East Bay Homes - June 2020

n Screen, clean and prep — the ‘new normal’ for showing houses n Why now’s a great time for sellers! n Covid puts the clamps on the May market … But one town (Barrington) bucks the trend n How a global pandemic will influence home designs A supplement to East Bay Media Group • June 24-25, 2020

Page 2 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

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East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 3

Prepping, cleaning and pre-screening — the new normal Realtors have adopted new procedures to keep the market moving while keeping people safe

one involved feel safe.

“Everybody I’ve come in contact with, both buyers and sellers, has been incredibly respectful of people’s safety,” Ms. Principe said.

BY SCOTT PICKERING

The value of virtual

There are many “new normals” developing in the real estate market, with an array of new safety procedures and protocols near the top of the list.

For those stuck inside for the past four months wondering what’s actually happening in the world, know this — there are houses for sale, prospective buyers (strangers) are walking through them, and many of them are buying said houses. But the whole process looks and feels a lot differently than it did B.C. (Before Covid).

Realtor Sarah Principe of William Raveis has been part of more than a dozen transactions in 2020, from before the pandemic to the present.

Along with her colleagues and peers, she’s adapted many of her procedures with one purpose — to make every-

The “new normal” procedures begin long before someone actually comes to visit a house. Ms. Principle uses several round of screening — some subtle, some direct — to be sure potential buyers are legitimately interested in a house.

“One of the first things we’re doing is more virtual tours,” she said. “They don’t necessarily sell the house, but it’s a great way to get a sense of the layout of the house in a safe setting.”

Ms. Principe uses a professional videographer, shooting with a wide lens, to give people as much information as possible when watching a tour.

In addition, she encourages potential buyers to view a floor plan, so they have no surprises — no one can say, “I thought the master bedroom was on the first floor!”

Ms. Principe then encourages a

spickering@eastbaymediagroup.com

drive-by. “You’re not going to buy the house if you don’t like the neighborhood,” she said.

Next are more direct screenings with a formal questionnaire: n Are you pre-qualified for a loan? n Are you sick or showing any symptoms? n Have you been exposed to the virus? n Have you traveled recently?

Once all questions are answered satisfactorily, they schedule a showing, but there’s still a lot of work to do.

Lights on, doors open First, the sellers typically prep the house before they leave.

“They open all doors, turn on all lights, open any significant cabinetry they want to show … So there’s no need for anybody to touch anything in your house,” Ms. Principe said.

They also try to limit the number of people who actually attend the showing. Ms. Principe tries to steer the group to be as small as possible —

See SHOWINGS Page 4

“Some people are afraid to have total strangers in their homes, but once we explain to them what we do, they feel a lot better about it.” n MARY JO FIDALGO-TAVARES

Happy Fourth of July!

13 State Street, Bristol, RI 401-253-0009 • harborsiderealtyri.com Each office independently owned & operated

When experience matters most, we’re here for you!

Turning “FOR SALE” Signs into “SOLD”

ebrand

SHOWINGS: Realtors working to calm

Open Houses — the same, but different

the Covid nerves for sellers and buyers From Page 3 “We try to keep it to just the people who are actually buying the home, maybe one or two people, along with their agent,” she said — so only the small group (sans a lot of kids or relatives) enter the house.

Everyone wears masks and gloves, Ms. Principe brings wipes and hand sanitizer, and they try to maintain a six-foot distance between people throughout the showing, even in cozy houses.

Despite how elaborate it all sounds, much of it has become commonplace in today’s world, as masks and distancing are old habits at this point.

“Honestly, everybody is very respectful and conscientious about walking through somebody’s house,” Ms. Principe said. In essence, most anyone who has gone grocery shopping, entered a business or gone to the doctor recently “gets it.” So some of the new procedures are second LEFT

ALIGNMENT

See FACING PAGE

“Everybody I’ve come in contact with, both buyers and sellers, has been incredibly respectful of people’s safety.”

