First-time buyer reality is that there is "No Perfect Home" as if their was it would have been built just for you.  Every customer is different with their own set of expectations. Almost every time we sit down to discuss the home criteria the truth in the matter is that the absolute dream house you would want to own and live in for your whole life long usually is a fantasy.  Remember that this is your first-house and their will be some things that you will need to understand about buying a home.  Some homes you see will be much older than you intended and some homes you see will need some repairs.  No home is immune to repair work as they all have something that will come up.   The key is to find the home that closely as possible meets your needs and price range that you can live with. ... 02/21/2010

Buyers who want to look at homes above their price range are making a huge mistake!  What happens is you will fall in love with a home that you cannot afford!  Then guess what happens: You Break Your Heart and The Other homes never live up to your expectations!    For many buyers they peak at homes just a hare above their price range and then go back.  It is a good idea to set the price of the home range you are looking for before you go hunting for the perfect dream home.   More often than not you will find that your expectations exceed the reality of the market.  You will most likely have to trim some things off your list.   This is where your REALTOR ® comes in.  We only get paid if we help you find the right home!  Best part is when you work with me here in Delaware the buyer doesn'... 02/21/2010

Many customers ask me what will my mortgage payment be? First I always say... It's up to you want your mortgage payment will be!  You decide a payment that is best suited for you!  If you know you can only spend $800 a month than stick to that!  Etc! You will be working out a comfortable payment with your lender and determining how much house you can afford based on your budget! You always want to start with your budget first!  Not a good idea to be looking at $300,000 homes if you can only afford $800 a month!  You will break your heart!  Many First-time buyers I've worked with are usually comfortable buying $150,000 homes or lower.  They may not be the absolute best homes but remember your just starting out if your a first-time home buyer! Here is some sample payments: A $100,000 hous... 02/14/2010

I run into all kinds of customers and some of them need assistance with Credit Repair.  It doesn't have to cost you a lot of money to work on your credit!  I am not a credit repair expert and so I can only guide you into the right places for you to do your own thorough research. A Good Place to start is to ask your lender ... I asked one lender where would be a good place for customers to go and he suggested www.LexingtonLaw.com  as one idea as he has had clients be successful with them.   Their is a fee for them to help you so I would suggest you start your work at the library.... Here are some books I found at the library that you can ask your librarian to help you find... for FREE!  I found 3 books that you might find helpful in your credit repair... Check out these 3 and see if they... 02/14/2010

According to an older NAR article I was reading, here are the biggest worries that all sellers have. 17% of Sellers - Getting enough money to recover what I put into the house (I'm sure this # is a little higher today!) 14% - Worry about the hassle of keeping their home in constant showcase condition 11% - Worry about closing on time to meet their relocation deadline date 11% - Worry about selling in time to buy the house they want before it sells to someone else. 8% - Worry about temporary housing and a second move 7% - Worry about finding an effective, trustworthy real estate agent 6% - Worry about the contract from the buyer whose financing falls through 5% - Worry about Emotional strain of uprooting and moving all my things 5% - Worry about the hassle and time involved in fixing up ... 02/13/2010

Realtor®, Dover at Harrington ERA Realty.  Tom Davis is a Realtor® in Dover and today's weather in Dover is a real blizzard.  I just measured the snow outside and we are at 23 inches and still have 5 more hours to go until 10pm tonight!  I care about your safety.  Please read some tips about cold blizzard snow safety. I recently posted 3 posts that cover the topics I think you should look at this weekend.  Trench Foot: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1478120/what-is-trench-foot-and-prevention-tips-for-delaware Frostbite: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1478069/what-is-frostbite-and-important-tips-for-delaware Hypothermia: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1478048/what-is-hypothermia You may also wish to read my post about cold weather conditions: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1478030/co... 02/06/2010

The east coast has been slammed with snow and Delaware is just one of those States!  With all this snow I've already discussed Hypothermia, Frostbite and now my part 3 of 3 on "Trench Foot".  Trench foot is a medical conition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to a damp, unsanitary as well as cold condition.  Today's snow storm of up to 23 inches is just the right recipe for developing this condition of Trench Foot! Affected feet may become numb and turn red or blue as a result of poor vascular supply.  Feet may also begin to decay if the condition worsens.  Many folks will often get blisters and open sores which can lead to fungal infections known as "Jungle rot" or the "tropical ulcer."  If the foot is left untreated it can result in Gangrene which may result in an amputation.  ... 02/06/2010

