The Oldfather Group of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby's International Realty is proud to announce Chuck Seaman as their top first-year producer. With the brokerage since June of 2012, Chuck has assisted in no less than 10 buyer transactions and wrote five offers (four ratified) in one week, achieving an impressive $2.8 million in sales volume.

After 30 years of vacationing along the Delaware coastline, Chuck and his wife relocated from the Washington, DC metropolitan area to Rehoboth Beach in 2007. Chuck brought his extensive background in new home construction and land development with him, providing an undeniably informed perspective of the current real estate market and its clientele. In addition, Chuck spent several years familiarizing himself with the amenities of properties from Milford to Ocean City, and possesses unique knowledge and an insightful understanding of the benefits of the entire region. This dedication to his industry clearly proved to be an asset in his recent achievements.

“Chuck's transition into Delaware real estate has been nothing short of spectacular,” says Dustin Oldfather, CEO of The Oldfather Group of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty. “He has an effortless way of ensuring his clients feel special and cared for, and that comes through right away. Quick to laugh or tell a story, Chuck is at his best making people feel open and at ease. Being the first one in the building in the morning, and focusing on all the details has been the foundation for extraordinary results in his newfound profession. I am proud to be associated with a man of Chuck’s caliber.”

Chuck has had similar affect on his clients. Rick Santow gave a glowing review of Chuck’s work ethic:

“We had a fantastic experience with Chuck. His level of communication was incredible and, more importantly, we always felt as though he was fighting for our best interests. Unique circumstances created some difficulties during our transaction and he worked tirelessly, even over the holiday season (when most people would try to do LESS work).  It was, overall, a great experience for us, and we are enjoying our new home.”

In business since 2005, and fully staffed by a knowledgeable, friendly and professional team, The Oldfather Group of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in the sale and purchase of extraordinary properties in Lewes, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and coastal Delaware.

Local Expertise. Global Exposure. Extraordinary Living.

Infusion, a New York based company with offices world wide, is continuing development of a Falcon Eye, a software application which is being built for the Microsoft Surface Laptop/Tablet hybrid. Windows Surface runs Windows RT Operating System which is designed for slower processors.

Falcon Eye is a unique presentation platform using geo spatial mapping technolgy which can show real estate developments, customized models and allows the user to zoom in and out on Geo Spatial maps to see buildings, roads and landscapes and take 3d virtual tours of the existing or virtual created properties. This software also allow the user to build 3d property models, connect to live video feeds to see traffic, police reports, weather, views and lifestyle.

The power of this developing platform will allow real estate consumers to become more informed than ever. It is easy to imagine this type of technology integrated into many different applications in the future. Soon everyone will be able to search and truly experience and evaluate real estate in any corner of the world from any internet interface. As R. Buckminster Fuller offered,"the future is here, its just not widely distributed yet."

YES!

As the graphic above shows, there can be a significant return on your investment in using DSLR photography.  However, as most DSLR cameras are generally out of the price range of the average leisure photography (ranging from $500 to over $1,000), it makes sense to assume that most DSLR photography for home listings will be done by professionals.  A professional photographer will usually cost $100 -- $500, so it stands to reason that because using professional photography could net you thousands of dollars more on your home sale, it is a worthwhile investment to use your marketing dollars on.

Given this monetary benefit of professional photography, it is shocking that a majority of listings out there today are still shot using point-in-shoot photography, or even just a camera phone.  Let’s be perfectly blunt:  Without the investment in professional photography when marketing your home, you aren’t really marketing your home.  See the photos below for a specific example of this - the photo on the left was taken with a point-and-shoot camera, while the picture on the right was taken by Andrew Hensler, a professional photography, using a DSLR camera.  Do you see the difference?

A few more interesting facts taken from the Redfin analysis – Homes shot with a DSLR camera:

• Receive an average of 61% more views than other homes, across all price tiers.
• Have a 47% higher asking-price per square foot.
• Have a better chance of selling, for homes priced above $300,000.
• Stay on the market an average of 10 days longer than other homes, across all price tiers.

So homes that use professional photography will get more page views and eventually sell at a higher price, but it takes longer for these homes to sell.  What does this all mean for the average home seller?  It means that you should make sure that you, or your agent, are making the investment in professional photography!  Great photography can drive more buyers to view your listing, and the more people that are viewing your listing, the greater the chance of you receiving an attractive offer.

