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Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run
By Sarah Huard – RI & Southeastern MA Realtor, Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty
Renting can feel easier. No repairs. No taxes. No stress over interest rates. You simply pay the bill each month and move on with your life.
But here’s the truth I see every day in my work across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts: renting may be simpler in the moment, but it doesn’t build your future. Homeownership does.
As someone who has helped more than 30 buyers and sellers already this year—across Barrington, Providence, Bristol, Narragansett, Warren, Cumberland, Seekonk, and beyond—I can tell you with certainty: the long-term financial impact of owning a home is profound.
Let’s break it down.
Renting vs. Owning: What Really Happens Over Time
When you rent, your entire payment disappears into your landlord’s pocket. Month after month, year after year.
When you buy, part of every mortgage payment comes back to you in the form of equity—the wealth you build as your home increases in value and your loan balance decreases. That equity becomes leverage, stability, and long-term security. It becomes your next home, your child’s college fund, or part of your retirement.
A recent study from First American compared the true financial outcomes of renting versus owning across several key market periods:
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2006 (the housing bubble)
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2015
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2019 (pre-pandemic)
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2022 (when rates spiked)
Across every timeline, one thing remained constant:
➡️ Renters lost money over time.
➡️ Homeowners gained it.
Even after factoring in taxes, maintenance, insurance, and repairs, owners still came out dramatically ahead.
Why?
Because time in a home builds wealth. Time renting does not.
It’s that simple.
Real Talk from the Rhode Island Market
Here in RI and nearby MA, I’ve watched this play out over and over. A buyer who purchased in Barrington, Rumford, or Seekonk just 3–5 years ago is often sitting on six-figure equity today. Even condo buyers in Providence and Warwick have seen impressive growth.
Meanwhile, renters in those same communities are paying higher rents each year with no long-term return.
Your home is more than where you live—it’s a powerful financial tool. And in our market, that tool has historically performed incredibly well.
“But Sarah… buying still feels impossible right now.”
Totally understandable.
The past few years have been tough for buyers. But the landscape is quietly shifting:
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Mortgage rates have come down from their peak
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Home prices are softening in several RI towns
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Household incomes have risen
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Typical monthly payments are improving, according to Zillow
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More homes are hitting the market compared to last year
Is buying “easy”? Not yet.
Is it easier than it was even a few months ago? Yes.
And in the long run—especially in markets like ours—buying remains one of the most strategic financial moves you can make.
The Bottom Line
Renting may feel less expensive today, but it does nothing for tomorrow. Homeownership builds wealth—consistently, predictably, and powerfully over time.
If you’re curious about what buying could look like for you, I’m here to walk you through it with zero pressure—just expertise, local insight, and my signature Huard Hustle + Heart.
Let’s explore your options.
Your future self will thank you.
The Top 2 Things Rhode Island Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling
By Sarah Huard, REALTOR® | Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty
If you’re thinking about selling your home in Rhode Island—or in nearby Southeastern Massachusetts—here’s something important to know:
The sellers who win in today’s market aren’t the ones waiting on the sidelines. They’re the ones who adapt from the start.
This year, a number of homeowners didn’t get the outcomes they hoped for. But it wasn’t because the market was “off.”
It’s because their expectations were.
Nationwide, Realtor.com reports 57% more homes were pulled off the market compared to last year—meaning they listed but didn’t sell. I see the same patterns here in Rhode Island, especially among sellers who weren’t guided with clarity or strategy from day one.
As someone who has already closed 30 transactions this year, representing over $23 million in sales volume, I have my hands—and my heart—deep in the market every single day. That level of activity provides a real-time pulse on buyer behavior, pricing shifts, neighborhood trends, and what truly drives offers in today’s landscape.
And the truth is simple: the listings that stalled this year almost always came down to price and timing.
Both are entirely fixable—with the right strategy.
Here’s what you need to know so you don’t fall into the traps that derailed so many other sellers.
1. Price It Right from Day One
Pricing is the single biggest driver of a successful sale.
Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more, yet only 1 in 4 actually do (Redfin). Why?
Because many are still anchored to 2021 expectations.
