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In recent years, home decor has seen a shift towards bold and unexpected color choices. Gone are the days of muted tones and neutral palettes; homeowners are now embracing vibrant hues and daring combinations to create a truly unique space. One of the biggest trends in bold home decor is the use of unexpected color pairings. Mixing colors that may not seem like an obvious match, such as bright orange and cool blue, can create a stunning and eye-catching contrast that adds interest and depth to a room. Additionally, unexpected color combinations can help to break up monochromatic spaces and prevent them from feeling dull or flat. Another trend in bold home decor is the use of bright, statement-making furniture pieces. Whether it's a vivid pink sofa or a bold green accent chair, these eye-catching pieces can instantly add personality and style to any room. When paired with neutral walls and decor, a bright piece of furniture can really pop and become the focal point of the space. In addition to unexpected color pairings and statement furniture, another trend in bold home decor is the use of bold accent walls. Whether it's a bright yellow wall in the living room or a rich teal wall in the bedroom, a bold accent wall can create a stunning backdrop for furniture and decor while also adding a sense of drama and personality to the room. Of course, incorporating bold colors into your home decor can be intimidating, especially if you're used to more neutral or muted tones. However, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you successfully incorporate unexpected colors into your space. First, start small. If you're not ready to commit to painting an entire room a bold color, start with small accent pieces like throw pillows or curtains. This will help you get a feel for how the color works in your space without overwhelming the room. Second, balance bold colors with neutrals. Pairing a bright red sofa with neutral walls and decor can help to create a sense of balance and prevent the room from feeling too chaotic or overwhelming. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment. Home decor is all about expressing your personal style and creativity, so don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you and your space. In conclusion, the bold and unexpected color trend in home decor is an exciting and creative way to add personality and style to your space. Whether it's mixing unexpected color pairings, incorporating statement furniture pieces, or using bold accent walls, there are countless ways to embrace this trend and make it your own.

If you're a homeowner who has outgrown their current home but has an interest rate below 5%, it might be tempting to sell your home and buy a new one. However, there's another option to consider that could help you build long-term wealth: turning your current home into a rental property and using a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) to purchase your next home. Here are a few reasons why this strategy might be the right move for you: Rental income can provide long-term financial benefits: By renting out your current home, you'll be generating rental income that can help pay down your mortgage and potentially provide a stream of passive income for years to come. Over time, your rental property could appreciate in value, providing additional financial benefits when it's time to sell. Keep your low-interest rate: If you bought your current home when interest rates were low, it's likely that you have a favorable mortgage interest rate. By holding onto your current home and using a HELOC to buy your next home, you can keep that low rate, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan. Take advantage of tax benefits: As a rental property owner, you can take advantage of several tax benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and repairs and maintenance. These deductions can help lower your taxable income and potentially save you money on your annual tax bill. Diversify your investment portfolio: Owning a rental property can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. Real estate investments have historically provided solid returns, and by owning a rental property, you'll have a tangible asset that can help balance out your other investments. Avoid the costs of selling and buying: Selling a home and buying a new one can be costly. You'll likely need to pay for real estate commissions, closing costs, and other fees associated with both transactions. By keeping your current home and using a HELOC to buy your next home, you can avoid these costs and potentially save yourself thousands of dollars. Your mortgage interest rate is below current inflation: If your current mortgage interest rate is below the current rate of inflation, you're effectively paying off your mortgage with "cheaper dollars" over time. This means that the real cost of your mortgage is decreasing, making it an attractive long-term investment. Rate of appreciation is outpacing historical norms: In many parts of the country, the rate of appreciation for real estate is outpacing historical norms. This means that if you hold onto your current property, it's likely to continue to appreciate in value over time, potentially providing a significant return on your investment. Of course, there are risks to owning a rental property as well. You'll need to be prepared for the responsibilities of being a landlord, including finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, and maintaining the property. However, if you're willing to put in the work or can factor in the cost of management into your rental payment, the long-term benefits of owning a rental property can be significant. If you're a homeowner who has outgrown their current home but has an interest rate below 5%, it might be worth considering turning your current home into a rental property and using a HELOC to buy your next home. This strategy can provide long-term financial benefits, help you keep your low interest rate, and diversify your investment portfolio, all while potentially saving you thousands of dollars in selling costs. Moreover, if your mortgage interest rate is well below current inflation and the rate of appreciation for real estate is outpacing historical norms, then selling now rather than holding the property could be a smart financial decision for long term wealth building.

