Recent sales data continues upward trend in local real estate
Data released last week by the Sussex County Association of Realtors (SCAOR) continues to indicate a strong local real estate market in southern Delaware. These positive sales figures, compiled by the trade association for the first half of 2017 show sustained growth across all segments of the market in the state’s southernmost and largest geographic county.
The data is the latest in a string of positive reports for SCAOR, which has now reported years of strong data pertaining to Sussex County’s real estate industry.
“This quarter was especially positive, as Sussex County is buoyed by a large number of summertime visitors and buying activity in the second homeowner market,” says Brigit Taylor, 2017 SCAOR President. “But this month over month increase is important to note as it indicates a continuing interest in our area as a resort destination. Our proximity to the coast is definitely one of our strongest selling points, and one that has served us very well for many years.”
Residental* home sales for the months of April, May, and June rose in 2017, with 1,473 properties being sold during the quarter. This brings the yearly number of property sales this calendar year to 2,510, which represents more than $841 million in year-to-date sales.
With a 42% increase in total units sold over last quarter, home sales continue to rise. The average home in Sussex County in 2017 is selling for more than $335,000.
Also, Sussex County’s commercial real estate market continues to thrive in 2017, with a 19% increase in total units sold in this quarter over the first quarter of 2017, and a 40% increase in average price over the same quarter last year. That’s over 10 million in commercial sales volume in this quarter alone.
“Our proximity to the coastline and our lower tax rates continue to draw people here to Sussex County, and I believe that will continue,” says Brigit. “Our numbers are up, and I think a big reason for that is because residents of other states continue to see Delaware real estate as a strong investment.”
The Sussex County Association of Realtors was chartered in 1949 and has steadily grown in size, scope and mission during its more than six decades in Sussex County. It is a professional trade association with goals of carrying out a program of education and advocacy for real estate in the county.
SCAOR is a resource for the public, as well as a recognized advocate for property rights and property owners in Sussex County. The association also monitors legislative issues on the local, state and national levels that may impact home ownership in the area.
To read more about issues related to Sussex County’s real estate industry, visit SCAOR’s website at www.scaor.com.
If you have decided that you need storage and have selected the storage facility that best meets your needs, you need to determine how much space you will actually need.
The best place to start when determining unit size is to take a look at the things you plan to put into storage and make an inventory list. Once you have the list, visit the facility to view the actual space- it will be easier than trying to picture in your head. Reputable storage facilities will have staff that are trained and experienced in helping tenants determine the proper storage space.
Another item to consider is how long you plan to store items, as it may be important to provide space for ventilation and access. If you ever want to be able to get your items out, you don’t want to pack your storage space wall to wall, floor to ceiling. Many people get the smallest possible unit they can get in order to save money, and then wind up having to empty half of it to get to a box that’s in the back.
Finally, try to think ahead. Does the property offer a wide variety of unit sizes and types? You may just need that 10×10 unit right now, but what if you need more space down the road to store your precious antique heirlooms from Grandma? Having the option to change or add a different unit later on is great, just in case you need it!
Once you have determined the items you will need to store, it’s time to consider unit sizes. Below are the most common unit sizes:
5 x 5 – The 5×5 unit is perfect for storing totes or boxes of out of season clothes, personal and business records, holiday decorations or a few smaller pieces of furniture like end tables and lamps.
5 x 10 and 5 x 15 – These storage units are great for storing furniture from a small studio apartment, an entire bedroom or office. Are you looking to remodel a room or office? Now you can have the space to keep all of the contents during construction instead of clogging up other rooms!
10 x 10 – These are usually the most popular units because they are not too small and not too large. These units can handle the contents of a large one or two bedroom apartment, or a small house with minimal appliances. If you are downsizing but want to keep your extra furniture until you decide what to do with it, these would be a great size for you.
10×15 – This 150 square foot unit is about the size of half of a standard one-car garage and will hold the contents of a two bedroom house or apartment, including appliance and boxes, or commercial storage inventory.
10 x 20 – If you are moving and your new home isn’t ready, this is most likely the size you’ll need to store your belongings until you can move in. It can handle a three or four bedroom home including some major appliances. This is also a great size unit for that classic car you want to park inside for the winter.
10 x 30 – This is some serious storage space and can handle the contents of a four bedroom home, including major appliances and garage items like tools and patio furniture.
Your best bet when asking “What size storage unit do I need?” is to talk to the manager at the facility. Additionally, most modern self storage facilities list the sizes and types they offer on their website and even show the current rental rates. The last thing you want to do is guess, and then realize while you are moving everything into your unit that you didn’t choose one that is large enough.
