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Carolyn Roland- 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 Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
They say, “Good fences make good neighbors.” But the truth is good communication builds lasting neighbor relationships.Whether you’re replacing an old fence, putting up a new privacy fence, or just maintaining your property, following a few basic etiquette rules can help prevent misunderstandings and keep the neighborhood friendly. These easy practices are especially important in communities in New Castle County where homes are often close together and neighbors share property lines.  Start with a ConversationTalk to your neighbor before making changes to a fence.Even if the fence is all yours, it’s just plain polite to give your neighbor a heads-up. They may have animals, children, landscaping projects or outdoor activities that could be disturbed by the construction.A little talk toda...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
Shopping online has made life more convenient than it has ever been. We get packages delivered to our front doors almost daily, from groceries to household essentials to just about anything else. But there’s one delivery you certainly don’t want: unwanted pests.However, pest control professionals say cardboard boxes and shipping materials can be a carrier for insects and other pests. While it is not common, there are a few simple precautions that can help protect your home from an infestation before it starts.Why Packages Can Attract PestsPackages are moved through warehouses, trucks, distribution centers, and storage facilities before they arrive at your door. Insects such as pantry moths, grain beetles, weevils, cockroaches, and even rodents may be hiding in corrugated cardboard or fo...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you have been following real estate news lately, you probably have heard of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The name may sound like just another complicated government program, but the goal is actually pretty simple: make housing more affordable and increase the number of homes available for people to buy.Over the next several years, this legislation could have a significant impact on homeowners, buyers and sellers in New Castle County, Delaware.  Why Was This Act Created?It’s been a seller’s market in cities across the country for homes for sale. With less inventory and more buyers bidding for fewer homes, prices go up and it gets more challenging to buy a home .These challenges have been experienced first hand in communities such as Newark, Hockessin, Wilmington, Bear, and Mi...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you're thinking about moving to a 55+ community in New Castle County, you probably have one question that no brochure seems to answer directly: what about the grandkids?It's one of the most common things I hear from empty nesters rightsizing in Northern Delaware. And the answer is more flexible than most people expect, but it does depend on the specific community you choose.Here's what you need to know before you buy.The Law Allows Age-Restricted CommunitiesUnder the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (HOPA), 55+ communities are legal under specific conditions. The most common is the 80/20 rule: at least 80% of occupied units must have at least one resident who is 55 or older. That framework is what allows these communities to exist while also staying within Fair Housing guideline...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you intend to sell your house in New Castle County, Delaware, the first thirty days prior to listing can significantly affect both the speed at which your house sells and the final price you get.Today's purchasers are searching for properties that seem ready to move into, whether they are in Hockessin, Newark, Pike Creek, Middletown, Bear, or Wilmington. The good news is that making a good impression doesn't require a significant overhaul. Your home's marketability can be greatly increased with a targeted 30-day preparation plan.Week 1: Declutter and DepersonalizeMaking a place that customers can envision themselves living in is the first step.Remove: Family photos Personal collections Excess furniture Unused items in closets and storage areas Decluttering helps buyers concentrate on...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you're searching for a home in New Castle County, Delaware, you've probably noticed that desirable properties don't stay on the market very long. Whether you're looking in Hockessin, Newark, Pike Creek, Middletown, Bear, or Wilmington, the best homes often attract significant attention within days of being listed.The good news is that finding the right home in a competitive market isn't about being the fastest buyer—it's about being the most prepared buyer. Recent real estate guidance emphasizes that buyers who understand market conditions, establish clear priorities, and secure financing before shopping are far more likely to succeed.Why Homes Move Quickly in New Castle CountyNorthern Delaware continues to attract buyers because of its location, schools, employment opportunities, an...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
