Here is a snapshot for New Castle County, Delaware home sales for the second quarter 2008.

The number of homes for sale as of June 30th was 4747 compared to 4408 in 2007, an 8% increase.

The number of homes sold year-to-date 2368 compared to 3570 for the same period in 2007. A 34% decrease.

The median sales price for the quarter was 234,000 compared to 240,000 for same period in 2007, a 2.5% decrease.

The months supply of inverntory is 8.8 months compared to 5.1 months this time last year, representing a 72% increase.

The average time on market was 68 days compared to 47 days same period in 2007, a 45% increase.

This information is from the HomExpert Market Watch report from Prudential Fox & Roach. 

I've been looking forward to this blog for a while now and am actually a little disappointed that my research is over.  I've had alot of good pies recently, and some not so good ones.  My criteria was plain cheese and not from a large national chain.  I also had input from patrons at McGlynns Pub.  The most interesting thing to come out of my research was that all women love Grotto's pizza.  I am not a big fan of Grotto's myself.  It is a good spot to watch a U of D game though.  My personal favorite is on the other side of Main Street.  Margherita's Pizza.  Great sauce, not too much cheese, large slices, perfect cold.

Tony's on Papermill road is a close second.  I used to eat at Tony's all the time when I worked at MBNA.  The guys in the shop are always real friendly plus they are Eagles fans.

Nino's on Kirkwood Highway is another favorite of mine.

The votes are in and Grotto's had the most votes for favorite.  Pizza Pro on Greenbank Rd was a popular choice.  Peace of Pizza in Newark and Cafe Napoli have awesome slices also if you like gourmet pizza.

Tell me who your favorite is!

 

If your like me you love a good Italian sub.  A while back on the blog I rated some local sandwich shops and the best was the gourmet Italian at Goodfellas in prices corner shopping center.  I was very excited when I found out they are opening a new store where the old Premiums Deli was in Milltown shopping center.  It opens tomorrow.  Sounds like a good spot for lunch.

I am always looking for ways to market my business online for free.  I have one closed transaction from facebook.  I also use the Lowes Realtor program that I think is very valuable and clients really appreciate.  Zillow and Trulia also give good exposure to listings.  What other avenues have people closed business from?  Linkedin seems pretty good.  I have an agentxsite, which is free, and get about 5000 page views every 90 days.  What else is working?  I've only been in business for about a year and am trying to take advantage of any free avenues available.  If you have any other ideas please comment.

The Wilmington Flower Market returns to Rockford Park for the 88th annual event on May 8-10 from 10-7pm each day.  The event includes crafts, food, rides and music.  Admission is free. 

Parking is limited, carpool if you can.  It's a great event.  Have Fun!

http://www.wstw.com/flower.php

 

For more information and directions click the link above.

Does anyone know how to use an RSS feed?  It is a new option by my website provider but I really do not understand what it does or how to use it to my advantage.  I see links for RSS feeds on alot of the major sites.  Does this pull info from other major news sites?

I just wanted to pass along a link to http://www.alamode.com/products/agent/xsites/

 

I set up this site in November and have had approx 5000 page views.  They offer a free version that is great if you don't have a site.  I did upgrade for some of the bells and whistles and am happy with the site.  They offer free webinars to increase your search rank and other topics that are very useful. 

The drip email add on could be better.  If you are using another service for your drip emails, I recommend that you try use the add on during the trial period before you stop using your other service.  I had been using sharper agent for drip emails and thought that program was better.

 

You can view mine at  http://johnbogucki.com/

 

Delaware is having its first Great Green Expo on March 29, 2008.  Admission to the event in 7.00 for adults, free for children 12 and under.  The event is from 9am-5pm.

From the website.

"The Delaware Great Green Expo will be the first of it's kind in Delaware highlighting local and regional businesses that offer "Green" solutions and contribute to lessening pollution and waste in Delaware and surrounding areas.

The expo will feature many exhibitors covering a variety of "green" living products, services and information.

Attractions will include: live music, speakers, demonstrations, art, organic foods, door prizes and activities for the entire family!

The Closic's Kids Corner will feature face painting and pictures with some of the areas most popular mascots including Rocky Blue Winkle from the Wilmington Blue Rocks & Trash Can Dan from DSWA! Also a special appearance by "Chum The Shark" , straight out of the waters of the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ".

 

http://greatgreenexpo.org/main.html

I currently have a oil burning furnace that I will be replacing in the spring.  Natural Gas is avaialble but I am leaning toward a heat pump.  Is a heat pump more eco friendly?

A free benefit for NAR members is the Lowe's Realtor benefit program.  I have been using this program for about a year and my clients love it. For sellers you can send a DVD with 3 episodes of designed to sell that cover do's and dont's of home staging.  They also recieve a 10% off coupon for a trip to Lowe's.  They also have home books for buyer clients.  The packaging all comes compliments of you.  The mailings do not cost anything to the Realtor.  If your looking for a new way to reach your clients I recommend looking into this benefit.  You pay your dues, take advantage of your membership.  More information on the program can be found at NAR.com under the benefits link.