Top Ten Listing Mistakes

As an agent who scours listings for potential clients there are features and descriptions that draw one in. There are very effective marketing tools, pictures and descriptions that help potential buyers notice a house or property.  There are also features in listings that make one question why they are there. This is a list of the top 10 mistakes seen in listings.

1. Blurry pictures taken with a cellphone. Not only are these disappointing, they are unprofessional.

2. Personal items appearing in pictures like medicine bottles, dirty dishes, open toilet lids and piles of what appears to be dirty laundry. Not only can this make a poor impression on a buyer, it could be dangerous for the homeowner.

3. Green/brown or only slightly filled pools. If the first thought that enters one's mind after seeing a picture of a pool is an opossum on an inflatable ring enjoying the pool, it is not listing worthy.

 

4. Misspellings. If an agent doesn't take the time to spell check a listing are they going to take the time to comb through a purchase and sales agreement for simple mistakes? 

5. Words and phrases the average person is unfamiliar with. For example lavette, I had to look this one up! It means small bathroom, a derivative from the French word lavatory or what most people call a small bathroom without a tub or shower.

6. Shorthand that appears in the comments section. EIK, eat-in-kitchen or FP, for fireplace, they make sense once you are familiar with them but they can confuse and frustrate buyers.

7. Pictures only featuring flowers. I have nothing against flowers, but generally they do not belong in a listing.

 

8. Random pets. Pets are great, but unless they photobomb the picture they too do not belong in a listing. They are a very cute and cuddly distraction from design features (I got distracted just thinking about them).

9. Cars in the driveway. They can block the view of the house.

10. Mislabeling outbuildings. Sheds, barns, running sheds, potting sheds, chicken coops and garages are not interchangeable words. Each has a unique design feature that while can be changed, for example a barn can be converted into a garage, but until that change happens it is still a barn.

SOLD! Southern RI Housing Stats

While housing markets across the country have seen double digit increases in housing sales, RI has seen only a 1% increase. RI, unlike other states was not hit as hard by the housing bubble of 2008. In southern RI the second home market and demand of homes cushioned the housing market somewhat.

From June to August 6 homes in Richmond, Charlestown and Hopkinton were sold in the price range of $100,000 to $200,000. This is the typical “bottom of the market” or first time home buyers range for these towns. This number excludes short sales.

What is interesting about these numbers is the number of days these homes were on the market. The longest was 62, the shortest was 1. Not only are homes in this price range selling, they are selling very quickly. The average was 23 days on the market.

For sellers this means pricing a home in this range may lead to an expedited sale. Good news for those who may want to move before the start of the school year, or who want to move quickly. For sellers who are priced slightly above this price range, a price reduction may help sell their home.

Buyers in this price range will have to keep up to date on this market. With homes selling quickly buyers need to be ready to view them, have their mortgage commitment letters ready and be ready to make an offer quickly.

Are you or is someone you know looking at homes in this price range? If so they need an agent who understands this market and will help them meet deadlines and get ready to put in an offer that may get accepted in this competitive market.

Be Smart About Town Tax Rates

Rhode Island was established in 1636. That means there is almost 400 years of history behind it's towns and counties. The borders between towns are as old as the founding of Rhode Island and reflect the history that made them so.

The smallest state, like many New England states has many small towns each operating differently with differing taxes.

If you are contemplating retiring, moving a family or are just curious about how your town compares to others here is tax information for Rhode Island towns. This will help homebuyers make the smartest, most educated move.

These can also be found at riliving.com or view my earlier post here.

Per $1000 of assessed value.

*Source for the list was the Rhode Island Department of Municipal Affairs for year 2012

Family Activities: Fishing Carolina Trout Pond

Carolina Trout Pond located off Switch Road in Richmond, Rhode Island offers some of the best bank fishing in southern Rhode Island.

Carolina Trout Pond

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Carolina Trout Pond is a great place to take the whole family fishing. It has picnic tables and somewhat level banks for fishing. Kids can fish and as they get distracted or need to take a break the can explore the unique eco-system around the pond.

Grasshopper

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

There is no boat ramp for Carolina Trout Pond, and there are no boats allowed.

The pond has bass, crappie, sunfish, blue gill, pumpkinseed and is stocked with trout.

Red-Winged Blackbird

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The pond is very busy on Opening day and can continue to busy that first week of the fishing season.

Take the family for the afternoon and enjoy all that Carolina Trout Pond has to offer.

