In order to best help you, tell us where you are in your new home search.

Change
Change
Change
  • When you join our list, you agree to receive email updates and promotions, as well as calls if you share your phone number.
When you join our list, you agree to receive email updates and promotions, as well as calls if you share your phone number.
Melissa Marino
Hi, I'm Melissa (302) 569-9698
Get to know me
× Close

Stay Connected with Schell Brothers!

By completing the form below, you are signing up to receive valuable realtor communication from Schell Brothers. This includes the latest updates on our communities, new listings, exclusive incentives, and more. Don't miss out on the exciting opportunities we have in store for you and your clients! Fill out the form now to stay informed and be part of our thriving real estate network. Additionally, kindly review and agree to our Terms & Conditions to unlock eligibility for our exclusive Real Estate Agent Rewards Program.

Effortlessly Enroll Your Clients.

Complete the form below to conveniently register your clients for multiple communities in a single submission. Additionally, kindly review and agree to our Terms & Conditions to unlock eligibility for our exclusive Real Estate Agent Rewards Program. Experience a hassle-free process with us - it's as straightforward as that!

Real Estate Agent Information
Client Registration
(valid client phone only please)
Add Another Client Form Remove Last Client Form

Note: By registering your customers, you’re agreeing to the terms outlined in our Real Estate Agent Rewards Program. Clients will be sent an email confirming they have been registered by you as their real estate agent.

Terms & Conditions

To be eligible for the Real Estate Agent Rewards Program, the following registration guidelines must apply:

  1. The online registration is valid for six months. It is the responsibility of the Agent to re-register his/her Clients after the expiration date in order to be eligible for any applicable Schell Brothers Rewards Program(s).
  2. The Customer visited a Schell Brothers/Kincade Homes community and/or Branch Out Division as a result of the Agent's recommendation.
  3. The Customer was registered by the Agent before or during the Customer's first visit to a Schell Brothers community.
  4. The Customer acknowledges, that the Agent referred him/her to a Schell Brothers/ Kincade Homes community and/or Branch Out Division.
  5. Schell Brothers/Kincade Homes will only pay one Broker commission per sale. In the event the customer is registered by multiple Agents, Schell Brothers will pay the real estate agent designated by the customer at time of contract.
  6. The Customer has been presented with a Customer Information Sheet (CIS).
  7. Schell Brothers reserves the right to pay the broker commission prior to settlement after contract ratification and receipt of a mortgage pre approval and/or proof of funds available to settle on the property. However, in the event the Customer terminates the contract, defaults on the contract, or does not settle on the property for any reason, Agent/Broker agrees to reimburse Schell Brothers for the full commission paid. Agent also reserves the right not to be paid prior to settlement.

* All information subject to change without notice, certain exclusions may apply. See Sales Team for more information. Commission and/or bonus is pre-paid for non-contingent contracts only upon receipt of all deposits and pre-approval or proof of funds to close. We reserve the right to reclaim commission and bonus if sale does not go to settlement. Accordingly, the Agent may elect to defer payment until after settlement at his/her discretion.

×
Schell Brothers named 2023 Builder of the Year by PROBUILDER Magazine. Read the Article
Ali Gilliam

Your Healthy Home – Welcome to a Healthier Living Environment

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
December 15, 2016 | Comments Off on Your Healthy Home – Welcome to a Healthier Living Environment

healthy home
Imagine if you could have a healthy home that promises a healthy living environment for you and your family. With the Environmental Protection Agency ranking indoor air quality as one of the greatest but least recognized risks to public health, the promise of a healthy home is one that we take very seriously.
Why Does My Home Need to be ‘Healthy’?
If you or a family member has respiratory health problems (think asthma or chronic coughs) then you probably already know that these conditions are made worse by poor indoor air quality. What’s more, poor air quality is estimated to cause thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of health problems each year, particularly among children and the elderly. Many existing homes (and even some new homes) contain materials that emit harmful chemical pollutants such as mold and bacteria.
What is SanctuAIR?
SanctuAIR is the technology we use at Schell Brothers to ensure a healthier living environment. By using features such as MERV 14 air filters, low VOC materials, fresh air ventilation, and advanced moisture and humidity management, we were able to create a home that you can proudly call your health sanctuary.
Did You Know?
Schell was honored with EPA’s 2015 Indoor airPLUS Leader Award, which recognizes elite home builders and Home Energy Raters participating in the Indoor airPLUS Program. Selected from more than 700 home builders that have joined the program since it started in 2009, we were one of just 8 builders across the nation to receive this award.
Quick Facts

