Delaware

As the largest county in the state, Southern Delaware’s Sussex County has plenty to offer active adult retirees. It has a beautiful climate for those who enjoy experiencing all four seasons, family-friendly beaches for great summer getaways, and fascinating historic appeal. Sussex County is also home to many diverse active adult communities.

Delaware is the smallest state, stretching nearly 100 miles long and ranging in width from nine to 35 miles. Yet, this small state has significant weather changes between its northern and southern regions. Being the southernmost portion of the state, Sussex County generally has warmer temperatures, although its weather is subject to ocean effects. Summers are warm and sunny with highs in the 90s, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall.

As the country’s first state, Delaware has a long and rich history. Sussex County has roots which trace back through Native American tribes of the Algonquin Nation, and the first European explorations took place in the late 1500s. Early settlements were begun by the Dutch, though disputes soon arose with the English. Colonial Delaware was a key setting for several events during the American Revolution and history buffs will love exploring Sussex County’s historic sites and museums.

Today, Sussex County is home to both historic and modern attractions. Locals and visitors alike enjoy visiting the area’s numerous art galleries and performing arts centers. Sussex County also contains many fine wineries and breweries, such as Nassau Valley Vineyards and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.

Southern Delaware boasts some beautiful scenic areas and outdoor recreations are popular throughout the region. Fishing, boating, kayaking, biking, hiking, scuba diving and birdwatching are all common pastimes. It’s easy to get back to nature as the region lies along the East Coast and also offers several state parks including Cape Henlopen State Park and Fenwick Island State Park.

Though Sussex County has much to offer, it’s perhaps best known for its beautiful coastal beaches and scenic islands. Some of the better-known beach getaways include Lewes, Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island. These charming coastal towns feature fun boardwalks, unique shops and fabulous eateries. They are busiest during the summer’s peak tourist season when visitors flock to the area to experience its local, small-town charm.

For retirees who are considering a move to Southern Delaware, Sussex County contains several active adult communities. These amenity-rich developments include both age-restricted communities and those that are open to all ages. There are larger communities, such as the 2,000-home Heritage Shores, and more intimate communities such as Village of Cinderberry, which has less than 200 homes.

Active adults who want to live on the East Coast and experience all four seasons may find that Sussex County is an ideal fit. It is a particularly good option for those who don’t want to move too far from their families in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey or other surrounding areas. With its own small-town charm and plenty of diverse attractions, it’s easy to see why Sussex County is a great destination for active adult retirees.

This article originally appeared on 55Places.com. For more articles like this or for information about hundreds of 55+ active adult retirement communities across the country, please visit 55Places.com.

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Delaware Small Business Chamber is hosting a Networking Event on April 17, 2012 from 5:30 till 8:00 PM at Walter's Steakhouse.

April Networking Mixer will be held on Tuesday, April 17 from 5:30-8:00 PM at one of Wilmington's premier restaurants - Walter's Steakhouse.

This event is FREE to DSBC members,

$25 for non-members.

Make plans now to attend and make some great business connections with the DSBC! Registration begins March 1, 2012.

Join the Delaware Small Business Chamber and save costs of these networking events, Save 50% off the cost of table booth at our Small Business Marketplace event, get referrals through our Reverse Referal System, and many other great benefits coming soon. www.dsbchamber.com

John R. Thomas
Certified Mortgage Planner - NMLS 38783
Primary Residential Mortgage
248 E Chestnut Hill Rd
Newark, DE 19713
302-703-0727 Office
www.DelawareMortgageLoans.net

Spring Forward Beginning March 11

It's that time of year again...Daylight Saving Time (DST) that is.

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead one hour, this Sunday, March 11, 2012, at 2:00 a.m.

Remember, not all areas of the United States use DST, including Arizona, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and American Samoa. If you have friends or family in those areas, you'll want to make note of the new time difference between you.

Despite some concerns, most Americans overwhelmingly like Daylight Saving Time. Though not everyone benefits from DST. For example, many farmers say that DST has a negative impact on their livestock's natural schedules. The airline industry also reports that it costs millions of dollars to adjust time schedules–and even then, airlines report numerous problems with international flight connections during the transition time since DST isn't followed uniformly around the world.

