Lila Delman's Blog

Which Real Estate Agent Should You Fall For - By Nick Churton

2012-02-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

With romance in the air this February Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty takes a loving look at how we could fall head over heels with…a real estate agent.

Spring is round the corner and love is in the air. Yet spare a thought for poor real estate agents. These, often undervalued, creatures are amongst the least likely to receive a lot of affection from their clients on Valentine’s Day - or any other day for that matter.

But right at the moment, in this challenging economic climate, good brokers and agents are a bit like perfect sweethearts. There are times in life when it is best to have someone by your side who really values you, who will fight for you, who won’t answer back - too much, who will only hang around your home when you want them to and has all your best interests at heart. Such a person may not make such a bad partner.

Of course there are good partners and bad partners. Selling real estate well rests heavily on the partnership built up between seller and agent. A good agent will lovingly put your home on a pedestal and then negotiate fiercely to achieve the best deal for you. On the other hand, a lesser agent may just put your property on the internet with all the others and then haggle to find the easiest deal all round.

There is a great difference between the two – often many thousands of dollars. You could come to love the former but hate the latter. The trick is finding the right one at the outset. It’s a bit like finding the best date. They all may look roughly the same but in practice they each act very differently.

So if you are searching for the type of broker or agent you could come to love this spring invite a few around to give you some marketing advice and see how you get on. Then ask yourself which you would prefer, the flashy one who brags a lot and is cheap or the one who you feel most comfortable with to act in the most decent way: the one you can come to depend on.

Providence Journal Featured Properties February 26, 2012

2012-02-12T15:16:00.000-05:00

Boston Homes Featured Properties - February 17, 2012

2012-02-12T14:39:00.007-05:00

Newport

Block Island

East Side - Providence

Charlestown

Wall Street Journal Featured Properties

2012-02-11T14:08:00.001-05:00

Florida Bonefish

2012-02-09T09:53:00.003-05:00

I got this monster bonefish while fishing on December 10th with my friend Dave Sanderson out of Miami. After 2 ½ days, this was my only shot. After a scoreless 2 days on the flats and running out of daylight, we decided to make a bold move and run across the bay. It was one of those days where we had nothing to lose. We approached the first flat with about 20 minutes of good light left and Dave got on the platform ready to pole. Within seconds he said the words I had been waiting two long days to hear, “Fish coming at us at 2 o’clock about 70 feet.” I had been repeating my mantra all day long, “All I want is a shot.”

Here was now coming at me what looked like three good size bonefish. With hand trembling and knees shaking I waited on the bow for just the right moment and took my shot. My shrimp hit the water about 5 feet in front of the school and I opened the bail to feed some line. I watched as the biggest of the three fish peeled off from the school to check out my offering. With my finger on the line I felt him eat. Then I dropped the bail and lifted my tip and at that point I was paid the highest compliment of my fishing life when Dave said, “Mr. Repoza, that was some mighty fine angling.” It took untold minutes and traversing four flats to finally get the heavyweight champ to the boat. He taped out at a little better than 31 inches and a little over 12 pounds. I had no idea they came this big. It was truly a fish of a lifetime.

Providence Journal Featured Properties February 12, 2012

2012-02-08T10:34:00.013-05:00

The following properties are featured in our upcoming Providence Journal advertisement on Sunday, February 12, 2012.

Narragansett - Oceanviews

Jamestown "Autumn House"

Warwick Waterfront

Spend the Summer on Block Island

2012-01-25T14:26:00.003-05:00

Get ready, summer is just around the corner! Have you started thinking about booking your summer vacation yet? If you’re like us out here on Block Island, chances are you have already begun your research. Starting in early January the phone calls and emails began flowing in with rental requests for the hottest weeks in July and August. This year Lila Delman Block Island has a great selection of Block Island summer vacation rentals.

If you’re not familiar with Block Island it is located 12 miles off of Rhode Island’s south coast and is easily accessed by ferries from Rhode Island (Point Judith), Montauk and New London; there is even a state airport for small aircraft. For those wishing to bring a vehicle over to Block Island you can make a ferry reservation out of Point Judith. To preview the schedule and make a reservation please visit www.blockislandferry.com. New England Airlines also offers daily direct flights year round to Block Island which leave from the Westerly airport and take 12 short minutes. They even offer private charter flights! For additional information please visit http://www.block-island.com/nea/.

