FACES OF REAL ESTATE & LENDING EXPERTS

Photo by Marci Ryan

Relationship Driven

FOR PAM PRICE OF REMAX ADVANTAGE REALTY,

NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR HER FAMILY, CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY

Proactive, professional, reliable and reputable. These are the traits that Pam Price possesses to bring her real estate clients real results. For more than 16 years, Pam Price, the team leader and associate broker of Pam Price & Associates at ReMax Advantage Realty, has earned the reputation as one of the most successful, dedicated and civic-minded agents on the entire Eastern Shore. Look no further than her numbers that prove it: Pam ranked first in state of Delaware and No. 74 in the nation for total sales in 2021, according to RealTrends and Tom Ferry. These accomplishments positioned Pam in the top 100 most successful ReMax agents — out of more than 62,300 nationwide.

“My biggest asset is my team,” Pam said of her group, which has more than 40 years of industry experience. “My people are top-notch, full-time and licensed. There’s nothing they can‘t do. I surround myself with good people — and good things happen. We are known for our availability. Someone is always available to answer questions, so our clients never have to wait for an answer. We pride ourselves on excellent, prompt communication.”

Every real estate transaction is unique, and Pam’s wealth of experience allows her to analyze each situation and determine the proper strategy to reach the settlement table effectively and efficiently.

“I really dissect what I am getting into as far as the buyer or seller’s motivation, their time frame and any other issues that may arise,” said Pam, who specializes in distinctive homes, investment property, relocations, land acquisitions and first-time home buying. “For instance, septic systems are a huge problem right now, so I try to get all the information up front and start inspections early, to save time and effort in the end. This is not necessarily required, but it saves so many disappointments in the end. I’ve seen too many contracts fall through in our industry over situations that could have been addressed, so it is much easier to be proactive for our clients.”

“Pam Price cares about her customers, and truly does what she does for the love of their happiness,” said David Carter, who recently purchased a new home with his wife, Valerie, through the assistance of Pam Price & Associates. “She is honest, sincere, accessible, friendly, fair, operates with integrity and will fight for you. If you are in the market to buy or sell a house, do yourself a favor and call Pam Price today — you will be glad you did. She will make your dream a reality.”

Away from the office, Pam is a dedicated wife, mother of two daughters, Taylor and Sydney, and passionate community advocate. She supports numerous charitable organizations across the Eastern Shore and generously donates her time and resources to bringing awareness and financial contributions to worthy causes. Of particular interest to Pam is the Delmar Police Department, for which she fought to obtain higher wages and the ability to unionize; the families of Corporal Keith Heacook and Judy and Steve Franklin, the victims of a violent attack in April 2021; and the Nanticoke Senior Center. Pam also personally assists the community through her “Random Acts of Kindness Days,” during which she delivers greeting cards, gift cards, flowers and other gifts to randomly brighten the days of others. Her family’s annual “12 Days of Christmas Blessings” provides small Christmas trees and gift cards for meals, gas and necessities to those in need.

“I feel so passionate about doing whatever I can to support our community and its residents,” Pam said.

PAM PRICE & ASSOCIATES OF REMAX ADVANTAGE REALTY 302-249-2546 | 302-846-0200 | PAMPRICEANDASSOCIATES.COM

At Your Service

EXPERIENCE WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE WHEN WORKING WITH THE LORI MARTIN GROUP OF FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION

For The Lori Martin Group of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, customer service is a way of life. Lori and her trusted team strive to make each customer feel like a part of the Fairway family. They provide exceptional customer service, speed and support by being kind, humble and giving 100% every day.

“It’s what we do and it’s who we are,” Lori said. “We strongly believe the way we do things is just as important as what we do. Every team member is guided by our core

For more than 18 years, Broker/Realtor Julie Gritton has helped her real estate clients discover properties that fit their unique needs and goals. “It is always something different for every client, so it makes every day interesting,” Julie said.

From residential and luxury to commercial and acreage, Julie and her team from Coldwell Banker Premier in Lewes assist those looking to buy or sell with professionalism — and she said that many of their clients form personal values, which defines how we work, how we interact and guides us in determining how we best serve our customers, team members and local communities.”

