231_maple_-_kitchen_400231 Maple Ave. Newport, RI

Every once in awhile there's a distressed sale that really stands out as an amazing value. 231 Maple Ave. Newport is such a property.

Here's the skinny: It was the developer's model unit; it's big, 3 bedrooms, in perfect condition and the numbers work as an investment. This one has it all, and the price is now under $130,000 with an assessed value of almost $350,000!

Enjoy:

• LOCATION
• AFFORDABILITY
• PRIMO CONDITION

For everyone who thought AFFORDABLE living in Newport was impossible, think again. This new, centrally located, 1,500s.f. 3bd, 3ba townhouse complete with fireplace, fully finished walk-out basement, updated appliances AND low association fees is truly a steal!

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buy_vs_rent_chart_400To Buy or To Rent? A tool to help you decide.

Many factors enter into the decision to rent or buy a RI home including the anticipated rate of appreciation, anticipated rent increases, your tax bracket and how long you expect to stay. If you're wrestling with this common real estate decision, take a look at this Rent vs Buy calculator. It's one of the best ones out there because it rolls every possible permutation into a tidy little graph and a one sentence conclusion.

So plug in your numbers, and see what's best for you. If it turns out that buying is the way to go... well, you know where to find me!

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Photo of Punxsutawney PhilPunxsutawney Phil - Correct 40% of the Time

"Is this the bottom?" the buyer asked.

"Yes." I replied. "Yes, it is, and there will be 6 more weeks of winter too." Like Punxsutawney Phil, I make predictions at this time of year. Unlike Phil, I actually consider the indicators.  I'm pretty confident I can best his 40% success rate. (source: National Climatic Data Center)

Here are a few reasons I believe we may actually be at or near the bottom - offered with WAY more authority than Phil's suggestion of a prolonged winter.

1. In 2011 outstanding mortgage balances went down $30B every month. Steady, sustained improvement means momentum. Momentum is what pulls you out of troughs like this.

2. Job gains are accelerating. January brought 243,000 new…

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