  • A typical residential air filter is less than MERV 5 and removes only large particles from the air. Schell Brothers homes use MERV 14 filters, which remove almost all the harmful particles in the air. In fact, MERV 14 filters are rated high enough to be used in hospitals.
  • The blown-in insulation used in Schell Brothers homes is formaldehyde free, non-combustible, non-corrosive, and moisture resistant.
  • A third party conducts a blower door test on each of our homes to measure the effectiveness of our draft-stopping, allowing us to identify and correct any deficiencies.
  • A variable speed air handler is also much more effective at removing humidity from the air, which not only improves comfort, but reduces problems caused by moisture such as mold. Some systems can remove as much as 24 gallons of moisture per day from a home!
  • Our crawl spaces are actually healthy spaces, with no outside vents, are insulated, and conditioned by the HVAC system, resulting in a healthy environment.

Interested in learning more? Just visit: http://schellbrothers.com/why-choose-schell/schellter-advantage/sanctuair/
 

Posted in All Communities | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Your Healthy Home – Welcome to a Healthier Living Environment

Home for the Holidays: Celebrating Christmas at the Beach

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
December 1, 2016 | Comments Off on Home for the Holidays: Celebrating Christmas at the Beach

12-1-16-holiday-happenings-blog-header
The holidays are in full swing, and at the Delaware beaches that means our favorite light displays, Christmas parades and holiday happenings are back…and arguably better than ever! It’s a busy month for those of you who love the holiday season as much as we do, and in just the blink of an eye the ball will be dropping and we’ll be celebrating the new year so now is the time to don your Santa hats, hit the holiday party circuit, and let your days be merry and bright.
Christmas Tour of Lewes – December 3, 10am-4pm 
One of Lewes’s most beloved traditions returns this weekend, promising a full day of Christmas cheer in Downtown Lewes. The 43rd Annual Christmas Tour of Lewes is hosted by The Lewes Historical Society and gives you the unique chance to enjoy the historic homes decorated for the holiday season. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of – proceeds benefit The Lewes Historical Society.
Lewes Christmas Parade – December 3, 5pm-6:30pm
Leading our local holiday parade circuit is the annual Lewes Christmas Parade, which will celebrate it’s 85th year this Saturday, December 5 starting at 5pm. Bundle up, grab some hot chocolate, and meet us in Historic Downtown Lewes for a an extra helping of holiday magic. The parade begins on Savannah Road at Sussex Drive and will end in front of King’s Ice Cream Shop on Second Street.
Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade – December 6, 6:30pm
The holiday fun continues on Tuesday, December 6 for the annual Rehoboth Christmas Parade. A beloved tradition for our team, look for our Schell Brothers float at both the Lewes and Rehoboth parades!
Winter WonderFEST – November 18 – January 1
Taking place entirely in Lewes, Winter WonderFEST features a Light Spectacular and a Christmas Village. The Christmas Village, which is located on the Cape May-Lewes Terminal Grounds, includes carnival rides and amusements, an ice skating rink, crafts and activities at Santa’s Workshop (along with the man himself of course), and special events and concerts. Over at Cape Henlopen State Park, you’ll find the 2-mile drive-thru holiday light show, complete with 60 dazzling light displays and an in-car scavenger hunt.
Stuff the Bus – December 1 – December 8
There are countless opportunities for giving back this holiday season, but here at Schell Brothers, we’re ramping up our efforts by partnering with Eagle 97.7 for our 4th Annual Stuff the Bus event. From December 1-December 8, 8am-5pm, Eagle 97.7 will be out front of our main office in Rehoboth collecting unwrapped toys, bikes, gifts cards, and cash. Last year, we collected 16,000 toys & 238 bicycles, and filled 48 Toys for Tots boxes, but we’re confident we can top that this year with your help!
Bethany Beach Holiday Happenings – December 3, 1pm-3pm
In Bethany Beach, the holiday season will officially begin this Saturday with their annual Holiday Happenings, which includes a party with Santa at Town Hall from 1pm-3pm, trolley, tractor & horse wagon rides from 1pm-4pm, and the 2nd annual tree lighting at 5pm.
 