Block Island is a fantastic place to spend your summer vacation, with 17 miles of white sandy beaches and crystal blue water it is the ideal beach vacation destination. Hiking the greenway trails, sight seeing from the Mohegan Bluffs, browsing the boutique style shops, the happening night life and the tasty dining experiences are just a few things to do while visiting Block Island. For more information on Block Island activities please visit: http://www.blockislandinfo.com/ViewPage.aspx?SectionID=10.

With all the beautiful sites to see and fun activities to do, one can see why Block Island is a great place to spend your summer vacation. The Nature Conservancy has called Block Island “One of the 12 last greatest places in the Western Hemisphere”. It is commonly referred to as “The Bermuda of the North”.

To book your Block Island summer vacation rental please call Lila Delman Real Estate on Block Island at 401-466-8777 or email BIRentals@LilaDelman.com

Boston Homes Featured Properties - February 3, 2012

2012-01-24T14:01:00.001-05:00

How To Be Top by Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty

2012-01-23T10:11:00.001-05:00

As we enter a New Year Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty takes a look at what may lie ahead for the real estate market.

Although mature real estate brokers and agents are apt to say that they have seen it all before, this time it is different. No one has seen this market under this set of national and international financial conditions before. But what is rather refreshing is that the uncertainty now cuts down the speculation aspect of a home purchase and strips the requirement to buy down to the real and age-old essentials. This makes for easier choices.

Le Corbusier, the pioneering architect, stated that, “The requirements for a house should be to provide a shelter against heat, cold, rain, thieves and the inquisitive”. He didn’t add that a home should also provide its owner with an investment return of seven per cent year-on-year.

For the first time since, perhaps, the 1960s property investment can take more of a back seat in the home buying mindset and, instead, fundamental life requirements can come back to the fore. Of course with other financial instruments providing so little in the way of return, real estate is a natural arena in which to invest. But with little or no indication about if or when the market will return in any zest we are left with simpler decisions and choices - does a home suit our requirements in size, location, style and price?

It is although our needs have been simplified in the way they may have been fifty years ago. With less frenzy and greater choice, for a while at least, this may be a very good time to choose a primary or secondary home for all the very best lifestyle reasons.

We quickly learn to expect that there is an investment opportunity to be gained from property purchase in a rising market. But we are rather slow to appreciate the reverse is likely in a poor market and/or in particularly adverse economic circumstances as we have now.

2011 was a hard year in property and this year may not be much better. We may have new US, Russian and French presidents, more ructions in Europe and the Middle East, and greater privations at home before we see greater improvement. But still there is a reassuring level of market activity that has more to do with need than discretion. This is the market we have and this is the market we have to deal with – and deal with it we will.

But real estate buyers and sellers should not be deterred. Indeed they should be encouraged as the more life there is in the real estate market the more life there is in the economy. But those still insisting on the sort of financial profit they may have achieved several years ago should perhaps think again and get real. It will be the enlightened that get to the top of the property class in 2012, not those in denial.

ProJo Featured Properties January 29, 2012

2012-01-22T14:32:00.001-05:00

Newport Gracious 6 bedroom Colonial Revival built by Horan Building Co. Sun-lit living spaces, gourmet kitchen, custom high-end finishes, coffered ceilings and wainscotting throughout. High efficiency design and construction. Walk to town amenities. $2,495,000 848-2101 More Information

Bristol "Stone Harbour" Waterfront luxury Penthouse Condo with extensive waterviews. Gourmet kitchen, hardwood floors, high ceilings, luxurious master suite with waterviews. 2 additional bedrooms, den/media room and library. $1,450,000 848-2101 More Information

Narragansett Oceanfront 4 bedroom, 4 bath home on almost 5 acres in a private gated compound. Incredible views of the crashing waves, Beavertail Lighthouse and the ocean. 260 ft. of frontage. $3,500,000 789-6666 More Information

