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

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

*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 

Last week I sold a house to a couple with an 11 year old child.  Due to the hurricane, they moved to town from another area of the country just before school began.  The parents told me that one thing that helped to make the transition smooth was that their daughter got a part in the upcoming Jamestown Community Theater play.  Their comment made me think for a moment about what it might be like to move as often as this family has, and how important it is that there is a welcoming atmosphere to allow people to acclimate quickly to their new home and have a sense of "belonging".  In this case, Mary Wright, the founder of the theater, took time to get to know this family and, in doing so, gave them all a sense of the community. Some of us have moved very infrequently in our lives, and others move every few years.  It's good to keep in mind that a simple "welcome" can mean a lot.

If you are new to our community, give us a call here at Island Realty.  Our agents are involved in lots of different activities/organizations (Jamestown Arts Center, Jamestown Philomenian Library, Jamestown Soccer and much more).  We would love to tell you how to get involved and where you might meet some new friends.   -Ginny

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This past weekend was the 34th Annual Fools Rules Regatta here in Jamestown.  This foolish tradition, sponsored by the Jamestown Yacht Club, is a unique sailing event where participants (fools) must concoct a vessel out of any non-marine items, and then attempt to race their ship 1,500 feet along the shore at East Ferry.  Fools have two hours to assemble their boats.  In the past, boats have been made from everything from ice, to Volkswagons, doghouses and toboggans.  Awards given out include the Karl Smith Most Ingenious Design, Worst Example of Naval Architecture and the Frank Newman Judges' Award, given to the boat and crew with the best historical theme.  For beginners, the advice given by Chris Powell, chief fool, is to "basically try to build something that will stay together. Remember, you have to be able to steer it. It's not just a downwind course."

There is no cost for participating in the event, but proceeds from the sale of T-shirts and hats go to local charities (Sail Newport, the Conanicut Island Sailing Foundation, the North Kingstown High School sailing team) after expenses are paid.  This year, according to Candy Powell, "There were 50 entrants, the majority of whom came from Jamestown and other RI communities. There were also entrants from Oregon, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, and spectators from as far away as South Africa. A great time was had by all!"

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Bobbing boats with a view of the Newport Bridge

Rose Island

Mackerel Cove

House on the Rock

Smooth Sailing

Horsehead




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Last week was a big anniversary celebration for my husband and I. There was only one place we wanted to be: on the water in Narragansett Bay. We sailed off our mooring on the east side of Jamestown and headed for Bristol late one morning. After a lovely, short sail which took us along Prudence Island we arrived at the harbor. The friendly Harbormaster gave us a mooring # and told us that because we were just stopping for lunch...no charge. We rowed into the closest dock, hoping it was "allowable" to store our dinghy. The sign said the dock is reserved for patrons of a number of places, and one of them is where we had planned lunch, the DeWolff Tavern. We walked up the dock, into a charming, historic stone building and out to the terrace. We enjoyed a fabulous lunch (my husband recommends the seared sea scallops with garam masala sauce) and then had another beautiful sail home. We were in Jamestown by 5 after a glorious outing. Another Narragansett Bay gem.

-Ginny

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