Seaport Real Estate Services Blog - Tim Bray

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as accessory apartments, in-law apartments, or granny flats, are small, self-contained residential units that are located on the same lot as an existing single-family home. In Connecticut, ADUs are allowed in some towns and cities, but not all.

ADUs are designed to provide affordable housing options for families or individuals who want to live close to their loved ones or generate additional rental income. These units can be attached to the main house or detached and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as rental income, multigenerational housing, or additional space for a home-based business.

In Connecticut, the state legislature passed a law in 2021 that requires all towns and cities to…

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Why so many real estate agents fail.

There are several reasons why many realtors fail in their careers. Some of the common reasons include a lack of experience, inadequate training, and an inability to adapt to changing market conditions.

One of the main reasons why many realtors fail is a lack of experience. Real estate can be a complex and competitive industry, and inexperienced realtors may struggle to navigate the challenges and pitfalls of the business. In order to succeed, realtors need to have a thorough understanding of the local real estate market, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the industry.

Another reason why many realtors fail is inadequate training. In order to become a successful realtor, individuals need to have a strong foundation in real…

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Advantages and disadvantages of residential real estate.

Residential real estate refers to the purchase, ownership, and use of a home or apartment for personal living purposes. This type of real estate can provide several financial advantages and some potential disadvantages.

One of the main advantages of investing in residential real estate is the potential for long-term capital appreciation. Over time, the value of a well-maintained property can increase, providing a solid return on investment. Additionally, residential properties can generate income through rental payments, allowing investors to earn passive income.

Another advantage of residential real estate is the potential for tax benefits. Mortgage interest and property taxes are often tax-deductible, which can help reduce the overall cost of…

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2022 Connecticut Real Estate Mill Rates by Town

Real Estate Taxes in Connecticut can vary greatly depending on the municipality and districts within them.  The graphic above illustrates the base rates for each town. Additional rates are applied to specific locations where services are provided.  These services can include public water, sewer, trash removal,  police services, or a firehouse.  A town or district with a lower Mill rate may not offer these services.  Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in CT for 2022 is $31.29 with the highest being Hartford at $74.29 and the lowest being Salisbury at $11. 

How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

The…

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2022 Rhode Island Commercial Mill Rates by Town

Commercial Real Estate Taxes in Rhode Island vary greatly by town and are typically correlated to the services which each town provides.  A town with a lower Mill rate may not offer services such as public water and sewer, perhaps waste disposal, or a firehouse. Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average commercial property tax rate in Rhode Island for 2022 is 20.41 with the highest being Central Falls at 42.33 and the lowest being Little Compton at 6.04.  Please note that Property taxes can have a substantial impact on the cash flow of a property making it more or less appealing to a lender, investor, or potential owner occupant.  Contact a…

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2022 Rhode Island Residential Mill Rates by Town

Real Estate Taxes in Rhode Island vary greatly by town and are typically correlated to the services which each town provides to its residents. A town with a lower Mill rate may not offer services such as public water and sewer, perhaps waste disposal, or a firehouse. Your real estate agent will be able to help you to determine the services offered and their importance to you when purchasing real estate. The average property tax rate in Rhode Island for 2022 is 16.93 with the highest being Providence at 24.56 and the lowest being Little Compton at 6.04. 

How to Calculate Rhode Island Property Taxes

The formula to calculate Rhode Island Property Taxes is (Assessed Value x Property Tax Rate)/1000= Rhode Island Property Tax. Take the Assessed…

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11 Necessary Traits of a Seaport Agent. Are you a fit?

Have you ever wondered why some people are successful, productive, and seem to be happier?   This journey we call life is full of ups, downs,  successes, and failures.  Take a look at the traits of a Seaport agent below and ask yourself if you have what it takes to be part of our group.  If so, then simply send a creative video of yourself to info@seaportre.com.  Please make sure to explain how you will be an asset and help our company to grow.

11. Problem solver mindset

Great agents enjoy coming up with creative solutions to problems.  Many successful real estate agents know how to properly showcase a property to make it more marketable and develop creative marketing to attract the right buyers. Our agents employ valuation skills that allow them to…

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Avoiding Capital Gains when selling your non-primary residence or vacation home.

Thinking of selling your non-primary residence or vacation home? You are most likely going to pay capital gains tax unless you do the following.

One way to avoid capital gains tax on a vacation or investment property is a 1031 exchange. This involves using the profits of the sale to purchase another investment property, thus putting the proceeds back into real estate instead of your bank account. New Construction may be a good way to go but you must meet the 1031 timelines and guidelines. 

You must follow strict identification and timeline rules for a 1031 exchange to the letter:

•          You must identify the exchange properties in writing within 45 calendar days of the closure for the relinquished property in accordance with one of the…

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Whippoorwill Horse Farm Auction

New to Market – Formerly known as the McCulloch Horse Farm, 100 Whippoorwill Rd in Old Lyme has been offered up for sale by Seaport Real Estate Services in an Auction proceeding. This method will be administered through an online bidding process that takes place over the course of 30 days. Contrary to a traditional brokerage sale, an Auction approach positions the initial offering price significantly lower than the current fair market value. This incites a heightened level of demand, creates a competitive environment, attracts multiple buyers, and drives the price of the property up rapidly over a pre-determined period of time. All necessary due diligence on behalf of interested buyers is performed prior to the close of Auction. Once the winning bid…

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The Cookie Thief by Valerie Cox

The Cookie Thief

By Valerie Cox

A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shops.
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book but happened to see,
That the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be.
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between,
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies and watched the clock,
As the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock.
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, “If I wasn’t so nice, I would blacken his eye.”

With each cookie she took, he took one too,
When only one was left, she wondered what he would do.
With a smile on his face, and a…

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