Posted in All Communities, Fun Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Home for the Holidays: Celebrating Christmas at the Beach

Defining “Ultra Energy Efficient” Homes

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
November 22, 2016 | Comments Off on Defining “Ultra Energy Efficient” Homes

energy efficient homes
At Schell Brothers, the words ‘ultra energy efficient’ and ‘Schellter Advanced Building Science’ are used quite often; after all, we are in the business of building a healthier, more comfortable living environment and energy efficient homes. But while we may be fluent in energy efficiency, we also understand that not everyone comes to the home buying process with a full understanding of HERS Scores, variable speed air handlers, or VOCs. Friends, welcome to your crash course in energy efficient homes and the Schellter Advanced Building Science.
What is Schellter Advanced Building Science?
At Schell Brothers, we’re always innovating, which is why we decided to team up with one of the top building science firms in the country to create homes that are leaps and bounds ahead of other new homes in the market today. The goal was to create a new type of home – one that meets three main objectives:

  1. Eliminates health risks associated with most homes to ensure your family is safe (and happy!).
  2. Operates with ultra energy efficiency to save you money (and grant you peace of mind).
  3. Provides unparalleled durability, longevity, and strength (plus the security of a lifelong home).

But is it Worth it?
It’s OK, you can ask this question! We hear it all the time and we are happy to report that Schellter actually pays for itself three times over. In addition, the features Schellter boasts will significantly boost the resale value of a Schell Brothers home.
SanctuAIR. Enerwize. 4Tress.
When you build a Schell Brothers home, you’ll become familiar with these three terms, as they make up the backbone of Schellter. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing you to each as we move through the Schellter blog series, but for now, here’s the breakdown:

  1. SanctuAIR: ensures a healthy environment.
  2. Enerwize: helps you save energy and money.
  3. 4Tress: means your home is built tough to stand the test of time.

Pretty simple, right? Well, there’s a little more to it than that (alright, alright, A LOT more to it) but we’ll save the details and specifics for next time.
Did You Know?
In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by the EPA and it’s Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.*
EPA studies show that the concentration levels of many air pollutants are on average two to five times worse indoors than outdoors. Further, the EPA estimates that the average American spends 90% of their time indoors.
Bringing Happiness Home
The truth is, we really are committed to providing a healthier, more comfortable and efficient living environment through our energy efficient homes. The kind of home that we would choose for our own families to live in for years to come. But what does that mean for you? It means it’s time to Save. Breathe. Relax. Smile. 
 
Up next in the series…SanctuAIR!
 
 
*Source: EPA
 
 
 

Posted in All Communities | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Defining “Ultra Energy Efficient” Homes

Delaware Welcomes Winter WonderFEST

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
November 1, 2016 | Comments Off on Delaware Welcomes Winter WonderFEST

