Home buyers in some markets are finally seeing more for-sale options—but progress is uneven and affordable inventory in some ranges is scarce. A new report from the National Association of REALTORS® and realtor.com® calls out where bottlenecks and housing affordability remain the most challenging.

MLSs can announce and establish their local delay marketing time period at any time, but no later than Sept. 30, 2025. Find more answers about NAR's new policy statement, Multiple Listing Options for Sellers, at facts.realtor.

For young professionals, economic shifts and sudden changes in buyer behavior can be particularly challenging in today's real estate market. Two experienced professionals from the Chicagoland area—Kat Barry of Modern Living at Compass and Lateefah Neal of NTS Realty Group—share practical strategies for managing the inevitable ups and downs of the business.

Relationship-building with buyers is critical for sales representatives, writes Linda Bishop, the founder and president of Thought Transformation, who outlines a method to foster trust through consistent value delivery across social and traditional channels, ultimately turning cold leads into meaningful connections. Each stage of the method represents a progression in the relationship-building process, requiring different strategies to engage and build trust with potential buyers, Bishop writes.

If you're a leader, you're anxious because uncertainty is a fact of life in any business, which is why ​​David Rosmarin, the founder of the Center for Anxiety, recommends embracing anxiety and making it part of the corporate conversation by normalizing it, making it safe to express it and transforming it into action. "Anxiety can sharpen focus, deepen reflection, and, when handled well, drive creative, values-aligned decisions," Rosmarin writes.

Commercial contractors remain busy despite headwinds. Associated Builders and Contractors' Construction Backlog Indicator rose to a 20-month high of 8.7 months in April, according to a recent ABC member survey. ABC's Construction Confidence Index reading for profit margins also improved last month.

Flock has raised $20 million in a funding round. The capital will be used to expand into apartment buildings and mobile home communities. Flock offers a tax-friendly way for property owners to offload assets by granting shares in a managed fund in exchange for real estate.

Reflecting on skills and experiences is vital after losing a job, suggests Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disruption Advisors, in this podcast. Johnson encourages individuals to consider what they've learned and how they've grown during their previous employment. This reflection not only helps in identifying new skills acquired but also in recognizing areas for improvement, setting the stage for future career development, Johnson advises.