TYPOLD EXTENDED MEDIUM TYPOGRAPHY

Are there open houses anymore?

Yes. But it’s not like it used to be B.C. (Before Covid).

After having no open houses for months, the real estate community got back in the business of scheduling open times for prospective buyers earlier this month. However, there are new restrictions.

In addition to all the protocols for cleaning and touching surfaces and face coverings (see main story), agents now limit the number of people inside a property at the same time. Unless the size of the house allows for more distancing, agents typically allow only one group inside at a time.

Sarah Principle of William Raveis said that during a recent open house in Rehoboth, there were 40 people waiting in line outside the home.

Mary Jo Fidalgo-Tavares said © 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate and other local laws in your area.

A

Page 4 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

n SARAH PRINCIPE

TopsailName Realty Company Thinking of selling or buying a home and don’t know where to begin? I can help!

20 C H A R AC T E R L I M I T

With 24 years of experience, I can guide you through the process while staying safe during COVID19.

4.3.18 35

that whenever possible, they schedule appointments within the “open house” time period. Typically the buyers’ agent will call ahead, ask if they’re taking appointments, and schedule a 10 or 15-minute block of time.

Deb Cordeiro of Harborside Realty said some of the agents in her office have adopted a new procedure where groups text when they’ve arrived at a house, and wait for a text confirmation that it’s ok to come inside.

Some day buyers may once again find themselves crowded together in strangers’ homes, whispering to their partner while simultaneously trying to hear what everyone else is whispering about … but it’s not likely in the summer of 2020.

For now, they get open houses to themselves.

— Scott Pickering

I’ve Joined Lila Lila Delman introduces Tom Wegner as Sales Manager of its Providence Office.

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East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 5

For showings, they screen, clean, control and then clean again From FACING PAGE nature.

Cleaning before and after

NG

21 ® Global Rebrand

ALIGNMENT

Some agencies are investing more heavily in professional-grade video tours of properties — like this Residential Properties tour of a Barrington listing — to give potential buyers as much information as possible before deciding to see a house in-person.

TYPOLD EXTENDED MEDIUM

“I have wipes in my car all the time now,” Ms. Tavares said.

It sounds like a lot, but it’s actually quite (here’s that word again) normal by

© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate and other local laws in your area.

Realtor Mary Jo Fidalgo-Tavares has also been busy this year, both showing properties and putting in a lot of time before and after each appointment. Ms. Tavares follows many of the same procedures as Ms. Principe, including the masks, open doors, lights and house prep so buyers don’t need to touch anything in the house. But some of her personal procedures differ slightly.

“I ask people about their health and symptoms, but I don’t have a formal questionnaire,” Ms. Tavares said. “I’m more of a casual asker.”

She is not a casual cleaner. She now shows up at least 20 minutes before a showing and uses sanitizing wipes on every touch-point in the house. And even though she asks people not to touch anything, she goes back and wipes everything again before leaving ARK + the DBA house. “And ILEFTgive them wipes so they can wipe down handrails as they come down the stairs,” she said.

Suffice to say, she goes through a lot of wipes.

today’s standards.

“Everybody is so conscious of safety right now, it’s kind of become the new norm,” Ms. Tavares said.

TYPOGRAPHY

TopsailName Realty Company Bringing you the Experience and Expertise Needed to Navigate the New Normal of the Real Estate Industry CALL ME TODAY!

20

“Some people are afraid to have total strangers in their homes, but once we explain to them what we do, they feel a lot better about it.”

TRACEY A. MULVEY RE/MAX Platinum Club REALTOR® ABR & PSA 401-835-8502 traceymulveysells@gmail.com

YOUR TRUSTED REAL ESTATE ADVISOR C H A R AC T E R L I M I T

As a lifelong resident of Bristol, I love what the East Bay has to offer! I am passionate about my work and offer expert advice on the local real estate market to both buyers and sellers. I am committed to excellence and run my business with honesty and integrity.

4.3.18 35

I am happy to help you!