Wall Street Journal Featured Properties January 27, 2012

2012-01-22T12:11:00.049-05:00

Newport, RI "Plaisance"
$7,950,000 401-848-2101

Newport, RI "Seabeach"
$4,990,000 401-284-4820

South Kingstown, RI "Long Pond Farm"
$6,700,000 401-789-6666

Barrington, RI Waterfront
$4,994,000 401-789-6666

Little Compton, RI "Sakonnet Vineyards"
$8,900,000 401-848-2101

Narragansett, RI Waterfront
$2,750,000 401-789-6666

Girl Scout Cookies

2012-01-18T09:13:00.002-05:00

It’s Girl Scout cookie time! My daughters look forward to this exciting and fun activity each year as being a part of the Girl Scouts. As much as we enjoy ordering (and receiving!) our favorite kinds of cookies, there are also great benefits for the Girl Scouts organization. Each Girl Scout starts out by setting a personal goal for the number of boxes she wishes to sell. After deciding who she will market the cookies to, and taking the cookie orders, the Girl Scout then organizes and sends in her order. Later, when the girls receive the boxes of cookies from the distributor, they deliver them to their appropriate customers. The girls are responsible for accurately collecting and managing the money that is due from their customers and returning it to their troop leader, the girls are then awarded a prize determined by their level of sales. This is a great lesson for our children about goal setting, responsibility, taking charge, and developing an understanding of some of the components that might go into running their own business some day. The girl’s troop also benefits, as a small portion of their sales is donated to the troop. You go girls J!

Boston Homes Featured Properties

2012-01-17T11:22:00.000-05:00

Oceanfront 150′ of coastline, recently renovated, 3 bedroom suites, wraparound mahogany decks. Exceptional beach & boating steps away. $2,500,000 401-789-6666More Information

Waterfront Post & Beam. Gourmet kitchen, family room with fireplace. Stunning views. Over an acre of meticulous grounds. $1,565,000 401-348-1999 More Information

1928 Neo-Georgian beautifully renovated, 7 bedrooms. Minutes to Brown, downtown Providence. 1 hour to Boston $2,495,000 401-274-1644 More Information

Castle Hill. Newly constructed with oceanviews, wrap-around porch and luxurious master with fireplace. Deeded access to private sandy beach steps away. $3,350,000 401-848-2101 More Information

“Autumn House” Charming updated 5 bedroom in Shoreby Hill. Stroll to Jamestown harbor & village. Beautiful grounds & pool. $1,595,000 401-423-3440 More Information

Waterview 5 bedroom Shingle-Style within Carnegie Abbey Club. Pool & cabana. Golf, tennis and equestrian. $3,995,900 401-848-2101 More Information

Revisiting "Attachments" - A "My Rhode Island Summer Story Contest 2010" Finalist

2012-01-16T11:39:00.000-05:00

In the Spring of 2010 Lila Delman Real Estate ran a story contest on Facebook entitled "My Rhode Island Summer". Below is one of the finalists' essays, Attachments. May it keep you warm on this winter day.

Attachments

By Mary Stoner

Photo by Coleen Huggins Bonnell

All of my childhood, gray-mist memories include one common facet, the sea. I was born on an island which made escaping the water impossible. I wiled away the summers of my youth on Easton’s Beach where I swam through the white foam surf and dug thorny creatures from the wet sand. Daily I ran along the cliff walk, a winding path that follows the Atlantic’s rocky coast, and I was married in a small, Victorian chapel that sends evening shadows across Narraganset Bay. Yet only recently have I begun to understand the importance of my communion with the salt sea, and why I am drawn to it like a helpless ship to a lodestone rock.

I share a strange relationship with the ocean. It is an umbilical connection that cannot be broken. If I stay away too long, the cord snaps me back forcing a sort of jealous baptism by salt. This summer, the bond between us tightened. Through an inexplicable series of sensory fragments, I became keenly aware of the depth of the sea’s continued influence on my life. . . .
This summer I became aware of my children’s attachment to the sea. As they stood on the shore half naked and “brown as berries” under a haze-covered sun, they shed their anxieties and turned tall, tan, and wiser. They kicked through the hot-cold, coarse sand and shivered at the tangy taste of warm salt on their arms. They drifted about as aimlessly as the transparent jelly fish that rainbowed the ocean’s surface. . . .

This summer I became more aware of the sea’s very essence. I watched tons of slimy, green-black lobsters gurgle and bubble in chaotic unity on the docks. Fishermen anchored close by carelessly strung bait by jabbing sharp stringers through yellow cod eyes that turned to tears. Snails, bloated pink and pebbly, jutted from glassy brown shells. All of these pierced my senses while the sea shimmered beneath weathered slats. . . .

This summer I became painfully aware of my own dormant emotions. I dared to swim back . . . . Undulating gently on a board rippled thick with wax, I faced an “ancient god” of the sea. (What mystical powers dawn’s soft swells have!) We tried in tandem to remember a rhythm long forgotten, but the sea smoothed its skirts and ignored us. Those strange kisses, once childhood memories, are now forbidden pleasures. We laughed until liquid crimson lined the horizon. . . . “Red at night, [my] delight”. . . .
Summer’s fresh images have not yet slipped into sweet, sea-infused memories, and I feel the need to return. I understand now that the sea is the salt of my blood. Though I try, I cannot shake this awareness, and the cord chokes tears into my eyes.

Abiding Love

2011-12-06T12:40:00.007-05:00

Three weeks ago I lost my best friend, a golden retriever named Daisy. She was not a person, a typical BFF, but of the canine variety, the best in our show and the best in our lives. Her ashes sit on our mantle but her memory is enshrined in our hearts forever.

But this is not a sad story. Daisy lived to 12 ½ years old to the day but had nine lives and maybe more. When only six months old, she got into a bottle of bluing and nearly died. Six months later, she ate a Brillo pad and with surgery to the tune of $641, she dodged death yet again. She had two near fatal chocoholic episodes after delving into wrapped boxes of chocolates under the Christmas tree; yet again angels saved her. Three years ago, she tore her ACL while running through a sand trap on the 18th hole of a local golf course and again an angel of mercy, a greens keeper, rescued her. Acute pancreatitis was another event. Never mind the times she escaped, unaccounted for and miraculously found her way home.

As the Christmas season approaches, I am sad but so blessed that we had this most wonderful creature in our lives. During the past three years since she blew out her ACL, either my husband or I have walked Daisy on the beach every morning between 6:00AM and 7:00AM rain or shine. I walked her the day we put her to sleep, November 9th. We have witnessed the most beautiful sunrises, paddle boarders and surfers engaged at this hour in the beauty of the ocean, and chatted with dog walkers (names unknown) who became our daily friends. It is a gift when a loved one passes, and there are absolutely, unequivocally no regrets. How rare! A most special thanks to Nicole, Dan, Myles, and Lucy Harding who were always there for us and Daisy! We will never forget it.

Toys for Tots Drop-Off Location - Lila Delman Real Estate Providence Office

2011-11-13T13:36:00.041-05:00

Lila Delman Real Estate is proud to be a drop-off location for Toys for Tots!

Started in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, USCR and a group of Marine Reservists, this nationwide charity has donated over 400 million toys to over 188 million children in need.

Last year we collected over 2 large boxes of NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS for children in need. We would like to double that amount this year!!

To make a donation please bring NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS to Lila Delman Real Estate - Providence Office located at 9 Wayland Square Providence, RI 02906, 401.274.1644

OR visit http://providence-ri.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.asp.

The Gift of Memories

2011-11-07T11:15:00.003-05:00

In the early 1960’s my Dad purchased a reel-to-reel video camera, and he would tape us kids and lots of our family activities. I think that began his fondness for video recording. The video quality was not very good back then and there was no audio on the recordings.
In the early 1980’s he updated his equipment to a VHS video camera. He would always have his camera out, recording for posterity all of the family events: birthdays, weddings and receptions, vacations, retirement parties, visits from out of town relatives, and of course, family vacations. I had long since left home and had moved to Rhode Island and married. My husband and I and our son would visit my family in the Midwest at least twice a year, but we still missed a lot of the major family events.
I can remember him asking us over the years, to sit and watch his videos with him. My brothers and sisters and I would often sit, but just for a few minutes and we would never really give them the attention they deserved.
The recordings stopped at the end of 1999 when Dad lost his eyesight. And then, we lost my dear Dad on Veteran’s Day two years ago. On a recent visit with my family, I volunteered to transfer his tapes to DVD because I feared that the tapes would break down over time. Besides, the tapes were just sitting there because no one watches VHS tapes anymore. I brought the big bin of video tapes home with me to Rhode Island and got to work right away. As I began transferring his tapes, I watched them to create an index of what was recorded on each tape. I discovered that I could step back in time and “attend” many family events that I had missed all those years ago. I was spellbound watching the videos, not only because I was seeing 30+ years of fun family times that I’d missed, but because I was seeing many relatives who are no longer with us and I was hearing their voices again. This included my Dad, as he usually narrated his videos as well as appearing in them. In addition, I was able to see some of the nieces’ and nephews’ (now in their 20’s and 30’s) milestones in their early life, such as first birthdays and/or their first steps. It was interesting to see some people who shied away from the camera in the early days become more comfortable with his camera over time and how they seemed to enjoy having him film the events.
I must admit, it was tough seeing Dad on video after losing him so recently. But before long, I found great comfort in seeing him on the tapes and hearing his voice again. I now feel a closeness to him that I haven’t felt in some time and I have been profoundly moved and touched by the privilege.
In the end, I made 35 DVDs and felt that it was imperative that I share them with the rest of my family, something that could not be done easily if they had remained on VHS tape. I have made a copy of each of the DVDs for my Mom and for each of my brothers and sisters. It’s exactly what he wanted – for us to watch his videos and share the precious memories from so long ago. We are all having a great time enjoying and reminiscing about the wonderful times that Dad knew were important to preserve. We are so thankful for the “gift of memories” Dad left for us!

