News

On January 30, 2025, a new law took effect that states "...no person, firm, or corporation shall enter into, engage in, solicit, advertise, bid for, or work at the business of installing, maintaining, servicing, and testing wires, conduits, apparatus, fixtures, electrical signs, lightning-protection equipment as defined in § 5-6-1, and other appliances for carrying or using or generating electricity..."  

Warwick, R.I. – January 21, 2025... The Realtor Foundation: Rhode Island and RIHousing are collaborating to offer a new down payment and closing costs assistance program to eligible homebuyers. The organizations announced the RI REALTORS® Homebuyer Grant program today, which will provide financial aid to assist in opening the door to homeownership for up to 52 families or individuals.

Warwick, R.I. –January 16, 2025 – End-of-year sales of single-family homes soared according to December home sales data released by the Rhode Island of Realtors today. Rhode Island’s housing market saw a 30.3% rise in year-over-year home sales last month, the largest annual gain in sales since January 1999. Last month’s median price also increased, reaching $470,000, a 10.1% jump from December 2023.

Warwick, R.I. – January 7, 2025 – Jennifer Beylard of North Kingstown, R.I. has been named Director of Professional Development of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. She will oversee the development and execution of all educational offerings for the 6000-member trade association.

Prior to December 23rd, it was reported that Federal regulations required existing LLCs and corporations to be registered with the US Department of Treasurer by December 31, 2024, new entities to be registered within 30 days, and if you planned to form a new LLC or corporation in 2025, filing within 30 days after your entity is registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s Office. However, on December 23^rd, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed the registration requirements until further notice. This means that these and other entities are not required to file for now.   

Warwick, R.I. – December 18, 2024 – The Rhode Island Association of Realtors released November sales statistics today showing a 3.5% rise in year-over-year sales activity and a 17.6% increase in pending sales expected to close in the coming weeks. This year, monthly sales have risen year-over-year for six months, in contrast to falling every month from January 2022 to January of this year. Inventory has increased from the prior year each month since April, which has helped spark sales.

Starting on January 30, 2025, a new law will prohibit anyone but a licensed electrician from opening electrical panels; and performing other inspections that home inspectors have been required to perform, such as inserting a receptable tester into a wall plug. 

Warwick, R.I. – November 21, 2024 – The Rhode Island Association of Realtors recently released October sales statistics that show the median price of Rhode Island’s single-family home sales continued to climb year-over-year, rising 11.5% to $485,000. The number of closed transactions also saw an annual gain of 5.4%. Pending contracts rose seven percent, an indication that year-over-year sales activity will likely continue to grow through year-end.

Many landlords may need to address lead hazards identified during their inspection when complying with Rhode Island's rental registry, before they can pass an inspection and get a lead certificate. Property owners should know that this work is regulated by the RI Department of Health (RIDOH) and may need to be done by a licensed lead professional. Property owners can learn more about fixing lead hazards and what work they can do themselves on the RIDOH website, as well as what to eviction steps to take if a tenant is not paying rent while the property is not yet through the compliance procedure.

Warwick, R.I. – November 4, 2024 – Sales data released by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors indicates a jump in year-over-year single-family home sales in the third-quarter, compared to falling sales in the first two quarters of the year.  The number of closed sales rose 8.5% compared to July through September of last year.