Rehoboth resident Timarie and her husband Blair Thompson are the owners of Delaware Beach Storage Center in Lewes, DE. Delaware Beach Storage Center is a brand new, state of the art climate controlled self-storage facility conveniently located just off Route 1, one mile north of Five Points. For more information on Delaware Beach Storage Center visit visit www.debeachstorage.com.
Temperature control can help to prevent damage when items are stored in a storage facility, especially for those items particularly sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Items that are especially susceptible to temperature and humidity extremes include:
Wood, leather and upholstered furniture (sofas, chairs, nightstands, dressers, entertainment centers, dining room sets, etc)
Antiques
Photos, albums, books, collections (stamps, coins, collectibles and sentimental items)
Bedding and mattresses
Clothing
Electronics
Metal appliances
Personal and business documents
Sports equipment
Artwork
Musical instruments
Damage to these items, when not stored in a climate controlled environment, may include warping, cracking, rotting, mold and mildew, rusting and fabric/leather degradation, which may cause permanent damage to your valuables.
Advantages of Climate Control
Non-climate controlled storage follows the current outdoor temperature and humidity closely and fluctuate accordingly. The interior of these type of units can have temperatures that far exceed the outdoor temperature due to exposure to sun and extreme weather. While basic self storage is sufficient for some things, it’s not the right choice for most household items.
Climate Controlled storage significantly reduces the risks of damage to your goods by using heating and cooling units to keep the temperature more consistent at a level well above freezing and below 80 degrees.
Benefits of climate controlled storage include:
Protection from extreme temperature fluctuations and the (sometimes permanent) damage that causes
Protection from outdoor humidity- if there is too much moisture in the air valuables may be damaged and will remain damp, which will promote mold and mildew growth.
Protection from dust and poor air quality: standard storage units aren’t typically sealed the same way a climate controlled units are. Because the air in a climate controlled storage facility is constantly circulated, it remains clean.
Climate controlled storage usually has a slightly higher cost than traditional storage. The added cost is often insignificant and usually outweighed by the peace of mind you’re given knowing your items are protected from seasonal changes, and the cost of having to replace all of your goods if they are damaged in non-climate controlled storage.
Rehoboth resident Timarie and her husband Blair Thompson are the owners of Delaware Beach Storage Center in Lewes, DE. Delaware Beach Storage Center is a brand new, state of the art climate controlled self-storage facility conveniently located just off Route 1, one mile north of Five Points. For more information on Delaware Beach Storage Center visit visit www.debeachstorage.com.
When it comes time to look for self storage, you should consider several important elements, as all storage is not created equally. If you are planning to store your items, they must be valuable to you, and you want them to be safe and secure at all times. Factors to consider when choosing a self storage facility include:
Security: Look for a storage facility with coded gates and elevators, a secure perimeter in good repair, individually alarmed units, video surveillance, ample lighting and an intercom system.
Climate Control: Look at the items you want to put in storage. Do they need to be protected from high/low temperatures, humidity and pests? Do you have anything that is temperature sensitive?
Overall Property Condition & Cleanliness: A lot can be said about the quality of a storage facility by how clean the units and the facility are. The state of the office should give you a clue about the overall cleanliness of the facility as well. A facility that is clean and well-kept shows that the manager takes care of the property, has pride in the facility and the company, and in turn will take good care of you.
Superior Customer Service: A good manager should be professional and fully explain and answer all of your questions. You want someone who listens to you, treats you as the most important person to them at that moment and has knowledge about the property and the industry.
Accessibility:Before selecting a storage facility, determine what your needs are for accessing it. Will you be accessing at night and weekends, or just occasionally? This is important because some storage facilities have access hours only during the daytime, with limited access on Sundays and holidays, so it is important to make sure the access hours are convenient for you.
Price: Many people’s first thought is to pick the cheapest storage unit to save money, but that is definitely not how you want to choose your storage unit. A higher, but competitive, price usually means a few things: there are more security features at the facility; the facility is newer and in better repair; there is an on-site manager 7 days per week; or the self storage facility has more options and features such as a variety of unit sizes and types (like climate control units for example), online payments and 24/7 rentals. Basically, you get what you pay for – don’t sacrifice security and safety just to save a few dollars.
Convenience & Amenities: There are several features that can make your storage experience easier. Does the facility have a moving truck you are able to use for your move? Does it have a bathroom you are able to use after office hours? Does it have ample carts and bins to move your goods? Can you manage and pay your account online, when it is most convenient for you? Does it have packing and moving supplies for sale?
Now that you know what to look for, go visit a storage facility look around and ask questions.
When you decide that particular storage facility is a good fit for you, ask the manager if you can
see the unit you would actually get and if you can put that unit on hold. Most storage
facilities should be able to hold a unit for at least a short period of time.
