The Spring Countdown in ON

Here at the beach, as soon as the holidays fade, we start counting down. Spring is only 4 weeks away, but our local weather often has us skipping right to summer! Yet even with the ‘wintry mix’ of a pandemic and recent icy weather, the real estate market has remained unbelievably strong. I cannot stress exactly how strong.

I have been fortunate to be involved in the majority of the property sales in the Lewes & Rehoboth Beach areas for over 3 decades, but I have truly never experienced a market like this one.

Our sellers are receiving multiple offers within days - sometimes hours - of their homes being placed on the market, and in many cases they are selling for over the asking price.

Last weekend, we scheduled nearly 20 showings for one of our new listings in Rehoboth Beach Yacht & Country Club the first day it was in the MLS.

And homes throughout Coastal Delaware, at all price points, are in high demand. Homes in Peninsula Lakes, Retreat at Love Creek, Beachaven, this list goes on...received contracts practically immediately last week.

Not surprisingly, this market has created record-low inventory – and this is always to a seller’s advantage.

If you have any interest in selling your home, now is definitely the time.

Reasons for our current market conditions include:

- Record-low interest rates for home financing
- Counter urbanization - people from larger cities starting to flock more towards rural and “off the beaten path” locations (like Southern Delaware)
- More remote work environments
- Sussex County’s ever-low property taxes

The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is ready to assist:

#1 Real Estate Sales Team in Sussex County for over 20 Years
#3 Nationally within the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network
439 Homes Sold in 2020 - more than a house per day!
Professional Photography, Videography & Staging
Conscientious & Well-Informed Buyers’ Agents and Support Staff - with a proven high success rate.
Largest established referral network of present and past Delaware real estate clients
Unparalleled, proven negotiation skills working for you!

Today’s buyers are well-qualified and ready to purchase. If you have an interest in selling now or at some point in the future, or even if you are just curious about the current value of your home, please reach out to us!

We will meet with you in-person with Covid-safe practices or virtually - whatever suits your needs.

Looking forward to getting out in the sunshine soon...Only 99 days until Memorial Day Weekend starts!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 302.645.6664

Join The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group and The Station on Kings for a festive photo of your holiday crew!

FREE POP-UP PHOTO-OP!
Sunday, 12/6, 4-6 p.m.
At The Station on Kings

Classic, decked-out, pick-up truck backdrop with seasonal greens and lights will make your holiday card pop this year, and we'll be there to take your photos and make spirits bright as we look ahead to 2021!

The Station on Kings has graciously offered its exceptional festive scene for this free event. The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is providing the trucks and photographer. Stop by before or after you check out the Lewes Lights! (Go to www.leweslights.org for the map!)

All Covid-19 precautions will be in effect: social distancing and masks when you are not in active photo pose with your immediate crew.

After the event, we will upload all photos to a Google drive link - and you'll be able to download your photo for free, no brown-paper-packages-tied-up-with-strings attached - in time to get your holiday cards out!

We love the holidays, and this is our festive way to spread cheer this holiday season!

If weather does not cooperate, we will cancel/postpone and announce on Facebook. We hope to see you there!

The Junction & Breakwater Trail delivers idyllic fall feels. Changing seasons, changing leaves, and a path scenic enough to get you thinking about your own path!

Hopefully you enjoyed time outside and stayed healthy during our most unpredictable summer ever. After a spring of quarantine, we were not exactly sure what to expect in the real estate world. I certainly never anticipated a summer like this one - and the dramatic increase in demand for beach real estate. In the wake of uncertainty, we saw our busiest summer ever, and we are still riding the wave of demand. I want to share the overall market trends to keep you updated.

So, what’s Trending?

Past Sales

The economic ‘Law of Supply and Demand’ is proven true, once again! Lewes and Delaware Beach communities are in overall high demand:

According to our in-house Gallo Realty analysis (based on the Bright Multiple Listing Service) as of the end of September, Sussex County saw a total of 1,011 homes on the market, a decrease of 11% from August. This puts inventory at slightly less than a 3-month's supply (quite low!) with 383 homes sold per month in 2020.

Sales of single-family homes are up 15% from last year, with 3,451 homes sold compared to 3,009 (for the first nine months of 2019). The largest increase is the Lewes/Rehoboth/Dewey area, up 33%, and the Georgetown area, up 28%.