Roseann Dugan 401.378.8451

rdugan@c21bristol.com www.RoseannDugan.com www.TouissetFarms.com

Please see my 5-star client reviews on Zillow.com

Page 6 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

NEW

PRIC

With little on the market, it’s a great time to sell

E

183 High St, Bristol 2-family on parade route. 3 beds each unit. 2 car detached garage. $649,999

Historically low inventory is creating a sizzling-hot seller’s market

0 Union St, Warren Unprecedented offering! 15K sq ft lot in the Waterfront district. $199,000

BY SCOTT PICKERING

Sarah Principe, GRI,SRS

401-374-7064 • sarahprincipe.raveis.com Multi-Million Dollar Producer WORDMARK + DBA D R AW I N G

2019 Chairman’s Club 2019 MLS Top Agent/Transactions in Bristol LEFT

TYPOLD EXTENDED MEDIUM

ALIGNMENT

TYPOGRAPHY

TopsailName Realty Company

Whether you are CENTURY 21 Global Rebrand ®

Barbara Stamp of Residential Properties is one of the more recognized and successful Realtors in the region.

In a typical market, she will have 12 to 15 listings. Last week, she had three, and two of them were already under contract. The third is an empty lot in Bristol.

“There’s so little inventory right now, and it’s at all different price points; it’s affecting everything,” she said.

Deb Cordeiro of Harborside Realty is also one of the busiest and most successful agents in the region. “My inventory right now is less than half of what it typically would be,” she said.

So what’s affecting the market?

Everything.

Data from the Rhode Island Association of Realtors corroborate what real estate agents say anecdotally: the inventory was already a little low before the Covid-19 pandemic, but the virus changed everything.

According to the statewide association’s official statistics, back in February of 2020 the inventory of singlefamily houses on the market was down 12 percent year over year (from February of 2019 to February of 2020).

By March, inventory was down 23 percent. By April, it was down 32 percent. In May, it remained down 33 percent.

The typical surge in spring listings, with hundreds of new properties coming on the market, never happened. Blame the virus.

“This is the tightest inventory I’ve seen in a long time,” said Ms. Cordeiro. “It really has a lot to do with Covid.”

She thinks the reasons are partpsychology, part-economics.

“A lot of people are hunkering down and can’t think about moving right

BUYING or SELLING Let me help you with your wish list Mary Jo Tavares 401.297.1399 mjtavares@c21bristol.com www.maryjotavares.com

© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate and other local laws in your area.

WILLIAM RAVEIS REAL ESTATE

spickering@eastbaymediagroup.com

20

C H A R AC T E R L I M I T

4.3.18 35

“If something is priced at market value, it’s getting locked up in the first week or less.” n DEB CORDEIRO

now … They’re following news about the virus, about restrictions, about race relations … They’re consumed with things other than moving,” Ms. Cordeiro said.

In addition, some 20 percent of the population is unemployed, many others face financial uncertainty, and the whole climate brings a lot of anxiety to the prospect of selling, buying or moving.

“It’s a nesting thing,” Ms. Stamp said. “It’s the only thing that makes some people feel secure.”

See FACING PAGE

© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully suppo Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate

East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 7

Buyers are learning they have to be ready and move quickly

Mortgage interest rates are at historic lows, which is helping fuel this sellers’ market.

“The interest rates are incredible,” said Barbara Stamp of Residential. “I mean, a 3 percent rate is pretty amazing, and experts are predicting that

20 C H A R AC T E R L I M I T

4.3.18 35

MY PASSION.

The sellers’ market

Interest rates are helping

YOUR GOALS.

CENTURY 21 ® Global Rebrand

From FACING PAGE

Despite all the uncertainty, this is a sizzling-hot sellers’ market. If anyone has a house to sell, they better expect it to go fast.

“It’s a great time to sell,” Ms. Stamp said. “In this environment, if a buyer is interested, they should make an appointment quickly.”

