Members answered the association's first nationwide call to action in five years, warning lawmakers on Capitol Hill against allowing the National Flood Insurance Program to lapse. The message was heard loud and clear, says NAR Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn.

Brokers can share these tips during educational sessions or one-on-one meetings to help agents stand out in their market.

A manager's body language plays a vital role in others' views and responses to their leadership, executive leadership coach Lolly Daskal writes, noting that 93% of communication has been shown to be nonverbal. To be an effective communicator, practice some key body language tips, such as maintaining eye contact and using a physically open posture. Daskal advises.

McDonald's, Target and AT&T are among brands that are increasingly incorporating Spanglish—a combination of English and Spanish words—into marketing efforts, a practice that expands reach into Hispanic communities and multigenerational households and recognizes their "ambicultural" reality, writes Sandy Archila. Brands engaging with bilingual consumers need to avoid tokenism and "understand and acknowledge the versatility and fluidity of their language choices," Archila writes.

Especially against light-colored exteriors and interiors, a black trim creates an eye-catching contrast.

This home's woven metal outer features provide a "living canvas" for plants, offering an immersive experience of nature. Gabriella Dyson writes that the "design allows light in and doesn't obstruct views from inside."

After a prolonged absence due to the pandemic, global property seekers are gradually returning to New York, says Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, citing an uptick in potential buyers whose main home is abroad.

While working remotely or on the road, you may not have the same level of cyber protection that you would at your brokerage's office. Make sure you're not unwittingly exposing your business to viruses, hackers and other online dangers.

Commissioners in Multnomah County, Ore., have approved a plan to spend $62 million on resources and supports for people experiencing homelessness, including funding for shelters, drug detox centers and housing for people leaving substance abuse treatment programs. The bulk of it, $50 million, will come from unexpected revenue from a regional tax on high earners, and the remaining $12 million is American Rescue Plan Act funds the county has not yet used.

The CEOs of Bank of America, Bank of New York Mellon, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, State Street and Wells Fargo are slated to appear at a Senate banking committee hearing on Dec. 6. The atmosphere at the hearing might be contentious, based on comments by committee Chair Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser says corporate leaders have told her demand is softening, which might help the Federal Reserve with its battle against inflation. "We are paying attention to the lower FICO consumer, where there are cracks," Fraser says. Fraser expects another interest-rate increase in November but hopes there is no need for it and sees the economy heading for a soft landing. "The recession, if there is one, is going to be very manageable," Fraser says. Regarding Citi's recent reorganization, Fraser says fourth-quarter earnings will disclose the scope of job cuts and expense savings.