Homes n Make your purchase offer stand out n Should you move after retirement? n Design bigger, better interior spaces A supplement to East Bay Media Group • August 5-6, 2026
n Bring new life to tired cabinets
Page 2 Homes - August 2026
Over a Century of Trusted Representation Established in 1925
WAT E R F R O N T
M I D D L E TOW N | O F F E R E D FO R $ 5,75 0,0 0 0
Easton’s Point | Waterfront with Private Cove Access Jessica Chase – 401.864.3596
WAT E R F R O N T
M I D D L E TOW N | O F F E R E D FO R $ 2 , 9 0 0,0 0 0
P O RTS M O U T H | O F F E R E D FO R $ 2 , 3 9 5,0 0 0
Stone Bridge Farm | Brand New Construction
Narragansett Bay Club | Tennis Village Residence
Common Fence Point | Coastal Oasis with Dock
Kim Fleming – 401.935.9075
Bridget Torrey – 401.575.6522
Paul A. Leys – 401.862.6706
Tiverton Office: 1793 Main Road | 401.816.4060 Newport Office: 37 Bellevue Avenue | 401.849.3000
P O RTS M O U T H | O F F E R E D FO R $ 2 , 1 5 0,0 0 0
GustaveWhite.com Each office is independently owned and operated.
Homes - August 2026 Page 3
What buyers can do to improve chances their offer is accepted To land the right house, you may need to work harder for the right offer The real estate market can be highly competitive. When inventory is limited and prices are high, prospective buyers must be ready to pounce and make an offer before the competition kicks up and the home is off the market. The ability to move quickly with an offer can help buyers land a home in a competitive market, but that decisiveness may not be enough to ensure an offer is accepted. Buyers accustomed to the home buying process know there’s no guarantee an offer will be accepted, but they can take steps to improve their chances of standing out in a competitive market where sellers may be fielding multiple offers at once.
Use recent sales data Though there are places with non-disclosure laws that do not mandate property sales prices be made public, such data is readily available in many areas. That information can be invaluable to home buyers in competitive real estate markets because it gives them a strong idea of how much homes have been going for in towns and even specific neighborhoods they’re targeting with their search. That data also tends to be relied upon when sellers list their homes. Sellers may see how much a neighbor’s home sold for and use that to set the price of their own homes. With that knowledge in hand, buyers can tailor their offers to reflect recent sales figures.
Obtain a mortgage preapproval Bank of America notes that a mortgage pre-qualification estimates what buyers might be able to borrow based on a credit check and information they provide, such as income data. Once that information is provided, prospective buyers may obtain a preapproval if a lender deems them creditworthy. A preapproval is important because it shows sellers that a buyer has the credit and financial backing necessary to follow through on an offer. Many sellers ask if bidders are preapproved because the preapproval facilitates a quicker sale.
Increase your deposit Increase your earnest money offer if you’re truly committed to buying a particular home. Fulton Bank advises buyers to offer more earnest money, which is akin to a good faith deposit toward the purchase of a home. A typical earnest
It can be hard to compete in the real estate market. But there is much buyers can do to increase the chances their offers are accepted. money deposit may be somewhere between 1 and 3 percent of the purchase price, but an earnest money offer of 5 percent may indicate to sellers that you’re a committed buyer. But Fulton Bank notes that buyers who rescind their offers may or may not have their earnest money offer refunded.
