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What's It Like to Live in North Kingstown, Rhode Island

David Callaghan & FamilyThirty years ago, realtor David Callaghan and his wife left Manhattan with a six-month-old in tow, landed in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and never looked back. 

“North Kingstown has been a great place to live and raise our two children,” says David. “Very good schools, town facilities, and historic Wickford Village are among the best reasons to live in NK.” In addition to its quality of life, David says North Kingstown “offers the best of all worlds” with its close proximity to Newport and Jamestown, the stunning South County beaches, a simple commute to Providence, and easy access to both I-95 and T. F. Green International Airport. David notes he’s also appreciative of being so close to “some of the best restaurants in the Northeast,” citing nearby Plum Pt. Bisto in Saunderstown, a small village and historic district in the towns of Narragansett and North Kingstown, as one of his favorites. 

As boaters, David calls the very quaint Saunderstown Yacht Club a gem on the western shore of Narragansett Bay. “We love to head out from Saunderstown and cruise Newport Harbor, or just float around and watch the sunset over Casey Farm.” 

North Kingstown, a charming community nestled in the heart of Rhode Island, offers a lifestyle that combines the tranquility of suburban living with easy access to urban amenities. Known for its top-notch schools, comfortable household incomes, multiple communities, and a wealth of recreational opportunities,  North Kingstown offers a diverse range of housing options to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Education: A Commitment to Excellence

One of the primary reasons families choose to settle in North Kingstown is the exceptional quality of its schools. The town's public school system consistently ranks among the top in Rhode Island, offering students a robust and well-rounded education. Most recently, North Kingstown High School was been ranked number 4 out of 56 public high schools in Rhode Island (ranked by Niche, an education platform). The school ranked number 3 for best high schools for athletes and number 5 in the “best college prep public high schools” category. 

Diverse Educational Opportunities: The North Kingston School District is committed to providing a diverse range of educational opportunities for students. This includes advanced placement (AP) courses, vocational training, and special education programs, ensuring that every child's needs are met.

Dedicated Educators: The town boasts a team of dedicated and passionate educators who go the extra mile to inspire and empower their students. Small class sizes enable teachers to provide personalized attention, fostering a nurturing learning environment.

Strong Parental Involvement: The North Kingstown community values education, with parents actively involved in their children's schools. This collaborative spirit between schools and families contributes to the overall success of students.

Access to Higher Education: North Kingston is conveniently located near several prestigious universities and colleges, making it an ideal place for families seeking higher education opportunities for their children.

Household Incomes and Economic Stability

North Kingstown's household incomes reflect a comfortable and stable standard of living. The town's economy is driven by a mix of industries, contributing to a healthy job market and overall economic well-being. Here's a closer look at the economic factors that make North Kingston an attractive place to live:

Median Household Income: The median household income in North Kingstown is higher than the national average, with 2021 census data showing the median household income of North Kingstown households was $104,026. This financial stability allows residents to enjoy a high quality of life with access to various amenities and services.

Diverse Job Market: The town benefits from a diverse job market, with opportunities in healthcare, education, technology, and manufacturing sectors in or nearby, including Providence, providing access to a broader range of employment options.

Low Unemployment Rates: North Kingstown consistently maintains low unemployment rates, ensuring that residents have access to stable employment opportunities.

Thriving Small Business Community: The town has a thriving small business community, with locally-owned shops, restaurants, and services that contribute to the community's unique charm.

Economic Resilience: North Kingstown's economy has shown resilience, even during challenging economic times. The town's ability to weather economic storms has instilled confidence in residents and investors alike.

Recreational Opportunities: Embracing Nature 

Beyond its educational and economic advantages, North Kingstown offers a plethora of recreational opportunities, allowing residents to maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Here are some ways in which the town encourages its residents to live life to the fullest:

Natural Beauty: North Kingstown's landscape is adorned with natural beauty. From lush parks and nature reserves to serene beaches along Narragansett Bay, residents have ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.

