Rome Point, at the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, is the place to be to see Harbor Seals! I had some free time over the weekend and hiked out there to see the seals. Prime time is mid-March to mid-April, when you can see over 100 of these beautiful animals, before they migrate towards Maine and Nova Scotia. I did see about 45 seals laying in the sun on the rocks....a spectacular sight and opportunity. They have such beautiful faces! Go to www.romepointseals.org for some great information on their habits, best times for viewing (after low tide, they feed and swim and play!), and some great photographs too.

To get to Rome Point, take Route 1A to about 3/4 mile north of where 138 crosses Boston Neck Road on the west side of Narrragansett Bay. Before the main trail reaches the shoreline, a gravel road branches off to the left of the main path just past the power line crossing at the bottom of the hill. This pretty cedar-lined path runs parallel to the beach. This path is easier walking than the beach and is sheltered from the wind. All ages can make this walk. If you choose this path, bear right at the "Y" and right at the "T" to reach Rome Point. There's a chance you'll pass some other people with binoculars around their necks and you'll know you're going the right way. The distance from the parking area to Rome Point is about 1 1/4 miles and it is easy and flat. You can also walk straight down the main path, then walk left on the beach, although it becomes very rocky. When you reach Rome Point, look to the East towards Conanicut Island (Jamestown) and you'll see a rock outcropping known to local mariners as the Seven Sisters. The Harbor Seals will be hanging out and loving life.

-Dianne Grippi


401.423.2200
IslandRealtyRI.com 

Jamestown's sailing fans are thrilled! Newport, Rhode Island is the final stop in the inaugural America’s Cup World Series (AC World Series). The event will take place June 23 - July 1, 2012.

This major sailing event currently is planned to race inside Narragansett Bay. The start/finish line would be just off Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown.  Therefore, Jamestown will be the perfect place for spectators to watch the racing, as will the area along Newport's coast near Ft. Adams. This regatta will allow the public to see the world's top sailors compete in wing sailed catamarans. This is the first time these high-tech boats will be raced on the east coast.

On January 19, the RI Association of Realtors issued a press release that single family homes sold in December (2011) increased 19% from a year ago. This was the 6th consecutive month of year over year increases! Pending sales (homes that are under contract but not yet closed), rose 17% from the year before.

Incredibly low interest rates, increased affordability and buyer demand are all given as reasons for the increase.

Having lived through the endless consumer retail sales reports of the "holidays", beginning on Black Friday and ending just before the new year, I think the "attitude" of the public is more upbeat, more hopeful, and more willing to spend than in years past.

So much of what we each do is motivated by how we "feel" and then what we say to each other in conversation about our "feelings"........ so I rejoice in this upbeat January 19 report. 

Spread the word. There is good real estate news. Let's keep it going.

 
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IslandRealtyRI.com

Choosing paint colors for your home may seem overwhelming. When we Googled  “colors for your home”,  we found a wide variety of information on the topic, so check it out. We found an interesting take regarding paint and it's effects on mood, so here is some information we gathered from the pros.

Color affects people in different ways. It can affect one’s energy level, temperament and even appetite. Before you paint a room, think about what mood you would like the room to evoke and go with colors that tend to create that mood.

Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow)

Warm colors invoke images of heat. Red is often associated with energy. It has been shown to speed respiration and heart rate.  Red is a good choice for a dining room, where it can stimulate conversation. In an entryway, it can make a strong first impression. Orange is a color of excitement. This is a great color for an exercise room. Yellow indicates happiness and cheer.  This is a welcoming color and is good for kitchens, halls or small spaces where it can make the room feel larger. But be careful as you can have too much of it and actually create negative feelings. It is the most fatiguing color on the eyes. Pair yellow walls with a white ceiling and moldings.

Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple)

Cool colors tend to create a tranquil, serene mood. Blue has been found to slow respiration and bring down heart rate. It is a calming color, good for bathrooms and bedrooms, or large rooms where people gather. Be careful as blue can come across as too chilly (some pastels) or depressing (some dark shades). Green is the most restful color on the eye. It is a good choice for just about any room. Purple indicates creativity or luxury. It's a great accent color.

Neutrals (White, Brown, Gray)

Neutrals have great flexibility. They are good foundations for any room, especially for rooms that showcase detailing in accessories and furniture. Neutrals are also a useful complement to some bolder wall colors so they don’t seem too extreme or overpowering.

Good Luck! 

Information gathered from http://freshome.com/2007/04/17/room-color-and-how-it-affects-your-mood/



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IslandRealtyRI.com 

*TIP: With the start of the new year, it is a good time to get on an annual schedule of changing the batteries in your smoke alarm. Batteries need to be changed at least once per year and the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

The NFPA and U.S Fire Administration have lots of information on fire safety and tips.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!






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IslandrealtyRI.com 

We are thankful for our families, friends and clients!

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2012!



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IslandRealtyRI.com

This story should serve as a cautionary tale for all of us. As part of the Island Realty "On Call" emergency service offered to our yearly and winter Landlords, I try to be proactive whenever possible.

