We "moved that bus" for the Dunning family!

Lucy Loves Lewes Landing

By Jordan Gorsch, in The Reserves at Lewes Landing

Are you a dog lover? They always bring a smile to my face. Here at Lewes Landing, we have quite a few homeowners who have pets.

It’s perfect; we have ½ acre home sites so your best friend has plenty of space to run and play. We had homeowners (Chris & Nancy) come in this week and introduce me to Lucy – their NEW 9-week-old golden retriever puppy! I must say, I AM IN LOVE! We have “the loop” here in the community that is just over ½ mile and is popular for walks, jogging and riding bicycles. This is such a fun place to live with the best neighbors! Even if you don’t have a dog, you’ll love the privacy, space to entertain and garden! Stop in and tour our great community!

By the way, have you ever visited the beach during the Sea Witch Festival? It’s so much fun and they have the “best costumed dog parade” which is hilarious! The costume parade is on October 29th at 11am – check it out!

The List!

By Adam Pettengell, in Live Like a Local

I bet you’re wondering what The List is. You might be thinking about a list of reasons to buy in Delaware, or a list of reasons to buy with Schell Brothers over any other builder at the beach, or maybe a list of reasons to buy from me over any other salesman. In fact, you would be way off the mark (other than the buying from me part, of course).

Many locals and visitors look forward to the first off-season release of The List. In fact one might say it’s a date that brings smiles to people’s faces, saves money in their pockets and results in adding to the variety of social outings one can have. Are you intrigued? Have I built it up enough?

The List is a collection of all the restaurants, when they’re open in the off-season, and what specials they’ve got going on for food and drink, and it’s updated every two weeks! It became available for download today in mini form to tide you over until the full version is available on Wednesday, October 26th. The List is the great idea of Hadley McGregor whose website, Locals Only, tells what’s going on and when. It’s a gold mine of information.

Rehoboth and Lewes are all-year-round locations. In the off-season restaurant hours often change, which is shared on the website, but each restaurant also does specials and there are unbelievable deals to be found.

My wife and I recently visited the Blue Moon in Rehoboth for “Tasting Tuesday” – Three courses with three different wines all for $35. This restaurant is top notch and “Tasting Tuesday” is a huge hit with the locals. I had baked oysters, blue cheese salad and halibut. Every course was crazy good and the wine is always a bonus. The other reason why we like to go to the Blue Moon is dessert. It’s a little extra but “Moon Pie” is worth it, and it’s not a dessert you eat by yourself. It’s gigantic in size with multiple layers of ice cream, sauce and a cookie base! We always share it and are lucky if we finish it! Pure deliciousness.

This is just one example of how The List can save you money, increase your happiness and quickly get you on the good side of your better half! Well worth it and just one of the things that makes living in Sussex County extra special. So what’s on your list?

If you’re a new homeowner, soon to be new homeowner, established homeowner, visitor, or simply a lover of food, then on October 26th you’ll be printing off the full version of The List and keeping it close by for when you want to go support the local businesses and enjoy a great meal at the same time.

Thanksgiving Special Air Date

By Jeremy Bell, in Extreme

The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 2-hour Thanksgiving Special featuring the Dunning family is set to air Friday Nov 18th at 8/7c on ABC. In preparation for the show, our local ABC affiliate WMDT plans to show a behind the scenes look at the build experience from 7pm – 8pm.

In the meantime, the Dunning family is settling into their new home at the Jusst Sooup Ranch. Their home is free from many bills thanks to the endowment that was established with funds raised during the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build. Because the professionally managed endowment takes care of the majority of the home’s operating costs through a board that handles all the funds, Ken Dunning will finally be able to retire from one of his many jobs next year so he can help his family more in the soup kitchen.

Check out the video update with the Dunning family.

