Working with prospective buyers? Show that you're an indispensable resource by sharing NAR's latest Consumer Guide, which can help answer their questions about credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments and more. Find all the one-page Consumer Guides, which are also available in Spanish, at facts.realtor.

Despite all the bells and whistles available to consumers today, there's still only one professional to guide buyers through confusing property comparisons, shifting prices and interest rates, worrying inspection issues, emotional negotiations, dashed hopes and, finally. That professional is you, of course. And since 2020, NAR has been showcasing your work and educating consumers through the streaming series "First-Time Buyer."

Tom Unger of News Writing Pro emphasizes the power of personal stories in media, noting that audiences are more captivated by narratives about individuals than by data. Unger shares examples from his career, such as turning a routine executive appointment into a human-interest story and involving customers in financial news pitches. "Personal connections make stories more engaging," Unger writes.

Architects, designers and wellness experts are curating wellness spaces for individual and group activities in large part because of demand. Here are ways to share with homeowners how wellness can become part of their residential surroundings and lives.

U.S. homebuilder confidence dropped to its lowest level since before President Donald Trump was sworn in, with the NAHB/Wells Fargo gauge falling 5 points to 42 in February, below all estimates in a Bloomberg survey. The decline was driven by high mortgage rates and concerns over tariffs, with the component measuring expectations for the next six months experiencing the largest drop, 13 points, since the pandemic's start.

Interior designer Margaret Chambers highlights five key trends for 2025, including high-lacquer walls in dark colors, wallpapered ceilings, textured rugs in neutral tones, wide-plank wood floors in warmer shades and unexpected design elements such as unique light fixtures. Chambers emphasizes that while trends can inspire, personal preference should guide decorating choices to ensure timeless appeal.

Virtual home staging is transforming the real estate industry by digitally furnishing homes cost-effectively, making them more appealing to online buyers. Virtual or physical staging helps homes sell 88% faster and at higher prices compared to nonstaged properties. Real estate agents, homeowners and interior designers benefit from virtual staging by saving on costs and showcasing potential more effectively.

The rapid evolution of digital platforms requires communicators to prepare for sudden changes, write Marc Rona of Hawke Media and Doyle Albee of Comprise. They recommend creating a "digital go bag" by auditing digital dependencies, backing up data, diversifying channels, developing a crisis plan and monitoring industry trends.

Lansing, Mich., is set to add more than 100 affordable housing units by 2026, helping to address a significant shortage. The $42 million project, funded by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's low-income tax credit program, includes the Riverview 220 and Grand Vista Place complexes.

San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President Mary Daly indicated that recent inflation readings are not discouraging, but she also said that policy can remain where it is until there is more evidence of progress toward the central bank's inflation target. Meanwhile, Fed officials are continuing to weigh how much of an impact the administration's tariff policies may have on the course of inflation.