Add an escalation clause Speak to your agent or realtor about including an escalation clause. It’s always best that buyers work with a real estate agent or realtor when looking for a home. 32 Lorraine Street, Barrington, RI When you find a property that interests GRI, SRS you in a competitive market, discuss with 10 Beds • 13 Baths • $6,999,000 SRS your real estate representative if an escaWelcome to The GRI, Beach Mansion! multi-gabled Sales & Rental Associate GRI, SRS 15,000 sq. ft.This lation clause might boost the chances mansion encapsulates of living space, Sales & Rental Associate offering luxury thatAssociate blends history with modern comSales & Rental that your offer is accepted. 557 Hope Street fort. With 10 bedrooms, 10 full baths, 3 half baths and Rocket Mortgage notes that an escalaHope Street | Bristol, RI RI 4 car garage, it is the epitome of modern living. With Bristol, tion clause is part of a real estate557 contract 401.374.7064 • sarah.principe@raveis.com its blend of architectural beauty, luxurious amenities, that indicates a buyer is willing to auto557 Hope | Bristol, RI 557 Hope StreetStreet | Bristol, RI 401.374.7064 and prime location, it is a perfect home for those wishmatically raise their offer on a home if the 401.374.7064 • sarah.principe@raveis.com ing to create lasting memories. 401.374.7064 • sarah.principe@raveis.com sarah.principe@raveis.com seller receives a higher offer. The escalation clause indicates the most a buyer is willing to offer. The inclusion of an escalation clause is a big decision, which is why it can be so helpful to speak with your representative before deciding for or against including one in your offer. It can be hard to compete in the real estate market. But there is much buyers can do to increase the chances their offers are accepted.
Sarah Principe Sarah Principe Sarah Principe
Experience makes the difference. Experience makes the difference. Experience makes the difference.
Page 4 Homes - August 2026
A guide to buying your first home
The Rhode Island market is considered one of the best value markets in the country
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments a person can make. Individuals may wonder when is the right time to jump in to the real estate market. The answer may boil down to affordability. The housing market is continually evolving. Buying a home now is a little bit different than it was even a few years ago, as inventory is starting to recover from a lengthy period with limited offerings, according to Realtor.com. But even though inventory may have increased, home prices have not come down. The median home price now sits at around $410,000 in the United States and approximately $676,335 in Canada, and interests rates hover around 6 percent for a 30-year fixed rate. Before it’s time to sign a contract and get the keys, potential buyers can follow this guide as they navigate buying a home for the first time.
First-time home-buyers can often take advantage of down payment assistance programs.
Know your buying power Before browsing home listings, buy-
ers should conduct a financial audit to see how they stack up. It’s worthwhile to sit down with a mortgage broker who can run your numbers. Credit score is a significant variable that will be checked during such consultations. If necessary, identify ways to boost that score in the months before applying for a mortgage.
Follow the 30 percent rule Rocket Mortgage says the 30 percent rule dictates that total monthly housing costs, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI) should not exceed 30 percent of a borrower’s gross monthly income to maintain financial stability.
Budget for the extra costs Buyers should concern themselves with all of the costs that go into buying a home. In addition to the down payment, closing costs can come in at around 2 to 5 percent of the home’s price. An inspection and appraisal can run around $1,000. Additional costs may include termite inspection, and other out-of-pocket costs to get the home up to code.
Lower your costs A rising trend in home buying is a surge in down payment assistance
(DPA). Bankrate says DPAs provide eligible individuals, typically first-time or low-to-moderate-income buyers, with assistance that covers costs like down payments and closing fees. These programs may be offered by the government, non-profits or private lenders.
Utilize a reputable inspector A home may seem like a dream until a person pulls back the curtain on some hidden red flags. It’s always worth the expense to have a housing inspector or a trusted contractor walk through the property prior to making an offer to ensure that the home is in good condition.
Choose a value market First-time home buyers may want to select metro areas that offer the best balance of earnings versus home prices. According to a 2026 report from Realtor.com, areas that provide the best value in the U.S. are largely concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest. Hartford, Conn.; Rochester, N.Y.; Worcester, Mass.; Toledo, Ohio; and Providence, R.I., are some of the top housing markets for the year. First-time home buyers must consider a range of variables as they inch closer to making their home ownership dreams a reality.
Find more photos at eastbayri.com 24/7
Homes - August 2026 Page 5
Single-family home median price hits $550,000 in June Housing market shows gains across all categories in June Rhode Island’s housing market posted year-over-year gains in closed sales across all residential property types in the month of June, despite ongoing economic uncertainty. Single-family home sales led the way with a 14% increase — the first annual gain in closed transactions this year — while the median sales price climbed to a record monthly high of $550,000, up 5.8% from June 2025. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors reported that although the number of single-family homes on the market increased 4% from a year ago, stronger buyer demand kept inventory tight. The condominium market also posted gains, with sales and inventory each rising 5.4%, while the median sales price remained essentially unchanged at $417,450. “Amidst increased inflation and mortgage rates, Rhode Island home sales held their own in June. The allure of the Ocean State in the summer
months increased pent up demand and sales activity climbed across the board. As with past months, it’s hard to know what is coming next, but we’re seeing signs of improvement in the local economy and some movement with new builds on the development front,” said Michael Pereira, President of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. The multifamily home market showed signs of cooling compared to other housing sectors. Closed sales increased just 1.3% and listings rose 10.7%, giving buyers more choices than they had a year ago. June’s median price of $590,000 marked only the second month since 2014 that the monthly median price of multifamily homes declined year-over-year. In the second quarter overall, sales were down for single-family and multifamily homes, while the median price continued to climb. Housing statistics released by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors is sourced from its subsidiary, StateWide Multiple Listing Service which reports Realtor-assisted transactions.
THE NEXT TIME
LIMITED TIME OFFER
POWER GOES OUT...
UP TO
$2,400
WILL YOU BE READY? RELIABLE POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT
INDUSTRY-LEADING KOHLER QUALITY
COMBINED VALUE*
EXPERT INSTALLATION YOU CAN TRUST
FREE 10-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY
$ $1,000 REBATE*
*Restrictions apply. See RALCO for offer details.
Automatic Backup Power
Protects Your Home & Family
Increase Your Home Value
VISIT US ONLINE
RalcoGenerator.com/Kohler
CALL TODAY
800-867-2526
Page 6 Homes - August 2026
How to make a real estate listing stand out
In a competitive market, subtle details can make a difference
The real estate market is notably competitive. While the competitive nature of real estate is often discussed in terms of buying, sellers might face some stiff competition when trying to make their properties stand out. The popularity of real estate listing websites like Zillow, Trulia and Redfin has made it easier than ever for buyers to find properties for sale. But those sites feature so many listings that it’s not always easy for sellers to make their properties stand out. With that in mind, homeowners can work with their real estate agents or realtors to tailor a listing that’s sure to draw the attention of buyers. n Identify what makes your property unique. Homeowners can take a tour of their properties with their real estate representative to identify what makes their homes and grounds unique. Details like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the total square footage certainly draw the attention of buyers, but neighborhoods tend to feature similarly sized properties.
Homeowners can work with their real estate agents or realtors to tailor a listing that’s sure to draw the attention of buyers.
But an emphasis on unique features, whether it’s a fully finished basement or a recently remodeled outdoor living space, can make a listing stand out. n Read a listing as if you were a prospective buyer. In addition to emphasizing the unique features of your home, you can read a draft of your listing to see if it would appeal to you if you were a buyer. Does the listing adequately convey what makes your property special? Is there enough information about the property? Does the listing get into specifics or is the
description generalized? Buyers will look at an assortment of listings, and it can be easy to confuse one with another. Concise but detailed characterizations can increase the chances buyers remember your listing. n Emphasize key characteristics in bullet points. A listing that’s too wordy may not be read in full, but work with your real estate representative to identify points of emphasis and even list those as bullet points to make the listing more readerfriendly.
n Be honest. Buyers come from all walks of life, but none want to read a listing and then feel as if they’ve been misled upon visiting a property. While it may seem as though everyone wants a movein ready home, many buyers will not scoff at a listing that notes DIY potential. At the same time, if a home is indeed move-in ready, emphasize that so buyers who don’t want to swing any hammers know they won’t have to if they buy your home. An honest characterization will attract buyers, while a misleading description of the property will come across as a red flag that will make buyers wonder what else sellers might be hiding. n Highlight the area as well. Buyers aren’t just investing in a home, they’re investing in a place to set down roots. Consider the town where you live and use the listing to highlight its strong points. If your town is a walkable locale with a thriving local shopping and food district, emphasize that in your listing. If the town boasts a top-notch school system, be sure to allude to that in the listing. Sellers and their real estate representatives can employ various measures when writing a property listing to make it stand out.
New homes starting at $709,900
55+ Lifestyle Community in Dighton 774.500.3550 | ThePreserveAtHuntersHill.com
Homes - August 2026 Page 7
Binge every episode while
watching for your packages.
