
You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!
With higher mortgage rates, you might be wondering if now’s the best time to buy a home. While the financial aspects are important to consider, there are also powerful non-financial reasons it may make sense to make a move. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with homeownership.
Owning your home gives you a significant sense of accomplishment because it’s a space you can customize to your heart’s desire. That can bring you added happiness. In fact, a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows making updates or remodeling your home can help you feel more at ease and comfortable in your living space. NAR measures this with a Joy Score that indicates how much happiness specific home upgrades bring. According to NAR:
“There were numerous interior projects that received a perfect Joy Score of 10: paint entire interior of home, paint one room of home, add a new home office, hardwood flooring refinish, new wood flooring, closet renovation, insulation upgrade, and attic conversion to living area.”
And as a homeowner, unless there are specific homeowner’s association requirements, you typically won’t have to worry about the changes you can and can’t make. If you rent, you may not have the same freedom. And if you do make changes as a renter, there’s a good chance you’ll need to revert them back at the end of your lease based on your rental agreement. That can add additional costs when you move out.
There’s no denying taking care of your home is a large responsibility, but it’s one you’ll take pride in as a homeowner. Freddie Mac explains:
“As the homeowner, you have the freedom to adopt a pet, paint the walls any color you choose, renovate your kitchen, and more. . . . Of course, along with the freedoms of homeownership come responsibilities, such as making your monthly mortgage payments on time and maintaining your home. But as the property owner, you’ll be caring for your own investment.”
You’re not taking care of a living space that belongs to someone else. The space is yours. As an added benefit, you may get a return on investment for any upgrades or repairs you make.
That sense of ownership and your feelings of responsibility can even extend beyond the walls of your home. Your home also gives you a stake in your community. Because the average homeowner stays in their home for longer than just a few years, that can lead to having a stronger connection to your local area. NAR notes how that can benefit you:
“Living in one place for a longer amount of time creates an obvious sense of community pride, which may lead to more investment in said community.”
If you’re looking to put down roots, homeownership can help fuel a sense of connection to the area and those around you.
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, there are incredible benefits waiting for you at the end of your journey, including the ability to customize your home, the sense of achievement homeownership brings, and a greater connection to your community. Connect with a local real estate professional to discuss everything homeownership has to offer.
*information sourced from Keeping Current Matters Blog*
As the market shifts, re-sales aren't the only homes that are affected. The rising interest rates have slowed down the demand with new builds as well, which is resulting in builders bringing back their incentives! This is great news - especially for those who weren't able to build before because of the rising costs of materials. But there is one VERY IMPORTANT thing to note:
Delaware is a "Buyer Beware" state, which means the sales rep represents the builder, NOT YOU (the client). They have the builder's best interest in mind. A Realtor® will help you with finding incentives, and keep you in on the loop from start to finish. You will have legal representation, and will be protected. It is a much smoother & easier transition when we (your Realtor®) are involved. It's the peace of mind that you didn't know you needed. But TRUST US, it will make the process easier and less stressful.
Home of the Month
Beautiful townhome nestled in the popular community of Shoreview Woods! This home showcases vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting and lofty sun-filled transom windows. Prepare savory meals to be served in the formal dining room or kitchen complete with 42-inch cabinetry, a double sink, decorative backsplash, and a peninsula island for casual meals. Enjoy a main floor primary bedroom complete a tray ceiling, ensuite bath with a dual sink vanity, stall shower and a spacious walk-in closet. Ascend upstairs to a spacious loft which could be used as a separate family room or home office space, two nicely sized bedrooms with walk-in closets, and a full bath. Storage space is plentiful with two storage closets off the foyer and one in the upper-level utility room. Additional features include a one-car garage and paver patio. As a resident you will enjoy access to a community swimming pool, a tennis court, and clubhouse. Shoreview Woods is conveniently located just minutes from Lewes, Milton, and around the corner from the bike path taking you as far as Lewes and into Rehoboth. Being sold fully furnished and turn-key ready, make your appointment today!