High Performance Benefits Provide “Wow” Factor

By Cindy Jenne, in The Reserves at Lewes Landing

Two weeks ago I attended a seminar that focused on selling high performance homes. It was a 3 hour meeting and each topic that was discussed is exactly what Schell Brothers has incorporated in our Schellter™ Advanced Building Science that’s now standard in all our homes.

Schell Brothers is in “rare air”, among just 10% of builders nationwide who have moved their building process in this direction.  When I demonstrate our homes I can see that these high performance benefits continually wow our prospects. Our buyers realize immediately that Schell Brothers is including quality, energy efficiency, and huge savings for them in the future that cannot be found in other new home construction.

I have been in Sales and Real Estate for 20+ years and I’ve always found that I love to sell what I believe in.  I was very excited when Schell Brothers offered me a Community Sales Manager position because I knew that I would be immediately walking into a culture I could totally embrace. Schell Brothers was always known for the quality and high level of customer service they offer, and the company’s focus on high performance features is the icing on the cake.

Here’s a brief look at the features Schell Brothers introduced this year:

Enerwize™, which exemplifies the comfort, savings and peace of mind that you will find in your new Schell Brothers home. The standard features include Rinnai tankless hot water heaters, 16 Seer air conditioners, 95% efficient Amana gas furnaces and variable speed blowers which ensure you will be comfortable in your new Schell Brothers home.

SanctuAir™, that will insure that you and your family are living in a healthy environment. SanctuAir™ exceeds the requirements of the EPA Indoor AirPLUS program by including standard features such as; MERV 13 air filters, low VOC materials, and advanced moisture and humidity management.  This will ensure that you will find relief from allergies and respiratory problems that have been denying you or family members a healthier quality of life.

4TRESS™ technology, which has taken Schell Brothers quality to a new level. You will find that your new Schell Brothers home is more durable, and also offers additional strength, moisture & water protection, and sound reduction.

These are only a few of the items that make up Schellter™Advanced Building Science that guarantees energy efficient features, great air quality, and a home that is constructed with exceptional quality.  I hope you’ll visit the Reserves at Lewes Landing and totally understand why I am so excited!

Did I mention that I love what I sell?  See you soon.

My Nights are a Different Story

By Adam Pettengell, in The Villages at Herring Creek

My days may be spent finding people their dream homes. However, my nights are a different story as I work late into the wee hours of the darkness creating nightmares and instilling fear in all who dare enter my secret world. Which Adam do you know?

It’s my double life and I love it. Helping customers find the perfect home type and homesite to begin the rest of their lives is such a buzz. But come closing time, I also get a huge kick out of playing ‘Fineas’ at All Hallows Revenge, the new Haunted attraction out on Route 9. I guess it’s part of our culture here at Schell Brothers rubbing off on me that made me think about going and having fun scaring folk, or it could just be the kid in me resurrecting itself in big, hairy monster form. Perhaps a touch of both. I love my job with Schell and am very passionate about creating happiness. My new homeowners here at the Villages at Herring Creek are more than homeowners; by the end of the home building process I call them friends. (Probably because they have never met Fineas.)

Halloween back across the pond isn’t a big time of the year like it is in America. I love how everybody goes out and gets costumes and decorations for the homes and obviously the parties! I guess this year my costume for our annual Schell Brothers Halloween party will be a lot easier. (Don’t worry… Fineas will not be making an appearance.) My family enjoys the fall season here at the beach and it’s my wife’s favorite (the local Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale may have something to do with that!). Everything looks so pretty and it’s the perfect time to enjoy the changing colors and cooler temperatures with Sea Witch, Film Festival, Punkin Chunkin and obviously All Hallows Revenge. Looking forward to reliving it all through my children’s eyes and letting that spirit captivate others who are looking to call Sussex County home.

Whether creating dreams or nightmares, I can honestly say I love what I do and look forward to each new adventure that comes my way. Cheers!

My Beach Story

By Gary Desch, in The Peninsula

Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier. Photo by Why Love DE?

