NAR is fighting for your freedom to work where, when and how you want.

The desire for distinctive, local branding and rising interest in real estate teams pose challenges for franchisors. Learn how some companies are responding.

Regardless of how your market is performing, you'll succeed in real estate if you can master these essential skills.

If overthinking is hindering you from taking action or is hurting your productivity there are many ways to combat it, including scheduling thinking time, using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and avoiding things that trigger overthinking, writes Gregg Vanourek. "According to the research, we can't just tell ourselves not to have certain thoughts. That can lead to more thoughts on the subject at hand," Vanourek writes.

Many homeowners have anxiety when it comes to property upkeep, a survey shows. Here's a breakdown of the top projects.

The traditional rule of spending no more than 30% of your income on housing is being questioned in areas with high living costs, such as Vancouver. Bruce Sellery, CEO of Credit Canada, says, "The benchmark doesn't apply anymore. Housing costs have increased dramatically, everywhere. And so individuals need to look at their own specific situation and determine how to best allocate limited resources."

The commercial real estate market was bolstered by SL Green's recent sale of a stake in 245 Park Ave. to Mori Trust, a deal that valued the New York City building at $2 billion. The deal offers a positive sign for top-quality buildings, although opinions differ on what's next for the broader market, writes James Mackintosh of The Wall Street Journal.

Safeguarding ad placements, ensuring proper targeting, prioritizing authenticity and establishing ethical boundaries are among nine ways marketers using AI can ensure they maintain "accountability, transparency and fairness," writes Wavemaker North America CEO Sharb Farjami. By embracing these guidelines, marketers can use AI to "drive improved business outcomes while cultivating consumer trust."

The tax on mansion sales in Los Angeles, intended to raise funds to combat homelessness, has not been as successful as anticipated. The tax has led to a slowdown in sales of homes priced at $5 million and above, resulting in less revenue than expected.

PIMCO Chief Investment Officer Daniel Ivascyn says the bond fund manager is bracing for a "harder landing" for the global economy. "We would argue that the market may still be too confident in the quality of central bank decisions and their ability to engineer positive outcomes," Ivascyn said. "We think the market is a bit too optimistic about central banks' ability to cut policy rates as quickly as the yield curves are implying."

In observance of Independence Day in the U.S., SmartBrief will not publish Tuesday, July 4.