And with this increase in sales and lower supply/higher demand, we are also seeing an increase in price. The average sales price of single-family homes in Sussex County is up over the first 9-month period of last year - $450,103 - compared to $408,181, a 10% increase. Pending sales in this time period are up 25% compared to last year, with 3,808 homes going under contract through September of 2020, compared to 3,048 in 2019. Also, average “days on market” figures have decreased by 8% over last year, from 104 days as of September 2019 to an average of 96 days on market in September 2020.

Multiple Offers

With this high-demand market, I have been involved in more multiple-offer situations this year than my other 36 years in the business combined. We had 9 offers on one listing this summer after being on the market three days! When two (or more) buyers are competing for the same house, invariably someone will be disappointed. Our goal is to help mitigate these situations for our clients, and try to make the resolution as easy as possible for all.

To do so, we recommend that every offer be as “clean” as possible with the fewest contingencies and the best/highest priced offer initially. Unfortunately, multiple offer scenarios offer little to no room for negotiation, so we help our buyers put their best feet forward from the start.

Some agents will recommend including an ‘escalation clause,’ which, as it sounds, essentially ups the buyer’s bid upon each counter offer up to a capped amount. This strategy is not without some drawbacks, so it is important to discuss your particular situation with your realtor.

Another idea in this competitive market is for buyers to appeal to sellers personally, in a letter with the contract, and describe what makes the house a perfect fit for them. I have had several clients write these letters recently, and it was a moving reminder that the ‘business’ of buying and selling a property is often the most personal purchase one can make - choosing a home.

Present Movement

A common question I’ve been getting these days is, “Where are all of the people coming from?” National news articles have speculated that people are moving out of cities in record numbers, especially after a spring of confinement in apartment buildings or in more densely populated areas with less room to roam. Anecdotally, we have seen quite a few new clients from cities, as well as people from suburban areas that realize they can work from anywhere. Why not make it the beach?

But not all of our buyers are entirely new to the area. We have worked with many local Lewes neighbors who are looking for larger homes (maybe after spending so much ‘quality time’ with family?!), and homes with home offices and areas for everyone to be at home, together.

Future Goals

As all of us likely spent more time at home last year than ever before, and we continue to do so, the need for our homes to be true havens has become even more clear. If you have been considering selling your home, upsizing to a larger house, or downsizing to simplify, the past six months have definitely been a catalyst for change.

We would welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your real estate questions. Most of all, we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season!

Each year, Rehoboth’s “Nation’s Summer Capital” nickname becomes increasingly fitting. Even and in some ways especially in fall, the beach is a relaxing, easy escape from the city. This year is no exception - even in the wake of Covid-19 - and even with the cancellations of some of our most popular fall events. Not surprisingly, for the greater good, events including Sea Witch, are off until 2021. (There's still a Mini Jazz Fest 10/15-18). While large-scale events are cancelled, the merchant sidewalk sales are still on in Rehoboth Beach and downtown Lewes for the first weekend of October.

These postponements have dealt a devastating blow to Coastal Delaware’s local economy. If you can still plan a getaway, our local restaurants are open, many with outdoor and socially distant seating. Local businesses continue to observe “Covid courtesies” (and our local rates of infection are staying low, with no current hospitalizations, according to Beebe Medical Center this week). Unlike some hotter summer nights, crisp fall evenings are perfect for dining safely, al fresco, by a fire pit.

Of course, the beach itself and miles of bike trails are open to enjoy! Fall is the ideal time of year to bike, hike, kayak, paddle board on the bay, and sample local craft beer along the way. Farmer’s markets are still on and going strong in Rehoboth Beach on Tuesdays and in Lewes on Wednesdays at The Crooked Hammock and in-town on Saturdays. Get your seasonal pumpkins here in Sussex County!

While we love to take a ‘Chamber of Commerce’ role and entice visitors to the beaches, our real area of expertise is real estate sales. To give you an idea of our primary market: as of the end of August, the number of single family homes sold was up nearly 26% over last year at this time. Moreover, the average sales price is up by 7%, and the median sales price is up by 12%.

While sales are up, available inventory on the market continues to decrease and is extremely low right now (by 11% over the previous month's end total for the last two months). 

If you already own property at the beach, now is truly an unbelievable time to sell your home. Well-priced, well-located homes in Rehoboth and Lewes are selling extremely quickly and some with multiple offers. If you have been on the fence about buying, now is a great time for you, too, considering still-low interest rates and Delaware’s famously low property taxes. 