She just recently listed a new property. It went under contract almost immediately.

Ms. Cordeiro said things are so hot, she’s seeing a new phenomenon she hasn’t seen in years. Not only are half her listings under contract and pending, half of those have backup offers, in case the original deals fall through.

“Everything is flying off the shelves,” Ms. Cordeiro said. “If something is priced at market value, it’s getting locked up in the first week or less.”

She’s also seeing some properties sell for more than their asking price.

Ms. Cordeiro added, “The only people who are winning the deals right now are those with no contingencies … Some people are even forgoing inspection — which I don’t recommend.”

Mary Jo Fidalgo-Tavares of Century 21 Topsail said the town of Bristol typically has 80 to 90 properties for sale in an average market. Last week there were 36.

“If something comes on the market, it’s a bidding war,” Ms. Tavares said.

“Multi-families are even going way over asking prices. We had one client offer $50,000 over the asking price, and we didn’t get it.”

Sarah Principe of William Raveis said, “It’s a seller’s market for sure right now. Things are going under contract within 48 hours.”

Company TopsailName Realty

LET’S TALK.

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ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF “It’s a great time to sell. In this environment, if a buyer is interested, they should make an appointment quickly.” n BARBARA STAMP

rates are going to stay like this for a while.”

The local rental market may also be seeing a boost from Covid. “The rental market is really busy right now,” Ms. Stamp said. “We’re seeing people come to this region from different states, people from New York and other places.”

A global pandemic, low inventory, enticing interest rates and high quality of life are making this a great market for sellers — as long as they have someplace to go.

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Page 8 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

This home on Payne Road in Barrington recently sold for $1,625,000.

Built in 1870 in the desirable Nayatt beach area, it is one of 13 homes to sell for more than $1 million in Barrington this year.

One town bucks the sluggish trend elsewhere While the number of home sales has sharply declined everywhere, Barrington stands alone

BY JOSH BICKFORD

jbickford@eastbaymediagroup.com

The number of single-family home sales fell 25 percent in Warren in a comparison of last May to this May. They were down 37 percent in Bristol, 38 percent in East Providence and 44 percent in Portsmouth.

But in Barrington, last month’s single-family home sales actually exceeded the figure from May 2019. In fact, a comparison to last year’s May sales in Barrington showed a 21 percent increase.

That information may shock some people, but Ian Barnacle, broker/office manager for the Residential Properties office in Barrington, said he is not surprised at all. Mr. Barnacle said last month saw a marked increase in activity in the Barrington real estate market. Homes for sale in town are receiv-

ing multiple offers, with most offers at or near the list price.

“I think we’re going to make up for the spring market over the summer months,” Mr. Barnacle said.

Home sales across the region got off to a strong start in January and February, Mr. Barnacle said, but in midMarch the real estate market came to abrupt halt. As the governor ordered schools closed and reduced the economy to essential business only, people who had been thinking about selling or buying a home reconsidered.

“Everything stopped right around St. Patrick’s Day,” Mr. Barnacle said.

“Some sellers took their houses off the market.”

The remainder of March and all of April were very slow for Realtors. At Residential Properties, agents continued to hold virtual meetings and strategize but there was very little activity — open houses were prohibited and the number of listings dropped significantly.

Mr. Barnacle said the market appeared to start its rebound in May. “All of a sudden it felt normal again,”

he said. “It was very busy.”

According to data from the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, a yearover-year comparison of single family home sales in Barrington showed a 21 percent increase: In 2019, there were 24 homes sold in Barrington; in 2020, there were 29 homes sold in Barrington.

Mr. Barnacle said that as people began to feel more comfortable and as more of the economy was re-opened, real estate activity in Barrington picked up. Some of the movement in the market, Mr. Barnacle said, appears to be current Barrington residents upgrading to larger homes in town. He said the market is still tilted toward sellers, with fewer overall listings.

“The East Side of Providence and Barrington are moving very quickly.

We see a lot of activity,” he said.

