Here are some photos of the annal event that took place this past weekend here on Jamestown. The sheep got haircuts, while spinners and weavers were on hand to show how wool gets spun into yarn. Kids enjoyed fashioning their own mini sheep out of pipe cleaners & wool, the large tree swing, petting animals and snacking on wood fired pizza & root beer. It was the perfect warm, sunny day for a hike of the farm's extensive land.

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Read the full version to get market stats, event calendar and tips on getting ready to sell your home!


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Last month, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority voted to raise tolls on the Newport Pell Bridge. According to the resolution, the newly proposed rates would not be implemented if the state could provide an “alternative and sufficient source of revenue.” The measure will hike the new tolls to the following:

RI resident EZ Pass users will increase from 83 cents to $1

Cash rate will increase from $4 to $5

EZ Pass 30-unlimited plan will increase from $40 to $48

EZ Pass 6-trip plan will increase from $5.46 to $6

Out-of-state EZ Pass users will increase from $4 to $5

Trucks per axel will increase from $4 to $5

The increase that passed the board in a 2 to 1 vote will be implemented on July 1.

The measure approved by the authority also will put in a request to the General Assembly to allow the authority to set the toll rate for Mount Hope Bridge. If the authority is allowed to set the rate then it is likely that tolls will return to the Mount Hope Bridge.

Read more from the Jamestown Press.


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A few days ago I received a call from a Broker from a well known company across the bay.

He called to thank our office for the excellent cooperation he had received during his last couple of months showing properties here in Jamestown, many of which were our listings.

He said that he had occasion to deal with many of the people in our office and that everyone was wonderful. What he most appreciated was the positive, team approach to getting him and his client in to see properties. 

As a Broker, I could not have been more proud of everyone who works here at Island Realty. As an agent who has listings, I am incredibly grateful to everyone who works here and backs me up when I am unable to fulfill a request. In our office, it has always been an understanding that one of the most important responsibilities we have as agents is to accommodate showings so that clients get what they need, when they need it.

-Ginny Prichett

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, 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, although you'll pass some other lucky  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

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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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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*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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We are thankful for our families, friends and clients!

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2012!



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