Sometimes, a simple "thank you" isn't enough to move clients. Here's how your show of appreciation can deliver more impact.

Brokers embraced the team structure even more this year, with some adopting a new business model to share responsibility with team leaders.

Having one or two compelling stories ready to share during networking increases the likelihood that a potential customer will remember you -- and refer you to others, says Charlie Lawson, author of "The Unnatural Networker." Ideally, the story will be a moving, work-related anecdote that illustrates your drive and commitment, such as the one Lawson shared in this conversation with Ivan Misner, founder of networking organization BNI and co-author of "Networking Like a Pro."

Building a compelling presence on LinkedIn can be a good way to boost brand awareness, writes John Foster, who discusses the value of asking questions, running polls and using appealing visuals.

Agent Lane Johnson of Compass was able to sell his client's Aspen, Colo., penthouse for $9 million more than its 2021 price. "There are peaks and valleys, highs and lows, but over time, if you're not forced to sell here, Aspen will always be an appreciating asset," Johnson said.

Joey Ben-Zvi, star of Netflix's "Buying Beverly Hills," is known for his glamorous listings, marketing magic and fearless, competitive business style. But what he prizes most is building lasting relationships.

US residential construction starts fell 0.5% in November, according to federal figures, and applications to build plunged 11.2%. The declines come amid high inflation and borrowing costs, with the annualized rate of 828,000 single-family homes the lowest since May 2020.

Andy Posner, founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund, discusses a program that tackles a challenge homeowners face when considering installing residential solar: cost. Capital Good Fund has developed loans that deliver benefits of solar and other energy-efficiency improvements to middle- and low-income homeowners, as well as communities of color. Posner also shares his concerns regarding supply chain issues, permitting challenges and net energy metering policies.

Seattle is extending its policy of fast-tracking affordable housing projects through 2023 as it considers making design review exemptions for such projects permanent. The city is struggling to serve its homeless population.

Interest rate increases are stoking concerns over the massive unregulated lending industry and potential negative impacts on the broader economy should this sector stumble during a recession. "We need to worry, a lot, about nonbank risks to financial stability," said Michael Barr, vice chair for supervision at the Federal Reserve.