Rehoboth Beach Real Estate News

By: Marc Rasmussen –

Although advertising is an essential key in selling real estate, buying a home is based on local market value. Advertising an overpriced home can and will hurt the homes selling potential. The most important factor in selling a home is pricing it right. It takes experience and work to price a home in a desirable market range.

Will more advertising sell an overpriced house?

When a real estate agent gives a price opinion, that opinion is based on a comparable market value. Homes matching the property’s criteria that are available for sale, and homes that have sold within the past six months are compared to generate a viable price range. This type of comparable is done by banks and financial institutions for appraisal. When buyers are applying for a loan, it doesn’t matter if they want an overpriced home or not. No loan approval means no buyer. Factors included in pricing a home for sale are appraisal value, supply an demand, and economic structure.

Buyers look within these comparable ranges when searching for homes. Supply and demand become a key factor in this situation as well. Even in high demand areas, if a home is overpriced, chances are the buyer and buyer’s agent will not select the property for viewing. When a buyer is house hunting, catching the advertisement will arouse their curiosity. However, after comparing like homes at a lower price, buyers will direct their attention elsewhere.

Economic structure plays an important role in home selling as well. When the market is flooded with foreclosures, homes are price lower to sell quickly. This results in lower home prices for the local market. However, pricing a home strategically lower than market value, will drive more buyer interests and produce higher bids on the property through competition. Also, improvements play a key role in buyer interests as well. Standing out against the competition will attract buyers more efficiently than advertising a less competitive home or fixer upper. In a tough economy, buyers look for move-in-ready homes with little out-of-pocket expense for home repairs.

Overpricing a home generally stigmatizes it, causing the home to remain on the market for long periods of time. This can send a red flag to the buyer as to potential problems with the home/property, giving a negative first impression. Also, reducing the price of the home can make the seller look desperate causing extremely low offers and more firm buyer negotiation. Also, a buyer’s agent generally won’t place an overpriced home on their showing lists to avoid losing credibility with their buyers.

A good first impression in a buyer’s mind results in a positive and quick sale for the home seller. Achieving this first impression not only results in an updated, neat and move-in-ready home, but the homes selling price as well. More advertising on an overpriced home can only lead to leaving more buyers with a negative impression, thus buying elsewhere.

Marc Rasmussen | Michael Saunders and Company 

Many have chosen to stay close to home rather than vacation in the spring, summer and fall simply due to either economic conditions, rising costs of fuel, or just by choice. Whatever the reason, much time will be spent in the outdoors, so it’s time to get innovated and create a vacation destination right in your own backyard.

Vacation Retreat

With a bit of hard work and some time, it’s possible to make your home not only into a vacation destination, but it could just become quite the home of your dreams. An ordinary and plainly landscaped backyard can be transformed into something quite magical. First of all, one must have a plan. Draw out a plan of your dream of a backyard, a place that is calming and rejuvenating, something to look forward to come home to. Ever thought about adding additional space in your backyard by installing a deck? There are endless choices of materials to choose from for decking. Although it can be pricier, for the long-term, installing decking made out of recyclable composite materials or PVC provides maximum durability and offers the ultimate in maintenance. Tropical hardwoods including mahogany are just as durable but again, the cost of the material is rather high. If the home already has wood decking, then a bit of sprucing up the deck in regards to its care may be in order. If the decking appears dull and perhaps has a bit of mildew growth, then renting a simple pressure washer is a good idea, followed by a sealant or stain if you prefer. This will give the impression and illusion of a brand new deck and will preserve the life of the wood. Be sure to inspect the deck for cracks in the wood, or any wood rot prior to applying sealant or stain.

Another option rather than installing a deck are to lay pavers. Pavers are an excellent alternative, are available in a variety of colors and shapes, and offer a unique type of warmth and hospitality to the home. Pavers are made from an array of material such as concrete, brick, stone, slate and even marble. Before laying pavers, it is important to understand its application, as a strong foundation is essential for a successful installation.

After creating the perfect backyard scape, it’s time to think about applying a bit of personalization through outdoor décor. Think about adding a bit of maintenance-free tropicalia to your little oasis, with Christmas Palms, blooming potted bougainvilleas that frame trellises, scatter pots here and there and fill with a blend of mixed fresh herbs and vibrant flowering perennials. If financially possible, think about purchasing an outdoor living ensemble made from wrought iron or outdoor wicker. Complete the look by accenting with solid-colored cushions and contrasting pillows, or choose fabrics with tropical flair and style, add a market umbrella with a string of outdoor lights, or make the center of your outdoor escape complete with a chiminea, firepit or the charm of an outdoor fireplace.

Now that you have designed and completed the perfect vacation destination, what is the perfect way to celebrate and to share the fruits of your labor with family and friends? The ultimate barbeque, of course. Again, if it’s in the budget, investing in a good barbeque grill is a wise purchase and available in a wide range of pricing from the thirty dollar charcoal grill to a nice gas grill from two-hundred dollars to five-thousand dollars and up for an impressive outdoor grill-kitchen setup. Whatever the budget, adding the ambiance of a grill through sight and smell does wonders.

