
Bentley's Blog
Real Estate News & Local Insights
Market updates, practical tips for buyers and sellers, and local insights from Bentley's Real Estate — serving Greater Newburyport, Essex County, and Southern New Hampshire.

community-spotlight
Amesbury Open Studios 2026: A Weekend Celebrating 30 Years of Local Art (November 14–15)
Amesbury Open Studios 2026 marks a remarkable 30th anniversary on November 14–15, inviting the public inside local artists' working studios across the city. For Greater Newburyport residents and buyers curious about what makes Amesbury tick, this weekend offers a real look at the creative culture that has shaped the community for three decades. Here's what to expect and why it matters.

events
Newburyport Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony 2026: How to Honor Our Local Heroes on November 11
The Newburyport Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony 2026 takes place on Wednesday, November 11, with the procession forming at the CVS parking lot on Pond Street starting at 10:30 AM. Here is what residents need to know to participate and show up for this annual community tradition.

financing
What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home in Massachusetts?
Your credit score has a direct impact on which loan programs you qualify for and what interest rate you'll pay. In Greater Newburyport, where median home prices sit well above the state average, even a quarter-point difference in your rate adds up fast. Here's what you need to know before you start shopping.

market-update
The Most Expensive Homes Sold in Essex This Year
Essex consistently produces some of the highest sale prices on the North Shore, and this year was no exception. Here's a look at the top sales, what drove those numbers, and what it means if you own or invest in this market.

market-update
The Most Expensive Homes Sold in West Newbury This Year
West Newbury's top sales this year reveal what buyers at the high end of the market are actually paying for. Here are the numbers, what drove each price, and what it means if you own property here.

events
The 12th Annual Harborside Half Marathon & 5K Returns to Newburyport on November 8: A Runner's Guide to Race Day
The 12th Annual Harborside Half Marathon & 5K returns to Newburyport on November 8, drawing runners from across New England to one of the region's most scenic waterfront courses. Whether you're racing, cheering, or just looking for a great excuse to explore downtown, here's what you need to know before race day.

lifestyle
Best Parks and Outdoor Spots in Groveland: 2026 Guide
Groveland has more green space than most people expect from a small Essex County town. From quiet wooded trails to open conservation land, here is where locals actually go to get outside.

selling-tips
How to Sell Your Home Fast in Greater Newburyport (2026)
Selling quickly in Greater Newburyport comes down to three things: accurate pricing, targeted preparation, and reaching the right buyers early. This guide covers what actually moves homes here, based on how this specific market behaves.

local-interest
Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Amesbury, Ranked by a Local Parent
Not every street in Amesbury delivers the same Halloween experience. A local parent breaks down the best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Amesbury by sidewalks, lighting, house density, and participation — then shares what homes actually cost there.

home-ownership
What It Costs to Heat a Home in Essex This Winter
Heating bills in Essex can swing by hundreds of dollars a month depending on your fuel type and how old your house is. Here are real numbers for this winter, broken down by fuel and square footage, so you know what you're looking at before you sign anything.

market-update
The Philip Coombs House Just Set Newburyport's All-Time Price Record at $5.2 Million
51 High Street in Newburyport sold for $5.2 million, setting a new all-time price record for the city. The 228-year-old Federal home last traded at $2.16 million in 2016, making the sale a striking measure of what the top of the Newburyport market will pay for historic character paired with serious restoration work.

local-interest
Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in Salisbury, Ranked by a Local Parent
Not every street in Salisbury is worth hauling a six-year-old down on Halloween night. This breakdown ranks real neighborhoods by sidewalks, lighting, house spacing, and participation — plus what homes actually cost in the top spots.

investment
Newburyport vs. Groveland for Real Estate Investors: Which Market Works Harder for You?
Comparing Newburyport and Groveland as investment markets comes down to a straightforward trade-off: higher rents and stronger demand in Newburyport versus lower entry prices and quieter competition in Groveland. Here's what the numbers mean for investors working the Greater Newburyport area.

local-interest
7 Best Pumpkin Patches in Greater Newburyport: Admission, Corn Mazes, and Which Ones Toddlers Like
Fall weekends fill up fast around here, and knowing which pumpkin patches charge admission, run corn mazes, and work well for small kids saves you a wasted trip. Here are seven patches across Greater Newburyport worth putting on your calendar this October.

market-update
North Shore Market Divergence: Why Newburyport's Median Price Dipped but Price Per Square Foot Rose
Median sale prices in Newburyport fell over the three months ending August 2026, yet price per square foot climbed. Robert Bentley breaks down what that split actually means for buyers, sellers, and homeowners heading into fall.

news
Massachusetts Question 7 Starter Homes Explained: What the 2026 Ballot Measure Could Mean for Greater Newburyport
Massachusetts voters will decide on Question 7 in November 2026, a ballot measure that would change zoning rules to allow more starter homes across the state. Here is what the proposal would actually do, and how it could affect housing in Greater Newburyport.

market-update
Massachusetts Has the #1 Public Schools in America — Here's How That Shapes Greater Newburyport Home Values
Massachusetts has ranked the top public school system in the country three years running, and buyers moving to Greater Newburyport feel that in their offers. Here's what school quality means for home values in Newburyport, Amesbury, Georgetown, and surrounding towns.

lifestyle
Best Activities in Plaistow (2026)
Plaistow packs a lot into a small New Hampshire town. From outdoor trails to local events, here's a year-round look at what residents can do in Plaistow in 2026.

buying-tips
Should You Waive a Home Inspection in Greater Newburyport?
Waiving a home inspection can make your offer more competitive in Greater Newburyport, but it carries real financial risk. Before you decide, understand what you're giving up and what alternatives exist. This post breaks down the trade-offs honestly.

local-interest
Best Neighborhoods in Haverhill (2026)
Haverhill offers a range of neighborhoods with strong schools, parks, and housing options. Here is a straightforward look at which areas stand out and why, based on verifiable data and local knowledge.
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