n The market is still hot – but it’s definitely changing n Iconic and historic lighthouse hits the market n Going solar — the pros, cons and must-knows n Spend time in the fall to make things better in the spring A supplement to East Bay Media Group • September 7-8, 2022 HomesEAST BAY
Page 2 East Bay Homes - September 2022 youNavigatinghome. NEWPORT NARRAGANSETT WATCH HILL PROVIDENCE JAMESTOWN LITTLE COMPTON BLOCK ISLAND Our agents are your neighbors, local activists who are engrained in the community. Their knowledge and love for the area, combined with Lila Delman Compass’ vast suite of services, ensures an unparalleled experience from start to finish. Whether you are buying, selling, or renting a home — we are here to streamline your real estate transaction with local knowledge, strategic marketing, and industry-leading technology. Contact our Little Compton office for all of your real estate needs across Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts. 29 Meeting House Lane, Little Compton, RI | 401.635.8887 $3,900,000 Sold by Lisa Haffenreffer 401.474.7345 $4,100,000 Sold by D. Ladd & R. Soares 401.542.1675 $1,165,000 Sold by Sayles Livingston 401.266.5477 71 Taylors Lane | Little Compton, RI 54 Quoqonset Lane | Little Compton, RI 64 OId Harbor Road | Westport, MA SOLD SOLD SOLD Lila Delman Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description.*
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 3 THANK YOU RHODE ISLAND #1 RI CONDO SALES (Midyear 2022) RI SALES VOLUME (Midyear 2022) RI MARKET SHARE (Midyear 2022) #1 #1 #1 TOTAL RI SALES (Midyear 2022) RI LUXURY SALES ($1M+) (Midyear 2022) RI SINGLE FAMILY SALES (Midyear 2022) #1 #1 FOR MAKING US YOUR #1 CHOICE FOR REAL ESTATE! Barrington 401.245.9600 Cumberland 401.333.9333 East Greenwich 401.885.8400 Little Compton 401.635.8590 Narragansett 401.783.2474 Newport 401.619.5622 Providence 401.274.6740 West Side PVD 401.457.3400 Westport MA 508.636.4760 *Ranking based in whole or in part on data supplied by State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. The MLS does not guarantee and is not in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Based on information from Statewide MLS for 2022 as of July 2022. ResidentialProperties.com
Page 4 East Bay Homes - September 2022 Each office independently owned & operated LORI GARDINER GRI,REALTOR®ABR,SRS, e-PRO 423 Hope Street, Unit M1 Bristol, RI 02809 C: (401) 265-2594 O: (401) lorigardiner@remax.net254-1776 The new market — similar but not the same ................................ 5 Prices stay high, but they’re starting to slow ............................... 8 Historic lighthouse will be changing hands .................................. 10 Hot and sleek — meet the modern fireplace ............................... 12 Fall landscaping checklist: Lawns, leaves and garden beds ... 14 Going solar — the pros, cons and must-knows ...........................15 Know the 7 characteristics of modern houses ............................ 16 Affordable ways to make homes more appealing to buyers ... 18 What’s inside … HomesEAST BAY Topsail Realty Your Leader in Quality Service www.c21topsail.com RESIDENTIALCOMMERCIAL & RELOCATIONINTERNATIONAL & A Rare Opportunity! Portsmouth 401-683-4900 | Bristol 401-254-1900 | Tiverton 401-625-5878 28 Andrews Court, Bristol, RI $499,900• 4 Beds • 2 Baths • 1,196 Sq. Ft. Marketed by JoAnn Silva - 401.439.8861 2014 2016 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI $750,000 • 3 Units • 2 Beds/1 Bath ea Marketed by Trish Gray 401.864.1509 56 Pine Tree Road, Portsmouth, RI $535,000 • 3 Beds • 2 Baths • 1,248 Sq. Ft. Marketed by Stephen Lake 401.418.0913 289 Village Road, Tiverton, RI $880,000 • 2 Beds • 2.5 Baths • 2,145 Sq. Ft. Marketed by Paula Martel 401.447.6805 Historic Gem! 1303 Hope Street Bristol, $749,000RI4Beds - 2.5 Baths - 3,079 Sq. Ft. Marketed by Danielle Sanderson - 808.227.7638 1452 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI $399,000 • 2 Beds • 1 Bath • 925 Sq. Ft. Marketed by Christine Farley 401.465.4456 69 Carroll Avenue, Newport, RI $1,150,000 • 4 Beds • 1.5 Baths • 1,568 Sq. Ft. Marketed by Shelley Andrade 401.935.0762
Some of the market frenzy is becoming less frenzied, but there are still pockets of fierce competition for good properties
“The market is really strong, and it will stay strong, but no matter what price point you’re in, you have to be priced correctly.”
