News
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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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, February 27, 2026, for travel to the NAR Legislative Mid-Year meetings in Washington, D.C., occurring June 13 – 18, 2026. The deadline to apply for travel to the NAR NXT Conference in New Orleans, LA occurring November 4 – 8, 2026 is Friday, May 22, 2026. APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
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:
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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.
Continue ReadingThank 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 |
The SCAOR Affiliates hosted their 2nd Annual Free Wreath Making Class on November 20, and the event was a festive hit! REALTOR® members gathered at the SCAOR office for an evening of creativity, camaraderie, and holiday spirit as they designed their own custom wreaths using artificial pine, grapevine bases, ribbons, bows, and plenty of seasonal décor.
Laughter, conversation, and bursts of creative energy filled the room as members compared designs, shared decorating tips, and enjoyed light refreshments. Many brought their own personal touches to incorporate into their wreaths, making each finished piece truly one-of-a-kind.
A huge thank-you goes out to our SCAOR Affiliates for providing the supplies, hosting the event, and helping kick off the holiday season in such a fun and festive way.
Scroll below to enjoy photos from this year’s celebration — and stay tuned for details on next year’s wreath-making tradition!
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Yesterday’s Fish Where the Fish Are course brought more than 40 members together at the SCAOR office for an engaging and interactive session led by instructor Allison Stine. The program, approved for DREC Module 7 CE Credit, was hosted in person and proudly sponsored by the YPN Committee. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this professional development event such a success!
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NOMINATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET. If you haven’t already, we invite you to consider your peers and nominate an outstanding REALTOR® for any of these awards. Winners will be announced at our Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM—save the date to see if your nominee is a winner.
For details and to submit a nomination in one of the award categories below, click the corresponding link. Questions? – email smoody@scaor.com or call 302-855-2300 to speak to Stephanie Moody.
Educator of the Year – honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to real estate education, shown proficiency in real estate-related subject matter, and made a significant impact on our members or the communities we serve.
Rookie of the Year – recognizes a new agent who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to personal and professional growth during their first two years in real estate. The ideal nominee actively seeks out learning opportunities, engages in mentorship, and strives to meet or exceed performance goals. This person also stands out for their positive contributions to their brokerage, team, or local community.
Good Neighbor Award – given to a REALTOR whose primary profession is real estate and who goes above and beyond through volunteer work, making a meaningful and lasting impact on their community.
REALTOR of the Year – given to a SCAOR member who exemplifies the REALTOR image and goes beyond the call of duty. Lifetime Achievement Award – the highest distinction awarded by the association, and is intended to recognize and honor individuals who have established an unparalleled lifetime record of leadership, service, and contribution to the local, state, and national association of REALTORS.
Alma Ashley Award – celebrates one rental REALTOR who embodies the distinctive qualities of customer service, resulting in a positive and lasting impact on the entire rental community.
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SCAOR now offers Member E-blasts — your go-to for staying informed and getting your listings seen!
Receive exclusive Member E-blasts featuring local updates, new listings, open houses, and more and when you’re ready to spotlight your own property or event, you can share it directly with fellow REALTORS® through a convenient paid e-blast option.
👉 Click here to learn more about Member E-blasts
Don’t miss out on the latest opportunities, market buzz, and member connections from SCAOR.
Looking to sharpen your marketing strategy and reel in more business in 2026? SCAOR members are invited to join us for Fish Where the Fish Are — an interactive CE class taught by instructor Allison Stine, hosted in person at the SCAOR office and sponsored by the YPN Committee.
✅ Approved for DREC Module 7 CE Credit
📍 Location: SCAOR Office
📅 Date: Thursday, November 6
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
During this high-energy session, you’ll learn how to identify your unique niche, better understand your target market, and create a business plan that helps you stay afloat in all market conditions. Whether you’re a new agent looking to define your lane or a seasoned REALTOR® needing a fresh strategy, this class is designed to help you stop casting into empty waters and start fishing where the business really is.
You’ll learn how to:
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Identify who you are as an agent
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Analyze your target area and competition
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Define your services and ideal customer
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Conduct a SWOT analysis
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Create (and revisit) a plan that drives results
🎟️ Registration is now open — reserve your seat before it fills up!
Continue ReadingThe Sussex County Association of REALTORS® Young Professionals Network (YPN) wrapped up the season in style with its End of Summer Event, sponsored by the SCAOR Affiliates , and held at the beautiful Salted Vines Winery in Frankford, Delaware, on Thursday, October 16th, 2025.
The evening offered members a chance to relax, connect, and celebrate another successful season as the sun set over the vineyard.
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