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        <title>Rehoboth Beach Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/</link>
        <description>Rehoboth Beach Real Estate Blog offers news &amp; advice about real estate in Coastal &amp; Southern Delaware. Articles on lifestyle &amp; regional events reveal why Southern Delaware is a great place to live. </description>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/coastal-delaware-home-buying-making-an-offer.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/coastal-delaware-home-buying-making-an-offer.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>Coastal Delaware Home Buying: Making An Offer</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
A Coastal Delaware home might be the right match for your family. Do you prefer living by the water? Do you want a low-maintenance house? Of course, desiring to live near the coast and finding the right property are two different things. But while the search can be difficult, it’s possible to find the home of your dreams. And when you do, making a good offer on the property can put you a step ahead of the competition. 


This is prime real estate. The more you know about the basics of making an offer on a Coastal Delaware home, the better your odds of acquiring a property. 


1. Offer a fair price for the property.


It goes without saying, a low-ball offer isn’t going to get you anywhere with sellers. In many cases, they need to sell the house for a certain amount just to break even. And if you come in with a super low offer, this might not only offend the seller, but waste everyone’s time and energy. 


Be realistic. If the seller is asking $200,000 for a condo, don’t submit an offer for $170,000 unless you and your REALTOR sincerely believe that this is a fair price. Not that you have to submit the full asking price. If the seller is motivated, and if the house has been on the market for an extended period, $10,000 under the asking price might be fair. 


2. Listen to the expert’s advice.


Like many buyers, you probably have little real estate knowledge. However, this can be an emotional process. As such, you may feel that your REALTOR isn’t offering the best advice. And if you don’t want to hear what they say, you may go against their advice.


Understand that your real estate agent puts in a lot of time helping you find the right property. It’s in their best interest for the home to sell, and they don't want to sabotage the deal. The truth is, you don’t know as much as your agent. The agent knows how to write a contract - they likely do this all the time. Thus, they knows what to include, and what to leave out. 


3. Be careful with contingencies. 


Even if a home seller is motivated, asking for too many extras might cause you to lose out. Contingencies are part of the process, and asking the seller to make obvious repairs and maintenance are within reason. You might even ask the seller to help with your closing costs, or state that the sale is contingent on a satisfactory home inspection. But if you start getting crazy and asking for the moon - such as new kitchens and bathrooms - there’s a chance that the seller will pass on your offer. 


Remember, most sellers don’t have a lot of extra cash, and most of the proceeds from the sale of the home have to go toward a down payment on their new place. Plus, at most settlements, the seller pays half of the transfer tax and the real estate agent's commission.

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    <pubDate>Sun, 25 Aug 2013 22:01:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/why-same-sex-couples-should-buy-lewes-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/why-same-sex-couples-should-buy-lewes-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>Why Same-Sex Couples Should Buy Lewes Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


If you’re part of a same-sex couple, you cheered when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act. The country’s highest judicial body finally sanctioned your relationship by allowing you all the federal benefits afforded to opposite-sex couples.


Don’t celebrate yet. The full list of marriage perks go to you only if you are married and live in a state that recognizes gay marriage. If you’re in a state that bans such unions, you may not get anything, even if you were married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage. Government bodies and the courts still have to sort those conditions out.


Delaware legalized same-sex marriage on July 1st of this year. If you move to the state, you experience the full benefits given to all married couples. This includes the right to buy Lewes real estate without additional legal paperwork and the ability to inherit the property fully without paying inheritance taxes if one of you dies.


Let’s not forget the relatively mild climate year-round, beaches in Rehoboth and Bethany and favorable tax laws. There’s no sales tax on most items, low real estate property taxes, no personal property taxes, and no state taxes on Social Security benefits. The state is also within easy access to all the urban delights of New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Baltimore.


Why don’t you contact us for more information on the advantages of moving to Delaware. We’ll help you find your perfect home.



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    <pubDate>Sat, 24 Aug 2013 16:53:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/rehoboth-beach-area-beach-restoration-from-sandy.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/rehoboth-beach-area-beach-restoration-from-sandy.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>Rehoboth Beach Area Beach Restoration From Sandy</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In late October of 2012, Hurricane Sandy ravaged the majority of the beaches along the northeast coast of the United States. Coastal Delaware was directly hit by Sandy causing major damage and flooding to structures, but also causing immense erosion on its beaches. The once beautiful wide stretches of sand were replaced with narrow strips of eroded embankments.