“The biggest thing we’re seeing is pricing. Some sellers were trying to put a crazy number on their proper ty … Buyers aren’t really going for it anymore,” Kirk said. “We’re seeing price drops now, and we weren’t really seeing that before.”
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 5
Yet in other areas of Bristol, and other areas of the region, things have cooled slightly. Properties are still selling relatively quickly, but at or slightly below asking prices — if they are priced correctly.
Elizabeth Kirk and Lisa Schryver of Residential Properties lead one of the top real estate teams in the region. Both said the most impor tant factor in today’s market is price.
Heading into the fall of 2022, these phenomenon are still happening. ButThey’re… not happening as fre quently. They’re not happening everywhere. And conditions are beginning to tip back toward a little moreLocalnormalcy.realestate agents agree. They are seeing modest signs of change.“Inthe past 30 or 40 days we’re seeing things shift,” said broker and agent Paula Martel of Century 21 Topsail. “We’re transitioning from a period where everything, absolutely everything, was selling above asking price, to where now maybe 40 per cent of properties are going above asking … That leads me to believe we’ve hit the top.” Martel said there are inconsisten cies across the market. She described “pockets” in the market where things are still as hot as ever. “Bristol’s west side is still the craziest thing I’ve seen in my real estate history,” she said. Properties along the town’s western shorelines — Ferry Road, the downtown district, Pop pasquash, the Highlands, North Farm — even continuing to the War ren neighborhoods and condo com plexes near the Bristol town line, have seen soaring prices and rabid buyers. Martel said that is also the case in areas like the East Side of Providence and the Darlington area of“WhenPawtucket.you’re in those little pocket areas, you still get the same behav iors … It’s drawing a higher-incomebracket buyer. They have good cred it, they have good incomes, and they’re competing for good listings,” Martel said.
ELIZABETH KIRK See MARKET Page
Set the right price
BY SCOTT PICKERING spickering@eastbaymediagroup.com
Buyers are competing for homes, but not as rabidly as they were in 2021 or the first half of 2022. “The market is really strong, and it will stay strong,” Kirk said, “but no matter what price point you’re in, you have to be priced correctly.” Her partner agreed. “It’s always been about location, price and con dition, and those all still are impor
The new market — Similar, but different
This is still the era of superlatives in the real estate market. “Unprece dented.” “Historic.” “Crazy.” “Wild.” “Never before.” These are the terms used to describe the real estate mar ket of the past two-plus years. This has been the era of 24-hour sales cycles, mobbed open houses, fierce bidding wars, sales-over-asking, sky rocketing prices, barren inventory.
She said the newer trend is hap pening at all levels of the market, from $400,000 to north of $1 million.
“Multifamily properties are going at crazy prices. It’s high-demand, it’s a free for all, it’s a frenzy. And they’re usually sold before they hit the market.” MARTEL
PAULA
401-253-9910 Appraisalorders@appraiseRI.biz For all Your Real Estate Appraisal Needs • Estate Appraisal For Date of Death Probate Court Needs • Divorce (for husband, wife, partner or both if cooperative parties) • Local Property Tax Appeal (possibly reducing your local property taxes) • Estate Planning & Settlement • Financial Planning • Real Estate Consulting • Pre Purchase Valuation • Setting a Home’s Sale Price or Range of Value • Bankruptcy Valuation (for Bankruptcy Court) • PMI Premium Removal From Your Existing Mortgage • Expert Witness Testimony (Probate, District and Superior Courts) • Zoning and Planning Board Testimony • Real Estate Feasibility Study • Highest and Best Use Analysis Serving the East Bay since 1996
ELEGANCE!
For the past few years, multi-fami ly properties have been a playland for investors. They’ve been buying, renovating, flipping and renting properties for income. Now, Martel said, many of those investors are slowing down, opening the door to the first-time buyers, many of whom are educated on the market and ready to “Whenpounce.youput a good, solid prop erty out there, the buyers are so sav vy, they’ll go after it quickly, even above-asking,” Martel said. So the market today isn’t quite what’s it’s been for the past two-plus years — except in places where it still is.
“Multifamily demand is getting even higher, and properties are going at crazy prices,” Martel said. “It’s high-demand, it’s a free for all, it’s a frenzy. And they’re usually sold before they hit the market.”
