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 Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
Many people ask me if home prices will fall and if they should wait to buy or sell.  Here are some facts to  make buyer and seller decisions easier.  Home Price ExpectationsHome prices have grown for over 120 consecutive months (10 years) year over year. The price appreciation has averaged 15% for 2021 which is a stark increase to 6% in 2020.  Why are prices growing?  Demand drives pricing.  There are still many more buyers in the market to purchase a home than homeowners who are willing to sell. Because of this imbalance, home price forecasters believe prices are expected to increase throughout 2022.  Experts are forecasting price appreciation though the year although at a lesser gain than last year.  Below is a chart of projected price increases by 7 forecasters with an average apprec...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
With low inventory, high home prices, and rising mortgage rates, there’s no denying that today’s market is a challenging one for buyers.So how, exactly, are buyers navigating the process of finding and purchasing a home in today’s market?Bank of America recently released their 2022 Homebuyer’s Insights Report, which explored how buyers are navigating today’s competitive real estate landscape. Some of the report’s findings include:   85 percent of buyers would be willing to make an offer in three days or less. Today’s buyers know that if you find a house you want to buy, you need to act—and you need to act fast. As such, 65 percent of buyers surveyed said they’d be willing to make an offer within three days of viewing a home—and 20 percent said they’d put in an offer immediately.   Many ...
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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)
We went to Winterthur Museum and Gardens today especially to see the azaleas. They were still not at their peak, but oh how lovely they were.  And I got to see my special favorite at this time of year, the Dove or Handkerchief tree, whose flowers resemble white handkerchiefs blowing in the breeze. And STOP the garden tram! We want to get off at the Quarry Garden, replete with Candelabra Primroses. They never disappoint. (as seen from bridge above quarry). 
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
Many homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the wise thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market since historically about 40 percent of home sales occur between April and July. However, this year’s expected to be much different than the norm. Here are five reasons to list your house now rather than waiting until the spring.  1. Buyers Are Looking Right Now, and They’re Ready To PurchaseThe ShowingTime Showing Index reports data from more than six million property showings scheduled across the country each month. In other words, it’s a gauge of how many buyers are out looking at homes at the current time.The latest index, which covers November showings, reveals that buyers are still very active in the market. Comparing this November’s numbers to previous years, this graph ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  Mothers Day is right around the corner and if you cant  find the perfect gift, LEGO has helped you out immensely. LEGO has announced two new additions — an orchid and a set of succulents — to its Botanicals Collection of artificial florals that you build instead of grow. The first one is a 608-piece, 15-inch-high orchid that features six large flowers and two smaller newly-opened buds, with the bloom potted inside a blue fluted vase.   LEGO Flower Bouqet “A challenge with this set was creating a cylindrical pot from LEGO elements that would be fun to build but also beautiful to look at,” said lead designer Michael Psiaki. Fun fact: the orchid was inspired by a real one in the LEGO office. And while the artificial version might not be scented like the original, it sure just as elegant....
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By JoAnn Moore, Home Loans in Delaware
(The Mortgage Market of Delaware)
Celebrate MomThis Mother’s Day, why not do something special and unexpected?Schedule a session with Mom and the Kids, Multiple Generations, or Just Mom! Mom will have a lasting memory of her special day and a gift your family will cherish for years to come.Schedule your photo session or purchase a gift card. Sitting fee includes a 20 minute custom-tailored session on location.One 5x7 photograph matted and framed is included. 2022 Mom's Day special is $250 Email to schedule one of the four sessions available on May 8 by April 30,Receive a digital gift card to use anytime.A guided tour of the gallery of photographs to select and purchase more if desired.              
