You'll likely see some familiar trends in the new year, such as greater use of greenery, mix-and-match patterns and vintage touches. Designers share what they predict will be most popular this year.

So many books—and audiobooks, podcasts, TV shows, streaming services, Tik Tok videos, etc.—so little time. In a world with overwhelming options, sometimes you just need someone to tell you what to read. Have no fear, your librarian is here!

Sales success predictors such as empathy and ambition are crucial to homing in on the reactions of customers during sales calls and adjusting based on the reactions, Matt Heinz of Heinz Marketing says in this interview with "The Empathy Edge" author, Maria Ross. Sales leaders should help their teams see beyond the pitch deck, really listen and answer questions as they crop up, Ross says.

Business owners older than 50 are more financially successful than younger founders, research shows, and some family companies overcome that by combining generations. Adult children often contribute up-to-date technological or social knowledge, while their parents offer capital and established networks.

Having full personal and professional lives is the ultimate goal for many, but sometimes both can unravel when just a tiny piece of the puzzle goes awry. In this column, Rachel Feintzeig talks with workers about the uncomfortable moments when personal and professional lives collided and how they coped.

Cyber criminals aim to take advantage of those who aren't familiar with the nuances of the closing process.

While home prices in the Seattle area remain above pre-pandemic levels, the market is shifting from sellers to buyers. As competition for homes subsides, buyers are no longer "making a faster decision on buying a house than you would [when buying] a pair of shoes," agent Cristina Ross said.

Joe Welu, CEO and founder of Total Expert, advises "lenders to stop comparing 2022 volume and 2023 projections to the refinance-fueled record fundings of 2020 and 2021," noting that the Mortgage Bankers Association has projected demand for 3.5 million mortgages this year.

Fannie Mae has noted rising positive sentiment among consumers when it comes to the housing market as more people warm to the idea that now is the time to buy a home. The monthly housing sentiment index also finds that more people believe the current market is bad for sellers.

A converted hotel in Williston, Vt., is making 72 affordable units available in the town. The hotel was acquired by the nonprofit Champlain Housing Trust in 2021.

The Supreme Court has turned away Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shareholders' multibillion-dollar challenge to a 2012 agreement that the mortgage-finance companies make quarterly payments to the Treasury Department. The shareholders had claimed the agreement unlawfully prevented them from receiving dividends.