Started thinking about that country song “I’ve been everywhere Man” – it’s a great way to travel through all the places I’ve lived, so, here I go -

I’ve lived in:

New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, New Jersey again, New York again, California, Missouri, New York again, Virginia, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts, Texas, Virginia again, Maryland, Virginia yet again, North Carolina, Delaware. And now I live and work in Lewes, Delaware. Whew!

Here are some of the towns I’ve lived in:

Flushing, Middlesex, New Orleans, Pompton Plains, New York City, Los Angeles, Kansas City, New York City again, Arlington, Oakton, Silver Spring, Falls Church, Cranston, Yarmouth, Boston, Sudbury, South Boston, Houston, Wilmington NC, Wilmington DE, Milton and Lewes.

Where are you from?

Coastal Delaware is becoming the Boomer melting pot and we see this trend continuing for at least the next 10 years. Increasingly our clients are coming from New York and Jersey, but they’re also coming from:

Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, DC, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire. They’re coming back from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and even as far away from Washington, Arizona, Minnesota and more.

Where are you coming from?

To see more information about any of these homes, just click

on the Photo to preview it online.

All of us at Active Adults Realty are supporting this campaign by holding Public Open Houses at some great homes in Coastal Delaware -

Heritage Shores

One of Delaware’s most complete Active Adult Communities where life truly begins at 55+. Heritage Shores is the only Active Adult Community in Delaware with an 18-hole Championship Golf Course. Amenities included:

• 28,000 square foot Heritage Club
• Passwaters Restaurant and 1730 Tavern and Grill
• Grand Ballroom with a Stage and Dance Floor
• Wood Workshop
• Arts and Crafts Room
• Billiards and Card Room, Library and more
• Aquatic and Fitness Center with both Indoor and Outdoor Pools
• Aerobics Studio
• 4 Tennis Courts
• Full Time Activities Director

Linda Chick and Debbie Shearer will be hosting Open Houses at these three beautiful homes, all available right now, come on out on Sunday, April 29th between 12 and 3pm:

112 Will’s Island

Built in 2006, this exquisite home shows like a model. So many upgrades and designer finishes make this Newlyn model unique:

• peaceful water view
• mature landscaping
• sunroom spanning entire rear of home
• formal living and dining rooms
• open kitchen and family room
• two-sided fireplace

There is no other location like it at Heritage Shores! For more information and directions, call Linda Chick 410-353-6133.

17 Amanda’s Teal

On one of the nicest streets in Heritage Shores, this  home was also built in 2006. Highlights include:

• Hardwood flooring in all the main living areas
• Gourmet Kitchen with granite counters
• Two-sided fireplace
• Sunroom
• Backs to tree line for privacy

The Redmund model is one of the most popular models for downsizing at Heritage Shores. For more information and directions, call Linda Chick 410-353-6133.

30 Gadwall Circle

This spacious end Villa has more living space than you can imagine. Built in 2007 by Lennar, here are just a few highlights:

• Sunroom and Screened Porch
• 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
• Large Storage Room accessible from Indoor stairs
• Plantation Shutters and Custom window treatments
• Wainscoting and crown molding
• 2-car Garage

Ready to move-in right now. DON’T MISS THIS ONE! For more information and directions, call Linda Chick 410-353-6133.

Historic Milton

206 Chestnut Street

Do you love the idea of a charming historic home in the the heart of town updated with today’s conveniences?

• 1st Floor Master Bedroom
• Large Master Bath with Walk-in Shower
• Separate living and dining rooms
• Large screened porch added in 2005
• Kitchen updated in 2005
• New oversized garage with huge loft added 2008

All this in a friendly neighborhood with a short walk to everything Milton has to offer. For more information or directions to the Open House, call Bill Bell at 302-542-3747

Bay Crossing

Bay Crossing is the only 55+ community conveniently located east of Route 1, close to beaches and shopping. The community offers:

• 6,000 square foot clubhouse
• Fitness Center
• Catering Kitchen
• Billiards and Card Room
• Party Room
• Outdoor Pool
• Walking Trails

34848 Capstan Lane

This beautifully decorated Beacon Model built by Pulte in 2006 is on a prime cul-de-sac lot that backs to a dense tree line. It can be very difficult to find this type of setting in any 55+ community in Coastal Delaware. Here it is and it is available for you today.

