At its June 5 meeting, the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors approved new language that will give state and local associations greater clarity in how to fairly and consistently enforce Standard of Practice 10-5 prohibiting discrimination and harassment.

The Clear Cooperation Policy was adopted in November 2019 and implemented by MLSs in May 2020. The policy was implemented because brokers and MLSs from across the country asked NAR to consider policy to reinforce the consumer benefits of cooperation. The MLS creates an efficient marketplace and reinforces the pro-competitive, pro-consumer benefits that members have long sought to support. Find more answers about NAR's new policy statement, Multiple Listing Options for Sellers, at facts.realtor.

Brands can leverage niche marketing on social media to create authentic and impactful connections with targeted audiences, Natalie O'Grady writes. The Calm app takes this approach by using humor and memes on TikTok to connect with various niche groups, O'Grady notes. O'Grady outlines how to find a niche by identifying brand strengths, understanding audience passions, conducting competitive analysis and developing tailored content strategies.

As business owners in a rapidly evolving industry, real estate professionals continue to recognize the value that being a REALTOR® offers. NAR Treasurer Craig Sanford reported at the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors meeting Thursday that membership stands above 1.45 million and well ahead of the association's forecast for 2025.

The issue of rising insurance costs took center stage at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., this week. In a roundtable moderated by NAR REALTOR® Party Community Engagement Liaison James Cristbrook, experts shared a clear message: Insurance issues are increasingly complicating real estate transactions—often at the last minute—and are affecting both closings and client confidence.

Interior designers highlight common design mistakes that make homes feel generic, such as using single-metal finishes and hollow doors. To create a more personalized and substantial space, they recommend mixing designer metal finishes, opting for solid doors and upgrading to quality hardware and shelving.

Real estate development might be on the verge of a rebound, with San Francisco office buildings selling at a fraction of previous values, indicating potential investor confidence, writes the Engineering News-Record Editorial Board. CBRE reports a 14% increase in Q1 real estate investment, driven by private and institutional investors. Major projects are underway in cities like San Antonio and Denver, although financing remains a challenge due to high construction loan rates.

REACH and Second Century Ventures are reshaping real estate through technology, with REACH helping startups enter the market and SCV investing strategically, Jason Porterfield writes. "REACH and SCV are changing the game by putting real estate professionals at the center of innovation," Coldwell Banker Realty's Rebecca Thomson says.

Opportunity Zones, a key initiative of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, are driving small-business growth and community revitalization in underserved areas through targeted tax incentives that attract private investment, writes HUD Secretary Scott Turner. By supporting small businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship in low-income areas, these zones help break the cycle of poverty and promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families.

Atlanta recently opened a new affordable housing development with Mayor Andre Dickens participating in the ribbon cutting. Affordable housing has been a priority for Dickens' administration.