But what is the best way to make this professional photography work for you when marketing your listing?  Stay tuned for our next blog, outlining some tips and tricks to really get the maximum value from your photography!

"If I had a way of buying a couple hundred thousand single-family homes, I would load up on them."

There are significant tax advantages!  Beyond the fact that there is ​NO​ state sales tax, NO state tax on Social Security income, and NO personal property taxes, there are a wealth of tax credits and exclusions to be found here in Delaware.  These include:

• ​PENSION EXLUSIONS.  For each person 60 and over, up to $12,500 of pension and eligible retirement income are exempt from Delaware income taxes.
• SCHOOL TAX CREDIT.  Each qualified homeowner 65 and older receives a Senior Citizen Property School Tax Credit of up to $500.

​Delaware also boasts one of the lowest property tax burdens in the entire nation - the average Sussex County property tax bill for a single family home is $106 annually.  Kiplinger's Personal Finance​ Magazine even chose Delaware as one of the 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees!

Delaware offers both a great location AND stunning natural resources!

• Delaware (specifically Rehoboth Beach) is located within a 3-hour drive of three major cities: Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC.  Add another hour and you can be in New York City!
• ​There are incredible beaches, state parks, biking/hiking trails, golf courses, and more to be found here!
• ​Three separate publications (​Delaware Today, Coastal Living​, and ​Southern Living​) and CBSMoneyWatch.com have listed Lewes, Delaware as a best place to live or visit ... and ​National Geographic​'s travel website designated Rehoboth Beach's boardwalk as the 6th best in the entire nation!
• ​The Natural Resources Defense Council awarded Rehoboth and Dewey Beach the "​Superstar Beach​" status, an honor given to only 4 beaches, meaning that both beaches received their highest 5-star rating, and had perfect water testing results.  So our beaches are not only beautiful and seemingly endless, but they are ​safe​ as well!

And more... Isn't it time for you to come to Delaware to see for yourself what an amazing place it is to live?

​Please Note:

All information provided is subject to change without notification.  Also, you  need to consult with a lawyer or tax advisor regarding your eligibility for any Delaware tax or other benefits.

Click Here For House Values and a current Real Estate Market Snapshot of RBYCC!

If you are looking for a country club community in Delaware,Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club is a picturesque wooded waterfront community along Rehoboth Bay. Year after year, buyers looking for golf communites in Delaware find what they are looking for in the award winning Delaware Golf Course Community. A community established in 80's, Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club is convenient to downtown Rehoboth Beach. The Golf club of Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club is without a doubt one of the area's finest.

This neighborhood features some of the most prestigious homes in DE and is one of the premier golf communities in Delaware. This neighborhood offers a various mix of single family homes with a wide range of sizes and architectural styles, bay-front, golf course, wooded or well landscaped lots this premier community offers all and including ocean views just a short bike ride away.

Below you will find the most recent analysis of the real estate market in and home values in RBYCC and KCCC, House values and Property Values fluctuate but the RBYCC housing values were a part of a healthy year of home sales in 2011.


Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club, RBYCC, Homes in DE, Golf Clubs in Delaware

Click Here to Search Delaware Beach Real Estate &

Homes for Sale in DE

Buying Delaware Retirement Real Estate Offers Tax Advantages &

Income Tax in De(Delaware) (Delaware) DE State Tax

The Delaware Beach Real Estate market provides an excellent opportunity for those looking for a Delaware retirement to take advantage of the DE's low property taxes. If you plan to move to another state when you retire, it only makes sense to examine the tax burden you’ll face when you arrive. State taxes are increasingly important to everyone, but retirees have extra cause for concern since their income may be fixed.

We will explore information on Income Tax in De(Delaware) & (Delaware) DE State Tax, state income taxes, sales and fuel taxes, taxes on retirement income, property taxes and inheritance and estate taxes, as well as sales and fuel taxes.
 
Significant Tax Advantages in DE

•    NO State sales tax. DE State Sales Tax

Delaware does not collect sales taxes. Delaware collects a Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) which is a business and gross receipts tax that can total 2.07%. States with the highest sales tax are: California (8.25%), Indiana (7%), Mississippi  (7%), New Jersey (7%), Rhode Island (7%), Tennessee (7%), Minnesota (6.875%), Nevada (6.85%), Arizona (6.6%), Washington (6.5%), Kansas (6.3%), Texas and Illinois (6.25%).