Loaded with Upgrades including:

• Sunroom and Deck overlooking wooded back yard
• Full walkout basement
• Formal living and dining rooms
• Eat-in Gourmet Kitchen
• Family room
• First Floor Master Suite
• Second Floor Loft, 2 Guest Bedrooms and Full  Bath
• Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the first floor
• Custom paint and trim

Hosted by Kathy Sperl-Bell. Call Kathy at 302-542-1203 for information or directions!

What’s in a name?

“Middletown” means the average or typical American small city. There are places actually named Middletown in New Jersey, New York, Ohio and elsewhere.

The Middletown studies were sociological case studies of the City of Muncie in Indiana conducted by Robert Staughton Lynd and Helen Merrell Lynd, husband-and-wife sociologists. The Lynds’ findings were detailed in Middletown: A Study in Modern American Culture, published in 1929, and Middletown in Transition : A Study in Cultural Conflicts, published in 1937.

The word “middletown” was meant to suggest the average or typical American small city. While there are many places in the U.S. actually named Middletown (in Connecticut, in New Jersey, in New York, in Ohio and elsewhere), the Lynds were interested in an idealized conceptual American type, and concealed the identity of the city by referring to it by this term. Sometime after publication, however, the residents of Muncie began to guess that their town had been the subject of the book. (Read More in Wikipedia)

Middletown, New Jersey

Established in 1664, Middletown, NJ, was voted on of the Top 100 Places to Live in CNN Money in 2006. In the 2010 census, the population was 66522 and the total area is 59.35 square miles.

Boasting the world’s largest all volunteer Fire Department, the median age of residents is 39. Some pretty famous people were born in Middletown, NJ, including Connie Chung in 1946, Brian Williams in 1959, Geraldo Rivera in 1943 – lots of Journalists!

Middletown, New York

Located in Orange County, New York, Middletown, NY was settled in 1744 and became a city in 1888. With a population of 28086 in the 2010 census, the median age of this small city is 33. The SUNY Orange Campus is located here.

The downtown business district of Middletown suffered from the growth of the “Miracle Mile” shopping strip and Lloyd’s Supermarket in the late 1960s and later two shopping malls, all located at the eastern edge of town along Route 211, near Route 17 and Interstate 84.

Middletown, Delaware

Originally a tavern stop, Middleown, DE, was incorporated in 1864. By the 2010 census, the population had grown to 18871. Located in the fastest growing area of Delaware, the total area is now 64 square miles. With a median age of 31, the growth is expected to continue.

One of 8 “Main Street communities in Delaware, Robin Williams filmed “Dead Poets Society” in 1989 almost entirely on the grounds of St. Andrews School.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middletown_studies

Have you ever lived in more than one town with the same name?

According to Sandra Timmermann, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute, “Consumer attitudes about reverse mortgages are changing because the recession has eroded confidence about retirement security and Americans will rely more and more on these measures.

“As reverse mortgages do not have income requirements and since the other forms of credit have become less accessible, these loans will become more attractive,” she added.

There are many myths about Reverse mortgages and many people do not know that they are Government insured HUD loans.

You can use them to refinance an existing home but you can also use them to purchase your new home as long as you meet the minimum age requirement. If you are looking for a way to convert equity to cash, improve your cash flow or purchase a home using a large down payment without any mortgage payment to contend with a Reverse mortgage may be an option for you.

Reverse mortgages once attracted a much older age group but the percentage of prospective borrowers in the 62 – to – 64 year-old age range increased over 15- percentage points in recent years.

If you are interested in finding out more about Reverse Mortgages contact Gail at gail@gailalm.com and she will be happy to send you a brochure or answer any questions you may have.

This information has been provided by Gail Alm at Fairway Independent Mortgage. Gail Alm is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist who provides a comprehensive mortgage plan with an array of options that will allow you to determine the strategy that best helps you accomplish your goals.

