While you may be watching mortgage rates rise (the average 30-year fixed rate currently hovering around 7 percent) and the number of homes to choose from on the lower end, there is one important concept to consider— buying a home in Delaware or Pennsylvania is still a better investment than renting.
We know that buying a home can feel like a major obstacle for many first-timers in Delaware and Pennsylvania, but passing on the opportunity this year could create an even bigger hurdle later as rents will only continue to rise and the days of the 3 percent mortgage rate may be long behind us. 
Below are three reasons why homeownership still makes more sense than renting in DE and PA:
Homeownership Builds Wealth 
Homeownership allows area residents to start building equity and long-term wealth. It is a way to provide stability for households and a means of reinvesting wealth, into your own pocket. If you continue to rent, tossing more money out the window each year,k ...

You may be watching both home prices and mortgage rates tick upwards in today’s unpredictable real estate market, wondering if buying a home right now is your best bet. While it may be an expensive endeavor, your goal of owning a home in Delaware and Pennsylvania is not out of reach.
There are many strategies for saving money and staying on budget while buying a home in Delaware and Pennsylvania and as your local real estate experts, we are listing four to try below. Continue on for top tactics for becoming a homeowner in the current real estate market.
Get a Low or No Down Payment Loan
If the thought of putting 20 percent down on a home causes you stress or makes you want to toss your homebuyer dreams out the window, take a deep breath. Many homebuyers are in the same position and you may just find that you qualify for a loan program that requires a low down payment— or nothing down at all! For instance, an Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan allows you to put dowk ...

While you may still be in winter mode, the spring real estate market will be here before we know it in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Soon a wave of potential buyers will take to searching for their perfect property as the weather starts to turn around. Not only do the warming temperatures play a role in getting buyers out and about to tour homes for sale, but lower inventory just may give sellers an edge.
However, that doesn't always mean your Delaware or Pennsylvania home is ready for buyers to step inside and prepare their offers. You may need to do a bit of prep work before you're officially in the game! Below are four ways to get ahead of the spring real estate market this year and make your home stand out from the rest.
Make repairs
One way your Delaware or Pennsylvania home can rise to the top of buyer wish lists this spring is by being up to date on repairs. You may wish to get a home inspection prior to listing which will help you identify any problems, but if you know now that ...

The market has shifted over the past few months and while mortgage rates have ticked higher than they’ve been over the last year, increases have slowed, and Delaware and Pennsylvania homebuyers are still eager to make a move. Now is prime time for DE and PA home sellers to take the necessary steps and list while motivated homebuyers are out and about.
But The Kat Geralis Home Team knows that not every homeowner in Delaware and Pennsylvania can recognize the signs that it’s time to move, so we’ve rounded them up! If you’re still wondering if now is the best time to upgrade to a new property in the area or even build new, here’s why you should jump at the chance:
You’ve outgrown your home
Many homebuyers in today’s real estate market are ready to buy a new home simply due to lack of space. It’s also another popular reason for homeowners to move on! Do you seem to have no room left in the closet? Is your family expanding? Do you have nowhk ...

No matter where you live—Delaware or Pennsylvania—the upcoming spring season is often a busy time to buy a new home. The weather is ideal, you can take advantage of mortgage rates before they rise again, and and you can settle into your new property before the summer starts.
However, with moving also comes waves of excitement and nerves that can cause you to forget a few things along the way (more than just an extra box or two!). You can count on The Kat Geralis Home Team to make sure your moving process is as stress-free as possible— take the following five steps into consideration as you plan out your move to a new home in DE or PA this season:
Clean the carpets
You never know what kind of dust, dirt or pet dander has accumulated in your new home’s carpets over the years, so take the time to clean them thoroughly. You can rent a steam cleaner and do the work yourself or hire a professional and pay around $50 per room. It’s worth it to know you’rk ...