In a recent news story by Delaware Online they detail how 19.3 million dollars from the Superstorm Sandy recovery package is being used to restore the beaches. Sand will be dredged from the ocean floor back on to the beaches and should be completed by early 2014. Beaches included in this restoration are South Bethany, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach, as well as the beach that stretches north from the Indian River Inlet.


This is good news for homeowners in the Rehoboth area as well as those interested in buying a Rehoboth Beach property. Buyers who were reluctant to buy a beachfront home in the Rehoboth area due to the uncertainty of the beach can now have confidence it will be back to its greatness within a year. The once great resort beach will again allow visitors and homeowners to walk for miles on wide sandy stretches and bask in the sun.  The Rehoboth community’s small beachfront neighborhoods hold many gems of properties which offer walking access to The Boardwalk and Downtown Rehoboth.


Our REALTORS® at Mann &amp; Sons specialize in real estate within Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and the surrounding area. Please contact us If you would like information on any Southern Delaware property purchasing opportunites. Let Our Family Take Care of Yours.

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    <pubDate>Wed, 21 Aug 2013 09:01:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/housing-recovery-in-full-swing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/housing-recovery-in-full-swing.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>Coastal Delaware Housing Recovery In Full Swing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
If you were thinking about buying Coastal Delaware real estate, now is the time to make up your mind.


The long-awaited housing recovery is in full swing. Home prices shot up in America's largest cities in May, rising at a pace not seen since the bubble days, according to a closely watched gauge.


The recent Standard &amp; Poor's/Case-Shiller index of 20 large U.S. cities indicated that average home prices across the 20 cities have now reached their spring 2004 level. For the first time, two cities — Denver and Dallas — surpassed the peaks they reached before the 2008 financial crisis. All cities tracked by the index saw prices rise from a year earlier and the previous month.


Low mortgage rates, a shortage of homes for sale and heavy investor demand have sent home prices sharply higher this year, providing an economic lift but also sparking concerns that some markets are getting overheated.


Many of the cities with the largest price gains are where housing crashed hardest when the bubble burst.


Las Vegas and Phoenix, two cities where prices fell hard during the bust, have come roaring back, in large part because investors have scooped up many foreclosed properties to flip or rent out. Southern California price increases maintained their breakneck pace in May.


Two years ago buyers were getting splinters from sitting on the fence, but that's certainly not the case anymore.


With interest rates and home prices on the rise, there's some real panic buying going on. Home shoppers are suddenly finding themselves priced out of homes they had been eying and are in a rush to lock in now.


Rising prices encourage greater home construction, which expands inventory levels and eases pressure on prices.


Sales of newly built homes in June rose at the fastest pace in five years, another sign the recovery is strengthening. Housing has helped drive economic growth at a time when other parts of the economy have languished, such as manufacturing and business investment.


New-home sales make up only a small part of the market, but they have an outsized impact on the economy. Each home built creates an average of three new jobs and generates about $90,000 in tax revenue, according to the National Association of Home Builders.


Rising home sales tend to lead to more spending at furniture and home supply stores.


The number of new homes available for sale at the end of June was 161,000. Rising demand and a tight supply of available homes for sale have pushed up prices. The median price of a new home in June was $249,700, up 7.4 percent from a year ago.


Rising mortgage rates could slow sales in the coming months. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has jumped a full percentage point since early May and reached a two-year high of 4.51 percent in late June.


Still, mortgage rates remain historically low and home prices remain affordable. June’s increase in sales could reflect efforts by some purchasers to buy homes before rates rise further.

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    <pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2013 08:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/a-frugal-fun-family-vacation-in-rehoboth-beach.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/a-frugal-fun-family-vacation-in-rehoboth-beach.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>A Frugal, Fun Family Vacation in Rehoboth Beach</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
My daughter just finished PreKindergarten. Throughout the school year, I pencilled in dance classes, library events, playdates and doctor appointments into my calendar, but until very recently, I never did get around to scheduling a vacation.


Before having kids, my husband and I would fly to Cancun or Punta Cana. With just the two of us, costs seemed manageable, but, now, with airfare to most beach destinations averaging around $400 per person (we are a family of 4), we are renting and staying closer to home.


