New Patterson-Schwartz Lawn Signs Hit the Marketplace

Patterson-Schwartz is excited to announce the launch of our new lawn sign in the marketplace! The update features a modern, clean design while maintaining the traditional icon of our brand — the lantern.

2021 Patterson-Schwartz lawn sign rendering

Lighting the Way since 1961

As Delaware’s leading locally owned and operated real estate company for over 60 years, we take great pride in our brand and presence in the community. From our early office in Wilmington to our brand-new building in Middletown, we carried a version of our iconic lantern with us.

Did you know the carriage lanterns that hung outside of our former Delaware Avenue office directly inspired the iconic logo established in the late 1970s? They were refurbished and reinstalled outside of our current Newark sales center. This consistency in our brand shows that as much as we have grown, we remain true to our roots. Our lantern has always symbolized a warm glow of welcome and light to offer guidance.

1986 Patterson-Schwartz billboard with logo designed by Charlie Gaines of the company’s Marketing Department in the late 1970s
  • Iconic carriage lanterns flank the entrance
    at Patterson-Schwartz Newark
  • New lawn signs in production

When it comes to selling your home, our lawn signs in your yard are an extension of our commitment to provide superior guidance through the real estate process. And at Patterson-Schwartz, it’s the people connected to our company, especially the sales associates, who make the lantern on our brand shine by fulfilling that promise.

A Sign for the Times

During the last year, we saw many changes to our industry and our agents proved that they could pivot their business without sacrificing their commitment to customer service excellence. They learned new technology, used new tools, found new ways to connect, and forged ahead during uncertain times with care for the consumer. 

A refresh to our lawn sign is just one way we invite you to experience what is new at Patterson-Schwartz and to get to know our brand and the sales associates lighting the way with the best tools, best resources, and the best expertise for the days ahead.

Long-time partner and local sign printer, PopDot Signs and Graphics, is busy bringing our vision to life, and we cannot wait for you to see us in a brand-new light.

About Us

Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate is Delaware’s largest independent REALTOR® with nine offices and over 450 full-time Sales Associates. We offer a full range of services that include residential home sales, purchase and rental, relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

PSA Foundation Spotlight: Renee’s Rescues

Our latest PSA Foundation spotlight is for the dogs! Renee’s Rescues is a local non-profit dog rescue specializing in the rescue and care of dogs and puppies saved from puppy mills.

Although based in Delaware, Renee’s Rescues supports rescue efforts across several states and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in particular. Their short-term goal is rescuing and safely adopting out puppy mill dogs and puppies to the loving homes they deserve. Long term, Renee’s Rescues works to stop the practice of puppy mill breeding by supporting local legislation and rescue efforts that increase awareness, provide stricter laws on breeding dogs, and advocate for animal safety and welfare. As an all-volunteer non-profit organization, 100% of every donation goes directly to saving and caring for their dogs.

Dan Logan of the Patterson-Schwartz Hockessin sales office is a dog lover and long-time supporter of Renee’s Rescues. Over the years, he, his team of agents with the Dan Logan Group, and his golden retriever Isabelle have spread awareness, raised funds, and collected supplies for the local rescue through in-person events and Facebook campaigns.  

Isabelle & Dan Logan of Patterson-Schwartz Hockessin
  • Isabelle with rescues Angel & Bruiser
  • Isabelle with rescues Finn & Harper

“My grown children each have two rescue dogs each from dogs from Renee’s,” says Dan. “I truly believe dogs are the perfect companions… Their loyalty and unconditional love can help owners through stressful times. The families that adopt from Renee’s receive something really special in return for helping these dogs overcome some tough situations of their own.”

A homeowner’s best friend

Dan is well-tuned into the special relationship between dogs and people. His golden retriever, Isabelle, passed her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) test at 13 months and earned her AKC Community Canine designation at 2½-years-old. As a trained companion, Isabelle has gone everywhere with Dan over the last 8½ years. Pre-pandemic, they visited nursing homes, hospitals, and schools. They were also regulars at local community events, attended doggie daycare and swimming lessons, and even met some celebrities in their travels. They have never been apart overnight since she was a puppy.

These days public appearances are few, and community events are on hold. However, much to the delight of Dan’s clients, Dan and Isabelle are continuing to spread cheer by attending listing appointments, walk-throughs, and settlements together. Efforts to give back to the community also remain a priority for the Dan Logan Group despite the challenges. Along with a one-time monetary contribution from the PSA Foundation, Dan donates a percentage of his sales to Renee’s Rescues.