winter-wonderfest-logo-header
Halloween may still be fresh on our minds– after all, it was only yesterday – and we may still be binging on Halloween candy (and quite possibly still in costume), but nevertheless, the spirit of Christmas is hot on our heels! Christmas magic runs strong at Schell Brothers, so brace yourselves for a whole lot of cheer over the next 55 days. Our model homes are being magically transformed into miniature versions of Santa’s workshop and our Christmas billboards are being hung with care, but what really has us ramped up for the holiday season is the debut of Winter WonderFEST!
The kickoff to the holiday spectacular is just a few weeks away, at which point we’ll lace up our running shoes and hit the snow (well, not really but one can dream) for the Dashing Through the Snow Fun Walk and 5K. This is your chance to get up close with the Light Spectacular, which features over 60 light displays. You’ll also gain entry to the Opening Night Party at Crooked Hammock. The race will take place at Cape Henlopen State Park at 6pm on November 18. To register click here.
As for the full lineup for Winter WonderFEST, which runs from the kickoff event on November 18 until January 1, there are plenty of chances to revel in the holiday magic. Taking place entirely in Lewes, Winter WonderFEST features a Light Spectacular and a Christmas Village. The Christmas Village, which is located on the Cape May-Lewes Terminal Grounds, will include carnival rides and amusements, an ice skating rink, crafts and activities at Santa’s Workshop (along with the man himself of course), and special events and concerts. Over at Cape Henlopen State Park, you’ll find the 2-mile drive-thru holiday light show, complete with 60 dazzling light displays and an in-car scavenger hunt!
Perhaps our favorite part of Winter WonderFEST is the fact that the the event was engineered to generate funding for the various non-profits that serve the residents and visitors of Sussex County. Winter WonderFEST is produced by a newly established non-profit, Festival of Cheer Inc., whose mission this holiday season is to spread a little holiday magic, provide a family-friendly event, and bolster our area non-profits. Isn’t that what the holidays are all about? Good will and holiday cheer?? We sure think so!
For more information on Winter WonderFEST, the Dashing Through the Snow Fun Walk and 5K, or Festival of Cheer, Inc., visit wonderfestde.org.

Posted in All Communities | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Delaware Welcomes Winter WonderFEST

Halloween Happenings in Delaware – Local Events & Festivals

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
October 17, 2016 | Comments Off on Halloween Happenings in Delaware – Local Events & Festivals

halloween-happenings
Halloween may have hit the WalMart shelves in August, but we like to wait until the month of October is actually in full swing before we go hard on the local Halloween happenings. Halloween is just a few weeks away so it’s definitely time to carve those pumpkins, put the finishing touches on those costumes, scare your beloved, and revel in all the frightful fun that is Halloween in Delaware. From pumpkin picking to screaming your head off, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month in Delaware:
Screams at the Beach
When: Every Friday & Saturday in October 13, 2016
Where: 22518 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Georgetown, DE
“6 years of fears, 6 alarming attractions, 6 acres you will never forget.” That’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg over at Screams at the Beach in Georgetown, there’s also hayrides, haunted houses, the Woods of Terror, Fright Maze, and even Zombie Paintball. If you’re a Halloween-fanatic, this is your venue. And if you love a good fright fest, it’s a must-do this October.
Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers Festival
When: Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30
Where: Downtown Rehoboth Beach (various locations)
It’s the 27th year for the annual Sea Witch Festival and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year’s festivities. Rehoboth Beach turns into Halloween headquarters for three-full days, with costume parades (and that includes a costume pet parade too my friends), an incredible array of activities for the kids, crafts & merchandise, food vendors, and more, including the fiddler’s convention! This is definitely an event that caters to all ages.
Frightland
When: See calendar for official dates
Where: 309 Port Penn Road, Middletown, Delaware
This one is for our friends in Middletown, but it’s well worth the drive no matter where you are in Delaware (or Maryland for that matter). Celebrating its 20th year, Frightland features 8 unique and terrifying haunted attractions, and was named a “Scariest Haunted Attraction in America” by Forbes, Huffington Post, and Travel Channel.
Fall Fest at Fifer Orchards
When: Every Saturday in October
Where: Farm & Country Store; 1919 Allabands Mill Road Camden-Wyoming, Delaware
You may know Fifer’s from the market café in Dewey Beach, but the real deal is at their Farm & Country Store just west of Dover where you’ll find a massive selection of pumpkins and gourds, along with fresh produce, u-pick apples, and those irresistible apple cider doughnuts. Make the trip on a Saturday this month and enjoy the annual Fall Fest, which includes a corn maze fun park, hayrides, tractor train, pony rides, u-pick apples, u-pick pumpkins, food & games, and more!
Parsons Farms Produce
When: October 15 & 22
What: For the kiddos, Parsons Farm Produce delivers year after year with their annual Fall Fest. Unfortunately, Mother Nature got in the way this year, derailing the annual event…but don’t fret just yet, while they won’t be rescheduling, there are still plenty of chances to load up on pumpkins and fall favorites at Parson Farms’ Trunk or Treat at the Farm (Oct. 22). Enjoy trick-or-treating (farm-style) with the goats all dressed up and ready to pass out candy (yes, for real).