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  If you've followed the news lately, you've probably seen quite a bit about inflation. The consumer price index jumped .8% in February, bringing the total increase over the last 12 months to 7.9% – this is the largest annual jump in the last 40 years. So, how does all of this affect the real estate market? The Inventory IssueInterest rates have been kept low for so long it's created a bubble for everything and not just the housing market. There's also inflationary pressure on the housing market because of limited inventory. Limited inventory stems from a myriad of problems in the industry.First, many homeowners aren't putting their houses on the market. This is due to factors like lockdowns, but also the fear they won't be able to find a new home to buy.There are construction delays du...
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By David Henke, Realtor, Homes Just West of Philadelphia PA
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)
Happy Easter!Happy Easter from Wilmington DE!David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Wilmington, DE/Devon, PAOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808http://www.DelawarePAHomes.com
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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)
Yesterday I had a request from a buyer to see a property in a tiny town on the Delaware Bay.  Woodland Beach was known prior to 1878 for amusements and frolicking at the beach. Then a tidal wave knocked out 35 miles of waterfront towns.  Today, Woodland Beach is known for fishing and crabbing. One of the yearlong residents has been feeding these ducks for so long that they have their own road warning. The long drive there from nearby Smyrna is lined with flat farmland. The closer you get to Woodland, the road becomes more like a causeway with tidal waters on either side. Due to recent rains, the water comes almost up to the roadway and there are signs warning not to continue if the yellow light is flashing a flooding warning.  But yesterday, the roads were clear and a pleasant drive ens...
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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)
Winterthur Museum and Gardens is using Mr. duPont's idea of directing visitors to the best views every day by posting arrows (one in shadow above).  The bluebells are gathered around below to welcome us.On my wandering yesterday, I noted that the windflowers (a type of anemone) were vying for attention all over the place.The pathways were lined with these blue or white flowers.All in all, I'd call it just a beautiful spring day in the woods.
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
Are you thinking about selling your house? If so, you may want to make it a priority to start the process soon. According to realtor.com, the sweet spot for sellers is just around the corner. In a recent study, experts analyzed housing market trends by looking at data from the past several years (excluding 2020, since it was an atypical year). When applied to the current market, experts determined the ideal week to list a house this year. The research says:If you’ve been putting your move on the back burner waiting for the ideal time to sell, you should know your golden window of opportunity is coming up. If you’re able to get your house ready quickly, here’s what you can expect from that week. You Should See More Buyer ActivityThe article expects higher buyer demand based on what’s hap...
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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)
It is not raining and the sun is out, so it was time to look around the garden and pull a few weeds today.  Then I caught sight of a garden worker shaking the pollen out of a hellebore--a big fat bee!  I had never thought about hellebores and bees before, but sure enough, he was hard at work!And the grape hyacinths had popped into sight after staying low earlier in the week, and they were a welcome burst of color.  The tulips were just starting to open, and the daffodils were in various states, depending on the variety. Some still perky, and some wilting.Farther down the hill, I had forgotten about the flowering quince. It has been about 5 years since I planted it, and a few more flowers appear every year. Nothing like the ones at Winterthur gardens. I wonder how old those plants are. T...
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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)
The historic Penny House on the old King's Highway in Wilmington, Delaware is now in the hands of a new owner.This 1749 stone home was owned by the Penny brothers, who were cabinetmakers. It later became the home of Robert Shaw, a famous local artist. Then James Warner Bellah lived there (he wrote "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" which became a John Wayne movie). During the Revolutionary War, troops passed this way going to and from Philadelphia. George Washington is said to have stopped at the spring for a cool drink of water. The present-day appraiser of the property called the springhouse "a shed with water problems."  City Boy!
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
    If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, timing is crucial. After all, you’ll want to balance getting the most out of the sale of your current home and making the best investment when you buy your next one.If that’s the case, you should know – you may be able to get the best of both worlds today. Here are four reasons why this spring may be your golden window of opportunity.   1. The Number of Homes on the Market Is Still LowToday’s limited supply of houses for sale is putting sellers in the driver’s seat. There are far more buyers in the market today than there are homes available. That means purchasers are eagerly waiting for your house.Listing your house now makes it the center of attention. And if you work with a real estate professional to price your house correctly...