“Buying or selling a home is an important life event. Isabelle’s presence has a way of making the experience more pleasant, memorable, and far less stressful,” says Dan. “If we can help to make a difference in a rescue dog’s life at the same time, our service becomes a lot more meaningful than a business transaction.”

Now more than ever, non-profits need our support. To learn more about Renee’s Rescues, how you can lend your support, or how to become a much-needed foster home for a rescue dog, please visit their website. Follow Isabelle’s adventures at the Dan Logan Group Facebook page.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow

The PSA Foundation was created in 2001 and supports numerous local charities and organizations whose causes are close to the hearts of the Patterson-Schwartz family of sales associates, employees, and friends. We invite you to learn more about how Patterson-Schwartz is giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play, and to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

PSA is among the nation’s Top 1,000 Power Brokers for 2021

RISMedia recently released the full Top 1,000 Power Broker Report for 2021. Now in its 33rd year, the report is real estate’s longest-running ranking of the industry’s most successful brokerages by sales volume and transactions.

This year’s rankings reflect the industry’s unwavering attitude to persevere and tackle challenges head-on, even amid uncertainty. As we sifted through the impact the of 2020 coronavirus pandemic here at home, Patterson-Schwartz focused on new ways to do business and remained steadfast in helping our clients buy and sell real estate.

According to the 2021 report, Patterson-Schwartz ranked #224 by volume with $1.4B+ sales in 2020, up 15.7% from 2019. By transactions, Patterson-Schwartz ranked #193 with 4,345 transactions in 2020, up 4.5% from 2019. Patterson-Schwartz appeared in the top 25% nationally for both categories. As a locally owned and operated brokerage listed among national brands, we are incredibly proud of the PSA family’s resilience, hard work, growth, and achievements that made our Power Broker status possible.

Click here to view the full report.

Locally Grown, Nationally Recognized

Headquartered in the town of Hockessin, Delaware, Patterson-Schwartz has been lighting the way home for 60 years. We are Delaware’s largest independent REALTOR® with nine offices and over 450 full-time Sales Associates. We offer a full range of services including residential home sales, purchase and rental; relocation services, and property management. We invite you to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

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PSA Foundation Spotlight: MOWD Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration

Dishes featuring double smoked-bacon chowder, spiced molten milk chocolate cake, and shrimp and grits with white wine butter sauce are designed to make your mouth water. But delicious culinary creations are not the only thing on the menu at the 2021 Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration event. This annual Meals on Wheels Delaware fundraiser serves up support for area seniors in need and is our PSA Foundation spotlight for April.

MOWD is a non-profit organization that supports the delivery of nutritious meals to homebound seniors, age 60 and above, who may be battling hunger, isolation, or loss of independence. By raising awareness and funds, MOWD helps the various statewide meal delivery programs coordinate the charitable contributions that aid in their mission.

A history of support

From a guest bartender event to a homemade soup cook-off, PSA has supported the Meals on Wheels effort through many fundraising events over the years. Several members of the PSA family also volunteer their time to the meal delivery programs. Patterson-Schwartz is a proud returning sponsor of the Celebrity Chef event for 2021.

The 2019 Patterson-Schwartz Guest Bartender event raised over $7000 for MOWD

Mike Clement, a member of The Crifasi Group of the PSA Greenville Sales Office, has served as Board Chair for MOWD since 2019. He also has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 2013 and as a Celebrity Chefs Brunch silent auction committee co-chair since 2005.   

“So much can be gained from being a part of an organization like ours,” says Mike. “There is a sense of community and belonging to a network of like-minded individuals you can call friends. The best part of the experience is meeting our clients, the deserving homebound seniors across Delaware, who are so appreciative of the personal touch our home delivery programs provide.”

Now, more than ever, your contribution counts

Meals on Wheels Delaware supports five meal programs throughout the state. As a result of the pandemic, they have seen the number of home-bound seniors using their services increase more than 26%. In 2020, they reported the delivery of over 877,000 meals to 6,285 local seniors. 

Like many recent fundraising events, the 2021 Celebrity Chefs’ Celebration has gotten creative with its format. The event taking place April 19 through 25 will continue to showcase local chefs, wine and spirit producers, culinary personalities, and of course, the fantastic food, but in a hybrid experience. Guests and sponsors have a choice of dine-in and take-out options, with a virtual component that features interaction with the participating chefs, entertainment, and an online silent auction. To learn more about MOWD, this year’s event, and how you can participate, please click here.  