•    NO State tax on Social Security income.
•    NO personal property taxes.
•    One of the lowest property tax burdens in the nation. Sussex County homeowners taxed on 50% of property’s current market value based on a 1974 assessment and with no property tax increases for over 21 years, the average  2011 Sussex County property tax bill on a single-family home was only just over $100 annually. (Sussex County Government May 18, 2010)
•    Kiplinger's PERSONAL FINANCE Magazine picks DE as one of the 10 most tax-friendly states for retirees.
•    Pension Exclusions:  For each person 60 and over, up to $12,500 of pension and eligible retirement income are exempt from Delaware income tax.
•    Each qualified homeowner 65 and older in Sussex County receives a Senior Citizen Property School Tax Credit up to $500.
•    $110 in tax credits multiplied by the number of persons age 60 and over, plus the number of personal exemptions allowed for Federal purposes.
•    America’s Most Wealth Friendly States:  Ranked as one of the top four states (with Alaska, Nevada, and South Dakota) as being the Best States for Trusts.  Major reasons:  No tax on assets held in a trust, allow dynasty trusts permitting assets to pass to future generations and avoid estate taxes, seek to protect trust assets from lawsuits and creditors.  SOURCE:  Thetrustadvisor.com
•    Corporate Capital of the World:Delaware’s pro-business tax and corporate laws have made it a corporate haven.  As of November 2010, nearly 900,000 companies are charted as Delaware corporations.  In the last seven years 80% of new IPOs have made Delaware their corporate home.

Click Here to Search Delaware Beach Real Estate &

Homes for Sale in DE

Rental/Investment Property Possibilities

A vacation home is only considered rental property if you rent it out for more than two weeks per year. If you wish to keep it as a family retreat or retirement property, renting your property out for can bring in enough extra income to help pay for property taxes, upgrades, and maintenance.

Primary Home Sale Exclusion

There are no age requirements for the Primary Home Sale Exclusion on up to $250,000 profit for a single home seller and up to $500,000 gain for joint returns, on any house you've owned and occupied as your main residence for at least two of the five years before the sale.

All information presented is subject to change without notification. Please consult with an attorney or tax advisor regarding eligibility for any tax or other benefits.

Click Here to Search Delaware Beach Real Estate &

Homes for Sale in DE

Contact:  Dustin Oldfather

March 2, 2011                                                                                       

Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty

330 Rehoboth Avenue 

Rehoboth Beach DE 19971                                                                                                                                                                                       302.227.6767

Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty; Delaware REALTOR ®, Dustin and Mariya Oldfather, Hit Amazon.com Best-Seller List with New Book

“Counter-Attack:  Business Strategies for Explosive Growth in the New Economy”

Debuts at #2 in the site’s Direct Marketing Category

Rehoboth Beach, DE.  Dustin and Mariya Oldfather, one of the top sales teams at Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty, recently joined a select group of America’s leading entrepreneurs and businesspeople to collaborate and co-write the business and marketing book titled, “Counter-Attack: Business Strategies for Explosive Growth in the New Economy.”  Celebrity Press™, founded by JW Dicks, Esq. and Nick Nanton, Esq, is a business book publisher that publishes books from thought leaders around the world.

The book, released on Thursday, January 27, 2011, features lessons that business owners can use to fight against declining revenues and learn the secrets of success in the new economy.  On the day of release, Counter Attack reached best-seller status in two Amazon.com categories: Marketing and Direct Marketing. Dustin and Mariya Oldfather authored a chapter in the book titled, “Legacy.”  The book, which peaked at #2 in those categories and remains on the best sellers list at #39, is available for purchase through Amazon.com. 

“The book provides strategies on working within the parameters of the new economy: how to become profitable and stay profitable in an increasingly competitive environment,” said Dustin Oldfather.  “We thoroughly enjoyed working with the other book’s contributors and are delighted with its initial success.” The Oldfathers have been part of the Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty since 2008 and have consistently been one of the brokerage’s top-performing teams. 

To learn more about Dustin and Mariya Oldfather, visit http://www.TheOldfatherGroup.com or contact Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty at 302.227.6767.

My Delaware Real Estate Listing Expired, Now What?

How To Ask The Right Questions, Before You List Again to Sell Your Home Faster and For More Money!

