News

Avoid the Late Fee – Pay Your SentriLock Dues By June 30

June 10, 2026
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The time has come to process dues, and we wanted to share a few important reminders about upcoming deadlines and late fee dates. Please review the information below carefully to help ensure your membership remains active and uninterrupted.

If you have any questions, please contact the SCAOR office at 302-855-2300 or email info@scaor.com.

IMPORTANT DATES & DEADLINES

June 25 – Auto-payments will be processed on June 25, and a reminder/invoice will be emailed on June 22.

Please verify that your credit card information is up to date prior to June 22, or your dues may not process correctly, which could result in a late fee.

If you are discontinuing your membership, please notify SCAOR in writing at info@scaor.com no later than June 22.

⏰June 30 – Payments are due.
Please make sure your payment is submitted by this date to avoid late fees.

⏰July 1 – A $25 late fee will be assessed if payment has not been received by June 30.

⏰August 1 – An additional $25 late fee will be assessed if payment has not been received by July 31.

⏰September 1 – If payment has not been received by August 31: A $50 late fee and reinstatement fee will be assessed and Sentrilock services will be terminated

Please noteThe unpaid invoice, late fees, and reinstatement fee will remain in your member portal until the next billing cycle begins on May 30, 2027. If you choose to reinstate your Sentrilock Membership at any point during the billing cycle, full payment plus all applicable late and reinstatement fees will still apply.

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Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive Returns to Support Local Students

June 10, 2026
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The Sussex County Association of REALTORS® (SCAOR) and the Young Professionals Network (YPN) are proud to once again host the Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive, benefiting local students as they prepare for the upcoming school year.

From June 8 through August 14, SCAOR members, affiliates, brokerages, and community supporters are invited to donate much-needed school supplies to help students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

All donated items can be dropped off at the SCAOR Office located at 23407 Park Avenue, Georgetown, DE 19947.

A Friendly Competition Between Brokerages

This year’s drive includes a friendly competition among local real estate brokerages.

The competition is designed to encourage participation from offices of all sizes. Final scores will be determined by dividing each brokerage’s total donation weight by its number of agents, creating a level playing field for everyone involved.

Whether you’re part of a large office or a small independent brokerage, every donation can make a difference.

Most Needed Items (Updated Regularly)

This section will be updated throughout the drive as needs change. The following items are currently being collected:

Writing & Art Supplies

  • #2 Pencils
  • Pens (Blue or Black)
  • Colored Pencils
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Highlighters
  • Glue Sticks
  • Dry Erase Markers

Classroom Essentials

  • Erasers
  • Pencil Sharpeners
  • Notebook Paper
  • Spiral Notebooks
  • Composition Notebooks
  • Folders (with pockets)
  • Index Cards
  • Sticky Notes

Additional Supplies

  • Rulers
  • Scissors
  • Pencil Boxes
  • Calculators

Help Us Make a Difference

Every notebook, pencil, folder, and calculator donated helps local students begin the school year better prepared and ready to learn.

SCAOR and YPN thank all participating members, brokerages, affiliates, and community supporters for helping make this effort a success.

Together, we can make a difference for our local students.

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SCAOR Recognizes First Recipients of Sussex County Specialist Designation

June 8, 2026
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The Sussex County Association of REALTORS® (SCAOR) recently recognized the first two members to earn the prestigious Sussex County Specialist (SCS) Designation, a professional credential developed to help REALTORS® deepen their knowledge of the unique real estate landscape of Sussex County.
Carol Materniak and Robin Bunting became the inaugural recipients of the designation and were presented with official certificates and Sussex County Specialist lapel pins by 2026 SCAOR President Chris Lind during a special presentation at the association’s headquarters in Georgetown.
 
The Sussex County Specialist Designation was created exclusively for SCAOR members and is designed to provide advanced education in topics that directly impact real estate transactions throughout Sussex County. Coursework includes financing, environmental awareness, septic systems, well and water issues, and a comprehensive overview of the county’s communities, growth trends, infrastructure, and resources.
 
“Carol and Robin have demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence and local expertise that ultimately benefits the clients and communities they serve,” said Lind. “Their achievement represents the spirit of lifelong learning that is so important in today’s real estate industry.”
 
To earn the designation, participants must complete all required coursework, maintain at least two years of SCAOR membership, and document a minimum of 30 closed real estate transactions within Sussex County during the previous five years.
The designation provides members with specialized local knowledge while helping consumers identify REALTORS® who have demonstrated an advanced understanding of the Sussex County market.
 
Joining Lind for the presentation were SCAOR Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Moody, Director of Professional Development and Professional Standards Administrator Stephanie Talbott, and Director of Communications and Marketing Michael Sprouse.
SCAOR encourages eligible members interested in advancing their local expertise and earning the Sussex County Specialist Designation to learn more about the program and application requirements.
 