Culinary delights from the 2019 Celebrity Chef’s Brunch, photos courtesy of Nicolette Pomije

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow 

The PSA Foundation was created in 2001 and supports numerous local charities and organizations whose causes are close to the hearts of the Patterson-Schwartz family of sales associates, employees, and friends. We invite you to learn more about how Patterson-Schwartz is giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play, and to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

Patterson-Schwartz Launches Coastal Rentals Division

In January of 2020, the Property Management team of Patterson-Schwartz was laying the groundwork for its Coastal Rental division. Their first major project was taking on the rental management services for the association at One Virginia Avenue in Rehoboth Beach. Little did anyone know that the start of this new venture would coincide with the challenges of a world-wide pandemic and state-ordered shutdowns.

Boardwalk access for One Virginia Avenue located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

“We are forever grateful for the trust that was placed in us by the owners of such an established property and active rental hub,” says PSA Property Management manager Brian Pomije of the One Virginia Avenue condos. “We owe a lot to Patterson-Schwartz leadership and the capable team at the helm of our Coastal Rentals division.”

Placing safety first and serving the clients and properties with care was paramount to navigating the rental market in 2020. As the year came to a close, Patterson-Schwartz Coastal Rentals successfully booked 198 weeks’ worth of rentals.

A busy season ahead

At this time, Patterson-Schwartz Coastal Rentals is in charge of over 50 rental properties with plans to grow. They recently launched a new web page and anticipate new rental opportunities in the days ahead.

Patterson-Schwartz has helped homeowners manage their properties since 1977 and has earned a reputation for professionalism. Their services include expert landlord guidance, property maintenance assistance, and tenant relations management. The Coastal Rentals division handles vacation/short-term and long-term rentals in the coastal Delaware community. The team, which operates out of the company’s Rehoboth Sales Center on Highway One, offers local expertise and is sure to be busy this rental season. They can’t wait to see people safely enjoying the Delaware beaches and all they have to offer!

Need someone to manage your property?

Patterson-Schwartz offers professional property management throughout Delaware and nearby communities in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Landlords may choose Full-Management, Non-Management, or the Landlord Assistance Program. Whether you are considering renting out your primary residence or seeking assistance with your investment portfolio, we offer service levels to fit your needs. Reach out today to get started!

PSA Foundation Spotlight: CHEF’s Winter Jam

This month’s Patterson-Schwartz Foundation spotlight is on the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation (CHEF) and their Winter Jam 2021 virtual event.

CHEF was created in 2006 to help the Cape Henlopen School District teachers raise funds for unbudgeted projects, support, and resources for their classrooms. Many students have benefited from the CHEF school supply distribution efforts, scholarship funding, and wellness programs over the years. By engaging the community in its support initiatives, CHEF helps local students obtain the tools to thrive and succeed.

Joe Lingo of the Patterson-Schwartz Rehoboth Beach sales office is a former teacher and active CHEF board member. Many of his colleagues from the PSA coastal Delaware team have kids in the Cape Henlopen School District.

“2020 was a year unlike any other and was very unpredictable,” says Joe. “By helping CHEF, you are helping the Cape stay strong, and our schools remain a positive place for students to learn.”

Winter Jam is CHEF’s annual fundraiser and Patterson-Schwartz is a returning sponsor. This year’s virtual event is on March 26 and includes live stream appearances from local celebrities and musical acts, and a online live auction and gift card drawing. For more information and to purchase tickets, please click here.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow.

The PSA Foundation was created in 2001 and supports numerous local charities and organizations whose causes are close to the hearts of the Patterson-Schwartz family of sales associates, employees, and friends. We invite you to learn more about how Patterson-Schwartz is giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play, and to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

Our Rehoboth Beach Sales Center is conveniently located on Route 1/Coastal Highway. Opened in June 2013, this full-service office is home to more than 30 REALTORS who are proud to serve the real estate needs at the beach and surrounding communities of Sussex County, Delaware.

5 Tips for Making a Successful Offer

Today’s real estate market clearly has high home buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of houses for sale, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important stage in the home buying process.

1. Listen to Your Real Estate Advisor

An article from Freddie Mac offers guidance on making an offer on a home today. Right off the bat, it points out how emotional this can be for buyers and why your trusted agent can help you stay focused on the most important things:

“Remember to let your home buying team guide you on your journey, not your emotions. Their support and expertise will keep you from compromising on your must-haves and future financial stability.”

