Dianne Deming

Members of RE/MAX Realty Group and The Debbie Reed Team worked with a nautical theme during the 2008 REALTORS Auction, sponsored by the REALTORS Community Service Committee of the Sussex County Association of REALTORS. RE/MAX, Rehoboth Beach, won the award among large offices for donating the basket which auctioned for the most money. $4,100 was bid for an Alaskan cruise and various accessories such as a set of luggage, disposable cameras, bathrobes, slippers and gift cards for pre-cruise shopping.

Together, real estate agents, brokers, support staff, affiliates and their guests raised $3,700, which will be used to buy Christmas gifts for needy children in Sussex County.

The Sussex County Association of REALTORS (DE), is hosting its annual RCS (REALTOR Community Service) Auction this Thursday, October 23, at the Bay Center in Dewey Beach. The Silent and Live Auctions raise tens of thousands of dollars each year to be used for holiday gifts for children in need throughout Sussex County. Local businesses, individual agents, affiliates and people who just love kids donate items for the silent auction, offered during the cocktail hour of the evening. Following the bidding on these things which can range from gift certificates to restaurants and services, handmade quilts, baskets of chocolates and a dog bed, the several hundred patrons move upstairs in the Bay Center to a buffet dinner and a live auction of larger baskets donated by the community's real estate companies. These treasures have centered on themes such as travel to exotic locales, sports, jewelry, golf or fishing getaways, even a full landscaping package. Last year's auction raised $65,000 with 300 guests in attendance. An award is also given to the real estate company with the most creative presentation of its basket. I am proud to say that RE/MAX Realty Group in Rehoboth Beach has won this prize for the past two years.

Not only do the REALTORS raise the money; they also give their time and energy to shop for and wrap the gifts. In past years, each child has received a winter coat, at least one set of clothing and at least one toy. Parents or guardians of the children provide a wish list which includes sizes and ages of the child/ren.

I am also proud to be a part of this caring community of dedicated service providers called REALTORS.

Heart-felt CONGRATULATIONS to the Cape Henlopen Vikings football team on winning Friday night's game against the PolyTech Panthers 21-0! Not only did the team win, but it was Homecoming to boot! Everybody did a super job in the newly refurbished Legends Stadium--the team, the cheerleaders, the band--and I hope everyone is having a blast (I know--that phrase dates me), celebrating their victory and friendship at tonight's Homecoming Dance. (Cape Henlopen High School services the towns of Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Milton, Delaware, and all areas between.)

The annual Autumn Jazz Festival is in full swing in Rehoboth Beach this weekend! You can catch free live entertainment while enjoying a drink or dinner at many venues, or pay ticket prices and listen to a full concert in others. One of the best gigs of the whole weekend is the free performance of the award-winning Cape Henlopen Jazz Band at the bandstand on Rehoboth Avenue Saturday, from noon-12;45pm. A full list of events and tickets are available at http://www.rehobothjazz.com/ajf//pages/home.php.

A good buyer's agent...

• is a real estate professional committed to finding the right property and negotiating the best terms for his or her client.
• knows the market and can simplify the search process by listening to the client's needs and suggesting properties that meet those needs.
• understands the real estate process and can guide the client through its many twists and turns.
• always has the buyer's best interest at heart and serves as the client's advocate.
• is paid a commission by the seller.

So my question back is, considering buying a home is usually the largest single purchase of one's life, why would one not use a buyer's agent?!