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.

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

Crawley Preserve

In Richmond, RI down a dirt drive off Glen Rock Road lies 100 acres of preserved land called Crawley Preserve. The land was donated to The Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust in the early 2000’s by the Crawley family. It is a fun place to walk or hike with the family or a dog.

There are 4 trails Crawley, Box Turtle, Brook and Red Fox Trail. The trails range from 4 feet wide to single walking paths. The footing is packed earth, gravel, grasses and some rocks. The trail does climb to 200 feet.

Crawley Trail Map

Photo Courtesy Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

 

The longest hike is 2 miles. It is a combination of Brook Trail and Crawley Trail.

The Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust manages the preserve and has built 2 bridges to go over a small stream that weaves through the preserve.

For more information on the Richmond Rural Land Trust see earlier post Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

Richmond Recreation

Attention Richmond residents. Richmond Recreation is accepting applications for summer 2013. It is a great program to get kids active and social during the summer.

The program will run from July 1st to Aug 2nd. There is no program on July 4th. It will be held Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Richmond Elementary School located at 190 Kingstown Road.

Children entering kindergarten through grade 6 may attend. Teens from grades 7-8 may attend the day camp as counselors once approved by the Camp Director.

The cost is $145 per child or $290 per family of 2 or more.

For further questions contact Camp Director Charlotte Markey: recreation@richmondri.com

Day camp registration is available on the Richmond Town Hall web site: www.richmondri.com

Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

Did you know the Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust has preserved over 200 acres in the town of Richmond as open space?  The trust’s mission is to identify, preserve, and protect open space within the town of Richmond in perpetuity; to maintain the town’s rural character and ecological assets; and to act as responsible stewards of land acquired or placed in conservation easement.

The goals of the trust are to:

1.    Preserve agricultural land, open spaces, fresh water wetlands, adjoining uplands, wildlife habitats and groundwater recharge areas.

2.    Identify and protect vital areas with the cooperation of private and governmental organizations

3.    Provide public access to acquired lands for various passive activities including biking, hiking, and fishing.

4.    Actively steward the land trust properties through monitoring and management.

 

 

Map Courtesy Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust

 

Land owners can sell their land to the trust, gift it or sell or gift the development rights of land to the trust. For information on these visit the Richmond Town Hall website at http://www.richmondri.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={2F3FCD78-C79D-4FBA-AB59-9946B9AFE835}

 

The protected acres are scattered throughout Richmond and residents who are thinking about listing their homes should check the Richmond Town Hall web site and see if their property borders protected lands. It is something agents not used to rural properties or properties in Richmond may overlook.

 

Generally, buyers who are looking at rural properties feel more comfortable buying a home bordering open spaces, knowing it may not be developed. 

 

There are 4 Richmond Rural Land Trust Properties. They are Stetson, Bradner, Crawley and Scudder. There are 2 properties with conservation easements and almost over 15 protected properties.

Hiking Meadowbrook in the Carolina Management Area

Looking for a local trail teeming with wildlife and a diverse mix of hardwoods, pinewoods and fields? The trails throughout the Meadowbrook portion of Carolina Management area may be the answer. The cultivated fields around and throughout Meadowbrook are full of turkeys, butterflies and the occasional red tailed hawk.

Trail Map

Courtesy Google Maps

This trail will take approximately 1-1 ½ hour(s) to complete. The trail footing is gravel, sand, packed earth, roots, creek bed and grass fields. Plan on wet feet if taking the trail after a hard rain.

There is tall grassy areas so hikers are advised to wear long, light colored clothing and insect repellant to try to ward off ticks. Don’t forget the dog. Make sure the dog is up to date on all flea and tick prevention methods.

This area is accessed from Pine Hill Road in Richmond, RI. I usually park at the red barn to get walking on the road out of the way. From the parking lot at the red barn walk right on Pine Hill Road to the next parking area on the same side.

Trail Footing

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

From here walk through the larger parking area and hit the trail. Here the trail is mostly pines and is wide. This area abounds with lady slippers.

Lady Slippers

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The trail connects with another trail ignore the trail on the right and stay on the main trail. From here the trail turns to hardwoods and passes a historical cemetery with a stone bench.

Take the first right after the cemetery and proceed down a hill to a creek. Follow along the creek to the trail begins to climb. In this area a few walking trails cross the path, stay on the main path. The path slowly climbs up and levels out at a large field.