1. The Beach has been replenished and the wide expanse is ready for Summer.
2. The Boardwalk has new boards great for strolling or power walking the one mile stretch. Bill says it reminds him of his childhood, memories of the games and the rides – and they are still there today.
3. The Rehoboth Bandstand and the great concerts all summer long. The bandstand has been providing FREE entertainment for Rehoboth Beach and its visitors since 1963.  Each year over 50 bands are selected to perform in an open-air concert venue.
4. Great Seafood Restaurants including two of my favorites: Fins and Big Fish Grill. Always fresh fish and great service.
5. Specialty Shops like Something Comfortable and In2Soles. Looking fantastic AND being comfortable at the same time? Both of these locally owned specialty shops offer that and more.
6. Get Down in Town, March 30th, 6 – 9 pm. Second Annual Stroll Rehoboth with great deals and great food. Restaurants pair with Retail Shops all over town for this truly unique shopping experience.
7. Clear Space Theatre  The Clear Space Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 cultural organization, founded in 2004, is located at 20 Baltimore Avenue (Beach Block), Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Professional productions and educational opportunities.
8. Mosaic’s Second Saturday – Destination Art – Year round! So many great galleries make for a pleasant stroll through town. Check times and featured artists.
9. Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival every November. With over 100 films over 5 days, there is always a great selection of films you just won’t find anywhere else. The Film Society offers film events all year long.
10. The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival every October. This could possible be my favorite event of the year since Bill and I met at the Festival in 2000. Hard to believe this will be our 12th Anniversary! Can’t wait to see the lineup for this year.

I hate to admit my age, but when there are substantial discounts involved, why not! So wherever you are Vanessa Spiegel, thank you.

I’m Not Getting Older, I’m Getting Discounts by Vanessa Spiegel
BUT YOU MUST ASK FOR THEM !!!

As I was waiting in line behind an older gentleman at Wendy’s recently, I heard him ask for his senior discount. The girl at the register apologized and charged him less When I asked the man what the discount was, he told me that seniors over 55 gets 10% off everything on the menu, every day.

Anyway, this incident prompted me to do some research, and I came across a list of restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, travel deals and other types of offers giving various discounts with different age requirements. I was actually surprised to see how many there are and how some of them start at the young age of 50. This list may not only be useful for you, your friends and family, but it might also be appreciated by your clients. You might consider sending them an e-mail about it and link to our site in the e-mail, or
maybe include it in your newsletter.

Hmmmm, Dunkin Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55. If you’re paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for free.
Restaurants:

Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
Bennigan’s: discount varies by location
Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
Boston Market: 10% off (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+)
Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+)
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Culver’s: 10% off (60+)
Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+)
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+)
McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)

Mighty Taco: 10% off (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Shoney’s: 10% off
Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
Subway: 10% off (60+)
Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
TCBY: 10% off (55+)
Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)
White Castle: 10% off (62+)
Retail And Apparel:

Banana Republic: 10% off (50+)
Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+)
Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+)
Big Lots: 10% off
Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+)
C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
Clarks: 10% off (62+)
Dress Barn: 10% off (55+)
Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kmart: 20% off (50+)
Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off
Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
Stein Mart: 20% off red dot / clearance items first Monday of every month (55+)
Grocery:

Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+)
American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+)
Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+)
Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+)
Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+)
Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+)
Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+)
Travel:

Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+)
Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members
American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking
for discount)
Amtrak: 15% off (62+)
Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
Best Western: 10% off (55+)
Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+)
Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club
& special fares for select destinations
Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+)
Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
Greyhound: 5% off (62+)
Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance
Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members
Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+)
Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+)
Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+)
National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up
United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount)
Activities And Entertainment:

AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+)
Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+)
Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+)
Cinemark / Century Theaters: up to 35% off
U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
Regal Cinemas: 30% off
Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+)
SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+)
Cell Phone Discounts:

AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99 / month (65+)
Jitterbug: $10 / month cell phone service (50+)
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99 / month (65+).
Miscellaneous:

Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+)
Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)
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“Where we live in North Carolina, we always see a lots of cars with New Jersey license plates and a lot from New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland all the time in North Carolina. But, you know, we never see anyone with a Delaware license plate!”

Do Delawareans stay in Delaware?

Like many Baby Boomers, people I meet here in Delaware would love to spend a few weeks or maybe a few months traveling or perhaps living part time in Florida. We had dinner last night with another couple who had just spent one month in the Keys. We spent two weeks there in February ourselves and we both agreed that was long enough.

