The three-way agreement describes how the local, state and national associations use their collective voices and resources to help effectively support your business and the REALTOR® mission of preserving, protecting and advancing the right of real property for all.

Staying motivated and having the self-discipline to work when you'd rather be doing something else can be achieved by writing down your long-term goals, advises Anthony Iannarino. "Clarifying your desires can help you focus and direct your energies toward your goals," Iannarino writes.

A common frustration for salespeople is when calls and emails go unreturned, but you should always set a date and time for a follow-up call. Colleen Francis recommends a short email if that call goes unreturned, "which will help to improve the likelihood that you get either a return email or a return voicemail."

A growing body of global research indicates that burnout—characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism and a decline in personal accomplishment—is widespread and that traditional fixes are inadequate. Managers can fight burnout by fostering authentic connections, empowering employees with autonomy and helping them find purpose in their work, improving employee well-being and enhancing productivity and performance.

Gardner provides a safe, collaborative coworking space for marginalized people through the Equality Community Center in Portland, Maine. Who is your favorite of the 10 Good Neighbor Awards finalists? Your votes throughout September will help the top three vote-getters earn bonus grant money for their cause. Vote for your Web Choice Favorite by Oct. 2.

The Green Street Commercial Property Price Index rose 1.6% in August compared with the prior month. The index has now gained 3.3% for the year, although it is still almost 20% below its recent peak. "There's a good chance the momentum in pricing continues," said Green Street's Peter Rothemund.

Green Street reports that companies are looking to build new U.S. factories for electric vehicles and other products and are putting nearly half a trillion dollars toward these projects. This activity has prompted real estate investors to acquire or build properties such as warehouses and apartments near project sites. Despite certain headwinds, the trend is spurring demand in areas like Phoenix, where industrial suppliers have committed to 3 million square feet of space.

For property managers and tenants, technology is simplifying the rental process and enhancing security.

California has reached a settlement with the town of Elk Grove after the city was accused of unlawfully blocking a housing project for lower-income households facing homelessness. Gov. Gavin Newsom said that denying such projects undermines efforts to address the state's homelessness crisis and emphasized that further noncompliance will not be tolerated.

Economists expect the Federal Reserve will reduce interest rates by 25 basis points at each of its three remaining meetings this year, starting with a cut on Sept. 18, a Reuters poll indicates. This decision comes as inflation approaches the Fed's 2% target and the economy shows signs of slowing.