 If you've been watching the Northern Delaware housing market and waiting for the perfect moment to make your move — you're not alone. A lot of homeowners and buyers in New Castle County are doing the same thing right now. Waiting for rates to drop. Waiting for prices to cool off. Waiting for some signal that says go.Here's the problem: that signal never comes.Every Market Has Trade-Offs — Even the "Good" OnesThink back to 2020 and 2021. Mortgage rates hit historic lows and buyers jumped in fast. What happened in New Castle County? Homes in neighborhoods like Pike Creek, Hockessin, and Newark were flying off the market in days. Bidding wars became routine. Buyers who locked in those low rates still paid well above asking price and competed against a dozen other offers to do it.Fast forw...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Hockessin, one of the biggest questions right now is simple: How fast are homes actually selling? The short answer is this: well-priced homes in Hockessin are still moving relatively quickly, even as the market becomes more balanced than it was during the peak frenzy of the past few years. Recent market reports show many homes going under contract in less than 30 days, especially properties that are updated, properly priced, and located in desirable neighborhoods. That’s important because days on market — often called “DOM” — gives both buyers and sellers insight into negotiating power, competition, and pricing strategy. The Hockessin Market Has Shifted — But Demand Is Still Strong Over the last few years, Hockessin experienced an ex...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
Here's What You Need to Know  in New Castle CountyThe process of purchasing or selling a home is already complex. It can seem even more difficult when tenants are involved, particularly if you haven't done this previously.The good news is that both buyers and sellers can benefit from tenant-occupied transactions, which are common in New Castle County. Knowing what to anticipate before the event occurs is crucial.What "Tenant-Occupied" Actually MeansSimply said, a tenant-occupied home is one that is occupied by a renter while it is for sale. One significant fact that many homeowners are unaware of is that a tenant's contract does not expire simply because the house is for sale.Even after a new owner takes over, the renter usually maintains the right to stay until the end of a fixed-term ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you own a home in New Castle County, you already know the list of things that need attention never really goes away. The question most homeowners are wrestling with right now isn't whether to spend — it's where to spend first.In 2026, that decision is harder than ever. Rising labor and material costs, higher insurance premiums, and climbing utility bills are forcing homeowners to make tougher calls about where their money goes. And here in Northern Delaware, where many homes were built decades ago, those decisions carry real weight.Here's a practical framework to help you think it through.Maintenance First. Always.There's a simple rule worth tattooing on your budget: maintenance protects a home's value, while improvements enhance it. When money is tight, that distinction tells you ex...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
Moving is one of the most exciting things you can do. It's also one of the most stressful. Whether you're heading to a new neighborhood in Wilmington, relocating to Newark, or rightsizing into a Pike Creek townhouse, the same truth applies: a little planning goes a long way.Here are 11 tips to make your next move in New Castle County as smooth as possible.1. Start Planning Earlier Than You ThinkThe moment you know you're moving, the clock is ticking. Work backward from your move date and build a checklist. If you're taking out a new mortgage, your timeline for saving and closing needs to run alongside your moving plan — not after it.2. Purge Before You PackMoving is the best excuse you'll ever have to declutter. Go room by room and ask yourself: have I used this in the past year? If not...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
You've undoubtedly heard the phrase PMI mentioned if you're purchasing your first house in New Castle County. During pre-approval, your lender may have brought it up. Perhaps you noticed it tucked away in a loan estimate and were curious about the true cost. In any case, it's important to comprehend this before making one of the most significant financial choices of your life.Here's a straightforward explanation of your options in Northern Delaware.So What Exactly Is PMI?Private mortgage insurance is referred to as PMI. When you put down less than 20% on a traditional loan, an additional monthly fee is applied to your mortgage payment. In the event of a loan default, it safeguards the lender rather than you.A 1% PMI rate would increase your monthly payment by about $292 on a $350,000 ho...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you've been scrolling through headlines lately, you may have noticed more talk about rising foreclosures. And if that makes you think back to 2008, you're not alone. That instinct is completely understandable. But the data tells a very different story — and if you're buying or selling a home in New Castle County right now, the context matters.The Numbers Are Rising — But They're Not AlarmingYes, foreclosure filings have ticked up nationally. But they remain nowhere near crisis territory. The key metric to watch isn't foreclosure filings — it's serious delinquencies, meaning homeowners who are 90 or more days behind on their mortgage payments.According to data from the New York Fed, serious delinquencies currently sit at around 1% of all mortgages — roughly 1 in every 100. During the ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you're getting ready to sell your home in New Castle County, one of the smartest — and most overlooked — steps you can take is depersonalizing. It sounds simple, but sellers who do it well consistently see better showings, more engaged buyers, and faster sales.So what exactly is depersonalizing? It's the process of removing or minimizing anything that reflects your personal life — family photos, collections, bold décor, hobby displays, sports memorabilia — so buyers can mentally move themselves in. The goal isn't to strip your home bare. It's to shift it from "my home" to "your home" in the eyes of every buyer who walks through the door.  Why It Matters to BuyersWhen a buyer tours a home in communities like Hockessin, Pike Creek, or Bear, they're trying to picture their own life in t...