The big advantage of Coastal Delaware is Location, Location, Location. That plus Taxes, Taxes or should I just say Low Taxes, makes this the new Boomer Melting Pot.

Let’s break this Checklist into Sections, starting with

Location

Do you want to be

• in a community or in a town?
• close to the beach?

If a community, what kind?

• Age Restricted or All Ages
• Large Community (500 or more) or Small (100–400)

If in town, what kind of home

• Historic Home
• Condo or Townhouse
• Newer Construction Single Family

Home

• # square feet
• bedrooms and baths
• basement, crawl space or slab
• sunroom, screened porch or patio
• specific requirements or additional space needed

Amenities

The more amenities within a community, the higher the monthly fee. So think carefully about the amenities that are important to you.

• Clubhouse
• Indoor Pool
• Outdoor Pool
• Fitness Center
• Golf Course (Private or Public)
• Tennis (One court or multiple courts)
• Walking Trails
• Game Rooms
• Workshop
• (You tell me)

What does the HOA or Condo Fee Cover, in addition to the amenities?

• Master Insurance Policy
• Grass Cutting
• Mulching and Trimming
• Exterior of the home or building
• Snow Removal

Miscellaneous

• Are fences allowed?
• Is the gas Natural Gas or Propane

This Checklist is a good start, but we are all different and no list can cover all the decisions you will make as you choose your next home. You can only get so far on the Internet and then you need to come look in person. When we work together, we get to know you by spending time touring the area, looking at communities and learning what appeals to you. This time help us help you narrow down the choices so that you can make a good decision.

We like to say that we don’t have all the answers, but we do know the questions you need to ask and we know where to get the answers.

If you have a question we haven’t covered, we want to hear it. Email Kathy!

If you turn 65 prior to April 30th of the tax year, you are eligible to receive this credit on that year’s school district property tax bill. Since I don’t turn 65 until October, I won’t be eligible until 2013.

New Residents

This is a State Program and the current law states that you must have been a full time resident for 6 months prior to May 1st of the tax year in order to be eligible. So, if you moved here in December of 2011 and turn 65 prior to April 30th of this year, you will be eligible for the Senior School Property Tax Credit for 2012. However, if you moved to Delaware in March of 2012 with the same birthday, you would not be eligible until 2013.

When to apply

You should apply when you actually turn 65 and the State will notify you when your eligibility begins.

How to apply

The application form is available online here. Just complete the form, print it out and mail it to the appropriate County office listed at the end of the form. Don’t forget to attach a copy of your driver’s license!

What if?

You are Married or entered into a Civil Union; you are 65 but your spouse or partner is not yet 65? Good news! Because the property is treated as if it is wholly owned by each of you, you may claim the entire credit. No double dipping however. Only one credit per property per year is allowed.

You co-own the property with another person who is also 65? No problem. Your share of the credit is determined by your ownership interest in the property. If it is 50/50, you will each be able to claim 50% of the available credit.

Then What?

Once you qualify for the program, you do not need to re-apply each year. The amount of the credit will be deducted from your property tax bill before it is mailed to you by the County!

Read More about Delaware Tax Questions.

OptOutPrescreen.com

OptOutPrescreen.com is the official Consumer Credit Reporting Industry website to accept and process requests from consumers to Opt-In or Opt-Out of firm offers of credit or insurance. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you (“Firm Offers”). The FCRA also provides you the right to “Opt-Out”, which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers.
Through this website, you may request to:

• Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers for Five Years – (electronically through this website).
• Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers permanently – (mail Permanent Opt-Out Election form available through this website).
• Opt-In and be eligible to receive Firm Offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed an Opt-Out request – (electronically through this website).

If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies.

If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In. In doing so, you will soon be among the many consumers who can significantly benefit from having ready access to product information on credit and insurance products that may not be available to the general public.

Visit www.optoutprescreen.com and opt-out of future credit solicitations. Just think, cutting out all of that mail will save a few trees, reduce your recycling, and reduce the amount of junk you have to sift through. Most of the information provided is from the OptOutPrescreen website.

This information has been provided by Gail Alm at Fairway Independent Mortgage.  Gail is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist who provides a comprehensive mortgage plan with an array of options that will allow you to determine the strategy that best helps you accomplish your goals.