Fall Photo Contest on Facebook

2011-11-03T11:09:00.000-04:00

Want to win one of two great prizes from Lila Delman Real Estate? Here's your chance!

How to Enter:
1) Submit your favorite fall photo* here

2) Vote for your favorite photo submission

Submissions and votes will be accepted until 5:00pm on November 18, 2011.

*Only one photo per person allowed, so make sure it’s your best!

Prizes:

Prize #1: Best Photo (most votes)

Lila Delman Real Estate tote bag & mouse pad

$25 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card

Prize #2: Random Voter

Lila Delman Real Estate tote bag & mouse pad

Good Luck!

Hurlingham Fine Property Show 2011

2011-11-01T10:09:00.000-04:00

There is no doubt the internet is a great way to reach international buyers, but sometimes there is nothing better than getting together face-to-face. With so many buyers nowadays coming from all over the world this can be a challenge. That is why Lila Delman Real Estate has chosen to participate in the Fine Property Show in London this month. On the 1st and 2nd of November many wealthy buyers from Europe and beyond will make their way to the prestigious Hurlingham Club to view a selection of the most desirable homes from around the world.

It is in this rarified environment that we have been selected to showcase many of our most luxurious homes. We will be joined by leading real estate industry experts who will be running helpful interactive workshops and seminars over the course of this important two-day event, and, of course, our own London office team, Nick Churton and Annette Reeve, will be on hand to help.

This invitation-only private view is a celebration of luxury homes and offers guests a unique opportunity to see and buy some of the world’s most exclusive properties. The historic, stylish and sophisticated Hurlingham Club in London is surely the ultimate backdrop for international buyers to discover some of the world’s most exclusive properties. It is in the Club’s hallowed rooms and magnificent grounds that luxury real estate buyers will be able to network with the cream of international brokers and agents – perhaps over that most famous of English traditions, afternoon tea.

We believe it is our ability to expose our clients’ homes to these premium international buyers that really sets us apart from other brokers. We see it as essential that we are able to exhibit some of our most stunning homes at this important event. It is because London is so international and has such a strong influence into Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and Russia that the Hurlingham Club event has a reach far beyond London and the rest of the UK. To emphasize this, of the twenty most expensive homes to sell in the UK recently only two sold to Brits.

In previous years this event has attracted over 3000 buyers during the two days. And remember it is invitation-only so only the most serious buyers will be there.

That is a lot of wealth in a small place and it allows us to speak to the type of buyers who are by nature often difficult to reach. We are keen to introduce our serious sellers to some of the world’s most serious buyers in a relaxed atmosphere where they have the time and inclination to talk.

Green Architecture in Jamestown, Rhode Island

2011-10-24T09:36:00.000-04:00

One balmy August evening this past summer, I found myself standing on an herbaceous "green" rooftop planted with herbs and sebaceous plants, low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing varieties, gazing out at the twinkling lights of the gently swaying boats in the East Ferry Marina and looking out over the friendly town of Jamestown.

A small wind turbine on the roof was slowly rotating and catching the gentle breeze. This particular roof, one of four other "green" roofs was designed to minimize water runoff as well as to help cool interior rooms in summer and to provide insulation in winter.

A friend was happily and proudly giving me a tour of the place where she is currently employed. I discovered that it is one of the most exciting and architecturally interesting buildings recently constructed here in Jamestown, for the company known as Environmental Packaging International .(EPI)

The eco-friendly structure was built according to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards and designed by architect Shahin Barzin in collaboration with Mary Meagher Designs. And, believe it or not, this brand-new 2,900 sq. ft. office building is in the heart of the quaint and charming village of Jamestown!

I had never visited a deliberately designed eco-friendly building before and was curious to know what made it different from other, more "normally" constructed office buildings?

Climbing down off the roof and after greedily picking some fresh, ripe, garden tomatoes and basil, which had been planted along with other edible plants all around the building's exterior spaces-- (for employees to use in preparing their lunches and snacks), we wandered into the hushed interior.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the peacefulness of all of the office spaces. My friend pointed out that only materials with recycled content were used thoughout, on the decks, countertops and floors. Wooden floors and cabinets were made of bamboo, a sustainable material. Restrooms had been equipped with dual-flush toilets to conserve water.