Your listing has expired and now you’re wondering what to do. The most important question you must ask is, “Where did I go wrong?”. The answer is not usually within you, but with the agent you entrusted. Be prepared with the right information so you can interview your prospective Delaware Real Esate Agent with confidence and assure you make the right choice this time.

With hundreds or even thousands of dollars at stake and weeks of time invested, don’t risk making the same mistake twice. Make sure your next Delaware Real Estate Agent is eminently qualified to sell your home. Don’t risk this decision out of obligation to a friend, family member or acquaintance. Your listing has expired and it’s easy to develop the identity of having a problem property in the market place. Therefore, it’s vital important to choose the right agent this time around.

Trust Your Instincts First

Typically, most people will ask business associates, family or friends to recommend someone they’ve had good luck with, someone they can trust. Other sellers will watch neighborhood real estate signs to see who is listing many of the homes. Still others rely upon the reputation of the major national franchise companies. Then, of course, there’s always the yellow pages. All of these methods could prove to be disastrous!

When selecting an agent in Delaware he or she should be someone you feel good about, someone you’re willing to trust with one of the largest financial transactions you may ever make. This report is designed to empower you with the information necessary to make the right decision before you arrive at the place where you’re ready to sign on the dotted line again. Don’t allow the prospective agent to dictate your time table. If an agent is impatient you should immediately consider them suspect. Be careful.

 Do Your Homework

Ask For References From Past Sellers - Before you sign another listing agreement, check out references from past sellers. Flattering letters praising the agent’s work in a presentation book are a great start, but dig deeper. Ask for telephone numbers and names of the past three sellers and names of at least two current listings.

Know The Company's Reputation

Ask your business associates, family and friends about the company or agent and listen carefully for the very first thing they say. A company has a reputation in the community. Listen closely for it!

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service we would consider it a privilege to serve you. If you would like a consultation please call our office or send us a quick email and we'll get back to you right away!

My Delaware Real Estate Listing Expired, Now What? (Part 2)

How To Ask The Right Questions, Before You List your Delaware Real Estate Again

to Sell Your Home Faster and For More Money!

Your listing has expired and now you’re wondering what to do. The most important question you must ask is, “Where did I go wrong?”. The answer is not usually within you, but with the agent you entrusted. Be prepared with the right information so you can interview your prospective agent with confidence and assure you make the right choice this time.

Ask For A Record Of The Agent’s Marketing Innovations

How are they dealing with the current delaware real estate market conditions? Is there a plan to beef up their advertising and marketing efforts to benefit the seller? Residential real estate has a long history of economic cycles. The Delaware Real Estate Market is either hot, improving, static or declining and with each cycle there has to be a plan to cope with the current market conditions.

Don’t Stop Asking

Ask for a comparison of last year’s sales to this year’s sales. How is the agent and company doing? Ask for a history of the agent. How many companies have they been with and why did they change? If the reason is always money there may be something wrong. Be careful, because if your agent changes companies your listing belongs to the broker and you may get a new inexperienced agent as your replacement, this could be very costly!

Ask For A Detailed Marketing Plan

Request a step-by-step plan of the first four weeks, eight weeks and twelve weeks your home will be on the market. Make sure your agent is utilizing the latest innovative technologies for generating sales leads. There are now ways to literally generate leads 24 hours a day! These new marketing tools will help sell your home faster and for more money!

Define Planning Times

Establish a time with your agent to go over the marketing results within the first 15 days. Ask for all showings and feedback from other agents. Help the agent understand that any news is good news because it can help you make adjustments in your marketing plan. If you follow these suggestions you’re sure to avoid the mistakes of the past. Make sure you’re dealing with a competent professional, making the right choice is worth thousands of dollars and a great sense of “peace of mind.”

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service wewould consider it a privilege to serve you. If you would like a consultation call our office at or send us a quick email and we'll get back to you, right away.

presents the

Milton Garden Tour 2011

112th ANNUAL GARDENS & HOMES TOUR

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2011

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Rain or Shine!



Tickets: $12 in advance at: Antiques in Milton, 109 Union Street, Milton, DE Hillside Flowers, 105 Lavinia Street, Milton, DE Lewes Printing, 33506 Crossing Ave., Lewes, DE $15 day of tour at: Milton Garden Club Tent, Lydia B. Cannon Museum, 210 Union Street, Milton



Enjoy a self-guided tour of 8 beautiful private gardens, 2 public gardens, 4 lovely private homes open for viewing for the first time, an outdoor kitchen/patio display especially designed for the garden tour. The gardens range from mini to magnificent, cottage style to formal garden, shade, rock, and tropical gardens.