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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)
I was excited to attend the opening at the Delaware Art Museum of their celebration of Tiffany works from a collection I visited when in Chicago several years ago. This Chicago collection was so varied and large that if I had seen any of these pieces, they were jammed into my memory along with thousands of other pieces of architecture, furniture, and artwork.(photos: Garden Landscape window and Wisteria lamp with openwork at top)The current Wilmington exhibit,  Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection features more than 60 objects, spanning over 30 years of Tiffany’s prolific career. The exhibition showcases Tiffany’s innovative work in leaded and blown glass, including stellar examples of his famous windows, lamps, and vases. (photo:Dragonfly lamp) One of America’s...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
What the Federal Reserve did and why       The Federal Reserve raised a bedrock interest rate this month. As a result, mortgage interest rates probably will go up, and rates on home equity lines of credit certainly will. The Fed raised its target for the federal funds rate by 0.25%, or one-quarter of a percentage point. Other interest rates are built atop the federal funds rate, most notably the prime rate often charged on corporate loans by large banks. It, too, will rise 0.25%. Fed interest rates are moving higher as an inflation-fighting measure.     How the Fed rate increase affects home buyers       Mortgage rates are likely to rise because they tend to move in the same direction as the federal funds rate. With the anticipated increases, mortgage rates could trend upward all year....
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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)
Talk about an agreeable plant for all locations (at least anywhere in my yard), look for Sprirea or Bridal Wreath Spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) It's an old fashioned plant I longed for when establishing my garden, and it has not disappointed me. All it needs is a little trimming after its jolly white blooms fade and the plant recedes into the background with its little green leaves not asking for attention.  And if you ever hear of a nearby bride looking for a floral crown in early spring, send them my way! It's the least I can do, right?
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you think of homebuying like riding a rollercoaster, the home inspection can often be one of those unexpected loops you didn’t see coming. Before you reach the closing table, a home inspection gives you, the buyer, a good snapshot of the home’s condition. During this process, a professional will examine the physical structure and systems of the house, from its foundation to its roof. Ideally, the inspection reveals the maintenance projects and repairs that need attention, whether they’re overdue or coming up in the near future. “A home inspection is not guaranteed to catch every issue within a home — you can’t open walls or see under floors — but it is a good indicator of the home’s condition,” says Alison Malkin, owner of RE/MAX Essentia in Avon, Connecticut. It gives the buyer an o...
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By David Henke, Realtor, Homes Just West of Philadelphia PA
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)
Tomorrow is the special election for the 4th Rep district.Remember to vote for 4th Representative District rep on March 5 with the polls open from 7am to 8pm. Thank you for letting your vote be heard!David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Wilmington, DE/Devon, PAOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808http://www.DelawarePAHomes.com 
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By David Henke, Realtor, Homes Just West of Philadelphia PA
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)
Education has become a key issue in states across the country. Ted Kittila supports School Choice and a Parent's Bill of Rights. Here is a quick summary of Ted's position on Education in his own words:Remember to vote early through March 3 or in person on March 5.David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Wilmington, DE/Devon, PAOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808http://www.DelawarePAHomes.com
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Real Estate
(RE/MAX Associates)
  We encounter a host of germs every day, from bacteria and parasites to, yes, viruses, and the battle against them begins at home. Grab some disinfectant wipes, and let's break down the germiest items in your home.Kitchen & Bath     Studies of germs in American homes find, unsurprisingly, that the kitchen is the most germ-ridden room. The biggest offender: your trusty sponge. Sponges can contain millions of bacteria and can quickly spread it over every surface in your kitchen. Using a paper towel or disinfectant wipe is a more effective method to clean countertops and other hard surfaces.In the bathroom, the toothbrush holder is the biggest germ culprit, meaning yes, it’s more germ-ridden than the toilet. Yuck. Cleaning your toothbrush holder weekly will help cut back on germs and giv...
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