Mr. Barnacle said he anticipates that the market will continue to rebound, possibly through September, depending on how the state is faring with the coronavirus.

“It’s been a very busy June,” Mr. Barnacle said, adding that his office is

seeing about the same number of total deals per day as it saw this time last year.

In addition, the median sales price for homes sold in Barrington has remained flat — the median sale price of Barrington homes in May 2019 was $500,000, while that figure is $497,500 for May 2020.

May rebound, for Barrington The number of single-family home sales fell everywhere in May except in Barrington. n Barrington: 21% increase n Warren: 25% decrease n Bristol: 37% decrease n E. Providence: 38% decrease n Tiverton: 26% decrease n L. Compton: 0% change n Portsmouth: 44% decrease n Middletown: 75% decrease n Newport: 55% decrease n Jamestown: 77% decrease n R.I. total: 32% decrease

East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 9

282 Nayatt Rd, BaRRiNgtoN

57 WateR Way, BaRRiNgtoN

P

liSt PRice - $1,075,000

St

eN

Ju

Sale PRice - $570,000

d

2.5

g

ld

iN

So

4/5

4/5

2, 582 sq. ft

3

3,483 sq. ft

Selling a 5 bedroom family home after school begins is fraught with challenges, but digital marketing to relocation realtors attracted just the right family to this Nayatt home.

This magnificent property near Barrington Beach was offered to the public for the first time in 90 years. With an extensive marketing campaign, this property was under contract in less than a month.

Buying or Selling?

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Buying or Selling?

Make your Move and choose Link Real Estate for your Next Real Estate Transaction.

Tracy leroux

Tracy leroux

184 County Rd 2nd Floor Barrington RI 02806 401.289.2600 Tracy@thelinkagency.com

184 County Rd 2nd Floor Barrington RI 02806 401.289.2600 Tracy@thelinkagency.com

le

17 1/2 RiveRvieW, BaRRiNgtoN

Fo

R

Sa

liSt PRice - $559,000

8 emeRy Road, WaRReN 3

2

1,731 sq. ft

$319,000

Nestled in Touisset Point is this afforable and spacious seaside cape. Home needs work but some updates include a newer septic system (installed 2009), heating system (5 years old), roof (>10 years old) & well pump. A wonderful summer or year round home. Glimpses of the Kickemuit River, steps away from recreational facilities, community club and a private beach.

Not located in a flood zone.

call randi gileS

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5

2

2,080 sq. ft

We all learned a new “normal� way of showing property during Covid-19. Marketing this home in Boston, drew just the right family to call this waterfront charmer home.

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u N d eR

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Page 10 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

STAY SAFE

USE OUR TOOLS TO SEARCH AND TOUR LISTINGS FROM HOME.

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East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 11

It’s a great time to buy, a great time to sell, and we’re closing deals and building our inventory!

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Page 12 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

Stay-at-home order curbs volume of sales in May

Inventory is extremely low, prices are rising, and buyers are moving quickly when they see something they like

The median price of single-family homes sold in Rhode Island hit a new record last month. May’s price of $309,500 was the third time in a year that Rhode Island’s median sales price topped the $300,000 threshold.

The flip side of that news was a 31 percent decline in sales year-over-year, a drop directly tied R.I. Assoc. of to the pandemic.

Realtors The number of President homes available for Shannon Buss sale fell 33 percent since May of 2019, leaving a 2.7-month supply of inventory, a slight increase than that seen earlier in the year, though still distressingly low.

The good news is that the market did not show further decline from the prior

month — median sales price, closing activity and listings of single-family homes increased marginally from April to May. “What we saw last month is not surprising given that everyone was sequestered at home in April and much of March,” said Shannon Buss, president of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. “It has become apparent that our ‘spring’ selling season will begin in the summer, depending on the comfort level of buyers and sellers in social settings as we reopen the economy. The good news is, we’re seeing a lot of buying activity, and multiple offer situations are prevalent.”