This draw, along with the effects of a quarantine last spring, have definitely contributed to our busy market conditions. All of us have been charged to stay home more, and many of us have discovered that we can work from home/remotely relatively easily. This realization is another reason to consider where “home” really is. If you feel that it could be the beach, reach out to any of our local real estate professionals. We are more than happy to help you weigh your options.

At the very least, plan a visit this fall and enjoy a breath of fresh sea air!

It's the question on many people's minds, almost as profound as asking the meaning of life: "If I can work from home and live anywhere, do I want to stay here?" In a way, it IS the meaning of life, like choosing your place in the world.

"Here" could be a variety of places, from the city to the suburbs. One thing our national pandemic and times of quarantine have shown many of us is the true importance of place. And if you have the luxury of working from home, your world is opening wider.

Isolating in place was/is still a challenge no matter where you are, but the options to have a yard, or take a walk on the beach or in a wooded state park, are amazing benefits for health and wellness. 

And this concept is definitely catching on. 

A recent Wall Street Journal Article, "When Workers Can Live Anywhere, Many Ask: Why Do I Live Here?" highlights the trend we have been seeing locally. The Coastal Delaware real estate market is thriving. We published our Summer Newsletter (which discusses this trend of people realizing where they'd want to spend more time at home) and only a handful of the featured Lewes homes are still available. We continue to list new homes, and many are going just as quickly - some with multiple offers immediately. 

During this time of reflection and reprioritization, we at The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group are happy to help answer any questions you may have about our local real estate market. Prime bay and beachfront properties can be hard to come by - and they are definitely the more expensive options - however, our local towns have a vast array of price ranges. Our area has fewer apartments and condos than some more densely populated areas, which often grants homeowners more space and community amenities.

And there's always the remarkably peaceful stretches of beaches and nature preserves for a welcome kind of social distance. 

Certainly, the ability to work from home is a luxury not all of us have. But if you are fortunate enough to have that flexibility, and when you ask yourself "Where would I really want to live?" and answer "the beach," give us a call!

Join us for a personal tour of this brand-new-construction home!

1 Dunes Terrace, Cape Shores

Open Saturday, August 1, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Offered at $1,995,000

Designed with supreme coastal living in mind, this new construction home offers 5 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths and features an open, inverted floor plan - accentuating the property's fantastic beach block location, elevator, private owner's suite.

Enjoy multiple outdoor spaces to enjoy soothing bay breezes - including the rooftop deck with exclusive bay & Cape Henlopen State Park views! Located just across the street from the beach in the amenity-rich Cape Shores that offers community outdoor pool, tennis, private fishing pier, and sandy beach. 

Come see it for yourself on Saturday! Covid courtesies observed. 

 For the first time, and in these unprecedented times, I sent Lewes property owners a “Summer” newsletter. I usually send Spring and Fall updates on our local real estate market to provide a picture of what’s currently listed, prices of homes recently sold, and share market values.

This year, Covid-19 sidetracked us; however, not for the reasons you might think. By the time I'd printed and mailed the newsletter, even in the span of a week, many of the homes for sale in Lewes were already under contract. It may seem counterintuitive, but beach real estate has been exceptionally busy the first half of the year, even - and perhaps especially - during and after months of quarantine.

The real estate questions that seem to be on everyone’s minds:

Is it a good time to buy and sell?
Has Covid-19 impacted property values?

I can share our experiences, which track with our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices colleagues nationally. Locally and across the country, market conditions - even with a pandemic - have created a climate of high buyer demand and low inventory. Historically low interest rates and stock market volatility are prompting more real estate investments, too.

By the numbers

Looking at real estate demand through June, it is actually (surprisingly) quite similar to last year's market during the same time period (down only 1%), and last year was our busiest ever! To offer perspective, in 2018 we were proud to earn spots on The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends' "The Thousand" list for top real real estate teams in the country for sales volume and number of transactions - #69/250 and #158/250 respectively. The Thousand list for 2019 sales was published this June, and in those same categories, we are ranked #38/250 and #39/250. Honestly, we are amazed. (At our current pace, we are on track to make the list again for 2020, which speaks volumes about our local market!)

After initial quarantine, we lost about a month of our spring activity but recovered quickly. In terms of market values, average and median sales prices are up. Inventory, however, is staggeringly low. As of the end of June, there are 1,436 actively for sale single family homes in Sussex County, of which 42% are new construction - a 12% decrease from May's ending inventory. According to our BHHS Gallo Realty report, the average days on market from listing to contract this year is 100 days, which is very low. That figure for properly priced and marketed homes is considerably lower still. Some homes we have listed in the past few weeks have sold before the virtual ink is dry on the listing agreements, and we have received multiple offers on some, too! So far in 2020, we have sold 156+ homes and we are just halfway through the year.