By creating a vacation retreat right in your own backyard, you create a place of escape and charm, one that is a joy to come home to, and offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere to all who come into its presence. Creating a magical vacation retreat just may make you never want to leave your home again.

Homes for sale in Rehoboth with Vacation Retreat Backyards.

It was a hot and steamy summer in Bethany Beach Delaware in 1961, when the Fasnacht family vacationed in this rustic and charming destination just off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Located The about twenty miles north of Ocean City, Maryland, Bethany Beach was a vacation hotspot for the those who lived in the north, and for the Fascnacht family it was a much needed break that summer from the family business called Willow Mill Park, a small picnic park in which they owned and operated in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Little did they know at the time during this family vacation, that a huge and unexpected business opportunity would present itself.

Funland Rehoboth Beach Delaware

While in Bethany Beach that summer, they visited the park called the ‘Sport Center’ and met the owner Mr. Dentino, in which the Fasnacht family struck up a conversation with about the business with the conversation then taking quite a twist from the ins-and-outs of owning the Sports Park to ‘do you want to buy the business’. Surprised by the possibility and challenges of accepting this new venture, the Fasnacht’s returned home, discussed accepting this offer and shortly thereafter contacted Mr. Dentino and accepted his offer to purchase the park.

The closing date was set for March 15^th, 1962 and as the closing date of the purchase was approaching, so was the immense and devastating Great Atlantic Storm of March 6^th, 1962. After the storm came to pass, both the Fasnacht and Dentino families met at the site, assessed the damages, and an agreement came to pass to work out an allowance for the destruction in which the storm had caused. From that point on the park ‘Funland on the Boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach’ came to pass, and began baby steps in its expansion by adding additional attractions and even purchased along the way additional properties that were closest to the park for their growing family.

Today, Funland on the Boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach has something for the entire family, and is a plethora of fantastic amusement rides framed with spectacularly colored lights, echoing sounds of electric music, awesome games, and the sinister haunted house, ‘The Haunted Mansion’. Rides and games are on a pay-as-you-go basis and include eighteen thrilling rides, thirteen midway games, an electronic shooting gallery, redemption center, arcade with various video games and pinball machines. The Haunted Mansion was added in 1970, and is a terrifically terrifying ride through a maze of horror with ghastly ghouls around each corner, lifeless legs dangling above, a secret passageway, a spooky graveyard with a swarm of giant rabid bats that lunge at every guest with only death on their minds, a three-dimensional head spinning in a box in another room, and more grisly and wickedness that awaits on this ride of terror. This is just a small example of the gloriously frightening moments to experience at ‘The Haunted Mansion’.

In addition to the wondrous amenities and incredible excitement that Funland on the Boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach has to offer, it has been home to the Annual Sandcastle Contest for over thirty-years. August 6^th 2011 marks the thirty-forth Annual Sandcastle Contest that will be held at Fisherman’s Beach at the north end of the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Participants work in teams, for a total of one-hundred teams and include incredibly gifted sand-sculpting artisans who work tirelessly in creating sculptures with themes from sea life to swamp animals.

There is no time better than now than to visit Funland Park on the Boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach as this year it is celebrating its fiftieth-year anniversary. Festivities begin May 14^th 2011 for the event and all amusement rides will be free of charge with guaranteed fun for the entire family.

For its many years in existence, Funland Park on the Boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach has been committed to continue its tradition of old-fashioned carnival ambiance, and is devoted to preserving it as such.

Easily accessible by car, Rehoboth Beach is a popular mid-Atlantic coast resort and is in close proximity to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the D.C. area.

About the Author: Tim Ryan is a blogger keeping readers updated on the Naples Real Estate . Tim specializes in helping buyers and sellers in the neighborhoods of Naples Park. To learn more about Naples Park Florida visit Tim’s website.

I’ve lived in Delaware for 15 years and this is the first Seal I’ve ever seen on the beach.

A Seal on the Beach at Cape Henlopen State Park Lewes Delaware

Delaware Seal March 7th 2011

Smart Home Buyers Choose Waterfront Property

Looking to buy a home that holds value even during one of the most difficult housing markets we’ve ever seen? Waterfront property is the smart choice. But why? Why buy a home on water? What are the advantages to a waterfront home over a landlocked property? These are valid questions and I plan to outline them below.

