Are you dead set on buying a house in Delaware? You could also look in Chester County PA.
We very, very much hope to buy a house in Delaware. Pennsylvania is lovely and has much to recommend it. Taxwise for us (not necessarily for everyone) Delaware is significantly better than PA. But, let me simply say that PA does not quite as solidly match my political desires for a state. We have considered going to Maryland if we couldn't find anything here. Elkton is not far away from me as I type this. That area of Md has its issues for me but the state as a whole would be fine, although Delaware is much tax advantageous for us.
I do think we will eventually be able to find a house here. In fact, just this evening we made our first offer on a house! Even though it is a strong offer, well above listing price, it is very unlikely that we will get accepted simply because there is so much competition. But, you never know and you have to start somewhere.
Not at all political: Have you considered that the current President often travels to and around your new home state?
I have indeed. The offer on a house that I made this evening is about 15 minutes from his house. I did consider the issue and the area they most typically block off is not one that I would often need to drive through. And, I could mostly reroute.
However, I have lived closer than 15 minutes to a President. Many years ago George H W Bush had a house about 10 minutes or so from mine. In fact, he and Barbara shopped at the same grocery store and attended the same church (although they went to the early service and I went to the later one). Of course, he was far enough away from Texas that we was not often there while Biden comes home far more often.
Our nephew lives in the area and tells us that it's referred to as a Joe jam.��
That is how I have heard it called.
Hi Kat -
Haven't been on here for awhile, so just stumbled on this thread. We've lived in southern DE for 12 years (Rehoboth area), and love it, but I can understand your concerns about medical care. We've found primary care and specialists we like, but I wouldn't want to have a true medical emergency here.
Yes, I have been careful to select an area for good emergency care since my highest risk is of a heart attack. Even in New Castle County, there can be waits to initially see a primary care doctor and to find specialists. I am thinking that we will sign up with a concierge doctor for at least the first year. Maybe one of the MDVIP doctors.
And having lived in the Houston area many years ago (in the Woodlands!), our humidity here just doesn't compare! The overall tax burden (income+property+sales) is better than most. Just don't try to drive from Wilmington to Rehoboth on a summer weekend ...
I used to live in Montgomery County. I lived in the greater Houston area for almost 40 years. Yes, even today when it was 88 or so this afternoon I just laughed at people who thought it was hot and humid. I mean it was, but not as oppressive as it is in Texas.
I have never lived anywhere that you can’t back out if the inspection identifies issues. That’s scary. I wish you the best in finding the perfect home.
In Delaware you can back out if there is a major defect and the seller won't repair it. In Texas, though, you have an option that typically lasts about a week (shorter in hot markets). During that week you do your inspections and you can cancel the contract for any reason. I once cancelled a contract because I found another house I liked better. Delaware is different. It has to be a major defect that was not disclosed on the disclosures. Basically it has to be either something unsafe or that does not perform its intended function. AS it was explained to me, a roof that isn't leaking is performing its intended function even if at the end of its useful life. On the other hand, leaking plumbing (even if relatively minor) isn't performing its intended function.
It really doesn't matter though. Because in the current market you effectively can't buy a house unless you waive inspection. I mean there are a few houses that are grossly overpriced and don't get offers or they have major red flags and get no offers. But, most houses get multiple offers and go under contract very quickly. If you don't waive inspection then you aren't getting the house. This is why we have rejected countless houses where we don't feel comfortable doing that. I do not love at all the idea of waiving inspection but I also don't love the idea of not being able to buy a house unless it is one that literally no one else wants.... So we look at the disclosures, look carefully at the house (it helps that we have bought and sold a number of houses over the years) and pay a lot of attention to how well maintained the house is.