Cultural Attractions: The town celebrates its rich history and culture through museums, historic sites, and annual events. The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, for example, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Active Community Life: North Kingstown fosters a strong sense of community through local events and gatherings. Farmer's markets, festivals, and town-wide celebrations provide opportunities for residents to connect and engage with their neighbors.

Sports and Fitness: The town offers a range of sports and fitness facilities, including golf courses, sports complexes, and fitness centers. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or looking to stay active, North Kingstown has something for everyone.

Arts and Entertainment: Residents can enjoy a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, with local theaters, galleries, and events like the annual Wickford Art Festival in the summer, the summer concert series at the town beach, Wickford Daffodil Days in the spring, the fall Harvest Festival at Smith’s Castle, and more. 

Real Estate in North Kingstown

The real estate market in North Kingstown is as inviting as the town itself. Here’s a snapshot:

Diverse Housing Options: From historic homes with New England charm to modern suburban developments, North Kingstown's real estate market provides a diverse selection of housing. Whether you're looking for a spacious family home, a cozy condo, or even a waterfront property along the scenic coastline, North Kingstown has it all.

Steady Appreciation: North Kingstown's real estate market has shown steady appreciation over the years, making it an attractive investment opportunity. The town's desirability, coupled with its strong community and quality of life, has contributed to the enduring value of properties.

Competitive Yet Stable: While the market can be competitive, it remains stable, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers. For prospective buyers, North Kingstown provides a chance to invest in a comfortable, family-friendly community. For sellers, the town's appeal ensures a consistent demand for properties.

Agents from Teri Degnan Real Estate  & Consulting, LTD are well-versed in the intricacies of North Kingstown's market. They can guide you through the buying or selling process, ensuring you make informed decisions. Whether you're seeking to buy your dream home, upgrade your living situation, or make a smart investment, North Kingstown's real estate market offers a wealth of opportunities in a town celebrated for its quality of life. It's a place where homeownership isn't just about having a property; it's about embracing a vibrant community and a fulfilling way of life.

If you're considering relocating to a community that combines the best of suburban living with access to urban amenities, North Kingstown may just be the perfect place to call home.

View Homes For Sale in North Kingstown

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    What It's Like to Live in Bristol, Rhode Island

    House in Bristol Like a Norman Rockwell illustration brought to life, Bristol, Rhode Island, is known as “the most patriotic town in America.” This is in large part to not only being home to the oldest continuous 4th of July celebration, but a month-long calendar of festivities surrounding the big day including concerts in Independence Park on the waterfront, galas, a carnival, fireworks and other town-wide events. Nestled idyllically on a peninsula between Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays, sailing and shipbuilding is woven into the very fabric of Bristol and it’s the quintessential coastal New England small town.

    “Bristol is surrounded by water on almost all sides, and that has driven our economy for generations,” says Brian Jodoin, a real estate agent with Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting LTD. “Whether it's been manufacturing, fishing, boat building or sailing, Bristol has always offered a self-sustaining way of life for all of its residents and still does today.” Jodoin says although Bristol’s housing and population has seemingly exploded in the past decade, its small town vibe remains palpable. “Our downtown is so charming and boasts a slew of great restaurants, a nice seaside nightlife and plenty of history in every direction.”

    Many Bristolians have called the town home for generations, including Brian, a proud fourth generation Bristolian, and there’s no shortage of hometown pride. Equidistant between Newport, Rhode Island and Providence, Rhode Island, and 67 miles from Boston, downtown Bristol can easily be described as a picture-perfect slice of pure Americana.

    History

    The history of Bristol, Rhode Island is riveting as evidenced by the many, many books written about the town. The original inhabitants of Bristol and the East Bay region were the Pokanoket, who eventually became known as part of the Wampanoag. Bristol as well as Warren, Barrington, and East Providence was known as the land of the Sowams, which is why you may see these names around town today on street signs and other locations.