Company Name Topsail Realty
LEFT ALIGNMENT
HousingFairtheofprinciplesthesupportsfullyLLCEstateRealCenturyLLC.EstateReal21CenturybyownedmarksserviceregisteredareLogo21CENTURYtheand21®CENTURYreserved.rightsAllLLC.EstateReal21Century2018© area.yourinlawslocalotherandestaterealwithcompliantarecreateorchooseyoumaterialsmarketingthethatensuretoresponsibilityyourisItoperated.andownedindependentlyisofficeEachAct.OpportunityEqualtheandAct
289 Village Road, Tiverton - 2 beds, 2.5 baths. Enjoy westerly water views and ocean breezes from this 2-level townhouse in a seaside community. Features a tastefully designed kitchen w/ a generous island, leading to an open concept living room with a gas fireplace, and a layout that is perfect for entertaining. The sun simply pours into this home. $880,000
Paula pmartel@c21bristol.com401-447-6805Martel
OCEANFRONT
TYPOGRAPHY
MARKET: Many first-time buyers are scooping up multi-family homes
From Page 5 Paula Martel cited this recent property sale as an example of the hot market for ining.weremadeopenbuyers40attractedtucket,toninhomes.multi-familyLocatedtheDarlingareaofPawitnearlypotentialtoanhouse.Sixoffers.Allabove-askItsoldwith48hours.
Page 6 East Bay Homes - September 2022 tant,” Schryver said. There’s more evidence that the frenzied culture of the past two years is showing signs of abating. “First time in months, we had someone ask for inspection items to be fixed,” Schryver said. For a while, that sim ply wasn’t happening. Buyers were making full-cash offers, waiving all inspections, and signing as quickly as possible. Now some of them are slowing down a bit. “Barrington is still a really desir able spot. The whole East Bay really is,” Kirk said. “There is still demand. The inventory is still low. It’s still a seller’s’ market, definitely. The key is correct pricing.” A boom for multi-families Martel said one of the still-surging “pockets” in the market are multifamily homes. The trend is directly tied to interest rates. She said first-time homebuyers are getting squeezed by rising interest rates, which the feds have been increasing in an effort to thwart inflation. As their buying power has diminished, these first-time buyers have turned to the multi-family mar ket. They can buy a home, live in one of the apartments, and rely on their renters to subsidize or even cover their mortgage payments.
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 7 mottandchace.com5CourageousCircle Allison Dessel 401.339.6316$6,800,000 BRISTOL 139 Nayatt Road Carolyn Coleman 401.529.3763$2,799,000 BARRINGTON 341 Thames Street, #303S Allison Dessel 401.339.6316$4,300,000 BRISTOL 207 Cornelius Drive Kylie McCollough 401.864.8830$2,950,00030 Rockbridge Drive Liz Kinnane 401.835.1030$3,950,000 LITTLE COMPTON PORTSMOUTH 1148 Main Road Phyllis Ibbotson 401.297.8450$925,000 TIVERTON 205 Indian Avenue Kylie McCollough 401.864.8830$11,950,000 PORTSMOUTH 3333 Main Road Cherry Arnold, Liz Kinnane, & Judy Chace 508.938.9701$2,000,000 TIVERTON 5 Fairview Avenue Ellie Wickes 508.493.4545$3,200,000 WESTPORT, MA WATERFRONT WATER VIEWS WATERFRONT SOLD WATERFRONT CONDO Each office is independently owned and operated.
According to data from State-Wide Multiple Listing Service, a subsidiary of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, the monthly median price of singlefamily homes has followed an upward trend for 66 consecutive months. The rate of increase has been diminishing since April, however, when the median price of homes escalated by 20 percent more than 12 months earlier. By July, the median price rose only 6.8 percent, to $410,000, the lowest rate of increase since the spring of 2020, following the economic shutdown.Theprice moderation followed a downward trend in sales which began a year ago. Closed transactions of single-family homes fell 13.4% last month and pending sales dropped 18.2% year-over-year. The supply of single-fam ily homes on the market last month, remained the same as June, at 1.8 months, well below the six-month mark that characterizes a balanced market. “Rising interest rates and high inflation are making their mark on the housing market and causing afford ability problems for many buyers. Those same factors are also affecting some pro spective sellers who are choosing to wait to see what happens with the economy and rates before making a move. “At this point, however, supply is still extremely low, so prices may moder ate, but barring any unfore seen events, we don’t expect to see them drop significantly,” said Agueda Del Borgo, president of the Rhode Island Association ofInRealtors.the condominium market, the July 2021 medi an sales price of $275,000 was eclipsed by last month’s median price of $319,900, a 16.3 percent gain. Closed transactions declined by the same amount and sales under contract but not closed by month’s end were down 40.2 percent. Similar trends continued in the multifamily home market, which reached the highest median price of all three sectors, at $450,000, a 21.6% gain. Sales fell 31.1% from July 2021 and pending sales fell 30.9%. In July, the number of listings on the market fell year-over-year in all prop erty sectors.