Black-Eyed Susan's

Photo courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Any persons 15 years or older require a fishing license in the state of Rhode Island for more information see the RI Freshwater Fishing Guide on dem.ri.gov

Resident freshwater fishing license - $18

Non-Resident freshwater fishing license - $35

Trout stamp - $5.50

Hiking Beach Pond

Sitting directly on the RI/CT line lays Beach Pond State Park. Beach Pond has the distinction of being the only pond in RI that does not open on the second weekend of April for fishing like every other stocked pond, instead fishing is allowed when CT has opening day. Hiking on the Rhode Island side of the pond offers a variety of breathtaking views.

Beach Pond Trail

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Beach Pond State Park is located in Exeter, Rhode Island and Voluntown, Connecticut.

Parking is located in a small parking lot directly off route 165 (Ten Rod Road), or across the street at a better maintained parking area that was intended for Beach Pond.

The pond is split by route 165 which was built over the pond. The southern and northern halves run perpendicular to the RI/CT state lines. Each half has a bank in RI and a bank in CT. The southern half of the pond has a trail that circles 2/3 of the pond and is a beautiful hike.

The trail difficulty is moderate due to the narrowness of the trail and the steep inclines. It can be hiked in less than 2 hours.

The trail is a narrow walking path that runs through the hardwoods and pine woods. It follows the edge of the pond and climbs a beautiful rocky bluff directly overlooking the pond. From here the path continues along the edge, there are fishing areas through here and it is reported that small mouth bass can still be caught here.

Rocky Outcropping

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The trail veers away from the pond and cuts through some small rocky ridges in the woods. It crosses a private road and continues through the woods until it meets route 165 in CT. Hikers will then have to walk on route 165 back to the parking area.

Rocky Hill

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Disclaimer, I hate hiking on roads. This is one of the only trails that I turn around at the private road and track back to the parking area.

This hike will take hikers around a beautiful pond with a spectacular bluff overlooking it. There is a perfect place along the trail to take dogs and let them swim in the sandy-bottomed clear water. Get out and enjoy!

"It's Hot" Summer Activities

Local weather forecasts call for 3 consecutive days in the 90's. Inevitably, the proclamations "I'm hot" or "I'm bored" will be uttered by children and adults. Here is a list of some fun and cool places to take the family or friends that will put an end to those hot day statements.

Fresh Water swimming at Burlingame. The park has an active duty lifeguard from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are picnic tables available and a beach. According to the State of RI Parks and Recreation, Burlingame manager parking is free at this area, but there is a $2.00 fee to use a picnic table. It is located off Sanctuary Road in Charlestown, RI.

Burlingame Swimming Area

Map Courtesy Google Maps

 

Local libraries have air conditioning and it is a great way to get a jump start on summer reading. Most have internet access and summer  programs for children. Every town in Southern RI has a library. For library links see below.

Strawberry picking at local farms. Local farms like Schartner Farm offer pick-your-own strawberries, but the season is almost over so hurry! Schartner Farms is located at One Arnold Place in Exeter, RI 02822, directly off route 2.

These activities should help anyone who has to answer, "I'm bored" or "I'm hot." There are so many summer activities in southern RI so take advantage of living here most of these activities are free or relatively inexpensive. 

Here are some great web sites for more information.
riparks.com
schartnerfarms.com
langworthylibrary.org
clarklib.org
crossmills.org

The Wood River Kayaking & Canoeing Guide

This post will concentrate on kayaking or canoeing Wood River from Arcadia Management Area on route 165 in Exeter to Barberville Dam. This area has a class 1 and class 11 stream rating according to Rhode Island Division of Parks and Recreation.

River

Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Parking is available at the Deer Check station located on route 165. Restroom facilities are located there also. A second vehicle can be parked at The Wood Pawtucket Watershed Association located 203 B Arcadia Road, Hope Valley RI 02832.

This trip may take 3 hours, depending on how busy it is and how high the river is.

From the Deer Check Station the river winds through Arcadia Management Area. From route 165 the river runs parallel to Summit Road and Blitzkrieg Trail. Here the river is narrower and runs slightly shallower and faster than it dos near the Barberville Dam.

The river begins to open at Frying Pan Pond. Here some houses are spread along the banks. On sunny days snapping turtles can be seen in the shallows and dry areas sunning themselves. Otters have been spotted occasionally too. This part of the river is home to trout, bass, sunfish and pickerel. Wood Turtles have been spotted along the banks.

Great Blue Heron

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The pond ends at the dam with The Wood-Pawtucket Watershed Association on the right. There is a dock in front and a place to take-out. There is also a parking lot and portable restroom facilities.

Fishing on River

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The Wood River winds through amazing scenery and is home to many animals and plants. It can be a fun outdoor activity for the whole family.

For up to date river reports and conditions visit wpa.org

*Please note that 1 life vest is required for each person.