"Courage is grace under pressure." Ernest Hemingway   Boy, do we have a lot of GRACE in the real estate industry!   Every day when you wake up, do you have the strength to get up and the courage to go after buyers/sellers?  Or do you wait for the business to come to you? How pro-active are you?  Do you utilize all the tools available to become a better real estate professional?  Do you spend the time to educate yourself beyond the continuing education requirements? Do you have the courage and the grace to succeed in this tough economy and real estate market?     Ann Sabbagh   Vice-President Seacoast Mortgage Corporation 401-305-6906 or 508-243-1190 Residential & Commercial Financing MLO10920     "When you choose me as your mortgage consultant, you also choose a financial planner who car... 12/30/2009

"I open my eyes to the wonder of being. Delighted in the way things turn out, amazed at the beauty of it all. I am happy."   This is MY New Year phrase for 2010.  I met with a buyer today who told me he had a stroke at the age of 42!  It made me stop to think about life and how truly short it is....shorter for some and longer for others, but for ALL of us, it truly is short!  Let us all work together in 2010 and make it a HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL year for ALL of us, including the buyers and the sellers, because, afterall, we are in this industry working for THEM. Happy New Year Active Rain friends!   Ann Sabbagh Vice-President Seacoast Mortgage Corporation 401-305-6906 or 508-243-1190 Residential & Commercial Financing MLO10920     "When you choose me as your mortgage consultant, you also c... 12/26/2009

Lending tightening is continuing!  I just had one bank notify us they are no longer counting rental income for investment properties for purchase & they will not count income for currently owned properties if the properties were recently purchased and they are not on the latest tax returns.   So, let's look at an example.  A client with 800 credit scores, $100,000 reserves and a DTI (debt to income) ratio of 40% wishes to purchase an investment property for $300,000 at 80% LTV (loan to value) and it cash flows $5500/month, which more than covers the expenses.  This client will NOT qualify with this bank because they will NOT count the rental income of $5500.  This is ABSURD!   I hope this is the only bank going in this direction, because we need to FINANCE homes to recover from this rea... 12/23/2009

Westerly Rhode Island Real Estate Single Family Market Report - YTD (11/30/2009) There were 171 single family homes sold YTD in Westerly, RI, with an average sales price of $407,891 and an average days on market of 132. The selling range was a low of $50,000 and a high of $3,600,000.  As of November 30th, there were 187 homes active on the market, with an average listing price of $850,753 and an average DOM of 176 days.  There were 24 homes under contract with an average list price of $618,049 and an average DOM of 101 days. Westerly RI Real Estate - Community, relocation and school information with town demographics. Westerly RI Foreclosures - Obtain a list of foreclosed and bank owned real estate and short sales. Westerly RI MLS Search - View all listings in the statewide MLS. Westerl... 12/22/2009

       Networking Nights to Benefit Local Charities!  Thursday nights, during the months of April and May of 2009, from 5-8 p.m. at Venice Restaurant, are now Networking Nights!    Featuring local business leaders as Celebrity Bartenders supporting one another and local charities!   "During these tough economic times local businesses and charities are experiencing a down turn.  We do not want to add to the burden of the recession, we want to be part of the solution and that is to support the local community" says Owner & Operator, Nunzio Di Marco.   To contact Nunzio Di Marco or Anabel Montalbano for further information regarding Networking Nights and other special events, please call 401-348-0055.   COME THURSDAY APRIL 2, 2009 Kicking off the Networking Nights is your very own Celebrit... 03/24/2009

02/23/2009

  It's always amazed me when summer homes are taken off the market during the winter.  In my experience, the really committed buyers of summer homes are looking all winter to find that perfect summer getaway before the summer starts.  My sales of summer homes, all began trudging through the snow in January or February to show these properties. In a market where impulse buying has pretty much stopped, it makes sense to keep your properties on the market when the serious buyers are still looking. Put yourself in the buyers shoes...there's snow on the ground, the temperatures are in the single digits and you are daydreaming about a day at the beach or the lake...or wherever it is your heart is tugging you for your summer vacation.  You have already made up your mind that you want to buy t... 02/06/2009

