Rhode Island

Tyler Bernadyn: The reality of the Newport County housing market: A seller’s advantage and a buyer’s challenge – What's Up Newp

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2025

Tyler Bernadyn: The reality of the Newport County housing market: A seller’s advantage and a buyer’s challenge – What's Up Newp

As we move into the spring season, the reality of Newport County’s real estate market continues to be shaped by the simple, yet undeniable, law of supply and demand. With just 155 properties currently available across Jamestown, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, and Little Compton — ranging from $60,000 (643 Forest Park in Middletown) to $22,500,000 (441 W Main Road in Little Compton) — the shortage of homes is impacting buyers and sellers alike.

One of the most pressing observations in Newport is the severe shortage of inventory. In fact, there are only 13 residential properties available in Newport for under $1 million. This limited supply has kept the market firmly in a seller’s advantage, with demand still outpacing what’s available. Even in a market with limited inventory, there is still a palpable energy. Last week, I hosted some of the busiest open houses I’ve ever had, a clear indicator that pent-up demand for housing in our community remains. For those exploring the idea of selling, the returns on investments are incredible, and recent sales have contributed to a significant increase in home equity. Property owners in Newport County are sitting on more money than they might realize, making it an ideal time to consider a sale — if they’re ready to take the plunge or have the need to move.

For buyers, however, the reality is that competition will only intensify as we head further into the spring market. With so few properties available, many are feeling the pressure to act quickly or find themselves on the outside looking in. As more buyers flood the market due to the seasonal nature of New England, many are finding themselves competing with others, often making quick, decisive offers to secure their desired properties. But it’s not all about the highest bid. Sellers are often considering multiple offers and looking for favorable terms, not just the price. Offers that are free of conditions or contingencies are pacing the race to consumers, which requires a certain level of risk tolerance amongst consumers already competing in high price purchases.

What many sellers are grappling with is a question that continues to be a major hurdle: where will they go if they sell? For many homeowners, this uncertainty about where to move next is what has kept them from listing their homes. But for those who decide to take advantage of the market, there’s an opportunity to capitalize on the high equity gains. Still, it’s essential to keep in mind that the cost of land and housing in coastal areas — particularly Rhode Island — is unlikely to decrease in the near future.

This is the reality of living in a coastal community, and it’s a trend that doesn’t seem poised to change anytime soon. The surge in housing prices, approachable interest rates, and metropolitan migration spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic created a frenzy that led to what I believe is a bubble in many coastal markets. While other markets around the country may experience some softening, the dynamics in Rhode Island remain unique. With only a finite amount of land left to be developed — particularly in the western part of the state — prices will continue to hold strong.

Recent reports underscore the precariousness of our market. According to Eastern Progress, Rhode Island ranks as the 10th least stable housing market in the country, signaling that volatility is a concern for many buyers and sellers. As noted in a Providence Journal article, the median sale price in Rhode Island rose 3.5% year-over-year in 2024, and homes are continuing to sell quickly — underscoring the competitive landscape we’re seeing locally.

In Newport, dirt alone is selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the city’s size is limited: just 11 square miles in total, with 7.7 square miles of land and 3.3 square miles of inland water. The scarcity of land is something that’s truly unique to coastal communities like ours, and it’s a factor that will only continue to drive property values higher.

For those who purchased homes years ago or have no mortgage, you’re sitting on a significant amount of equity due to the unprecedented surge in property values. That equity might be more than you think, and it could be the right time to explore options that can help you capitalize on your investment or take money out of your home to fund capital improvement projects, pay off debt, etc.

But for buyers, particularly those who were waiting for prices to drop or interest rates to do the same, it’s a harsh reality. The market remains competitive, and those who have been waiting on the sidelines may find themselves struggling to secure a property in a market that’s showing no signs of slowing down.

In light of this it’s crucial to understand your home’s true value in this market. This is information that every property owner, regardless of if you plan to sell, should have on hand. Your fair market value is often much different from your city assessment, and recent sales in your neighborhood will directly affect your home’s position. Whether you’re considering a move or just curious about your home’s worth, consulting with an experienced local professional can provide the insight you need to navigate this ever-evolving market. I’d be happy to consult on any valuation, confidentially with no strings attached.