Mixed-Use Field

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

 

The field has mixed-use, corn and turf. Here the grass can be very tall. Follow the edge of the field to a trailhead. This trail cuts through a small hemlock grove. The footing is sandy and can have running water at times.

Hemlock Grove

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Take the first right and follow this trail through cultivated fields. Keep your eyes up and look for  hawks and other birds in trees on the edges of these fields. Turkeys can also be spotted in the fields.

Butterfly in Field

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

The fields give way to pine woods and ends at the red barn.

Good luck and enjoy a walk on this trail.

What Every Buyer/Seller Should Know About Fuse Panels and Amps

As a real estate agent I am the coach or team leader protecting, advocating and educating my clients through the largest purchase they may ever make. Part of that duty includes gathering information and pointing my clients towards experts in varying fields. Whether it is an electrician, plumber, roofer, heating and cooling system expert, mortgage broker or attorney my responsibility is to find, build and work with the best team of professionals.

A question that arises frequently from clients and one that I had to ask for myself concerned the amount of amps in a circuit breaker and what does it mean for a homeowner. Southern RI is full of diverse homes. From center chimney homes built in the 1700’s, to postwar neighborhoods, and cul-de-sac development homes, Rhode Island has a wide array of structures.

Many pre and postwar houses have 100 amp breakers. What does this mean in reality for the homeowner? Firstly, there are 2 different “types” of panels, breakers and fuses. If the panel has fuses it may have to be replaced. Replacing the panel may cost approximately $1200 depending on if the wires to the home also need replacement.

Are 100 amps adequate for modern living? For those of us who run a television, computer wireless network, laptop, tower computer all while cooking dinner; 100 amps according to licensed electricians will be adequate. How the system is wired and how the circuits are laid out will impact functionality.

For example in many postwar homes the upstairs bedrooms are all on one circuit. The kitchen will have a circuit and the stove will be separate. If the circuit does become overloaded it will flip the breaker.

Many newly constructed homes are being built with 200 amp breakers. An option for older homes is a system upgrade to a 200 amp system.

Homeowners with 100 amp fused panels who are listing their homes should note that buyers may want to negotiate panel upgrades as a part of the purchase and sales agreement.

Please note that licensed electricians should be consulted concerning all electrical questions. This post is intended to give homeowners and future homeowners some idea of what a panel is and what living with 100 amps will entail.

Special thanks to Victor of V&G Electric (1-866-794-5455) for answering my questions and explaining electrical systems to me.  

*Please note I am not a licensed electrician.

Southern Rhode Island Real Estate Buzz

Can you feel it? It is a low and underlying buzz. If you work in real estate full-time the buzz is almost deafening. Real estate is making an exciting comeback.

Buyers are getting loan approval and getting into a market that is offering a variety of housing choices. Desirable properties are getting multiple offers and some are selling for higher than the listed price. For more information on those properties see my blog post entitled, “Richmond Market Analysis Report.”

Overall the market has seen an increase in home prices with a month-to-month slight uptick. It has seen the most sales activity in 3 years. According to the National Association of REALTORS, home sales are at the highest they have been in 3 years.

For the consumer this means now is an advantageous time to get into the market. Lower home prices are great for buyers. Home prices are still below what they were at the height of the housing market, but homes that are priced properly are selling relatively quickly and may even have multiple offers.

If you would like more information about the southern Rhode Island real estate market contact me at Rebecca@browngrouprealty.com

Richmond Market Analysis Report

To quote real estate broker Wendy Brown of The Brown Group Realty, “the (real estate) market is honest.” The real estate market in Richmond, Rhode Island is not only honest it is showing signs of reparation.

The fall of home values in 2008 as a result of a poor economy, high unemployment and increased number of distressed properties led to an unhealthy real estate market. As a result, real estate agents and homeowners were used to seeing homes stay on the market for longer periods of time.

 

The town of Richmond is seeing the beginning of a healthier market. The results of a Richmond Market Analysis starting on January 1, 2013 and ending May 22, 2013 verify that market is showing signs of improvement.

 

Inventory is decreasing as less distressed sales are hitting the market.

Houses that are priced closer to market value are being sold within months and in some cases days of being listed. The good news for current homeowners is that home prices have begun to level.

Richmond has also seen homes sell higher than listed with no closing costs paid to the buyer; which is a prime example of the market acting honestly. Desirable properties and houses that are priced correctly are being sold and selling rather quickly.

Another sign of a healthier market has been properties getting multiple offers, something relatively uncommon since 2008. Even backup offers have increased on sought-after properties.