    Bristol played a pivotal war in our nation’s history. It was the site of the first battle of King Philip's War in 1675, considered the bloodiest war per capita in U.S. history. Immediately following, the land was retained by Plymouth Colony, the first permanent English colony in New England, where it remained until it was annexed to Rhode Island in 1747. During the American Revolution Bristol took it’s fair share of brutality, including a shelling from the British Navy and an on-ground assault in which dozens of homes, business and barracks were burned to the ground.

    Bristol’s history couldn’t be fully told without including it’s role in the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. James DeWolf, part of one of the town’s earliest and most prominent families, was a well known slave trader for more than 50 years. Today, places in town, like Linden Place, a museum, educate people about the town’s role and economic impact. The  Federal style mansion located in the center of town was  built in 1810 for family descendants George and Charlotte DeWolf.

    Though shipbuilding has been a part of Bristol’s industry for centuries, it was during the mid 19th century that the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company became nationally synonymous with the craft. The company was founded in 1878 by two Bristol brothers, each of whom had established boat building careers. The company would remain in business until 1947 but their vessels and reputation remain legendary today.

    Types of Housing

    Because of Bristol’s centuries-old history, the town is sprinkled with homes built in the 1700s and 1800s. Bristol has a wealth of single family homes both downtown and in the surrounding neighborhoods. The median listing home price is $575,000, and there is a good amount of homes to rent as well. In recent years, Bristol has seen a rise in the repurposing of old mill buildings, including on the waterfront. For example, the former Robin Rug mill will be redeveloped into a 127-unit development with additional commercial space. It’s been renamed the Bristol Yarn Mill. Bristol is also home to condos, townhomes and apartments.

    View Homes For Sale in Bristol

    Education

    The crown jewel of Bristol’s educational landscape is Roger Williams University, founded in 1956. The independent, coed university offers more than 40 majors and is well known for its academic expertise in marine science, shellfish aquaculture, ports and shipping, marine trades and defense, and marine and coastal law as well as its schools of law, business, architecture and the humanities. 

    The Bristol Warren Regional School District  serves the two neighboring communities and operates Mount Hope High School in Bristol, Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, and four elementary schools. Both math and reading proficiency levels are above the state average. There is also one Catholic elementary school in Bristol. Mt. Hope High School in Bristol is the regionalized secondary (high) school. 

    Mt Hope BridgeQuality of Life

    Home to well-loved restaurants and cafes, bars and breweries, coffee shops, galleries, captivating architecture, parks and ample green space, and an active communities with widely recognized events including the Bristol Christmas Festival and Grand Illusion, The 4th of July Celebration and parade, the springtime State Street Festival and more, it’s no wonder Bristol has been named among the Best Small Towns in America, Safest Cities in America, and Most Interesting U.S. Destinations.

    Health Services

    When it comes to health services in Bristol, there are a number of resources. Medical Associates of Rhode Island, located at the Bristol County Medical Center, has a walk-in center  available for routine care for patients. Lifespan Physician Group’s Metacom Medical in neighboring Warren offers urgent care. The Cardiovascular Institute of New England has an office in Bristol. East Bay Mental Health Center is about 11 miles from Bristol in Riverside, Rhode Island, and Bristol is considered relatively close to Newport Hospital and the major hospitals in downtown Providence. 

    Recreation

    There are myriad ways to enjoy and explore the great outdoors and vast natural resources in Bristol, Rhode Island. The Bristol Town Beach and Sports Complex, located near the entrance to Colt State Park, is a nearly 50-acre public facility with a beautiful beach on Narragansett Bay. Enjoy miles of trails and paths, sprawling laws, picnic tables and places to relax. You’ll also find soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, tennis and basketball courts, a street hockey rink, a bocce court, horseshoe pit – even a skate park. 