Posted in All Communities, Fun Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Halloween Happenings in Delaware – Local Events & Festivals

Hello Autumn! Enjoying Fall in Southern Delaware

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
October 7, 2016 | Comments Off on Hello Autumn! Enjoying Fall in Southern Delaware

fall in Southern Delaware
Brrrr, there has definitely been a chill in the air lately here in Southern Delaware, and while it has been fall for several weeks now, this is the first week that autumn is starting to show her true colors. Pumpkins, mums, the seasonal wardrobe change, and the stress of selecting the perfect Halloween costumes are just a few of the harbingers of the fall season, but there’s also the fall festivals to consider! From the Sea Witch Festival to Apple-Scrapple and everything in between, fall is the perfect time of year to explore Southern Delaware.
Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival
When: Saturday, October 8, 12pm-4pm
Where: Independence Hall 23767 Samuel Adams Circle, Millsboro DE
First on the agenda is the 2nd Annual SoDel Fest! Benefitting Children & Families First, The Food Bank of Delaware and Rotary’s End Polio Now Campaign, the full-day event features 18 of the best local restaurants paired with 40 wines, craft spirits, and beers. On top of all that delicious fun, there’s an epic lineup of musical entertainment. Good eats, lively libations, and local music? Sure seems like a perfect way to welcome the fall season!
Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers Festival
When: Friday, October 28- Sunday, October 30
Where: Downtown Rehoboth Beach, DE (various locations)
It’s the 27th year for the annual Sea Witch Festival and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year’s festivities. Rehoboth Beach turns into Halloween headquarters for three-full days, with costume parades (and that includes a costume pet parade too my friends), an incredible array of activities for the kids, crafts & merchandise, food vendors, and more, including the fiddler’s convention! This is definitely an event that caters to all ages.
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival
When: Thursday, October 13 – Sunday, October 16
Where: Rehoboth Beach, DE (various locations)
For music lovers, the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is a must. For four days, artists from around the world will converge on our resort beach town. Now in its 27th year, the festival just gets better and better with each passing year. This year’s Artist of the Year will be international artist Patti Austin.
Apple-Scrapple Festival
When: Friday, October 14 (opens 4pm) & Saturday, October 15 (open at 9am)
Where: Downtown Bridgeville, DE
For you Delaware-newbies, you might not be familiar with the ever-popular breakfast meat that is a staple around these parts. You also might not be aware that one of the more popular brands, RAPA, got its start in Bridgeville, Delaware in 1926. 25 years ago, the town decided to launch a small festival in honor of their two mainstays, scrapple and apples, and what started as just a few hundred attendees has blossomed into an annual attendance of 25,000! Expect lots of delicious local fare (don’t worry there’s more than apples and scrapple if that’s not your forte), rides, games, and streets jam-packed with over 500 local vendors.
Punkin Chunkin
When: November 4, 5, & 6 (8am each day)
Where: 18598 Rd 591, Bridgeville, DE 19933
The chunk returns! After taking a brief hiatus, Punkin Chunkin will return to Bridgeville this year. Arguably one of the more unique events you will ever attend, expect to see LOTS of pumpkins flying through the air at high speeds. Competitors from all around the world attend the annual event, in hopes that their trebuchets, catapults, or air cannons will yield the most power and distance. In addition to the famous chunkin’ of punkins’ you can also enjoy the Chili Cookoff, Punkin Cookin’ Cookoff, and Punkin Chunkin Pageant.
We’ve only just scratched the surface on fall fun in our area, but this should get you well on your way to exploring the tastes, sights, and sounds of our beautiful state. Get outside and enjoy it, before old man winter arrives in town to put a damper on the fun…