For additional information about the Sussex County Specialist Designation, visit www.scaor.com/scs.
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SCAOR Affiliates Raise Funds and Spirits at Paws for a Cause

June 2, 2026
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The Sussex County Association of REALTORS® Affiliate Committee hosted a successful Paws for a Cause Fundraiser on Thursday, May 28, at Crooked Hammock Brewery in Lewes, bringing together REALTORS®, Affiliates, animal lovers, and community supporters for an evening dedicated to helping local dogs find loving homes.

With blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and plenty of sunshine, the weather could not have been better for the outdoor event. A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered throughout the evening to enjoy great food, craft beverages, and the opportunity to support Grass Roots Rescue, a local organization committed to rescuing and rehoming dogs in need.

One of the highlights of the event was the chance to meet several adoptable dogs from Grass Roots Rescue. The four-legged guests quickly became the stars of the evening, charming attendees and serving as a reminder of the important work the organization does throughout the community.

Guests also had the opportunity to participate in raffles featuring an impressive collection of gift baskets and prizes generously donated by SCAOR Affiliate Members and sponsors. The raffle tables were filled with everything from pet-themed baskets to local goods and services, creating plenty of excitement as winning tickets were drawn throughout the evening.

The event was made possible through the support of sponsors including NewFed Mortgage, Clow Coordination Services, and numerous SCAOR Affiliates whose generosity helped make the fundraiser a success.

Most importantly, the evening raised both awareness and funds for Grass Roots Rescue’s mission of providing shelter, care, and second chances to dogs seeking forever homes.

SCAOR extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, sponsored, and helped spread the word. Together, the community demonstrated that a few hours of fun, fellowship, and compassion can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in need.

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Real Estate in Sussex County Comes With Unique Challenges — These Courses Can Help

May 14, 2026
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On Monday, May 18, SCAOR will offer two specialized courses that are required for the Sussex County Specialist (SCS) Designation, but open to any REALTOR® looking to strengthen their local knowledge and better serve clients in coastal and rural Delaware markets.

SEPTIC SYSTEMS – WHAT EVERY AGENT SHOULD KNOW

Septic systems can quickly become a point of confusion or concern during a real estate transaction. This presentation is designed to give agents the clarity and confidence needed to navigate septic-related conversations with ease.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

In this session, you will learn:

🔧What a septic system is

🔧The different types of septic systems

🔧How septic systems work

🔧What maintenance is required to keep them functioning properly

By the end of this presentation, agents will be equipped to set clear buyer expectations, confidently explain septic system function and care, and understand point-of-sale inspection requirements where applicable. We’ll also walk through a real-world scenario where a septic system became a major topic of concern during a transaction; what caused the red flags, how it impacted the deal, and what could have been done differently. 

FACTORY BUILT HOUSING – “WHEEL” ESTATE

This 2-hour course provides agents with practical, up-to-date information on factory-built housing in Delaware, including mobile, manufactured, and modular homes. As these property types continue to play an important role in Sussex County real estate, understanding the unique considerations involved in these transactions is essential.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

In this session, topics will include:

🏡 Mobile, manufactured, and modular homes

🏡 Personal property vs. real property

🏡 Conversion of chattel into real estate

🏡 Land leases and lot rent mechanics

🏡 Recent legislative updates affecting factory-built housing

🏡 REALTOR® responsibilities during sales transactions

By the end of the class, agents will have a stronger understanding of the terminology, legal considerations, and transaction mechanics surrounding factory-built housing in Delaware, helping them better guide buyers and sellers through the process with confidence.

While these courses are not approved for CE credit, they provide valuable real-world knowledge that agents regularly encounter in Sussex County transactions.

Both courses are part of the SCS Designation curriculum and are open to all members.

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Successful Legislative Breakfast At SCAOR

April 30, 2026
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The Sussex County Association of REALTORS® (SCAOR) welcomed a strong turnout of local legislators and community leaders for its Annual Legislative Breakfast held on April 30, 2026, at the SCAOR building in Georgetown.

Representatives from a wide range of Sussex County towns and municipalities gathered for a morning of meaningful conversation, collaboration, and information sharing. The event provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to share updates on their communities while engaging in thoughtful dialogue on key issues affecting the region.

Discussions focused on several pressing topics, including workforce housing, responsible development, infrastructure needs, and the unique seasonal challenges faced by Delaware’s coastal communities. The exchange of perspectives highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between industry professionals and public officials to support smart growth and sustainable solutions across Sussex County.

SCAOR remains committed to fostering these important connections and providing a platform for open dialogue that benefits both its members and the communities they serve.

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Sussex County, DE Real Estate Market Closes 2025 with Price Growth and Expanding Inventory

February 9, 2026
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Sussex County’s residential real estate market closed December 2025 showing continued price appreciation alongside rising inventory and longer marketing times, according to SmartCharts MarketStats by ShowingTime.