The Westerly Real Estate Market Report The Good, the Bad and Reality The Year 2008 In Review  The events of 2008 may live in memory for generations to come. Looking back we understand that the first headlines posing the question "When will the real estate bubble burst?" were just the first faint sparks of the firestorm that would follow. The subsequent implosion, however, was not just about the housing industry, but still, the real estate market got caught in the maelstrom. Maybe it's because bricks and mortar are easier to understand than the complex issues related to selling, packaging, re-selling and short-selling securities as well as the now infamous credit swaps and excess leverage. The news media needs to communicate something to a public who is listening, and homeowners listen. ... 01/30/2009

Chance to own your own investment property.  Commerical building with $9000 income monthly. Separate Carriage House on river in back...  Condo conversion, doc-a- miniums, currently 8 units rented, with expansion possiblities upward, river views! Walk on the wild side.  This property is for "the visionary" -  Call today for a private showing! 10/20/2008

http://stwmls.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=710403274&s=RIS&t=RIS A lot of tender loving care has gone into this custom home situated on secluded lot just 7/10 of a mile to Misquamicut Beach! The lower level can be a guest or in-law suite with a large bedroom, full bath and a gorgeous family room which has a magnificent custom brick fireplace. The upper level has pine cathedral ceilings with skylights throughout which add to the special ambiance this home has to offer. The upper level has three additional bedrooms with a beautiful dining area and living room with a wood burning stove. This is a home for year round use or a perfect summer get a-way. The peaceful grounds include two private outside showers or guest house for the "unwanted guests"! This distinguished home is close to a... 07/15/2008

Historic Elm Street. 1890 Gambrel Colonial totally renovated. Condo conversion. 3 Units available or will sell as single family, or will sell individually, upscale, quality units. Hardwoods, Silestone kitchen counters. Stainless appliances. Whirlpool, new furnace., a/c, deck, privacy, on beautiful Elm Street! (will sell 2nd & 3rd units for $450K) This is an upscale NY Style condo, minutes to downtown Westerly, Theatre, Train, Historic Park, fine dining restaurants and quaint shopping. Westerly is noted for the "ARTS" - The arts play an important role in South County and visitors are welcome to view and enjoy a wide array of art forms including concerts, dance, exhibitions, lectures, festivals and theater. From art galleries displaying the work of talented, local artists to live theater ... 06/26/2008

Sprawling executive style ranch, 4000++ SF, one level, lower level finished in law.  Walkout to nice yard.  Deck, 2 car garage, central air, fireplace, alarm system, ceramic tile, hardwoods, wall to wall, 4+++ Bedrooms, 3.1 Bathrooms.   Great location, Chin Hill Area, near Watch Hill and Misquamicut. Check out this open house, from 10-1:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Refreshments served, and chance to enter a raffle for a $100 gift certificate, no purchase necessary Subject to bank approval, $650K - buy your dream house at an affordable price! Sandy 401-286-2571 http://www.sandybliven.com/C.T. License #RES0782228R.I. License #S31703Licensed Mobile Notary 24/7Remax of South County56 Wells Street, Westerly, RI 02891Cell: 401-286-2571, eFax:401-679-0422http://www.shopunderoneroof.com Dreams do... 05/20/2008

     When the economy is in a tailspin it is the best time to buy real estate.  The town of Westerly is a great town to live in and raise a family.  There are more homes for sale listed under 200,000 than I've seen in the last 5 years.  contractors and first time buyers take notice.  This is your time. 05/15/2008

Stately custom built Colonial located in the Weekapaug area of the Town of Westerly is offering four bedrooms, three full bahs and a half bath. Some  waterviews.  Dual staircases lead you to the upper levelcomplete with Master Bedroom suite with a jacuzzi tub, a second bedroom suite w/private bath and two additional bedrooms.  This house has an open floor plan, florida room, formal dining room and a large family area. The superior finished lower level offers wonderful entertaining space complete with a wet bar. This house is offered at $1,095,000 05/13/2008