What’s happening in Rhode Island right now?
Across Barrington, Bristol, Warren, Providence, East Providence, Cumberland, Tiverton, and more, buyers are:
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More selective
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More informed
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Less willing to pursue an overpriced home
Inventory has increased just enough to give buyers choices—meaning the “list high and wait” strategy simply doesn’t work anymore.
HousingWire notes the average price reduction nationally is just 4%.
But many RI sellers listed even higher, panicked when demand didn’t materialize immediately, and took their homes off the market instead of making that small, strategic adjustment.
Had they priced correctly from day one—or adjusted early—they likely would have sold.
What my volume means for your sale
With over $23M in closed volume this year, I’m in living rooms, at inspections, analyzing comps, and negotiating offers across the state weekly.
I know exactly how buyers are responding at each price point because I’m in the field every day—not watching from afar.
Smart, data-backed pricing isn’t about going lower.
It’s about positioning your home to command strong attention and protect your equity.
2. Don’t Rush the Process
The second major misconception:
Expecting your home to sell instantly.
Many sellers still remember the lightning-fast pace of 2020–2021. But that was an anomaly.
Today, a normalized RI market looks like:
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30–60 days from list to accepted offer
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Steady, intentional buyer activity
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Thoughtful decision-making, not frenzy
It feels slower only because we’re comparing it to a once-in-a-lifetime market.
Think of it as shifting from 70 mph to 35 mph—you’re moving at the right speed for the conditions, even if it feels different.
Where the Huard Hustle makes the difference
If you want your home to sell efficiently and competitively, strategy matters more than ever:
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Comprehensive pre-listing prep (a cornerstone of my service)
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Staging and styling that meets today’s buyer expectations
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Magazine-quality photography + video
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Precision pricing grounded in hyperlocal data
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Hands-on, proactive guidance from an agent deeply active across all RI price points
With 30 successful closings so far this year, I’ve seen firsthand:
The homes that sold quickly weren’t just beautiful—they were positioned right.
Bottom Line
The listings that didn’t sell this year weren’t doomed.
They simply started with the wrong expectations and strategy.
In today’s Rhode Island and Southeastern MA markets, success comes from:
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Strategic, data-backed pricing
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Patience and understanding of today’s timeline
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Partnering with a local agent with depth, experience, and relentless advocacy
With 30 transactions and over $23 million in volume this year, I bring unmatched market insight—and the Huard Hustle—to ensure your home is positioned to win from day one.
You can succeed in this market.
You just need the right plan—and the right partner.
Thinking about selling?
Let’s talk value, timing, and strategy. I’d be honored to guide you.
Rhode Island Home Equity: Why You’re still way ahead
Why Your Home Equity Still Puts You Way Ahead
If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dipping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for your home’s value. The truth? Even with minor fluctuations, Rhode Island homeowners are still far ahead—thanks to the incredible equity growth of the past several years.
The Connection Between Home Prices and Equity
Home equity moves hand in hand with home prices. When prices rise, equity builds. When they cool slightly, equity growth slows—but rarely reverses.
Here’s what that looks like locally.
After the record-breaking surge in home prices during 2020 and 2021, a cooling period was inevitable. Back then, Rhode Island’s housing inventory reached historic lows, driving intense buyer competition across Barrington, Bristol, Providence, and beyond. Prices soared—and so did equity.
Now, as inventory inches upward and the market rebalances, prices have leveled—but homeowners remain in a very strong position. In my own experience closing 30 transactions so far this year throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, I’ve seen firsthand how sustained equity gains are empowering homeowners—whether they’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating.
Putting It into Perspective
According to Zillow, home prices have risen roughly 45% nationwide since March 2020. Here in Rhode Island, the median sale price has increased approximately 40% in that same period, depending on the community.
Even in areas where prices have softened slightly, those changes are minimal—typically in the 2–4% range—and they don’t come close to erasing the substantial equity homeowners have built over the past five years.
In other words, the sky isn’t falling. It’s stabilizing. And after several years of record-breaking appreciation, Rhode Islanders are still sitting on historic equity.
