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. …
Category: News
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 …
Feb 09
What Luxury Real Estate Looks Like in 2026—and Why TV Is Getting It Right
Luxury real estate in 2026 is no longer just about price tags and prestige. Today’s high-end buyers are more thoughtful, informed, and lifestyle-driven than ever—and that shift is showing up everywhere, even in popular real estate TV shows. One major change is how buyers approach decisions. After years of fast sales and intense competition, luxury …
Feb 06
Why Appraisers Still Feel Like They Have Targets on Their Backs in 2026
If you ask appraisers how they’re feeling in 2026, many will tell you the same thing they’ve been saying for years: the pressure hasn’t eased — it’s just changed shape. Appraisers today operate under a microscope. Their work is questioned by lenders, reviewed by algorithms, and sometimes challenged by consumers who don’t like the number …
Feb 05
Can Real Estate Agents Talk to Appraisers? What You Should Know in 2026
One of the most common questions agents still ask in 2026 is: Can I talk to the appraiser? The short answer is yes — and when done the right way, it can actually help the transaction instead of hurting it. Appraisers are independent professionals hired by the lender to give an unbiased opinion of value. …
Feb 03
Fundamentals From the Field: What Still Works in Real Estate (2026)
Real estate keeps changing, but the fundamentals still matter. That was the main takeaway from Fundamentals From the Field, a series built on advice from experienced agents who know what actually works day to day. Looking at it from a 2026 perspective, the message is even more relevant: success comes from doing the basics well, …
Feb 03
A 2026 Perspective
The Winter 2023 issue of REALTOR® Magazine focused on helping real estate professionals adapt, stay competitive, and sharpen their everyday skills. Looking back from 2026, the themes are still very relevant: changing markets, evolving client expectations, and the importance of practical, people-first business strategies. At its core, the issue was about real-world problem solving. Many …
Jan 30
Why Getting Hybrid Appraisals Right Matters in 2026
Hybrid appraisals are now a regular part of the real estate process, and in 2026, they’re more common than ever. A hybrid appraisal blends technology with traditional appraisal practices. Instead of the appraiser visiting the property, a trained third-party data collector gathers photos, measurements, and details about the home. A licensed appraiser then reviews that …
Jan 29
Future-Proofing Communities in 2026
In 2026, future-proofing a community isn’t just a nice idea — it’s something that really matters. Weather events are more intense, insurance costs are higher, and buyers are thinking harder about long-term value. People don’t just want a nice home anymore. They want to know it will hold up over time. Today’s buyers are asking …
Jan 28
FHA in 2026: The Mortgage Tool Agents Shouldn’t Ignore
For real estate professionals working with first-time and moderate-income buyers, FHA financing remains one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—tools in the market. In 2026, the mission behind FHA loans is just as relevant as ever: expanding access to homeownership without sacrificing responsible lending. The FHA was designed for buyers who don’t always check the traditional …