Total sold dollar volume reached $278,494,207, reflecting a 5.6% year-over-year increase and a 17.2% month-over-month gain. The median sold price rose to $479,950, up 3% year over year, while the average sold price climbed to $599,105, an increase of 9.3% compared to December 2024.

Closed sales totaled 462 transactions, slightly below the five-year December average of 465 and down 3.5% year over year, though activity improved 14.6% month over month. New pending sales came in at 286, remaining below the five-year December average of 341.

Inventory continued to expand, with 1,782 active listings on the market in December—well above the five-year December average of 1,345. This inventory growth pushed months of supply to 3.6, compared to the five-year December average of 2.7.

Marketing times increased across the county. Median days on market rose to 50 days, up 19% year over year, while average days on market reached 70 days, reflecting a 20.7% annual increase.

On a local level, December median sold prices varied widely by municipality, with coastal and inland markets showing different trajectories. Bethany Beach recorded a December median sold price of $1,050,000, while Rehoboth Beach reached $785,000.

In western and inland Sussex County, median sold prices reflected more moderate price points, including $365,000 in Georgetown, $359,900 in Millsboro, $329,500 in Laurel, $329,000 in Seaford, $328,500 in Bridgeville, $325,240 in Milford, and $317,500 in Delmar.

“As we close out 2025, Sussex County’s real estate market reflects continued price stability alongside a growing number of listings, offering both buyers and sellers more opportunity and choice,” said Christopher Lind, President of the Sussex County Association of REALTORS®. “These trends underscore the importance of working with a REALTOR® who understands local market conditions and can help navigate an evolving landscape.”

Overall, December’s data reflects a market that continues to appreciate in value while offering buyers more options than in recent years, as inventory levels and time on market increase heading into 2026.

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SCAOR Travel Scholarship 2026

January 15, 2026
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Sussex County Association of REALTORS® recognizes that its staff, its NAR Committee Members, and other members who may be interested in leadership could benefit from attending the NAR Mid-Year and/or the NAR Annual Meeting. Therefore, a scholarship fund has been established to help fund these travelers.

The NAR Legislative Meetings held in Washington D.C. each May and the NAR NXT conference held in November with a different location each year have both been described by previous attendees as transformative events that directly linked members to the power of the REALTOR® brand, created meaningful relationships with colleagues from across the country, and created a personal connection with the National Association of REALTORS® and the “REALTOR® Party.”

Any staff person or REALTOR® member who meets the criteria below and is willing to fulfill the scholarship requirements is encouraged to apply by Friday, May 1, 2026, for travel to the NAR NXT Conference in New Orleans, LA, to be held November 6 – 9, 2026.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicant must be a current SCAOR REALTOR® member or staff person at the time of application and meeting dates.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, volunteerism, and a desire to develop leadership skills.


    THE SELECTED RECEPIENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO:

  • Discuss registration options with the SCAOR Association Executive and may be asked to complete their own hotel and event registrations.
  • Attend the corresponding NAR Mid-Year or NAR Annual meetings.
  • Meet with the SCAOR Association Executive before travel
    • To determine what is covered by their scholarship

    • To discover essential sessions to attend while at the meeting

  • Shadow an NAR Committee Member (if not already on a NAR committee) and attend the NAR Committee they serve on as a guest.

  • Pay for expenses while traveling and submit all receipts for reimbursement within one week of the travel return date.

  • Submit a trip summary and present to the SCAOR Board of Directors at their next regularly scheduled meeting.

    THE BENEFITS:

  •  Paid travel expenses.

  • Network with REALTORS® and staff from around Delaware and other parts of the country.

  • Increase awareness for NAR, the REALTOR® Party, RPAC, and industry issues.

  • Opportunity to attend business development opportunities, NAR meetings, REALTORS® Trade Expo, and tour the Nation’s Capitol or other parts of the country.

    RESOURCES:

  • Scholarship Application

  • NAR Legislative Meetings, June 13 – 18, 2026

  • NAR NXT Conference, November 6 – 9, 2026

NOTICE:

· Failure to perform the above requirements by the selected recipient may result in full or partial forfeiture of the scholarship award. If you have any questions, please contact:

  • Stephanie Moody
    Association Executive
    Sussex County Association of REALTORS®
    Direct: (302) 855-2300
    smoody@scaor.com
 
 
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SCAOR CE Smack Down

January 5, 2026
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CE Smack Down UPDATE:

The response to the SCAOR CE Smack Down has been tremendous.

At this time, most Zoom CE courses have waiting lists due to high demand. However, limited availability remains in select in-person classes.

Members who still need to complete required CE modules are encouraged to review the schedule and register as soon as possible.