With all the up to 23 inches of snow today here in Delaware it is important to remind you of a condition called "Hypothermia".  What is it?   Hypo means "under" or "below" and therm means temperature.  It is a condition in which the core temperature drops below that required for a normal metabolism as well as body functions.  In all warm-blooded animals the core body temperature is maintained near a constant level through what is called "Homeostasis" & "Thermoregulation" but when the body is exposed to cold, it's internal mechanisms may not be able to replenish all the heat that is being lost due to the cold surroundings. It is important to remember that extended exposure to cold may lead to death.  If you have heard of "Hyperthermia" that is the opposite of "Hypothermia" which is prese... 02/06/2010

How does the body react to cold conditions?When in a cold environment, most of your body's energy is used to keep your bodys internal temperature warm. Over time, your body will begin to shift blood flow from your extremities (your hands, feet, arms, and legs) as well as the outer skin to the core (your chest and abdomen areas). This process will allow the exposed skin and the extreme coolness to rapidly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If you combine this with cold water, and trench foot may also be a problem.What are the most common cold induced problems?Hypothermia, Frostbite, and Trench Foot. You don't want any of that today!  23 inches of snow might be fun for the kids but you seriously don't want to get any of this!  Be bundled up and stay warm!  Your body is not me... 02/06/2010

Conditions are expected to intensify with heavy snowfall and strong winds that will make driving exceptionally dangerous. Given the anticipated strength of this storm, DelDOT crews are expected to concentrate on major arteries for plowing, initially leaving many secondary roads unattended. The National Weather Service is predicting snowfall will total between 15 and 23 inches in New Castle County, from 19 to 29 inches in Kent County and from 17 to 27 inches in Sussex County.  A blizzard warning is in effect for Kent and Sussex counties, where winds are expected to gust from 40 to 50 mph. Snow may be mixed with sleet tonight in Sussex County. As of 10 tonight and until further notice, the emergency declaration allows only emergency vehicles and essential personnel on the roads until furt... 02/06/2010

  Well That Open House this weekend has been cancelled due to 29 Inches Of Snow Possible Here In Delaware!  Whew What a Blizzard Warning this will be!        THAT'S RIGHT !   29 INCHES POSSIBLE.... State Of Emergency Will Be Declared At 8 PM . . . All Vehicles are to be OFF THE ROAD so the crews can do their job! Tonight: Snow and widespread blowing snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 28. Windy, with a east wind 13 to 16 mph increasing to between 25 and 28 mph. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches possible. Saturday: Periods of snow and widespread blowing snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 30. Windy, with a north wind between 23 and 29 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Ch... 02/05/2010

Ever go to the store and get a 14 inch receipt for just 7 items? Well that's what happens everyday and paper is really being wasted out there!  The worst part is the cost of this paper is passed down in higher prices!  I think it is time that stores "Go Green" and reduce the length of these receipts to a smaller receipt!  I think consumers would appreciate getting smaller receipts if the stores agreed to put the savings into lower prices at the store!  A win for the environment... Less Paper being used!  Just think about all that paper and trees that are cut down just to fund this rediculous paper waste?  Also this would be a win for consumers if the stores lowered their prices more by reducing receipt lenghts!  The store wins too by showing that they are "Going Green" by wasting less p... 02/05/2010

Well if your like me, you've tried to lose weight at the begining of each new year and the goal just drifts off!  Well according to the book I am reading featuring Dr. Phil in his top selling book called the "Ultimate Weight Solution" he discusses that next to excercise, having the support you need is often times one of the #1 important factors in managing and maintaining weight loss.... I thought that was interesting since many of us try to go it alone but according to Dr. Phil... it is not a good idea to go it alone. Once you do reach your idea weight you think that you no longer need accountability but guess what happens... you keep gaining that weight right back don't you? He mentions that a "Healthy lifestyle loves company"  so be sure to surround yourself with friends,  family,  a... 01/30/2010

I think the local hardware store had some great suggestions for a list of small projects to consider in roughly the right order when it comes time to sprucing up your home! I thought I'd share the tips with you!  I think it is a good list to start with when getting prepared to sell your home. - Adding / Replacing Worn out Door knobs - Replacing Air Filters -Checking Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors... it never hurts to check those once every couple months!  -Switching to compact energy efficient light bulbs...help the Earth Save Energy!  -Cleaning Major Appliances. - Spackling small holes in walls - very good suggestion there - I see holes in walls all the time!  Good Project!! - Smoothing Out Nail Pops - Sanding and Staining Hardwood Floors - Repainting - ALWAYS a super return on your... 01/30/2010