For more than 28 years, The Lori Martin Group of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been an industry leader in mortgage originations — achieving the top 1% from 2019-2021, in addition to several other designations. Specializing in residential lending for primary and second homes in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania

relationships after the transaction. Julie and her team also support our community by donating a portion of every transaction to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and other local charitable organizations.

A Cape Henlopen High School graduate who also earned a bachelor’s degree in business and an associate’s degree in marketing, Julie has the local expertise, education and innovative technology to ensure a successful real estate transaction and client experience. Julie also has earned

Photo by Pamlea Aquilani

and Virginia, Lori and team members Kacie Pinnock, Haley Whitmer and Elisha Smith, known as the “Lending Ladies,” are dedicated to finding great rates and loan options for their customers, while also offering fast turn around times.

“Our goal is to act as trusted advisors, providing highly personalized service and helping you through every step of the loan process,” Lori said. “It’s all designed to exceed expectations, provide satisfaction and earn trust.”

her CRS®, Certified Residential Specialist, designation; ABR®, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, designation; and her SRS®, Seller Representative Specialist, designation, which are advanced career designations she has earned through extra training and meeting high experience sales levels.

From an investor interested in acquiring cash-positive properties to a first-time home buyer, Julie and her team have the expertise to help guide each through the complex process professionally and compassionately.

THE LORI MARTIN GROUP OF FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION | 302-539-1290 | LORIMARTINGROUP.COM

THE JULIE GRITTON TEAM OF COLDWELL BANKER PREMIER | 302-645-1111 | SELLTHESHORE.COM

FACES OF REAL ESTATE & LENDING EXPERTS

Complete Care

THE JULIE GRITTON TEAM OF COLDWELL BANKER

PREMIER STRIVES TO PROVIDE ITS CLIENTS WITH PROFESSIONALISM AND PERSONALIZED ATTENTION

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

Lending Confidence

KARI STORY AND HER TEAM AT MAIN STREET

HOME LOANS HAVE A PROVEN HISTORY OF HELPING CLIENTS SECURE FINANCING FOR THEIR PROPERTIES

Kari Story plays an instrumental role in helping first-time homebuyers, second homeowners and real estate investors acquire lending for their properties in the resort communities of Maryland and Delaware.

Currently a Licensed Loan Originator for Main Street Home Loans, Kari has facilitated thousands of loans on the Eastern Shore and setting records along the way. In 2020, Kari financed more than $72M in mortgages for her clients. For Kari and her team, positive outcomes are predicated on genuine customer service and the knowledge and understanding of each of their objectives.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life for all of our customers and employees,” Kari said. “We do this by providing superior customer service and by seeking to understand the needs of our customers.”

In 2021, Kari was voted Best Mortgage Specialist of Worcester County by the readers of Coastal Style for the eighth consecutive year — an accomplishment that very few professionals across the Shore can claim. Yet, for as gratifying the individual honor is for Kari, she’s most proud of her team winning the Best Mortgage Team award each of the four years it’s been a part of the readers’ poll.

“These awards mean so much to us, especially because the votes are coming from people in our community. We are so grateful for all those who trust us with their business,” shared Kari.

Kari and her team’s continued recognition is also an extension of their ability to underwrite and secure the most competitive loans, as well as their attention to detail, infinite industry knowledge and dedication to first-class customer service. Further adding to the impressiveness of the team’s accomplishments is the fact that they are currently an all-female team, which is relatively unheard of within the largely male-dominated homelending industry.

When asked to what she attributes her group’s success, Kari responded, “We’re in a stressful business, but we find a way to make it fun, and our small team really feels like a family. I think our clients really see that.”

With Kari and Main Street Home Loans, clients can be confident that their transactions will start with getting to know their financial situation to determine the loan that best meets their current and future needs.

Main Street Home Loans is dedicated to streamlining the loan process to shorten the time from loan application to closing without sacrificing service or quality. Whether clients are purchasing or refinancing a home, Kari Story is here to help with all of their home mortgage financing needs. Main Street Home Loans serves the local community, as well as communities across the nation, by providing flexible mortgage solutions for prospective and current homeowners. Their broad range of loan products ensures that there’s something to offer everyone.

Kari’s website contains a wealth of useful information and helpful tools, including a homebuyers’ checklist, tips for saving for a first home, a mortgage glossary of terms, a guide to available loan programs, a mortgage calculator and much more. Kari welcomes local residents and resort visitors interested in purchasing or refinancing a condo, townhome, single-family residence or land to contact her for a consultation.

