What is the difference between condo living and one of the new planned communities with a homeowners association? Until I became a Realtor, I always thought that a condo was an apartment-style home. Well I learned differently. Condo refers to the method of ownership, not the style of home. Not all condos share common walls.

For example, I currently have three distinctly different types of properties listed myself that are condominiums.

One of them is an elegant fully furnished second floor 2 bedroom, 2 bath flat with a one-car garage in the community of Paynter’s Mill, listed for $200,000. This community also offers single family homes and townhomes that are not part of the condo ownership, but a group of single family homes that are part of their own condo association. All belong to the same community or homeowners association and membership in the community center with a Fitness Center, entertaining space and a wonderful outdoor pool is shared by all.

Another new listing of ours is a two story single family home with a full basement in the gated community of Nassau Grove. With 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, this home is listed for $350,000. This entire community of single family homes are all part of a condominium association. In this case, the clubhouse, pool and other amenities are covered by the one condo fee. (more…)

Kathy has asked me once again to contribute an article for her newsletter. Some of you may remember previous articles about financing homes for retirement and a myriad of options to choose from. My name is Gail Alm, Fairway Independent Mortgage, and I could write about forecasting the housing market turnaround or what rates will do for the near term. But instead, I decided to tell you why I love working with Kathy.

Most of you are receiving her newsletter because someone either already told you why you should be working with Kathy or you found her online via one of the many pillars of her marketing strategy. If you came to her as the result of a referral, you will soon see how hard she works for you. It will validate what the person who referred her has said to you to make you want to call her. She will make sure that she can clearly HEAR what you are looking for and then efficiently take you to see those properties that meet your specific needs. Because she knows the area extensively, she knows the developments and she has relationships with the builders, she can get you to properties you really want to see. Your time is valuable and so is hers. She recognizes that and concentrates to make sure your time is not wasted. But showing property is only the beginning. She will advocate for you in the negotiation process with the listing agent or builder to secure the very best terms for your contract. And she is good at it! And she will follow through on the details to make sure you get the home of your dreams. (more…)

How do you define active adult? Are you an avid golfer, a tennis fanatic, a runner or yogi? Do you get up every morning and take a brisk walk with or without your best friend? Are you more active if you live in an active adult community or not? Terminology doesn’t define us but it does attempt to lead us in certain directions. You’re an active adult so you should live in an active adult community, right? Hard to say. Why did I name this site ActiveAdultsDelaware.com? It’s a starting point because it is a term being promoted and advertised by the builders and developers with a vested interest in finding out what we Baby Boomers want. (more…)