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From the best spots for sunsets to the best “digs” for donuts in the Ocean State!
Rhode Island sunsets are ones to savor. I make it an almost weekly activity to seek them out to capture and internalize. We are replete with countless great spots to capture them here in Rhode Island. My favorite areas are a few hidden spots in Barrington; one of which is featured in my preview image, and the more public spots like the Barrington beach! The late winter, early spring sunsets at Barrington Beach are magical! Perhaps they seem so vibrant because I am so desperate for sunshine and light and warmth at that time of year!!! Truth be told, I thought Rhode Island was the sole winner in the stellar sunsets competition but this past winter, I learned of another AMAZING location to catch sunsets. Now this area is more than your “pack a snack per bridge crossing” type of distance since it is ALL the way up in Seabrook, NH but rest assured it is worth the trip!!! While spending 6 months up in Seabrook in a tiny 2 bedroom beach hut with 2 large hockey players I made it my JOB to catch every single sunset that I could. I dressed like it was Antarctica, grabbed my phone and hit the beach. Worth it every single time. In fact, I have never seen a sunset that wasn’t “worth it.” I am a huge believer in relishing and cherishing each day and sunsets to me are vivid reminders of just how magical each day we get to receive, truly is. Eager to get the inside scoop on some of the best locales in RI to catch the sunset? Check out this great article in the Providence Journal for the details.
Now along with the sunsets we also are in “Boss Mode” with all things food-related. Whether it’s Federal Hill for Italian or the new food emporium “sprouting” on Sims Ave near India Point for all things fresh and local, PVD and RI as a whole have a plethora of amazing dining experiences to take advantage of. Whether it’s seafood in Bristol, Narragansett or Galilea or steaks Downtown, or plant-based delicacies at Plant City PVD or Rhody Roots in Warren, there is something to satiate every palate here in Little Rhody. Have a hankering for breakfast treats? Try the crepes at Cafe Water St in Warren, like my family did this morning or head to Bagels Etc in Barrington or PVD Bagel for incredible bagels and morel! Are donuts calling your name? Well then head to the following link to get your fill! https://www.providencejournal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/06/12/5-delish-donut-shops-range-old-school-gourmet-ri/7626146002/
Stay well friends and keep shopping, dining, and supporting local and make time for those sunsets!!!F
“Baby, Light My Way”……
Exciting news about a plan to light up the rusty Crook Point Bascule Bridge that’s been frozen in time in an upright position for decades. It’s an image that is emblazoned in many a native Rhode Islander’s mind and heart with many wishing it would come down and others, like myself regarding it with fondness due to its quirkiness and its nod to the olden days and the warmth that feeling of familiarity creates. To me it’s “up there” with the Big Blue Bug on 95 and the pineapple that welcomes you to Federal Hill; a trifecta of symbols that scream “pure Little Rhody.”
To come up with a plan to do something with this iconic image, an 11 member jury reviewed entries in a contest held to elicit a design plan. The one that “outshone” the others, not only will light up the bridge but more importantly the areas and communities around it. Plans are in the works for parks on both sides of the bridges, an enclosure at the mouth of the East Side Rail Tunnel and a canal crossed by mini bridges on the east bank. After just learning yesterday about plans in the works for an incredible new restaurant called Honeybird to open near the Henderson Bridge nearby, I see great things happening in this area which spans from the East Side over to East Providence.
To those with the desire and the fire to “think outside the box” and proactively come up with a vision for a RI element that has remained stagnant for years??? This native Rhode Islander leans on Bono in saying “Baby, Light my Way…….the Rhody Way!”
Are you ready for summer adventures in RI?
It’s been a long time coming. We’ve waited long and hard for just a glimpse of the “yellow” light to live a little, to socialize, to explore, to get outside of our homes and into nature, into this beautiful spot we call Rhode Island. For the past 16 months many of us have felt like the day would never come. Would we ever be able to go to the beach again or to a bar or to a concert? When would be be able to experience the feeling of getting into your car at the end of the day sunburned and salty, spreading sand beneath all the seats in the car during the ride home? When would we be able to hop on bikes, hit the East Bay bike path and grab a medium watermelon from Del’s with a pretzel stick propped in the cup? We questioned if it would return. We worried that it may not. We are skeptical now that it is “here.” Heck I still WON’T believe I am going to my 17th DMB show until I am at the Dave Matthews concert with a Bud Light in my hand. Only then will I truly believe it.
Be that as it may, we DO have the “go ahead” to get back on the ice….to live like we love living and gosh darn-it we need to do it with pure passion and reverence. Now more than ever we realize that the multitude of “gifts” we have right here in Little Rhody are truly remarkable and precious. Born and raised here, I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by the natural beauty forever yet its impact on me is still felt daily. Whether it’s the rise and fall of the tide here in the Barrington harbor or the quaint , neighborly vibe of Water Street in Warren, I am cognizant every day of just how replete with beauty this tiny, “37 by 48 miles in size” little Ocean State is.
With our food scene being on par in the “amazing quotient” with that of our coastline and our charming vibe, I implore you to take on the challenge of engaging in as many dining adventures as you can. The wait has been longer than that of getting your number called at the DMV and by golly YOU deserve to dive all in to that which sweet Rhode Island offers.
So take always inspiring Providence Journal food writer Gail Ciampa’s lead and get after it Rhody Style!!!
It’s a bit like the Wild West in the RI Real Estate Market!
This real estate market is indeed like the “Wild West” as referenced by this timely article in today’s Journal. It’s a market requiring both buyers and sellers to grab ahold of the reins tightly for it’s a market of high velocity and one in which the risk of getting “spooked” is real. It’s a market that requires clever, creative , protective yet appealing and strong offers on behalf of buyers ; especially when buyers are sellers.