What That Means for You
If you’ve owned your home for even a few years, odds are you’ve built meaningful wealth—equity that can help you make your next move confidently. Whether you’re considering:
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Upsizing to meet growing family needs
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Downsizing to simplify and unlock cash flow
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Investing in another property or renovation project
…your equity gives you options.
And if you’re unsure what your current home is worth, you may be pleasantly surprised. Across my Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts sales this year, homeowners who hadn’t tracked their property value closely were shocked—in a good way—by how much equity they’d gained.
The Market Is Balancing—Not Breaking
As Realtor.com’s Senior Economist Jake Krimmel notes:
“The slight recent declines in aggregate value and total home equity are not cause for concern… large price declines nationally are extremely unlikely in the near term.”
This moderation is a healthy sign—a recalibration after years of unsustainable growth. Homeowners remain in an enviable position, especially in Rhode Island, where limited inventory and steady demand continue to support strong home values.
Bottom Line
Even with some price adjustments, today’s Rhode Island homeowners are still well ahead.
If you’re curious about how much equity you’ve built—or how to leverage it for your next move—let’s connect. With over 30 transactions closed so far this year and an intimate pulse on the Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts markets, I can help you determine your home’s true market position and plan your next steps strategically.
You might be surprised by how much your home is worth—and how far ahead you really are.
Common Home Inspection Issues in Rhode Island: What Buyers Should Know
Buying a home in Rhode Island (or nearby southeastern Massachusetts) means falling in love with charming properties that often come with a bit of history—and sometimes, a few quirks revealed during a home inspection. I always tell my buyers: inspections aren’t about finding a “perfect” home; they’re about understanding the one you’re buying so you can make confident, informed decisions. And that’s where having a hyper-local expert in your corner makes all the difference.
Here in RI, moisture tops the list of common findings. We live in a coastal, high-water-table state with humid summers and heavy spring rains. It’s extremely common to see evidence of past or minor water incidents in basements. In fact, I’ve yet to meet a home that hasn’t been affected by our historic 2010 flooding in some way.
The good news? Many water-related findings are easily resolved with simple exterior fixes—cleaning gutters, improving grading, or installing properly sized downspouts. At one point, we began noticing water in our own basement and feared the worst. After consulting with a few local basement waterproofing companies, we learned all we needed was a new downspout! A simple fix that made all the difference.
It’s also perfectly normal to see one or two dehumidifiers running in basements across Rhode Island. I run two myself, 365 days a year. In our climate, proactive moisture management isn’t a red flag—it’s responsible homeownership.
Another frequent note is radon. Radon mitigation systems are common throughout the region and relatively straightforward to install. A flagged test result isn’t cause for alarm—it’s simply something to plan for and address.
Beyond that, you’ll often see standard maintenance items: missing GFCI outlets, aging mechanicals, minor exterior wood rot, or handrail updates. These are part of regular homeownership, not deal-breakers.
My role as your Realtor is to help you distinguish between “typical for Rhode Island” and “worth negotiating.” After walking hundreds of inspections, I know what’s normal, what’s worth addressing, and which local pros to call when needed.
When you work with me, I’ll prepare you for what we’re likely to see before we even make an offer—so when that inspection report lands, you’ll be informed, calm, and confident. That’s the Huard Hustle in action: bringing expertise, perspective, and peace of mind to every step of your journey home.
Thinking of buying in Rhode Island or Southeastern Massachusetts? Let’s connect to talk about how to navigate inspections with confidence—and find a home that feels like the perfect fit. I’d love to guide you with the same grit, heart, and local expertise that define the Huard Hustle.
Why Some Homes Sell Quickly- and Others Don’t Sell at All
Why Some Homes Sell Quickly – and Others Don’t Sell at All
Why are some homes selling while others sit—especially now that more listings are hitting the market?
The difference isn’t luck. It’s strategy.
With more inventory and discerning buyers, the homes that stand out are those priced precisely, prepped intentionally, and marketed strategically from day one.
That’s exactly what my Huard Hustle approach is all about—bringing grit, heart, and relentless preparation to help my clients launch with luster and sell with success.
