This week we had Mary Cool in studio, the Rhode Island California Closet designer.   California Closets set the standard for custom home storage in 1978 and remain the industry benchmark.

   Closet Systems are considered an important upgrade for many buyers, just like renovated kitchens and baths. Everyone seems to have more stuff than ever before and most of that  gets crammed into closets when  the home  goes on the market. Buyers look into those closets and see not enough storage space.   California Closets mastered the art of spatial design, creating custom solutions for every room of the home in a variety of configurations, finishes and styles. They design media centers, garages, pantries, laundries, offices, and of course closets from a broad portfolio of materials.  Selection includes state of the art “green” material from Italy (this meets the strict Euro standards); cherry and maple woods (in many stains); and 10 styles of high performance laminates. 

           California Closets work with architects, designers, builders and realtors.  They are called in to add value and solve problems.  Architects use them to create storage which adds value to a home.  Designers use California Closets to add style while maximizing the storage in a home.

The California Closet experience begins with a free in home consultation.  They listen, measure, determine needs and budget, and design a solution unique for that client.  Take it from me; the process is both productive and enjoyable.  Simplifying, organizing and creating order gives serenity and peace.  If you would like a free in home consultation with a California Closet Representative, call Mary Cool direct at 401-596-2039 or tool free at  1-800-225-6901.

This Week’s Real Estate Insight

The latest Cost vs. Value study found a major Bedroom remodel will return 70% of costs.  But beyond that lies the added value of a selling point of distinction for homes on the market.  How valuable is it to you for your children to be able to get ready for school in an organized manner? How do you put a value on the “intangibles” like happiness and functionality?

 

 Listen to this week's show here [48:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

         If you read this post weekly, you are aware of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association’s continued battle to keep National Grid from placing gas meters on the facades of homes throughout the state.

This Thursday, the Rhode Island Senate will be voting on bill S0107, I strongly urge you to send your state senator an email in support of H-5088/S0107, before Thursday, even if you’ve testified or sent an email previously. If possible, please also ask at least one friend or family member who lives in RI but outside of Providence to write a letter from their respective district. Include your address on your letters so that committee members understand the wide-ranging scope of concerned citizens

As Rhode Island faces drops in property values and unprecedented hikes in utility costs, National Grid’s proposition to unnecessarily relocate gas meters to the exterior of our buildings is a direct assault on the citizen-consumer and the economic health and sustainability of our cities and towns. 

As President of Rhode Island’s largest independent Real Estate Company, I am acutely aware of declining home values and how that impacts the entire state. Curb appeal is everything in selling a home.  The external meters badly affect the value of the property.  When the value goes down, the future assessments for the city and towns are reduced and reduced assessments mean lower tax revenue.

Thank you for your continued support on this issue, and let’s hope for the best on Thursday!

This Week’s Real Estate Insight:

To find out who your state senator is, go to the following link and input your mailing address in the “general voter information” section: http://www.sec.state.ri.us/vic. You do NOT have to be registered to vote to get this info about your local elected officials.

 

 Listen to Sally's interview with Jessica Jennings from the WBNA here [48:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download