Human factors

At The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group, we are definitely seeing buyers across-the-board and in all price ranges this year. The majority of our clients are “traditional” Lewes buyers, people who want to retire here and buy second homes. But I am seeing people looking at making this move sooner than they thought they would due to Covid-19. The trend is to get out of the crowded metropolitan places where they live and come to the Delaware beach area because they perceive it as being safer and less crowded.

Perhaps the most important driver behind buyer and seller motivations though is a reassessment of what it means to 'stay home.' “Necessity is the mother of invention,” as Plato said. After a spring of companies requiring and enabling employees to work from home, people are rethinking their work situations.

Perhaps you share this view:  

Why not work from home in Lewes and take a walk on the beach after work?

And people are reprioritizing. We are living through a reminder of the fragility of life and threats to our job security. If you have a choice in where you live, what would you choose? The answer to this question depends on who’s being asked, of course, which is the fundamental core of the real estate business. It's not "one size fits all" and a realtor can help guide the process. If you are considering selling, you have an unparalleled window in which people are staying home and shopping for new homes online. If you are the ones looking to move, you have these work/life balance questions to consider.

Whether you are selling, buying, or just want to gauge our real estate market situation, please know that we at The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group are here for you - in person, virtually on FaceTime and via email, and by phone - to help you make an informed decision.

Best wishes to all for staying safe and sound this summer!

What a summer! In SO many ways, the past few months have been unlike others in the past. First, we truly hope all of you are staying healthy. Secondly, we hope your business is recovering and thriving. It is a difficult time for many of our local resort businesses, so we encourage everyone to shop, buy, and eat local! 

And speaking of local, if you are able to consider becoming a local, please take a look at these brand new and recently reduced opportunities! As always, call us at 302.645.6664 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you'd like any additional information.

Have a great weekend!

JUST LISTED:

18539 Rose Ct | Reserves at Lewes Landing | DESU164364 | $589,999 LUXURIOUS AND JUST RIGHT! Experience tastefully appointed luxury in this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. Beautiful open design offers upgrades including hickory hardwood flooring, granite counters & breakfast bar, office, bonus room, and more. Enjoy the huge master suite with a spacious walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms, all with walk-in closets. You will enjoy the huge back yard, energy saving solar equipment, on demand hot water and so much more. Just a short drive to the beaches and attractions of the area!

31284 Ringtail Dr| Marsh Farm Estates | DESU164672 | $589,000 WHY WAIT TO BUILD? This practically brand new home in picturesque Marsh Farm Estates offers over $100,000 in upgrades, an inviting neutral color pallet, 3,049 square feet of conditioned space, and a backyard oasis perfect for relaxing or getting the party started! Situated on a premium corner lot, the home boasts a full front covered porch, stack stone front elevation trim, irrigation system, tankless hot water heater, custom lighting, extended two car garage, 4 ft high temperature controlled crawlspace for tons of extra storage, 10'ceilings, open floor plan, hardwood floors, granite countertops, NATURAL GAS, and much more! First floor features an oversized living room highlighting the stone gas fireplace with raised hearth & mantle; gourmet kitchen with custom tiling, upgraded stainless steel appliances and large under the counter stainless steel basin sink; morning room for formal dining; extended owner's suite with Roman shower, tray ceiling, walk-in closet & private patio entrance, and so much more that you have to see in person to truly appreciate! Retreat outback to the expansive 63'x21'paver entertainment patio complete with a built-in natural gas grill, 220 electric line for hot tub, outdoor TV, natural gas fire pit with reflective glass stone and built in fire pit seating, a large entertainment bar, custom lighting and granite countertops. Located directly across from the community clubhouse with pool, fitness center, shuffleboard, horseshoes, poker table, pool table, bocce ball courts, outdoor grill, fire pit, walking path and planned tot lot playground!

20261 Bridgewater Rd | Plantation Lakes | DESU164696 | $284,900 MOVE RIGHT IN to this four bedroom Plantation Lakes townhome. in a prime location within the neighborhood; one block walking distance to The Landing Clubhouse Restaurant, tennis courts, community center, fitness center, and pool. This spacious home features first and second floor living rooms, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, large breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, gas range, & pantry, hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas of the first floor, natural gas fireplace, first floor master suite with walk-in closets, three additional second floor bedrooms, and screened porch that overlooks the pond & first hole of the golf course. Tons of owner upgrades and improvements too (see attached feature list).

