Spring: A great time to look for a home

(FOX Providence) - Spring has sprung, which means it's a great time to start looking for or selling your home. Stephen Antoni, President of The Rhode Island Association of Realtors, joined The Rhode Show with some tips to get you started.

The Rhode Show: What is the RI Association of Realtors?

Stephen: The RI Association of REALTORS is a state wide organization comprised of about 4300 real estate licensees who belong to the National Association of REALTORS.

Not all agents are REALTORS but the great majority are. REALTORS are able to exchange information on the properties they have for sale or rent through the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. Consumers and Realtors can see these properties on RILiving.com. which showcases thousands of homes for sale and rent in RI and is updated hourly.

The Rhode Show: So, we're heading into the spring market, what's it looking like out there?

Stephen: We're heading in a good direction. Prices have been rising since November 2009 and the number of short sales and foreclosures for sale is diminishing - which is key to restoring a healthy market. We've still got a little way to go though.

Sales aren't as brisk as we would like to see but we're hearing more positive news about the economy and employment, which we think will translate to good things for the Spring Selling Season.

The Rhode Show: Any tips for those trying to buy or sell in the next few months?

Stephen: If you're a buyer, there are a lot of homes to choose from at good prices. And interest rates are historically low so homes are more affordable right now than they've been in four decades.

You can check out homes for sale in the area you would like to live in on RILiving.com. Then call a Realtor - you can even find Realtors on RILiving, if you don't already have someone in mind. They can help you refine your search. They may know things about the properties or areas that you're interested in that you don't, so use their guidance to get as close to your wish list as possible.

If you're thinking of selling your home, you need to know that you have a lot of competition. Price realistically. That's number one. Also clean your property up as best you can to give it the leading edge over others on the market. If properties show well and are priced right, they're selling.

Online:

www.rirealtors.org/