    You’ll also find the popular East Bay Bike Path weaves through the park, but it starts downtown at Independence Park. The path, much of which runs parallel to the bay, extends more than 14 miles to Providence and is used by runners, walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers and more and travels by coves and marshes, over bridges, and through state parks. 

    Bristol is home to ample public waterfront access points for launching kayaks and other small watercraft, including Bristol Narrows at the mouth of the Kickemuit River. The boat ramp at Bristol’s State Street Pier in the center of town provides access to Bristol Harbor for trailered boats at Independence Park, just a few blocks north of the State Street Pier, as does the ramp at Independence Park. 

    Also, Bristol’s Parks and Recreation Department offers myriad fitness programs for families, seniors and for young ones, there’s a town-operated summer camp.

    Employment

    Bristol is home to more than 1,000 employers in sectors ranging from higher education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, the marine trades and more. Bristol’s proximity to  Providence, Newport and Fall River and many other points make for a short commute.  

    With its rich history, solid school system, extraordinary restaurants, quaint shops, health services, and an active senior community, Bristol has an extraordinary quality of life in Rhode Island and is a great place to call home.

    View Homes For Sale in Bristol

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      Welcome to Brown Ave Historical District: Johnston, Rhode Island

      BirdThirty years ago, realtor David Callaghan and his wife left Manhattan with a six-month-old in tow, landed in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and never looked back. 

      Driving down Brown Ave takes you back in time. Just one turn past the Dunkin’ Donuts on busy Hartford Avenue, high overhanging trees line a twisting, narrow road that winds through the center of a small neighborhood. The 1,000 acres of undeveloped state parkland and preserved 500-acre farmland border both sides creating a feeling like you have stepped back into the 1800s—it's as though you are driving down an old country road.

      Brown Ave was added to the list of the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and serves as a tangible reminder of Rhode Island's agricultural past.

      Brown Ave Historical District is a small neighborhood located in Johnston, Rhode Island. The district is characterized by a distinctly rural and agricultural landscape extending along 1 mile of Brown Avenue between Hartford Avenue (United States Route 6) and Greenville Avenue.

      5 Reasons You'll Love It

      1. This road was once home to 5 farms and fed a majority of Rhode Island in the 1800s. Dame farm and Orchard are still one of these working farms today—where you can pick fresh blueberries, pumpkins, apples…and sunflowers!

      2. You can hike in Johnston! Serval entrances to Snake Den State Park can be found along this neighborhood. The property includes 1,000 acres of undeveloped land, which boasts beautiful walking trails lined with trees, plants, and a working farm.

      3. Close to everything: Route 5 and Route 6 have endless shops, restaurants, and necessities.

      4. In the autumn, its foliage is spectacular.

      5. Oak Swamp Reservoir is just minutes away and allows for fishing, kayaking, and hiking.

      5 Reasons You'll Hate It

      1. Connecting two major routes quickly can have its downsides. Firetrucks, police officers, and ambulances often use Brown Ave to get from Johnston to Smithfield quickly.

      2. The neighborhood has no gas lines. All homes are either oil or propane heat.

      3. Popular elementary school on Brown Ave causes congested traffic during pick up and drop off times.

      4. Dame farm can cause traffic during holiday festivities.

      5. Hartford Avenue (US Route 6) is a major trucking route, so if you live near the end of Hartford Ave and it's late at night—you may hear trucks passing through.

      Styles Of Homes In The Neighborhood

      The Dame Farm home has been preserved through the years and is still owned by descendants of its original owners. According to records, it looks almost identical today as it did in the 18th century. Farmhouse architecture is best known for its large wrap around porches where families used to sit and watch their crops grow.

      If you're looking to buy a home in Johnston, Rhode Island, browse current listings in Johnston or contact Teri Degnan Real Estate today.

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        What It's Like to Live in Johnston, Rhode Island

        Teri Degnan Real Estate agent Ariana Interiano is proud to call Johnston, Rhode Island, home. “I absolutely love living in Johnston,” she says. “I feel like we are in the suburbs while only being a 12 min drive from Providence.” Buying a home in Johnston inspired Ariana’s career in real estate, and today she’s a licensed agent in Rhode Island. 