29883 Vincent Ave| Carsyljan Acres | DESU164636 | $249,900 LIKE NEW! Only one occupant since built. This home shows like a model with numerous updates including granite, new carpet with upgraded padding, new fixtures & appliances, new luxe vinyl plank flooring, all new exterior decks which are all included with this spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home which sits on a spacious .46 acre lot with no HOA and sold in-fee, so you own the land! Privacy galore with long drive leading back to a carport and 2 story barn with electricity and water. Perfect for storage, man cave, and so much more. This property is in the Cape Henlopen School District and only minutes to downtown Lewes. This property is a blank slate for a primary home, vacation home or investment property. Previous tenant paid $1375/month.

31896 Shell Landing Way| Bayfront at Rehoboth | DESU164600 | $275,000 WATERFRONT LOT WITH NO BUILDER TIE-IN! Enjoy the benefits of neighborhood living and amenities without compromising privacy and breathtaking natural beauty! The amenities in this bay front community include a private beach on Rehoboth Bay, kayak launch, pool that overlooks the wetlands & bay, community center with gym, walking trails, & more! Located within minutes from Coastal Highway, area's attractions, shopping, dining, and beaches. (Similar Nearby Lot Also Available: 31900 Shell Landing Way | DESU164622 | $250,000)

JUST REDUCED:

36214 Tarpon Dr| Wolfe Pointe | DESU159688 | $969,900 CUSTOM CRAFTED LUXURY! Practically brand-new beautifully built Wolfe Pointe home with comfortable style and elegance. The intuitive floor plan starts with the gorgeous gourmet kitchen with custom cabinets and professional grade stainless steel appliances, which will be the focal point of your holiday parties and everyday gatherings and central to the light-filled great room with gas fireplace & soaring ceilings open to the 2nd level loft, sitting room with exposed beams, and the dining room - all with rich hardwood flooring throughout. Enjoy master suites on each level, plus 2 additional bedrooms on the 2nd level, and a bonus separate in-law suite above the 2nd garage! Other custom details include the finished basement complete with a large rec/media space, full bath, and unfinished storage room that can be finished for even more living space. The outside is just as nice with relaxing front porch, 2 balconies, and a rear paver patio/deck overlooking the tree-lined backyard. Located in a sought-after Lewes neighborhood that is only a bike ride away from Downtown Historic Lewes and moments from the trail to Rehoboth Beach.

35178 Helmsman Way |Stonewater Creek| DESU160774| $379,900 Stunning model like home with numerous upgrades on a .48 acre landscaped lot. No detail or upgrade was spared in this 4 years new Cartwright model by Insight Homes with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.  Includes crown molding throughout the living area with luxury vinyl plank flooring, a 4 foot extension off the living room, breakfast room and master bedroom with a sitting room. Enjoy your morning coffee basking in the sun-lit morning room or attached 14x12 deck. The master bath includes a soaking tub and tiled shower and the kitchen offers an island, upgraded cabinetry, granite, tiled back splash and more. The kitchen overlooks the spacious family room which features a floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Additional upgrades include central vacuum system, Rinnai on demand hot water heater, epoxy coated flooring in garage with insulated walls and door, heat pump with a gas backup and a conditioned crawl space with sump pump, dehumidifier and access from inside the garage. Outside you will find a 12 x 15 shed with electric, irrigation with separate well, spotlights on the home and shed, and landscape lighting. Energy efficiency is found at every turn in this well insulated home with utility bills being well below normal. The community is ideally located close to shopping and the beaches and includes a large community center, pool and tennis.

*PLEASE NOTE: LISTING BROKERAGE REQUESTS THAT ALL AGENTS SHOWING OUR LISTINGS AND THEIR CLIENTS FOLLOW ANY SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY US OR HOMEOWNER ON HYGIENE PROTOCOL UPON ENTERING AND LEAVING THE PROPERTY, IN ADDITION TO WASHING /SANITIZING THEIR HANDS THOROUGHLY WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVE.

Summer started with several stunners making a spalsh on the real estate scene. From impeccable historic style to brand new construction in a range of prices, these homes have the WOW factor!

