From the latest DIY hashtag on social media to style themes prepackaged as a design "core," home design fads tend to die quickly. But until trends like "Yeehaw Core" meet their final demise, we're here to wish them dead. In the spirit of Halloween, REALTOR® Magazine's "Style, Staged & Sold" blog counts down its annual list of scariest design nightmares.

The right documentation is needed for compliance purposes and to make sure everyone in your office is on the same page about standards of practice.

Enlisting the help of a mortgage broker could lead to faster transaction closings and more satisfied clients.

Back-to-back repetition of the same ad makes 61% of shoppers less likely to purchase whatever it features, data from The Harris Poll and AD-ID indicates, and 49% have chosen not to buy a service or product after seeing too many ads for it. Interest-targeted ads appeal to 75% and 33% are okay with watching relevant commercials.

Paint updates, new lighting and wallpaper are design choices that can bring a fresh look on a tight timeline, according to designers. "Consider painting your baseboards and ceilings to match your wall color for a truly impactful overall effect," says Kirsten Blazek of A1000XBetter.

Some home builders have used generous mortgage rate buydowns to boost new home sales during the past two years. However, with mortgage rates down from their peak, builders may need to shift strategies and consider other strategies, including price reductions, to maintain their edge.

Josh.ai CEO Alex Capacelatro touts the potential of AI to transform smart-home devices. "The reality is, AI is going to completely change the way we listen and the way we control our environments, even smart lighting and making sure the color temperature and everything is just right," Capacelatro said.

Collaboration systems are quickly becoming a must-have technology for companies with a hybrid or remote workforce. The newest tech also offers energy-saving features.

Local housing reform, as seen in cities like Minneapolis, Cincinnati, and Arlington County, Va., is essential for increasing housing availability, but entrenched local interests often resist change. Federal incentives could further drive change.

The latest results by major U.S. banks show the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut had a mixed impact on their earnings. JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo both saw their profits decrease, but still surpassed expectations. Lenders will now be affected by further rate cuts, but also face the fragility of the commercial real estate sector, geopolitical tensions and the U.S. presidential election.