The market is acting “honestly” and showing signs of improvement. The increased sense ofurgency around desirable properties and leveling of home prices is good news for both homebuyers and sellers.

Rural Southern Rhode Island MOO-Naure Ordinances

MOO-nure, it’s smelly, sometimes slimy, wet and dry, colorful and constant. No one likes to talk about manure, but for rural Rhode Island residents who own or tend livestock, it is a daily (sometimes twice daily, who am I kidding, multiple times a day) reality.

Cows From Behind

For those dealing with the other end of life, here in the bottom end of the state understanding town ordinances about “it,” can at the very least keep homeowners out of trouble and in their neighbor's good graces.

Believe it or not, each town has several ordinances involving the care, removal, management and storage of manure; or as I like to consider it, future compost.

According to the town of Richmond, in the manure ordinance 6.18.010, manure ordinances are for livestock . The town's definition of livestock includes such public offenders as cattle, cows, sheep, horses, ponies, mules, burros, donkeys, goats, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, chickens, roosters, turkeys, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, pea fowl, peacocks, ostriches, and emus, as an accessory use to a principal residential use.  

Meanwhile, wild animals are free to use the world as their toilet.

2 other ordinances that impact manure storage are listed below.

6.18.020 General standards.  The following standards apply to any parcel on which domestic livestock are kept. 

 

A.  Areas where domestic livestock are kept shall be managed in a manner that minimizes dust, odor, and vermin.

 

B.  Stormwater runoff from all areas where domestic livestock are kept and where manure is stored or composted shall be directed away from wetlands and wells on the parcel where the domestic livestock are kept and away from wetlands and wells on adjacent parcels. 

(Ord. dated 6-7-11)

 

6.18.030 Manure management.  Manure shall be stored or composted in the following manner:

 

A.  Manure shall be stored or composted at least fifty (50) feet from a lot line, one hundred (100) feet from a well, and two hundred (200) feet from a wetland or stormwater drainage feature.

 

B.  Manure storage or composting areas shall be visually screened from residential uses on adjacent lots.

 

C.  Manure shall be stored on an impermeable surface and shall be protected from precipitation by a cover to prevent surface runoff over and around manure piles to avoid contamination of surface and ground water.

 

Manure is not a pretty or sexy topic (I can't believe I just used the word "sexy" in this post) but for those who live in rural southern RI or those who want to, it is an everyday reality. Knowing and understanding town ordinances will hopefully keep homeowners out of trouble and in the good graces of their neighbors.

 

For more information contact the local town hall.

 

Richmond Town Hall website

1873 Richmond Switch Train Accident

Sitting in a kayak on Meadowbrook Pond in quiet Wood River Junction it is hard to imagine 140 years ago it was the scene of one of the most horrific train accidents in American history. The tragedy would lead to the passing of national laws concerning safety standards for passenger cars.

 In 1873 Wood River Junction was called Richmond Switch. Richmond Switch had a passing track, station and water tank. The tracks crossed Meadowbrook stream at the Ennis Dam, just feet from where the train continues to cross today. Today, cars cross the stream parallel to the tracks on King’s Factory Road.

Artist Rendering of Richmond Switch Train Wreck

Following 3 days of driving rains Ennis Dam had sprung a small unnoticed leak. On Saturday April 19, 1873 at approximately 3 in the morning the “Steam Boat Train” heading from Stonington Connecticut, to Providence Rhode Island headed toward Richmond Switch on its ill-fated journey.

The train was overloaded with freight, baggage and crammed with over 100 passengers in 5 cars. The passengers were mostly immigrants traveling from New York City.

The train was running late when it passed into Westerly Rhode Island. It made a scheduled stop at the Westerly Train Station then bounded toward Richmond Switch at 40 miles per hour.

Meanwhile, the trickle had weakened the dam and water began streaming through. The dam broke under the mounting pressure and a 10 foot high wave of water engulfed the road bridge. The road bridge then crashed into the railroad bridge 100 feet downriver. The bridge was quickly washed away and broken to pieces as 40 acres of water rushed downstream.

The train traveled along not knowing the bridge was gone and the once 20 foot span had increased to 40 feet. The conductor did not see the bridge out, until it was too late. The train left the tracks and traveled the full 40 feet ramming into the bank on the opposite side.

The next cars carrying freight were instantly submerged in the water. The passenger cars were strewn and broken on top of those. Some passengers were thrown from the cars and landed in the frigid April waters.