All course details, current availability, and direct registration links for individual classes can be found below:

Additional CE courses will be added for February and March. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

 

February 26–28, 2026

The CE Smack Down is SCAOR’s all-in-one Continuing Education event, designed to help members complete their required CE modules efficiently and on their own terms.

Over three days, members can choose from a wide range of approved CE courses offered in person and via Zoom, with flexible scheduling options to fit busy calendars ahead of license renewal.


What You Need to Know

  • All 7 required CE modules are offered
  • In-person and virtual (Zoom) options
  • Morning, midday, and afternoon class blocks
  • Register only for the modules you need

Lunch Included: Members who register for and attend both the morning and midday in-person classes on February 26 and/or February 27 will have lunch provided on those days. 

Please note:
Lunch is not available on February 28.

Module numbers correspond to Delaware CE requirements.


Schedule

Thursday – February 26

IN PERSON
Time Module Course Title Instructor
8:30–11:30 am Mod 6 Negotiating for Success Frank Serio
8:30–11:30 am Mod 6 Grow Your Business with Short Sales McCormicks
11:45 am–2:45 pm Mod 5 Legal Jeopardy Barbara Brodaway
11:45 am–2:45 pm Mod 3 AOS & Related Documents Tom Carney
3–6 pm Mod 4 Who Are You Protecting? Barbie Miller

ZOOM
Time Module Course Title Instructor
8:30–11:30 am Mod 3 RE Documents Shirley Kalvinsky
11:45 am–2:45 pm Mod 4 How To Keep Your Broker Out Of Jail Shirley Kalvinsky
3–6 pm Mod 2 Professional Standards / NAR Ethics Shirley Kalvinsky

Friday – February 27

IN PERSON
Time Module Course Title Instructor
8:30–11:30 am Mod 1 Let Them Decide (FH) Barbie Miller
8:30–11:30 am Mod 3 50 Shades of Contracts Barbara Brodaway
11:45 am–2:45 pm Mod 7 Fish Where the Fish Are Allison Stine
11:45 am–2:45 pm Mod 2 Professional Standards / NAR Ethics Bruce Plummer
3–6 pm Mod 6 Want to Be a Rental Agent Susan Mills

ZOOM
Time Module Course Title Instructor
8:30–11:30 am Mod 6 Road to Success Shirley Kalvinsky
11:45 am–2:45 pm Mod 1 Agency & Fair Housing (FH) Shirley Kalvinsky
3–6 pm Mod 7 Homes Throughout the Ages Robert Graves

Saturday – February 28

IN PERSON
Time Module Course Title Instructor
9 am–12 noon Mod 2 What Happens When You Ignore The COE Barbie Miller

ZOOM
Time Module Course Title Instructor
9 am–12 noon Mod 5 Legislative Landmines Barbara Brodaway

 

Reminder: Lunch is not provided on February 28.


Registration

Registration is required for all sessions. Space may be limited for in-person classes.

You may register by clicking on the title of the class in the list above, or by selecting a class/classes of interest from our continuously updated SCAOR CE Course Registration page.

Questions?

For questions about CE requirements or registration, please contact the SCAOR office.

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SCAOR’s 2026 Installation & Awards Banquet was a Sold-Out Success

December 5, 2025
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Installation and Awards Banquet on December 4, 2025. With a full house and a fantastic energy in the room, the event stood as a true celebration of leadership, service, and community within Sussex County real estate.

Our 2026 President, Christopher Lind, was officially sworn in by 2025 President Bill Davis, marking a proud moment of continuity and commitment. We also honored an outstanding group of Award Winners, along with welcoming our new Board members and recognizing our returning leaders.

Guests enjoyed a memorable luncheon featuring the exceptional fare of Bethany Blues, adding to the festive atmosphere.

More photos from this wonderful event will be added throughout the week—check back soon!

2026 SCAOR President Christopher Lind is sworn into office

2025 SCAOR President Bill Davis passes the gavel to 2026 SCAOR President Christopher Lind

A congratulatory moment and pinning between the previous and present SCAOR Presidents

2026 Committee Chairs: Christine Davis, Carol Miller, Trina Joyner, Kyle Atkinson, and George Thomasson

Alma Ashley Award Winner 2025 Chezerea Garcia

SCAOR AE Stephanie Moody receives the President’s Award

Affiliate of the Year Award Winner Carol Miller of Capitol Bank

SCAOR Board Members take the oath during the swearing-in ceremony

Stephanie Talbot is honored with the Educator of the Year Award

REALTOR of the Year Award Winner Steve Alexander

Newly named Emeritus Members of SCAOR: Paul DiCicco, Sandra Greene, and Frank Serio

Mary Niles receives Special Recognition for her service to SCAOR

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Pat Campbell-White

Rookie of the Year Award Winner Christina Christine

Good Neighbor Award Winner Cassie Rogerson

SCAOR Board Members take the oath during the swearing-in ceremony

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