403 W. 4th St | Historic Lewes | DESU163334 | $1,795,000 AWARD-WINNING HISTORIC STYLE! Welcome to the heart of Historic Lewes, nestled in unique Shipcarpenter Square. A model of historic style, this 2009 home earned the 2011 Award for Historic Preservation for its contribution to The First Town. Extensive list of remarkable features, designed by Tony Beto and crafted by Dewson Construction, include inviting living spaces with hand-cut beams, rustic floors, reclaimed bricks, plastered walls, deep window sills and doorways, rich multi-piece trim, classical fixtures, custom cabinets, Bucks County Soapstone countertops, and robust hardware from Michael Coldren, & Co. Enjoy the spaciousness of 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, an amazing English basement with stunning billiards/bar area, separate shop/studio, and versatile storage. Details like two wood-burning fireplaces and front and back staircases add to the authentic charm. Premium professional appliances and systems - even an elevator! - provide unparalleled comforts, as well as unmatched style. Relax in cozy living spaces, amid beautiful lush gardens with patio and pergola, all just steps to the boutique shopping and dining of downtown Lewes, captivating beaches, scenic waterways, endless recreation, and bike trails. Truly the best of Historic Lewes!

508 Pilottown Rd | In-Town Lewes | DESU163294 | $1,095,000 VERSATILITY ON THE LEWES-REHOBOTH CANAL! Discover this uniquely Lewes opportunity in this versatile classic Colonial home on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal! Main home dates to the 1860s with 4 bedrooms, historic charm, and traditional wood floors. A separate/detached 2-car garage with garage apartment delivers its own 2 bedrooms, bath, and kitchenette. Enjoy life along the waterway - including a leased canal front parcel across the street with a dock - just steps to downtown Historic Lewes shopping and dining with easy access~to Lewes Beach, bike trails and state park toward the Cape, and convenient New Road access nearby. Establish yourself on legendary Pilottown Road and start your Coastal Delaware life!

410 Seagull Dr | Pilottown Village | DESU162978 | $547,500 HEARTH & HOME! A welcoming front porch invites you into this spacious 4 bedroom Cape Cod, situated on a quiet cul de sac lot in desirable Pilottown Village! Features an open floor plan with an accommodating country kitchen central to the living & dining rooms, and the two 1st floor bedrooms - including the master with luxe en-suite bath. The 2nd floor offers a secondary living area/ in-law suite with its own private stairwell to the outside, and includes kitchenette, 2 bedrooms, and a spacious office / bonus room above the 2-car garage! Outdoor enjoyment is yours from the expansive back deck with hot tub, paver patio - perfect for summer barbecues, outdoor shower, and more. Located within an easy bike or walk to everything downtown Lewes has to offer.

19588 Beaver Dam Rd| Oak Crest Pond| DESU163216 | $539,900 ROOM FOR EVEN MORE! Exceptionally large lot, backing to over 20+ Acres of community land and ponds, offers space for an additional garage, or outbuilding, to complement this already fantastic brand-new construction ! This spacious home has everything you could want: an open floor plan - perfect for entertaining with high ceilings, rich hardwood floors throughout & custom trim, a pre-wired Smart Home system built-in, a stylish gourmet kitchen with granite counters & stainless steel appliances, including a custom built on-site hood vent as the centerpiece, first floor bedroom that doubles as a secondary master, 2nd floor master suite with luxury master bath & walk-in closet, huge bonus room, and so much more! Great location, minutes to all the attractions, dining, shopping, and beaches our area has to offer.

34380 Bronze St | Sterling Crossing | DESU163120 | $369,900 GREAT REHOBOTH BEACH LOCATION! This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, end unit townhome is centrally located with easy access to the area's shopping, dining, attractions, and beaches. The interior features include an open floor plan, hardwood flooring throughout first floor, granite countertops, gas fireplace, large master suite with walk-in closets, full basement with a family room and full bath, and much more. You will enjoy the rear patio, beautiful landscaping, outdoor shower, short walk to the community pool, club house, and fitness center. $5000 credit given for new carpet.

The unofficial start of summer will follow an unconventional set of rules this year at Delaware’s beaches. While our southern neighbors in Ocean City, MD, opened earlier this month, Delaware’s state and local governments are applying a phased-in approach to continue to stem the spread of coronavirus, assist our local healthcare facilities, and keep communities safe.

What does this mean for “The Nation’s Summer Capital?”

For real estate:
We have been fortunate to continue much of our business online and with limited personal contact while following safety guidelines. Our physical offices continue to be closed to visitors and we have majorly scaled-back staffing; most are working remotely. Technology has been essential, of course, enabling FaceTime showings and listings, and people continue to buy and sell houses. 

