There was an increase in home delistings in December, with nearly 73,000 properties withdrawn from sale due to lack of buyers, according to CoreLogic. In many cases, sellers plan to relist their properties at a later date, and the trend could be a sign that the desire to sell is stronger than it appears.

Marketers often avoid true experimentation, such as A/B tests and randomized controlled trials, despite its proven ability to accurately measure advertising effectiveness, write Northwestern professor Julian Runge and Game Data Pros CEO Bill Grosso. Instead, many rely on observational causal inference methods, which can lead to flawed conclusions and resource misallocation. "Experimentation isn't just a tool; it's a competitive advantage. ... It's time to confront the bias against unbiased measurement," the pair write.

A 4,300-square-foot oceanfront condominium in a gated community on Maui's south shore has been listed for $21 million. The unit—which features four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a recently updated kitchen—is near the popular snorkeling spot Turtle Town. "Although technically a condominium, it feels more like a single-family home—spacious, private and positioned directly on the water," says listing agent Leslie Mackenzie Smith of Hawai'i Life.

AI integration and hub technology were prominent smart-home trends at CES 2025. Samsung's "AI for All" initiative showcased AI-embedded appliances, while LG introduced a microwave with integrated hub technology. The Matter protocol is gaining relevance, but the future looks to be multiprotocol. Smart locks are becoming more advanced with NFC and ultrawideband technology, and security devices are focusing on whole-home solutions.

In today's fast-paced work environment, employees face increasing pressure to be more productive, often leading to stress and decreased satisfaction. Sharon Bennett of Dig Different offers strategies for enhancing work-life balance, such as setting personal goals, appreciating daily accomplishments and creating a plan for career happiness.

The city of Grand Junction, Colo., has acquired some land for more than $3 million to develop affordable housing for households earning less than $100,000 annually, especially those making under $56,000. Residents have expressed skepticism about the project, citing past unfulfilled promises and concerns about soil contamination, but the city says tests have shown the land to be safe.

US consumer debt rose slightly in the final quarter of 2024, with credit card balances increasing $45 billion to $1.21 trillion, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Delinquency rates increased slightly, with 3.6% of outstanding debt in some stage of delinquency, compared with 3.5% in the prior quarter. Auto loan balances rose by $11 billion from the previous quarter to reach $1.66 trillion, and serious delinquencies in auto loans are on the rise, as the report notes that elevated vehicle prices and interest rates have left many borrowers underwater.

Major insurers such as AIG, Allstate, Travelers and Chubb are facing billions in losses from the Los Angeles wildfires, despite having reduced their exposure in California. The wildfires have highlighted the crisis in California's insurance market, driven by tight regulations and climate change-related disasters.

In observance of Presidents Day, SmartBrief will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17.