One of the most important questions sellers should ask their agent is how to determine a home's listing price. NAR's latest Consumer Guide helps clients understand what they should factor into their pricing decision, from market trends and comps to timing and home condition. Get all the Consumer Guides—also available in Spanish—at facts.realtor.

The HR department has evolved from administrative functions to becoming a critical partner in shaping business strategies, explains Nathalia Klein, chief people officer at real estate company Allsopp & Allsopp Group. Klein emphasizes the importance of HR professionals and business leaders speaking the same language and collaborating on shared goals while pushing for traditional HR functions, like retention and talent attraction, to become company priorities.

Colleen Francis discusses the role of generative AI in sales, emphasizing its use as a starting point for tasks like creating scripts, researching companies and handling objections. While generative AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline these processes, Francis advises sales reps to refine AI-generated content to ensure it aligns with their personal style and message.

To engage Gen Z effectively, companies should focus on strengths rather than generalizations, writes Sagar Khatri, CEO of Multiplier. Strategies like reverse mentoring can bridge generational gaps, while encouraging Gen Z's questioning nature can lead to process improvements and innovation.

The newly launched iOi collective is a hub for members to access cutting-edge innovations, build connections and collaborate with proptech developers.

Tariffs on Canada and Mexico have been delayed, although a tariff on China was allowed to take effect. These tariffs could add to the price of home construction, some industry participants say. Current lumber inventories may only last for a couple of months, according to Dustin Jalbert, senior economist at Fastmarkets.

A saltwater farm established in 1820 in Lubec, Maine, covering hundreds of acres has been listed for $2.7 million. Beach Rose Preserve features a renovated farmhouse, a barn and ocean frontage along Bailey's Mistake. Owner Constance Collins has preserved the property's historic details while adding modern amenities. The listing agent is Jamie O'Keefe of LandVest Inc.

Smart-home devices such as Ring cameras and Amazon Alexa offer convenience but pose significant privacy risks by collecting data like audio recordings and location information. Companies often share this data with third parties, raising concerns about potential breaches. Users should regularly update devices, secure networks and adjust privacy settings to protect privacy.

The United Way of Florida's ALICE report indicates that 44% of Panama City households live at the poverty level, highlighting a significant need for affordable housing. The Panama City Housing Authority, which offers 450 affordable units, recently filled a waitlist for four-bedroom homes within an hour, underscoring the demand. Commissioner Janice Lucas notes that rising housing costs and the destruction from Hurricane Michael have exacerbated the shortage.

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Mary Daly highlighted uncertainty about government policy but said that "we can take our time to look at what's coming in, both on the economy and any policy changes." Daly noted that the central bank has not succeeded in bringing inflation down to the 2% target.