Bob Black

With the huge success of last years “Cash for Clunkers” program, the Federal and State Governments are at it again with what’s being deemed, “Cash for Clunkers: Home Edition” . This time around there will be substantially less money available, but through combined state and federal programs, consumers who are in the know will start the year with a little extra money in their bank accounts. The Federal Government will handle the mechanicals of the home, while each state will be responsible for allocating energy efficient appliance and mechanicals rebates for qualified products.

The U.S. Department of Energy is offering a tax credit program that will give consumers up to $1500 in credits to help defer the cost of energy efficient products and renewable energy systems such as HVAC, water heaters, insulation, roofs, windows and doors and biomass stoves otherwise known as pellet stoves. As with any program there are specific guidelines to follow - but they’re conveniently mapped out step-by-step on the Department of Energy website www.energystar.gov. It’s a program that ALL homeowners should look into.

On the local level, each state will be responsible for putting together Federally funded programs that will give rebates on the purchase of new Energy Star rated appliances. In Rhode Island, the program will be run through mail-in rebates that will help residents replace older less efficient appliances and home heating systems with Energy Star rated products. Head to www.energy.ri.gov and click on the “appliance rebate program” link for more information.

Now that you know where to find the money, you’re probably wondering what to do with all of the left over stoves, boilers and other tired appliances. Well luckily Rhode Island has an answer; the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation gladly accepts old appliances at no charge and for just $12 will accept any refrigerator. This fee covers the cost of safely removing the freon gas. I’ve personally recycled several televisions and computers there and it was much easier than I expected. To find more information on recycling in Rhode Island go to www.rirrc.org.

Please note that the money is available on a first come first served basis and it will eventually run out - so don’t be left out in the cold. Make sure to check into these programs today to ensure that you’ll be getting the cash back that you deserve.

Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources

U.S. Department of Energy FAQ page for appliance rebates

U.S. Department of Energy “Energy Star” tax credit program page

U.S. Department of Energy “Energy Star” homepage

Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920	Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com www.BobBlackOnline.com
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate

The latest numbers have hit the streets for the housing market in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Association of Realtors has released sales figures for September 2009.  Compared to September 2008 with single family home sales leading the way, the report shows an increase of 27.9% while the days on market for those homes has come down significantly from a high of 109 earlier this year to 87. This is great news for both sellers and buyers alike, spurred predominantly by the governments $8000 first time home buyer tax credit.

Median single family home prices have come down slightly, widely based on the bank owned properties that made up more than 25% of sales for September. Non bank owned single families had a median price of $230,000 for the same period. It's my feeling that the single family sales market is going to continue to stabilize while multi-family and condominium sales are closely going to follow the single family trend. For more information and to see current sales statistics go to the Rhode Island Association of Realtors website.

Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920	Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com www.BobBlackOnline.com
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate

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'Tis is the season to make apple pies and what better way to do so than with fresh picked apples? Feeling very seasonal, Melissa and I headed down to one of our favorite  places, Sweet Berry Farm, in Middletown. With the weather cooperating and thoughts of great pictures and even better food in our future we took a very leisurely Sunday drive. Sweet Berry Farm offers seasonal “pick your own” everything but today picking apples that would later be turned into delicious warm apple pie was the driving force in my morning. 

Macintosh, Gala, Macoun, Red Delicious, Golden Supreme, Cortland, Honey Crisp... the list goes on.   Sweet Berry has no shortage of apples,  and we quickly filled our pre-paid apple bag. For four years Melissa and I tried to get to any orchard before the season ended. One year we arrived on a Sunday only to find out that this one particular orchard was picked clean the day before. This wasn’t the case at Sweet Berry Farm; with rows of fragrant fruit surrounding us, we had a field day. 

Typically we spend a fair amount of time in the post and beam farmhouse that has been transformed into a gorgeous farmstand... and who wouldn’t,  when you see what’s inside. You’ll find scrumptious desserts as well as produce picked fresh from the fields and numerous other tasty offerings.  We’ve always encountered friendly smiles and great service. That's why Sweet Berry Farm should be a “Rhode Island Must” on your list. Enjoy!     

Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920	Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com www.BobBlackOnline.com
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate