Brenda Clement - Providence Business News

OPEN-ENDED: Kristen Regine, right, a real estate agent and professor of marketing at Johnson & Wales University, holds an open house for a client in Richmond. Regine says changes to the broker commission system will have ripple effects on the real estate industry, but just what effects remains to be seen.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Settled lawsuits may have impact on house sales

Focus 05/24/2024

It’s long been the case that when a homeowner in Rhode Island is ready to sell and hires a Realtor, it’s taken for granted...

PREMIUM PINCH: Frank Spinella, president of FJS Associates Ltd., says rapidly rising insurance costs are making it difficult for those in affordable housing to make the financial numbers work.  PBN PHOTO/ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Higher insurance premiums hindering new affordable housing

Economy 03/29/2024

As Rhode Island faces a housing crisis, particularly with affordable units, the Wickford Village development in North Kingstown affords some relief to renters, providing...

Shekarchi housing package prioritizes ‘production, production, production’

Economy 03/07/2024

PROVIDENCE – House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi on Thursday joined state officials and housing advocates at the Statehouse to unveil a 15-bill housing package,...

What should government do about soaring rent?

Government 02/16/2024

As Rhode Island rents continue to surge, affordable housing advocates are calling for investments that go beyond measures proposed in Gov. Daniel J. McKee’s...

SPEAKS WITH AUTHORITY:  House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi talks before a joint legislative commission on plastic bottle waste before its meeting in December. Shekarchi has given caution signals about this year’s budget process because of a cloudy fiscal picture ahead.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Uneasy money: Worries about returning to deficits hang over General Assembly

Cover Story 01/05/2024

The warning flags have been raised: Rhode Island legislators are about to return to reality. After two years of massive surpluses, state budget officials are...

Despite efforts, homeless shelters aren’t enough, observers say

Economy 01/05/2024

As winter weather sets in, Rhode Island is ramping up its efforts to provide emergency shelter space. But while these short-term facilities serve an...

THE 2023 HOUSING Fact Book from HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University notes that while steps have been taken to address the housing crisis in the state, housing affordability is still a problem. / COURTESY HOUSINGWORKS RI AT ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY

HousingWorks Fact Book: Housing affordability in R.I. still out of reach

Housing 10/20/2023

PROVIDENCE – While steps have been taken to address the state’s housing crisis and Rhode Island’s labor market is recovering in a strong way,...

RETURN TO THE ROSTRUM: Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio takes his place at the front of the Senate chambers on Jan. 3, the first day of the 2023 General Assembly session. It’s a position Ruggerio has held since 2017.  PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Surplus of question marks: Decisions on tax cuts, housing policies, education...

Cover Story 01/06/2023

No one would blame the General Assembly leadership if it breathed a little easier in the 2023 legislative session. After all, the top Democratic leaders...

ON TOUR: Brett Bessette, left, a real estate agent with Residential Properties Ltd., shows an apartment in a newly constructed building at 500 South Water St., Providence, to a prospective tenant, John Pereira, of East Providence.  PBN PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

Rents expected to stabilize in 2023, yet remain unaffordable for many

Focus 01/06/2023

Nearly three years into a rental market characterized by a steep decline followed by surging increases, the market has showed some signs of starting...