In 2026, “home away from home” means more than a spare bedroom or vacation spot. It’s about belonging. It’s about creating spaces — and communities — where people feel safe, supported, and seen. That idea sits at the core of what members of the National Association of REALTORS® represent. Yes, real estate is about contracts, …
Category: Real Estate Tips
Feb 26
What REALTORS® Are Fighting For in Washington in 2026
Every year, members of the National Association of REALTORS® head to Capitol Hill with one mission: protect property rights, expand opportunity, and keep housing strong for the communities they serve. In 2026, the message is focused, practical, and urgent. 1. Keep the Internet Fair and Competitive Real estate runs on digital access. Listings, virtual tours, …
Feb 25
The Gentrification Talk in 2026: Growth, Change, and Responsibility
Neighborhood change isn’t new — but in 2026, the gentrification conversation feels louder, faster, and more personal than ever. Across the country, communities are evolving. New cafés open. Old warehouses become apartments. Home values climb. Investment flows in. On the surface, it can look like progress — and in many ways, it is. Revitalization can …
Feb 24
Why First-Time Buyers in 2026 Are More Work — and More Worth It
First-time buyers aren’t the easiest clients in today’s market. But for agents willing to lean in, they may be the most rewarding. A commentary originally featured by the National Association of REALTORS and highlighted in REALTOR Magazine spotlighted how serving first-timers requires more patience, education, and emotional investment. That insight rings even louder in 2026. …
Feb 20
Selling With Style: A 2026 Take on Kandis Palmer’s People-First Approach
In 2026, real estate is powered by technology, data, and fast communication. But even in this modern market, one thing still matters most — people. That’s what makes Kandis Palmer’s story so relevant today. Her success isn’t built on trends or flashy marketing. It’s built on connection. Before real estate, Kandis owned and operated a …
Feb 19
A Rude Bird, Real Challenges, and a Real Estate Journey
In 2020, REALTORS® Jill Wright and Corey Wright had an unexpected guest during filming for the National Association of REALTORS video series First-Time Buyer. Every time the cameras started rolling outside, a loud, unseen bird interrupted the scene. When filming stopped, the bird went silent. The crew laughed through multiple takes, but the mystery bird …
Feb 18
Veterans Day 2026: A Call for Realtors® to Serve Those Who Served
Every Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who defended our country. But for real estate professionals, appreciation can go beyond words. It can show up in the work we do every day. Leaders like Kenneth Cano have demonstrated what it truly means to continue serving after …
Feb 17
Reenvisioning “The One” in Today’s Market (2026 Edition)
Finding “the one” — that perfect home — can feel overwhelming in today’s housing market. Inventory remains limited in many areas, prices are still elevated compared to pre-2020 levels, and interest rates continue to influence affordability. But the idea of a perfect home may need a modern update. According to Twijana Echols-Jones, a REALTOR® featured …
Feb 16
Mixing Business With Family in Today’s Market (2026 Update)
In today’s 2026 housing market, things look different than they did a few years ago. There’s more inventory in many areas, price growth has slowed, and buyers have a bit more room to negotiate. Even so, buying a home is still emotional — especially when family is involved. That’s something REALTOR® Kim Watts knows firsthand. …
Feb 13
From New Agent to Trusted Guide: A Real Estate Story for Today’s Market
Success in real estate doesn’t always start with a lifelong plan. Sometimes it begins with a simple opportunity—and the willingness to learn. That’s exactly how it started for Rachel Mooney, an Atlanta-area REALTOR® whose journey shows how growth and persistence can turn a beginner into a leader. Years ago, while studying business at college, she …
Feb 12
The Drive to Serve: REALTORS® Making a Lasting Impact in 2026
Real estate has always been about more than transactions. At its core, it’s about people, stability, and community. In 2026, REALTORS® across the country continue to prove that their role extends far beyond buying and selling homes—they are leaders, advocates, and changemakers. From addressing food insecurity to supporting youth mentorship programs, REALTORS® are stepping up …
Feb 10
2026 Market Commentary: How Elevated Mortgage Rates Have Reshaped Contract Activity
The surge in mortgage rates earlier in the decade dramatically reshaped housing demand, slowing contract signings and forcing a market reset. In 2026, the industry has largely moved past the initial shock. Elevated rates remain a constraint, but contract activity now reflects adaptation rather than disruption. Mortgage Rates: A Persistent, Structural Headwind Mortgage rates remain …