Here's a quick rundown on why I believe rentals offer the best mix of comfort and value for families:




More space Renting a house or condo affords way more space than a standard hotel room. The kids get their own room, which also provides some peace and privacy for mom and dad.


Lower bottom line. With some units priced at under $1,000 per week during the peak summer weeks, Mann &amp; Sons can help you find a spacious Rehoboth Beach house rental. For a family of 4 that comes to just $142/night for a 7 night stay. Compare this to my Expedia hotel comparison, where the average price of a hotel room (just a standard hotel room) is $242 per night. That's a weekly savings of $700.


A full kitchen, with the ability to bring your own groceries and save money by not eating out. Consider the cost of 4 people's restaurant bill each day: even a modest $8 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $20 for dinner per person (plus, consider beverage, tax and tip) comes to $43 per day. Multipled by 4 people the food bill comes to $172 per day, or a whopping $1,204 per week At home to feed two kids and two adults, I spend $175 per week  (thanks in part to couponing and meal planning)- my bill includes pet food, paper and health products, fresh produce, meat and dry goods like cereal, bread and snacks. That's a savings of $1,029, if I pack my grocery bags and bring them with me.


The joy of summer barbecues and eating outdoors Many rentals offer grills and outdoor dining. There is nothing that says vacation to me more than a leisurely dinner of freshly grilled food outside on a warm summer night.


No need to pay $35-$50 a night boarding the dog. By choosing a pet-friendly rental, I stand to save upwards of $350 per week.




We expect to spend somewhere around $1,500 on our total vacation, by staying in a vacation rental in Rehoboth Beach. The best price my husband and I could find for a Caribbean trip to Punta Cana was $2,800. By my numbers, renting a hotel room in Rehoboth Beach would bring my vacation expenses to $3,000+, due to the added costs of dog boarding and dining.


There are a variety of options to suit any taste or budget. Mann &amp; Sons, Inc. REALTORS® provides an easy-to-use site, Rehoboth Beach Vacation Rentals, where you can see all available inventory, or limit your findings to address, number of bedrooms and/or baths, maximum price, as well as whether you can bring the family dog along with you.



This guest post was written by a people mom of two and a dog mom of 1 from NJ (also, an MBA and personal finance wiz) who is looking forward to her August vacation rental. For more information contact us.

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    <pubDate>Sat, 03 Aug 2013 21:57:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/should-you-rent-or-buy-a-rehoboth-beach-vacation-home.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/should-you-rent-or-buy-a-rehoboth-beach-vacation-home.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>Should You Rent Or Buy A Rehoboth Beach Vacation Home</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Deciding on whether or not to invest in a new piece of real estate is always a tough decision. Some might prefer to buy, while others might prefer to rent. Each has their own benefits, as well as drawbacks. Rent or buy a Rehoboth Beach vacation home...if you’re unsure of which might interest you, consider to the following questions:


1. Would you like to spend time at the residence?


A benefit to owning a beach house is that it’s within your power and rights to rent it out during the seasons you might be elsewhere, and or, would like to be. It allows you the freedom to gain an extra source of income as you are otherwise employed, without needing to be currently there to manage your household either.


2. How much time and money are you willing to spend on upkeep?


If you choose to buy a home, and also rent it out, the upkeep of the house is at a higher price and more increased need. Since new people will be seeing this home on a fairly regular basis, it’s important that the utilities offered are also of a premium nature so that others can find interest, comfort, and reliability in your home.


3. How would this improve your income levels, and is it beneficial to taxes?


Since you are an owner of a property that is also considered a business investment, you get to make a lot more deductions than the typical homeowner. For instance, you can deduct household appliances, insurance policies, and other utility costs as businesses expenses as related to maintenance.


Another bonus to being an owner of a rental property is that you get the benefit of depreciation. Since the home in question is considered a property of business, it also falls under the protection of depreciation.


Depreciation is when unfavorable market conditions affect the price of your assets. The IRS uses depreciation to match up the cost of the tangible asset over its use of life. Therefore, if the value in property value drops, the owner will then be given “paper losses,” to make up for the loss in input of funds to said property.