KARI STORY OF MAIN STREET HOME LOANS 443-614-6286 | KARISTORY.COM

Team Oriented

CLIENTS OF MCLEAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION

RECEIVE AWARD-WINNING SERVICE FROM ITS DYNAMIC EASTERN SHORE TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS

For the Eastern Shore Team of McLean Mortgage Corporation, their mission is simple: To be their clients’ trusted mortgage advisor for life. Led by 17-year industry veteran Shawn Hunt, the team of five lenders and nine support staff provides individualized advice and service essential for their clients’ to achieve their financial goals more efficiently.

The McLean Mortgage Team specializes in primary home, down-payment assistance programs, as well as mortgages for second homes, investment properties, construction loans and home refinancing. Serving the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware, the team has been recognized with many accolades, including the top 1% mortgage originators in America and winning awards in Coastal Style’s Best Of Readers’ Poll each year since 2016.

“The dream of home ownership is a big one for many, and to be a small part of getting a client to that dream makes every transaction worth it,” said Shawn. “Each scenario is different, so we get to be creative and have real conversations about goals and budgets and working with a client to achieve this is very satisfying.”

The McLean Mortgage Team takes pride in assisting anyone with a goal of home ownership, whether it be one’s first home, a beautiful beach condo as a second home or an income-producing investment property.

“Our team treats every transaction as if it was our own, and we stand beside our clients every step of the way,” Shawn said.

MCLEAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION | 667-330-1540 | MCLEANMORTGAGE.COM/EASTERN-SHORE

FACES OF REAL ESTATE & LENDING EXPERTS

Power in Numbers

WITH MORE THAN THREE DECADES

OF SUCCESS AND EXPERIENCE TO ITS CREDIT, THE LEE ANN WILKINSON GROUP PRODUCES TOP RESULTS FOR CLIENTS

For over 30 years, Lee Ann Wilkinson has been a top real estate agent in Lewes, focusing on bringing buyers and sellers together all over Sussex County, Delaware.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The University of Delaware, Lee Ann returned home to Lewes and decided to join in the family real estate business (now Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Gallo Realty, with offices in Lewes, Rehoboth and Bethany).

Upon the completion of her first real estate sale, Lee Ann realized that matching buyers with homes was something that she truly enjoyed and for which she possessed a unique talent. Since that day, it’s been her professional mission to align home buyers with their perfect property and to help sellers achieve the fastest sale for the very best price.

The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group consistently ranks as the No. 1 sales team in Delaware and is No. 3 nationally for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The Lee Ann Wilkinson Group is ready to assist you as the team with proven results, having sold 511 homes in 2021 — more than a house per day. Each of Lee Ann’s listing receives a comprehensive professional photography, videography and staging package.

Stop in and see them. They look forward to working together with you to find you your ideal property in beautiful Sussex County.

THE LEE ANN WILKINSON GROUP OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES GALLO REALTY | 888-770-6664 | LEEANNGROUP.COM

SEASIDE SOPHISTICATION

CUSTOMIZING A WEST OCEAN CITY TOWNHOME RESULTED IN A TRULY PERSONALIZED RESIDENCE THAT SPEAKS TO THE KARABERIS FAMILY’S LIFESTYLE, DESIGN PREFERENCES 2AND HOW THEY EMBRACE THEIR SECOND HOME

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Krista Valliant

BEFORE

SOOTHING PALETTE The Karaberis home is awash in grays and creams, with some blue accents, creating a serene vibe throughout.

Casual elegance — soft yet sophisticated, relaxed yet refined — is the aesthetic at the Karaberis home in West Ocean City, where canal and ocean views offer an ever-changing, breathtaking backdrop. Michelle and Will purchased a threebedroom, four-bathroom townhouse that was fully finished, and they wanted to make their own mark on the residence.

“We wanted it to be different, and it’s very visually open because of the floor plan,” Michelle says. “We didn’t want anything in the home to take away from the outdoor space. We see the ocean, the inlet, the Ferris wheel — it’s stunning.”

They partnered with Ethan Allen interior designer Susan Alessi, based in Talsand, MD, and began making custom selections for their second home amid the pandemic, which prompted delivery delays and resulted in a two-year process of fully completing the design.