prices continue to rise
month
the
down Please visit my website: TraceyMulvey.com Committed to protecting the equity and happiness of every client I represent. RE/MAX Platinum Club & Hall of Fame Platinum Sales GPBOR Circle of Excellence RI MONTHLY Professional Excellence Award Five-Star Professional Award TRACEY A. 401-835-8502MULVEYREALTOR® ABR & PSA #1 agent in sales volume in Bristol and Warren in 401-474-83062021 • cathysousaREMAX.comcqsousa62@gmail.comCATHERINESOUSA Your Local Real Estate Expert 423 Hope Street Bristol, RI Let me help you navigate unprecedentedthismarket HOME SALES MEDIAN SALES PRICE Rhode Single-FamilyIsland July 2022 NUMBER OF SALES PENDING SALES MONTH SUPPLY1.8 ACTIVE INVENTORY *as of 8/10/22 Balanced Market 6 mo. 12 mo. Buyer's MarketSeller's Market 0 mo 1.8moRhode Island’s single-family home
Prices remain high, but they’re starting to slow sales continued to down in by percent. Pending contracts not closed by the end of the also dropped. Despite the slowdown, due which showed no gains from prior
month. $410,000 928 Percent change reflects a year-over-year comparison between 2021 and 2022. Information is provided by State-Wide MLS, Inc., a subsidiary of the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®. Information deemed reliable but not www.rhodeislandliving.com/pressreleasesForguaranteed.moreinformation:1,258 6.8% 13.4% 18.2% CurrentMarket SOLD
13.4
July, with closing activity falling year-over-year
cool
to low inventory,
Data reveals that rising beginninghomesingle-familypricesaretomoderate
Page 8 East Bay Homes - September 2022
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 9 PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND The Aquidneck Club Custom-Designed New Build with Superior Amenities, Flawless Finishes & a Heated Saltwater Pool $4,750,000 BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND Main Street in Historic Downtown Partially Restored Mixed-Use Property on Double Lot $1,200,000 TIVERTON, RHODE ISLAND The Dockside Cottage Waterfront Property with 74-foot Dock & 2 Moorings $1,395,000 BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND Near Mount Hope Bridge 0.44-Acre Lot | Approved for 4-Bed OWTS Design $315,000 Move beyond your expectations. GustaveWhite.comEachofficeisindependentlyowned and operated. Newport: 37 Bellevue Avenue | 401.849.3000 Tiverton: 3848 Main Road, 2nd Fl | 401.816.4060 With offices in Historic Tiverton Four Corners & Downtown Newport LAND LOT
The Bristol Ferry Lighthouse has been an iconic symbol of Bristol for generations, guarding the 3,000-footwide passage between Bristol and Portsmouth at the beginning of Mt. Hope Bay for nearly 170 years. It was established in 1855 at the behest of mariners who frequented the area — mariners like William Brown, of the steamboat Bay State who, accord ing to lighthousefriends.org, wrote a letter to the Lighthouse Board in 1853 saying “There is probably no locality in the country, certainly none within my knowledge, where a light-house is so much needed. …Those of us who have to pass through this strait on dark and stormy nights, or else are brought to a stand in the attempt to grope our way lighthouse
Historic
will be changing hands REMAX RIVER’S EDGE 8 Dover Avenue East Providence, RI riversedgeri.comjeanclarke@remax.net02914 CONTACT ME TODAY! JEAN401-374-5039CLARKE,GRI ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF Recognized by The Greater Providence Board Of Realtors "Circle of Excellence" Multi Million Dollar Club for 32 consecutive years. LicensedRealtor-Associate,inRI&MA 30 KELLEY AVENUE, RUMFORD - Charming Colonial in fabulous location! 211 PLEASANT STREET, RUMFORDCharming Colonial near Turner Reservoir, Bridgham Farm & Land Conservatory. SOLD FOR $415,000 SOLD FOR $445,000 As local Senior Real Estate specialists, with over 30 years combined experi ence, we have the expertise you need to buy and sell in any market. We are a full service team having helped facilitate many estate sales where proper planning and cooperation from various parties are involved. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us for a complimentary SRES mov ing guide, or visit our website to read our online guides and testimonials. Call for a confidential conversation today! — SINCE 1999 — 587 Total Transactions, Sellers, Buyers, Rentals $155,254,959 Total Volume The Bristol Ferry Lighthouse has enjoyed a unique view for nearly 170 years.See FACING PAGE
Page 10 East Bay Homes - September 2022 For sale as a private home, Bristol Ferry Lighthouse has drawn interest from buyers from around the country BY CHRISTY NADALIN cnadalin@eastbaymediagroup.com