Overall, deciding whether it’d be better to own a second home, or to rent it out, is up to the individual. If you don’t mind others staying in your place of residence, and are willing to be a realtor and or landlord then it could be a decision that helps your taxes benefit you. However, if the thought of managing others, and a house in accordance to those, causes you stress then it might be beneficial to opt out.


One thing you can always do, however, is be in communication with your real estate agent to decipher how much time and energy you are willing to invest. From firsthand experience they can help you decide whether or not the decision to buy or rent is one that is right for you. Find what Rehoboth Beach vacation rental decision works for your lifestyle.

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    <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jul 2013 07:48:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/6-reasons-to-purchase-a-rehoboth-beach-condominium.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/6-reasons-to-purchase-a-rehoboth-beach-condominium.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>6 Reasons To Purchase a Rehoboth Beach Condominium</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Are you considering purchasing vacation property in Rehoboth Beach? There are lots of very good reasons why Rehoboth Beach condominiums are the best solution to vacation living in the Delaware beaches communities. 




Affordable - Condos are often more affordable than single family properties. You can have plenty of interior space for guests in a better location (i.e closer to the beach) than you could afford in a single family home.


Easy Upkeep - The yard work is done for you as well as all exterior maintenance.  You can spend your vacation time vacationing, not doing yardwork. The HOA fee is far more affordable than paying for maintenance by yourself, and you don't have to spend time overseeing the needed work.


Security - When you go home, you lock and go.  Some communities are gated, but all will have management as well as more residents around who will notice if something isn't right.


Lower utility costs - Sharing a wall with another unit, or having a unit above you, helps with insulation and can keep utility costs lower.


Amenities - Most condo associations have amenities like pools, tennis courts, playground equipment, etc.  The cost of providing and maintaining these features can be cost prohibitive when doing it by yourself.  You can enjoy them and someone else maintains them


Sociability - There are plenty of neighbors around who probably enjoy the same things you do if they bought in the same condo community. You can meet new vacation friends with whom to share new experiences.




Vacation time should be spent relaxing, pursuing activities that interest you, and enjoying your friends and family. A vacation condo in Rehoboth Beach is the ideal way to renew your spirits and enjoy the beaches, ocean, outdoors, shopping, or whatever brings you to the Delaware shore. Contact us when you're ready to find that special vacation hideaway that you look forward to visiting. Our expert realtors will guide you in your search and help you locate the perfect place in which to relax and renew.

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    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 2013 21:32:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/are-you-a-distressed-home-owner-dont-be-embrassed-take-action.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/are-you-a-distressed-home-owner-dont-be-embrassed-take-action.html</link>
        <author>susan@susangiove.com (Susan Giove)</author>
        <title>Are You a Distressed Home Owner? Don't be Embrassed --Take Action</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It’s a sign of the times


Most of us grew up thinking that if we planned well and played by the rules, we’d never have to stand by as our financial lives unraveled. 


But upheaval on Wall Street, unacceptable rates of unemployment and plummeting real estate values have taken their toll.  Since 2007, 7.9 million homeowners have lost their homes to foreclosure. Current estimates are that one in four homeowners owe more on their mortgages than they could get from the sale of their home. Millions more homes will be lost to foreclosure before this real estate crisis runs its course.


The sad fact is that foreclosure is not an isolated event. For months leading up to the loss of a home, financially strapped homeowners live under a cloud of uncertainty.  And then for many years afterwards, the blow to credit gets in the way of buying another home or buying anything on credit. Foreclosure even complicates employment prospects.


The impact of foreclosure is huge and the sad fact is that it’s often avoidable.

As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, my mission is to provide financially strapped homeowners with options to foreclosure, ensure that they steer clear of scams, and help navigate them through the solution that best meets their needs.

Among the most important facts to keep in mind: the sooner help is sought, the better the options.


These are tough times, but more help is available than ever before. If you or someone you care about is ready to navigate away from the dark cloud of an unmanageable mortgage and realize that hope and blue skies are within reach, contact me today and let’s get started.


Give me a call------


Susan Giove 302-226-5609 Direct
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    <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jul 2013 14:04:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/coastal-delaware-living-ideal-for-people-who-love-the-outdoors.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/coastal-delaware-living-ideal-for-people-who-love-the-outdoors.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>Coastal Delaware Living: Ideal for People Who Love the Outdoors</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Just recently, Secretary of the Interior Sandy Jewell announced the addition of 28 new National Recreation Trails in the US, as part of an ongoing effort to promote people's enjoyment of the outdoors and their efforts to stay physically fit and healthy. One of the newly designated trails is the Junction and Breakwater Trail, an easy and accessible five-mile trail in Cape Henlopen State Park that connects Rehoboth Beach to the charming town of Lewes.