        History

        An 18th-century farming community developed by English settlers, Johnston was incorporated in 1759, but one of its historic attractions predates the town itself. The Clemence–Irons House was built in 1691 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s best known for being a rare surviving example of a "stone ender" – a building type in which the entirety of one wall consists of a stone chimney. The style was common in colonial Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

        Types of Housing

        Today, Johnston is a great place to live in Rhode Island. Considered a close knit, predominantly but not solely suburban community, you’ll find a spectrum of places to call home here in all sizes and styles — raised ranches, single levels, and loft apartments in a renovated historic mill building, luxury apartments, century-old traditional Cape Cods, and affordable multi-families. Comprising 25 square miles, the population in Johnston is nearly 30,000 and the town is part of Providence County.

        The median listing home price in Johnston, Rhode Island is $375,00. The median home sold price was $390, 000 (Realtor.com). Rental rates in Johnston, Rhode Island typically range between $1700/month and $2,350.  

        Education

        There are eight public schools – a preschool, an early childhood center, four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school – serving more than 3,100 students In Johnston. The town is also home to St. Rocco School, a parochial elementary and middle school. 

        Quality of Life

        Though bigger cities including Cranston and Providence are nearby, Johnston holds its own when it comes to creature comforts. Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, family farms with hayrides and markets, a local family-owned winery, and the annual Apple Festival in September offer a slice of pure Americana in this suburban-meets-bucolic town. One of Ariana’s favorite new spots is the just-opened Market Basket, the New England supermarket chain with a cult-like following. 

        Health Services

        When it comes to health services in Johnston, there are a number of resources. In January 2023, Lifespan Health System opened a new urgent care center, and you’ll also find a Rhode Island Medical Imaging Center here. Johnston Medical Center on Atwood Avenue is part of Ocean State Medical and offers comprehensive primary care, telehealth/telemedicine along with preventative medicine. Plus, Johnston is a short drive to the major hospitals in downtown Providence. 

        Recreation

        Outdoor enthusiasts will love the many parks and green spaces throughout Johnston. One of Ariana’s favorite places is Snake Den State Park. It's one of the largest with 1,000 acres complete with walking trails, mature trees, and a working farm. “Snake Den has tons of trails. My fiancé and I walk there with our dogs three times a week,” says Ariana. 

        Johnston War Memorial Park is a town landmark well-loved for its clean appearance, athletic fields, playground, and scenic paved walking paths alongside Pocasset Pond and the Pocasset River. Here you’ll find a 1.1-mile loop trail that takes about half an hour to complete at a steady pace. Birding, fishing, and running are popular activities here. 

        Wood Lake Park is also a popular recreation area in Johnston with several ballfields and beautiful trails around Almy Reservoir, but it might be most popular among folks with their four-legged friends. The half-acre Johnston Dog Park here includes an off-leash dog run, clay surface, a good amount of shade, and benches for dog owners to relax.  

        Employment

        Johnston is home to Citizens Bank headquarters, a state-of-the-art campus completed in 2018 with 424,000 square feet of office and meeting space, including a call center, with more than 3,000 employees. You’ll also find ball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and walking trails here available for not just employees to use but the local community as well. 

        Johnston is also the corporate headquarters of FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers. More than one-third of Fortune 1000 companies work with FM Global and the Johnston headquarters, with thousands of employees, is housed inside a LEED-certified building. 

        With an active school district, ample restaurants and coffee shops, shopping, beautiful parks, health services, and an active senior center, Johnston offers an affordable and extraordinary quality of life in Rhode Island and is a great place to call home. 