The remaining passengers were trapped inside the overcrowded passenger cars, which were set aflame when the coal stoves spilled their contents. According to recorded eyewitness accounts the fires burned so intensely the varnish on the inside of the cars began to bubble. Locals immediately began pulling passengers to safety, but the cries of those trapped inside the burning cars were deafening.

An article in The New York Times dated April 20, 1873 contained the following eye-witness account.

    “Jonas Holstrom, also a passenger, states that the rate of speed before reaching Richmond Switch was about thirty-five miles an hour, and the first intimation he had of the disaster was a sharp concussion which burst open, the car in which he was seated and partially filled it with debris of the preceding car. In front of him were two young men, while behind was Benjamin R. Knapp, Jr. of Boston. Immediately after the shock he heard them call for help to extricate themselves, as they were wounded and held fast by splinters of the preceding car. On reaching Mr. Knapp, one of his legs was found injured, and desperate attempts were made to extricate him and the two young men above mentioned, when a volume of flame shot into the car. The rescuers had barely time to assist Mr. Knapp, when they were obliged to flee for their lives, and the two young men were left to meet a horrible fate. With these two exceptions, all of the other occupants of the car were known to have perished.”

Word quickly spread and trains were sent from Providence containing doctors and nurses. Within 4 hours a temporary replacement bridge had been built to aid those in need. 22 injured were taken to Rhode Island Hospital, all but 1 survived.

Historians believe the death toll exceeded 100, assuming the passenger cars were filled more than records show.

It took 100 workers to manually pull the locomotive from the embankment as it was driven over 7 feet deep into the opposite bank.

For weeks following the fatal crash debris, clothing and human remains were found in mills downriver.

Calls for more humane and safer passenger conditions followed the tragedy.

Driving by or kayaking the gentle river today it is hard to imagine the scene 140 years ago and the important life-saving actions taken following it.

Mountain Bike Report: Carolina Management Area

Located in quiet Richmond, RI is a relatively small management area, only 2359 acres, of some of the most diverse riding in the state of RI. This hidden gem is a great “fit” trail for mountain bikers who want to ride various terrains and challenge themselves up long and sandy hills.

North of Pine Hill Road Trail Map by great Swamp Press

The management area borders Kenyon Hill Trail, Switch Road, and routes 91 and 216. It has rocky outcroppings, in-use dirt roads, gated dirt roads, hiking trails, cranberry bogs, streams, rivers and agricultural fields maintained by the RI Division of Fish and Wildlife.

South of Pine Hill Road Trail Map by Great Swamp Press

This trail plan offers a variety of footings, scenery and hill challenges. It takes approximately 2 hours, with low technicality.

Start the ride by parking in parking area across from Sandy Pond Road on Switch Road. It does not allow for many vehicles. There is another parking area about 100 feet from main gate.

Ride on Switch Road until Shippee Road. Shippee Road is a dirt road that goes to Carolina Trout Pond. It is open to vehicular traffic. The dirt road turns right and climbs a hill to the pond, instead of taking right go straight at the metal gate.

Trail Split on Habrek Trail

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

From here the trail splits, go left and begin climbing a long and steep hill. This trail is Habrek Trail. The elevation begins at 150 and climbs to 250. The footing is sand, gravel and roots. The climb varies from gentle sloping to steeper inclines.

After the hill take the first right onto South Trail. From here the trail winds down the hill. It has some rocky corners.

South Trail

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Take the first left onto Gardiner Trail. It is a walking path with low hanging branches and very fast, packed footing. The trail is narrow. It also goes through a mountain laurel tunnel.

Mountain Laurel
    Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
The trail ends on the North South Trail which is a dirt road used by cars. From here ride to the end of the road and turn left on Pine Hill Road. On Pine Hill Road take a right at the red barn, the Carolina Hunter Check Station.

Hunter Check Station

Photo courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

This is Andrews Trail and the footing is varied. It is used by hikers and horseback riders heavily. It goes through cultivated fields and the grass can get long before it is mowed.

Andrews Trail ends at turf fields in a hemlock grove. Veer left and take a small walking path to the edge of the turf/corn field. From here the trail borders the fields and is seen as packed earth. Ride the edge until the trail turns left into the woods on the North South Trail.

Trail Borders Edge of Turf and Corn Fields

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

From here the trail narrows and slopes downward. It is mostly evergreen woods with roots crossing the path. Follow the trail until it borders a creek. Cross the creek then take the first left and begin climbing the steep hill.

