Cool things to do and see in the coastal towns of Southern Rhode Island.

 

I am proud to announce I’m officially a homeowner. Finally!  I’ve been practicing real estate for nearly four years with the goal of purchasing my own
little slice of island paradise.  It was quite the experience for me to sit at the other end of the closing table; to sign that stack of papers, and feel what dozens of my buyers have undergone.  Here’s a bit about my experience:

 The Right Realtor

 I found the best realtor in town for me.  That was, of course, me, because I understand my needs and wants.  I wanted a multi family - 2 or 3 units, but at times I considered a single family I could turn around myself.  It can often be good to view products outside of your original needs and wants. This helped me realize my original decision for a two…

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UFO Display by Newport Boys & Girls Club

You could be forgiven for thinking we Newporters hibernate all winter with nothing to do.  You would be sorely mistaken, however, as winter activities abound here, including one of my glittery favorites, the Annual Illuminated Garden at Ballard Park which will take place February 21st, 22nd and 23rd from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.

Ballard Park is Newport's only nature Preserve.  It is supported by an active non-profit group, and every February the Friends of Ballard Park collect old Christmas lights, yards of extension cords, lampshades and other artsy materials in preparation for a really big outdoor show.  Local school groups, companies, artists, teachers and, well, just about anybody who wants to create a dazzling…

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Capitol Hill

The ball at Time Square wasn't the only thing that dropped last night.  The US economy took a cliff dive thanks to our elected officials on Capital Hill.  The so-called “fiscal cliff” has been looming for months.  The Senate threw out a life line passing a Bill on New Year’s Day but the House must ratify the Bill before it is presented to The President. 

So we’re not there yet, but here’s an outline from the current Bill explaining how it affects your real estate and what it means for 2013:

1. CAPITAL GAINS

-Capital Gains and dividends rose from 15% to 20% depending on your tax bracket.  Please keep in mind, the exclusion of $250,000 for singles and $500,000 for married couples is still in place, so as long as you’ve owned your home for at least…

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I am about to make a bold statement about the Newport, RI real estate market – a statement that’s been made nearly every year since 2006. This time, however, the evidence is strong, sustained and hard to refute, so here it goes:

 Newport's residential real estate market has finally, officially, turned a corner.

 If you don’t believe me, consider these Newport and Aquidneck Island real estate metrics from RI’s Multiple Listing Service.

2 Years Median price vs. inventory, Newport, RIMedian price vs. inventory, Newport, RI, 11/8/12

Iventory

The decrease in the number of homes on the market (the dark line) from fall 2011 to fall 2012 is startling!  Approximately 200 homes were on the market last fall versus 130 this fall! Down 35%. Take a look at this chart displaying 4 years of price vs.…

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Most children, at one time or another, dream of the perfect tree house. A place that they can hang out with friends and decorate to their liking - a place to call their own. If you have children, you may have at one time thought about building a play house for your kids.

Below are some charming, some amazing, and some truly creative play houses. Happy dreaming!

Simple Tree House Designs

If you are looking for simpler designs, something that will take an afternoon, not a summer, to complete, check out these cute tree house designs.

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This week I’ve been granted the amazing responsibility of watching my brother’s dog Finn while he and his family visit Arizona.  He’s a 6 month old Short Haired Wheaton Terrier.  I love dogs but I’ve never had the pleasure of owning one.  This week will be a nice trial to see if I could handle the responsibility and hopefully get one of my own!

Newport is a great city for dog lovers.  There are parks at nearly every corner, the Cliff Walk, downtown streets and beaches galore to entertain both you and your pup.  Many establishments in town have outdoor areas allowing you to enjoy everything Newport has to offer with your companion.  Just this past Sunday I had breakfast at Corner Café on Broadway with a friend.  Finn and I walked there from my house in…

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Newport, RI will be the final stop of the 2011-2012 America's Cup World Series from June 23 - July 1, 2012. Developed to expose millions of people to competitive high-performance racing, the new America's Cup professional circuit will conclude here in Newport bringing with it extensive international publicity, a welcome boost to the local economy and wonderful exposure for sellers of area real estate.

Unlike previous America's Cup races held off shore, current plans call for the Newport races to stay inside the Harbor with the start/finish line just off the shoreline. Spectator viewing areas will provide front row seats as world-class sailors compete in 9 state-of-the-art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans. The AC45 can achieve speeds over 35 mph, but is…

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Restaurant Week in Newport & Bristol, RI is March 25 - April 3, 2011!

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This popular, twice-annual event includes a fabulous selection of local restaurants offering three-course prix fix meals at exceptional prices: Lunch is $16 and Dinner is $30. (taxes and gratuity are extra) 

Check out this list of participating restaurants and menus and make your reservations now!

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Fig & Fois Gras at The White Horse Tavern

It's almost time for Restaurant Week! This much anticipated annual event has grown to include most of Newport and Bristol's fabulous dining establishments.

Each participating restaurant offers a three-course, prix fixe meal at the exceptional price of $16 for lunch and $30 for dinner (beverages, gratuities and taxes are additional). Reservations are a must, and seats fill up fast, so take a look at the participating restaurants and make your plan!

And, if you would like to look at a few homes while you're here, that would be OK too!

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