Rates holding in the mid- to high-6% range and growing housing inventory are prompting more home buyers to come off the sidelines this spring.

Yes, MLSs can implement the new MLS policy at any time, but no later than Sept. 30, 2025. Prior to formal local implementation, we encourage MLSs to consult with brokers and stakeholders in their market to get their input on the allowed time period for delayed marketing exempt listings. Find more answers about NAR's new policy statement, Multiple Listing Options for Sellers, at facts.realtor.

Signing up for and finishing a 21.5-mile hike taught leadership coach Kristin Hendrix several valuable leadership lessons, including anticipating what she would need to reach her goal, having backup strategies, framing obstacles as opportunities and getting outside of her comfort zone. "Sometimes the physical challenges we take on teach us more than just our physical limits. They show us how to approach any obstacle—whether it's a major work project, a personal goal, or a ridiculously long hike," Hendrix writes.

A five-bedroom luxury home has become the most expensive ever sold in Boulder, Colo., at $14.5 million. The 7,000-square-foot home features six bathrooms, a heated pool and a wine cellar. "Boulder is building value for those ultra-luxe buyers and showing that it is a great place to invest your money," says listing agent Marybeth Emerson.

Interior designer Cortney Bishop shares her approach to using color in home decor, emphasizing warmer, earthy tones and the flexibility of greens. Bishop advises using a favorite piece of art as inspiration for a color palette and suggests painting kitchen cabinets in colors other than white to add energy to a home.

Green procurement in construction is evolving as sustainability becomes integral to project planning. Contractors are sourcing eco-friendly materials, using digital platforms to reduce emissions and adopting energy-efficient solutions. Certifications like LEED and BREEAM are driving the demand for sustainable practices, and lifecycle assessments and circular economy principles are becoming standard.

The real estate industry is navigating rising interest rates and economic uncertainty with creative financing solutions and digital tools, according to HomeLight's Nick Friedman. HomeLight's "Buy Before You Sell" and mortgage rate buy-downs are examples of how companies are helping buyers manage high interest rates. AI is being used to enhance, not replace, human agents, creating a more integrated and consumer-focused real estate ecosystem.

Brokers: Need to explain the value of NAR membership to your agents? Here are eight compelling talking points to help you communicate how NAR supports agents' professional growth and success.

The Workforce Housing Affordability Act campaign in Santa Cruz, Calif., has gathered nearly 7,000 signatures, surpassing the 3,620 needed to go to a vote in November. The act aims to fund the construction of homes for low-income workers, prevent evictions and improve access to federal housing funds through the Santa Cruz Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Mortgage credit availability backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has reached a record low this year, and cuts to government-sponsored enterprises could impede the U.S. housing market's recovery, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has frozen some assistance programs and reduced staffing, which could limit Fannie and Freddie's effectiveness.