Spring is in the Air I Smell the Ocean

There are sure tell tale signs that spring is coming. For the first time in months the pond isn't frozen, the temperature reached about 50 degrees and when I walked out the door I smelled the ocean. Other signs are telling me spring is right around the corner also.

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine went clamming and gave me some of the bounty. He is a brave soul he even clams in the winter and it can get real cold. The clams were so sweet and delicious. I did have to share them with my dog. Crazy thing she loves clams and raw quahogs. Thank you my friend.

We also had our first claim boil of the season. Think we are trying to get this spring thing on or what? Have you ever had a clam boil? It is one of the best one pot meals going. Basically you get potatoes, onions, hot dogs, sausage, chourice, and clams (maybe if you have been really good you put in some lobsters). Layer in a pot in that basic order spice with garlic, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper add a little water in the bottom of the pan and let it boil til the hot dogs plump and the clams open.

One last sign for me is no matter how warm a day I still have the heat in car on high. Even when I think to myself: Wow, I'm a little warm I don't turn it down. I can't wait to hear everyone complaining about how hot it is. We New Englanders love to complain about the weather. Part of our charm I guess.

So Spring is sneaking up on us and Summer will be here in a flash so this post is all about salt waterfront living in Newport County Rhode Island. I know we are the smallest state in the Union but we are not as small as one might think and when it comes to seaside fun there is a lot of ground to cover.

The Towns of Newport County

Jamestown An Island Community in Narragansett Bay: Jamestown is a small island in the middle of Narragansett Bay. It is approximately 9 miles long and 1 mile wide. Wonderful ocean views and island scenery make this area a desirable summer vacation destination.

Little Compton Is a rural-farming community and home of the famous Rhode Island Red (a breed of fowl). There are currently 3 salt waterfront properties listed at prices from $650,000.00 - 7,900,000.00.

Middletown is known for it’s exceptional beaches, diverse cultural heritage and outstanding quality of life. There are currently 4 salt waterfront properties listed at prices from $4,999,000.00 - 9,750,000.00

Newport The City by the Sea: watch the video There are currently 4 salt waterfront properties listed at prices from $1,499,00.00 - 9,900,000.00

Portsmouth a traditional New England coastal charm is allied with dynamic business attitudes. There are currently 24 salt watetfront properties listed at prices from $239,000.00 - 6,999,000.00 15 of which are listed under $600,000.00.

Tiverton in recent years has grown as a summer resort and residential area. There are 15 salt waterfront properties listed at prices from $450,000.00 - 2,750,000.00 4 of which are listed under $600,000.00.

Each of these coastal communities are entitled to their bragging rights. They offer some spectacular views while maintaining a cozy, country lifestyle. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, or relaxing at one of the beautiful beaches reading a good book this is the place you want to be. Did I forget to mention the seafood? All I have to say is some of the BEST.

Check out the links in this post. There are some great photos, all the information you could want concerning each town. If you are planning a vacation to this part of Rhode Island the link for Newport County leads to a really nice web site with lodging, shopping, things to do, and events for each of these towns with the primary focus on Newport.

If you every wanted to live on the water front now is the time to be looking. Enjoy and discover Newport County Rhode Island. Next we will explore Bristol County Rhode Island salt water front living. Then on to Massachusetts.

Tiverton, RI - Nice Homes - Nice Price$

TIVERTON, RI

There are a few things in life I am passionate about:

FOOD - I love good food and trying new recipes. I think we are lucky in this area to have such a variety when it comes to food. We have seafood, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Greek, just to mention a few.

Small to Medium Size Business - I love to support small to medium size business. I have always had a great amount of respect for the owners of these businesses. Until you have one yourself you can't image the work it takes to keep a business running never mind the sleepless nights.

Music - There is nothing better than when you are driving and you hear all your favorite songs. I have a lot of them. Once somebody made me a tape (I know I'm dating myself) called Ooh, That's my Favorite Song.

Real Estate (saving the best for last) - I love looking at homes. Lately I have been noticing some really good prices. So not being able to hold back any longer I had to go look. For those of you who read my blogs it isn't a secret how I feel about Tiverton.

Here are my picks of the week:

2 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch -List Price $131,900.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 646

nice neighborhood, good size fenced in yard, up-dated kitchen, hardwood floors, full basement, deck, replacement windows, septic system installed in 2006. Pending

3 Bedroom 1 Bath Raised Ranch - List Price $149,000.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 1208

large yard, fenced in above ground pool area, dead end street, hardwood floors, up-dated bathroom, replacement windows, additional living area below, 2 stall garage, really nice deck, needs some work - no boiler or hot water tank. Sold

2 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch - List Price $159,000.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 850

completely renovated, nice corner lot offering a great yard, parking for 4, hardwood & ceramic floors, new windows & roof, new stainless steel appliances. If you are looking for this size home this is a must see. Pending

3 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch - List Price $190,000.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 1384

nice large yard (Lot SF 17,178), vinyl siding, hardwood floors, nice lighting fixtures, makes you say Wow, I noticed painting going on. Should see soon. Once painting is done this house would merit a price increase. Just my opinion. Pending

3 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch - List Price $225,000.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 1232

I love when you walk through the door and you say nice! Hardwood floors, fireplace, bright dining area with sliding doors, nice size bedrooms, bathroom off one of the bedrooms, 1 car garage with lots of extra storage space, big very clean basement. Well cared for home. Pending

Lets take a few more minutes to let you know about homes I drove by that I think you would be interested in seeing. I haven't seen the insides of these homes but if you are interested it could be arranged (if you are not currently in a contract with another agent). Of course you can see them but your agent would have to arrange the viewing.

