The national conversation around real estate commissions reached a crescendo in the last week since the National Association of REALTORS® announced a settlement agreement that would resolve litigation brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions. Misinformation has been pervasive, making it difficult for members to separate fact from fiction for themselves and the consumers they serve. Getting the facts right is important, especially because the settlement agreement is complex. Here's what you should know. You also can get the facts about the settlement at facts.realtor.

WhatsApp, Pinterest and Snap won places on Fast Company's list of top 10 social media innovators in 2024. The magazine praised WhatsApp for expanding its appeal to more demographics and businesses, Pinterest for shoppable pins and other ad tools and Snap for incorporating more artificial intelligence.

Marketers, agencies and creators are being drawn to LinkedIn's increased video content, influencer network, newsletters, engagement-focused algorithm and invitation-only LinkedIn Top Voices program of experts, with some companies pivoting to go all in on the platform. LinkedIn's focus on professional networking and content sharing allows creators and influencers to stand out by targeting relevant audiences in their industry and creating value-based content.

A short-lived drop in borrowing costs reversed this week, which could prompt a change in the type of buyer coming to the market this spring.

Gen Z and millennial home buyers have been seeking help from relatives in an effort to make down payments as they face high home prices and interest rates. Real estate expert Tricia Turner notes that there are programs that can help when families can't.

Housing prices remain significantly higher than they were before the pandemic, but recent developments could change the trajectory of the market. Economists expect cost increases to be moderate over the next year, but macro trends are still fueling demand. Interest-rate cuts, changing broker practices, new policies and a continued supply and demand imbalance are set to influence the market this year.

Aaron Chand with eXp Realty is the listing agent for this mid-century lakeside property on 2 acres in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Erica Santiago offers 230 ChatGPT prompts that help brands maximize the tool for a variety of business functions, including marketing, content creation and social media, analytics and ecommerce. Understanding the desired output, assigning specific tasks and providing details and feedback will enhance results, but output always requires double- or triple-checking for accuracy, writes Santiago.

Massachusetts real estate professional Brandon Sweeney raises funds to support physical therapy and equipment for patients.

Officials with the Federal Reserve Bank opted not to change interest rates after their March 20 meeting, projecting that borrowing costs will dip somewhat by year's end as inflation indicators relax. Interest rates are holding steady at 5.3%, where they have been since mid-summer 2023, and officials said three quarter-point rate reductions are likely during the remainder of this year.