April Happenings

MARKET NEWS | EVENTS | FEATURED LISTINGS

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn…April is a promise that May is bound to keep, and we know it."

– Hal Borland

April’s gentle breezes and showers usher in a season of hope and renewal, mirroring the vibrant energy we're seeing in the many new listings in the Delaware and Maryland coastal real estate market. Buds are blossoming, and so are buyer inquiries, suggesting a promising uptick in activity. This April, we're witnessing a renewed interest in coastal properties, from the northern beaches of Sussex County to Ocean City's Boardwalk. With favorable trends emerging, it's an opportune time for both sellers and buyers to explore the potential this market holds.

We hope you enjoy our April Happenings; we’ve included some suggestions for turning your small outdoor area into an oasis with “Small Outdoor Spaces”, plus, our usual market update, featured listings and be sure to check out our recipe of the month!. Read on!

Market Update

Sussex County, DE

March 2025

Single Family | Townhome | Condominium

The Coastal DE and MD real estate market in March displayed a mixed picture, characterized by a small increase in new listings alongside a year-over-year dip in closed sales, though new pending sales suggested continued buyer interest. While active listings have increased, overall inventory remains below historical averages, and median sold prices experienced a slight year-over-year rise. Homes are lingering on the market for a bit longer, indicating a slight shift in pace. Looking ahead to April, expect increased buyer activity typical of the spring season, accompanied by continued moderate price increases. Prospective buyers should be prepared for potential competition, and sellers should leverage the enduring demand, while everyone keeps a close eye on mortgage rate fluctuations.

If you think you are ready for a move, call me and I will be happy to update you on the current market and, if needed, run a Comprehensive Market Analysis on your home. If you think you are ready to start looking or just want to monitor the market, I can set up a search for you in MLS that will automatically email properties of interest. If you prefer, you can go to our website and set up your own search, it’s a great way to easily keep an eye on the real estate market in your area!

Please respond to this email to request a different market area, or a city/town snapshot.

Christine McCoy was honored at the Top 300 Coastal Real Producers dinner. Congratulations, Christine! Way to go! Pictured with Christine, above are, photo on the left: Ryan McCoy; and the photo on the right: Allison Foshee, Ryan McCoy, Terry Lozado, Ann Del Vecchio and Sherry Thens.

Small Outdoor Spaces

By Michel Smith, Coldwell Banker

Time to spring into action to make the most of every sunny day and fresh breeze coming your way!

Even the smallest of outdoor spaces can be transformed into welcoming, functional outdoor retreats with these easy spruce ups.

1. Clean and Declutter

Start by giving everything some TLC. Sweep away debris. Wipe down all surfaces and furniture. If you have a wood deck, check if it’s due for resealing. For patios, a power wash can remove built-up dirt and make it look like new.And be sure to remove any clutter like broken furniture or that pot of wilted annuals from last year.

2. Make It Multi-Functional

Whether you’re kicking back with a book or hosting some friends, plot out what you’ll need for your cozy space to serve multiple purposes. Maybe it’s an ottoman or bench that doubles as a side table and storage. Choose space-saving furniture, like a foldable table and chair set, that can be tucked away and then pulled out for entertaining. A small rolling cart can be easily moved around the space and also serve as a bar cart for serving drinks.

3. Add Ambiance With Lighting

As a low-cost investment, the right lighting can transform your space. Make your outdoor area extra inviting with solar-powered LED fixtures or some easy-to-hang string lights. Try battery-operated lanterns or candles for a flickering effect. Layers of soft lighting will extend your outdoor enjoyment into the wee hours.

4. Create a Private, Green Oasis

Go vertical and add layers of greenery to make your space feel more intimate! Some easy fixes include self-standing bamboo screens, hanging planters, a ladder-style plant holder, rail-mounted flower boxes or a vine-covered trellis. For a fragrant touch, incorporate herbal plants like basil, rosemary and lavender.

5. Get Personal

Finally, make it your own! Mix in cozy textiles, weather-resistant pillows and other luxurious touches. Opt for washable fabrics that you can easily clean. Consider adding a rug for texture and comfort. Other ways to personalize: Include a piece of artwork, a decorative sculpture or even a small wall-mounted water feature for a soothing vibe.

With a little creativity, you can turn your small outdoor space into the perfect spot to soak up the sunshine, relax with a refreshing drink or entertain friends. Start prepping now – so your retreat is ready to go!

Local Happenings of Note in April

There are many events happening throughout the area, below is a list of some of the highlights. We hope you will do your own exploring and research to find what best events and activities for you and your family. Remember to get to the beach towns this month before paid parking begins in May!