I’m a new resident here at the beach as of only 60 days ago. As a native from Baltimore, Maryland, I used to come down here to vacation all the time and loved it but who would have thought I would actually be able to live here! I’ve always loved this area and am so excited to call it my home.

Funny story how I got here… my parents were looking to move here this time next year. They plan to retire here and enjoy the relaxing beach life. Between the low taxes, no sales tax, and break-off taxes when you’re 65, this area really attracted them. They knew that the low cost of living here would free them up to travel more and enjoy life. Because I’ve been selling homes for years, I went with them to look at houses in the Delaware Beach area so I could make sure that they would find a good quality home. WOW! Did we ever find a good builder!!

Schell Brothers’ quality, craftsmanship, and energy efficiency really amazed me, with 2×6 construction, tankless water heaters, 16 SEER AC system, R23 in walls, R38 in ceilings, and more. I thought the big national builder I worked for back in Maryland had everything until I saw that Schell Brothers really takes pride in their homes and is always looking to be a step higher than the average builder.

The funny thing about this is that I met the Director of Sales that day when we were at the model and, after talking with her, found myself wanting to work for this builder and move down here myself. I knew that I eventually wanted to purchase a second home in the beach area and later retire here but not this soon.

After meeting the Director and falling in love with this company, I found myself wanting to move here right away. I thought long and hard because I’ve always lived in Maryland but I did a lot of research on this builder and realized that I not only wanted my parents to build with Schell Brothers, but I wanted to move down here and work for this company.

So this is my story… I am now working for a great builder, living at the beach, and loving it!!! I wasn’t sure how it would be all year round down here but, after starting out on the “off season”, I see already that there is so much to do and there are so many places to eat. Every season is better at the beach. That’s my story… what’s yours?

Two-For-One Grand Opening at Breakwater on October 15th!

By Dan Kauffman, in Breakwater



You’ve attended grand openings before so you know what to expect, right?  Well, this one will be double the fun with TWO spectacular homes to tour at Breakwater.  On Saturday, October 15th from 11:00 to 4:00, you’ll have the opportunity to explore our newest Courtyard Series home – the Kingfisher – along with the Salt Meadow, our long-anticipated Twin Home.

Your Kingfisher tour will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about Schellter™ Advanced Building Science first-hand.  Exploring the home will be like visiting a gallery where you can see, hear, and feel the impact of high performance features.  Learn even more by walking through our homes in various stages of construction to get the behind the scenes view of Schellter™ Advanced Building Science.

We hope you’ll stop by for a tour or just to enjoy some of the great food, beverages, fun, and surprises that make Schell Brothers events so special.  It’s the perfect way to gear up for the Jazz Festival in Rehoboth that weekend!

OK, now, be honest – when you saw “two-for-one” in the headline, did you think we were offering two homes for the price of one?  Well, not quite, but we promise some special grand opening incentives that will have you smiling!  And, how about the latest interest rates?!  These low rates are sure to change in the future but one thing’s for sure: Breakwater is one-of-a-kind and homesites are dwindling.  There’s never been a better time to come out and meet your future neighbors.   See you soon!


Find Stress-Free Living in Delaware

By Deloris Cauley, in Independence

As a professional living in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC metro area for the past 10 years, life was good in many ways.  For those of you who are familiar with living in that area, there are many things to do and see in addition to delicious places to eat. The employment and cultural opportunities are good and I truly thought I was living.  But let’s face it, getting from point A to point B can be stressful. If you have ever driven the Capital Beltway or Rt. 66, you know what I’m talking about.

About 7 years after living the “Good Life” I began to tire of the rat race and commuting an hour morning and night when I worked 14 miles from home! I was in dire need of a break. I began a search for a place where I could get away from it all  but not so far that it would require more that a weekend trip.  I thought of Virginia Beach, Ocean City, the Shenandoah Mountains, and everything in between. Then a co-worker mentioned a place called Lewes, Delaware. DELAWARE? I thought to myself as I scratched my head, wondering if my co-worker had been having happy hour on his lunch break.  What the heck is in Delaware?