Speaking anecdotally for my office, November and December of 2019 and the first few months of 2020 fueled a still-busy March. April was certainly different from Aprils past; however, low interest rates sparked buyers, and sellers who were planning on listing - in one of our typically busiest listing months - have started to move forward and take advantage of the captive online audience of buyers. Overall, prices have been stable, over a dozen of our listings went under contract last week, and the number of new listings is almost on track. Will the trend continue? It is difficult to know, however, we feel it will be a busy summer for Delaware beach real estate, albeit still within a ‘new normal’ of social distancing.

For the community as a whole: 
Our beach communities are working hard to balance an economic need to reopen businesses, restaurants, and recreational areas while being dedicated to keeping employees, customers, and the community safe. It is a difficult balance, for sure, especially in an area that thrives on tourism, but we are dipping our toes in the water this weekend.

Here’s what you need to know if you are traveling from out of state:

First, as you likely experience in your own hometown, restrictions are subject to change by the day, depending on how well the public follows them, so if you are making a trip to the beach, please check the latest guidelines on the Governor’s website: https://governor.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2020/05/Delaware-Economic-Reopening-Guidance_Phase.pdf

As of May 20: Anyone traveling to Delaware from out-of-state must self-quarantine for 14 days. Currently, this rule applies whether you are a homeowner or visitor.
Additionally, a ban on short-term rentals is in effect now and throughout Phase 1, which begins officially on June 1. (We are not sure how long Phase 1 will last.) UPDATE: Since the date of publication, effective June 1, Delaware Governor John Carney has lifted the 14-day quarantine for out-of-state visitors and short-term rental ban. But please check the State of Delaware website for the most current information.

As of Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m.:
Lewes and Rehoboth’s beaches and Boardwalk are open. People must still wear face masks on the Boardwalk and in restrooms, maintain a 6-foot distance unless immediate household members, and limit gatherings to fewer than 10 people. 

State parks/beaches will reopen, but capacity may be limited. All campgrounds are still closed.  

As of June 1: Delaware restaurants and retail shops are scheduled to open their indoor spaces at 30 percent of fire code capacity. Reservations will be required and no bar seating will be allowed. Many restaurants have already been offering take-out. They will be able to apply for expanded outdoor seating, which will hopefully open up more dining options throughout the summer. Also, effective June 1, out-of-state visitors no longer need to self-quarantine for 14-days and a ban on short-term rentals is lifted. 

Understandably, some of these guidelines are limiting factors in making travel plans. In the meantime, if you are looking for beach real estate or even a glimpse of the ocean, our local Realtors will be happy to send you a link or FaceTime! Stay safe - we look forward to welcoming you back to the beach soon.

New prices - just in time for summer! 

Take a fresh look at these great opportunities:

618 Kings Hwy | In-Town Lewes | DESU147602 | $665,000   33515 W. Hunters Run | Villages of 5 Points East | DESU157044 | $499,900   35803 S. Gloucester Cir | Fairfield at Long Neck | DESU155938 | $182,270     113 4th Street - In-town Lewes - DESU159310 - $409,900

The spring real estate market is blooming!

Take a look at these new-to-market real estate opportunities and new prices!

208 University Dr | Pilottown Park | DESU157450 | $499,900 GREAT LEWES LOCATION! Live in-town Lewes in this three bedroom, two bathroom rancher. Features include a spacious living room, an eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, large master bedroom, private screened porch, and much more. This ideal Lewes location allows you to walk or bike to the shops, dining, & attractions of downtown Lewes, the Lewes Rehoboth Canal, and the beaches.

7 Burrwood Ct | Highview | DESU157594 | $489,700 VIEWS FOR MILES! Spectacular home grants panoramic wetland and bay views in Highview, a private enclave nestled along the wetlands of Indian River, and Bay Boat House Pond, a protected natural wetland area. Unobstructed, broad views evoke serenity, privacy, and picturesque sunsets! Like-new 4-bedroom home maximizes premier location with a light-filled open floor plan, large living room with stone gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen, flex room, large semi formal dining room, second floor master suite with private balcony, relaxation on the multi-level open air rear decks, and more. Community features a day dock pier, perfect for launching your kayaks, paddle boards, fishing and crabbing. Spacious home offers plenty of room for hosting friends and family. Use Massey's Landing as your personal boat ramp and day dock your boat at the community pier. Cruise the waters of Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. Visit nearby attractions in Dewey,Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, including the famous "Paradise Grill Restaurant!" Enjoy plenty of room for hosting friends and family in your personal oasis near the beach.

