Delaware Association of REALTORS®

06/16/2026

We are honored to have helped develop HB 311 and appreciate Representative Kim Williams’ leadership in championing this effort. By creating a clear, statewide guide to landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, this legislation will help promote transparency, understanding, and stronger housing outcomes throughout Delaware.

06/14/2026

Please note that the Delaware Association of REALTORS® office will be closed June 15-18 as our staff joins REALTOR® members in Washington, D.C., for the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings.

Our office will also be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

We look forward to connecting with lawmakers, advocating for homeownership and private property rights, and bringing valuable insights back to Delaware. Regular office operations will resume on June 22.

06/11/2026

REALTORS® Take Over Legislative Hall

Yesterday, DAR’s Public Policy Committee and staff spent the day at Legislative Hall meeting with legislators, testifying before committees, and hosting a legislative luncheon for lawmakers and staff.

Here’s what happened:

✅ Governor Matt Meyer signed HB 311 into law, establishing a Rights and Responsibilities Guide for Tenants and Landlords. Thank you to Representative Kim Williams and Senator Spiros Mantzavinos for helping get this legislation across the finish line.

✅ Former DAR President Phil McGinnis presented DAR’s support for SB 343, legislation that would create savings accounts for first-time homebuyers.

✅ Following public comments from DAR members, HB 286 and HB 416 advanced out of the House Revenue and Finance Committee. Both bills aim to provide relief from Delaware’s Realty Transfer Tax and now move to the House Appropriations Committee. Thank you to Representatives Yearick and Williams for sponsoring these measures.

✅ President-elect John Ford led a group of DAR members in joining Representative Kendra Johnson and Senator Huxtable to present a resolution recognizing June 2026 as Homeownership Month.

Special thanks to those who presented on behalf of DAR throughout the day: Public Policy Chair Chris Allen, Vice Chair Maggie Haass, Jennifer Gallagher, DAR Past President Phil McGinnis, Bobbi Slagle, and President-elect John Ford. Thanks also to President Denise Forman Gaines.

While REALTORS® were leading these conversations, the issues being discussed extend far beyond our profession. From supporting first-time homebuyers and housing affordability to strengthening consumer protections and advocating for property owners, these efforts are about expanding opportunities for all Delawareans.

Thank you to every REALTOR® who showed up and helped make housing a priority in Dover.

06/11/2026

We appreciate Rep. Kendra Johnson recognizing National Homeownership Month and the importance of expanding housing opportunities for Delaware families.

While programs that support homebuyers are making a meaningful difference, increasing housing availability and affordability remains essential to meeting Delaware's growing housing needs. We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers and stakeholders on solutions that help more Delawareans achieve and sustain homeownership.

June is National Homeownership Month!

Delaware is home to over 286,000 owner-occupied housing units, yet we still face the serious issue of affordability. Limited housing inventory and rising costs are only some of the things that contribute to the crisis we face, yet they perfectly underscore the importance of programs and partnerships that help Delawareans achieve and sustain homeownership.

To date, in 2026, the Delaware State Housing Authority has served 303 families, providing more than $93.3 million in first-mortgage production and over $2.1 million in down payment assistance. And while we celebrate these successes, we must also acknowledge the challenges ahead. Recent reports have ranked Delaware among the states with the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

As we recognize National Homeownership Month, let us recommit ourselves not only to expanding access to homeownership, but also to actually addressing affordability challenges, preventing foreclosures, and preserving the stability that homeownership brings to families and communities across Delaware.

06/09/2026

Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay recently met with Delaware RPAC Trustees to discuss housing affordability and Delaware’s economic competitiveness.

During the conversation, Lt. Governor Evans Gay emphasized that both she and Governor Matt Meyer are committed to making Delaware more competitive in attracting businesses. She also highlighted their focus on taking a hands-on approach to understanding the full scope of costs burdening homeowners and contributing to housing affordability challenges.

We appreciate the opportunity to share perspectives from Delaware REALTORS® and look forward to continuing the conversation on solutions that support homeowners, strengthen communities, and expand housing opportunities across our state.

06/05/2026

Whether you're helping clients navigate the homebuying process or exploring homeownership yourself, the Delaware State Housing Authority's Open Door program offers valuable resources and assistance for eligible buyers. Learn more below.

Buying a home is a big step—and an exciting one.

Whether you’re buying your very first home or looking for more space as your needs grow, DSHA's Open Door loan with down payment and closing costs assistance is available to help you buy with confidence.

Learn more about Open Door here: https://www.destatehousing.com/homeownership-loans/

06/02/2026

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize the importance of homeownership and the role it plays in building stronger communities, creating financial stability, and expanding opportunities for future generations.

At the Delaware Association of REALTORS®, promoting and protecting homeownership is at the heart of everything we do. Through our advocacy efforts, we work year-round with lawmakers and stakeholders to support policies that expand housing opportunities and strengthen Delaware's housing market.

This legislative session, REALTORS® have been actively engaged on issues including:

🏡 Housing supply and zoning reform

🏡 First-time homebuyer programs

🏡 Veterans' housing assistance

🏡 Property tax assessment reform

🏡 Fair housing protections

🏡 Transfer taxes and real estate fees

🏡 Landlord-tenant regulations

🏡 Environmental and land use policies

🏡 Economic development and job creation

Every Delawarean deserves the opportunity to achieve the dream of homeownership. Throughout National Homeownership Month, we remain committed to advocating for solutions that increase housing availability, promote affordability, and help more individuals and families find a place to call home.

This month, we also join the National Association of REALTORS® in celebrating the benefits of homeownership and the positive impact it has on communities across the country. https://www.nar.realtor/june-is-national-homeownership-month

06/01/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🏡🏳️‍🌈

NAR's Code of Ethics prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. NAR supports the Fair and Equal Housing Act, which would add these protections to federal law.

05/21/2026

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, the Delaware Association of REALTORS® office will be closed on Monday, May 25. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend as we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

05/15/2026

A Major Legislative Win for Delaware Consumers & Housing!

We are proud to share that SB 201, landmark legislation establishing important consumer protections in real estate wholesaling, has officially passed the Delaware House and Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

This legislation represents a significant step forward in protecting consumers through greater transparency and accountability in real estate transactions.

A sincere thank you to Senator Spiros Mantzavinos and Representative William Bush for their leadership and commitment in guiding SB 201 through the legislative process. DAR Government Affairs Director Joe Brennan and legal counsel Andy Taylor were also on hand throughout the process to help support the bill’s advancement.

In more positive news for housing policy, HB 217 has also passed the House and now moves to the Senate. This legislation focuses on updates to Delaware’s landlord-tenant law aimed at improving housing stability and clarifying processes impacting both renters and housing providers.

The Delaware Association of REALTORS® worked closely with legislators by providing feedback from Delaware’s small housing providers to help ensure the bill considered the practical realities facing property owners while continuing to support housing stability for residents across the state.

We are grateful to Representative Kendra Johnson for her leadership and collaboration on this important legislation.

The advancement of both bills reflects meaningful progress toward strengthening Delaware’s housing landscape, protecting consumers, and supporting balanced, effective housing policy across our state. We remain committed to advocating for solutions that benefit Delaware communities today and into the future.