Rhode Island Property Tax · 2026blog-header-taylor-swift-tax

    It’s nicknamed for a pop star’s Watch Hill mansion, but Rhode Island’s new second-home tax reaches far beyond the ultra-wealthy — all the way to century-old family cottages on the shoreline. If you own, or are buying, a coastal property in Rhode Island, here’s what you need to understand.

    What is the “Taylor Swift Tax”?

    Officially, it’s Rhode Island’s Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax(R.I. General Law § 44-72). It picked up the nickname because Taylor Swift owns a roughly $28-million oceanfront estate in Westerly’s Watch Hill — but the law itself has nothing to do with celebrities. It’s a new state-level surcharge, separate from and on top of the property tax you already pay your city or town.

    The…

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    2026 Property Tax Report · Connecticut

    The list price tells you what a home costs to buy. It says nothing about what it costs to own— and in 2026, that second number is where Connecticut buyers get surprised. The same home, one town line apart, can carry a tax bill that differs by well over a thousand dollars a month.

    2026 Connecticut property tax and mill rate report with town-by-town tax comparison data10.85 Lowest mill rate
    (Washington) 68.95 Highest mill rate
    (Hartford) 28.39 Statewide
    median rate 168 Towns in
    this report

    The number most buyers never check

    Everyone shopping for a home watches the price. Far fewer ask the question that actually sets the monthly payment: what's the property tax? In Connecticut, the answer comes from the town's mill rate— the dollars of…

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    Series: When the Market Changes: Lessons From Real Estate Cycles

    Blog 1 Image 1

    Over the past several years, the real estate industry has experienced one of the most unusual markets in modern history.

    From 2020 through much of 2023, many areas across Connecticut and Rhode Island saw:

    • Record-low inventory
    • Multiple-offer situations as the norm
    • Rapid appreciation
    • Buyers competing aggressively
    • Sellers controlling negotiations

    For many in the industry—especially newer agents—this became their baseline understanding of real estate.

    But there is an important truth that often gets overlooked:

    The pandemic-era market was the exception, not the rule.

    A Surge of New Agents in an Unusual Market

    During this period, real estate…

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    The 10-Year Treasury Hits 4.8%: What This Means for Real Estate

    As the 10-year Treasury yield reaches 4.8%, the ripple effects are being felt across the real estate market, impacting buyers, sellers, and investors. Here are my thoughts on what this shift means and how we can respond to this evolving environment.

    Higher Treasury Yields and Borrowing Costs

    Treasury yields often set the tone for other interest rates, including mortgages. As yields rise, borrowing becomes more expensive, directly affecting affordability for homebuyers.

    For homebuyers, these higher mortgage rates can significantly alter the landscape. Monthly payments increase, forcing many to either reconsider their budgets or put off purchasing altogether. This reduced…

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    Connecticut's real estate taxes 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 2024 is $28.93, with the highest being Hartford at $68.95 and the lowest being Salisbury at $11. 

    2024 Mill Rates CT

    How to Calculate Connecticut Property Taxes

    The…

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    CandO

    On a quiet morning, I stand by the window of my hotel room at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, observing the ever-changing skyline. Older buildings, once familiar landmarks, are being knocked down and replaced with modern structures. Yet, amidst this transformation, my gaze settles on the Capital Crescent Trail—a constant through the years, much like the enduring values that guide my life.

    Years ago, I embarked on a career with a burgeoning company called Realty Information Group, which later evolved into CoStar Group. This experience wasn't just about aiding corporate growth—it was about discovering my own capabilities and potential. The bustling streets of Bethesda and the challenges of early career life served as my proving grounds. Each week, as…

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    In recent weeks, the buzz around the potential U.S. government ban on TikTok has reached a fever pitch. With nearly 170 million American users engaged on the platform, the prospect of losing such a prolific source of entertainment and connection has sparked significant public debate. However, the issues at stake extend far beyond TikTok’s vast user base, touching on critical concerns regarding national security, data privacy, and the influence of foreign powers in American digital spaces.

    The Heart of the Matter:

    At first glance, TikTok is a vibrant social media platform where creativity and content reign supreme. Yet, beneath the surface, the implications of its operations are vast and complex. Owned by ByteDance, a company based in China, TikTok…

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    MV Realty Scam

    In real estate, the ethical standards we uphold not only define our business practices but also cultivate the trust we establish with our clients. The recent legal challenges faced by MV Realty in Florida highlight crucial aspects of transparency and fairness in real estate transactions. This blog post explores the implications of the MV Realty lawsuit for the industry and underscores the critical role of due diligence in protecting both agents and homeowners.

    The MV Realty Case: An OverviewMV Realty, known for its unique homeowner benefit agreements, is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by the Florida Attorney General. The company is accused of deceptive practices by securing 40-year contracts with homeowners that require a 3% commission from any…

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    The reality of price reduction is that when a seller lowers their price, the buyer may not know that the price has been reduced, and they likely don’t really care, because they will begin their negotiation from the new, lower price. When this happens, the seller gets no credit for reducing the price, and that is a shame. Also, after a seller or builder has done a price reduction, they are much less likely to entertain the thought of another one. So, reducing price is not always the best option if that leaves no further room for negotiations, which is understandable.

     When the buyer looks for financing, they are seeking the lowest interest rate available on the mortgage, with 0 points. As you know, a buyer can pay a point or two and get a lower interest…

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    No Show

    In the whirlwind of our daily lives, we often find ourselves meticulously planning every minute, leaving little room for spontaneity. However, life has a funny way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, such as last-minute cancellations or no-shows. While these moments may initially be met with frustration or disappointment, there's a hidden beauty in embracing them. Let's explore how unexpected cancellations and no-shows can be opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and a fresh perspective on life.

    1. Unexpected Free Time

    Cancellations open up a slot in your schedule that you didn't anticipate. Instead of viewing this as time wasted, consider it an opportunity. This newfound free time can be used for self-care, pursuing hobbies…

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