 10 Delaware Homes Just Sold!  Yours Could Be Next at Harrington ERA Realty!  REALTOR Tom Davis is here to help you!  Take A Look At The Homes That Just Sold!    12 Cannon Mill Dr. Dover, Delaware. Sold For $225,000.00    26 Briar Ln. Dover, Delaware. Sold For $113,000.00    52 Cool Breeze Dr. Clayton, Delaware. Sold For $284,000.00  125 W. Mispillion St. Harrington, Delaware. Sold For $133,000.00  177 Dorian St. Dover, Delaware. Sold For $230,000.00  201 E. Sewell St. Felton, Delaware. Sold For $149,000.00  426 Whitetail Run. Clayton, Delaware. Sold For $192,350.00  Lot 45 Winesap Ln. Dover, Delaware Sold For $334,700.00  Lot 51 Phillips Dr. Magnolia, Delaware. Sold For $225,000.00 1210 Hollering Hill Rd. Wyoming, Delaware. Sold For $150,000.00 Sold In 1 Day!  No Picture! So those are ... 01/30/2010

Open House Time!  This Open House Is From 1-4PM at 244 Kesselring Ave. Dover, DE 19901.  Please come out to see me!  We will have food and drinks!  A Lender On Hand To Help You Answer Financing Questions and A Great Chance To Tour A Great Home!  If your In The Market To Buy Or Sell Here in Delaware, You need to meet me today!  1-4 PM in the Mayfair Subdivision here in Dover, DE.  Their will be helpful directional signs to point you in the right place! Also You Can Tune Into Dovers 1640 AM as I will have a Talking House that Transmits a pretty decent range away from the house... I was getting it about 2 miles away the other day...wow!  Sellers can see the benefits of using Talking House and I can give you a Free Demonstation On How Talking House Works To Help You Sell Your House Faster I... 01/24/2010

Okay many investors who recently lost money now realize why many others changed their career in the boom years. What I mean is investing may have become your "Career" and if so I don't blame you when it was a hot real estate market but many believed they profited due to their fix up work.  Fix up work was not all the profit... it was the rising real estate values at that time.  It's rise and falling values that are important! Fix up work helps bring in buyers but what fix up work is really doing is bringing the home to marketability and market standards.  Especially these days if you invest in the home and do fix up work... don't expect all that money back! Your bringing the home to market standards which will help sell it.  In the boom years it was possible to fix it up and get a profi... 01/23/2010

All you have to do is pick up a remote control on your TV to tune in about jobs these days!  If you've been checking out jobs lately and doing research you will note how the jobless rate has changed in recent years for the worse!  Yes the hovering 10% unemployment rate in the United States is scary and it even affects us real estate agents who are self-employed. Bottom line is we need more jobs America!  In order for a recovery to happen we need good signs and what is a good sign...it is declining unemployment numbers and increasing job growth... without those things we are getting farther away from a recovery. There I said my piece! Thanks! 01/23/2010

It's Economics 101! Real Estate is also part of the equation...just like a loaf of bread that goes up in price! It can also go down in price!  Supply & Demand influences the price of everything... not just milk, eggs, and bread... but everything including real estate! Sellers may be upset about what the market prices may bear but what goes down goes up too!  Speaking of up... what about interest rates... they went down for a while and now they are about to go up!  So it is everything out there! We are all victims of supply and demand!  The more inventory that is out there, the more the seller has to compete with other homes on the market... and if their is few buyers then those sellers are competing even more for that buyer which drives down the prices of the homes!  Also foreclosures w... 01/23/2010

Small tip for those saving to buy a home!  Shop banks!  Smaller savings and loan associations as well as credit unions tend to offer more competitive yields on your savings than the larger well known banks. Remember that larger banks spend gobs of money on advertising and have branches around every corner and that means more overhead for them!  More overhead means lower yields for your money!  Is that what you want?  Lower Yields In this economy? I don't think so! So shop around for the best bank to stick your savings account with! Once your ready to buy a home, call me and I'll be happy to help and assist you in any way I can! I hope I have enlightened you a little to perhaps look around and explore your alternative options!  Even if right now isn't the right time for you to buy... tha... 01/23/2010