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 11 through, realize that, as it is now, we are subjected frequently to a responsibility more weighty than to be placed on any one.”The lighthouse served its purpose well, but was discontinued as an aid to navigation in 1927, when the construc tion and lights of the Mt. Hope Bridge made its light redundant. Buffeted by weather and neglect, the keeper’s house fell into disrepair until new own ers refurbished the historic building in the early 1990s, installing a new mahogany lantern on the 34-foot tow er.The Lighthouse, listed on the Nation al Register of Historic Places, feels like an oasis within an oasis with doublethick brick walls that keep the bustle of bridge and water traffic at bay; when you’re in the mood for salty breeze there is a picture perfect picket-fenced yard with a 1904 brick oil house that now serves as a potting shed. A pergola with mature wisteria pro vides a perfect shady spot to take it all in. For a truly majestic view that looks up the bay in either direction, includ ing the East Passage, Prudence Island and the Hog Island lighthouse, a quick climb takes you to the fourth-story lan tern room — a perfect spot for morn ing coffee, a good book, or quiet reflec tion.Idyllic location aside, this is a lovely home in its own right. Meticulously restored throughout with intact period details and original hardwood floors, high ceilings and a brick fireplace, the three-bedroom, two-bath property features a kitchen with an original mar ble sink and immaculate wood coun ters, finished to a high gloss and evoca tive of a classic wooden yacht. Located on a private road, nestled under the bridge, this property at 7 Old Ferry Road is one of the most unique in Rhode Island — truly a once-in-a-life time opportunity for the lucky buyer. Offered at $750,000 and represented by Kim Holland of Matt & Chase Sotheby’s International Realty, the sale is cur rently pending. RE/MAXGablinskeLindaRiver’sEdge 432 Hope Street Bristol RI 02809 401-474-9209 LindaGablinske@remax.net realestatewithlinda.com YOUR home may be worth MORE than you think! MottChace& INTERNATIONAL REALTY Sotheby’s JANET EMOND “Lifelong Local Resident and Trusted Professional” mottandchace.comjanet.emond@mottandchace.com401.316.8394BuyersRepresentingandSellers|401.245.3050 Tower guided mariners for decades before Mt. Hope Bridge was built From FACING PAGE The view from the fourth-story lantern room. New owners refurbished the historic lighthouse in the 1990s.
n Integrate into wall decor: Fire places that are built right into a wall save space. One can have a television and a fireplace on the same wall. These types of fireplaces work well in modern home designs. Other fireplaces may be built into bookshelves or other wall features.Fireplaces can improve the appeal of a home. Various trends are popular this year, making fireplaces highly coveted features.
n Convertible fireplaces: Homeown ers can choose between open or sealed fireplaces. A convertible fireplace enables homeowners to have the best features of these options. A convertible fireplace can be converted to wood from gas, or the opposite, in as little as 30 minutes.
n
Fireplaces today are designed for look as much as feel Fireplaces are useful features in a home. Fireplaces are sources of ambi ent heat and also add style to indoor spaces.Fireplaces can complement just about any interior style. Fireplaces can be traditional and burn wood or con nect to a home’s natural gas supply for on-demand ambiance. What’s more, fireplaces may come in vented or ventless varieties, depending on homeowners’ preferences and what is allowed by community building codes. That means a chimney or flue may not be needed — expanding the list of rooms where a fireplace can be installed.Certain trends have emerged among fireplace fans in recent years. Here’s a look at what’s getting consumers fired up about these home decor elements.
Page 12 East Bay Homes - September 2022
Hot and sleek — meet the modern fireplace PrincipeSarahGRI,SRS Sales & Rental Associate 557 Hope Street | Bristol, RI 401.374.7064 | sarah.principe@raveis.com401.396.9849 sarahprincipe.raveis.com William Raveis Independently Owned and Operated Have a happy 4th! SARAH PRINCIPE, GRI/SRS Sales & Rental Associate 423 Hope Street | Bristol, RI 401.374.7064 | sarahprincipe.raveis.comsarah.principe@raveis.com401.396.9849 William Raveis Independently Owned and Operated Have a happy 4th! SARAH PRINCIPE, GRI/SRS Sales & Rental Associate 423 Hope Street | Bristol, RI 401.374.7064 | sarahprincipe.raveis.comsarah.principe@raveis.com401.396.9849 AWARD - WINNING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS DEB JOBIN &DEBJOBINHOMES.COMCOMPANY(401)527-7894 AWARD - WINNING REAL ESTATEJOBINPROFESSIONALS (401) 527 - 7894 Your Property,MyPriority! (401) 527-7894 www.debjobinhomes.com (401) 527 - 7894 Your Property, Many fireplaces are designed in neutral colors with minimal trim that directs focus on the fire and not the appliance.
n Minimalist style: Many fireplaces are designed in neutral colors with minimal trim that directs focus on the fire and not the appliance. When the fireplace is not in use, it blends in with surroundings and will not compete for attention with other design elements.
n Vintage fireplaces: Vintage contin ues to be a buzzword in 2022, and the choice to go vintage also applies to fireplace styles. A room decorated in vintage elements can be complement ed with a vintage fireplace or one designed to look vintage.
