Retirement savings in America? Not exactly crushing it.

The typical working adult has about $1,000 saved for retirement. Yes, really. And that number stretches across people in their 20s through their early 60s. Meanwhile, ask Americans how much they think they’ll need to retire comfortably and the answer often lands north of $1 million. That’s not a small gap — it’s a canyon.

So where’s the backup plan coming from?

For millions of people, it’s their house.

After decades of paying a mortgage and riding the wave of rising home values, many older homeowners are sitting on substantial equity — often far more than what’s in their retirement accounts. In some cases, their home is their largest financial asset by a mile.

That’s why home equity is becoming a central piece of the retirement puzzle. Instead of relying solely on 401(k)s or IRAs, retirees are looking at options like downsizing to free up cash or tapping equity through a reverse mortgage. The idea is simple: convert bricks and drywall into spendable money.

But it’s not a magic fix.

Nearly four in ten retirees still carry a mortgage into retirement, which limits flexibility. Reverse mortgages can provide breathing room, but they come with fees and fine print. And selling a longtime home isn’t just a financial decision — it’s emotional.

The big takeaway? Many Americans may be underprepared in traditional retirement savings, but homeowners have an asset that can offer real leverage. A house isn’t just shelter — for some, it’s the safety net.

Retirement planning might not look like it did a generation ago. For better or worse, the path to financial security may start at the front door.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“Americans Have Just $1K Saved for Retirement: Home Equity May Be Their Lifeline”
National Association of REALTORS®

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, negotiations, and market data. But at its best, it’s about people. It’s about helping families land in neighborhoods where they can build real lives.

Over the years, REALTORS® have partnered with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America — places that serve as true second homes for millions of young people. These clubs provide mentorship, stability, and opportunity after school hours. They are living proof that community impact extends far beyond a front door.

And that spirit hasn’t faded — it’s grown.

Across the country, real estate professionals are leading food drives, supporting affordable housing initiatives, mentoring first-time buyers, and volunteering in local schools. They understand something powerful: strong communities create strong housing markets. When neighborhoods thrive, homeowners thrive.

In today’s fast-moving market, it’s easy to focus on transactions. But what separates a good agent from a trusted one is commitment beyond the closing table. The best professionals don’t just sell homes — they invest in the places their clients call home.

A house becomes meaningful when it’s connected to something larger — a block party, a local nonprofit, a school that cares, neighbors who show up. That’s the real “home away from home” concept in 2026: community as foundation.

Markets will shift. Interest rates will rise and fall. Technology will evolve. But one thing remains constant — the value of belonging.

And the professionals who understand that will always stand out.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“A Home Away From Home”
National Association of REALTORS®

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, marketing platforms, transaction tools — all depend on a level online playing field. REALTORS® are urging lawmakers to preserve open-internet principles so broadband providers can’t favor certain platforms or slow down others. A fair internet keeps competition healthy and ensures consumers can access property information freely.

2. Strengthen Flood Insurance Stability

In many markets, a home sale can’t close without flood coverage. That’s why REALTORS® continue pushing for long-term stability and modernization of the National Flood Insurance Program. Reliable coverage protects buyers, reassures lenders, and keeps transactions moving. The goal: updated flood maps, financially sound policies, and more private-market options to give homeowners greater flexibility.

3. Protect Tax Policies That Support Homeownership

Tax rules shape buying power. REALTORS® are advocating to preserve key homeowner benefits, including the mortgage interest deduction and capital gains exclusions. They’re also calling for practical updates to state and local tax deductibility limits. The bottom line: tax policy should encourage responsible ownership, not make it harder for middle-class families to build wealth through real estate.

4. Advance Fair Housing and Equal Access

Equal opportunity in housing remains non-negotiable. REALTORS® are backing policies that reinforce and modernize enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, ensuring protections reflect today’s communities. Expanding access to homeownership strengthens neighborhoods and the broader economy alike.

The Bigger Picture
From affordability to inventory challenges, housing remains a national priority in 2026. REALTORS® aren’t just talking — they’re meeting face-to-face with lawmakers, bringing real-world insight from local markets to federal decision-makers.