Whether or not you're a fan of Daylight Saving Time, here's one important thing to remember about it: The correct phrasing is Daylight Saving (singular) Time, NOT Daylight SavingS Time. We are saving daylight, so it is singular and not plural.

As spring approaches and the weather becomes warmer, I hope you will enjoy the extra hour of daylight DST will bring. And if you have any mortgage-related questions or concerns, call or email me anytime. I'm always happy to talk to you!

Sincerely,


John R. Thomas
Certified Mortgage Planner - NMLS 38783
Primary Residential Mortgage
248 E Chestnut Hill Rd
Newark, DE 19713
302-703-0727 Office
www.DelawareMortgageLoans.net

Dover Days 79th Anniversay is May 4,5 & 6 2012

Come join in the fun, as Dover, Delaware celebrates the exciting history of our First State's Capital City! This year's Dover Days Festival proves to be bigger and better than ever—and you won't want to miss a minute of the many FREE festivities! Held on The Green and Legislative Mall, two beautiful outdoor parks in the historic downtown district, Dover Days unites heritage, tradition and modern attractions into a festival that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Now in its 78th year, Dover Days is Delaware's longest running festival that celebrates First State history — with more than 25,000 people coming from all over the Mid-Atlantic states to celebrate the weekend's events, May 6-8.

Springtime is beautiful in Dover, and Dover Days offers so many ways to enjoy it—in a weekend jam-packed with fun for the entire family. Get a glimpse of Delaware's enriching history, through huge parades, traditional Maypole dancing with children in Colonial attire, walking tours, major Civil War Encampment, free admission to numerous museums, and more. Immerse yourself in the ages through costumed reenactments of the Renaissance, the Civil War and WWII. You can see the Governor's mansion first-hand. And enjoy all the excitement of the festival, with more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, delicious foods, live entertainment, children's activities, a hot classic car show, and more.

Every day at Dover Days is a new adventure you'll never forget! Make it your tradition to come out to this FUN, FREE admission festival, May 6-8, with your family and discover why it's not the same "Old" Dover Days—it's so much more!

John R. Thomas
Certified Mortgage Planner - NMLS 38783
Primary Residential Mortgage
248 E Chestnut Hill Rd
Newark, DE 19713
302-703-0727 Office
www.DelawareMortgageLoans.net

New Castle County VHAP II Program for down payment assistance is available March 15, 2012. The New Castle County Vacant Home Buyer Assistance Program provides deferred loans for up to $10,000 at 0% interest. The loan doesn't have to be paid back until the house is sold, refinanced, or no longer the primary residence. Call 302-703-0727 to apply for the VHAP II with preferred approved lender or APPLY ONLINE.

The New Castle County Vacant home buyer program doesn't require the borrower to be a first time home buyer. You only have to agree to live in the property as your primary residence. New Castle County will require you to get a home inspection on the property and a visual lead inspection on the property. The county doesn't require any repairs to be made. The program is funded by HUD through the NSP program. The house being sold must have been vacant for at least 90 Days before the sales agreement is signed.

Borrowers who would like to use the NCC VHAP II program must complete 8 hours of HUD approved home buyer counseling. Borrowers must also meet the following household income restrictions based on the 120% Median Income limit.

Eligible Income Limitations for VHAP Program for 2012

Household size Maximum Income

1 Person $67,550
2 Person $77,200
3 Person $86,850
4 Person $96,500
5 Person $104,200
6 Person $111,900
7 Person $119,650
8 Person $127,350

You can submit applications for the VHAP II beginning March 15, 2012. The county requires a minimum of 20 days from receipt of application before you close.

If you would like to apply for the New Castle County Vacant Home Buyer Assistance Program call 302-703-0727 or you can APPLY ONLINE.

John R. Thomas
Certified Mortgage Planner - NMLS 38783
Primary Residential Mortgage
248 E Chestnut Hill Rd
Newark, DE 19713
302-703-0727 DE Office
www.DelawareMortgageLoans.net