Why Waterfront Property Is The Smart Choice When Buying A Home

• Limited Availability – Waterfront homes are actually quite common these days, but the availability of that perfect location on a gorgeous piece of land, now that’s something to lust for. If you find a home with the perfect storm of location, development, and tranquil beachfront atmosphere, you better act fast as they don’t last very long in any market.
• Unique Appeal – Who doesn’t want to walk out their backdoor in the hot summer months and hop in the boat tied up to their own private dock? I know I do. Waterfront homes have the added delight of recreation that a landlocked property can’t compete with. Not to mention a property in an ideal location on the water’s edge will hold value better than any other type of property. Thousands of dollars in added value is quite appealing don’t you think?
• Luxurious Lifestyle – Home’s on the water’s edge come with a lifestyle not seen in other property types. Many come with value added amenities creating a high-end lifestyle. Often you’ll find private golf courses, marinas, upscale restaurants, and higher end shopping facilities adding to the value of the area. The immense appeal of a waterfront property makes you feel alive, and that’s a lifestyle anyone can enjoy.
• Fun In The Sun – The best memories come from spending quality time with friends and family. Living on the water provides activities you can share with your loved ones creating those lifelong memories. You can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, building sand castles, numerous water sports, or just watching the waves roll in. Having a good time refreshes the body and mind rejuvenating the soul, what other type of property can provide such a value?
• Nature At It’s Best – Waterfront homes provide a natural setting unseen with other property types. With lush vegetation, fresh breezes, superb wildlife, and the serenity of the water itself, waterfront homes give access to nature at it’s very finest. Living on a waterfront property allows you to immerse yourself in natures naturally beauty taking you to a simpler life washing away the day to day. Water is at the very core of life; it’s refreshing and a valuable asset to a healthy lifestyle. Buying a waterfront home is an easy choice.

Waterfront communities will always be the best homes in any market. They offer luxury, amenities, and a lifestyle not seen with any other type of property. Owning a home on water brings a number of benefits for both you and your family to enjoy for years to come. You can rest assure, the benefits of waterfront living outweighs the downfalls of the current market, so if you see the perfect waterfront property, don’t hesitate to make it your home.

Owning a house on the beach or near the ocean is a dream held by many. Oceanfront property is attractive because of the unique lifestyle it offers and the investment opportunities it can provide. Although not without certain drawbacks, owning real estate on the ocean can be extremely fulfilling either as a residence, investment property or both.

The positive aspects of actually living on the ocean are numerous. In general, it tends to be a very healthy lifestyle. First, there’s that giant natural swimming pool in the backyard. Water sports like surfing, body boarding, and simple swimming are some of the best full-body, low-impact workouts available. Walking or jogging in the sand naturally enhances our most simple and effective exercise, with amazing results. Geographically being near an ocean generally means easy access to seafood, which is a staple of a healthy diet. Living on the ocean is intellectually stimulating and very relaxing. The ocean serves as a giant movie screen displaying an endless IMAX film about the magnificent and truly awesome power of nature. It is an amazing environment to raise children, constantly engaging them both physically and intellectually. Though medical data may be lacking, no one can deny the benefits to one’s spirit and soul gained from a life on the beach. It’s no accident, according to one resident I spoke with recently, that “all of our neighbors have this happy, relaxed nature about them.” A little unscientific research lead me to a theory that the spiritual connection with water dates back to our early ancestors. Back when large bodies of water represented a lifeline for food and sustenance, the feeling of calm, security, and belonging that seems to come with living near the beach is deeply ingrained within us.

In terms of an investment, real estate near the ocean is a desirable addition to anyone’s portfolio. For all of the reasons listed above, people flock to the ocean, and the demand for a home near the beach is always very high. The age-old philosophy about land, “they’re not making any more of it” specifically applies to beachfront property. One could argue that due to erosion and/or climate change, that beachfront property is in fact diminishing, which naturally pushes up the value of existing ocean real estate. As a rental property, a home on the beach can be a great source of income in which the amount of rent you charge a tenant is limited only by demand, which during the on-season is very high. Beachfront property is generally known as a sound investment.

There are certain negative aspects that come with owning real estate on the ocean, both for investors and full-time residents. Just as the roaring ocean is the biggest draw to living on the beach, it also serves as its greatest threat. Nothing is more powerful than a storm coming in off of the sea. As anyone who has been in such a storm can tell you, it is a truly frightening experience. Immediate threats to one’s safety are the 1st to be concerned with, extremely high winds can wreak havoc on glass windows and weak foundations. If in the worst case scenario, the waters start to rise and flood your home, leave and seek safety immediately. Which leads us to the greatest threat: flooding. As recent current events have demonstrated, our weather and climates appear to be changing at a rapid rate. Personifying the fear of every beachfront property owner, harrowing home videos easily found on the internet have shown us how quickly rising waters can wipe a home completely off of the map. Many people are very uneasy with the thought that they could lose their home in literally the blink of an eye.

It’s not all a rosy picture for investors either. A beachfront property can command top dollar as a rental, but not necessarily year-round. An investor must take into account the seasonal fluctuations of demand. During the off season, there might not be a renter at all, leaving the investor to take care of maintenance and upkeep. If an investor simply assumes that rental property income will be a constant, they are in for a very rude awakening. Ah, the off season, where a beachfront community can seem like a ghost town. Granted some residents absolutely savor the peace and quiet, most consider the general shutdown during the off season a negative. It can be an isolating feeling when a once bustling beach town becomes quite desolate, where even basic local services and amenities can be hard to come by.

For some folks, living on a beach is like heaven on earth. For some investors, a home on the beach can be a cash cow. Drawbacks do exist, and a home by the ocean is not for everyone. However for an active family or a savvy investor, life truly is, a beach!

Dylan Taft is an experienced Hudson Valley real estate professional working in home sales and purchases. Visit Dylan’s professionally optimized website for more information on property taxes, and details on the Ulster County NY real estate area.