I immediately went to my computer and did an Internet search of Lewes, DE and the following weekend I plugged  in the address of a local hotel into my GPS and off I went to explore unknown territory. My trip took me through rural areas with nothing but cornfields, soybean fields, and dairy farms and I found myself enjoying the scenery.  For a change, I was not experiencing a white-knuckle trip on the beltway.  Yet, although my goal was to escape the city, I didn’t think I was ready for the country life. Two and half hours later, I arrived at my destination.  At that moment my life changed. I was in a place that immediately felt like “home”.  I knew in my heart and mind that I had been called to this magical place called Lewes, DE. The streets were lined with quaint shops that offer everything from A to Z. The people were genuinely friendly, and happy to have me visit their town.  I could go on and on about my weekend in what I would call “paradise” , but to make my long story short. I do believe in love at first sight. I have since left the hustle and bustle of the city behind me and moved to “Paradise”.  Now my life here is simple and stress-free. I no longer drive on beltways, but on quaint streets and pleasant roads.  If you want a taste of Paradise, come to DELAWARE!

Visit the Beach in the Fall for a Fantastic Experience!

By Michelle Capaldi, in Live Like a Local

I looked out my window on this gorgeous fall afternoon and thought about many of you who vacationed here at the Delaware beaches for a week or two this summer.  By now, you’re back in the swing of “real life,” and probably miss the smell of the beach, the sound of the waves, the boardwalk fun… heck, even the seagulls!

Come back and visit us in the Fall!  The sand, the sun, and the memories are all still here at Bethany Beach!  The Fall season is the BEST time to visit your favorite beach destination!   The boardwalk, the after-dinner walks, the laughs, the smiles, and the memories at the beach are even better in the fall when you can truly live like one of the fortunate local residents.

Fall is also one of the most popular times to buy a new beach home from Schell Brothers because you can take advantage of amazing incentives and move into your personalized beach home before next summer arrives.  Why not make your favorite vacation destination a year-round home that you can enjoy in every season?  Imagine enjoying  heartwarming Thanksgiving dinners with the whole family in your beach home, ringing in the New Year on the boardwalk, and adding to the summer memories you’ve already made!

Sunset Harbour is soaking up the Fall sun at Bethany Beach and we invite you to join us!  Make an appointment to visit our community, tour the decorated model and view numerous homes that are under construction.  You may reach me by phone at 302-858-6939 or by email at mcapaldi@schellbrothers.com.   Or, feel free to contact Jay Hauck at 302-236-9778 or jay@schellbrothers.com.  We look forward to seeing you this fall!

Parade of Homes Event

By Adam Pettengell, in Events

The Parade of Homes event is unlike any other ever held, where you can walk through every home the community has to offer.  Save all the time you would normally spend traveling from community to community to see models and have more time for the beach, bars and restaurants!  Take the stress and confusion out of selecting your new home!  The Villages at Herring Creek is very happy to be opening its doors to the Parade of Homes event on the Saturday the 24th September from 11am till 4pm.  With the Mulberry model being a big favorite among our customers since its opening in April, Herring Creek has been on the ‘up and up’ in terms of homes being built and customers visiting the community.  Due to this activity we’re in a unique position now that we have so much construction going on and all with different floor plans.  We’ll have a Fenwick, two Mulberrys, two Henlopens, a Herring Point, a Mariner, a Kingfisher, and a Heron all for viewing.  Three of these (Henlopen, Kingfisher and Heron) all come with stunning water views.  So if you fancy getting a hard hat on and love the Schell Brothers product it’s going to be a great day all round.

One community, one builder, eight homes!

If you’re interested in joining us for the event please contact us at 302-228-2719 or 302-945-3080.

Cheers!

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