Posted in All Communities, Fun Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Hello Autumn! Enjoying Fall in Southern Delaware

Retiring in Delaware: Discovering Delaware’s Active Lifestyle

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
October 3, 2016 | Comments Off on Retiring in Delaware: Discovering Delaware’s Active Lifestyle

Retiring in Delaware – Discovering Delaware’s Active Lifestyle
retiring in Delaware
For those of you not familiar with the 1st State, you might be thinking, ‘retiring in Delaware’, what the heck am I going to do when I opt for retiring in Delaware!? Dela…WHERE?? The answer is…plenty!! Between the outdoor adventures that await, the active communities to discover, the small towns to explore, and the vibrant array of events to attend, you’ll find that you won’t need to escape to the big city you once gravitated towards (although with an easy drive to the East Coast’s major metropolitan regions, you still can!).
Eat Your Heart Out
Not literally of course, but with an endless supply of restaurants in Bethany, Rehoboth and Lewes, you could dine out every night of the week for a year and still find yourself discovering new hidden gems. The SoDel Concepts Restaurants alone will keep your dining card full. Whether you’re a vegetarian, pescatarian, lacto-ovo-tarian, or a true-blue meat and potatoes guy (or gal), there’s a restaurant for you.
Wine and Beer, Oh My!
For the wine lover and craft beer enthusiast, Delaware offers an eclectic mix of wineries, wine bars, and local craft breweries, each accompanied by tours, festivals and events. The Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail is an excellent option as well, with a collection of over 20 breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies to explore.  Most notable of course is Dogfish Head (which includes the brewery, brewpub, and a downright charming motel), but there are well over a dozen breweries to discover, including Crooked Hammock Brewery, Dewey Beer Company, and Big Oyster Brewery.
Culture Abounds
Beyond food and beverages (although let’s face it, we stay plenty busy with these cultural staples alone), Delaware also boasts vibrant festivals. Top festivals include the Sea Witch, Lewes Tulip Festival, Winterthur Point-to-Point, Mid-Atlantic Sea-Glass & Coastal Arts Festival, and the Bridgeville Apple Scrapple Festival (if you’ve never tried scrapple, well, welcome to Delaware!). There’s also the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival, held each fall and boasting a full week of independent films. New this year, – and promising to become a fast favorite for the holiday lovers – is Winter Wonderfest in Lewes.
Amenity-Rich Communities
Phew, tired yet! If you enjoy staying closer to home, our communities do the social work for you. Clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, golf courses, indoor & outdoor pools, dog parks, walking trails, private beaches & piers, wave pools, happy hours & dining, community gardens, tennis & basketball courts…yep, just a few of the amenities that will be just outside your door. Independence, our premier 55+ community, redefines ‘active retirement’ with game nights, billiards club, yoga classes, garden club, line dancing, Tai Chi, happy hours, and water aerobics. We often hear that neighbors quickly become friends in our communities, and with so much happening, it’s no wonder!

Posted in All Communities, Fun Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Retiring in Delaware: Discovering Delaware’s Active Lifestyle

Local’s Summer: Life at the Delaware Beaches in September

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
September 2, 2016 | Comments (2)

