**** Open House Sunday May 20 from 1-3 at 15 Ruby Dr, Ashbourne Hills, Claymont DE ****
After seeing both activity and prices fall in recent years, Claymont is now beginning to see a rise in both areas.
With its prime location at the mouth of the Naamans Creek, the Claymont area has been continuously occupied for centuries. Although named after the local Lenape chief by the first western inhabitants, in 1856 the area was renamed Claymont after the former family plantation of the pastor of the local Episcopal Church. Originally an agricultural area, Claymont later developed as a resort area and finally as an industrial community.
Claymont has always been on important transportation routes. In the colonial period it was located on the Kings Highway connecting the Colonies and running from Boston through Philadelphia, Newport, and on to Charleston. The historic Robinson House became an important stop during the revolution. Later the Philadelphia Pike was developed as the prime artery between Wilmington and Philadelphia. Today it is conveniently located at the intersection of I95 and I495 directly on the northeast corridor, and it also has local SEPTA rail service with connections to Amtrak in both Wilmington and Philadelphia.
Claymont now has a bit of everything from nice residential developments to multiple commercial areas along the Philadelphia Pike and Naamans Road to some remaining industrial sites. The community is home to several historical sites including the Robinson House - Naamans Tea room, the Old Stone School, the Darley House, and the Ascension Church. In addition, it continues to be home to the Archmere Academy, formerly the Raskob Estate. For the future, the Claymont Renaissance Redevelopment Corporation is working with the community, local organizations, and businesses to guide Claymont's continuing development.
Home sales activity in Claymont has followed the trends we have seen throughout New Castle County. Activity in zip code 19703 peaked in 2005 with 180 sales. Average home sales prices peaked in 2006 at over $214,000. Since then both sales activity and prices have fallen every year until reaching a low of 95 sales in 2011 at an average sales price of $150,000.
This year there have been 37 home sales to date with an average sales price rising to $155,000. There are also 27 properties under contract with an average list price of $158,000 and 54 properties available with an average asking price of $164,000. In several communities we are seeing even greater increases in asking prices as home sales continue to remain strong.
As interest rates continue at historic lows, the economy continues to stabilize, and confidence begins to return, Claymont should be well positioned to continue to see a rise in both home sales activity and pricing as we continue through 2012.
David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Bear, DE/Devon, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com
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