Built for every home. Committed to every family. Big families, small families, and every home in between rely on a strong internet connection. i3 Broadband is proud to keep East Bay connected with the reliable service you can count on. Constantly innovating. Constantly here for East Bay!
The Local Internet Service Choice for Bristol, Warren and Barrington. Connect with us! i3broadband.com or (401) 247-1250 ©2026 i3 Broadband, LLC. All rights reserved.
Visit us today! 57 Everett St, Warren, RI 02885
Page 8 Homes - August 2026
Tips to determine how big a home you really need When deciding how much home to buy, consider affordability, maintenance, resale and more Shopping for a new home is an exciting experience. As prospective buyers shop around and attend open houses, they are likely to fine-tune their list of what they need and what they want in their next home. One choice buyers will be faced with is how much home to buy. Determining how much square footage an ideal home should have can be difficult. While many home buyers can envision themselves enjoying a palatial estate, square footage is a significant variable in regard to home prices. When trying to determine how much home to buy, prospective home buyers can ask themselves a range of questions to help make that decision.
How much can I afford? Home buyers’ budgetary considerations should extend beyond the asking price of a home and into what they will be able to afford should they purchase a par-
The ideal amount of square footage in a home varies from buyer to buyer. Determining what suits you may come down to how you answer a variety of questions. ticular property. Projected monthly mortgage payments can be easy to determine,
but utilities can fluctuate considerably from home to home. Energy prices are fluid, but the more square footage a home has, the higher utility bills are likely to be. When determining how much home you should buy, you first need to identify what you can afford, and that mock budget should include estimates regarding monthly utilities. In addition, upgrading and renovating a larger property is likely to cost more, so that’s another budgetrelated variable to consider when determining how much home to buy.
How much home can I take care of? Seasoned homeowners know that the work required to own a home never ceases. First-time buyers must keep that in mind when shopping for a home. A home with lots of square footage will require more daily and long-term maintenance than a smaller home. If you don’t have the time, the means or the will to keep up with maintaining a property, then perhaps a home with a small footprint in terms of square footage is for you. If taking care of the home is not a concern, then extra square footage may not be a deterrent.
How significant a variable is ZIP code when selling a home? Another variable to consider when determining square footage is the ZIP code of a home. Selling might not be foremost on the minds of prospective buyers,
but a large home in a town with a poor school district and safety concerns is unlikely to generate as great a return on investment as a smaller home in a town with a reputation for great schools and little crime. However, the real estate market is forever in flux, so prospective buyers who prefer a larger home but don’t want to break the bank to purchase one are urged to work with a real estate professional to identify areas that might be up-and-coming and offer the best of both worlds. That’s no small task, but local real estate agents and realtors can be invaluable assets in such pursuits.
How much home do I need? Of course, how much home a buyer needs is a unique and important variable. But this also is a difficult question to answer. Buyers who plan to grow their families will need enough space to accommodate everyone who eventually lives under their roof. Couples buying a home together who discuss how big a family they want to have can use that discussion to inform how large a home to buy. Buyers who like to get out and about can ask how much time they’re likely to spend at home and use that to determine how much square footage they need at home. The ideal amount of square footage in a home varies from buyer to buyer. Determining what suits you may come down to how you answer a variety of questions.
Homes - August 2026 Page 9
Is moving the right move after retirement?
There are many reasons to consider moving after retirement
Retirement is a milestone moment in life. Each person has their own vision of an ideal retirement. Some may want to travel the world. Others may look for a second career or a chance to volunteer in support of a cause near and dear to their hearts. Retirement also may lead some to ponder if it’s the right time to sell their homes. Retirement is often associated with downsizing a home, but data indicates that even seniors who sell are not necessarily moving into smaller homes. A spring 2026 report from the National Association of Realtors found that seniors between the ages of 61 and 70 who sold a 2,000-squarefoot home between June 2024 and June 2025 typically moved into a similarly sized property. Downsizing may not be compelling seniors to move after retirement, but that doesn’t mean newly minted retirees should not give the idea of moving ample consideration. In fact, there are many reasons to move after retiring, and considering those factors can help seniors determine if moving is right for them.
