This Sunday, The Money Pro$ will debut a program on Business Succession Planning. Only 30% of small businesses survive to the second generation, so this is a very relevant issue. Maintaining the continuity of the business for stakeholders including co-owners, employees, family and customers is a major issue for large and small companies, and an important aspect in retaining employment in the state. Owning a family business, the topic is of interest to me. Estate planner Karen DelPonte, Esp. partner at Cameron & Mittleman, LLP., and CPA Greg Porcaro, partner of Otrando Porcaro & Associates, will weigh in on the matter. They will be joined by Russ Towers, Esq. of Broker Service Marketing Group, at the round table discussion.

The Money Pro$ is aired weekly on WNAC 64 at 11:30AM. Check your service provider for the channel locations. As a future programming note, I will soon be in the studio recording the December show. I’ll announce the airing date in the next few weeks.

Here’s a clip from the real estate episode:

Advice: buying in today’s home market: foxprovidence.com

The Money Pro$ provides Southern New England with easily available information on personal finance. If you’re interested in this subject, their website has video from all the episodes, including that of my good friend/radio co-host Steve Tetzner.

Their latest real estate initiative is a residential housing project in Lincoln. Across the street from the pond and land of the same name, Handy Pond is a 55+ condominium community that they developed with a local builder to supply a housing niche that was missing in Lincoln. This adult community is in an almost rural setting, yet it is set along a good access road to major highways. In this development, they focused on high-end housing with a community feel.

The current batch of units should be available within 60 days. They feature multiple floor plans and upgrade options. More information is available on the Handy Pond website, but you can also learn more by tuning into my radio show.

This got me thinking about the approaching Hurricane Irene. We may not always know when or how disaster will strike. While we can’t control these types of events, we can assemble safeguards that will protect us in the chance of an emergency. One important defense is insurance. While mainstream in regard to homes and cars, this is often overlooked in terms of possessions. Even on something as commonplace as a move, insurance is paramount.

However, if a relocation involves an item that is especially precious to you, (or you happen to be in the path of a major hurricane) it might be a good idea to move it yourself. This does not extinguish the possibility of fiasco, but I think it might give you more control over the outcome. Insurance will reimburse you the estimated cost for what has been lost, but it can’t replace a lifetime worth of memories.

For the past two years, Residential Properties Ltd. has been making property videos and posting them online. We like the media primarily because of the flexibility and creative aspects. Combining the talent from the two departments to film, write, record, and edit, we’ve found that we can work off of each other to fine tune the product into something that will attract, inform, and make viewers want to visit the property.

Our videos have been viewed over 22,000 times on the ResProp YouTube channel, and we’d like to think this is not a fluke. We are thrilled to have some very talented individuals who make it their business to deliver an interesting and effective product to our clients. Working on other projects besides our own movies helps bring creativity to them. For instance, IT Director Tom Flanagan was recently on an award-winning 48 Hour Film Project team. Their video, entitled “The Lip Dub” had to be written, shot, edited, and scored in only a weekend. The team rose to the occasion, adjusting their “creative process” to succeed in this high pressure environment. They were awarded Best Cast Ensemble, Best Choreography, and Viewers Choice.

Located in the desirable Saylesville Highlands, this 3 bedroom Cape is charming, inviting and well-maintained. The living room has hardwoods, a fireplace, and lots of natural sunlight, which brings a sense of cheerfulness to the space. The kitchen is cute with hardwoods and a yellow color palette. This feel is continued in the dining room, where large glass doors add light and space to the room, opening to a sizable deck, which makes for the perfect summertime destination. The master suite is cozy and has skylights and a sunken tub.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped and would be ideal for those who enjoy gardening.

Lincoln is a scenic town in Northern Rhode Island, located on the Blackstone River. Chase Farm is a beautifully preserved historic dairy farm in that is now a green space and is used for a variety of the towns outdoor activities. The town is also home of one of the areas great treasures, Lincoln Woods, which offers activities such as swimming at the fresh water beach, trout fishing, hiking, horseback riding or just relaxing in the shade.

More information on the home and the area can be found on the Residential Properties website.

This gorgeous, fully updated home on the water in Conimicut is a truly special property. Five to six years ago, the house was completely gutted and remodelled to showcase the stunning views of Narragansett Bay.

With an open floor plan, stainless appliances, hardwoods and new windows, this property is perfect whether entertaining or relaxing. The downstairs could be used for single level living, but the upstairs bedrooms are desirable as well; boasting fireplaces, water views, and a large upper deck.

Conimicutt is a historic bayside village that strives to provide an aesthetically pleasing, safe and active living environment for residents. With a quaint but thriving village center and a close proximity to historic Pawtuxet Village, this spot is one of Rhode Island’s hidden gems. Close to T.F. Green and an easy commute to downtown Providence, Conimicut provides an oasis for individuals who desire a life surrounded by natural resources.

Rich Morin has extensive experience in construction and investment properties, and has been involved in various aspects of real estate and home building for over 20 years. He is also involved with Legacy Custom Homes, a company which emphasizes green building practices. Although he grew up in Lincoln, Richard currently lives in East Greenwich with his wife and two daughters.

Escape from the many stresses of life in this great secluded property in Northern Scituate. This 3500 square foot estate was modeled after the Parson Capon House built in 1683, now a museum in Topsfield, MA. This home was designed in the early 1960’s by wood sculptor Armand Lamontagne and features the old world charm of a rustic farmhouse with the comforts of modern living. Colonial attributes like the wide brick fireplaces, panaled walls and exposed beam design will warm your heart. The spacious bedrooms and bathrooms continue the rustic feel of an old farmhouse, without the upkeep and the third floor has many possibilities. It would make a terrific playroom, office, theater or getaway. The beautifully sculpted lawn and gardens present a relaxation oasis in Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Located in the western part of Rhode Island, Scituate is an easy commute to Providence, New London, and Worcester. The juried Art Festival has an exceptional reputation, attracting over 200,000 people annually amist the striking fall foliage. The sprawling forests, expansive stone walls, and massive reservoir all help make this local the picturesque New England village you will love.

John Bessette is a lifelong resident of Cumberland with over 30 years of sales experience and prides himself on going the extra mile for his clients. He has served as a member of the Cumberland Zoning Board for 13 years and was a member of the Cumberlandfest Steering Committee for 10 years.