18374 Show Jumper Ln | Showfield | DESU157460 | $424,900 RESIDENTIAL LOT IN ONE OF LEWES' NEWEST COMMUNITIES! Don't miss this opportunity to build in Showfield, no builder tie-in allows you to custom design and build the home of your dreams. Currently the largest lot for sale in the community and this lot has been tested and approved for a basement. The Showfiled community amenities include an outdoor pool, club house, walking trail, and fitness center. Just a short bike ride or drive to Lewes Beach, Cape Henlopen State Park, and the shopping and dining of downtown Lewes or hop on the Junction Breakwater Bike Trail and head to Rehoboth Beach.

30845 Park Terrace | Ridings at Rehoboth | DESU157646 | $399,900 SPACIOUS, OPEN FLOOR PLAN! Enjoy hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas, granite countertops & stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, formal dining area, bright living room with gas fireplace, split bedroom floor plan with private master suite & 2 additional spacious bedrooms, full unfinished basement with plenty of storage room & the potential to be finished for even more living space! The exterior features an expansive rear deck overlooking the generously sized backyard with irrigation system - providing the perfect setting for summertime entertaining & relaxing! Great community amenities include a community center, fitness center, and pool.

20261 Bridgewater Rd | Plantation Lakes | DESU157632 | $284,900 MOVE RIGHT IN to this four bedroom Plantation Lakes townhome. in a prime location within the neighborhood; one block walking distance to The Landing Clubhouse Restaurant, tennis courts, community center, fitness center, and pool. This spacious home features first and second floor living rooms, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, large breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, gas range, & pantry, hardwood flooring throughout the main living areas of the first floor, natural gas fireplace, first floor master suite with walk-in closets, three additional second floor bedrooms, and screened porch that overlooks the pond & first hole of the golf course. Tons of owner upgrades and improvements too!

18878 Forgotten Harbor Ct. #502 Woods Cove Bedrooms: 2 | Baths: 2 MLS: DESU157300 Now: $239,900 MOVE IN READY! This freshly painted, 1st floor, 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo is ready to become your next home, why wait for expensive new construction? This is a great value for first floor living in a highly desired Rehoboth community and is conveniently located off of Plantations Rd between Lewes and Rehoboth with easy access to Rt One, the beaches, shopping, and dining!

34383 Summerlyn Dr. #111 Summerlyn Bedrooms: 3 | Baths: 2 MLS: DESU157638 Now: $299,900 JUST MINUTES TO THE BEACH, shopping and restaurants! Beautiful third floor end-unit condo offers every convenience, including sunroom, screened porch, master with walk-in closet & en-suite bath with whirlpool tub, fireplace, and much more. Enjoy it year-round or use it as your summer getaway!

JUST REDUCED:

31428 Waters Way Reserves at Lewes Landing Bedrooms:3 | Bathrooms: 2 Year Built: 2006 MLS: DESU153582 Now: $410,000 LUXURIOUS AND JUST RIGHT! Experience tastefully appointed luxury in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Beautiful open design offers upgrades including hardwood and tile floors, Corian counters & breakfast bar, cozy gas fireplace, formal living and dining rooms, bright sunroom, and much more. Enjoy the huge master suite with a spacious walk-in closet and spa like bath. Two additional bedrooms, both with walk-in closets. Just a short drive to the beaches and attractions of the area!

222 University Dr | Reserve at Pilottown MLS: DESU156890 | Now: $267,900 RESERVE YOUR SPOT! Don't miss this opportunity to build your dream home in the City of Lewes! This vacant lot in the wonderful Reserve at Pilottown community is ready for your vision! No builder tie-in means you are free to choose your builder and your plans for a custom home. Walk or bike to Lewes attractions, the canal, and the beach!

After Valentine's Day, fall in love with one of these beauties!

Meet us in person this weekend at our OPEN HOUSES:

Saturday, February 15, 12-2pm:

35104 Roebuck Lane, Breakwater, Lewes (MLS 146678)

618 Kings Highway, In-town Lewes (MLS 147602)

Sunday, February 16, 12-2pm:

26 Eleanor Lee Lane, Canal Corkran, Rehoboth Beach (MLS 147230)

37035 Sheepscot Road, Coastal Club, Lewes (MLS 146746)

16572 Howard Millman Lane, Paynters Mill, Milton (MLS 145136)