Providence Restaurant Week

Need a place to celebrate something? Looking to try a new restaurant? Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Providence Restaurant Weeks event which will be held July 12-25. More than 75 restaurants all over Rhode Island from East Greenwich to Woonsocket will be offering three-course, fixed price lunches and dinners. Lunch will be $12.95 and dinner will be $29.95.

So whether you want to visit your favorite restaurant or try someplace new, here is your chance. In its third year, the event was very successful the first two years. During a time when everyone is looking to stretch their entertainment dollars to the max, this is a way to do something special for not a lot of money.

When I have relocation clients visiting The Ocean State for the first time I'm always happy to tell them how many fantastic and varied the restaurants are in Rhode Island. With the reports of people staying close to home this year during vacation time, reservations are strongly suggested. A full list of participating restaurants with menus and reservation options are available online here. Prices are valid for prix-fixe menus only and other restritions may apply. Beverages, tax and gratuity are not included.

Appraisals and How They Can Impact a Sale or Refinancing

Real Estate appraisals are becoming major obstacles for many people trying to sell or refinance their homes in the U.S.

When housing prices were going through the roof, appraisers were often called back by buyers or sellers for a revision of an appraisal to provide a value to justify a higher agreed-upon sale price. Lenders who were burned by huge losses from defaults have now tightened up their guidelines for appraisals. In some cases lenders are not accepting sales closed more than three months ago rather than the six-month window generally used in the past.

Valuation disputes are also causing problems in some sales. Sellers who have put higher prices on their homes and have buyers willing to pay are finding that the properties do not appraise for the sales price. One solution might be for the seller to pay more of a down payment or they may want to renegotiate the purchase price.

Appraisers are also bringing in values that are too low to allow homeowners to refinance their loans. Credit lines that are secured by homes are being affected. If your line of credit was based on a value that was 50% higher than today's value, a lender may scale back your total line of credit. Some borrowers are receiving notices from their lender saying their credit limit has been reached or exceeded based on a new appraisal.

While these changes are designed to prevent abuses, they also are adding more frustration to an already difficult real estate market. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, make sure your Real Estate agent is reputable and looking out for your interests.

For all your real estate questions or if you are considering buying or selling a house this year, give me a call at (401) 457-1745 or drop me a line!

Helping you Find a Real Estate Agent in a New Area

If you are getting ready to move to another area or even considering such a move, I can help! And before you 'change channels' on me saying "I don't live near her" let me tell you that if you ever need a realtor ANYWHERE, I can help!

Sure, you can try to find a realtor by looking online and Googleing the area or have someone send you one of those glossy brochures that have listings that expired a month ago. But I'd rather talk to you, listen and find out what you are looking for and then personally connect you with an agent chosen just for you. What a concept! Personal, professional service.

I am part of an organization called Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a global network of nearly 700 premier real estate firms with 5,500 offices and 170,000 sales associates in 38 countries around the world. This group is made up of trusted local experts selling more homes than any national brand. As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, we can connect you with top professionals who know the neighborhood – anywhere in the world. You’ll enjoy:

• Personalized assistance in finding the right home and neighborhood
  
• Information on schools, business and recreation
  
• Contacts with financing sources
  
• Discounts on household moving services
  
• A free relocation package for your new destination

So if you or any one you know is getting ready to relocate or purchase a second home and don't know who to call, call me at (401) 457-1745 or drop me a note. I will be happy to get you in touch with an agent in your new location who has the expertise to represent you!

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