For many empty nesters, the time has come to "right-size" their home. After years of raising children and accumulating possessions, it's time to move into a space that better fits their current lifestyle. This often means downsizing the square footage of their home, but it doesn't mean sacrificing quality or amenities. In fact, many empty nesters are finding that their new homes offer even more modern features and conveniences than their old ones. One of the primary reasons for right-sizing is that empty nesters no longer need the space they once did. Their children have grown up and moved out, and they no longer need multiple bedrooms, large living areas, or expansive outdoor spaces. By reducing the size of their home, empty nesters can free up time and resources that can be put towards other interests, such as travel or hobbies. Another reason for right-sizing is the desire for a more modern and efficient home. Older homes may lack the amenities and features that empty nesters desire, such as open floor plans, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home technology. By moving into a newer home, empty nesters can enjoy these conveniences and save money on utilities and maintenance costs. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of right-sizing is the financial advantage it can provide. Many empty nesters have built up significant equity in their home over the years, and selling it can provide a sizable down payment for their new home. This can allow them to purchase a home of equal or greater value without taking on a large mortgage. When it comes to choosing a new home, empty nesters are often focused on lifestyle. They want a home that is easy to maintain, with amenities that cater to their interests and hobbies. This might mean a home with a smaller yard but with access to community amenities like fitness centers, pools, or walking trails. They may also want a home in a location that offers easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural events. Right-sizing is a trend that is gaining popularity among empty nesters. By reducing the size of their home, they can free up time, resources, and money, while still enjoying all the modern features and conveniences they desire. For empty nesters looking to make a change, right-sizing can be a smart and rewarding choice.

When it comes to making your home work for you, sometimes you have to get creative. One uncommon concept that's gaining traction is the "family closet." While it's not the norm, it's a great example of finding a solution that works for your unique situation. If you live in an older home with small closets, you may feel like you just don't have enough space to stay organized. That's where the family closet comes in. This shared storage space for clothing and accessories serves the entire family, making it easier to stay organized and make the most of your living space. There are a few ways to create a family closet. One option is to repurpose a small unused bedroom into a shared storage space. You can install shelving, hanging rods, and other storage solutions to create an efficient space for storing everyone's clothes. Another option is to use your laundry room as a family closet. This is a particularly convenient option because you can clean your clothes and immediately hang them up in the same space. It's a time-saver and a great way to stay organized. While the family closet is not the norm, it's a smart alternative to cramming clothes into a tight space. By finding a solution that works for you, you can make the most of your living space and stay organized. The benefits of a family closet are many, including a practical solution for anyone who needs more storage space, a smart way to stay organized, and an excellent space-saving solution. In conclusion, the family closet is an uncommon concept, but it's gaining popularity for good reason. If you're struggling with limited closet space in your home, it's worth considering whether a family closet could work for you. Whether you turn a small bedroom or your laundry room into a shared storage space, finding a solution that works for your unique situation is key.

This past month has been quite the roller coaster ride for mortgage rates, with rates dipping to 5.99% early in the month and then climbing back up to near 7%. Despite higher rates, home sale prices have continued to climb, and buyers are now seeing an increase in bidding wars for homes that are priced correctly. Home Sale Prices Climb Despite Higher Rates We started February with a median price for resale inventory at $315,000 and by the end of the month, we’re seeing that same price come in at $339,950. That’s an 8% increase since the beginning of the month! The good news is that despite higher rates, there is still plenty of demand in the market overall. Resale Active Days on Market Trending Downward One sign of a healthy housing market is if active days on market (the number of days it takes for a house to sell) are trending downward. In February we’ve seen resale active days on market decrease from 22 days to 16 - a 27% decrease! This indicates that homes are selling quickly when they are priced correctly in order to maximize profit potential for sellers. With mortgage rates continuing their volatile trend, buyers should be prepared for any eventuality when it comes time to lock in their rate. Additionally, sellers should keep an eye on local trends as pricing can vary greatly throughout New Castle County. All in all, this has been an eventful month for real estate here in New Castle County! From mortgage rate fluctuations to increasing home sales prices and decreasing resale active days on market, there is plenty happening in our local housing market right now. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home here in New Castle County, understanding these trends will help ensure that you get the most out of your experience. Keep an eye out over the next few months—you never know what might happen next!