Questions? Toni Schrock! 302-841-9296
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25935 Plaza Drive # 15 | Millsboro, Delaware | 19966
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Presenting this stunning home, built in 2017 and located on a premium lakefront lot in the active resort-style community, Peninsula Lakes. Curb appeal with lush landscaping and a welcoming front porch take you to the front door framed by sidelights and a transom window. The foyer is grand from the engineered hardwood running through the main living areas to the tray ceiling above. Double French doors lead to a home office or flex space-you decide. Straight ahead gaze up to the two-story open floor plan featuring abundant open space and natural light. The majestic two story, stone fireplace anchors the living room and opens to the dining room and gourmet kitchen. Boasting premium lakeside views, this floor plan provides superb space for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, walk-in pantry, and breakfast bar. Special touches the chef will love include the soft-close and pull-out drawers, display cabinetry and under-cabinet lighting. The main floor primary bedroom flaunts a tray ceiling, dual walk-in closets and ensuite bath featuring a glass doored and tile shower stall crowned by a transom window and a water closet. Two ample guest rooms are located at the front of the home and share a full bath. The laundry room and access to the garage complete this floor. But we are not done yet… the upper-level loft features a family, media room or office space that overlooks the first floor, a spacious fourth bedroom, and third full bath, plus a large storage room that could be converted to a fifth bedroom. Exit the dining room to relax in the extra-large screened porch that faces the water. Step down to the knee-walled stone patio for cocktails, some sun, and lovely lake views. This is an energy efficient home with other notable features including recessed lighting throughout, and a tankless water heater. This prime property is walking distance to the community pool and clubhouse. You will love life in Peninsula Lakes, the lake-oriented resort-style, coastal community with mature trees, eleven ponds, a fishing pier, and scenic walking trails. You will have access to the resort-style clubhouse with a fitness center and outdoor pool with splash pad. You will live in a unique neighborhood, a quiet retreat in a fun, active resort setting with verandas and decks overlooking the water. Spend the evening with family and friends at the patio bar and lounge. Residents will play tennis and pickleball, bocci and horseshoes and have access to a community dog park. Peninsula Lakes provides a low-maintenance lifestyle and includes trash removal, snow removal, and lawncare. Peninsula Lakes is located within a stone’s throw of the Indian River Bay, and a short drive to the Atlantic Ocean and the beaches. Daily conveniences, grocery stores, pharmacies, emergency walk-in care, nail salons and hair salons, liquor, wine stores, and restaurants are all just around the corner. Do not miss your chance to own this stunning beach home. Schedule your private tour today.
Toni Schrock
Realtor®, Northrop Realty, A Long & Foster Company
302-841-9296
Licensed In: DE
License #: RS-0022818
Contact Me
Useful Links
Free Home Values
Team Leader & Realtor®
Beautiful architecturally rich colonial on almost a half-acre lot in the popular community of Stonewater Creek. Enter a two- story sun-drenched foyer featuring stately columns and gorgeous hardwood floors flowing into the home office and formal dining room. Highlights include crown molding, expansive Palladian windows, and a living room anchored by an impressive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace with hearth and mantel. Guests will gravitate to the eat-in gourmet kitchen complete with ceramic tile for ease of care, sleek granite countertops, warm wood cabinetry, a peninsula and stand-alone island, the perfect area to gather and entertain in! Off the kitchen, you can access the wrap-around deck through the atrium door. Enjoy a main level primary bedroom accented with a large walk-in closet, cathedral ceiling, ensuite bath, soaking tub, stall shower and dual sink vanity. A powder room and laundry room with garage access complete the first-floor layout. Ascend a turned staircase to three additional nicely sized bedrooms and full bath on the upper level. Enjoy the convenient location of Stonewater Creek - just 11 miles from Rehoboth and Lewes! Community amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis/pickleball courts, playground, dog park, clubhouse, and fitness center. Located near Baywood Greens public golf club and minutes away from restaurants, shopping, the bays, and the ocean! Don’t wait, come see this home today!
Toni Schrock
Realtor®, Northrop Realty, A Long & Foster Company
302-841-9296
Licensed In: DE
License #: RS-0022818
Contact Me
Useful Links
Free Home Values
Team Leader & Realtor®
Welcome to this spectacular garden lovers delight nestled on almost half-acre lot in Holly Oak on Holly Oak Lane in Lewes. This coastal and country retreat is hidden from the street by the thoughtful landscaping and a formidable front yard. Stone accents frame the flower beds leading to the front porch, around back find your own backyard oasis for entertaining. Inside, the sellers installed waterproof luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring throughout the main living areas. The great room’s exposed beams and vaulted ceiling are balanced by a custom shiplap wall, cozy wood burning fireplace for those frosty winter nights and an intimate dining area. The expansive eat-in kitchen with door to the deck was designed by a chef for a chef. Seating six around the granite island with built-in storage, you will enjoy gas cooking, plenty of prep space, a beautiful backsplash and large passthrough opening to the living room for easy entertaining. The first-floor primary bedroom offers views of the gardens and ensuite bath with wainscotting accents. The second bedroom has ample space and shares a full bath with the upper-level bedroom/bonus room. Currently set up as an office, it is a great space with fresh paint, a cathedral ceiling and light pouring in from transom windows. Additional storage space can be found here. Finish it as another bedroom or build more flex space-you choose. Outside, amenities abound include a shed for your tools and toys, and an enormous deck with privacy fencing leading to extensive gardens where you can relax and enjoy the flora and fauna around you. You will experience the beauty of butterfly bushes, hostas, exotic rose bushes, banana plants, daylilies, phlox, turtle heads, black-eyed susans, irises and more, mature trees and meandering pathways and secluded seating areas. This woodland lifestyle is just minutes from the beaches; has been elegantly renovated and is ready for new owners with everything but a new HVAC of your choosing. As a resident of Holly Acres, you will live close to historic Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, the beaches, and the bays via Route One just a fifteen-minute drive away. Shop unique stores and tax-free outlets, partake of award-winning dining and drinking establishments, enjoy a bevy of entertainment venues and attractions, and plenty of outdoor adventure. Hurry, set up a tour today, you will not be disappointed.
Toni Schrock
Realtor®, Northrop Realty, A Long & Foster Company
302-841-9296
Licensed In: DE
License #: RS-0022818
Contact Me
Useful Links
Free Home Values
Team Leader & Realtor®