Give consumers a clear picture of the steps in the homebuying process between purchase agreement and closing by sharing the latest resource in NAR's "Consumer Guide" series directly with them. The one-page resource provides information on escrow, appraisals and more. Find all the Consumer Guides, along with downloadable Spanish versions, at facts.realtor.
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NAR Senior Counsel Deanne Rymarowicz highlights the essential dos and don'ts when working with buyers and sellers. From transparency in buyer agreements to ethical practices and state law compliance, this special episode of the "Drive With NAR" podcast—recorded live at NAR NXT with guest hosts James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson—will help you navigate the practice changes.
Building a leadership pipeline requires empowering team members through ownership and decision-making, writes Shawn Cole, the president and co-founder of Cowen Partners Executive Search. Leaders can model a growth mindset by embracing challenges, setting stretch goals and supporting external learning, Cole writes, noting that this approach fosters a culture of continuous development and prepares team members for leadership roles.
Single-family housing starts fell to a 970,000 annual rate in October, declining 6.9%, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton likely playing a role in the trend, according to the Commerce Department. Meanwhile, multifamily housing starts climbed to a pace of 326,000 units, up 9.8%.
ZDNET provides a guide for beginners looking to set up a smart home, highlighting five essential devices: video doorbells, locks, lights, thermostats and smart speakers. The article explains the benefits of each device, such as convenience, security and energy savings, and offers tips on integrating them into a cohesive smart-home system.
Leah Mether, a communication specialist, emphasizes the importance of addressing behavior changes in the workplace early to prevent them from escalating into performance issues. Mether outlines a five-step approach for leaders: notice behavioral changes early, open discussions with curiosity, show empathy, set clear expectations and follow up regularly.
New York City saw a record 146,000 public-school students without permanent housing in the past year—a 23% increase driven by a persistent housing crisis and systemic challenges. Advocates stress that the issue extends beyond migrant influxes, disproportionately affecting children of color and causing significant educational disruptions.
U.S. consumers faced increased credit rejection rates in 2024, including for mortgage refinancing, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey. The overall rejection rate increased to 21% from 20.1% last year, with the average rejection rate for mortgage applications reaching 20.7%. Borrowers with credit scores below 680 were particularly affected by elevated rejection rates.
The Federal Reserve faces a challenging decision at its December meeting as it considers whether to cut interest rates, writes Matt Grossman. Despite progress in controlling inflation, which is nearing the Fed's 2% target, the economy presents mixed signals. While many sectors have thrived, others like real estate and manufacturing have struggled due to high borrowing costs, Grossman writes.
The National Association of REALTORS® is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. REALTOR® Magazine is the official magazine of NAR, bringing expert insight to real estate trends, tools, and business strategies.
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