What are listing agreements and what should sellers expect when negotiating one? The latest resource in NAR's "Consumer Guide" series covers what a listing agreement is, some of the most common variations and guidance to help find the option that works best for sellers. Download and share the resource directly with prospective clients. You also can find Spanish-language versions of the consumer guides at facts.realtor.

Remodeled kitchens help sell houses faster and for higher prices, but what can be done when the kitchen, the heart of the house, shows its age?

An MIT Sloan study reveals a significant link between DNA and sales performance, suggesting that genetic traits can predict sales success more effectively than personality traits. The research highlights the role of a "sales gene" in enhancing adaptive learning, allowing salespeople to quickly understand customer needs. Entrepreneurs can leverage this insight by focusing on adaptive learning techniques to improve sales.

Business-to-business marketers share tips on engaging prospects without coming across as too pushy, including creating content that offers real value by solving industry-specific challenges. "Instead of sending constant follow-ups and promotional emails, focus on delivering insights through case studies, guides or industry tips," suggests Prezlab's Zaid Abualfailat, adding, "This builds trust and credibility."

Understanding that the overwhelming majority of buyers don't want to change their home's design is an important fact for agents to keep in mind when staging. Designs that stay true to the home's architecture and emphasize perceived space will draw more offers.

Cosentino introduces its new Silestone Hybriq+ surfaces, which blend the timeless beauty of natural stone with modern sustainability. These surfaces feature reduced silica content and incorporate recycled materials, offering an eco-friendly option without sacrificing style.

Investors can be highly analytical and business-focused, which requires agents and brokers to understand and deliver the data, facts and figures required to analyze potential investment returns on multiple properties. Read more at NAR's Emerging Technology blog.

A proposal in Pittsburgh to allow buildings to be zoned as homeless shelters without public input is drawing attention and criticism. The proposed changes to the city code would give the zoning administrator the ability to bypass the city council when turning schools or nursing homes into shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

New Hampshire and other states are increasingly supporting the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to address housing shortages and affordability. ADUs, such as garage apartments and in-law suites, offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional housing and are gaining traction in rural areas. Legislative changes in New Hampshire have sought to ease zoning restrictions, encouraging more owners to build ADUs, but challenges remain, including local resistance to such development.

U.S. retail sales, excluding gas and autos, decreased 0.32% in September from the previous month but increased 0.55% from the same month last year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. "After seven consecutive months of gains, consumers pulled back a bit in September, which is historically a soft month for retail sales," said National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay. "Due to geopolitical tensions, uncertainty regarding election outcomes, anticipation of the port strike and lingering inflation in services, shoppers showed caution."