News

Warwick, R.I. --- April 22, 2026 – First-quarter single-family home sales fell by nearly nine percent year-over-year, and by the end of the quarter, March sales remained 5.3% below the prior year.  The Rhode Island Association of Realtors reported that the Ocean State realized the slowest activity in single-family home sales last month since monthly record-keeping began in 2010.  A 13.5% annual drop in pending sales also foretells a slower market heading into spring.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced that enforcement of the FIN CEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule is on hold following a court decision in Texas to vacate the Rule. The Rule, which took effect on March 1, 2026, imposed reporting obligations on certain non-financed residential real estate transactions that involve LLCS, corporations, trusts, and other entities. Two recent federal district court decisions have created immediate uncertainty regarding the future of The Rule.

Rhode Island’s housing policy landscape is evolving quickly this session, with several proposals that could significantly impact the real estate industry. Legislative hearings are often scheduled with as little as 48 hours’ notice, so members are encouraged to monitor agendas and participate by submitting written or oral testimony through the General Assembly.

The Committee Application Database will open in April with a NEW application process including an all-new Expertise Profile, in addition to all-new Committee Applications. The deadline to submit applications is June 24, 2026.

Warwick, R.I. – March 19, 2026 – In February, a combination of weather, economic uncertainty, and the continued critical supply shortage, caused R.I.’s home sales to fall 13.6% year-over-year, according to a new report released by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. Last month’s 349 single-family home sales signified the lowest number of monthly sales recorded since February 2011. Pending sales, those under contract but not completed by month’s end, fell by 4.8%.

Warwick, R.I. – The Realtor Foundation: Rhode Island and RIHousing today announced a new round of their RI Realtors Homebuyer Grant, with $50,000 available in down payment and closing costs assistance for Rhode Island families purchasing their first home. This additional program funding comes after a successful first round in 2025, which saw 49 families assisted in buying a home.

State-Wide Multiple Listing Service has adopted new rules and procedures to regulate equitable listings that will take effect in spring, 2026.  Before those changes take effect, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with this type of listing whether you are working with a buyer and/or seller.

 The real estate practice of wholesaling has been expanding and evolving in Rhode Island. The following explains what wholesaling is, how it works, and provides examples.

FinCEN, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, an arm of the U.S. Treasury, is mandating a nationwide reporting requirement that requires the individuals who own or operate trusts, LLCs, corporations, and other entities, upon “non-financed” transfers of residential real estate to provide personal information that the closing attorney will file with the federal government after the closing to deter  money-laundering.

Rhode Island’s housing market was off to a slow start in 2026, having experienced the lowest single-family home sales at the beginning of the year since 2011. With just 429 homes sold statewide in January, sales activity fell 7.3% from 12 months prior.