Real estate market Real estate markets fluctuate, and retirees can monitor home prices where they currently live and where they might want to move to see if the time is right to relocate. If prices are high in your current market and low in areas where you may want to spend your retirement, then a relocation might enable you to pocket a sizable amount of money, which can then be redirected toward retirement expenses like travel, entertainment and health care.
Taxes Working with an experienced tax attorney can help retirees determine if moving
is in their long-term financial interest. Capital gains taxes, income taxes, and property taxes are just some of the financial variables affected by location. Retirees could save substantial amounts of money by moving to locations with lower tax obligations. Those savings can help to ensure seniors do not outlive their money. Even if you’re attached to your current home, the tax savings associated with relocating to a more retiree-friendly locale may be too great to pass up.
Maintenance While financial considerations may be foremost on the minds of retirees pondering a move, it’s equally important to ask if you can keep up with the maintenance associated with your current home. There’s also the question of desire in relation to home maintenance. If you’re physically incapable of routine maintenance tasks or simply want someone else to handle chores like maintaining the landscape, then a move to a 55+ community where maintenance is paid for by monthly homeowners’ association fees might be the best decision.
Family Modern families tend to spread out. According to the Pew Research Center, 32 percent of adults with a postgraduate degree do not live near any extended family members. But 42 percent of such adults live within an hour’s drive of some extended family members. Retirees who aspire to reconnect with grown children and build strong relationships with grandchildren who may live an hour or more away might consider relocating to be closer to the people they love most. Seniors considering a relocation in retirement can ponder a number of variables to determine if a move is in their best interest.
Retirement is often associated with downsizing a home, but data indicates that even seniors who sell are not necessarily moving into smaller homes.
www.arglocks.com
LOCKSMITH
INSTITUTIONAL • COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • AUTOMOTIVE KEY CUSTOMATION ACCESS CONTROL HARDWARE LOCK HARDWARE • SAFES
Landscape Construction • Walkways • Walls • Patios • Veneer • Drainage & More
Free Estimates
We provide every aspect of landscape construction while providing quality service with the customer’s budget in mind.
SAFES • KEYS DOOR • HARDWARE
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Affordable * Reliable * Great Service
HOURS
Monday to Friday 9:30am - 6:00pm
First Responders and Military Discounts!
JoshsHardscapes@gmail.com • 401-499-4908
NICOLE STRATTEN & GUS ALTUBE Owners
Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm Sunday: Closed
Page 10 Homes - August 2026
A rundown on kitchen cabinet projects
You may be thinking about new cabinets, but those existing cabinets could have new life
Updated kitchens are in demand, and homeowners are not hesitating to open their wallets when renovating these popular spaces in their homes. According to a 2025 study from Houzz, the median spend on kitchen renovations rose to $60,000 between 2024 and 2025. Homeowners concerned about the high price tag of kitchen renovations should know they have some less expensive means to giving their kitchens a new look. Cabinet projects can dramatically alter how a kitchen looks and feels. This rundown of cabinet projects can help homeowners answer any questions they have about this unique and budget-friendly way to revitalize their kitchens.
Reface or replace? Refacing and replacing each merit consideration. Homeowners unfamiliar with cabinet projects may not real-
same, and variables like layout and square footage will affect the price of most projects, including cabinet renovations. But homeowners should know that the average cost of cabinet refacing projects and replacement projects falls far short of the $60,000 price tag of kitchen renovations noted by Houzz. According to Angi.com, refacing cabinets costs between $900 and $6,000 on average, while cabinet replacement projects can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000. The wide ranges reflect the variables unique to each home. Homeowners are urged to contact a professional who specializes in cabinet refacing and replacement to get an accurate estimate of how much these projects will cost in their homes.
Re-painting is an option Homeowners have options, from total kitchen replacement, to renovation of the existing cabinets and space. ize they have two very different options to consider. Refacing allows homeowners to transform the look and feel
of a kitchen while keeping the existing cabinet structure in place. When refacing cabinets, new doors, drawer fronts and typically hardware are installed to replace the existing ones. When replacing cabinets, the existing cabinet structure is torn out and completely new units are installed. Replacing might be done when the structural integrity of the existing cabinets is questionable or when homeowners are not fond of the existing cabinet layout and decide to change it completely.
