harrington: 7th Annual Charity Golf Classic with Harrington ERA Realty in Dover Delaware - 04/02/10 09:16 AM
Harrington ERA Realty is back at it again!  7th Annual Charity Golf Classic benefits Boys & Girls Clubs, Hospice, Salvation Army, Mom's House, MDA. Murphey School, Habitat for Humanity, American Heart Association, and the Delaware Guidance Service.
WHEN ?  Friday MAY 21, 2010   RAINDATE: May 28, 2010
WHERE ? Wild Quail Golf & Country Club in Wyoming , DE
FACTS: Harrington ERA Realty, Inc. Has Always Strived To Be A Leader In Real Estate In Kent County but also in charitable giving and community support.
Since it's inception in 2004, the Harrington Realty Charity Golf Tournament has raised over $356,661.00 for … (0 comments)

harrington: Number one reason why for sale by owners don't sell - 03/14/10 04:49 PM
What is the number one reason why for sale by owners don't sell?  Yes it is a good lesson near to go to the corner of the room and repeat yourself....  Price, price, price, and yes say it again to yourself...  Price!  If you want to sell, vertically in today's market you have to have a realistic price.
 
So let's explore why most for sale by owners set their price too high to track perspective buyers.  The reason often is because the seller is focusing on the wrong goal.  The number one goal should be to sell your property.  What … (6 comments)

harrington: Cleaning the bathroom - 03/14/10 04:47 PM
Cleaning the bathroom.
 
You would be surprised at how many homes I've toured in which the bathroom could have had a much better positive impression on the buyer.  One of the number one things I see buyers looking at is that caulking around the bathroom tub, toilet, and sink.  Most of my buyers have come to expect clean, clean, and did I say clean bathroom?!  Spending extra time in the bathroom could be the best thing a seller could do to make their home or sellable.  Have you looked at the tiles in your bathroom lately?  Many homes I've seen, … (3 comments)

harrington: Your best return on investment is paint - 03/14/10 04:44 PM
Your best return on investment is paint!
Paint paint and paint!  I tour so many homes on the market and notice so many Sellers make this mistake, they do not paint their home!  Paint neutral colors like white would be my recommendation.  You could try to talk a dog off a meat wagon, but until it's painted, the buyers simply won't be as motivated and excited about your home.
 
Sometimes, I feel like I could be a painter, and offer my services to all the Sellers out there but that's not my job.  I really wish I was a professional … (5 comments)

harrington: Selling your home quickly - 03/14/10 04:43 PM
Selling your home quickly!
Selling your home quickly involves many different things and one of those are making sure you have a better looking house then the rest!  One way to do this is staging but usually before your home is staged, it is a good idea to have your agent walked through the home and give you great suggestions.  You'll be surprised that some of the responses your real estate agent will give you, for example: neutral colors all throughout the house....  I often get a surprised look on the Sellers face when I discussed this with them.
 
Remember … (1 comments)

harrington: Many people lead busy, hectic lives - 03/14/10 04:37 PM
Many people lead busy, hectic lives and simply do not have the time or the energy to bother with selling a home themselves.  The vast majority of people simply bypass selling a home on their own because of various reasons just like the one I just mentioned.  There is certainly a lot of twists and turns when trying to sell a home.  Just getting a buyer to sign a bunch of paperwork can be a process all in itself and that's why there are professionals who specialize in this and they are buyer's agents.  Listing agents are another type of agent … (0 comments)

harrington: One big misconception that Sellers have - 03/14/10 04:35 PM
One big misconception that Sellers have when they try to sell their home on their own, is that they lower the price of their home by a certain amount, they feel they can get away with that lower price because they do not have a real estate agent.  The problem is because that seller does not have a real estate agent, most buyers who come looking at a for sale by owner, know this and will automatically expect a lower price than what the market usually commands for the home.  Buyers who are looking at for sale by owners usually are … (2 comments)

harrington: Are you a frustrated seller? - 03/14/10 04:34 PM
Are you a frustrated seller?
In Delaware some Sellers decide to sell their home on their own.  There could be a variety of reasons for selling your home on your own.  For many of these for sale by owners, it is their first time trying to attempt to sell their home on their own.  With all the factors and mind, selling a home on your own will take a lot of work and require a full-time effort on your part.  If you do not have the time needed to sell your home, you may find that you'll go through a lot … (4 comments)

harrington: Repairs a home needs in Delaware - 02/21/10 09:59 AM
The Repairs a home needs can often throw a buyer though a loop so that's why I always address the repair thing right up front before we begin any tour. 
 
It should be expected that all homes have something wrong.  Really , none of them are perfect and even the brand new homes have been known to have inspection problems.
 
Don't worry too much as I will ensure you get a home inspection that will tell us exactly what issues the home has. 
 
If the home has any structural issues the seller will be required to fix those … (0 comments)

harrington: Roof Problems on the home you buy here in Delaware - 02/21/10 09:57 AM
Roof problems are a common thing when buying a home.  It is one thing I study for my buyers as they tour the home.  I want to address any problems I notice.  It can me among one of the most disturbing things you will encounter when you search for a house to buy.  Roofs can be a little more than pocket change, they can add up as a big expense.  It is important to know that the rood repair is not necessarily a deal breaker as some sellers are willing to negotiate.
 
In a matter like this it is important … (0 comments)

harrington: Growing Vegetables on your Delaware property - 02/21/10 09:55 AM
Growing Vegetables on your property can be a great way to save money. With the Spring and Summer Approaching us soon this is something to think about when you purchase a home.  I know many folks like to have their own personal gardens.
 