Philadelphia Eagles fans, get ready—we are headed to the Super Bowl! 🏈🎉 If you’re planning a watch party on February 12, or just having friends and family over to celebrate, you need snacks. The Rosaio Team is here to help with our tried and true recipes for delicious Super Bowl snacks. Buffalo Chicken Dip - This creamy and savory dip is always a crowd pleaser at any gathering. Perfect as an appetizer or as part of your main course, it can be adapted to any dietary restrictions. To make it, mix together one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, ½ cup of ranch dressing, ¼ cup of buffalo sauce, 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or diced), 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite kind!), and 1/3 cup minced celery. Spread in a 9x13 baking dish and top with remaining shredded cheese. Bake at 375F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve warm with chips or veggies! Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders - These sliders are sure to be a hit at your watch party! Start by preheating your oven to 350F. Cut Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise and spread each side with butter or margarine if desired. Layer one side with deli ham slices and Swiss cheese slices then assemble the sandwiches back together again. Place the sliders in an ungreased 9x13 baking dish; melt 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine in a bowl then stir in 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon poppy seeds and 2 tablespoons honey. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of all the sliders then bake for 20 minutes until golden brown on top. Serve warm! Nachos - An easy go-to for game day snacking is nachos! Preheat your oven to 350F. Arrange tortilla chips on two large sheet pans; top with shredded Mexican blend cheese then bake for 10 minutes until melted and bubbly around the edges. Remove from oven; add black beans or refried beans (drained), diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños (optional) and sliced olives if desired before topping with more cheese if desired; bake 5 minutes more until cheese is melted completely before serving warm with salsa or guacamole as toppings if desired! Some of our team’s other top favorite apps for game day include wings, as well as chips and dip like classic salsa, queso and guacamole. And of course, subs and pizza are staples at any good Super Bowl party! 🍕 There’s no better way to show your Eagles pride than by cheering them on while enjoying some awesome snacks that everyone will love! From Buffalo Chicken Dip to Nachos—these recipes from The Rosaio Team will have you ready for kickoff time this Super Bowl Sunday!

Thursday, February 9 is National Pizza Day, and what better way to celebrate than by sampling some of the best pizza options in Delaware. If you're looking for a great place to get a pie, here are six of The Rosaio Team's top recommendations! V&M Bistro in Wilmington is one of the top rated pizza restaurants in the North Wilmington. They offer numerous New York style pizzas with classic Italian flavors, but their Sicilian pizza is what they are known for. They also have an extensive wine list and other tasty Italian entrees. Grottos Pizza is another local favorite, with locations from Rehoboth Beach to North Wilmington. Grottos has been around since 1960 and offers classic thin-crust pizzas as well as unique specialty pies. For those who don't live nearby, they also offer delivery services. Nick’s Pizza runs outs of Kozy Korner's kitchen in downtown Wilmington, and can be ordered through their Instagram page (@nickspizza302). You can also find Nick at Mulrooney's Tavern every Thursday evening between 5-9 pm. Pizzeria Metro at Miller Road Station offers a variety of unique New York style wood-fired pizza. One of our favorites is the "Browntown" pizza, which features seasoned pork belly, balsamic onions, grape tomatoes, pineapple, provo-nello, argula and Mike's Hot Honey. Tony & Dominick's not only serves delicious pizzas, but is also known for their delectable Italian dishes (and hefty portions!) and desserts! And finally, Little Italy Pizza Shop has locations in both Townsend and Middletown. Enjoy a classic New York style pie, or go for a delicious cheesesteak! Whether you're looking for a casual slice or an upscale dining experience, there are plenty of great options when it comes to National Pizza Day in Delaware! From wood-fired pizza to unique specialty pies to family owned recipes passed down through generations—whatever kind of pizza experience you're looking for this National Pizza Day, we hope you find it here! Happy eating! 🍕

