NAR President Kevin Sears met with counterparts in Japan to reflect on the U.S. and Japanese real estate industries, strengthen ties and share visions for the future. Global partnerships such as this help real estate pros bridge cultures and build business connections abroad.

Real estate professionals report that more home buyers today are getting cold feet before closing. Some say sellers can calm buyers' nerves and save deals by having an inspection before listing their home.

"The power begins with each of us," writes Leo Bottary, the founder and managing partner of Peernovation, LLC, who likens great teams to jazz ensembles and Broadway casts who bring their talent together to create something bigger than its parts. "You know you're with the right people when you experience the healthy tension that comes from being around intelligent, thoughtful and passionate individuals who challenge you with different perspectives, yet are also open to learning from the gifts you bring to the collective," Bottary writes.

Keep your message simple and aim for clarity to finesse communications like a golf pro aiming for a tricky shot, writes John Baldoni, an executive coach and leadership speaker. "You want to make what you say understandable to make it easier to comprehend, thereby increasing accessibility and ultimately making it more actionable," Baldoni writes.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage declined to 6.79% last week, and mortgage applications to purchase a home rose 0.1%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Generation Z is reclaiming the American Dream by prioritizing stability and practicality, per a recent study, which found that 83% of Gen Zers value monogamy and 65% prioritize homeownership, surpassing millennials by over 20 points. "Brands that succeed with Gen Z won't just be cool," writes Ramaa Mosley, chief creative officer at Adolescent Content. "They'll be useful, clear and grounded. They'll treat adulthood not as a punchline, but as a journey—one Gen Z is serious about walking."

Designers Stephanie Salway of Starlily Design Studio and Sarah Trop of FunCycled share tips on creating a functional and stylish front porch that can be enjoyed year-round. Their advice includes using weather-resistant seating, incorporating ambient lighting and adding greenery and herbs for a welcoming atmosphere. Salway emphasizes the importance of maintaining woodwork and using color creatively, while Trop suggests practical elements like citronella candles and upcycled furniture.

AI is central to digital advertising, moving beyond basic automation to inform campaign strategy, targeting and creative development. Nearly one out of five brands dedicates 40% of investments to AI-driven initiatives, boosting ad performance and reducing costs. Platforms like Google and Meta leverage AI to optimize real-time campaigns, transforming digital advertising into a discipline focused on precision, relevance and measurable outcomes.

Delays, permit headaches and spiraling costs almost sank this real estate investor's first project in a new market. Then, a trusted NAR benefit changed everything. Learn how BOSSCAT helped turn a money pit into a profitable short-term rental.

California lawmakers have weakened the California Environmental Quality Act, a law that some have celebrated for environmental protection but others have identified as a major obstacle to sufficient housing development. The new bills, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom with bipartisan support, could allow many development projects to bypass lengthy environmental reviews and potentially avoid legal challenges.

In observance of Independence Day in the US, SmartBrief will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025.