WALT'S REAL ESTATE WINDOW EPISODE 64

Since Little House on the Prairie is back, let's start with a quick one from author Laura Ingalls Wilder. "Home is the nicest word there is."

Now, onto the process of finding your home.

CLOSING KING

The King reigns in Westerly on Atlantic Avenue and it is on the Atlantic. $3 million bought this 2,000 square foot home that's on a dune. Great spot! This one was initially listed at just under $4 million.

The least expensive sale of the week -- The Duke -- was in Pawtucket on Manton Street, where $64,000 secured a manufactured home.

The total number of active single families, condos, multis and land is now just under 2,300. Nearly 1,300 are single families and there are 395 condos. 185 sold during the week and 368 went under contract.

"STARTER HOMES" UP NATIONALLY BUT STILL IN SUPPLY

There are 220,000 more starter homes for sale nationally than there were 4 years ago, and prices are down 4.2%. But there are not nearly enough in our area.

A starter home is defined as below 80% of a local market's median list price. In Rhode Island that would place the "affordable" list price at $440,000. There are about 100 active RI single family homes in this range.

SURPRISE: PURCHASING POWER IS UP

This is a great review of our current purchasing powerfor everything from soup to real estate. Compared to 1974, we have 22% more "shelter" purchasing power and 73% more general in merchadise.

If this seems unreal to you, economists reflect on the relatively lower costs for goods like electronics and appliances. Medical and education purchasing power are in the red.

WALT'S PICK IN THE MILLION DOLLAR RANGE

91 Woodridge Drive in North Kingstown is my top choice in the $980,000 to $1.2 million range. I love the value and the neighborhood; 3,000 square feet of space in The Glen.

The $400 per square foot cost is relatively low for this price point.

There are 91 condos and single families in the range of $980,000 to $1.2 million. 16 are new listings and 16 went under contract during the week, while 6 deals closed.

WALT'S PICK IN THE MEDIAN RANGE

49 Metropolitian Park Drive in East Providence looks like a winner. It's freshly renovated with 1,600 square feet of space.

The price per square foot is just over $300 for three bedrooms and two full bathrooms.

There are now 123 active single families and condos in the median range of $480,000 to $530,000. The single family total is now 96, with 37 new listings. There were 17 closings in this range and 25 went under contract.

SPOTLIGHT ON PAWTUCKET

Pawtucket continues to gain momentum as one of Rhode Island's most exciting cities for homebuyers, investors, and entrepreneurs. It has a great location along the Massachusetts border with easy access to Providence and Boston on route 95 and the commuter rail.

The city offers an appealing mix of affordability, historic character, and urban convenience. Buyers will find great variety -- from classic mill conversions and Victorian homes to renovated multifamily properties.

Beyond real estate, Pawtucket is also experiencing a renaissance fueled by arts, dining, and economic investment that includes the soccer stadium on the river. The Blackstone continues to evolve with new businesses and entertainment venues, while local favorites, neighborhood parks, and community events create a strong sense of place.

There are 91 actives here, including 41 single families and 39 multi-families. That's a unique, even mix. The median price for a single family

The median Days on Market is only 16 in Pawtucket for single families. That's down from 19 at the end of the year.

In addition to this post on Pawtucket, recent Windows featured East Providence, Warren, Barrington, North Providence, Johnston, Cumberland, Lincoln, Cranston, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, East Greenwich, Narragansett, Coventry, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Warwick, Cranston, Providence, Pawtucket, Bristol and Providence. Check the archives or I'll email you a snapshot of your town.

QUIZ TIME.

This one is too easy...so I expect an answer this week. What state is home to about 20 percent of the nation's historical landmarks?

Send me the answer, and pick your charity.

Thank you for reading the 64th edition of Walt's Real Estate Window. Text me at 401-339-0090 when you're ready to buy or sell, and as always your comments and questions are welcome. Have a great week!