Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the U.S. Help answer home buyers' most common questions about flood insurance, including their purchase options for policies, by sharing NAR's latest Consumer Guide. Download all of NAR's Consumer Guides, including Spanish versions, at facts.realtor.

Colleen Francis advises salespeople to persistently engage prospects using various communication channels in a strategy involves a systematic approach over six to seven weeks, with increasing intervals between attempts. Francis warns against the risk of relying solely on one contact, suggesting that broadening the network within a company can enhance the chances of closing a sale.

With AI's growing role in sales, teams are using AI-driven platforms to receive immediate coaching and feedback, prioritize leads and deliver tailored customer experience, writes Matt Sunshine. "Sales teams should actively explore AI solutions and consider how these technologies can be woven into their strategies to foster growth and drive innovation," Sunshine writes.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has sided with two brokerages in a copyright case focused on the use of floorplans in marketing properties. The case, which NAR's Legal Action Committee and Amicus Brief Advisory Board supported, confirms protections for real estate professionals.

NAR has appointed Jarrod Grasso as its first-ever senior vice president of industry relations, a role dedicated to enhancing the association's relationship with state and local leaders. He joins NAR after serving the NJ REALTORS® for more than two decades, most recently as CEO.

Professional organizers share home organization trends that have become outdated, emphasizing the importance of functionality over aesthetics. Overly complicated systems, rainbow-colored organization, matching storage bins and clutter-free minimalism are being replaced with simpler, more practical solutions.

Smart home automations can enhance convenience by eliminating repetitive tasks, and a good way to identify opportunities is to log daily routines and highlight actions that can be automated with existing or new smart devices. Common triggers for automation include time of day, motion and device usage.

A preference for the status quo, short-term success, a lack of accountability and the fear of confrontation can lead to mediocre leadership in organizations, writes Hunkins Leadership Group CEO Alain Hunkins, who recommends clearly defining success, fostering a culture of feedback and investing in leadership training. "By moving beyond mediocrity and committing to excellence, organizations can unlock the full potential of their leaders and teams," Hunkins writes.

The wildfires in the Los Angeles area are expected to have a modest negative impact on the U.S. economy in the short term, with observers predicting a slight slowdown in growth and a small reduction in hiring. The fires, which JPMorgan's Abiel Reinhart described as the "costliest climate disaster in U.S. history," could lead to "localized upward pressure on rents, construction supplies, and residential construction labor, but limited national effects."