Bob Black

As a member of the Community Outreach Committee at Williams & Stuart Real Estate,  I've been asked to spearhead a blood drive that will benefit the Rhode Island Blood Center. I'm humbled to be associated with such a noble cause and the fact that I get to represent Williams and Stuart and all my amazing colleagues is truly an honor for me. As a monthly pherisis donor myself, I know exactly what it takes to keep the people in need supplied.  

If you stop and think for a moment, donating blood is the basis for all other charity work. Without the blood supply and generous donations from everyday people like you, our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters would not survive if faced with needing a transfusion. Children of all ages suffering from any number of diseases count on donors to keep them alive every day.  

Our lives have all been touched by someone who has needed blood at one time or another so I would encourage everyone to call your local blood center and find out how you can make a difference in a stranger's life.

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

Today marks the first day of a new chapter in my real estate career.

As you may know, I've recently been asked to join the newly formed Williams & Stuart Real Estate in Cranston, RI. The company is the brainchild of Sue Rowles and Paul Zarrella who will serve as Brokers. Given Sue and Paul's considerable experience in Rhode Island real estate, it was an easy decision for me. Along with our management team, we'll also have a strong supporting cast of heavy hitters including Bruce Lane who is well known throughout the RI Realtor world.

With our offices staying in the same Cranston location at 870 Oaklawn Ave, it's been an easy transition. In fact I haven't even had to change my desk, at least not yet. We've also recently had Tommy's Pizza open in the building, which should provide for many long "working lunches" I'm sure. If you're not familiar with Tommy's then check it out at www.tommyspizzari.com for more information. They're fantastic and I'm looking forward to lots of hot delicious pizza.

I know that some people would be nervous about the unknown of moving to a new company in the midst of a recession but I couldn't be more confident. Luckily real estate is what you make of it and I'm looking forward to making this a banner year. Being part of Williams & Stuart at a point which is equivalent to the ground floor only makes me more eager than ever before to get out there and do what I've come to love.

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

I've recently been contacted by a friend who wants to put their house on the market in order to downsize to a Ranch as a matter of convenience. My first thoughts were that it was going to be a challenge to walk into their home and explain all that needs to be changed in order to make it appealing to the masses. Friends and family are always a bit more challenging to work with for some reason. Fortunately, in this situation I think they'll listen because in this market sellers need to pay close attention to the advice of a Real Estate Professional... no matter if they are family, friends or perfect strangers.

Realtors across the country never know what they are walking into when entering a listing appointment. We've all seen the "horror show" that should just be torn down. And on the flip side of that, we've all walked into the "hidden gem" that we're eager to list before anyone knows that it's out there. Of course there are the in-between homes that need updating and upgrading because it's been 30 years since anyone's even thought about it. This is the side of the market that challenges us the most but is also the most rewarding when they sell. 

Getting sellers to understand the importance of preparing their homes for sale can often be the biggest challenge faced. We all have a million stories about our attempts to get homes ready for sale and sellers who just don't seem to get it. Whether it's an over-loaded laundry area, a poorly maintained yard or an unkempt childs' room... there is always something that needs to be done. Even in the best cared for homes there will always be something.

For any homeowner who may be considering listing their home, I would give you this advice: take a self-evaluation tour of the property inside and out. Approach your home as if you were the potential buyer walking up for the first time. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. It may sound cliché but it is absolutely the most important aspect of the sale.

Pull up to your home and park on the road in order to gain perspective of its curb appeal. This should be, with out a doubt impeccable. It doesn't have to be brand new, just well kept and clear of any toys, burned or damaged grass or broken concrete, etc. The same goes for the exterior of your home. If your paint is peeling, paint your home. If your siding is falling down, have it repaired. The yard and exterior are often the only thing people look at when they scroll through listings online and if they look bad, you don't stand a chance at getting them to walk through. Of course the same advice will hold true for the interior of the home. Please consult your real estate professional for specific tips and advice.

Given the current climate, making that great first impression is one of the biggest challenges that sellers and Realtors alike will face. Good luck.

Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 US	Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com www.BobBlackOnline.com
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate
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Two weeks ago Melissa and I attended what has become a Summer and Fall Providence tradition, Waterfire. We started out with drinks at Olives on North Main St. It was Dirty Goose Martinis and a great little grilled pizza. Even though I think they forgot that we ordered the pizza because it almost 30 minutes to get it to us, it was still very good. As for the martinis, what can I say; they don't call the place "Olives" for nothing. Melissa and I have become self-proclaimed martini experts and Olives doesn't disappoint.

We headed over to check out the festivities. We came upon a traditional Incan group with dancers that just blew us away. Their sound was mesmerizing and the dancers where very impressive. After we listened and took pictures and videos we moved on to check out what it was we came to see, the small bundles of fire hovering inches above the surface of the water. If you've never been, I'd highly recommend getting down there and letting the trance-like music take you over. It's a perfect combination of elements.

There's plenty of food and drink to be had - like kettle corn, hand made chocolates and doughboys - just to name a few. Of course we tried almost everything.  For anyone who would like to experience Waterfire first hand, you're in luck. The 3^rd Annual Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation: Flames of Hope is taking place this Saturday October 11, 2008. There will be numerous events taking place including the lighting of the State House in a pink hue to honor the fight against breast cancer. It guarantees to be a fantastic night and 100% of the proceeds from the evening will go to benefit the Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation. I think that's amazing and I hope they raise a huge amount of money for a very worthy cause.

If you're thinking of heading DownCity for this noble cause, be sure to hit up Olives for a quick martini. Have fun!

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
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Last night, Melissa and I went out for dinner with our friend Julie.  We chose Andreas on Thayer Street in Providence.  I had never been, but my dining partners couldn't wait for me to try real Greek food.  I can't wait to go back!  We ordered a bunch of appetizers to share:

• Dolmathakia (Dolma)- both regular and vegetarian.  I prefer the vegetarian - more of a lemony flavor.  They are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and spices.  The non-vegetarian version comes with ground beef. 
• Fried Calmari - With cherry peppers.  Perfectly done, and not greasy at all.
• Spanikopita - Their version came in a wedge, and not too much phyllo. STUFFED with spinach, feta and herbs.  Also not greasy.
• Grilled Haloumi Cheese - They had a special last night - grilled Haloumi cheese with mint.  I really hope to see this on the menu again - or in a store so I can make my own!
• Sauteed Shrimp Santorini - garlic, sundried tomatoes and olive oil
• Greek Sausage Saute - with lemon, olive oil and pita
• Marathon Salad - Romaine with grilled figs, sundried tomatoes and gorgonzola.  I think the dressing was made with sundried tomatoes as well.  I didn't know I liked figs!

Everything was so fresh and perfectly cooked.  The table was covered with plates of food. It was a fun night and our server, Raul, was very attentive and helpful.  We all rolled out of there stuffed and happy. 

I haven't been able to find a website for Andreas, but here's a link to a review from the Providence Journal a couple of years ago, if you'd like to read more.

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