Sussex County’s coastal Delaware is a dream destination for many retirees, especially those who grew up visiting its beaches and wildlife areas – home to the ever-watchful osprey. The osprey, a skilled predator, is known for spotting opportunity from above and striking with precision. Sadly, some big builders have adopted that same opportunistic instinct, preying on dreams of a perfect retirement.
They market resort-style communities packed with enticing coastal amenities – from a bay beach and kayak launch to a marina and waterside infinity pool. But what if some of those amenities could never be built? What if the ones they could build look nothing like the glossy brochures? What if the builder knew this all along?
That’s exactly what’s happened and happening in at least one local community here in Rehoboth. Buyers were sold a vision of idyllic coastal living, only to learn too late that much of what they were promised was either impossible or never intended to belong to the community itself.
A beach with direct water access? Prohibited by state and federal wetlands protections.
A deep-water marina? Impossible in these shallow waters.
A pristine, vegetation-free shoreline? It’s federally protected and off limits to clearing.
A waterside infinity pool? Denied by every regulatory agency.
Despite knowing these amenities couldn’t be delivered, the builder pushed forward, using them to inflate home prices and lure in unsuspecting buyers. Worse, they concealed these facts from buyers; facts that should have been disclosed through the required Delaware New Construction Seller Disclosure. Buyers were left unaware they were purchasing into a fantasy.
Here’s the hard truth: Big builders push legal boundaries until someone stops them. When caught, they gladly take a slap on the wrist and do it again.
What can you do? Don’t rely on brochures or sales pitches. Ask tough questions. Demand written promises with clear timelines and required approvals spelled out. Review official site plans yourself. And remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The osprey may be a predator, but it’s also a keen-eyed survivor. Be like the osprey; spot the warning signs before you become the prey.
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