At the crest of the hill turn left on White Brook Trail. Ride the trail until it ends on Pine Hill Road.

Log Obstacle

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All rights Reserved

Continue on Pine Hill Road and pass the North South Trail road. Climb the hill and take the first right onto Laurel Trail. Most maps call this trail for hikers only, but it is used by horseback riders and mountain bikers without a problem.

This trail slowly climbs through the woods on varied footing. It ends on Essex Trail.

On Essex Trail take a left and begin the descent downhill. Stay left on Essex and ride past 2 ponds and some more cultivated fields. The trail ends at the parking area on Switch Road.

Have fun enjoying this hidden gem in Richmond, RI.

Richmond Rhode Island Free Brush Dissposal

Following Hurricane Sandy many southern RI residents were left with storm debris, fallen limbs and brush in their yards. For those who don’t have a working brush pile the Town of Richmond will accept brush at the Richmond Transfer Station.

Richmond is offering brush disposal for free to Richmond residents. Please note that brush removal does NOT include leaves. The free disposal program is to aide residents who have brush and tree debris.

To dispose brush at the Richmond Transfer Station residents will be requested to weigh the load before and after it is dumped. Then the resident’s name and address will also be collected for record-keeping purposes.

For more information call the Richmond Transfer Station at 401-491-9505.

Richmond Dog Park

Richmond Dog Park

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Attention dog owners, did you know there was a fully fenced dog park in Richmond Rhode Island? The dog park is located next to 51 Buttonwoods Road. It is next to the public works building. The park is approximately 2.4 acres of flat grassy terrain.

The Richmond Dog Park is managed by the Richmond Dog Park Committee. The committee holds meetings twice a month at the Richmond Town Hall.

Richmond Dog Park

Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved

Currently the dog park is seeking donations for improvements to the park. Donation jars can be found at Richmond Veterinary Clinic, Pops Pizza, Hack & Livery, Wood River Animal Hospital and Bliss Coffeehouse.

The park has rules and a list can be found on the website richmonddogpark.org.  The rules include no leaving pets unattended, no treats and no digging.

The website offers membership that allows dog owners to view and schedule dog play dates. That way no dog has to be disappointed by going to an empty park.

The Richmond Dog Park is a hidden gem for local dog owners and for the dogs they love.

Southern Rhode Island Tax Rates

While holding an open house in the town of Charlestown, RI I was talking to a couple who asked a frequently asked question, “What are the taxes on this house?” I told them and they were amazed at the difference. The couple lived in a home in West Greenwich, RI a town whose tax rate is more than double that of neighboring Charlestown

That led me to compile a list of town tax rates and have them readily available. Taxes are fluid, can and do change.

These numbers provided reflect those of towns from the year 2012. It is important to note that they are a dollar amount per thousand and that land and “improvements” are calculated separately then added together.

When purchasing a home it is important to note that taxes will be included in mortgage calculations. Principal, interest, taxes and insurance are part of the complex mortgage formula. When getting pre-qualified for a mortgage ask the lender about taxes and how much they might impact purchasing power.

Town/$ per Thousand of Assessment (Lowest to Highest)

Charlestown - $7.48
Exeter - $13.49
Richmond - $14.99
Hopkinton - $15.69
West Greenwich - $18.74

Why Rural Rhode Island Living?

Since this is an early post I wanted to introduce people to myself and where I live. I am a lifelong resident of Richmond, RI. I grew up on the Wood River and currently live upriver from my parents.

At the age of 23, I was the program director for a therapeutic riding center in Ashaway, RI. As a business leader in the community I saw first hand the support, kindness and collaboration there was amongst the residents of southern RI. It made me appreciate living here and want to shine a light on this community to others.

On weekends I walk, hike, bike and ride the trails that crisscross the woods in this part of the state. I still love the feeling of finding a new trail or back road, and I am still discovering them. That is one of the best parts of being a real estate agent, I have a reason to travel down roads that most people drive past.

As a resident I fully understand why people live here and why they want to move here. For some it is the dream of a new home set back in the woods, others want a historic home with a barn to try their hand at farming, horse owners want land to graze their horses on with nearby trails that are great for riding, and some want to live where they grew up.

Whatever your motives rural southern RI can meet your needs and I can guide you through the home-buying process.

This blog is intended to show residents, non-residents and future residents all this area has to offer. It will cover local events, people, residential information, weather, programs and of course local housing trends and the properties and homes that are on the market or have been on the market.