AFTER

Dream • Remodel • Build

Remodels Additions Decks

Turn your dreams, ideas and vision into more. As the Eastern Shore’s premier remodeling, addition and decking experts, we ’ re here and ready to help you make it happen. To demonstrate that, we ’ll include complimentary drawing and drafting of your project, so you can start to see your dreams become reality.

410-546-4711

TylerBuildingCo.com

Will & Nikki Tyler

Founders & Owners

From fixtures to window treatments, furniture to textiles and accessories, not a square foot of the home was overlooked. While the couple aimed for a minimalist vibe, the attention to detail is unmistakable. Every piece was intentionally selected and most customized to suit the Karaberises’ lifestyle and taste.

“We went room by room and did the whole house together,” Michelle says of the importance of creating a cohesive, flowing result. Here’s how they accomplished it.

A Soothing Color Palette The Karaberis home is awash in grays and creams, with some blue accents. Glass accents and furniture in some spaces allow the eye to travel without interruption, which is the case with the dining table, side and coffee tables, and some shelving. Patterned drapery adds texture and interest, and luxurious fabrics in varying shades of gray are inviting and lend warmth. For instance, bedding of Belgium velvet in the guest room includes crushed velvet pillows. Furniture is finished in shagreen, a type of untanned shark rawhide. Bringing in a wide range of textures adds depth to a relatively monochromatic color palette.

A Focus on Fixtures Eye-popping light fixtures throughout the home truly personalize each room and make a statement. Case in point: a stainless-steel starburst chandelier in the dining room can be seen from the exterior. “When you are at the back of the house, looking up, it’s one of the focal points you see when the light is on — a big ball of spikes,” Michelle relates. Drum pendants in cream with silver crisscross detail hang over the kitchen island. In seating areas, matching table and floor lamps offer symmetry and balance.

Built to Live In The Karaberises’ home is beyond beach house and more than a vacation home. It’s a second residence the family enjoys as often as possible. Especially during the pandemic, while their son was homeschooling online, the family could simply live in the space to determine how they wanted to furnish and finish it. It’s designed to accommodate entertaining — and that includes their son’s friends, for sleepovers and gaming.

In the “play area” family room, the space is outfitted with cozy leather couches in dark gray (forgiving for spills); two sofa beds offer places for guests. Game systems are stowed in a console. A separate seating cluster in this room features two side chairs in a graysuede hide. It opens up to the pool. “So, it’s great, because when you get out of the pool, you’re walking right into that gathering space,” Michelle says. FORM AND FUNCTION

Drum-pendant light fixtures in cream with silver crisscross detail preside over the kitchen island. In seating areas, a matching table and floor lamps offer balance and symmetry.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT While the

Karaberises aimed for a minimalist vibe, the attention to detail is conspicuous.

The kitchen is set for cooking and gathering. “I like to entertain, and when my son and husband are not in the kitchen, the open space allows us to be together; it’s a homey feel,” Michelle says.

Wired for Fun Will Karaberis retrofitted the residence into a smart house that’s truly “plug and play,” with a Control4 home-automation system. Everything from TVs to the alarm system, doorbell, light switches and speakers and beyond can be controlled from a smartphone. It includes state-of-the-art camera systems.

“I’m a big music guy, so when I wake up and turn on the music, I can incorporate that into the entire house,” he says. Every floor includes 14 speakers inside and out. “You can take the remote controls from the XBox to any TV and use it,” he says. “If you want to listen to a sports game while you are cooking and moving around on the first floor, you can have the game play in every room on that floor.”

While the couple was waiting for furnishings to arrive, Will got to work on the smart system, which was an extensive process of ripping into some ceilings and drilling to place wiring. Because he owns a restoration company, he enlisted in an electrician colleague, and they completed the project. The entire system is connected to a VPN. “So, there is pretty much no way anyone can hack into it,” he says.

Home automation is especially convenient because of the Karaberises’ frequent travel and because their West Ocean City residence is not a primary home. Will says, “The doorbells ring directly to our cellphones, and no matter where we are in the world, we can accept packages, open the garage, you name it.”

