Are you still just "using" Excel—or are you unlocking its full potential with AI? Excel isn't going anywhere, but it is evolving. Coldwell Banker Commercial helps us examine how real estate pros can start using AI with Excel. Explore how real estate teams are combining tried-and-true tools with AI to sharpen strategy, streamline deals and stay competitive in a data-driven market.

Historic homes offer one-of-a-kind charm, but they also come with unique responsibilities for owners. Share NAR's latest consumer guide with your clients considering historic homes so they understand what's involved when it comes to inspections, renovations, insurance and more. Get all the guides, also available in Spanish, at facts.realtor.

The term REALTOR® is not synonymous with "real estate agent." A REALTOR® is a professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, signifying a commitment to training, ethics, accountability and service, says Long Island Board of REALTORS® CEO Doreen Spagnuolo.

Investors accounted for nearly 27% of US home purchases in the first quarter of the year, the highest level in at least five years, according to BatchData. This increase reflects a slowdown in the housing market, as elevated prices and mortgage rates have kept some traditional buyers on the sidelines. BatchData reports that mom-and-pop investors account for the vast majority of investor-owned properties, while institutional investors with 1,000 or more homes account for just 2.2%.

Interior designer Nina Freudenberger has transformed a contemporary home on Lake Montauk, N.Y., into a vibrant summer retreat, combining eclectic furnishings with beachy vibes. The residence, featuring five bedrooms and eight bathrooms, boasts a spacious lawn that extends to the water's edge, providing ample space for her family to enjoy outdoor activities. Freudenberger's design incorporates bespoke millwork and vintage furniture, reflecting the authentic charm of Montauk's maritime and artistic heritage.

A newly built mansion in Del Mar, Calif., has reduced its asking price to $59.5 million from $75 million amid a sluggish luxury market. The property, owned by Sandra Naftzger, features a main house, two guesthouses, a pool and ocean frontage.

As AI becomes more emotionally intelligent, marketers must focus on cultural intelligence to stay relevant, writes The Community's Angel Bellon. Cultural nuances drive consumer behavior, Bellon writes, so marketers should treat cultural intelligence as a discipline, define their brand's cultural positioning and develop strategies to respond to viral moments.

As leadership roles become more demanding, leaders must maintain strong mental fitness to handle pressure, make clear decisions, and avoid negative effects like emotional volatility and poor team dynamics. Cultivating mental fitness, much like elite athletes, gives leaders a competitive advantage and helps sustain peak performance under stress, writes psychiatrist Brook Choulet.

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on the Prosperity Way affordable housing project in Housatonic, Mass., after seven years of planning. The project will feature 20 single-family homes, including two ranch-style homes and 18 two-story colonials, on a 7.25-acre site.

Sweeping tax reform signed into law on July 4 includes significant wins for the real estate professionals, consumers and the economy, including permanent extension of current individual tax rates, permanent qualified business income deduction (Section 199A), quadrupling of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap for five years, permanent extension of the mortgage interest deduction and strengthening of the opportunity zone program.