Because when housing policy works, communities thrive.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“Top 4 Issues REALTORS® Took to Capitol Hill”
National Association of REALTORS®

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 bring safer streets, better infrastructure, and new opportunities for small businesses.

But growth has a flip side.

As prices rise, long-time residents may feel squeezed by higher rents and property taxes. Families who have deep roots in a neighborhood can suddenly find themselves wondering if they can afford to stay. That tension — between improvement and displacement — is what makes gentrification such a layered issue.

In today’s market, the conversation requires more care than ever.

For real estate professionals, it’s essential to focus on facts, not assumptions. Market data, sales trends, zoning updates, and development plans are fair game. Demographics, income levels, or commentary about who is “moving in” are not. Federal fair housing laws are clear: we don’t steer, label, or characterize neighborhoods based on people.

At the same time, agents and housing leaders can be part of the solution. That might mean understanding local affordable housing initiatives, sharing resources with homeowners facing tax increases, or simply staying informed about community plans before speaking about “up-and-coming” areas.

Language matters. Framing matters. Intent matters.

In 2026, the smartest approach isn’t to avoid the gentrification conversation — it’s to handle it with clarity and integrity. Neighborhoods change. Markets shift. Growth happens.

The real question is: how do we help communities grow without leaving people behind?

That’s the conversation worth having.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“The Gentrification Conversation’”
National Association of REALTORS®

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.

Affordability remains tight. The average first-time buyer is older than in past decades, often navigating student debt, higher rates, and limited inventory. Many rely on down payment assistance, family support, or creative financing. They don’t just need someone to unlock doors — they need a guide.

Agents working with this segment must become educators first. You’re explaining escrow timelines, appraisal gaps, inspection strategies, and financing structures in plain language. You’re managing expectations shaped by social media and headlines. You’re answering texts at 9 p.m. because this is the biggest financial leap of their lives.

That level of service takes time. It can mean more showings, more contract revisions, and more reassurance when nerves spike.

But here’s the upside: loyalty.

As Nashville broker Maria Sanchez has shared in past interviews, first-time buyers remember who helped them cross the finish line. They become repeat clients, long-term advocates, and referral sources. When you guide someone to their first set of keys, you’re not just closing a deal — you’re building a relationship that can span decades.

In a market where transaction sides can fluctuate, cultivating first-time buyers is a long-game strategy. Yes, they require more hand-holding. Yes, the contracts can be more complex.

But the gratitude is genuine. The milestones are meaningful. And the business you build from serving them well can outlast any market cycle.

For agents thinking beyond the next closing, first-timers aren’t extra work — they’re future stability.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“Maria Sanchez: ‘First-Timers Are More Work But More Rewarding’”
National Association of REALTORS®

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 hair salon. While that may seem unrelated, it shaped the way she does business. Working closely with clients every day taught her how to listen, understand emotions, and build trust. Buying or selling a home is personal and often stressful. Kandis learned early on that people need guidance, patience, and honesty more than pressure.

Her natural communication style eventually led her to appear on the television series First-Time Buyer. The show followed real buyers through the ups and downs of purchasing a home. Instead of glamour, viewers saw real challenges — inspections, repairs, negotiations, and tough decisions. Kandis stood out because she stayed calm and steady. She explained complex steps in simple terms and helped clients feel confident, even when problems came up.

That steady approach is especially important in today’s market. Buyers are more careful with their money. Sellers must price homes realistically. Deals can fall apart without clear communication and smart strategy. In this environment, agents need to be advisors, not just salespeople.

Kandis focuses on relationships first. She keeps the process clear and straightforward. She adds humor when things feel tense. Most importantly, she stays present for her clients from beginning to end. Many of them return later or send referrals because they remember how she made them feel — supported and understood.

Her story is a reminder that real estate isn’t just about contracts and commissions. It’s about helping people through major life moments. In a fast-moving 2026 market, style isn’t about appearance. It’s about service, empathy, and professionalism.

Selling with style, as Kandis shows, simply means putting people first — every single time.

Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“Kandis Palmer: Selling With Style”
National Association of REALTORS®