     $100-million movie studio proposed in Hopkinton Exit 2February 7, 2008PROVIDENCE, R.I. --A California-based movie studio developer released plans Thursday to build a $100 million studio and hotel development in Hopkinton.  Hal Katersky, a director of Santa Monica-based Pacifica Ventures, said the deal is contingent on the General Assembly passing legislation that would give the company tax breaks equal to 20 percent of constructions costs.The state is currently facing a budget deficit estimated at up to $561 million, but the project has the support of legislative leaders including House Speaker William J. Murphy and Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano.If the project goes forward, it would create 500 construction jobs, then generate thousands of movie production jobs."Studios are ... 04/28/2008

Questions: Mark Hawk 401-596-0315 phoneDirector of Special Education 401-348-8190 faxWesterly Public Schools44 Park AvenueWesterly, RI 02891OVERVIEWThe Westerly School System has district wide programming that integrated and maintains students within community schools by providing a variety of supportive services. To accomplish this goal, the entire program focuses on interagency collaboration and classroom teaching practices. For example, staff and community are provided with a basic understanding of district philosophy to ensure common beliefs among staff, families, and the community. Students and teachers receive professional support from the staff psychologists, social workers, planning centers and links with community agencies. These partnerships are formed with teachers, administr... 04/21/2008

As quoted From the Day article............... 5-28-2006"The Westerly Land Trust was founded in 1987 with the purpose of preserving open space and the town's natural resources, and then it lay dormant, acquiring no property at all over the next 10 years.""But in 1998 the land trust roared to life, resuscitated by a campaign to stop a housing development on the outskirts of the village of Avondale. The group raised $1.8 million, in donations and loans, and bought the 54-acre Avondale Farm.   Then the acquisitions continued at a fast pace, with the trust buying hundreds of acres in separate parcels in the Pawcatuck River watershed, north of downtown, and 173 acres near the southerly town beaches, purchased in an unusual partnership with a real estate development company that is building a ... 04/20/2008

Westerly's - NORTH END REVIVAL 2008  I was born and raised in Westerly, R.I., my Grandparents migrated from their homes in Acri, Italy and began their "American dream" on Pond/Pierce and Lilac Street.   "The North End" as dubbed by the Italian Immigrants was once a thriving Italian-Immigrant community.  The area weathered through the years, and until recently housed local bars, junkyards, triple deckers with peeling paint and crumbling porches, which characterized the abutting residential section.  It is precisely why young visionary entrepreneurs have targeted and have started revitalizing the once beautiful North End.   With the help of many young entrepreneurs, Chuck Royce, Owner of the Historical Ocean House in Watch Hill, Dr. Brogna, owner of The historical Savoy Hotel, Mark and La... 04/20/2008

About Westerly, Rhode Island Westerly, RI has become known as a community with strong support for the arts. Beautiful Wilcox Park next to the library in downtown is the site of the free "Shakespeare in the Park" and "Summer Pops" drawing 10,000 to 20,000 people each summer. There are performing arts theaters, a very active artists' cooperative, and a wide variety of community events each year.Westerly is located next door to Stonington, CT, and is bounded by Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its' beautiful beaches.Watch Hill is a well-known waterfront resort community, boasting the oldest carousel in America. It offers magnificent "cottages", lovely white beaches, great shopping, and a breathtaking natural preserve, Napatree Point, that is a popular spot for hiki... 04/20/2008

"On Golden Pond/Chapman Pond": A Waterfront Property   A picturesque, serene setting in the "New Hampton's" of Rhode Island: Westerly, RI !  This 3.5 acre property is absolutely breathtaking.  Situated on a man made 170 acre Pond, minutes to beach, marina's, golf and more.   Pond is state stock and state regulated, fish, boat, and enjoy the endless possibilities of "on the pond" lifestyles!!  Currently, there is a 7000 square foot building on it, with 2 septic systems and 1 well, but the possibilities are endless!  Call me today for more information on this rare find at an unbelievable price: $375,000!  Property zoned as R 40, with current grandfather clause.   Condo's, family compound, recreational area, possibilities are endless.   Sandy Bliven, Your Personal concierge for classic pro... 04/18/2008