Geothermal heating and cooling minimize energy consumption through the installation of two 380 ft. deep wells. My friend pointed out that the rooftop wind turbine and installed photovoltaic panels were other renewable energy sources that had been employed in the construction.

Original art, paintings and prints, were prominently hung in the reception area and every office space. The conference rooms were comfortable places to rest, sit, think and confer, well fitted-out with simple contemporary furniture and upholstered in soft, natural fabrics.

A calming, Zen-like air hung over the whole place. I remarked to my friend, that it must be wonderful to come here to work every day and she enthusiastically agreed. As she is a very ecologically-minded woman, she thought that the best part was that this new building helps EPI minimize its environmental footprint by reducing waste, water and energy use on a daily basis.

In an age of "McMansions" and conspicuous consumption, it was refreshing to find such an inspiring example of sustainable architecture, one that uses environmentally and ecologically conscious design techniques and right here on our own, picturesque island!

I was reminded that we should all think about ways to go "greener", to learn how to live "large" in smaller homes, to re-use and re-cycle, in order to leave as small an impact on our environment as possible-- so as to protect our future generations-- by not depleting our natural resources.

An office building that plants and landscapes with tomatoes and basil (which provided me with a delicious salad and Pesto when I got home) instead of ubiquitous shrubs and fertilizer-consuming grass....? Hmmm...... something to think about.

Autumn in Coastal Rhode Island

2011-10-03T14:38:00.001-04:00

AUTUMN IN COASTAL RHODE ISLAND is a time of celebration of food and wine. With our abundant vineyards and farms, events such as wine tastings and wine dinners featuring treasure from our harvests take center stage. Fall is a wonderful time to take advantage of weekend packages at our inns, relax, enjoy a glass of local wine and reconnect with the joys of life.

IN SEPTEMBER, Greenvale Vineyards, www.greenvale.com,

a family run vineyard in Portsmouth, RI holds an annual Feast in the Field http://www.nefarmways.com/ which brings together food from our local farms, fish from our local waters and wine cultivated at Greenvale.

Hors d'oeuvres kick off a multi course wine dinner, featuring a different wine accompanying each course.

Set in a vineyard at dusk, I cannot think of a finer way to enjoy a meal!

Another superb venue is the Newport Preservation society's Food and Wine Weekend, http://www.newportmansionswineandfood.org/which invites world renowned chefs and vintners to Newport. This event is usually hosted at Rosecliff. Gastronomic and wine education, book signings, offer a weekend of pure enjoyment and celebrity sparkle.

IF VISITING IS NOT ENOUGH, and you have intrigue to be a vintner and own your own wine producing vineyard, Lila Delman currently offers two exceptional properties:

SAKONNET VINEYARDS, Little Compton, RI

http://www.sakonnetvineyards.com/
170 buccolic acres on the southern tip of eastern Rhode Island where the Sakonnet River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Sakonnet Vineyards has been producing between 8,000 and 9,000 estate grown cases of wines per year which have reached national and international acclaim. This offering includes five homesites in open hay fields and stonewalls sloping down to the Watson Reservoir. http://www.liladelman.com/property-details.asp?id=3725&PageFrom=SearchResults

PRIVATE VINEYARD RETREAT on BLOCK ISLAND

http://www.liladelman.com/property-details.asp?id=4086&PageFrom=SearchResults

BREATHTAKING WEST FACING OCEAN VIEWS encompassing 14.87 acres

cultivating

Cabernet,Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio

IF owning an Inn is your fancy........

ROCKWELL HOUSE INN

http://www.liladelman.com/property-details.asp?id=4547&PageFrom=SearchResults

www.rockwellhouseinn.com

Set in beautiful downtown Bristol, RI, a seaside town just north of Newport, this 6 bedroom home on .5 acre of specimen trees is currently an Inn but is ideal home for a large family. Walk to town, the harbor and sip your wine from the front porch!!

Looking forward to seeing you this fall!

This is only a drill! – 16 ideas for better prep for the next hurricane

2011-09-15T14:00:00.003-04:00

Irene is just a memory here in Rhode Island. Years from now, the most vivid part of the memory will be of our catastrophic power loss. Some of us were lucky and only lost power for a little over a day. More of us were without power for a week. Some without power or well water for all of that time – yuck!