You will see water features and potting sheds, kitchen garden and raised bed organic vegetable garden, a small orchard with peach, pear, plum and fig trees, many garden structures and so much more. The tour book will contain a description of all the gardens and homes that will be open for viewing on July 9. The tour book will be your ticket, so please be sure to bring it with you on tour day.



You may start the tour at any of the gardens, but you must have the tour book with you for admittance. Milton Garden Club members will be set up all day at the Historical Society's Lydia B. Cannon Museum where tickets, maps, information, and restrooms will be available.

A plant sale will be held and light refreshments will be served. There will be special events held in select gardens. Some highlights: artists painting in the gardens water feature and pond display and information bluebirds and purple martins and their habitats wine specialist and cookbook author presentation master gardeners information table martial arts demonstration To reserve tickets with a credit card or for more information, please call Kathryn at 3026843804

Zonko Built Ocean Side Home For Sale

Designed to capture the panorama of ocean scenery, this newly built custom crafted Fenwick Island Ocean Home for Sale offers an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy the prestigious seaside lifestyle and romantic weekend getaways.

Expansive living spaces include six oversized bedroom suites and an elevator provides access to all floors.

Multiple levels of decking, perfect for alfresco entertaining, offer dramatic views of spectacular sunrises and picturesque sunsets.

Appointed with the finest amenities this classic world class Zonko built estate is nestled in the prestigious gated community of Fenwick Acres steps to the ocean and features private beach access.

Perfect for hunting, fishing, or equestrian interests, this spectacular offering is adjacent to the Primehook Wildlife Refuge, designated by the American Bird Conservancy and National Audubon Society as a globally significant habitat. Preserving and protecting a diverse landscape featuring freshwater and salt marshes, grasslands, and forested areas, the sequestered acreage is abundant with diverse wildlife and open pastures.

This romantic paradise offers sanctuary to endangered and threatened species and provides habitat for the Delmarva fox squirrel, nesting bald eagles and migrating peregrine falcons. Migrating tropical land birds pass through and utilize the refuge's upland forested habitat during the fall and spring. Three ponds stocked with game fish, can be flooded to make substantially larger wildfowl improvements.

The property is improved by two 5 acre building envelopes along the Broadkill River, allowing for enhancement with additional custom construction. This creates an opportunity for 1/3 or 2/3 Fractional ownership opportunities, which may be considered. Additional amenities include a Pole Barn, improved boat launch, bulk head and dock. This infinitely private estate is an extraordinary offering seen once in a lifetime.

Open Space and Wildlife

•           Remarkable wildlife, hunting, fishing and bird watching

•           Three ponds stocked with game fish (can be flooded to make larger                  wildfowl impoundments)

•           Extraordinary Fur and feather hunting

•           Plus Prime Hook Refuge added to other preserves and permanently                   protected farmland this is well on the way to a 17,000 acre “Great                     Marsh” landscape

•           Designated by the American Bird Conservancy and National Audubon as             a Globally Important Bird Area

This 530 acre compound is offered at $6,495,000.

•           Shares common boundary with the 10,000 acre Prime Hook National                 Wildlife

Refuge administered by the US Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service.

•           1.5 miles of River Frontage on the Broadkill River

•           Served by underground electrical, delivered natural gas, on-site water     wells and on-site septic system

•           Amenities include Pole barn, improved boat launch, bulk head and dock

This offering  may also be sold separately in two private packages.

Sanctuary Farm ~ $3,900,000 Includes Custom Log Home lodge

•       313.068 acres permanently protected allowing existing lodge plus a five acre separately deeded “Homestead site” and ¼ miles along the Broadkill River

Island Farm ~ $2,850,000 Includes a waterfront five acre building envelope along the Broadkill River.

•       217.149 acres permanently protected allowing only one future  river front house to be built in a 5 acre “building envelope”

•      150 Tillable Acres

For additional information visit www.islandsanctuaryfarm.com

Oldfather IslandFarm TourHD-Vimeo HD Encode from SugarFly Studios on Vimeo.