Complications in the real estate market this year challenged practitioners to sharpen their knowledge and drive home their value. From helping clients understand the structure of real estate transactions to drawing inspiration from more than 100 years of life and wisdom, real estate professionals focused on the best ways to tell their stories and deliver results. Here are some of REALTOR® Magazine's top sales and marketing articles in 2023.

Mortgage rates dropping to their lowest since summer are drawing home shoppers back into the market, despite this year's home sales being on track to be the lowest since at least 2011. However, the increase in buyer interest, indicated by six consecutive weeks of rising mortgage applications, is challenged by the reluctance of homeowners to sell, especially those who have locked in lower rates previously.

The draw of college football in college towns across the US has created a lucrative market for short-term rentals, increasing real estate investments for fan accommodations and affecting local residents' housing throughout the year. Many say it is taking a toll on affordability.

With an election coming up New York state lawmakers see a chance to bring together real estate developers, labor groups and tenant organizations to support legislation to create more affordable housing. "I think 2024 is the year that we actually come through with programs and other incentives to allow for more affordable housing," said Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal of Manhattan.