It's that time of year again—Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out with your special someone or just want to treat yourself, we have you covered. The Rosaio Team has compiled a list of top-notch restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal and make some unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day. Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront 720 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801 This seafood restaurant has been rated as one of the best places to get a romantic dinner in Delaware. From their perfectly cooked steaks to their mouth-watering sushi, Big Fish Grill has something for everyone. They offer an impressive selection of wines and craft beers, which makes it the perfect spot for a romantic evening. And if you're looking for something extra special, they even offer private dining rooms with river views that are sure to impress your date! Bardea Food & Drink 620 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 If Italian cuisine is what you're after, Bardea should be at the top of your list! With high ceilings and modern décor, this restaurant exudes elegance and romance. Their menu features fresh seasonal ingredients with an emphasis on local ingredients – making every dish truly unique and delicious. From wood-fired pizzas to handmade pastas and decadent desserts, there is something here that will tantalize all taste buds. House of William & Merry 1336 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707 This fine dining establishment prides itself on offering locally sourced dishes created by master chefs who know how to make every bite count! With its cozy atmosphere and attentive service staff, House of William & Merry is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner this Valentine’s Day. Indulge in their signature dishes like seared scallops with artichoke risotto or filet mignon with wild mushroom risotto – they guarantee you won't be disappointed! Taverna 3549 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19810 121 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 If you're looking for an authentic rustic Italian experience this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Taverna. This warmly lit restaurant is sure to set the mood with their cozy atmosphere complete with exposed brick walls and rustic wood accents. Enjoy dishes like crispy calamari, homemade pastas, coal-fired pizzas, and daily featured dishes – all while sipping on hand crafted cocktails from their full bar selection! 1861 Restaurant 423 N Broad St, Middletown, DE 19709 Located in a 100 year old building in Middletown, 1861 Steakhouse Southern Kitchen Bourbon Bar offers a unique dining experience that will certainly impress your date. Enjoy classic southern favorites with a contemporary spin like shrimp & grits or fried chicken served alongside perfectly cooked steaks straight from the grill - all complemented by over 60 varieties of bourbons from across the country! Plus, if you'd rather stay home on Valentine’s Day but still want an amazing meal, 1861 offers pickup orders so you can enjoy dinner at home without any hassle. Whether it’s seafood at Big Fish Grill along the Wilmington Riverfront or fresh Italian cuisine at Bardea in Wilmington—we have compiled some great recommendations for where to go this Valentine's Day season in Delaware! With something here for everyone—you can plan a romantic night out without having to worry about reservations filling up fast or compromising on quality, because these restaurants are sure to deliver on both fronts!

Greenville, Delaware just got a whole lot more exciting. The 56-acre mixed-use development known as Barley Mill Plaza just got an upgrade that includes a Wegmans Food Market, restaurants, luxury flats, townhomes, green space, and walking trails. It's shaping up to be the premier work, live, and play destination in Delaware! So what stores are going in? Let’s find out! Wegmans Food Market - The anchor of the development and the first of its kind in Delaware— the star of this show is definitely Wegmans Food Market. This New York-based grocery store chain has been around since 1916 and is known for its high quality products and excellent customer service. In addition to groceries, Wegmans offers prepared foods like sandwiches and salads, as well as a cafe area where you can enjoy breakfast or lunch with friends. Additionally, their custom bakery orders are a delicious choice for your next party! Plus they have some of the best prices around—so you can get everything you need without breaking the bank. This location opened in the Fall of 2022 and will definitely continue to bring a lot of local shoppers to the area. First Watch - a Florida-based chain serving American style breakfast, brunch & lunch If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch spot in Barley Mill Plaza then look no further than First Watch. This Florida based chain serves up comfort food like omelets and Benedicts as well as lighter fare like smoothies and wraps. Whether you’re looking for something quick before work or a leisurely Sunday morning meal with friends—First Watch is sure to please everyone. McGlynns Pub - a Local Delaware sports bar & restaurant If sports bars are your thing then McGlynns Pub should definitely be on your list of places to visit at Barley Mill Plaza. This local Delaware restaurant offers classic pub fare like burgers, fries, wings and beer—all with an Irish twist! With plenty of TVs for watching all your favorite teams in action and outdoor seating for when the weather is nice, it’s sure to be one of the most popular spots in town. La Tolteca - a Mexican restaurant serving authentic cuisine If you’re looking for something south of the border then La Tolteca should be your go-to spot! This Mexican restaurant offers up authentic cuisine like tacos al pastor (marinated pork tacos) and enchiladas suizas (stuffed chicken enchiladas smothered in green sauce). Plus they have an extensive selection of tequilas so you can really kick off any occasion right! Kaffe Karma - a coffee shop offering yoga classes Last but not least we have Kaffe Karma—a coffee shop located inside Barley Mill Plaza that describes itself as a "coffee shop by day, yoga + meditation studio by evening." The menu includes offerings such as a turmeric latte, blue matcha tea, as well as espresso, cappuccino and speciality lattes such as my favorite, the Chocolate Chip Pancake. Enjoy a cup of coffee while catching up with friends or take part in one of their weekly yoga classes led by experienced instructors from all over the world. Kaffe Karma is unlike any other coffee shops in the area—you definitely need to pay a visit to see why. Maura Grace - a women’s clothing, accessories and gift store This boutique opened its first store in Kennett Square in 2018 and offers an eclectic selection, cherry-picked for the busy woman on the go. Christiana Care Urgent Care Center and Performance Physical Therapy & Fitness are also located in the Plaza to help support the area’s medical and health needs. Barley Mill Plaza is shaping up to be an amazing place for people who want to live, work, or play in Greenville, Delaware!

