Creating a safety plan: Where do you start? A safety plan is as crucial to your success as a business plan. What are the fundamentals of creating safety protocols you can follow consistently in your business? There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Watch or listen to the "Drive With NAR" podcast as real estate pros discuss how to develop and maintain an effective safety plan for your business. Learn strategies, tools and resources for personal safety and emergency preparedness to ensure your business operates securely. Full Story: REALTOR® Magazine/Drive With NAR (1/21)
Political trends, such as the anti-incumbency sentiment seen in the 2024 election, are impacting brands by highlighting the need for them to adapt to changing consumer expectations, writes Rob Shepardson, co-founder of SS+K. "What it demands is a deep understanding of Americans' emotional reality in 2025, a rethinking of how to engage with consumers and a careful balance of values and responsiveness," Shepardson writes. Full Story: Ad Age (tiered subscription model) (1/20)
A Slingshot report found that while 80% of employers believe they communicate goals effectively, only 20% of employees feel informed about objectives. The report, which points out the communication gap can lead to a decline in productivity, attributes employees' detachment to digital overload, generational differences and poor work-life balance. Full Story: WorkLife (1/16)
U.S. homebuilders have mixed feelings about the market An index that tracks homebuilder sentiment increased to a nine-month high of 47 in January despite a decline in the future sales outlook, according to the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo. The industry has been using sales incentives such as mortgage rate buydowns to stimulate activity, but elevated mortgage rates are complicating the upcoming spring buying season. Full Story: Bloomberg (1/16)
APCIA: Inflation main factor in homeownership cost hikes APCIA, in response to a Federal Insurance Office report, said inflation is the primary driver of increasing homeownership expenses, with construction costs increasing at a faster rate than insurance premiums. APCIA President and CEO David Sampson emphasized the growing trend of building homes in high-risk areas, particularly in California. "Insurance is still a relatively small percentage of homeownership costs compared to average property taxes, utilities and mortgage loans," Sampson said, advocating for competitive private markets and improved mitigation programs to address insurance availability and affordability. Full Story: Insurance Business America (1/20)
Technology & Innovations
Smart-home industry sees rapid expansion with diverse devices Engadget has compiled a list of top smart-home gadgets for 2025, highlighting the Sonos Era 100 for its superior audio quality and the Echo Show 8 for use with Alexa. The article also recommends Philips Hue for smart lighting and Blink's latest wireless security cameras for home security. The Roomba Combo j9+ is noted for its powerful cleaning capabilities, and the Kasa Smart Plug Mini is praised for its ease of use. Full Story: Engadget (1/21)
Fair & Equitable Housing
Sting finds housing bias against voucher holders in Chicago The Housing Rights Initiative has filed complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights after a sting operation found rampant discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders in the Chicago area. Investigators posing as low-income families were denied rentals 36% of the time. Full Story: Chicago Sun-Times (1/20)
Legislation & Regulation
Trump to nominate Bill Pulte to head FHFA Bill Pulte, founder of Pulte Capital Partners, has been selected by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In this role, Pulte would have significant influence over the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which Republicans have indicated that they may seek to release from government control. Full Story: Reuters (1/16),Politico (1/16)
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The National Association of REALTORS® is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. REALTOR® Magazine is the official magazine of NAR, bringing expert insight to real estate trends, tools, and business strategies.
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