The multifamily home median price also hit an all-time high, climbing to $305,000, a 14 percent gain from May of last year. Sales plummeted 42.6 percent however, and listings fell 43 percent from the prior May, leaving just over a two-month supply of multifamily homes for sale.

From April to May, stay-at-home orders and pandemic hardships caused multifamily home sales activity to fall 23 percent, while the median sales price grew by 14.3 percent. The

Linda Gablinske

supply of properties on the market increased marginally, from two months in April to 2.2 months in May. “Our investor-driven market has been hit the hardest as far as inventory shortages. Even prior to the pandemic, owners have been reaping the benefits of rising rental income, so they have been hanging on to those properties. And, of course, current events have made it even harder to list properties for sale,” commented Buss.

The condominium market also saw price gains, coupled with steep declines in closed transactions. The median sales price rose five percent to $243,500, while sales activity dropped 38.6 percent year-over-year. The number of listings also decreased significantly, falling 23 percent from the prior year.

Currently the condo market has a 3.6-month supply of units for sale and while still far below the six-month

RHODE ISLAND

supply which indicates a balanced market, condos offer the most options for buyers to choose from at the lowest price points.

From April to May, the condo sector held its own. Sales rose by 28.7 percent while median price and listings fell by 2.6 and 3.9 percent respectively.

“Obviously sales activity in May was bleak, as we expected, but we’re heartened by the fact that conditions haven’t deteriorated further from April to May. Our biggest obstacle is listing properties for sale, but that was the case before the pandemic as well.

Now that the stay-at-home orders are lifted and people are getting back out, we’re hopeful that potential sellers will become more comfortable about putting their home on the market.

Sellers really are getting top dollar right now, and buyers are taking advantage of fantastic rates,” commented Buss.

2020 May Single-family Home Sale Statisti

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES

$309,500

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES SOLD

3%

742

RE/MAX River’s Edge 47 Bradford Street Bristol RI 02809

1253

401-474-9209

LindaGablinske@remax.net realestatewithlinda.com

31%

1.6%

21 NUMBER OF

FORECLOSURE/ SHORT SALES

30%

2.7

MONTH SUPPLY

INVENTORY AS OF 6/10/20

Percent change re ects a year-over-year comparison between 2019 and 2020. Information is provided by StateWide MLS, Inc., a subsidiary of the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®.

For more information: www.riliving.com/pressreleases

YOUR home may be worth MORE than you think!

Data from May shows a rise in prices but a sharp decline in actual sales.

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 13

PORTSMOUTH: Captivating water views from 4-bedroom sanctuary. Mahogany porches & decks, pool, spa, pool house, and steps to private deeded beach. Spacious rooms and gourmet’s dream kitchen. $3,390,000

PORTSMOUTH: Exquisite compound on over 11 acres with water views in private Farmlands enclave. Property features 4-bedroom custom shingle-style, guest house, barn with stables and horse paddocks, and outbuildings. $2,290,000

PORTSMOUTH: Lovingly restored ‘Durfee Tea House’ in The Glen. c1820 farmhouse with addition in 1989 to include spacious master suite. Formal dining room, double parlors, and eat-in country kitchen. $1,389,000

TIVERTON: Secluded 5+ acre setting with lush landscaping and koi pond. Each room plus an enclosed porch offers Nonquit Pond views. Pine floors, exposed beams, and easy flowing rooms. $1,290,000

TIVERTON: Delightful 4+ bedroom just south of Four Corners overlooking Nonquit Pond. Delightful chef’s kitchen and breakfast room showcasing brilliant sunsets over the water. Master with fireplace and deck. $999,000

PORTSMOUTH: Surrounded by open space, handsome four-bedroom with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, Great Room with stone hearth, and renovated kitchen.