        View Homes for Sale in Johnston

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          Top Home Buying Myths & Facts

          Real Estate Agent Answering Home Buyers QuestionsThe best way to buy a home is to partner with a trusted real estate agent. Your buyer’s agent will be working in your best interest every step of the way. Their commission is typically paid by the seller. You don’t save any money by not working with a buyer’s agent. But you can definitely lose a lot of money in both the short term and the long term by making uneducated or uninformed decisions in the real estate market. 

          Your buyer’s agent will also answer all of your questions and debunk common myths. Here are some of the top home buying myths & facts to consider when purchasing a home in Newport, Rhode Island. 

          MYTH: You need 20% for the down payment. 

          FACT: While there are advantages to making a 20% down payment (lower monthly payments, smaller loan amount, less interest paid over time) it isn’t necessary. There are loans available to veterans for 0% down, conventional loans available to first-time home buyers for 3% down, conventional loans for 5% down, and FHA loans available for 3.5%-10% down depending on your credit score. You will simply need to pay for PMI (private mortgage insurance) when paying less than 20% down. This will be added to your monthly mortgage payment. 

          MYTH: A 30-year fixed rate mortgage (FRM) is the best choice. 

          FACT: There are benefits to a 30-year FRM (your monthly payment will be smaller than a 15-year FRM mortgage, your monthly payment will be the same for the life of the loan unless taxes or insurance premiums increase and you can pay off your loan faster) but everyone's financial picture is different. Adjustable rate mortgages (ARM) will sometimes be the best choice for borrowers looking for low introductory rates who plan to refinance or sell in the foreseeable near future long before paying off the entire loan. A 15-year FRM might be the best choice when your finances permit, as you will likely have a lower interest rate (as shorter loans are deemed less risky by lenders). A 15-year FRM is also considered a type of forced savings, where income goes into building equity that might be spent otherwise. 

          MYTH: You need great credit to qualify for a mortgage. 

          FACT: Your credit score is a reflection of your financial history. It will be considered during the loan application process. 850 is considered a perfect FICO score. 740-799 is considered a very good score. 670-739 is considered a good score. 580-669 is considered a fair score. 300-579 is considered a poor score. 

          You don’t need a perfect score to qualify for a mortgage. You don’t even need a good score. Most lenders require a score of 620 for a conventional loan (a fair score) and FHA loans require a FICO score of 580 (a fair score) to qualify for a loan with a 3.5% down payment. But you will pay a higher interest rate with a lower credit score. You will typically qualify for better interest rates and better terms when you are financially responsible, as reflected by a good or very good credit score. Spend wisely and pay your bills on time. 

          MYTH: You won’t be able to relocate. You’ll lose a lot of money by selling too soon. 

          FACT: Buyers are often told they need to stay in their homes for 5 years before selling. This is a guideline. It is only an estimate of the time needed to cover the closing costs, agent fees, and mortgage interest you have already paid so you don’t lose money when you decide to sell. Sometimes the math will work itself out in as little as two years if the value has grown considerably. When you do the math and the numbers aren’t in your favor to sell, renting your home can be a viable option. Depending on the local market it might be profitable. 

          MYTH: You need a real estate agent to buy a home. 

          FACT: You don’t need a real estate agent to buy a home. But we don’t recommend this to buyers or sellers. There is a lot to know. What you don’t know can cost you money: a lot of money. This is our profession. We know real estate. 

          We help you find the perfect home using your preferences and criteria, navigate the home inspection process, draft formal offers, handle negotiations and work with you every step of the way. Sellers typically pay the brokerage fee to both the seller’s agent and buyer’s agent, so you won’t be saving money by not working with an agent. There is a lot of information, and it can be very costly when not handled correctly. 

          We look forward to helping you with all of your home buying needs in Newport and the surrounding areas of Rhode Island. Contact Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting, LTD today!

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            How to Create a Bidding War for Your Home

            Sell Your Home in Rhode IslandNot unlike a game of chess, real estate has an established set of rules. It’s relatively easy to learn the rules and play a game of chess, but mastering the game can take many years. The best players will develop a strategic opening and anticipate an endgame long before the end of the game is in sight. Patience is required. 

