NAR announced Monday that it has engaged real estate icon Sherry Chris as an independent consultant and special advisor to the CEO. After nearly two decades at Anywhere Real Estate Inc., Chris will help strengthen NAR's relationship with large brokerages.

You've heard the saying, "Fail to plan—plan to fail." Because so much of your success depends on how you spend your time, you need a plan for managing it wisely. But how do you craft a time management plan, including both your professional and personal time, in a way that works for you? Listen to the "Drive With NAR" podcast to hear how two real estate pros took control of their schedules.

TikTok creators and advertisers are largely unfazed by a potential U.S. ban on the app, with many continuing business as usual. Parent company ByteDance and TikTok are challenging the ban, which requires the social media platform be purchased by a non-Chinese buyer before Jan. 19, and the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments. "This has been going on for a really long time. Chances are, it will get postponed again," says Tinuiti's Jeremy Cornfeldt.

Providing an elevated client experience involves advance planning, including multiple team members in client meetings and having as many of those meetings in person as possible, says Tom West, senior partner at Virginia-based Signature Estate & Investment Advisors. West also says bringing in outside experts such as attorneys and care managers is another way to provide elevated service to clients.

Learn why this interior design trend is earning buzz and how you may be able to use it in real estate.

Cleveland designers highlight their favorite home decor items that can transform a space. Lindsey Putzier of Lindsey Putzier Design Company recommends decorative trays from Mark & Graham for versatile styling.

Commercial and multifamily mortgage debt outstanding increased to $4.75 trillion in the third quarter of 2024, rising by $47.7 billion, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. "Life insurance companies led the way, accounting for 44% of the quarterly increase and boosting their commercial mortgage holdings by nearly 3%," said MBA's Jamie Woodwell.

Lutron has introduced Caseta smart shades, expanding its smart home offerings beyond lighting. The shades are compatible with platforms including Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home. They offer features such as remote control and automation.

Jimmy Carter's 35-year advocacy for affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity began in Georgia and spanned the globe, helping to rebuild homes in disaster-stricken areas and transforming Habitat into a well-known organization. Carter's legacy includes the Carter Work Project, which built dozens of homes in the Atlanta area, and his work is commemorated by Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.

Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly have emphasized the need to continue addressing inflation, which remains above the Fed's 2% target, while avoiding harm to the labor market. "We are fully aware that we are not there yet—no one is popping champagne anywhere," Kugler said.