For more information about this article or insight on the local real estate market, please reach out. My direct line is 401-241-1851 and my email is TylerB@resultswithremax.com. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Michael Flynn attends ‘Rhode Island First’ rally in Warwick

Published

2 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Michael Flynn attends ‘Rhode Island First’ rally in Warwick

WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — Former U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Flynn appeared at a “Rhode Island First” rally in Warwick Saturday night with Vic Mellor, a congressional candidate running to unseat Rep. Seth Magaziner in Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District.

Protestors gathered near the entrance of the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick ahead of the rally, where Flynn and Mellor gave remarks along with other conservative speakers and musicians.

“The purpose of this is to motivate the base, because there’s such a high percentage of Republicans and Independents that don’t vote,” Mellor said.

Devin Bates reports on a rally for Vic Mellor, a Republican challenger to Rep. Seth Magaziner, that featured Michael Flynn. (WJAR)

Protestors picketing outside the hotel felt differently, with organizers calling out the hotel’s owners for hosting “individuals associated with the January 6 insurrection, election denialism, and extreme rhetoric.”

“We don’t agree with Crowne Plaza letting them be here, we think it’s kind of sad that they do,” said Kristen Lancaster. “They’re not pro-democracy, they’re anti-healthcare, anti-science.”

Ahead of the rally, Flynn shared his thoughts about Rhode Island’s current federal delegation as Mellor seeks to become the first GOP candidate elected to statewide office since 2006, when Donald Carcieri was re-elected as governor.

“You’ve got manufacturing potential here, you have a workforce that really could be first class, but you don’t have a federal elected body of people right now that are bringing that back, because they’re fighting opportunity,” Flynn said.

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NBC 10 News reached out to IHG Hotels and Resorts for comment on protestors’ frustration over the Crowne Plaza hosting this event, but the company had not responded.

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Rhode Island

Rhode Island Foundation Awards $5.2M to Newport County Nonprofits in Record Grant Year – Newport Buzz

Published

15 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

Rhode Island Foundation Awards .2M to Newport County Nonprofits in Record Grant Year – Newport Buzz

NEWPORT, R.I. — The Rhode Island Foundation awarded more than $5.2 million in grants to Newport County nonprofits in 2025, contributing to a record-setting year for the organization as it marked the largest grant-making total in its 109-year history.

Among the local organizations receiving support were Strategic Prevention Partnerships (SPP) in Portsmouth and Turning Around Ministries in Newport, both working to address urgent community needs.

SPP received $125,000 to expand its No Wrong Door initiative, a program designed to help Newport County firefighters, EMTs and police officers cope with trauma-related anxiety, PTSD and depression.

“Behind their uniforms, many First Responders face mental health challenges stemming from the high-stress nature of the job,” said Rebecca Elwell, SPP’s executive director. “From the increasing day-to-day traumatic events to large-scale incidents, critical calls are becoming more frequent.”

Turning Around Ministries received $70,000 to continue its work helping residents facing financial hardship access affordable housing, workforce development programs and long-term financial stability.

“The number of unhoused and un- or under-employed people in Newport County is increasing, and so is the number of people needing our help,” said Cheryl Robinson, the organization’s president. “Participants know we are there for them and committed for the long haul.”

Other Newport County nonprofits receiving grants include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, Newport Community School, East Bay Community Action Program, Conexion Latina Newport, Little Compton Community Center, Jamestown Community Food Pantry and the Newport County YMCA.

Statewide, the Rhode Island Foundation awarded a record $93 million to more than 2,600 nonprofit organizations in 2025, while also launching a new Five-Year Action Plan aimed at addressing some of the state’s most pressing challenges.

“Our work last year reflects what the community identified as their priorities and the areas where we could play a deeper role,” said David Cicilline, the foundation’s president and CEO.

The plan focuses on five community priorities: civic and cultural life, climate action and sustainability, education and student success, healthy and strong communities, and housing and economic mobility.

In addition to its record grant-making, the foundation raised $82 million in donations in 2025, its third-best fundraising year.

“The generosity of Rhode Islanders allows us to respond to emerging issues and invest in initiatives that strengthen communities across the state,” Cicilline said.

New England Patriots plane used to evacuate Americans from the Middle East during the U.S.-Iran conflict

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Mega Millions, Numbers Midday winning numbers for March 6, 2026

Published

1 day ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 6, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from March 6 drawing

08-19-26-38-42, Mega Ball: 24

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from March 6 drawing

Midday: 8-6-2-3

Evening: 1-8-7-4

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from March 6 drawing

02-08-16-26-32, Extra: 24

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 6 drawing

04-10-29-48-50, Bonus: 03

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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