Renting vs Buying on the North Shore: Which Is Better for Your Budget in 2026?

Kathleen Militello

Kathleen Militello is a North Shore of Boston real estate advisor, community storyteller, and AI Certified Agent™ who believes where you live should support how you live. Licensed since 2003 and deeply rooted in Essex County, Kathleen specializes in the coastal towns of Ipswich, Salem, Beverly, Essex, Gloucester, Rockport, Salisbury, and Manchester-by-the-Sea. Her work goes far beyond buying and selling homes — she helps people make confident decisions during some of life’s biggest transitions, whether that means buying a first home, right-sizing for the next chapter, or selling a property that’s been part of the family for decades. Through this blog, Kathleen shares what you won’t find on national real estate sites: real local insight, weekend happenings, lifestyle details, market shifts that actually matter, and the subtle trends shaping our coastal communities. Her writing blends practical real estate knowledge with the rhythms of everyday life on the North Shore — from seasonal changes and community events to pricing strategy and buyer behavior. As one of only two AI Certified Agents™ in her area, Kathleen combines advanced data analysis with boots-on-the-ground experience to help homeowners and buyers see the full picture — not just the headline. Her approach is thoughtful, transparent, and rooted in education, because informed clients make better decisions. If you care about community, value clarity over hype, and want to understand how real estate connects to lifestyle, family, and long-term security — you’re in the right place. I’m Kathleen with the Militello Team — your AI Certified Agent for the North Shore of Boston.