With homes receiving multiple offers by day three the question of where will the seller will go is a real one as is the anxiety associated therein. It can be done however and is being done via rent-backs and the “subject to sellers finding suitable housing” addendum. It can be done with relative ease in a market where the transaction time period has been accelerated , inspections are waived / minimal and appraisals are being ordered efficiently. I listed a house recently and on the day we went under contract my sellers submitted an offer on a home they fell in love with the day prior, while I was on day two of 30 showings on their home. We went under contract and immediately made an offer on the other home. Offer accepted. Knowing we had strong buyers on our end with limited contingencies our offer, with strong terms AND a Hubbard was accepted. Can it be done ? Yes! The result of which is elated sellers who are also buyers ! It’s a beautiful thing!
Click the link below to learn of some of the measures sellers and buyers are taking to maximize the “attractiveness” of their offers in this crazy market!
Market Value vs. Market Price. Do you know the difference?
In real estate, many agents suggest that it all comes down to price. It is true that a property sells just because of price? What about the value component? As a Realtor I will determine a market price without viewing the property based on comparables and market data. Then I determine a market value once viewing and assessing all the benefits, the condition of the property and external market data. The two terms definitely influence each other.
Market price is what a willing, ready and able buyer will pay for a property AND what a seller will accept for it. The transaction that takes place determines the market price, which will then influence the market value of future sales.
Price is determined by local supply and demand , the property’s condition and what other similar properties have sold for without adding in the value component.
The major difference between the two is that market value, in the eyes of the seller, may be much more than what a buyer will pay for the property or its true market price. Value can create demand which can influence price. But without the demand function, value alone cannot influence price. As we are seeing in our current market, as supply decreases and demand increases, the price will rise and value will influence price. Interesting to note that in a balanced market, market value and market price and be equal.
5 design moves that Christina Haack from HGTV’s “Flip or Flop” has ditched in favor of some hot new style moves…..
I love all of that which she has ditched!!!
Christina Haack of “Flip of Flop” reveals 5 older trends (which may or may not be witnessed at the Huard household) that could stand to be left behind and replaced with some more appealing finishes! With so many homeowners choosing to improve their current living situation via a move or a renovation, these tips are timely and useful. They are also rather moderate in nature which heightens the “do-ability” factor. It’s one thing to admire a trend that is attractive and appealing and it’s another to know that it’s obtainable! Click below to read the article featuring 5 trends that perhaps you want to put in the rear view mirror much like the past 16 months! Stay well and reach out to me for any real estate advice or assistance! I love what I do and I’m here to do it for YOU!
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/check-out-christina-haacks-changing-style/
The RI real estate market “temp” is on par with the elevated temps we are enjoying there in the Ocean State. SPF 70 required!
It’s front page news and “front and center” for buyers and sellers engaged in this high velocity real estate market here in Rhode Island. Homes being listed competitively are closing at prices well over asking. Multiple offers with minimal contingencies ruling the day for buyers eager to hear those ever elusive, highly coveted “Offer Accepted” words.
With 6 closings upcoming I can attest that there is nothing “slow” or moderate about this market. The Providence Journal released an article highlighting just how elevated and intense this market is and it shows no signs of slowing down. The lack of inventory is not likely to change significantly enough to make an impact, for quite some time. Between the cost of materials to build, and the “catch 22” of folks having nowhere to move to, it will be a while before this market moderates. Experts are predicting continued strength for at least the next two years before it moderates. With loans being more strictly regulated AND the advantageous interest rates, buyers are very well fortified as contenders in this seller’s market. They are well qualified and they simply can afford “more home” due to how low their monthly payments are. So while prices are sky high, buying power is also at an all-time high.
It’s a market where agency of utmost competency is key and pure fortitude and drive is needed on behalf of agents and their Realtor. While it may take more offers than before, winning bids to get that home you desire is most certainly doable and this former athlete runs on pure compete!
Meet Matthew King of Taco Box Trailer in Warren, RI. Huge small business love felt by this Realtor and resident
Sponsoring the Parkbench
https://parkbench.com/blog/taco-box-trailer-food-drink-barrington-matthew-king
Oh me oh my, it’s Warren, RI!
Have you been to adorable and endearing Warren, RI lately? It’s that little haven right between Barrington and Bristol….Do you know the one? The one where you can bike to Del’s on the East Bay Bike Path, grab some hot weiners at Rod’s Grille by the old Jamiels or head down to Water Street for some of the best eats around? Yes it’s that little spot of which I speak!
What used to be a cut through en route to Bristol is now a destination of growing magnitude! Have you heard of all those amazing new food trucks and pop-up shops and farm- to- table eateries popping up over the East Bay and PVD? Well many of them got their start right HERE in Warren at the culinary/ entrepreneur think tank/kickstarter known as Hope & Main. The notion of every great product starts from one great idea is proof positive with Hope & Main where many of RI’s most innovative and popular food destinations have their origins.
Warren truly is a tiny town that has it all; wonderful restaurants, waterfront homes, art galleries and boutiques, an adorable beach, a clam shack/ seafood company rockstar known as Blount Seafood, all with a quirky vibe destined to remain uniquely Warren’s. So take a stroll over to Warren via the ” bridges” or bike on in via the East Bay Bike Path and stroll down Water St and prepare to be amazed. While you’re there? Take a trip to the Huard Household’s Warren fave known as the Taco Box Trailer. It’s located right behind the Del’s…How’s that for “Native Rhody” directions?
How to LEGALLY avoid Capital Gains Tax!!!!
Great article by BiggerPockets ( one of my faves to follow ) on how to legally avoid capital gains tax. Looking to have up $250 k as a single filer or $500 k as a married couple, exempt from the capital gains tax burden? Read below for specific ownership conditions that need to be met.
