Housing is one of the most widely discussed topics across Newport County. Whether you are a homeowner, renter, buyer, employer, or longtime resident, the conversation around housing touches nearly every part of life in our community. Limited inventory, strong demand, evolving regulations, and broader economic pressures have created a competitive housing environment that can make finding or securing housing challenging for many families.
These challenges are not unique to Newport County, but the impacts are certainly felt locally. Aquidneck Island and the surrounding communities are special places to live, work, and raise a family. That desirability naturally creates pressure on the housing supply, and when supply cannot keep pace with demand, affordability and availability become real concerns.
As President of the Newport County Board of REALTORS this year, I believe it is important for our organization to be part of the conversation around housing in a thoughtful and constructive way. For more than 50 years, the Newport County Board of REALTORS has represented professionals who help guide people through one of the most significant financial and personal decisions they will make. Our members work with buyers, sellers, renters, property owners, and local businesses every day, providing expertise, guidance, and market insight across the region.
At the same time, our members are also neighbors, volunteers, parents, and community members. The professionals within our organization live in these communities and care deeply about the future of Newport County. One of the things I am most proud of as President is the way our members consistently step up to support the community beyond their professional roles.
Through our Charities Committee and the Newport Emergency Relief Fund (NERF), our membership has been able to provide direct support to individuals and families throughout Newport County when they face unexpected hardship. These efforts often happen quietly, but the impact can be meaningful for those who receive assistance.
In 2025 alone, our members came together to support a number of important initiatives and individuals in need. Following the fire on West Narragansett Avenue, the NCBR provided $5,500 in direct financial assistance to displaced tenants while also helping coordinate clothing donations to support those affected. Our members also stepped in to cover a large and looming water bill for a local resident who was facing a potential utility shutoff, helping provide stability during a difficult moment.
In another instance, our membership funded a full roof replacement for a Newport resident, ensuring that her home remained safe and protected. Our organization continues to support Lucy’s Hearth, one of the region’s most important shelters serving families experiencing homelessness, and we have helped connect resources for families navigating the increasingly difficult local rental market.
NCBR also helped coordinate donations and community support for families in the Bayside Apartment Complex when assistance was needed. These are just a few real world examples that represent the type of community-minded work that often happens behind the scenes through the generosity of our membership.
Looking ahead to 2026, our Charities Committee is focused on expanding these efforts. Our goal is to increase fundraising targets so that we can provide even more support when individuals and families in Newport County find themselves facing unexpected challenges.
Our Community Outreach Committee is equally active throughout the year. Members organize beach cleanups, volunteer opportunities, and other community service initiatives. We also partner with the Rhode Island Blood Center to host blood drives that help support the state’s critical blood supply. We have another blood drive scheduled this week and still have several open donor spots available for those who are able to participate.
In addition, we will be hosting a fundraising event on Thursday, March 19 from 5 to 7 PM at Newport Pickleball, located at 866 West Main Road in Middletown. The event is open to the public and should be a fun and welcoming opportunity for people to come together while supporting community initiatives.
From a housing perspective, we are beginning to see the early stages of the spring real estate market take shape across Newport County. Inventory remains limited, and homes that are well-maintained and priced appropriately continue to attract strong buyer interest. Properties that are move-in ready are moving particularly quickly, while buyers are becoming more thoughtful when homes require substantial renovation at higher price points. Consumers are more ‘work averse’ than they’ve been in previous years, a trend that enforces the narrative that prior planning prevents poor performance when preparing to list your home for sale.
At the heart of the housing conversation is a reality that is sometimes overlooked: the only meaningful way to improve housing affordability and availability is to create more housing. Supply matters. If we want to stabilize prices and create more opportunities for people to live and work in our communities, we need to build more homes and apartments.
That means encouraging thoughtful development and creating an environment where builders and developers are willing to invest in housing. Policies that incentivize responsible housing development can help increase supply and improve long-term affordability. Now is the time for the city to find the balance and make the decision to allow for curated development in opportunity areas, while preserving the character of Newport at the same time. A balance that is hard to find, and even harder to comprehend what “it” actually looks like in reality.
On the other hand, policies that penalize property owners or create additional barriers to ownership do not solve the underlying supply issue. In many cases, they can have the unintended consequence of widening the wealth gap between those who already own property and those who are trying to enter the market. Expanding the housing supply remains one of the most effective ways to create balance over time. Simply put, if you build housing that meets the needs of the community, people will come.
There are also a number of policy discussions currently taking place at both the state and local level that could shape the future of housing in our region. Among the most widely discussed are ongoing regulatory changes surrounding short-term rentals, as well as a proposed conveyance tax in Newport that could add another potential cost for individuals and families looking to purchase property in the city.
These types of policy decisions have real implications for homeowners, renters, buyers, and the broader local economy. As an organization, the Newport County Board of REALTORS continues to monitor these conversations closely and engage where appropriate to ensure that the perspectives of housing professionals, homeowners, and consumers are part of the broader discussion.
Homeowners should also be aware of the increasing presence of wholesalers and “cash for homes” investors entering the local market. These offers often advertise convenience and speed, but in some cases sellers may not be receiving the full market value for what is often their most significant financial asset. Taking the time to fully understand the value of a property and explore all available options can make a meaningful difference when making that decision.
Behind the work of the organization is an incredible group of leaders. Our Board of Directors this year is composed of thoughtful, dedicated professionals who care deeply about the industry and the communities we serve. I am fortunate to call many of them not only colleagues but friends, and their leadership continues to help guide the direction of our organization.
I also want to recognize our Association Executive, Hannah Hodgson. After eight years of service to our organization, Hannah will soon be leaving for a new professional opportunity. Her dedication, passion, and tireless work on behalf of our members have helped shape the organization in meaningful ways. I am incredibly grateful to have worked alongside her, and call her a friend. She will certainly be missed.
Today, the Newport County Board of REALTORS represents more than 500 members, including real estate professionals as well as lenders, attorneys, inspectors, contractors, insurance professionals, and other businesses that support the housing ecosystem across Newport County. For local businesses looking to build relationships, gain exposure, and connect with professionals across the region, our organization offers valuable networking and collaboration opportunities.
Most importantly, the professionals who make up the organization care deeply about the communities they serve. We live here, raise our families here, volunteer here, and work in neighborhoods throughout the county every day. Our work is not simply about real estate transactions. It is about people, neighborhoods, and the future of the place we are fortunate enough to call home. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my professional peers this year and proud to work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals who remain committed to strengthening the communities that make Newport County such a special place to live.
For more information, please visit our website and follow along with our work on social media at @NewportCountyRealtors on Instagram and on our Newport County Board of REALTORS Facebook page.