If a move is on your horizon, now’s the time to start planning your strategy. Let’s connect and put the Huard Hustle to work for you—no pressure, just trusted guidance rooted in results. Check out the information below on home movement or lack thereof , on a national level.
A few years ago, inventory hit a record low. Just about anything sold – and fast. But now, there are far more homes on the market. Listings are up almost 20% from this time last year. And in some areas, supply is even back to levels we last saw in 2017–2019. For sellers, that means one thing:
Your house needs to stand out and grab attention from day one.
That’s especially true when you consider why the number of homes for sale is up. Here’s how it works. Available inventory is a mix of:
- Active Listings: homes that have been sitting on the market, but haven’t sold yet
- New Listings: homes that were just put on the market
Data from Realtor.com shows most of the inventory growth lately is actually from active listings that are staying on the market and taking longer to sell (see the graph below).
The blue bars show active listings. These are the homes that are sitting month to month and not selling. The green bars are new listings, the homes that were just put on the market. And it’s clear there are fewer new listings compared to how many are staying on the market unsold.
Since you don’t want your house to be one of the ones that take a long time to sell, let’s break down where things can go sideways and how to set yourself up to sell quickly.
Why Some Homes Sell and Others Sit
The secret to selling in today’s market is simple. Make sure your house is easy for buyers to say yes to as soon as it is listed.
Price it based on current conditions (not what your neighbor sold for 3 years ago). Make important repairs. And highlight the best things about your house. If you do that, it will sell in any market – sometimes even faster than you’d think. Because the truth is, homes that are priced right today are still selling.
It’s the homeowners who are clinging to outdated expectations that are seeing their house sit and their listing go stale. According to Redfin and HousingWire, here are some of the most common reasons sales stall out:
- Priced it too high from the start
- Skipped necessary repairs before listing
- Didn’t stage the house well
- Sellers won’t negotiate with buyers
- Limited availability for showings
- Ineffective marketing or listing pictures
Most of those things didn’t matter as much just a few years ago. When inventory was at a record low, sellers could skip the prep, name their price, and still walk away with multiple offers over their asking price.
But today’s market is different now that inventory has grown. And that means your approach needs to be different too.
You don’t want to try out old strategies and aim too high just to see what sticks. Your first few weeks on the market are everything. That’s when your listing gets the most attention – and when pricing or presentation mistakes hurt the most. Get it wrong up front and your house will sit…and sit. Get it right, and it’ll be snatched up before you know it.
The Right Agent Helps Your House Stand Out
Selling quickly isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing how to play to the market you’re in. And that’s where your agent comes in.
A great agent will analyze your local market, suggest a price based on the latest comparables sold in your neighborhood, and create a marketing plan that makes buyers pay attention from day one. They’ll also walk you through any repairs you need to make or whether you need to bring in a staging company. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“Home sellers without an agent are nearly twice as likely to say they didn’t accept an offer for at least three months; 53% of sellers who used an agent say they accepted an offer within a month of listing their home.”
That’s the power of getting it right (and getting expert help) from the start.
Bottom Line
There are more homes for sale today than there were even just a year ago, but that doesn’t have to work against you.
When your house is priced right, shows well, and is marketed effectively, it will sell. Let’s connect if you want to know how to make that happen in our market this fall.
Looks like Affordability May Be on the Rise!
Signs of Improved Homebuyer Affordability This Fall
While affordability has been a major challenge in recent years, encouraging trends are starting to emerge — and they’re making the dream of homeownership a bit more attainable for many.
Here are the 3 reasons affordability is showing signs of improvement this fall:
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Mortgage Rates Have Eased Slightly
Even a small dip in rates can mean hundreds of dollars in savings on monthly payments. Buyers in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts are already feeling that difference. -
Home Price Growth Has Slowed
After years of steep increases, home prices in our region are showing more balanced growth — giving buyers more breathing room and helping sellers set strategic, competitive prices. -
Wages Are Rising
With incomes ticking up, buyers have a bit more power to keep pace with costs, helping to narrow the affordability gap.