Local’s Summer: Life at the Delaware Beaches in September
Delaware beaches
The end of summer is always a bittersweet time when you live at the beach. The first sign of ‘Back to School’ commercials sends a chill down the spine, the slightest decrease in temperatures evokes flashbacks of the coldest day of the previous winter, and the smell of a campfire has you thinking fall bonfires rather than summer BBQs.
For many of us, panic ensues: What happened to summer? How did it pass by so quickly? I’m NOT READY FOR WINTER! The good news is the end of summer also marks the beginning of something fantastic. Arguably the best time of year at the Delaware beaches, we’re talking about the month of September, a.k.a the Local’s Summer.
What is the Local’s Summer?
We love the tourists that flock to Coastal Delaware year after year, but by the end of August, we’re ready for a reprieve from the crowds…and the traffic. Post-Labor Day, the beaches, bays, boardwalks and parks clear out, providing locals (and visitors too!) with the chance to get out and enjoy everything that we love about living at the Delaware Beaches. Parking is a breeze, nabbing a spot at your favorite bar is notably easier, and a peaceful moment on the beach is more commonplace than it is rare. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the Local’s Summer at its finest.
Why Love September?
As long as Mother Nature plays nice and keeps hurricanes and tropical storms at bay, September is best known for her glorious weather. By September the heat has finally broken, allowing us to get back outside without fear of sweating through our clothes or legitimately suffering a heatstroke. It affords us with the chance to enjoy our local parks and hiking trails, but it is also the best time of year to dive in to the (now warmer) ocean. Seafood lovers, you’ll be glad to know that September is the best month for a crab feast, with crabs hitting their peak size in September. That’s right, September and October are prime pickin’ time for Maryland blue crabs!
Top 3 September Activities

  1. Wine and Dine: It’s easy for summer to fly right past you without taking advantage of dining al fresco at some of your favorite spots. Rooftop dining at The Culture Pearl in Rehoboth, boozy happy hours at 99 Sea Level in Bethany, margaritas and tacos at Papa Grande’s in Fenwick. Pick your poison and enjoy!
  2. Outdoor Adventures: Alright so you invested in a paddleboard this summer and have only used it a handful of times. It happens. Take advantage of fall and hit the bays for a peaceful and downright beautiful September outing. It’s also the perfect time of year to explore our local hiking trails, either by foot, by bike, or with your four-legged companions.
  3. Tour Your Local Towns: Lewes, Bethany Beach, Fenwick, Rehoboth Beach…September is the perfect time to get out and discover (or re-discover) our local towns, be it through an organized walking or trolley tour, or through your own wanderings.

Brace Yourselves, Winter is Coming…
Ok, so once summer officially ends on September 21, we can start to panic about the impending winter, right? Wrong again! Fall is fabulous in her own right, with local festivals to look forward to like the annual Sea Witch Festival in Rehoboth Beach. And yes, winter is coming…eventually…but for now let’s revel in the glory of September and gear ourselves up for a fantastic fall filled with festivals, football, and fun.
And remember, summer never ends when you live at the beach!

Posted in All Communities | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Retire in Delaware: Best Retirement Locations

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
August 25, 2016 | Comments (1)

Retire in Delaware: Finding the Best Retirement Locations
Best Retirement Locations
Summer never ends at the beach, and neither does the good life, which is why year after year, retirees choose Delaware. When you retire in Delaware, you secure more than just a slice of the pie, you get the whole thing! It truly is the best of both worlds here in Sussex County, with scenic coastal towns like Fenwick Island, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach guaranteed to lure you in after just one visit.
With so many reasons to Love DE for your retirement years, we decided to start a series of blog posts dedicated to highlighting the many reasons that Southern Delaware is a retirement oasis. First up? Location, location, location:
Natural Beauty of Southern Delaware
Dedicate a day to exploring Southern Delaware and you’ll find yourself immersed in the natural beauty of our fair state. Country roads, lush farmlands, pristine beaches, countless hiking trails…the list of natural wonders goes on and on. The local landscape also gives way to an active lifestyle, with ample opportunities for bicycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking, to name a few.
Weather Wonderland
You may not immediately think ‘beautiful weather’ when you hear the word ‘Delaware’ but the truth is we have near-perfect weather here in the First State! At Schell Brothers, we like to say that summer never ends when you live at the beach, and we mean it! Summertime offers beach-friendly weather every day, but all year long our local beaches are ideal for a long walk or a peaceful reprieve. Fall is the local’s favorite time of year, as the summer traffic has subsided and the weather is absolute perfection. Winter brings cold temperatures to the Mid-Atlantic region, but it’s paradise compared to the heavy snowfall and cold temperatures of New England. By spring, you’ll be back outdoors enjoying the natural beauty that our area offers!
Waterworld
If you’ve always dreamed of a life at the beach, than retiring in Delaware is the place for you! Of course the entire East Coast boasts beautiful beaches, but coupled with the charm of our local towns and the amenities of our resort-like communities, we would safely argue that life at the Delaware beaches simply can’t be beat. In addition to the 26 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, there’s also 25 miles of Delaware Bay coastline to enjoy, along with 115 miles of inland bay shoreline. All of that water makes for plenty of outdoor adventures, along with absolutely stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Central Access  
The common paradox of retirement is wanting to escape the hustle and bustle while still having access to cultural centers, family and friends. Enter, life in Delaware. For starters, we are conveniently located just a few hours from the major metropolitan areas of the Northeast, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York City. We’ve also found that many local retirees that relocate from the Northeast love that they are still within driving distance from family and friends, rather than a plane-ride away.
Stay tuned for our next Retire in Delaware installment, which will highlight the tax benefits (cha-ching!) of Delaware living.