I live in a flood zone area designated mandatory evacuation. So I did. I also did all the basics: stow the lawn furniture, take down the window screens, check the basement for anything loose that could float in and block the sump pump, stock up a bit on water, non-perishables and batteries, fill the car with gas, and find higher ground to store the car.

But if the big one really did hit us, there are many things I could have done better. I wrote a list the day the power came back and I’ve been asking around, “what would you have done differently?” We get plenty of notice for these storms and at least one close call per year. So why not be ready? Here’s some of what I’ve gathered that you do not get from the advice on the news:

1. If you live somewhere where you might need to evacuate, pack a bag with important stuff. Have the cat carrier ready. If you’re going to someone’s house, bring your own flashlights, batteries, etc. so you don’t compromise their preparations.

2. Sign up for your city’s version of the red alert system so they’ll email, text or call you directly with evacuation orders, etc. Do this and go online and look at flood zones and evacuations routes days before the storm. When the storm arrives, so many people will be trying to get this info that the servers could crash.

3. Go get some cash. No power will mean no ATMs or banks.

4. Do all the laundry. Wash it and dry it and pack some in your grab bag. And a reminder from Karen Camp, who was without power and water for nearly a week,” iron your work clothes after you do the laundry.”

5. Figure out alternate ways to charge the cell phone and have all the right cords handy.

6. Start now and complain to your cell phone carrier loudly and often if you had no service while the power was out. T-Mobile was out while there was no power. Unacceptable!

7. So many people’s first answer was “coffee!” Find an alternate way to make coffee. If you don’t have a gas stove to boil water, maybe you want to get a one-burner camping stove with a little gas bottle. But as Liz Marchi reminded me, “you still need instant coffee or a percolator or other old fashioned method to use on your gas stove.”

8. Know how to disconnect your electric garage door opener, so you can manually open the door.

9. I realized that I no longer own a radio. Just a plain old radio that runs on batteries so one can listen to newscasts. I’m going to get an emergency radio that has the built-in flashlight and cell phone chargers that can be used with batteries, crank power or solar power.

10. Get better emergency lighting. I have the cheapest flashlights and they just don’t feel reliable. Candles are OK, but there were fires all over the state from candles. If you do use a candle, put it in front of a mirror to light the room. I’m going to get a camping lantern that is said to work for 75 hours on 2 D-batteries.

11. Figure out back up power for the sump pump. Systems are available with car batteries and chargers that charge continuously. Less expensive than a new furnace (see item #16).

12. Pack the freezer with ice cubes and homemade block ice. I’m going to fill large plastic containers with water and freeze them for use in the Igloo when the fridge becomes useless, which it turns out is not much longer than 24 hours.

13. Write down your most important phone numbers. If your phone battery completely dies, will you know anyone’s phone numbers?

14. Vacuum the house. Why not go in to a pending natural disaster with a clean house? It won’t save your life, but if you’re stuck at home for days, you’ll be glad you did.

15. Buy a rubber stopper for your bath tub. If you do decide to fill your tub, will it hold water for days? Mine won’t.

16. Reread your homeowners’ insurance policy. Holy cow! My deductible for tropical storm related damage is $12,000!

And as I review this, I realize that this is all for warm weather disasters and outages. What would we do if we were without electricity for days during a blizzard?

This started as a list of 10 ideas, but the ideas keep coming. What would you do differently?

Providence Restaurants Love Fresh Food!!

2011-09-12T16:12:00.000-04:00

Have you ever sat down at a nice restaurant and wondered, where does the food come from? Now there is an answer to that question in Providence.

All over the state a majority of independently owned restaurants are using fresh local products. In just four years, there has been an explosion of small Rhode Island based farms growing and selling tasty vegetables and fruits. Other farms are now producing and distributing delicious Angus beef, chicken and eggs.

According to Farm Fresh Rhode Island, since 2010, $434,077.00 of fresh food from 38 local producers has been sent to 135 customers (restaurants, personal chefs and catering companies). Because of the amazing response from restaurants buying local, 28 on-farm & 4 off-farm full time jobs have been added to the local economy at the average Rhode Islander's income level. This in turn brings in $1,791,149.00 to local economies throughout the state. [1]

The trend of using fresh food from Rhode Island farms has taken the Providence restaurant scene by storm! You can now order delicious food that has been purchased from farms that are less than twenty minutes away from your table. If you like to support local agriculture and enjoy delicious food, take a quick drive to Providence and explore all the amazing restaurants with locally grown food. Bon Appetite!!