A way to save money 820 Taunton Ave (Rt. 44) | Seekonk, MA 508-557-0170 • InfinityKitchensandBaths.com
Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm
Cabinet refacing or replacing projects will not cost nearly as much as a complete kitchen overhaul. The cost of any home renovation project is unique to each home. No two homes are the
Cabinets also can be repainted. If refacing or replacing cabinets also threatens to bust the budget, homeowners can consider repainting or restaining existing cabinets. This is a particularly cost-effective project because it gives the kitchen a new look but does not require homeowners to purchase new doors, drawers or hardware. This is a potentially good option for homeowners whose existing cabinets are structurally sound and painted but started to fade in regard to their color. It’s also a potentially sound temporary option for homeowners who are hoping to do a full kitchen renovation at some point in the near future but looking for a less costly and temporary means to give their kitchens a fresh look. Cabinet projects can create a different feel in the kitchen without requiring homeowners to make as sizable a financial investment as a full kitchen overhaul demands.
We are your local
We are your local We are local We areyour your local FULL SERVICE Fuels &FULL Energy company thatFuels specializes in: & Energy company that SERVICE Fuels & Energy FULL SERVICE company thatcompany that FULL SERVICE Fuels & Energy • Prompt Service specializes specializes in: in:
specializes in: • Dependable Oil & Propane Delivery • High Efficiency Oil, Propane & Gas Heating System Installation and Service • Generac Generator Installation and Service • Natural Gas Service
(401) 253-7781
Service 280•Prompt Franklin St. Bristol, RI www.sunshineoilco.com
•Dependable Oil & Propane Delivery •Prompt Service
Quality From Start To Finish Certified Green Professional
Your Complete Home Building & Remodeling Contractor
• Custom Homes • Additions • Kitchens & Baths • Tile Work • Custom Millwork • Decks • Windows • Siding • Roofing • Large & Small Renovations
Over 40 Years Experience Fully Insured • RI Reg. #10719
Portsmouth, RI • 401-644-6754
BVContractingInc.com
Homes - August 2026 Page 11
Did you know? Many people are familiar with a traditional mortgage that is used to finance the purchase of a home. But individuals are not limited to only one mortgage. A second mortgage is an additional loan individuals can take out on a property that already has a primary mortgage, according to PNC Bank. A second mortgage enables homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built in their property, which equates to the difference between the home’s current market value and the remaining balance on the first mortgage. Second mortgages are riskier for lenders because the second mortgage is in a “junior” position. This means that, in the case of foreclosure or default, the first mortgage lender gets paid first, according to Bankrate. Lenders typically allow a person to borrow up to 80 percent of their available equity, depending on home value, income and credit standing. Second mortgages may come in two main forms: a home equity loan and a home
582 Warren Avenue, East Providence,RI
Serving East Providence & Surrounding Areas Since 1975
www.mateusrealty.net
Celebrating 51 Years of Service The experience makes the difference.
Attention Homeowners…
We Need Listings!
Call Mateus Realty todayfor a free market analysis!
A Sign of Success. A Name You Can Trust.
equity line of credit. The HELOAN provides a one-time lump sum and a fixed interest rate and fixed payments. A HELOC acts like a credit card and offers a revolving credit line. The interest rate is typically variable and a person can draw funds as necessary during the draw period.
Helping families buy & sell their homes since 1975
CALL 401-434-8399
Fax: 401-435-3401 • Email: sales@mateusrealty.net Falamos Potuguês • mateusrealty.net
Busy parent, business owner or property manager that’s got laundry piling up? We are the number one go to for pick up, drop off and full laundry service in your town.
Give us a call or book via QR code below!
Landscape Installation and Maintenance, Walkways, Patios, Retaining Walls, Stairs, Outdoor Kitchens, Pool & Waterscapes, Excavation Services, Brush Removal, Fencing FREE ESTIMATES
Fully Insured Residential & Commercial www.SuperiorLCinc.com
(401) 903-4292
Matt Blais, Owner
508-252-4554
Page 12 Homes - August 2026