A dip below 6% has become a distinct possibility, says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.

Selling might be easier "if we could help make buying easier," sales blogger David Brock asserts. Consider questions -- such as why your buyers typically get derailed from a purchase -- and offer insight to assuage their fear of making the wrong decision.

Brands still can make gains against economic challenges, say 60% of US and European media agency professionals surveyed by Criteo. More than 90% say brand clients should explore new digital channels, and 64% say newer digital options such as retail media networks will deliver returns that outpace social media or search.

App downloads increased 11% year over year in 2022 to 255 billion, despite a 2% drop in spending, data.ai reports. TikTok led social apps for in-app revenue generation and BeReal added 5.3 million users, the most any app has gained in five years.

Indoor-outdoor dining arrangements are growing in popularity as homeowners move away from traditional dining rooms.

As a conduit to consumers, you can help technology developers understand how their products are -- or are not -- meeting homeowners' needs.

Real estate technology startup SMS Assist is being acquired by a competitor, Lessen, which brings together US landlords and building contractors, for $950 million. The merged entity will offer services to about 250,000 commercial and residential properties.

Companies that register with the Apple Business Connect tool can expand their listings in Maps and other Apple apps. The tool enables small-business owners to customize logos and photos and to encourage such actions as making a reservation.

After her father, husband and son struggled with addiction, Catherine McClellan launched a transitional home for people recovering from substance abuse.

The St. Louis REALTORS® Association is on the front lines of reversing historical discrimination against minorities in the homebuying process. Last year, the group issued a letter of apology for its past role in housing discrimination.

City National Bank will pay a record $31 million to settle Justice Department redlining claims. The claims cite the Los Angeles-based bank's history of refusing to underwrite mortgage loans in areas that were majority Black or Latino.

In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the US, SmartBrief will not publish Monday, Jan. 16.