Join us at the Delaware Real Estate Summit, presented by the Delaware Association of REALTORS®, Home Builders Association of Delaware, and the Delaware State Housing Authority! This premier event, set for October 2, 2024, at Bally’s Resort and Casino in Dover from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (with breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m.), is your chance to delve into the past, present, and future of Delaware’s residential real estate market. Explore the past housing markets, understand current market trends and challenges, and discover future plans from developers and officials at this comprehensive summit for real estate enthusiasts, investors, and professionals. Open to all! Engage in insightful discussions, network with industry leaders, and gain valuable knowledge to understand the dynamic real estate landscape in Delaware. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect and learn for just $45 per person.


Registration is closed.

2024 Summit Agenda

Continental Breakfast & Networking (8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) *Breakfast Sponsor: Chesapeake Utilities*

Welcome (9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m.)
Mike Riemann, President, Home Builders Association of Delaware

PAST 

Lessons Learned from 2007/2008 (9:20 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.)
Panelists: Allison Stine, REALTOR®, Lisa Mathena, REALTOR®, Gail Renulfi, REALTOR®, and Carolyn Stanley from A. S. Jacono

How did the financial crisis of ‘07-’08 impact today’s real estate environment in Delaware? Learn more from practicing experts.

PRESENT

Housing Economics: Building Jobs, Boosting Economies, Bridging Supply Gaps, and Balancing Affordability (9:55 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
Mike Riemann, President, Home Builders Association of Delaware 

A review of the economic impact of the housing market and a case study on housing costs at the intersection of housing supply and affordability.

About Affordable Rental Housing (10:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.)
Rachel Stucker, Executive Director, Housing Alliance Delaware

The cost of renting is out of reach for many families in Delaware. Here we will learn about rental affordability, costs, and supply, and the impact on Delaware’s families and communities.

Home Buying: Just the Stats and Trends (10:40 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.)
Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Bright MLS (Multiple Listing Service) 

Understanding the numbers is our first step in understanding the current state of the real estate marketplace. Here we’ll understand what’s happening in the rental, residential, commercial, industrial, and resort marketplaces.  

Residential Home Buyer Market Realities: What’s It Really Like Out There (11:10 a.m. – 11:35 p.m.)
Delaware Association of REALTORS® Panelists: George Thomasson, President, Delaware Association of REALTORS®, Deborah Harris, President, New Castle County Board of REALTORS®, Sandi Unkrur, President, Kent County Association of REALTORS®, and Adriane Gallagher, President, Sussex County Association of REALTORS® 

Moderated by Delaware Association of REALTORS® President George Thomasson, this session will explore the markets of each county and what buyers and sellers are currently facing.  

Rental Properties: Why Is There a Target On Them? (11:35 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Debra Burgos, Delaware Apartment Association 

Discover the challenges rental property owners face in today’s complex real estate landscape, from regulatory changes to market dynamics. Learn valuable strategies from industry experts to navigate these pressures and succeed in the evolving rental market. 

Lunch (12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.) *Lunch Sponsor: Carl M. Freeman Companies*

After Lunch Remarks: Cynthia Karnai, Director, Delaware State Housing Authority

Delaware’s Housing Incentives: Exploring a Few Opportunities (12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
Stephanie Griffin, Delaware State Housing Authority

Discover the financial benefits of Delaware State Housing Authority’s programs, including tax credits and grants. Learn how these opportunities can make homeownership and property investment more accessible, attainable, and profitable. 

Buying in Today’s World? Is Capital Accessible? A Panel Discussion on Financing (1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Delaware Mortgage Bankers Association Panelists: Mary Ann Cronin – WSFS Mortgage, Chris Patille – Cross Country Mortgage, and Angela Cason – Delaware Financial Mortgage

Join our expert panel as they discuss the accessibility of capital in today’s real estate market. Explore financing options, lending trends, and strategies to secure funding for home purchases and investments. Gain valuable insights to navigate the complexities of real estate financing in the current economic climate.

Trends, Results, and What’s Ahead for Delaware (1:30 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.)
Becky Harrington, Vice President, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Discover the key demographics and business-types that are moving to Delaware. Learn about the factors driving this influx and what it means for the state’s real estate market and economic growth.

Future

Land Development: Challenges and Opportunities in Delaware (1:50 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.)
Preston Schell, Schell Brothers Homes

Review of current and growing impediments to new construction and its effect on affordable/workforce housing. Also, opportunities for creative approaches to new development.

Special Remarks: U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (2:15 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.)

Planning for Tomorrow:  Tackling Supply and Affordability in Housing (2:20 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Panelists: Charuni Patibanda (New Castle County), Sarah Keifer (Kent County) Jamie Whitehouse (Sussex County), and David Edgell (State of Delaware)

Moderated by Senator Russ Huxtable, this panel discussion will provide perspective on the impact of comprehensive planning, land use policies, and regulations on housing supply and affordability from a planners point-of-view. 

Concluding Remarks: Wes Stefanick, CEO, Delaware Association of REALTORS®


QUESTIONS?