First-floor master suite. $985,000

VILLAGES ON MT. HOPE BAY: South-facing end-unit with gorgeous bay views. Custom-built with oversized windows, upgraded kitchen, two master suites – including a first level – and walkout lower level. $1,095,000

VILLAGES ON MT. HOPE BAY: Brand new “Westerly” 2-bedroom/2.5 bath unit at very end of a cul-de-sac. One level living open design with gourmet kitchen, and living/dining area with fireplace. $759,000

VILLAGES ON MT. HOPE BAY: Stunning “Sakonnet” 3-bedroom style with double master suites, den and bright kitchen. Both masters and deck face west taking in colorful sunsets over Mt Hope Bay. $674,500

Time Ten er n Win

401.816.4060 Covering All of Rhode Island www.GustaveWhite.com

BRISTOL: Stately 1810 Federalist accurately restored and steeped in history.

Wrap-around porch, “free standing” staircase, fireplaces, spectacular wall murals, and wide-cut fir floors plus modern updates. $789,000

Tom Little Meg Little Bridget Torrey Ted Torrey Jose Aguon Ginny Baldwin Whitney Bauer Susan Andrade Bistline Jessica Chase Ann Conner Michelle Drum

245.3600 245.4098 575.6722 848.4536 848.6723 848.6711 935.4946 935.1778 864.3596 848.6709 848.6720

Gloria Dunn Kim Fleming Heather Galvin Kate Kirby Greenman David Huberman Dina Karousos Rebecca King Michelle Kirby Joel Langlois Liam Leys Paul Leys

Tiverton | Newport | South County

848.6719 848.6726 207.6121 848.6727 848.6729 451.6461 808.9334 848.6714 741.7397 862.2507 848.6706

Nicki Lucenti Chan Lyell Bertie MacGowan Grace Cimo McCluskey Kara Malkovich Kiki Mitchell Kate Rooney Michael Sweeney Catherine Watne Chris West LeAnne West Elena Wilcox

439.9581 935.6184 848.6745 222.9651 848.6728 848.6721 636.7894 862.0164 862.2282 848.6716 787.7604 662.0604

www.GustaveWhite.com

End of Season Sale

Page 14 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

Get Ready for Summer!

End of Season Sale

asonEnd Sale of Season Sale FREE Assembly on Grills & Fire Tables Grill Covers • Removal of Your Old Grill One Free Propane Refill FREE DELIVERY

Expect homeowners to invest more in their home office spaces — since millions have discovered they can actually work from home.

FREE Assembly on Grills & Fire Tables How home design trends are Grill Covers • Removal of Your Old Grill evolving for social distancing One Free Propane Refill 374 Metacom Ave. Bristol RI 401-253-7781 FREE DELIVERY sunshinefuelsinc.com COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials people use to the rooms they prioritize. Check out these and other noteworthy trends:

HEARTH AND PATIO

Houses over apartments Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action — work, entertainment and shops — and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to selfisolate again.

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HEARTH AND PATIO

Outdoor living Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many people are turning to their balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means they will be investing more in outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a muchneeded escape.

Ave. Bristol RI

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Self-sufficiency sunshinefuelsinc.com A hard lesson everyone has learned

Grills & Fire Tables 374 Metacom Ave. Bristol, RI Ave. Bristol RI 374 Metacom al of Your Old Grill 401-253-7781 401-253-7781 pane Refill sunshinefuelsinc.com sunshinefuelsinc.com

solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow people to grow your own produce.

is that things and services they thought they could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like

See FACING PAGE

Healthier spaces

Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing their health, people turn to design to help ensure their homes are safe and healthy for their families. There will be a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality

East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 15

Buyers and owners will be looking for space, comfort and health From FACING PAGE and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key.

Home office space Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project for many. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into the décor, as well as ergonomic chairs and desks, will see a major boost.

Custom and quality With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Among the many changes expected to result from the global pandemic is a desire to stay home — and take advantage of the outdoors. Expect new investments in outdoor living spaces that are functional and comfortable.

