Existing-home sales—completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condos and co-ops—increased slightly in May compared to April, up 0.8%, but remained down 0.7% compared to a year ago, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Monday. The tepid sales activity comes during what is typically a busy time for real estate.

Real estate professionals have a lot to juggle, and properly managing cash flow and credit keeps everything moving forward. One of the best ways to protect your personal and business finances is to use a business-only credit card for business purchases.

Midori Ito, the first female salesperson for builder Sekisui House, has retired after a groundbreaking career that included promoting diversity and supporting women in the workforce. Ito introduced mandatory paternity leave in 2018 and led initiatives to create an inclusive workplace.

Luiz Sanches, former AlmapBBDO leader and now global chief creative and design officer at Kimberly-Clark, talks about the company's shift toward creativity as a growth strategy. Sanches is building a team to partner with agencies and brand leaders, aiming for creative clarity and emotional branding. "We're not just launching ads - we're reinventing categories," Sanches says, adding, "Creativity has to be at the center of everything."

Lane Hering, product design director at Zia Tile, shares common mistakes to avoid when choosing bathroom tile. Don't under-order: Hering recommends buying 15% to 20% more tile than needed. Don't forget to think outside the box regarding installation: Vertical subway tiles or herringbone designs can add unique touches. Lastly, Hering advises not to shy away from bold colors, especially in smaller spaces, to create impactful moments.

A 1926 beach house in Seaside, Ore., is on the market for $2.5 million. The four-level home, known as the Reunion House, features original materials, ocean views and a game pavilion. Listing broker Christy Coulombe of Saltaire Coastal Homes highlights the home's craftsmanship and historical significance.

AI is expected to significantly impact the real estate industry, particularly in areas such as smart location mapping and facilities management, according to a Colliers survey of 422 professionals from North America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. However, most respondents do not foresee major changes in workforce numbers, highlighting the continued importance of human decision-making and interpersonal skills.

Huntsville, Ala., is prioritizing affordable housing and reviewing demographics to approve the "right" projects. The city recently hired a new affordable housing manager.