Real estate sales is an ultracompetitive business—one that continues to attract bright, ambitious recruits who recognize the rewards of hard work and perseverance. This week, The New York Times highlights three star agents—Sere Conde with Douglas Elliman, Carl Gambino of the Gambino Group Compass and Santiago Arana with The Agency—about how they overcame humble beginnings and personal setbacks to get where they are today.

Real estate agents say homebuyers prioritize natural light, outdoor living spaces, and unique character in properties. Practical features such as soundproofing and mudrooms also attract buyers, and shallow pools are preferred over traditional deep pools.

Fannie Mae forecasts a significant shift in mortgage rates, predicting they will end 2025 at 6.3% and 2026 at 5.9%, amid persistent inflation and a slowing housing market. The forecast also includes slight upward revisions for home sales and GDP growth, while the Consumer Price Index is expected to remain modest.

The proportion of U.S. homeowners without a mortgage has reached a record 40.3%, driven mainly by baby boomers. Among those 65 and up, 64% own their primary homes outright.

The R&T Fence study evaluated yard space values across all 50 states by analyzing property sizes, the proportion of land dedicated to yards and home prices. The findings reveal dramatic differences nationwide, with California, Hawaii, New York, Washington and Massachusetts topping the list for most expensive yard space. The study highlights how outdoor areas contribute significantly to home values, especially in states with high real estate costs and limited yard sizes.

A beachfront property in Del Mar has set a San Diego County record for a private home, selling for $50 million. The property, Ocean House Del Mar, features seven bedrooms across a main building and two guest houses, as well as amenities such as a saltwater pool, a three-car garage and a large outdoor shower. Rande Turner of Pacific Sotheby's International Realty was the listing agent.

While home saunas are increasingly seen as desirable amenities, their direct impact on resale value is modest. Adding an $8,000 sauna to a $500,000 home in warmer regions could yield roughly a 40% return, or about $3,400 in added value. In colder climates, the return improves to nearly 55%. Most homeowners should not expect a sauna to pay for itself when selling; instead, its primary benefit is making a property more attractive to buyers, especially in competitive luxury markets.

Jashan Singh needed a reliable, affordable solution to help him manage investment properties. He found it in an app called RentRedi—and then discovered the special deal available through his membership in the National Association of REALTORS®.

Affordable housing lotteries, geared toward low- to moderate-income residents, offer a rare chance at below-market rent in cities such as Chicago, New York City and San Francisco. However, the odds of winning are slim, with only one in four families succeeding, and the process can be lengthy and challenging, with strict eligibility requirements.