The Junction and Breakwater Trail is one example of how effortless it is to enjoy the outdoors and improve your fitness in the area; whether you're a visitor renting a summer home or are looking to purchase real estate in Coastal Dealware, you can keep a car of course but you won't have to depend on it. Even traveling between two major important local areas, such as Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, is possible on foot. Because people here don't need to rely on a car all the time, there's less car traffic in general, which is one factor that makes the region environmentally friendly.


What you see on the Junction and Breakwater Trail is also emblematic of the area.  he trail takes you through conifer and hardwood forests, and also past open fields. At certain points on the trail you'll also be able to take in the sight of coastal marshes. When living in Coastal Delaware, what you'll soon come to realize is how varied the landscape is. There's the gorgeous beach of course, and the breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. But a sandy beach isn't the only kind of natural setting you'll be able to enjoy.


You may choose to live right on the beach, but even if you don't, you can pick a home that's within an easy distance from it - a walkable distance, if you'd like; even the more modest, less expensive properties are lovely and well-maintained. Furthermore, even though you'll be able to spend lots of quality time outdoors, year-round, you'll still be able to enjoy restaurants, nightclubs, artistic and cultural activities, and shopping.


Contact us to discuss finding real estate at Rehoboth Beach that you'll love. Whatever it is you're looking for in a rental or in a home of your own, we'll be able to show you all the options. And once you're here, you'll love venturing out of your home, into the beautiful outdoors, where you can relax, improve your health, and savor natural beauty.

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    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 2013 08:34:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/looking-at-homes-in-lewes-these-summer-events-may-just-sweeten-the-deal.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.mannandsons.com/blog/looking-at-homes-in-lewes-these-summer-events-may-just-sweeten-the-deal.html</link>
        <author>admin@mannandsons.com (Bill Mann)</author>
        <title>Looking at homes in Lewes? These summer events may just sweeten the deal</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The real allure of living in Coastal Delaware is that you get to live in Coastal Delaware. It's gorgeous, most especially homes in Lewes, and there's just few places we'd rather be.  We at Mann &amp; Sons are always on the lookout, though, for special events to make the move here all the better. With summer in full swing, we have our eye on a number of annual events to look forward to.


To get a good idea of the true beauty of the area, we're going to start with the 23rd Annual Lewes Garden Tour, taking place on June 15th. This tour gives you a chance to look at some marvelous &quot;hidden gardens,&quot; selected for their variety in styles and types. Along with several within walking distance of Zwaanendael Park, you'll also get a chance to see the Children's Learning Garden, the outreach program teaching kids the joy of gardening. Since all those great gardens will give you ideas for your own, it's fortunate that there will also be plenty of vendors on hand to help you with your garden crafts.


On June 19th, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society will start their yearly Cinema by the Canal series. Taking place at Lewes Canalfront Park, these outdoor viewings are free to the public; all you have to do is bring your own seating, and don't forget the bug spray. The first movie of the season will be &quot;Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away&quot; and all the movies start at dusk. What a great way to spend an evening under the stars


We're looking forward to July, obviously, because of July 4th; who doesn't look forward to things like the beach, grilled hotdogs and fireworks. Shortly after Independence Day, however, we get a different chance to &quot;ooh&quot; and &quot;ahh&quot;; namely, the 64th Annual Cottage Tour of Art, presented by the Rehoboth Art League. The two-day tour, July 9th and 10th, gives folks a chance to admire seven private homes, their magnificent architecture, beautiful interior design and breathtaking landscaping. Also on the tour is the Homestead, a 1743 colonial home that is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Unique art collections will also be featured, and this tour can either be self-directed (driving directions are provided) or you can take the Jolly Trolley, provided by the Art League.  


Of course, all this is just a taste of how great it is to live in Lewes and Coastal Delaware. If you're looking to take that step and find your dream home, please feel free to contact us, and let our family take care of yours.

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    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:42:00 -0400</pubDate>
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