Take a look at the quality of the soil and see if it is rocky, sandy, or does it seem to be just right...rich and fertile?  Also take note at the sunlight direction. 
 
If you have kids, is the yard large enough for you and a garden? 
 
Speak to your REALTOR ® if you have … (0 comments)

harrington: First Time Buyers and Mistakes That First Time Buyers Make as it is some good advice for Delaware - 02/21/10 09:52 AM
First-time buyer reality is that there is "No Perfect Home" as if their was it would have been built just for you.  Every customer is different with their own set of expectations. Almost every time we sit down to discuss the home criteria the truth in the matter is that the absolute dream house you would want to own and live in for your whole life long usually is a fantasy. 
Remember that this is your first-house and their will be some things that you will need to understand about buying a home.  Some homes you see will be much older … (0 comments)

harrington: What is Trench Foot and prevention tips for Delaware - 02/06/10 06:39 AM
The east coast has been slammed with snow and Delaware is just one of those States!  With all this snow I've already discussed Hypothermia, Frostbite and now my part 3 of 3 on "Trench Foot". 
Trench foot is a medical conition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to a damp, unsanitary as well as cold condition.  Today's snow storm of up to 23 inches is just the right recipe for developing this condition of Trench Foot!
Affected feet may become numb and turn red or blue as a result of poor vascular supply.  Feet may also begin to decay if … (4 comments)

harrington: What is Frostbite and important tips for Delaware - 02/06/10 06:08 AM
Snow, Snow, Snow is coming on down and with that means kids that are excited to play in all that snow!  Let me remind you of Frostbite!
What is Frostbite?  It is a medical condition where damage is caused to the skin and other tissues in the body due to extreme cold.  The initial stages of frostbite are often called "Frostnip". 
Hands, Feet, Nose, Leg, and Ears are the most likely parts of your body to be affected by frostbite.
Other Factors that will contribute to frostbite will be the extreme coldness outside like it is today, any inadequate clothing, wet … (1 comments)

harrington: What is hypothermia - 02/06/10 05:53 AM
With all the up to 23 inches of snow today here in Delaware it is important to remind you of a condition called "Hypothermia".  What is it?   Hypo means "under" or "below" and therm means temperature.  It is a condition in which the core temperature drops below that required for a normal metabolism as well as body functions.  In all warm-blooded animals the core body temperature is maintained near a constant level through what is called "Homeostasis" & "Thermoregulation" but when the body is exposed to cold, it's internal mechanisms may not be able to replenish all the heat that is being … (0 comments)

harrington: Cold Conditions means you need to prepare for the cold weather Delaware - 02/06/10 05:40 AM
How does the body react to cold conditions?When in a cold environment, most of your body's energy is used to keep your bodys internal temperature warm. Over time, your body will begin to shift blood flow from your extremities (your hands, feet, arms, and legs) as well as the outer skin to the core (your chest and abdomen areas). This process will allow the exposed skin and the extreme coolness to rapidly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If you combine this with cold water, and trench foot may also be a problem.What are the most common cold induced problems?Hypothermia, Frostbite, and Trench … (0 comments)

harrington: Delaware State of Emergency & Delaware Weather Conditions & Blizzard Warning Continues In Delaware - 02/06/10 05:28 AM
Conditions are expected to intensify with heavy snowfall and strong winds that will make driving exceptionally dangerous. Given the anticipated strength of this storm, DelDOT crews are expected to concentrate on major arteries for plowing, initially leaving many secondary roads unattended.
The National Weather Service is predicting snowfall will total between 15 and 23 inches in New Castle County, from 19 to 29 inches in Kent County and from 17 to 27 inches in Sussex County. 
A blizzard warning is in effect for Kent and Sussex counties, where winds are expected to gust from 40 to 50 mph.
Snow may be … (2 comments)

harrington: Delaware Blizzard Warning & Hazardous Weather Outlook - 02/05/10 11:01 AM

 
Well That Open House this weekend has been cancelled due to 29 Inches Of Snow Possible Here In Delaware!  Whew What a Blizzard Warning this will be!        THAT'S RIGHT !   29 INCHES POSSIBLE.... State Of Emergency Will Be Declared At 8 PM . . . All Vehicles are to be OFF THE ROAD so the crews can do their job!
Tonight: Snow and widespread blowing snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 28. Windy, with a east wind 13 to 16 mph increasing to between 25 and 28 mph. Winds could gust as high as 40 … (4 comments)

harrington: It kills me when I get an email like this - 02/05/10 04:10 AM
Comments: Hi, I am famiiar with this house. My sister is one of the neighbors. I am very interested and in the market for immediate move in. I have preapproval and a realtor already though...please email me or call...Im curious...does USDA rural work for financing 
If you were a different Realtor and just recieved this email... How would you feel?
.... well as a Realtor we must tread carefully since you mentioned you have a Realtor.
If you are working with another Realtor we can't help you... you must go back to the agent who is helping you currently.  If that agent … (9 comments)

harrington: What counts as a good deal in todays market - 01/23/10 03:51 PM
Okay it is important for buyers to recognize what a good deal really is.  I am getting calls with buyers "Gung Ho" about finding a good deal.
This is important to remind you of this in today's market... just because the home says "PRICE REDUCED $20,000.00" doesn't necessarily qualify the home as a "Good Deal"
What you should be saying to yourself is ... let me double check this information with my real estate agent!
He / She can work up a CMA, Competitve Market Analysis to compare homes that are similar that have sold.
Often times a home that just … (10 comments)