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 ...

We've shared blog posts in the past on How to Sell Your Delaware or Pennsylvania Home in the Winter, but now it's time to turn the tables and focus on DE or PA homebuyers! Winter can be an opportune time to find your dream home—even score a deal—and with the help of the experts at the Kat Geralis Home Team, you will know exactly what to keep in mind as you browse available properties in the area. 
Below are four reasons why you're on the right track by shopping for a home in the Delaware or Pennsylvania winter:
You can spot flaws
While DE and PA homes do show well during the holidays, once the decor has been taken down, it is easier to spot the property's flaws. You will be less distracted by flashing lights and the cozy vibes of the season and better able to notice drafty windows, water damage on the ceiling or walls and even a lack of privacy. Remember, spring will eventually return, but now is the time to see the home for what it really is!
You can work with thek ...

Winter brings many great things to Delaware and Pennsylvania, but an ideal moving scenario is not one of them. And while you can indeed buy a home during the winter season, it's important to note that the process can take longer than usual.
If you're on the fence about buying a home in Delaware or Pennsylvania, now is the time to get started. The Kat Geralis Home Team has decades of real estate experience to help you find your dream home before winter and enjoy the holiday season in your new surroundings.
Delaware and Pennsylvania homebuyers should be sure to take the following into consideration in their decision to buy before winter:
Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates were hovering around historic lows for quite some time, but they have since seen quite a hike, with the average mortgage rate resting around seven percent. If you missed buying a home at a low rate, don't wait longer! Mortgage rates will continue to increase, with experts predicting the average 30-year mortgage rate to l ...

Did you know the majority of today’s homebuyers aren’t aware of closing costs? You may find that you have prepared for homeownership with your down payment and even have your first month’s mortgage ready in your bank account, but this very important set of costs is commonly overlooked.
As your local real estate experts in Delaware or Pennsylvania, The Kat Geralis Home Team has included a few key notes on closing costs below so you are better equipped to make the biggest, most important purchase of your life!
What Are They?
Closing costs are recurring and non-recurring fees connected to both your lender and other parties in the sale—for instance, an attorney, inspector and title company—and are to be paid upfront at the closing table. Unless you have financed them ahead of time or worked your offer to arrange for the seller to pick up the tab, unfortunately there is no way around these costs.
Closing costs typically include:
Homeowners insurance
Titlek ...

Fall is a great time to become a homeowner in Delaware and Pennsylvania! Not only is a new season just beginning, but you have the opportunity to secure a low interest rate and settle into a home before the cold weather arrives.
But what if you’re currently a renter in Delaware or Pennsylvania? Don’t worry! The Kat Geralis Home Team has provided a few ways below that you can prepare to take advantage of this exciting time in the local real estate market.
Research all of the costs
There are more costs involved with owning a home than just your monthly mortgage payment. For first time buyers, this may come as a surprise, but with the proper amount of research, you will be able to determine exactly how much you can afford in a home. Costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI), homeowners association fees and yearly upkeep should all be considered while you begin to search for homes in Delaware and Pennsylvania.
The costs of renting vs.k ...