Nature-inspired materials: Natural stone continues to be a material of choice in fireplace surrounds. Light colors work well for a fireplace, and also fit with today’s lighter color interi or design preferences. Natural stone also works perfectly with both contem porary and rustic decor.
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 13 KIRK|SCHRYVER TEAM #1 AGENTS IN BARRINGTON AND BRISTOL COUNTY FOR OVERALL SALES IN 2021 #1 AGENTS IN BARRINGTON AND BRISTOL FOR LUXURY SALES (SALES OVER $1,000,000) ABOVE BEYOND and kirk-schryver.com LTD “The Kirk/Schryver team has our comlete trust and confidence as realtors who have mastered every nuance of the home buying and selling process!” elizabeth kirk 401.225.0371 lisa schryver 401.529.5724 jan malcolm 401.447.9217 lindsay mitchell 401.480.2221
If you’re unsure of a tree’s health, con tact an arborist for an assessment.
TOM O’CONNOR Homeowners beds
to make things stronger and healthier in the spring.
Soil Testing
Drain and winterize water features Outside standing water can freeze and crack pipes and irrigation systems in the winter so be sure outdoor water is turned off and pumps and pipes are drained before temps drop too low, to protect them from the freeze and then thaw.
Page 14 East Bay Homes - September 2022
“This is a great way to be proactive,” O’Connor says. “Without knowing what’s in the soil, come spring when you see brown spots on the lawn or shrubs start ing to die because of fungus in the soil, you realize these issues could have been avoided with a simple soil test.” Be proactive Proactive care in landscaping is the cornerstone to a gardener’s success, says O’Connor. “Staying on top of the soil quality, tree health and grass diversity goes a long way toward supporting a beautiful landscape year-round.”
Fall landscaping checklist: Lawns, leaves and garden beds A llow B ar r ing ton Plumbing & Heating to Help Today! 401-252-9112 Keep your systems maintained. Catch small problems before they become big problems. It's never too early to start thinking about servicing or upgrading your heating system for the coming winter. “Don’t wait until spring when you will end up spending more money to repair what can be done for much less time and effort in the fall.”
Leaf pickup & gutters Leaves make for good coverage in woods and garden beds but are too acid ic for lawns, so O’Connor typically rec ommends two, or maybe three cleanups before the end of the year once they start falling. “You definitely want to get leaves off of the lawn if keeping it manicured is the goal,” he says. And while too acidic for lawns, leaves can be good for gardens because many New England plants are acid loving and they also provide an extra layer of insula tion from the cold. “For some of my clients, we will cut up raked leaves into a compost, leave them on the side of the yard and reuse them in the garden the following year when the mulch goes down,” O’Connor says. He also recommends using Sweet Peet: “It’s an organic mulch that’s like a composted leaf litter and it works great in beds,” he says.Gutters should be cleared of leaves and debris twice a year, in the fall and again in spring, as leaf-cluttered gutters can cause ice damming and damage to gutters and roofs.
BY LUCY PROBERT
Trees Inspect trees and trim them before the leaves come down, especially after the drought we’ve had this year, says O’Connor. Taking care of trees is impor tant because not only can dead branches fall and damage property, if they aren’t maintained they can become weakened and susceptible to damage from upcom ing hurricanes and nor’easters. “To prevent a tree from becoming rot ted or diseased in the future they need to be trimmed and inspected in the fall. Waiting until the spring might be too late,” says O’Connor.
Yardwork shouldn’t slow down when summer ends, especially for those who want their lawns, garden beds and trees to look their best in the spring. And it’s not just raking leaves and clearing out beds; from planting to trimming, keep those garden gloves and trowels handy, you’ll need them. “If you’re doing anything proactively in your yard now, you’re investing in your outside space for warmer weather,” says Tom O’Connor, owner of O’Connor Design Build, a landscape design build firm and pool builder based in Middle town. And timing is everything. “Don’t wait until spring when you will end up spending more money to repair what can be done for much less time and effort in the fall,” he says. Ahead, tips from O’Connor on aerating, the importance of healthy trees and why soil testing might or one that just looks good, he recom mends aerating and overseeding. Aerating is punching holes in the ground, allowing for nutrients and mois ture and then seedlings to germinate within. Another method, slice seeding, is an effective way to plant seeds as well, sowing them into the sliced ground. And for environmental reasons O’Connor recommends applying lime instead of “After a heavy rain, fertilizer run-off can be dangerous to the water supply,”
can spend time on their lawns, trees, shrubs and
A little work in the garden now makes for healthy spring beds. O’Connor rec ommends waiting until temperatures are down consistently in the 70s and the rains come back, typically in October, to start“Whenplanting.you plant in the fall, whether it’s perennials or shrubs, everything tends to take because root systems have a better chance to establish in the cool, moist soil. Sometimes plants struggle to root if you plant them in the spring,” he says.And when it comes to pruning, be careful, there are certain shrubs and plants that need to be cut back at a par ticular time, like hydrangeas, so check what you have and the best time to prune.