If you’re like most of us here in the tri-state area, then you’ve probably been holding your breath as you wait to see what will happen with the housing market over the next year. Fortunately, experts have weighed in with their opinions and there’s some good news. According to recently released research, the Mid-Atlantic region is expected to appreciate more than other parts of the country and our local metro—Delawarians breathe a collective sigh of relief—will see 1% annual appreciation in 2023. Let’s take a closer look. One of the primary reasons for the optimism surrounding our local real estate market is that while there’s been volatility over the past few years with regard to pricing, the level of volatility has been fairly minor compared to other parts of the country. Additionally, we continue to see historically low inventory levels coupled with an influx of new residents relocating to the state which helps to keep home prices stable and prevent any large drops in home values. While 1% annual appreciation is substantially less than we’ve experienced in recent years, it represents a move toward a more “normal” and healthy real estate market—one where sellers and buyers have similar leverage during the transaction process. This will open up the market to more buyers feeling like they have a shot at getting under contract, and in turn, more sellers feeling confident that they will be able to find their next home after putting their home up for sale. All signs point towards positive things for our local real estate market this year! With increasing demand and limited inventory driving up prices (albeit slowly), homeowners can rest assured that their investments are safe—and those looking to buy will be happy with what they find when they finally do make a move! While nothing is certain in life (or real estate), at least now we have something tangible that we can use as a yardstick against which we can measure our expectations going into 2023 and beyond. Only time will tell…but until then let’s keep our fingers crossed and enjoy the ride!

It’s been an incredible year for the Rosaio Team. We had the privilege of helping over 50 families buy or sell their perfect homes and expanded our team with four remarkable new agents, who continue to bring innovative ideas to the table. We provided thoughtful services, such as staging services, and updated systems that improved the client experience. Plus, we organized a Kickball for a Cause tournament which raised over $12k for Sean's House charity! To top it all off, we decided to join forces with Crown Homes Real Estate as part of our strategic growth plan. Let’s take a look back at this amazing journey filled with gratitude from everyone who has supported us along the way! Helping Families Find Their Perfect Home It was an honor to be able to help over 50 families find their perfect home this year. Our team went above and beyond when it came to providing helpful resources and guidance throughout the entire process—from searching for listings, understanding market trends and values, to closing on the sale or purchase of their dream home. Thanks to our agents’ hard work and dedication, we were able to make these families’ dreams come true in what can often be a stressful process. Expanding Our Team This year was also monumental because we welcomed four brilliant agents into our family—each bringing unique qualities that contributed towards creating an incredible client experience. Their enthusiasm and energy kept us motivated throughout any challenging times we faced. In addition to adding more members to our team, we also put effort into creating innovative ways for clients and potential clients alike to have access to outstanding resources – like staging services & updated systems that made moving easier than ever before! Kickball For a Cause & Joining Forces With Crown Homes Real Estate We can confidently say that this year was one of our most successful yet! We held Kickball For a Cause - a fundraiser at New Castle Little League which raised $12k for Sean's House - SL24 Unlocke The Light Foundation - a mental health safe haven for young adults. Additionally, as part of our strategic growth plan, we are delighted to announce that The Rosaio Team joined forces with Crown Homes Real Estate in 2022! This partnership will ensure that our team is well-positioned for success in the years ahead while continuing offering exceptional service throughout the Delaware area. We could not have asked for a better year—one filled with so much joy from helping others reach their goals and giving back to those in need! We are truly grateful for all the support from family & friends who have helped us get where we are today—here’s cheers to another fantastic year ahead! Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us!🍻🎉🏡😊👍🏽👋🏽❤️✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