Memorial Day weekend is upon us, a time of year that represents the unofficial kick-off to the summer season in Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island.  For so many, this holiday weekend offers a small taste of what is to come:  sunny days on the beach, a walk along Garfield Parkway delighting in candy and ice cream, the family together for a barbeque, and a quiet moment to give thanks for these cherished moments. 

This weekend, we will also give thanks to those that have served our country.  It is because of these brave men and women that our towns continue to have the character that the earliest settlers of Bethany Beach set out to establish: "a haven of rest.”  I hope that you have an opportunity to visit this holiday weekend and I hope that when you do, you find your haven of rest.  

Over the last few weeks, my office has experienced offers and even multiple offers on properties at levels we have not experienced in a very long time.  It feels as though interest has turned into action for many buyers, particularly with higher priced properties.  

Data for the market as a whole supports what we have experienced.  So far this April, the number of new contracts on single family homes is up 36% over the same time period last year, with 15 new contracts versus 11 last year.  New contracts on condo/townhomes are down from 18 month-to-date in 2013 to just 8 so far this month.  However, the average list price for condo/townhomes under contract is up 30% with an average list price of $691,000 month-to-date versus $592,000 for the same time period in 2013. 

We are seeing greater interest in higher-priced properties of all types.  A total of 8 properties listed over $1 million have gone under contract so far this month versus just 1 property over $1 million for the same time period in 2013.

If you are considering the purchase of a new home at the beach, my office is highly trained in handling the myriad of details that come along with the purchase.  We look forward to helping you find your dream home in time to enjoy the upcoming summer season at the beach!   

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday weekend,

Leslie Kopp

Many economists are predicting that the severe winter of 2014 has created pent-up demand for new home sales and some expect that there will be a significant influx of prospective new homeowners entering the market over the next few weeks and months.

Whether buying or selling your home, finding the right real estate professional in this type of market is as important as ever.  Instinctively, you want to feel that your agent clearly understands your needs.  But, don’t rely solely on your gut.  It is also important to do some research, keeping in mind the following tips from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) ®.      

• Find a REALTOR®. Not every real estate professional is a REALTOR®. This is a designation that identifies the agent as a member of NAR® and someone who subscribes to NAR’s Code of Ethics.
• Check an agent’s license. Check with your state’s governing agency to ensure that any agent you plan on doing business with has a current and active real estate license in good standing.
• Make sure the agent belongs to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). A cooperative information network for REALTORS®, an MLS provides descriptions of most houses for sale in a particular region. Using a REALTOR® who belongs to the MLS will give you access to the greatest number of homes.
• Check an agent’s designations. You can also accomplish this by checking with your state’s governing agency.
• Is real estate their full-time career? This may or may not be an issue for you, but it is information that you should have available.

All agents at the Leslie Kopp Group have a professional REALTOR® designation and are experts in the beach real estate market.  Give our office a call when you are ready to list or purchase: 302.541.5207.

With the holiday approaching, I am just going to remind people to cross in the crosswalk and follow the rules of the road when riding their bikes. "Hey, let's be careful out there!"

Anyone remember what show that famous line came from. Better yet, which character? First one to answer both questions correctly will win a prize.