Your real estate professional should be your primary source for answers to the questions you have when you’re ready to make an offer.

2. Understand Your Finances

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Bottom Line

Today’s competitive landscape makes it more important than ever to make a strong offer on a home. Connect with one of our local experts to make sure you rise to the top along the way. We’ve been guiding home buyers and sellers since 1961.

Source: “Things to Consider When Buying a Home” Spring 2021 Edition, courtesy of Keeping Current Matters

2020 Patterson-Schwartz Realty Alliance Sales Award Honorees

Real Estate transactions during 2020 were certainly a bit of an adventure but, despite the shutdowns and restrictions, Patterson-Schwartz was able to adapt, thrive, and ultimately assist more clients with their homeownership needs in 2020 than in the previous year.  This accomplishment would not have been possible without the hard work and perseverance of our family of sales associates.

Realty Alliance Sales Award plaques were distributed to Patterson-Schwartz honorees in early March 2021

The Realty Alliance is a network of North America’s elite real estate firms, and each year they identify the leading residential sales professionals for their exceptional performance.

The Patterson-Schwartz agents and teams recognized for their efforts in 2020 make up the top 15% of our sales associates in the individual categories of Units and Total Dollar Volume. The qualifying amounts were 18 Units, and/or a Total Dollar Volume of $5,500,000.

A Commitment to Exceptional Service

The 2020 Realty Alliance Sales Awards are well-deserved, especially considering the year’s uncertain outlook and business challenges. We are thrilled to congratulate the 75+ Patterson-Schwartz agents and teams for being recognized at a national level for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments. These honorees exemplify our company’s dedication to providing superior guidance and service while offering exceptional knowledge of market conditions and a commitment to represent clients honestly and professionally.

2020 Realty Alliance Sales Award recipients, listed by sales office:

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PSA Foundation Spotlight: UnLocke the Light’s Sean’s House

This month’s PSA Foundation Spotlight is on Sean’s House of Newark, Delaware. Created by the local nonprofit SL24: UnLocke the Light, Sean’s House is located within walking distance of the University of Delaware campus and offers a mental health safe haven for young adults ages 14-24.

Sean’s House was developed in the hopes of reducing the rate of youth suicide by providing a place for young adults to feel safe, welcomed, and supported, and by promoting mental wellness through access to trained peer support specialists and assistance connecting with community mental health resources. Guests can use the space to do schoolwork, relax with friends, or simply pick up a hot cup of coffee.

Kate Bianchino of the Patterson-Schwartz Greenville sales office has been involved with UnLocke the Light and Sean’s House at various levels since its inception in 2018 through weekly volunteer work and contributions to annual fundraisers and special events.

“Mental health programs and support is something we all know is much needed,” says Kate. “The programs at Sean’s House and the community outreach that UnLocke the Light provides is removing stigmas and creating a safe and welcoming space for students and young adults on their path to health and wellness.”

At this time, many of our community’s charitable partners are suffering from the inability to hold large, in-person fundraisers, so they need our support now more than ever. To learn more about Sean’s House, the story behind the SL24: UnLocke the Light Foundation, and how you can get involved, please visit their website.

Together we can light the way to a better tomorrow.

The PSA Foundation was created in 2001 and supports numerous local charities and organizations whose causes are close to the hearts of the Patterson-Schwartz family of sales associates, employees, and friends. We invite you to learn more about how Patterson-Schwartz is giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play, and to connect with us when you’re ready to partner with a local real estate expert.

Why Low Inventory is a Win for Sellers

Real estate continues to be called the ‘bright spot’ in the current economy, but there’s one thing that may hold the housing market back from achieving its full potential this year: the lack of homes for sale.

Buyers are actively searching for and purchasing homes, looking to capitalize on today’s historically low interest rates, but there just aren’t enough houses for sale to meet that growing need. Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist & Director of Forecasting for the National Association of Realtors(NAR), explains:

“These ultra-low mortgage rates make homebuying more attractive, boosting activity to the highest level since 2006…Nevertheless, inventory continues to fall, widening the gap between housing demand and supply.”

According to NAR, right now unsold inventory sits at a 2.5-month supply at the current sales pace. To have a balanced market where there are enough homes for sale to meet buyer demand, the market needs 6 months of inventory. Today, we’re nowhere near that number. If this trend continues, it will get even harder to find homes to purchase, and that may slow down potential buyers. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, notes:

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Source: “Things to Consider When Selling Your House” Winter 2021 edition, courtesy of Keeping Current Matters