There are many things to consider when choosing a self storage facility. Remember, you will be storing your valuables at the facility, and you want them to be safe and secure when you are not with them. Price is important, however it is best to make your decision on the entire experience – from the condition of the facility and the security features, to the unit options and the presence of a property manager. With a little homework you’ll find a storage space that works best for you.
Rehoboth resident Timarie and her husband Blair Thompson are the owners of Delaware Beach Storage Center in Lewes, DE. Delaware Beach Storage Center is a brand new, state of the art climate controlled self-storage facility conveniently located just off Route 1, one mile north of Five Points. For more information on Delaware Beach Storage Center visit visit www.debeachstorage.com.
Since DAR is the exclusive provider of all real estate forms in the state of Delaware, we’ve recently created a setup video for accessing them through your Dotloop account (an included membership benefit for all DAR members). If you’ve not set yours up yet, check out the video below!
More classes will become available as this year’s schedule becomes finalized. Click here to see the list as it gets updated.
Question: How do I find my NRDS ID? Answer: You can look up your NRDS ID number by clicking here.
SCAOR® would like our Diamond & Platinum Affiliate Members for Sponsoring AAG:
Welcome to Bright MLS! The Sussex County Association of REALTORS Board of Directors voted in November, 2016, to join one of the largest MLSs in the nation. Bright MLS will cover six states and the District of Columbia with over 80,000 subscribers. The new company was formed on January 1, 2017, with SCAOR officially connecting in late 2017 with a start date no later than January 1, 2018. SCAOR staff will be updating members every month with the SCAORcard and posting press releases on the SCAOR website.
Today, we shine the spotlight on our MLS administrator, Ben Kunde.
Ben has been in the MLS industry for over 3 years, and possesses a deep knowledge and unique skill set he brings to the field.
Have Questions? (And who doesn’t from time to time?) – The fastest way to get answers is to email our MLS support system at support@scaor.com. Any other comments can be directed to Ben’s work email, ben@scaor.com. (By the way, If you’re not getting a response in 24 hours, please email Merritt Burke, our CEO and he will follow up with you.)
More classes will become available as this year’s schedule becomes finalized. Click here to see the list as it gets updated.
Staff Assistance:
Each of our staff is uniquely equipped to handle different areas of focus within SCAOR. If you have questions on a particular topic, here’s a list of who you would talk to:
Merritt Burke, CEO – BOD, Bylaws, Management, Young Professionals Network, Press, Finance
Angela Emerson, Executive Assistant – Core Standards, Education, Professional Standards, Management, Bylaws, Diversity, and Finance
Ben Kunde, Network & MLS Admin – MLS, Bright MLS, IT
Andrew Mason, Communications – Marketing & Communications, Affiliates
Patricia Anderson – Admin. Associate – Public Policy, Rental Affairs, Facility Rental
Mary Hanley, Membership Coordinator – Membership
Question: Are virtual assitants allowed to be granted clerical access? Answer: Yes! As long as they go through the process of filling out the proper paperwork, you can grant virtual assistants clerical access to the MLS.
SCAOR® would like our Diamond & Platinum Affiliate Members for Sponsoring AAG:
There’s a lot that happens at SCAOR each year, and 2016 was no different. Check out a few of the highlights from last year in this video (Click to watch):
If a friend, colleague or family member asks you to conduct a search for something on the Internet, what EXACTLY do they ask you to do?
Do they ask you to do a search? Do they ask you to “look something up?” Unless we miss our guess, chances are pretty good that they ask you to “Google” it.
According to statistics, Google now has a stranglehold on 90 percent of the Internet search market, not just in the United States, but globally. This is a mind-blowing number that really illustrates the power the California-based company has on the marketplace. So, how can you effectively harness that power in your real estate business?
Well, there are definitely some ways that even small businesses can use the extraordinary power of Google to their advantage.
And “Google Tools” is a great way to start. Here are a few that may help:
Google AdWords. This tool generates leads for you based on location, which can greatly help anyone in the world of real estate. The idea is for your business profile to appear anytime someone is searching for a home in your zip code. Pretty cool, right?
Google Maps. This uses satellite imaging to show more detail on your maps, allowing your listing to be found in a greater number of online searches.
Google Plus. Make sure you have a full and complete Google profile online that gives a snapshot of your company when people are searching for real estate online. You can include your contact information, photos, a description of your business and even a personalized message.
Google Earth. This allows searchers to see satellite images of nearby parks, schools and more, all directly from your desktop or mobile device.
Google My Business. This tool is designed for REALTORS® to list their companies, allowing them to be easily found by consumers.
There are a few of the traditional Google tools that generate page views and can help you with your online marketing efforts. After you’ve mastered some of the basics, however, there is much more available in Google for you to learn and utilize.