Partnering With a Designer Enlisting in an interior designer to assist with selections and guide the process was essential, Michelle says. “Having the right designer is everything — someone who can take your vision, understand it and know what pieces would work for you. Someone who gets your style.”

Michelle’s advice: If necessary, wait to invest in the look you truly desire. “Trust the process, and never settle for things you don’t really want.” CS

Custom Appeal

A COASTAL RESIDENCE AND RETREAT IN WEST OCEAN CITY’S GLENRIDDLE FARM MAXIMIZES WATER VIEWS WHILE ACCOMMODATING FAMILY

Written by Kristen Hampshire | Photography by Grant L. Gursky

A beach home and full-time residence, a family gathering place and coastal getaway. The Ward family went into the home-design/build process with multiple missions for a West Ocean City residence that would be a permanent address with vacation vibes.

The hunt began with lots of drives, followed by a spontaneous conversation with a GlenRiddle Farm resident who raved about builder Mike Poole of Poole Contracting & Consulting. Stacy and John Ward took her tip and were soon touring the neighborhood of open lots to find a destination.

“Mike Poole was so helpful in giving us ideas of what type of house could go on a certain lot and how we could best utilize the waterfront space,” says Stacy, a Realtor who went into the project with a mind full of ideas from the countless homes she had toured.

“We needed two main suites — one for my mother-in-law, who lives here full-time, and one for my husband and me,” she says, adding to the punch list a suite for her teenage daughter, Charlotte, along with a fully appointed guest room with a full bath.

Capturing water views was a priority, so the family decided on a three-story home with a garage/mudroom entry on the first level, main level with an open kitchen and living space flowing into a screened in deck with an open-air sunning area, and a third floor that houses two primary suites and includes outdoor access.

SOMETHING TO BUILD ON Custom built-ins by

Poole Contracting’s team of carpenters enhance the overall seamless vibe while representing purposeful additions to the space.

“We live on the screened-in porch, have family over and hang out in the kitchen. It’s a place to be together.”

The aesthetic is coastal, warm and modern, with clean lines, crisp whites, soft grays and pops of color and pattern, such as the powder room’s whimsical dragon wallcovering. The kitchen includes a custom-built, walk-in pantry equipped to house appliances, which Stacy appreciates, as it keeps the countertops clear.

Custom build-in cabinetry flanks the fireplace, and artisan moldings throughout the home reflect the craftsmanship of Poole and his team, Stacy says. “He understood our style and pays attention to all the details,” she adds, pointing to how cabinetry is illuminated. “And he was great about telling us where it makes sense to spend and where to save.”

Mike and his team at Poole Contracting & Consulting have been in business for 21 years, focused on coastal custom homes. “We’ve never built the same house twice,” Poole says. The home will be highlighted on the Sand Castle Home Tour September 29 and 30 in person and September 29-October 31 virtually. SHORE VIBES

The Wards’ home expresses a clean and coastal aesthetic, with pops of color and a sense of whimsy.

Indeed, the custom appeal resulted in an ideal home for the Wards. It’s a permanent residence, a place where her daughter and family can make beach memories. Stacy says, “We live on the screened-in porch and have family over and hang out in the kitchen. It’s a place to be together.” CS

20 North Main Street Downtown Berlin, Maryland

JEWELRY STORE

2019-2021

2021

Voted Best Jewelry Store in Worcester County

Way To Go, Denise!

Photo by Grant L. Gursky

Longtime TidalHealth Foundation President Denise Billing, the most successful leader of the fundraising arm of the health system, having generated more than $51 million in donations during her tenure, recently retired after 21 years of service. The funds have led to the creation of new service lines, the expansion and renovation of existing services, the purchase of cutting-edge medical technology and equipment and the creation of new patient care structures on the TidalHealth Peninsula Regional campus, including the Layfield Tower and medical campuses in Ocean Pines and Millsboro. TidalHealth, its foundation, dignitaries, community members and family celebrated her many accomplishments June 10 at Yard Designs, Inc. headquarters in Salisbury. Among the honors and proclamations bestowed upon Denise that day was the naming of Denise Billing Way, which encompasses The Giving House on the healthcare campus, where she worked. Former TidalHealth Foundation Chair Leighton Moore, upper left, Foundation board member Bryan LeCompte, second from left, and TidalHealth President/CEO Steven Leonard, right, presented Denise with a commemorative street sign. CS