Providence restaurants using locally grown ingredients include:

Al Forno, Broadway Bistro, Café La France, Chez Pascal, College Hill Café, Cook and Brown Public House, Easy Entertaining Inc., Farmstead Cheese,Gracie’s, Harvest Kitchen, Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, Hope Club, Local 121, McCormick & Schmicks, New Rivers, Nick’s On Broadway, Pizzico Ristorante, Providence Marriott, RI Hospital, RISD Dining, Seven Stars Bakery, Small Point Café, Temple Downtown, The Duck & Bunny, The Red Fez, The Restaurant at AS220, The Sandwich Hut, Wild Colonial, and XO Cafe.

Lila Delman Real Estate Farm Listings:

Beaverhead Farm

2 Pokanoket Place

Special Thanks To:

Farm Fresh RI

Black Bird Farm

Edible Rhody
Easy Entertaining Inc.

[1] http://www.farmfresh.org/hub/index_numbers.php

Top of the Class

2011-08-22T13:47:00.000-04:00

by Nick Churton of Mayfair International Realty

Everyone knows that selling real estate is like shelling peas. Right? Brokers and agents have it easy. They just put on the internet - and the property is as good as gone at its ambitious asking price. Right?

Wrong!

What about selling real estate at a time when not so many are interested in buying? When buyers are strapped for cash; when the banks aren’t lending so much or so easily; when the country is facing a harsh austerity period and at a time of tenacious financial uncertainty. What about selling real estate when a seller may be demanding more than the market will stand? What about selling real estate when people have more pressing things to think about? And how about selling real estate for someone whose personal circumstances – joyous, sad or desperate – crucially depend on an agent’s efforts, despite all the above negative market conditions.

Then selling real estate is not quite so easy as many might suggest.

But, cometh the moment cometh the agent. Of course when the market is in overdrive it is easier to sell homes. But now, in many areas, matters are more serious. Selling property in this market needs an agent with experience, with heart and foresight and skill and purpose. One with a steady hand who understands that moving home is often played out over two legs. There’s the home leg, selling, and the away leg, buying. This is a time to play the long game and to see and understand the bigger picture - and to be able to communicate this to anxious clients. There comes a time when selling property has to be put into the hands of someone who is seriously good at what they do. This is the time for hiring the top of the class.

If you want the agent who – even against your own optimistic judgement – has priced your home way higher than every one else, do go ahead if that makes you feel good. But what will really make you feel good is selling your home and moving on to another. And for that, right now, you need a professional.

Red Adair, the famous oil well fire fighter said it perfectly, "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur!”

Equestrian Life Thrives in Coastal RI

2011-08-04T15:29:00.007-04:00

Newport is known for sailing, but equestrian life thrives here in coastal Rhode Island.......

Coastal Rhode Island lends itself well to a lifestyle that embraces our natural environment. With our abundant coves, ponds and bays, boating is prominent and what we are known for, but beyond the coastline, southern Rhode Island's communities have worked hard to preserve our rural character. Spectating or participating in equestrian life is another joy coastal RI offers.

International Polo at the Glen

A wonderful way to celebrate life in Newport is spectating polo matches held by the International Polo Series which are held May through October on Saturday afternoons at 5:00. www.nptpolo.com

Created by visionary and Polo Captain Dan Keating 20 years ago, the International Polo Series hosts Polo teams from the US and all over the world: Kenya, Ireland, Chile, to name a few. Held at Historic Glen Farm in Portsmouth, with its rolling fields along the Sakonnet River, the Glen is a bucolic setting for the most elegant tailgating this side of the Atlantic.

Pair an elegant picnic with the exhilaration...and grace.. of a polo match, you have a wonderful afternoon.

Last winter, a polo match was played on the beach. No tailgaiting, but spectators basked in the morning light reflecting off the Atlantic. Yes, a cold January day, but helas, beauty, beauty beauty.

In addition to polo, many of our farms offer training in dressage, hunter-jumpers, and driving horses. Equestrian life thrives here, and Lila Delman Real Estate currently represents many properties in southern RI designed for the horse lover.

Click on the links below for listing information:

Moonraker Farm

Far Out Farm

175 Carnegie Harbor Drive

284 Carnegie Harbor Drive

Heritage
Carnegie Abbey Club is a spectacular estate on Narragansett Bay in Portsmouth which features luxury living at its finest including an equestrian center. www.carnegienewport.com