            When planning to create a bidding war for your home, partnering with a real estate professional is an excellent opening strategy. Real estate agents have years and years of experience. A seller’s agent will help you navigate the subtleties of the real estate market, and quell the anxiety that may come from trying to sell a home too quickly. They understand the complexities involved in the variables of a successful bidding war. Patience is required. 

            Think ahead. Plan your strategy. Create a bidding war for your home with a few basic moves, and expert guidance from the agents at Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting, LTD. 

            Price Slightly Lower than Market Price: Your seller’s agent will help determine the fair market value of your home. They will then advise you to price the home slightly lower, to create a sense of good value. Pricing 5% below market value will bring a large number of interested buyers to your listing. But be careful. There is no guarantee a bidding war will follow. You don’t want to list your home at a price that is much lower than you are willing to accept. 

            List Your Home When the Time is Right: Listing your home at a time when there aren’t very many similar homes for sale in your area will always work in your favor. Your seller’s agent will know the local market very well and determine the best possible time to list. 

            Set the Stage: Staging a home is always important before selling. The home needs to look its best inside and out. Everything should be immaculate and ready to photograph for an impeccable online appearance, compelling video walkthrough, and for the very first person who walks through the door at the open house. 

            You will hire a staging professional to make your home look its best. You will also hire a professional photographer to capture your home's most intriguing qualities: interesting angles and features in addition to the full front view of your home. Your online listing, and presence, will sparkle: creating excitement and interest when the right players are working with you. 

            Show Your Home When the Time is Right: Hold off on the open house. Carefully schedule it after interest has built up from the online listing or video walkthrough. If you wait a week or two and schedule an open house with a small window of time (a 2-hour weekend event will do the trick) you will create a sense of urgency. The idea is to try and get a lot of people to view your home at the same time. You can serve food, and beverages and hire a string trio or pianist (depending on your local market) to generate more traffic. Buyers will know there are others looking at the home and be motivated to submit an offer before losing out. 

            Set a Deadline: You should only set a deadline when your home is priced correctly, you have a lot of showings scheduled, and have been told by agents that offers will be coming in. Your seller’s agent can add to the MLS listing after a few offers are on the table: stating you have received multiple offers, and that interested buyers should submit their best and highest offer by a specified day and time. That will get the ball rolling.

            We look forward to helping you with all of your home selling needs in Newport and the surrounding areas of Rhode Island. Contact Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting, LTD today!

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              Neighborhood Spotlight: The Point Neighborhood, Newport, Rhode Island

              Newport's Point neighborhood is home to the highest concentration of Colonial houses in the country. Many of the homes here were built in the early 1700s and have been meticulously maintained for centuries.

              One of Newport's founding fathers, Nicolas Easton, settled in The Point in the 17th century. Today, the neighborhood offers panoramic views of the Newport Pell Bridge best enjoyed from off Van Zandt Pier. Also, the Point offers ample public waterfront access, ideal for launching kayaks and dinghies. The Point also offers easy proximity to points north with easy bridge access and access to major roadways

              Although this preserved historical neighborhood is just steps from the heart of Newport's bustling downtown, The Point is a mostly quiet part of town.

              Walking through the neighborhood, you'll spot plaques on homes from Operation Clapboard, which saved more than 80 houses in the 60s and 70s. Others have the plaque of the Newport Restoration Foundation, which was created in 1968 by Doris Duke. NRF restored and currently owns 27 Colonial homes here.

              In today's market, homes for sale in The Point are rare opportunities and receive competitive above-asking offers.

              If you have any questions about Newport's Point neighborhood or real estate opportunities in the area, contact Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting or browse homes for sale in The Point.

