furniture. Learn how to clean ceiling fans without making a mess using these tips. How to Clean Ceiling Fans Fol...
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By David Henke, Realtor, Homes Just West of Philadelphia PA
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)
Happy Labor Day!  David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon, PA/Wilmington, DEOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808http://www.DelawarePAHomes.com
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
No matter how big they are, closets never seem to have . Whether yours is overflowing with clothes you never wear or packed with miscellaneous storage items, a quick refresh can help and make room for the . Start by clearing out these 5 items, including out-of-season attire and space-consuming accessories. Once they're out of the closet, you can either store them elsewhere in your home (such as in the basement or attic ) or . Take just a few minutes to relocate or toss these items now to make your closet feel .  1. Excess Hangers   Clunky hangers can occupy so don't hold on to more than you need. Designate a hanger for all of the items you like to hang, then ditch the rest. (You might also consider replacing bulky plastic hangers with a .) If you buy something new, make it a rule to ge...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
It's not a glamorous job, but cleaning your gutters is an essential part of routine home maintenance. If you're unsure how to tackle the job or are intimidated by the process, use this step-by-step guide to help you clean gutters with ease. Cleaning your gutters might seem like a thankless task, but it's a necessary job that should happen at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Skip it, and you might inadvertently end up with damage to your home. That's because clogged gutters can lead to water and weight overload, which in turn can stress your home's roof, siding, and gutter supports, leading to leaks. Blocked water can also result in costly rot and winter ice dams. Fortunately, cleaning out gutters isn't that technical or difficult of a job, especially when it'...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
This post has me thinking of Brian England .  We have a rental house in Delaware near Rehoboth Beach.  This is a large family gathering with our family and our son in law's family and children.The boys are ready for a boat ride on Delaware Bay.Look grandpa there is a dolphin.  The boys loved the boat trip.
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By Sean Casey, Greenville, Hockessin, Newark & Bear Homes
(Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)
10 Castlegate Ct, Newark, DE Just Listed Description Photos Real Estate Reports for Home Owners, Sellers & Buyers! Maps & Local Schools Print Follow This Home Search All Homes For Sale Best Home Improvement Projects FREE HUD Report: How to Buy Delaware Home Value In Seconds Presented By: Sean Casey Realtor®Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate302-733-7020Licensed In: DelawareLicense #: RS-0020542   Schedule a Showing/Request Info $ Click for current price4 BEDROOMS | 3 full baths BATHROOMS | 3877 SqFt Exceptional brick front 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath colonial on a premium lot on a culde-sac in Woodland Village. The beautiful landscaping gives this home great curb appeal.The back yard is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and the outdoors. The hardwood floors that flow through most of ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
Humans love their dogs. This, the purest kind of love, makes complete sense. Dogs are loyal, sweet, and the best companion anyone could ask for. They’ve been living paw-in-hand with us for thousands of years. They’re part of the family and they stick with us through whatever’s going on in our lives, so we wish we could have them in our lives forever!   But our best friends are not invincible. One of the worst things that can possibly happen is when they get into something they shouldn’t and it makes them ill—or worse.   Now, you probably already know about a few things like chocolate and grapes that are harmful for pups…. But you might not know about all of these.   Check out these Common Home Improvement Items That Are Dangerous For Dogs so you can puppy-proof your pad for good: Insid...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
It's always a thrill when wild birds visit your garden, and cardinals are one of the easiest to recognize when you catch a glimpse of one perched outside your window. The males’ bright red plumage makes them stand out wherever they go. Both males and females sport jaunty top-hat-like crests and sing cheerful melodies. Cardinals are at home in most rural and suburban areas across North America, and they don’t migrate so you can expect to see them year-round. With a few cardinal-friendly landscaping tips, you can invite these common but beautiful songbirds to take up residence in your yard. 1. Plant Cardinals' Favorite Trees and Shrubs Cardinals are voracious seed eaters. While they are frequent feeder visitors, they gather most of their food from nature. Plant some of their favorite see...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
    Learn how to clean 7 tough stains off your walls — and ensure a lasting paint job.   You can't wait to cover up that nasty beige on your walls, but as you take a close look at all the areas you're gonna have to prep you see a lot of grime, gunk, and stuff that looks too stubborn for your standard vinegar wash. Any cleaning rookie can wipe off dust and cobwebs. But it takes a cleaning pro to scour grease stains, watermarks, and kids’ crayon and ink wall art.   Kitchen Grease on Walls     Grease is an occupational hazard of cooking. If only it wouldn't find it's way onto your walls and cabinets, trapping all kinds of gunk. Yuck! Good news. Any decent dish soap can remove grease stains on walls. For small stains, mix: 1/4 teaspoon of soap in a cup of warm water, and wipe. Rinse with c...
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By Carolyn Roland-Historic Homes For Sale In Delaware and S. Chester County PA, Carolyn Roland, GRI, CRS
(Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)
Successfully threading my way through a day with occasional rain, I made my first visit in several weeks to Winterthur Museum and Gardens.  After a rather silly encounter with a woman staffing the visitor center, who told me I needed a mask for the couple of feet I traversed through the visitor center (then said I didn't need one as I went out another door a second later), I proceeded mask free on my hour and a half walk through the gardens.  This was a great day for different types of hydrangeas, ranging from the Oak Leaf Hydrangeas to the Smooth Leaf type. One path was lined on both sides with the Oak Leafs.  Then I saw a plant thrusting its way up throughthe forest floor in many places on the grounds. Using my Google Lens, I found it was Black Cohash, a herbal remedy for various ills...
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