This Saturday, the Providence Preservation Society will hold its much beloved Benefit Street Stroll and Home Tour, celebrating the history of this seasonally-decorated neighborhood. From 11:00am to 5:00pm, historic homes will be open for a self-guided tour, for which the public can register at the Old State House (150 Benefit Street). Ticket-holders can also enjoy a lecture by PPS Executive Director, James Brayton Hall, on the history of Benefit Street, and docent-led walking tours. Guided tours include an Architectural and Cultural History of North Benefit Street at 11:30am, and a guided tour of South Benefit Street at 12:30pm. There will also be holiday refreshments, family-friendly festivities, hay rides, carolers signing along the street and a door-decorating contest. At 5:45pm a parade, led by the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, will head to City Hall for the annual Tree Lighting with Mayor Cicilline.

For a special price, ticket-holders can take a holiday decorating seminar taught by Martha Beckman, former Holiday Director for Martha Stewart Living. They also have the option to enjoy a Patrons’ Reception, featuring Nancy Austin, a Rhode Island-based art historian. She will present a lecture entitled “Signs of the Times,” that discusses the significance of building signs in 19th Century Providence.

At Residential Properties, we value giving back to the communities we serve. For almost 30 years, we have immersed ourselves in all things Rhode Island and strive to support a wide variety of charities that affect residents statewide. Even though the company focuses on providing homes to those who can afford them, we have not forgotten about those who cannot necessarily purchase a home. Throughout the year, we sponsor non-profits across the state, but since the holiday season can be especially daunting, we like to give an extra special something to those in need. This Thanksgiving, Residential Properties’ Providence Office held a two day food drive to sponsor the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, donating 14 very large turkeys, 337 pounds of assorted food items and $150.00 in cash to the organization.

If you would like to make a donation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, their drop off center is located at 200 Niantic Avenue in Providence. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. If you would like to see a list of needed items or learn about other ways to get involved, visit the RI Community Food Bank website.

In times of falling home values, people can’t help but be concerned about what their property is worth and a faulty appraisal can completely kill a deal. This week on my radio show, Rich and Steve are in the studio with Mike Miale from Statewide Real Estate Appraisal, LLC in Johnston. Besides talking about the latest market updates, they will discuss the new FHA regulations concerning appraisals and how they will affect buyers and sellers. Sometimes on Real Estate Insight we tend to focus on higher end properties, but this week Caroline Butterfield, an agent from our Providence Office, will be on to showcase a great affordable home in Riverside.

It’s not every day in the East Providence area that you come across a home, full of country charm. This 4 bedroom beauty, located at the end of a scenic cul-de-sac in Riverside, is special in this regard. Built in 1976, it’s hard to believe that this quaint home isn’t in a rural area. Instead, 54 Scott drive offers both the convenience of city living and a breathtaking pastoral setting to those who live inside its walls.

The interior provides everything you could ask for, whether entertaining friends and family at Thanksgiving, or just relaxing in front of a crackling fire. The layout is convenient and thought out, with a spacious great room/kitchen, perfect for any task that may come your way. The four bedrooms offer ample room for you and your guests, and with space comes possibilities. Any one of these rooms would make a wonderful office, game room or library.

The lot is extremely large for the area, boasting an impressive 13,000 square feet of private and lush landscaped gardens. You will want to spend your free time lounging on the brick patio, listening to the sounds of nature. Best of all, 54 Scott Drive is set close to the water, with a scenic creek right at your doorstep.

Riverside is a charming town set on Narragansett Bay, full of history and character.  This local is very convenient to Providence, Barrington and major shopping centers, which makes for shorter travel time and fewer hours stuck in traffic. In addition, you are close to Riverside’s historic favorites, like the Crescent Park Carousel, as well as the local Yacht Club.

Caroline Butterfield has been a multimillion producer for over 25 years and is constantly expanding her knowledge and expertise in an ever changing real estate environment.  She values the opportunity to work with all buyer and seller clients, from first time home buyers to senior citizens. When she’s not selling real estate, Caroline enjoys golf, theater, reading, skiing and spending time with her family.