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                Neighborhood Spotlight: Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island

                The southernmost coast of Aquidneck Island is arguably the most photogenic. When you call the Ocean Drive Historic District home, you’ll be closest to Brenton Point State Park and its 89 ocean-facing acres, Castle Hill Inn and all the spoils of its million dollar views (and amazing menu and cocktails), and of course, you’ll be able to call Jay Leno and Judge Judy neighbors.

                But the Ocean Drive area is so much more. Most observers only see the gargantuan homes on large lots overlooking the sea or Narragansett Bay, but the various nooks and crannies of this area lend character, most especially with its diverse array of interesting abodes including Gilded Age carriage houses, coastal cottages, and a host of condos and townhomes.

                If you have any questions about Newport's Ocean Drive Historic District or real estate opportunities in the area, contact Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting or browse current homes for sale in Ocean Drive.

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                  Neighborhood Spotlight: Mansion District, Newport, Rhode Island

                  Mansion DistrictRivaled in legacy perhaps only by its maritime history, Newport is synonymous with its legendary Gilded Age mansions, or "summer cottages," as they were ironically dubbed at the time. Bellevue Avenue is the main artery of this irrefutably jaw-dropping part of the City by the Sea, peppered with seasonal homes built by the nation's most celebrated architects. These include Carrère and Hastings, best known for building the New York Public Library, but also Vernon Court in Newport. Today the home does double duty as both a private residence and home to the National Museum of American Illustration. 

                  Horace Trumbauer, who built much of the campus of Duke University, also built The Elms on Bellevue Avenue. Stanford White, who built the famed ornate arch at NYC's Washington Square and the Boston Public Library, also designed Rosecliff on Newport’s Bellevue Avenue. Finally, the famed Richard Morris Hunt built the John N. A. Griswold House, a National Historic Landmark and the current home of the Newport Art Museum. It is regarded in architectural history as one of the first American Stick Style buildings. 

                  While many of the homes in the mansion district are still single family, a good portion has been divided up into condominiums, thus a coveted Bellevue Avenue address isn't as far out of reach as many may think. Sky-high ceilings, ornate moldings and architectural details, and oversized windows are commonplace in these homes and condos, plus many dwellings are converted carriage houses and in some cases, former stables, which makes this neighborhood one of Newport, Rhode Island’s most unique.

                  If you have any questions about Newport's Mansion District or real estate opportunities in the area, contact Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting or browse current listings in Newport.

                  Mansion District in Newport RI

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                    Neighborhood Spotlight: Historic Hill, Newport, Rhode Island

                    Historic Hill in Newport RIOne of the most desirable (and priciest!) neighborhoods in Newport, Historic Hill does not have formal borders but generally refers to the area quite literally on the hill encompassing Bellevue Avenue, Spring Street, Touro Street, and Mill Street.

                    One of the oldest sections of Newport, here you’ll also find centuries-old structures-turned-attractions, including the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, which was founded in 1747. It has the distinction of being both the oldest lending library in America and the oldest library building in continuous use in the country. You’ll also find Touro Synagogue, a National Historic Site and the oldest synagogue in the U.S. In addition, the neighborhood is home to the 2.25-acre Touro Park, home to the Old Stone Mill (also called the Newport Tower) which has been investigated many times over by archeologists in an attempt to confirm its origins.

                    Many Historic Hill homes date back to the Colonial Era, punctuated by gambrel roofs, pediment doorways in the Georgian style, and original 24-pane windows. These contribute to Newport’s distinction of having more 18th-century buildings than any other city in America, and countless homes here have been lovingly restored. 

                    Historic Hill homes typically sell quickly as the properties are unique and the neighborhood is centrally located, making it easily walkable to Bellevue Avenue as well as the heart of downtown. The majority of homes on Historic Hill are single family but you will find some multi-families and condominiums scattered throughout. You’re also likely to find some residences in repurposed buildings, including former stables and carriage houses.

                    If you have any questions about Newport's Historic Hill neighborhood or real estate opportunities in the area, contact Teri Degnan Real Estate & Consulting or view current homes for sale in Historic Hill.

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