Indoor Air Health and Comfort

Since we are staying home more now, shouldn’t it be as comfortable as possible? Call us to schedule a free estimate and learn how you can get a 4 zone Mitsubishi system installed for as little as $199 per month*

401-293-0422 Info@OceanStateAir.com www.OceanStateAir.com

1844 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

*Pending credit approval with Synchrony Bank. Cost based on standard 36K BTU heat pump with 4 heads. Options & price may vary depending on customization of system.

Page 16 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

How hot is the market? — Recent Sales

There are many four-bedroom Barrington Colonials selling for $550,000 to $700,000. Then there’s this sterling home in a nice neighborhood that sold for $940,000 earlier this month. The sellers were represented by Tom Wegner, and the buyers were represented

by Midge Berkery, both of Mott & Chace

Sotheby’s. n n n n n n

13 Preston Ave., Barrington 4 beds 4 baths 3,279 sq. ft. .54 acres $940,000

This 1800s home, located near Bristol’s downtown historic district, has been nicely renovated with a great, open floor plan. It sold at the end of May for more than the asking price.

The sellers were represented by Louise Melillo of Coldwell Banker, and the buyers by Belinda Nattress of Keller

Williams Newport.

Though located close to the water in a nice neighborhood, this stately Portsmouth Colonial with great spaces would be considered dated by most modern buyers. Yet it sold in less than three months, during a pandemic, at the asking price. The sellers were represented by the Newport Living Group with Lila Delman. The buyers were

represented by Matt Kachanis with Williams & Stuart.

n n n n n n

51 Collins St., Bristol 3 beds 2 baths 1,448 sq. ft.

6,957-sq.-ft. lot $427,250

Lic #A3312

Residential & Commercial

Electrical Contractor

• Multi family fire alarm systems • Electrical service replacements • Residential & commercial wiring applications

Automatic & Manual Standby Generator Systems

Call for a Quote Today!

Phone: 401-253-0296 • Cell: 401-640-6948 • Fax: 401-396-9986

n n n n n n

101 Sunrise Drive, Portsmouth 3 beds 2.5+ baths 2,951 sq. ft. .74 acres $689,000

East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 17

How hot is the market? — Recent Sales

This oversized Cape off Bulgarmarsh Road in Tiverton has a modern, open feel, a bright white kitchen and a fantastic master suite. It listed and sold in less than a month. The sellers were represented by Thomas Goss with Homesmart Professionals, and the buyers were represented by the Fitz-

patrick Team of RE/MAX Professionals. n n n n n n

85 Lucy Ave., Tiverton 3 beds 2.5 baths 2,716 sq. ft. .46 acres $510,000

This split-level in Warren has central air-conditioning and a nice in-ground pool, but many buyers might want to update it a little. It listed and sold in two and a half months at very close to the asking price. The sellers were represented by Tracey Mulvey of RE/MAX River’s Edge, and the buyers by Ste-

phen Lake of Lila Delman. n n n n n n

53 Beth Ave., Warren 4 beds 3 baths 1,895 sq. ft. .28 acres $415,000

Page 18 East Bay Homes - Summer 2020

How hot is the market? — Recent Sales

This completely remodeled Colonial near the Wannamoisett Country Club in East Providence has five bedrooms and big spaces. It listed and sold in just five weeks at nearly the asking price.

The sellers were represented by Stephen Antoni and the buyers by Carolyn

Nolan, both of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s. n 241 Wilson Ave., East Providence n 5 beds n 3.5 baths n 2,720 sq. ft. n 6,706 sq.-ft. lot n $465,000

This contemporary saltbox sits in a gorgeous area of Westport, with 2.5 acres on a private lane with deeded water access to Westport’s East Branch.

Though dated by today’s standards, the home listed and sold in one month.

The sellers were represented by the Alden Hill Group of William Raveis. The

buyers were represented by Ellie Wickes of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s. n 101 Pettey Lane, Westport n 3 beds n 2 baths n 1,648 sq. ft. n 2.5 acres n $541,500

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East Bay Homes - Summer 2020 Page 19

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