At a summit and international conference in Lagos, Nigeria, NAR President-elect Kevin Brown shares a message of goodwill and discusses real estate agents' role as "global connectors and cultural translators."

Bidding on a home isn't like a traditional purchase. Use NAR's new consumer guide to help explain how real estate auctions work, what types exist, and the potential costs and risks involved. Whether your clients are first-time buyers or investors, this resource helps them approach auctions with confidence. Available in English and Spanish, along with other consumer guides, at facts.realtor.

It's easy to be dazzled by the skill of your top performers, but often your "B" players are the ones keeping things humming along, writes leadership expert David Burkus, who notes that many have the self-awareness and skill needed to contribute meaningfully. Encourage them by giving them permission to speak up, celebrate their visible wins and reward their expertise, not just their leadership, Burkus advises.

LinkedIn News Executive Editor Laura Lorenzetti highlights the importance of authenticity and consistency on the platform. Lorenzetti says video content is becoming more popular, and she shares how executives such as McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski and Nasdaq President Tal Cohen are leveraging LinkedIn to connect with stakeholders.

Yardi Matrix reported that despite economic uncertainty, average multifamily advertised rents climbed 1% on a year-over-year basis to hit $1,761 in May. "Occupancy rates are slipping in some metros due to the heavy supply pipeline, but the drop is slow, as demand remains strong in high-supply metros," according to the report.

REITs collectively own over a million residential units across various segments, including student, manufactured and single-family homes, and they continue to play a major role in the rental market as high mortgage rates keep many Americans from buying homes. Manufactured homes are housing over 20 million people, and the average apartment size has increased slightly in recent years.

Soft butter yellow is the go-to color for summer 2025, praised for a fresh and clean look that evokes sunshine and warmth. Martha Stewart Living suggests incorporating the color through accent pieces, linens and even paint to easily update interior spaces.

LeAnne DeFrancesco of Vanguard Communications offers ways to successfully use AI in writing. "Don't let it take control. ... Accountability and credibility is really crucial in communications and in PR," DeFrancesco says, adding, "You still need to be in the driver's seat."

A partnership between the City of Greenville, N.C., and Pitt Community College aims to build three affordable homes this fall, providing hands-on experience for students. The $450,000 project, which includes $200,000 from the city, will see homes moved to West Greenville for sale, with proceeds benefiting the community.

The Federal Reserve is likely to hold interest rates for the next few months amid the potential for increased inflation tied to tariff policies, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Most economists in the poll indicated that interest-rate cuts could resume next quarter, likely in September.