What This Means for RI & Southeastern MA Buyers and Sellers
In towns across Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts — from Barrington to Providence to Seekonk — these shifts mean opportunity. Buyers may find their budgets stretch further than they did earlier in 2025, and sellers can benefit from listing while buyer confidence strengthens.
👉 Want to dig deeper into these trends?
Click the link below to read the full article and see why this fall may be the right time to make your move:
Read the full article here » https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2025/09/22/3-reasons-affordability-is-showing-signs-of-improvement-this-fall?a=535214-8638ba58f9b6348ae340b116d7982127
Rhode Island Real Estate: 2025 Market Insights & What’s Ahead
As we move through 2025, Rhode Island’s housing market continues to make waves with persistent price gains, strong buyer demand, and slowly increasing—but still constrained—inventory. The latest report from the Rhode Island Association of Realtors places the median single-family home price at $520,000 in June, reflecting a 5.3% year‑over‑year increase, and a remarkable 73.6% increase since 2019 rirealtors.org+1rhodeislandliving.com+1. Meanwhile, total listings remain low: with only about 2–2.5 months of supply, it’s well below the 5–6‑month threshold considered balanced rirealtors.org+1Houzeo+1.
Comparatively, Redfin reports a median sale price of $533,800 in June, up 2.3% from the previous year, with home sales increasing nearly 13% YoY and inventory up roughly 7.8% Redfin. Zillow’s data shows average home values around $495,600, up 4.3%, with homes selling in approximately 10 days on average Houzeo+2Zillow+2Architectural Digest+2.
In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, RI saw fewer single-family transactions (‑3.2% YoY), but prices climbed to $465,000, up from $440,000—a 5.7% increase. Condominiums rose 14% to a median of $390,000, and multifamily homes posted a 12% jump to $570,000 rirealtors.org+1rhodeislandliving.com+1.
On the national stage, Zillow has named Providence among the “Top 10 hottest housing markets for 2025”, driven by strong demand, limited supply, and its appeal as relatively affordable compared to larger metros like Boston or New YorkArchitectural Digest.
🏠 What This Means for Buyers, Sellers — and Where Prices May Be Headed
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Sellers remain in a strong position: low inventory and rising prices mean homes often sell quickly and sometimes above list price. Redfin data shows over 52% of Rhode Island homes sold above list price in June, and the average sale‑to‑list ratio hovered around 101.3% Zillow+2Redfin+2Houzeo+2.
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Buyers face competition—but there’s cautious optimism. While some sellers engage in bidding wars, areas with price drops and higher days on market may offer negotiation chances.
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Price Forecast: National forecasts suggest strong appreciation continues. A recent HireAHelper/Redfin analysis projects that by 2030, Rhode Island’s median home price could approach $855,000, potentially requiring average incomes near $190,000 just to remain affordable Houzeonypost.com.
Curious how these state‑level trends compare with what’s projected for the rest of 2025? Read on to dive into the forecast article below — plus what it all means for your next move in the Ocean State market.
The Market is Shifting…Price it RIGHT!!!
The market is shifting, and the sharpest homeowners I know are staying ahead of it – even if they aren’t ready to sell today. Because being informed now means being prepared later.
Here’s what I’m seeing that you need to know:
Right now, 1 in 5 homes on the market are lowering their asking price.
But the homes that are selling? They’re priced right with what today’s buyers are actually looking for, and willing to pay.
Getting that dialed in the first time takes more than guesswork. It takes strategy, timing, expertise, and a clear understanding of what’s really happening in our area. That’s the reality – and it’s where I help my clients win.
Because home values are up 55% over the last 5 years, so you have room to move and still come out ahead.
Here’s a short blog I put together for you that sums it all up:
What Every Homeowner Needs to Know in Today’s Shifting Market
Even if you’re not ready to sell, but you just want to know what’s impacting your home, let’s have a quick conversation.
I’ll share my expert opinion based upon facts and show you exactly what’s taking place in our local market. That way, you can decide what makes the most sense for you – now or later. No strings attached.
Best,
Sarah Huard
(401) 255-2578
sarah.huard@mottandchace.com
