Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, forecasting another six weeks of winter. But in the Newport County real estate market, spring is already starting to make an early appearance.
As we move through the first quarter of 2026, activity is picking up in a way that feels healthy and encouraging for both buyers and sellers. Open houses are busier, serious buyers are back out touring homes, and properly prepared sellers are finding solid traction when they approach the market with realistic expectations.
In many ways, this feels like a return to a more balanced and predictable real estate environment, one that looks a lot different from the frenzied, anything-goes market we experienced a few years ago and the stale, somewhat stagnant market that defined the end of 2025.
One statistic from last week tells that story clearly.
Across Newport County, 13 residential properties closed. And interestingly, every single one of them conveyed under the original listing price. That’s worth paying attention to.
It doesn’t mean the market is crashing. Far from it. Demand is still strong, inventory remains limited, and Rhode Island continues to be a highly desirable place to live and invest. What it does suggest is that the market is sifting and resetting when it comes to pricing expectations. Sellers are being more realistic about their returns, and properties that are positioned and priced correctly are seeing the most activity and success.
Sellers who price homes thoughtfully from day one are still getting deals done. Those who come out of the gate too high are finding that today’s buyers are far more disciplined and data-driven than they were in the recent past. Instead of automatic bidding wars and emotional offers, we’re seeing a return to negotiations, inspections, and more measured decision-making.
For buyers, this is a welcome shift. There is more opportunity to evaluate homes carefully, to negotiate intelligently, and to feel confident about the investment they’re making.
For sellers, the message is equally clear: preparation and pricing matter more than ever. Homes that are clean, well-presented, and positioned correctly are still selling efficiently. Homes that miss the mark are sitting longer and adjusting accordingly.
As we ramp up toward the heart of the spring market (whether Phil thinks it’s coming or not) this is shaping up to be one of the healthiest environments we’ve seen in years. Competitive, but sensible. Active, but rational. I’m excited for what’s to come and the listings that I will be sharing with our community in the coming weeks.
If you’re thinking about making a move in 2026, now is the time to start planning.
If you’re considering a move this year, I’d be happy to consult. Please feel free to contact me directly at 401-241-1851 or TylerB@resultswithremax.com for your real estate related needs.
Here’s a look at What Sold last week in Newport County.
Newport
- 91 Houston Avenue – Sold for $2,125,000
5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2,726 sq. ft. - 155 Evarts Street – Sold for $635,000
3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1,012 sq. ft. - 30 Brewer Street, Unit #3 – Sold for $800,000
One-level condo, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,033 sq. ft. - 66 Girard Avenue, Unit #401 – Sold for $320,000
One-level condo, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,538 sq. ft.
Portsmouth
- 215 Harris Avenue – Sold for $860,000
Colonial, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,354 sq. ft. - 129 Lawrence Drive – Sold for $800,000
Colonial, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,824 sq. ft. - 294 Freedom Trail Drive – Sold for $780,000
Cape Cod, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,597 sq. ft. - 66 Power Street – Sold for $725,000
Historic Colonial, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 1,711 sq. ft. - 49 Dexter Street – Sold for $440,000
Raised Ranch, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,566 sq. ft. - 52 Bradley Terrace – Sold for $187,500
Manufactured home, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,218 sq. ft. - 1 Tower Drive, Unit #1203 – Sold for $1,225,000
High-rise condo, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 1,920 sq. ft.
Tiverton
- 109 Kaufman Road – Sold for $571,255
Ranch, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1,354 sq. ft.
81 Kenyon Road – Sold for $482,500
Cape Cod, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1,400 sq. ft.