April 1 - 20 | 2025 LewesTulip Celebration | The16th annual Lewes Tulip Celebration, jointly sponsored by the Lewes Chamber ofCommerce and Lewes in Bloom, will be blossoming April 1 – 20, 2025. The timing of the tulips’ appearance is an inexact science and either milder or colder weather in advance of the event dates can increase the probability that the dates of the celebration may not exactly coincide with the tulips blooming! The event dates span three weekends. The locations of the 31,000 tulips and 5,000 spring bulb plantings are identified on a “Tiptoe To The Tulips” Map, available at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s Visitor Center located in the historic Fisher-Martin House in Zwaanendael Park.

April 12 & 13 | Coastal Delaware Running Festival | Rehoboth Beach, Coastal races, Boston Qualifier. 5K, 9K, Half/Full Marathon. Finish Line Celebration!

April 12 - 19 | Shellville's Eggstravaganza | A festive, family-friendly Easter celebration held at Schellville in Rehoboth Beach (located behind Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth). Family-Focused Fun that is designed to provide a memorable Easter experience for all ages. Featuring various activities, including egg hunts tailored to different age groups. Additional entertainment includes face painting, balloon art, and craft stations. Tickets are required for guests aged 2 and up.

April 18 | The Great Delaware Kite Festival | co-sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, annually takes place at Cape Henlopen State Park on Good Friday. This year, the festival is celebrating its57th Anniversary. The Easter Bunny’s appearance is a longtime feature of the event that will continue again this year. An Easter Egg Hunt will kick off the event at 11 a.m.

April 22 | 11AM | Earth Day Hike | Cape Henlopen; Celebrate Earth Day with a guided hike exploring the coasts most valuable habitat, the sand dunes, and discover why they are worth protecting. Dress for the weather. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Pre-registration required by calling (302) 645-6852. Call for meeting location. FREE with park entrance fees

April 23 | 11AM | Beach Nature Program: The Great Egg-Case Hunt! | Cape Henlopen State Park; Search the beach for whelk egg-cases and other beach treasures that wash up and discover more about the egg laying species in our waters! Dress for the weather. For ages 5 and older with a paying adult. Program meets at the Seaside Nature Center. $6 per person

April 24-27 | Springfest 2025 | Springfest boasts 2 live stages with enticing bands. Over 20 groups from across the globe showcase many musical styles from rock, country, fusion and R&B. Come celebrate Ocean City’s 150 Anniversary!

April 25-27 | Maryland International Kite Exposition | 4th, 5th, and 6th Streets Ocean City; Three days of kite flyingon the beaches. Throughout the festival there will be exhibitions and demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons, Giant kite displays and much more! More information call (410) 289-7855.

Coming in Early May

May 3 | Noon – 3:30 | Southern Delaware Wine, Food, & Music Festival | New location, Shellville in Rehoboth Beach; Featuring delectable small plates to taste the creativity and talents of Coastal Delaware's top chefs. Live Music, Silent Auction, Bourbon Tasting. This year's beneficiaries are The Harry K Foundation and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity.

Our Featured Listings

30381 Crowley Drive #309

OCEAN VIEW, DE

2BD | 2BA | 1,112SQFT

13031 Hayes Ave., #40

OCEAN CITY, MD

3BD |2.5BA

30683 Peaceful Lane

OCEAN VIEW, DE

4BD |2BA |2,600SQFT

135 Hickory Branch Ct #703C

MILFORD, DE

3BD |2BA |1,336SQFT

Recipe of the Month: Crab Cakes

Credit: Spend With Pennies

It’s that time of year, and there’s nothing better than Maryland’s Blue Crab with a little Old Bay! This crab cake recipe is easy to follow and makes juicy crab cakes with meaty crab in every bite!

Yields: 8 Crab Cakes; Cook Time: 20 mins; Prep Time: 20 mins; Chill Time: 1hr

Ingredients

1 lb lump crabmeat

¼ cup mayonnaise

1 large egg beaten
1 TBSP Worstershire

1 TBSP Dijon mustard

1 tsp Old Bay seasoning

½ c Panko breadcrumbs, unflavored (can be left out for GF)

1 ½ TBSP chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp lemon zest

½ tsp Kosher salt or to taste

½ tsp black pepper or to taste

¼ c canola oil

lemon wedges for serving

Directions

Check the crab meat for any hard and sharp cartilage, remove, and discard.

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning.

Add crab meat, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Gently fold to combine, being careful not to break up the crab.

Gently press to shape into 6-8 crab cakes using ⅓ cup each, then place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Heat the oil in a large nonstick over medium heat. Cook the crabcakes 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Serve immediately with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

Be gentle with the crab mixture so the crab doesn't break apart. Don't skip the refrigerating, or the crab cakes will not hold together.

To bake crab cakes: Preheat oven to 450℉. Place crab cakes on a foil-lined baking tray and bake for 13-18 minutes until browned.

Leftover crab cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a bit of oil over medium heat.

Enjoy! :)

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