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home’s exterior, and the best part is you don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact. In fact, small, strategic updates can dramatically boost your home’s curb appeal and make it more inviting to guests or potential buyers. If you’re thinking about selling or simply want to fall in love with your home again, here are simple and affordable ways to elevate your curb appeal this season. 🌸 Start With a Fresh, Clean Look The fastest way to improve curb appeal is to clean everything. A quick power wash of your siding, driveway, and walkways can instantly remove dirt, mildew, and stains that dull your home’s appearance. If you don’t have a pressure washer, even a garden hose and some elbow grease can go a long way. Pro Tip: Don’t forget your front...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If your home is on the market and not getting the attention you expected, it can be frustrating. Fewer showings, little online engagement, and no strong offers can make you wonder what went wrong. The good news is that a stale listing does not always mean there is something seriously wrong with your home. In many cases, it means the presentation, pricing, or strategy needs to be adjusted. CLICK IMAGE TO GET YOUR GUIDE A recent article from NAR’s Styled, Staged & Sold points to a common issue sellers face: many listings simply do not connect with buyers because they are not presented in a way that helps buyers picture themselves living there. The article emphasizes that staging and presentation should not be about criticizing a homeowner’s style. Instead, the goal is to create a setting ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
  If you’re thinking about selling your home in New Castle County this year, timing matters more than many homeowners realize. Two major housing platforms recently released their picks for the best time to list in 2026, and while they do not fully agree, they both point to the same general truth: spring is still the sweet spot. Realtor.com says the best week nationally is April 12–18, 2026, while Zillow says sellers may see the strongest price results in the last two weeks of May. So what does that mean for sellers in New Castle County? The answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all week, but there is a smart window. For many local homeowners in areas like Newark, Middletown, Hockessin, Bear, and Wilmington, the strongest listing period will likely be somewhere between mid-April and ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
If you’re thinking about buying a home in New Castle County, Delaware, the next Federal Reserve meeting may be on your radar. Many buyers assume mortgage rates will move dramatically after these meetings, but the reality is that mortgage rates don’t always change immediately with Fed decisions. Instead of trying to perfectly time the market, buyers often benefit more by focusing on preparation and financial readiness.Whether you’re looking in Hockessin, Pike Creek, Newark, Wilmington, or Middletown, taking a few practical steps now can put you in a stronger position when the right home appears.Get Preapproved and Start Talking to LendersOne of the most important steps you can take before beginning your home search is getting preapproved for a mortgage. A preapproval means a lender revie...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
After a long winter, your home’s exterior has likely taken a beating from snow, freezing temperatures, and wind. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your property and take care of small maintenance tasks before they turn into costly repairs. A little preventative work now can protect your home, improve curb appeal, and help you avoid unexpected issues during the warmer months.Start with the Roof and GuttersYour roof is the first line of defense against the elements, so it should be one of the first things you check when spring arrives. Winter weather can loosen shingles, damage flashing, or leave debris that traps moisture. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles and signs of moss or algae growth. Addressing minor problems early can prevent water from leaking into your home d...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
Price cuts are becoming a bigger part of the 2026 housing conversation, and that shift matters for buyers and sellers here in New Castle County, Delaware. A recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) report notes that as winter home sales stayed sluggish, more sellers started reducing asking prices, and buyers have gained more negotiating leverage. In the new construction space, builders are leaning on concessions in a way we have not seen in a while. NAR cites the National Association of Home Builders: in February, 36% of builders reported cutting prices, with the average reduction around 6%, and 65% offered incentives like closing cost assistance, mortgage rate buydowns, or design upgrades.     That new home strategy can ripple into resale neighborhoods across New Castle County. ...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
Winter in New Castle County can be beautiful, but the snow and ice that blanket our homes aren't always as harmless as they look. Heavy snowfall puts serious stress on your roof, and ignoring the warning signs can lead to expensive repairs down the road.Here are seven critical signs that winter weather may have damaged your roof — and what you should do about them.1. Water Stains or Active LeaksBrown or yellow stains on your attic ceiling, damp insulation, or water dripping from your ceiling are clear signs that snowmelt has found its way through your roof. Delaware's freeze-thaw cycles can worsen existing vulnerabilities like worn shingles or compromised flashing. Check your attic after every major storm — catching leaks early can save you thousands in repair costs.  2. Damaged or Sagg...
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