According to realtor.com® data, mid-October is the best time for buyers in most housing markets across the country. Predictions say competition could be about 31% lower than during the peak season, easing pressure on buyers to make rushed offers; plus, the season tends to bring a wave of new listings. However, the "best time to buy" ultimately depends on local market dynamics.

The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 4% to 4.25%, marking the first rate cut since late 2024 amid signs of a weakening labor market. "Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remains low. Inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated," the Fed said in a statement. The central bank has signaled the potential for two additional cuts before the year ends.

In a world where everyone has a camera, real estate pros can help ensure sellers don't inadvertently reveal private information during the transaction, including at showings. Sellers will know you have their back when you share NAR's latest consumer guide, "5 Home Selling Tips for Privacy and Safety." Get all the guides, also available in Spanish, at facts.realtor.

The National Association of Home Builders sees a potential turning point in the housing market. The Federal Reserve reduced interest rates for the first time this year, which could lower borrowing costs and revive home sales.

The percentage of first-time homebuyers who receive financial assistance from family—known as "nepo buyers"—has declined to 25% in 2024 from about 30% over the past 30 years, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. This trend, attributed to the increasing age and wealth of first-time buyers, highlights a shift in the housing market, as younger buyers are finding it harder to enter the market without family support amid rising home prices and mortgage rates.

Interior designer Peter Dunham emphasizes the importance of creating occasional moments with single chairs or sculptures and comfortable seating when designing an outdoor living space. Dunham, who lives in Los Angeles, says he focuses on drought-tolerant and native plants and highlights the value of aloe and lemon trees.

Florida REALTORS® has launched Sabal Sign nationwide as an integrated e-signature tool for Form Simplicity Ultimate Edition. Developed in-house by the association's technology team, Sabal Sign eliminates the need for third-party e-signature services by providing a secure, compliant, and real estate-focused solution. The tool is directly embedded within Form Simplicity, allowing users to manage transactions end-to-end within a single platform.

TruAmerica and Manulife Investment Management have formed a $1 billion joint venture, Anchor Point Residential, to invest in affordable housing. The venture has assembled a 51-property portfolio with the help of numerous stakeholders over the past two years. TruAmerica Co-Chief Investment Officer Noah Hochman says affordable housing offers stable operations and meets a critical social need.