Soil testing lawns and gardens is a good way to get information on their health. Send a few plugs of dirt into a testing lab (URI and UMass offer soil testing kits on their websites) and find out what your soil is comprised of and what it’s lacking.
With Rhode Island pledging to become the first state with 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030, energy efficient residents are already jumping on“Solarboard.power is necessary for us to combat climate change. It’s absolutely fantastic,” says Frank DiMauro. “There is no question we should be doing it, but be careful in the process. Do your homework, make sure you’re working with the right people, that it’s finan cially practical and then make the best decision for your family.”
Most solar power users will see pay back on their electricity bill in about 6 to 8 years on a solar panel system that typically lasts 25 years.
Things to consider when thinking about electric grid tie-in, according to the State of Rhode Island’s Office of Energy Resources (OER): Don’t count on your panels to work when the pow er is out during a storm. They will not operate when the grid is down. To achieve maximum production, solar panels should be facing due south, so check your roof for placement. The structural condition of the home’s roof must be sound before panels are installed and check for shading of trees, a they can affect the sun’s path. Some maintenance is required, includ ing making sure the panels are clean and replacing the inverter box, proba bly once during the lifetime of the sys tem.Dana Weinberg from Sunwatt Solar, a full service residential and small commercial solar installer based in Pawtucket, advises making sure solar companies under consideration are not subcontracting out the installa tion. “We get calls from people who have had systems installed, and when an issue comes up they can’t track down who actually did the installation. Look for a local company who does it all in-house,” he says. He also suggests checking contracts carefully for hidden fees if financing is offered and making sure that not only the equipment is warrantied but labor is as well.
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 15
Solar energy works by converting sunlight into electrical energy through the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) pan els installed typically on roofs, though they can also be placed elsewhere on a property.During the day, the panels absorb energy from the sun, collect the energy and turn it into direct current (DC) energy. The DC energy is passed through an inverter box to convert it to usable (AC) electricity, which comes into the home through wall outlets. This electricity can be stored in a solar battery or, in most cases, sent through a grid to the electric company.
Tiverton architectural designer Frank DiMauro has worked with solar for nearly 25 years, including designing and developing an affordable, ultraefficient ‘net zero ready’ home in Tiver ton using photovoltaic and thermal solar. His advice for those considering solar is to get quotes from four or five solar installation companies and read ing the fine print before signing any contracts. He also suggests checking with friends and neighbors who have had solar power systems installed for recommendations.“Thereisalottobe said for talking to someone who has had it done to learn from their experience,” he says.
FRANK DIMAURO
What is solar energy and how does it work?
“If not, in the event that something needs to be repaired, you’re on the hook paying for an electrician or a roofer.”Andwhile batteries are an option as a backup for power outages, they don’t store solar energy for long, so the best bet is adding a generator, he says.
BY LUCY PROBERT
In an effort to help become more energy independent as well as save on utility bills, more and more homeown ers are considering going solar. While there is a significant learning curve before making the decision to use solar power over standard electricity, con verting sunlight directly into electricity is appealing, especially with electric rates set to be raised soon. Although initial installation costs are steep, with federal and state tax incen tives and rebates, solar startup costs can be reduced substantially. Here’s a primer on what you’ll want to know about solar …
Going solar — the pros, cons and must-knows
One expert rec ommends mak ing sure that the same company that sells the system also does the installation.
Another option is the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Growth Program administered by Rhode Island Energy, which allows customers to sell their solar output back under long-term rates at fixed prices. These lock-in rate plans are available for 15 to 20 years.
Do your homework
“Solar power is absolutely fantastic. There is no question we should be doing it, but be careful in the process. Do your homework, make sure you’re working with the right people, that it’s financially practical and then make the best decision for your family.”
Called net metering, the tie-in system connects to the electrical grid, gener ates power for the home, then feeds excess generated power back into the grid (when the meter ‘spins back wards’) and the homeowner is then given credit toward their next bill. Costs Installation costs for solar systems run around $25,000, but can be offset with rebates and incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act’s Residential Clean Energy Credit, where homeown ers can subtract 30 percent of the cost of installing solar from federal taxes. There are also Renewable Energy Fund grants and a Rhode Island sales tax exemption. After working in the credits as well as other incentives, the total price can fall by thousands.