I was recently working with a Naval War College family that will be arriving here next August. As part of that process, I suggested the prospective tenant speak directly with the current military tenant to get first hand information about the pros and cons of the house they were considering. Coincidentally, it is one of the properties that participate in the "On Call" program. During that conversation, the current tenant remarked that the dryer took significantly longer than expected to dry clothes. This was relayed to me by the prospective tenant as a very minor issue that wouldn't effect their decision, and both the current and future tenants were somewhat contrite for even mentioning it.

Over the years I've learned that there are only two issues, other than a broken tumbler belt, that would cause the dryer to run long; a burnt out heating element or lint clogging the dryer duct. It's the latter that got my immediate attention. Once I was told that the dryer heats up, I knew there was fire danger, and requested the tenant not use it until the duct was checked.

The next day, the contractor I brought to the house replaced the old duct, having discovered that a long section of it was bunched up behind the dryer. The old duct weighed about 20 pounds (which should have been less than one pound), had a passageway of about an inch and was completely clogged at the exit vent from the house. It was just a matter of time before a lint fire would have started, and very few materials burn hotter.

It's a good idea to regularly check the dryer duct for lint, but if you begin to notice that it's taking longer than usual to dry the load, you now know where to look before it is too late.

Dan Shapiro

Rental Specialist


401.423.2200
islandrealtyri.com 

If you’re like me and want to save both money and energy, you might contact Rise Engineering.  They came out to my home this week and did a free energy assessment.  I live in an older home, but they are full of information for all homeowners.  They work with National Grid and provided me with many tips on how to keep my costs affordable and my home comfortable.  

We walked around the entire house, inside and outside, and the energy specialist they sent over even went into my eaves, attic and crawlspace! He discussed insulation and air sealing to reduce drafts, cleaning my radiators, window replacements, water heaters that can be upgraded to solar, appliances (mine already have Energy Star ratings!), programmable thermostats and gave me some new Energy Star compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) which use 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs.  There are many programs and rebates available to homeowners to help you in your energy conservation endeavors.
 

In Rhode Island, call 1-888-633-7947 to schedule an appointment.  It took about two weeks for me from the time I contacted them, and was well worth it.  I should be getting a full written report from them soon, and will be able to plan exactly where I want to begin with their advice.  To learn more about reducing energy usage in your home, check out www.powerofaction.com/efficiency.  Protect your investment! Get smart about energy! I did!

-Dianne Grippi 


401.423.2200
islandrealtyri.com 

I grew up in Jamestown. I hope by now at 51, I can call myself a native. My family lived in many houses here on the island. The consistent “home” for me in my life was The Harborview Nursing Home. It was located on Conanicus Avenue where the Harborview Condominiums now exist. My grandparents turned what was once the Harborview Inn into a nursing home in 1950 and my parents took over the business in 1968 until sadly, it closed in 1975. I loved being there. As a young child, I was nurtured and loved by many Senior Citizens. There was the lady who shared her love of reading with me, the gentleman who always had a special piece of caramel candy for me, the lady who took me on the ferry to Newbury’s in Newport for an ice cream soda, and many more sweet and wise people that “looked out” for me. When I was 11, I carried trays for the evening meal and when I was 13, I cooked for them. 

My life has kept me here on this beautiful island. This upcoming year, I will celebrate my 25^th year as a Realtor. I have come full circle in a very special way, bringing me back to having the pleasure of working with many Senior Citizens in my field. It is my goal to help them make the often very difficult transition of selling their home and moving to a new place as easy as possible. My love and respect towards Seniors guides me to always take the necessary time with patience and kindness to listen to their needs and assist them in the entire process. I often find myself leaving a two hour coffee jam session with them realizing that I have so much to learn about life, but feel blessed that I can listen to their stories and wisdom. It is my wish in this upcoming year, to spend more time with Seniors. I hope you can too.

-Carol 

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islandrealtyri.com 

Next month, the Jamestown Community Theatre will put on six performances of the classic “The Wizard of Oz”, which will coincide with the Jamestown Community Theatre’s 21^st Anniversary.

Our very own Greer Beecroft is actively involved in the production as the set designer. She has been busily organizing volunteers, sketching designs, painting sets and implementing her ideas for the various scenes. Also involved is Island Realty’s co-owner, Carol Hopkins as choreographer. A little tidbit from Carol is that there is a dance titled “Jitterbugs,” that will appear in the play, but was cut in the original movie. It was the Witch of the West’s evil plan to get the main characters to dance until they were exhausted so she could get them to her castle. Carol says, “This is for everyone who thinks they’ve seen everything there is to see. It’s my favorite dance in the play!”

The Wizard of Oz 

Where: 

The Jamestown Recreation Center

When:

Friday, November 11 @ 7pm
Saturday, November 12 @ 7pm

Sunday, November 13 @ 4pm

Friday, November 18 @ 7pm

Saturday, November 19 @ 7pm

Sunday, November 20 @ 4pm

Tickets:
Purchase at Baker’s Pharmacy, Cathryn Jamieson Salon, Secret Garden and the Conanicut Ship’s Store.  Seniors (65 and over) and children (17 and under) will be $8 in advance. Regular adult tickets will be $13. Prices will increase to $11 and $16 respectively, if purchased at the door.

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islandrealtyri.com