Credit to: Coastal Point, Kerin Magill

Since 2013, for more than 200 wounded veterans and their families, the week after Labor Day has meant a kind of new beginning, rather than an ending.

Since that year, Bethany Beach and surrounding communities have welcomed post-9/11 veterans for a week of rest and relaxation, as well as a chance to bond with other families with similar challenges to those they face when returning from combat with injuries.

This year, Warrior Beach Week kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 2, with a welcome luncheon at the Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234 near Ocean View.

“We are ready to go,” said Colleen Kellner, an Operations SEAs the Day board of directors member who handles all programs for the week. “We are full-steam-ahead for

Credit to: Coastal Point | Kerin Magill

Photo courtesy of: Lighthousefriends.com

A gathering to honor a family long associated with the Fenwick Island Lighthouse last week turned into a celebration of a major announcement: that the original keeper’s house, long privately owned, has been purchased by the state of Delaware.

The sale was announced Friday, Aug. 1, during the dedication of a plaque in the second keeper’s house associated with the historic lighthouse to its former caretakers, Oliver and Rachel Cropper.

Suzanne Savery, director of the state’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, said the house, built in 1868, as well as some surrounding property, was sold to the state for $3.9 million. The house has long been owned by members

Credit to: SussexCounty.Gov

Sussex County is showing the math when it comes to the calculation of tax bills arriving soon following the recent property reassessment.  As County tax bills for the 2026 fiscal year begin making their way to property owners in the coming days, County officials recently provided an update on the yearslong property reassessment project.

To assist the public, the County has designed a new tax calculator – building off an earlier iteration that worked on estimates only – that is parcel-specific and is powered with real numbers, including each property’s actual assessed value and various property tax rates since set by the County and the local, independent school districts.  

County Finance Director Gina A. Jennings

While real estate activity in Bayside was relatively flat early in the year, we experienced a notable increase in activity during June and July.  During those summer months, 19 properties went under contract in Bayside, compared to 10 during the same period last year.

As the chart illustrates, both the number of sales and sales volume in dollars are up year-to-date.  Inventory has increased 11% compared to the same time last year, creating more competition for sellers.  Meanwhile, most properties continue to take about a month to go under contract.

If we can offer you any real estate guidance as a buyer or seller, please call our Bayside Experts.

Wayne Lyons               Kiki Hargrove 
(302) 858-7347           (302) 569-2959

While real estate activity in Bear Trap was relatively flat early in the year, we experienced a notable increase in activity during May that carried through June and July. During the last 3 months, 7 properties went under contract in Bear Trap, compared to 4 during the same period last year.

As the chart illustrates, both the number of sales and sales volume in dollars are up year-to-date. Inventory has increased by a significant 350% compared to the same time last year, creating more competition for sellers. Meanwhile, most properties continue to sell quickly, with 12 days as the median days-to-contract.

If we can offer you any real estate guidance as a buyer or a seller, please call our Bear Trap Expert.

Gail Phelan
302-233-4909

While real estate activity in Ocean View was slower this spring, we experienced a notable increase in activity during June and July. During those summer months, 56 properties went under contract in Ocean View, compared to 39 during the same period last year.

As the chart illustrates, both the number of sales and sales volume in dollars are up year-to-date.     Inventory has increased by a significant 31% compared to the same time last year, creating more   competition for sellers. Meanwhile, most properties continue to sell within one month, with 26 days as the median days-to-contract.

If we can offer you any real estate guidance as a buyer or seller, please give our office a call.

302-541-5207

Early in the year, we communicated that real estate activity in Sea Colony was not keeping pace with a very strong 2024. This trend has continued into the summer season. In June and July, 11 properties went under contract in Sea Colony, compared to 15 during the same period last year.

As the chart illustrates, both the number of sales and the sales volume in dollars are down considerably year-to-date. Inventory is relatively flat, while properties are staying on the market much longer, with 43 days as the median days-to-contract.

Our Sea Colony Specialists have participated in more than 30% of property sales in Sea Colony this year. If we can offer you real estate guidance as a buyer or a seller, please give us a call:

Gail Phelan             

While real estate activity in Fenwick Island was up considerably through May compared to last year, we experienced a slowdown in June and July. During those months, 8 properties went under contract in Fenwick, compared to 11 in June and July of last year.

As the chart illustrates, total sales in Fenwick Island are up 13% year-to-date, while sales volume in dollars is up 17%. Inventory is flat compared to the same time last year, and properties are staying on the market much longer, with 59 days as the median days-to-contract.

So far this year, our group has represented more Fenwick Island buyers and sellers than any other agent or group. If we can provide you with any real estate guidance as a buyer or a seller, please give us a call.

Leslie

Photo courtesy of Susan Lyons and Coastal Point

Credit to: Coastal Point, Susan Canfora

South Bethany’s Community Planning Advisory Committee this week discussed pervious vs. impervious surfaces, and heard suggestions from consultants from the University of Delaware and residents for ways to control flooding and the quality of water that flows into the town’s canals.

Mayor Edie Dondero introduced consultants Jen Reitz and William DeCoursey and said the Town had hired them to “help us do some long-term planning related to resiliency and what the Town should be looking at to make long-term plans to enhance resiliency to address future issues, like sea-level rise.”

She clarified that impervious surfaces don’t allow water to flow into the ground

While real estate activity in South Bethany was relatively flat through May when compared to last year, we experienced a slight slowdown in June and July. During those months, 3 properties went under contract in South Bethany, compared to 6 in June and July of last year.

As the chart illustrates, sales are down 22% year-to-date, while sales volume in dollars is down 21%. Inventory is up 50% compared to the same time last year, creating increased competition for sellers. Meanwhile, properties continue to sell quickly, with 12 days as the median days-to-contract.

So far this year, our group has participated in more than 80% of property sales in South Bethany. If we can provide you with any real estate guidance as a buyer or seller, please give us a