Page 16 East Bay Homes - September 2022
Modern homes trend towardneutralminimalist,anduncluttered
Homes contain a variety of components that appeal to homeowners with different ideas about the perfect place to call home. That starts with the style of a home. Buildings are classified according to share compo nents. A Craftsman style home will have a covered porch with a set of wide base columns, while a Cape Cod home is often defined by a gabled roof and dormer win dows.Modern houses, which are sometimes called contempo rary homes even though the terms are not interchange able, will have their own sets of unique characteristics. Here’s a look at seven fea tures that make modern homes unique.
1. Minimalist approach Contemporary and mod ern homes both employ an approach that leans toward minimalism, including clean design lines. Spaces are open and airy without the clutter of too many ornate architec tural details. While modern homes may have some cur vature to their design, con temporary ones are all about an angular look.
2. Neutral color palette
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Modern homes tend to uti lize a neutral color palette. Modern homes may use “earthy” elements, such as wood and brick, in ways that do not look rustic. Contem porary homes rely on a color palette of black and white with shades of gray or other neutral colors.
Modern homes have strong hori zontal and vertical elements that showcase geometric shapes in their designs. Contemporary homes often have flat roofs, while modern homes may not.
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Most modern homes showcase a lot of natural light by utilizing large windows that are not covered up by heavy window treatments or ele ments like shutters and thick trims. Large windows are the focus of the interior and shift attention to the view outdoors.
A hallmark of modern interior design, the open concept floor plan removes many of the walls that tend to separate common areas of a home. This helps to foster the spread of natural light and maintains the emphasis on simplicity of design.
4. Large, unadorned windows
East Bay Homes - September 2022 Page 17
3. Geometric shapes
5. Open floor concept
6. Smart elements
Thanks to the proliferation of smart technology, smart homes are cropping up with greater frequency. While smart devices can be included in any home style, they tend to feel like they were designed specifically for modern homes. In a similar vein, modern homes may include envi ronmentally friendly elements, such as solar panels, upcycled materials, added insulation, and energy effi cient lighting.
7. Updated kitchen spaces
The clean lines and attention to technology and open space general ly extends to modern kitchens. Mod ern kitchens tend to feature effi cient, top-tier appliances with addi tional storage and space amenities that keep the room from feeling clut tered.While some may consider modern homes austere, many others are right at home among their clean lines and airy spaces.
Side-by-side kitchen sinks are sought-after features among prospective home buyers.
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Home trends come and go. Today’s must-have items tend to become tomorrow’s outdated features in the blink of an Homeownerseye. who plan to stay in their current homes for years to come needn’t prioritize modern trends over personal preferences. However, home owners looking to sell their homes can consider these favored features to increase their properties’ appeal to modern buyers.
Page 18 East Bay Homes - September 2022
A double or side-by-side sink is among the more affordable features buyers are looking for. At less than $1,000 on average, a side-by-sink is an affordable way to make a home more appealing to modern buyers. Modern buyers want a lot out of their homes, and sellers can do their best to meet those desires while getting the most money for their properties.
Side-by-side sink
Separate laundry room According to the National Associa tion of Home Builders’ 2021 What Home Buyers Really Want report, a separate room dedicated to laundry was the most desired feature among prospective home buyers. Though it might not inspire the awe of an out door living room or floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a wooded back yard, a laundry room fills a direct and universal need. Perhaps that’s why 87 percent of buyers want a room dedi cated to laundry in a home. Exterior lighting Drive through a modern suburban neighborhood at night and it won’t take long before you realize the popu larity of exterior lighting. And that’s no coincidence, as homeowners every where appear to embrace exterior lighting.TheNAHB report indicates that exterior lighting is the most soughtafter outdoor feature. The good news for prospective sellers is that exterior lighting is an inexpensive and instant way to transform a property at night. Some solar-powered lighting along walkways and outside the front door can make a home feel more safe, while some uplighting of large trees in the backyard can produce a sight to behold once the sun goes down. Energy-efficient upgrades Inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything over the last year-plus, and energy is no exception. So it should come as no surprise that 83 percent of prospective home buyers are looking for energy-efficient win dows and appliances in a home. These features save money and benefit the planet, making them a win-win among Patio Patio spaces have long been popular, but that popularity reached new heights during the pandemic. When forced to stay at home for long periods of time, millions of people longed for ways to spend more time outdoors without breaking lockdown rules. Pati os provide outdoor living spaces, and 82 percent of buyers indicated they wanted a patio with their next proper ty.
Anyone looking to sell might consider a few modest upgrades
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