Posted in All Communities | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

Making the Most of Your Summer at the Delaware Beaches

By Ali Gilliam, in All Communities
July 26, 2016 | Comments Off on Making the Most of Your Summer at the Delaware Beaches

7.12.16BucketList(r2)
Even if you have been living your summer to the absolute fullest these past few weeks, it’s completely normal to start to panic as August approaches. Similar to buyer’s remorse, summer’s remorse kicks in mid-way through summer, causing the nagging sensation that summer is passing by too quickly and that the cold breath of winter will soon be upon us. Fear not friends, summer is still very much happening (just walk outside on this hot day if you don’t believe me) and there is still plenty of time to check off all of the items on your summer bucket list. At the Delaware beaches, the list of fun ways to enjoy a summer day is seemingly endless, but there are a few summer staples that make our summer bucket list each year. Whether you live in the area or are planning to visit for a few days, hitting one (or all) of the following is crucial:
Fun at Funland 
It’s not summer until you’ve collected a mass of tickets with your hard earned money to cash in for a prize you could have easily bought at the Dollar Store. There’s just something about the sound of a raucous arcade on a warm summer evening. Skeeball is the classic favorite of course, but Funland is overflowing with games for all ages to enjoy. Bonus: There are rides for all ages too!
Paddleboarding Excursions
Whether you rent or own, jumping on a paddleboard is one of the best ways to explore the local waterway, especially during the late-summer months when the days are longer and the weather is picture perfect. Delaware Paddlesports offers everything you need (and then some), as do Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, where you can find kayak and paddleboard rentals, complete with a variety of excursions throughout the area. Bonus: Many of our communities have private kayak and paddleboard launches!
Adventures at Jungle Jim’s Water Park
Located just a short walk from the Schell Brothers main office, Jungle Jim’s is constantly calling my name! It’s not summer until you’ve spent the day at the waterpark and in the Rehoboth area, Jungle Jim’s is your spot! On top of water slides, expect to find bumper boats, mini-golf, and batting cages.
A concert at The Freeman Stage
Every once in a while you’ll hear the quintessential naysayer complain how Southern Delaware doesn’t get big name acts or performances. Well, think again, because every summer The Freeman Stage at Bayside brings a full lineup of award-winning artists to perform on their outdoor stage. The Band Perry, Huey Lewis and the News, and Grace Potter are just a few of this year’s headlining acts. There’s plenty more where that came from, check out the schedule for the rest of the summer.
Feast on Local Ice Cream
When you think of summer, ice cream on a hot, hot, HOT day is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. For the best local ice cream, think farm fresh ice cream from Vanderwende’s. Made in Bridgeville, Delaware, the homemade ice cream is available in cups, cones, and homemade waffle cups and cone. If you’ve just left the beach, swing by their Dewey Beach location on Route 1. Tip: Opt for the peanut butter cookie dough ice cream!

Posted in All Communities, Fun Stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Making the Most of Your Summer at the Delaware Beaches