2 Bedroom 1 Bath Cape Cod Style - List Price $144,900 - Above Grd Liv Area: 840 Pending

2 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch - List Price $189,900.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 748 Expired

3 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch - List Price $201,900.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 944 Same

2 Bedroom 1 Bath Cape Cod - List Price $218,000.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 910 Same

3 Bedroom 1 Bath Ranch - List Price $225,000.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 1216 Pending

3 Bedroom 3 Bath Contemporary - List Price $225,000.00 - Above Grd Liv Area: 1650 Below Grd Living Area: 1100 PENDING 2/3/09

So there you have it. Eleven homes priced $225,000.00 or less. I see you picking up those real estate books. If you want to view these properties or others and you are not in a contract or don't have a real estate agent call me at 401-369-1766 or e-mail at lgtiv@aol.com. I am always looking for properties for you.

Two Pending since I wrote this post.

Updated - 3/9/09

Updated - 3/25/09

There are many other great towns in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Which one should I explore next? Any requests?

Thank You,

Lisa Glowacki

Real Estate Broker RI & MA

Furniture Restoration in Rhode Island

If you have a piece of furniture in need of restoration or you see a piece of furniture that you love but is in horrible condition don't be afraid to purchase it. Mark Faris does exceptional restoration at an affordable price. The quality of an older piece of furniture by far surpasses the particle board construction of a new piece of furniture. The cost even after restoration is still a fraction of what it would cost to buy new.

Below you will see before and after photos of a hundred plus year old table that Mark has recently restored over the past few days.

If you would like to see more before and after photos of Mark's work please e-mail me at lgtiv@aol.com.

If you are looking to have piece restored you can reach Mark at (401) 624-6080.

Seal returns to the Sakonnet River - Tiverton, RI

It snowed again last night. But what a nice surprise to see that the seal had returned to the Sakonnet River. Almost every year this time we welcome the return of our salt water friend. Considering how much ocean we are surrounded by it is not often that you see these kind of animals in the Sakonnet River. So when our friend returns it makes me very happy and excited. I heard dolphins swam through the river last summer or maybe the summer before but unfortunately I missed them.

If you are near by you might want to come see the seal. It sits on the rocks just past Grinnell's Beach on Main Rd.

These are the best pictures I could get with my camera. It is days like this I wish I had a better camera (it is on the list).

While I have your attention let me give you a quick update on what is going on in Tiverton:

Two new public trails have recently opened at Weetamoe Woods. For more information about Weetamoe Woods go to Bill's Wild Outdoors or Tiverton Town Hall. There is also a 418 acre former dairy farm located in Tiverton called Eight Rod Farm Management Area where you can enjoy Canoeing, Freshwater Fishing, and Horseback Riding. It has be snowing so I would think it would also be nice for cross county skiing. Please check with RI DEM before Hiking, Horseback Riding, or possible cross country skiing this time of year to be sure it does not conflict with hunting season which includes deer hunting (archery & muzzle load only). It is stocked with pheasants during pheasant season and open to bird hunters. It is a great place to train your bird dog. Many hunters take advantage and take their dogs. FYI if you love these sports or this life style there is a nice property for sale abutting Eight Rod Farm Management Area (for more information please call me at (401) 369-1766 or e-mail lgtiv@aol.com.

No matter what the season there is always something to do in Tiverton. About a week ago I took my grand daughter for a ride to get her to nap. We ended up at Fogland Beach where there were wind surfers. I have to admit I left the warmth of car to take a stroll on the beach to find some treasures. The great thing about town is no matter what part of town you live in you are never far away to enjoy these places.

Maybe you should call Tiverton home or your vacation home town. There are homes in every price range. Currently there are 22 homes available under $240,000.00 (not including mobile homes and 55+ communities). I saw a cute two bedroom today with a list price of $137,900.00. 30 homes listed between $240,000.00-$350,000.00, 38 homes listed between $350,000.00-$550,000.00 (the one located near Eight Rod Farm falls in this price range) 22 homes listed between $550,000.00-$850,000.00 and 16 homes listed at $850,000.00 or more.

Information was obtained from the RI MLS.

Don't forget to come back often there are lots of nice towns that we will be visiting in the near future.

Lisa

Is It Really Day 7 of the New Year

Hi everyone. No I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. There has just been a lot of things going on and I just can't seem to catch up from the Holidays or maybe I am getting busier. So here is the run down so far:

January 1, 2009 - On my way to enjoy good times with my family and good food and I blew my transmission. A client contacted me interested in looking at some property (very nice).

January 3, 2009 - Viewed properties some interest. Gathering information.

January 4, 2009 - My e-mail got phished on one of my social networks. This is not nice at all and very unproductive. What is there really to gain by that kind of nonsense?

January 5, 2009 - Did some deliveries. Did I mention we also have an Antique business? We do all kinds of jobs including complete clean outs for properties (trash included). Still working on that potential sale. Oh yeah also had to change all my passwords due to phishing.

January 6, 2009 - Did a job in the morning. Second viewing of property.

January 7, 2009 - Off to town hall for more research of property. Trying to catch up on my blogging. More things I need to get done.

There is lots of news to share with you guys. Let me just quickly mention Avitech, Inc. has closed on the new location in Warren, RI. Hurray! Waiting for pictures on this project. I am sure you won't be disappointed.

So please be patient and keep coming back. There are a lot of good real estate buys and I will be sharing more information.

Thanks,

Lisa,
401-369-1766

Call me or fill out my form if you are interested in buying property. After all it is a New Year and we are all raring to go and I am feeling 2009 is going to be a good year. As always in closing - if you are currently in a contract with another real estate agent, broker, or real estate company this is not a solicitation.