Bluesky's trending topics is a nod to Twitter's legacy Bluesky's new trending topics feature on its mobile and web apps is designed to enable users to view and engage with real-time popular discussions. This feature is reminiscent of Twitter's innovation and is in beta phase. Bluesky, which has more than 25 million users, faces competition from Threads, which has 300 million monthly active users and introduced trending topics in March. Full Story: MediaPost Communications (free registration) (12/26),The Verge (12/26)
Meta plans AI personas for Facebook Meta is planning to integrate AI-generated characters into Facebook to enhance user engagement and have them "exist on our platforms, kind of in the same way that accounts do," says Connor Hayes, Meta's lead for generative AI. These characters, developed through AI Studio, will mimic human behavior and interact with users like real people. While there are concerns about bots inciting misinformation and fraud, Meta aims to use these characters to flag such instances. Full Story: Windows Central (12/30),Social Media Today (12/30)
AM/FM remains a strong choice for local advertisers One-third of local businesses opted for AM/FM advertising this year, with many rating it highly for effectiveness, according to a Borrell Associates survey. Only 11% of businesses turned to streaming audio ads, reflecting a preference for traditional radio. The study indicates that small and medium-sized companies spent an average of $18,100 to advertise on broadcast radio this year, surpassing the $15,000 average for streaming audio. Full Story: Inside Radio (12/30)
Real Estate Trends
Trending designs emphasize drama, immersion Interior design trends for 2025 are set to be dramatic and immersive, featuring colorful kitchens, sculptural lighting and pattern drenching, as well as dramatic drapery, Art Deco-era antiques and moody hues. "Designers are increasingly asking for detailed edges on shades or overlays on drapery, which elevate the window treatment from a functional piece to a design feature," says interior designer Haley Weidenbaum, founder of Everhem. Full Story: House Beautiful (12/30)
Real estate agent helps stop property fraud scam A real estate agent recently thwarted a fraud attempt in Great Cacapon, W.Va., by alerting property owner Marlin Strand to a listing he did not create. The fraudsters used falsified documents to list the property and set up showings. Morgan County Sheriff Johnnie Walter notes that such scams are a nationwide issue, often conducted entirely online. Full Story: The Morgan Messenger (Berkeley Springs, W.Va.) (12/30)
Proptech trends reshape real estate management Proptech is transforming the real estate industry, with key trends including AI for data analysis, AR and VR for virtual property tours, blockchain for secure transactions and IoT for smart property management. Companies like Zillow, Redfin and Matterport are leading the way, showcasing the potential of these technologies. However, challenges such as data security and regulatory compliance remain. Full Story: TechBullion (UK) (12/30)
Fair & Equitable Housing
Affordable housing becomes a reality in Fla. community Affordable housing in Immokalee, Fla., has become a reality, offering a significant change for families who previously lived in substandard conditions. The new housing units, provided by the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, mark a pivotal moment for a community where over 40% live below the poverty line. Full Story: WINK-TV (Fort Myers, Fla.) (12/30)
Legislation & Regulation
Opinion: New overdraft rule bad for low-income consumers The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's final rule on overdraft services provided by financial institutions with over $10 billion in assets "could prompt many to limit the service, especially to low-income and low-credit customers," which "would drive customers in a pinch toward high-interest credit such as payday loans," writes The Wall Street Journal editorial board. A lawsuit filed by the Consumer Bankers Association makes a "strong claim" that the CFPB failed to sufficiently assess the consequences of the rule, the board writes. Full Story: The Wall Street Journal (12/25)
Sharing Navigate With NAR Powered by REALTOR® Magazine with your network keeps the quality of content high and these newsletters free.
The National Association of REALTORS® is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. REALTOR® Magazine is the official magazine of NAR, bringing expert insight to real estate trends, tools, and business strategies.
DISCLAIMER
Advertisements placed in Navigate With NAR do not reflect endorsements from NAR. NAR does not evaluate the advertised services or products, or any claims made in the advertisement. NAR is not responsible for any inaccurate or false statements or claims made in the advertisement or in any materials. NAR does not endorse, sponsor or recommend the Advertiser or Advertiser’s products or services. NAR makes no guarantees, warranties or representations about the Advertiser and Advertiser’s products or services.
SmartBrief Publishes More Than 200 Free Industry Newsletters - Browse Our Portfolio
