At the NAR Real Estate Forecast Summit today, the National Association of REALTORS® Research team unveiled likely "hot spots" for 2026. "The top 10 housing hot spots for 2026 have a combination of strong demand potential, projected improvements in affordability, and, most critically, a housing stock that matches the budgets of the buyers who are returning to the market," says Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist.

Purchasing a neighbor's home after the homeowner has died requires sensitivity and professionalism, writes Eric Goldschein. Prospective buyers should wait for the property to be officially listed, avoid direct contact with the deceased's family and work through a real estate agent to express interest and monitor developments. "There is just no way [an individual] can approach this subject without appearing predatory or opportunistic, especially if the death is very recent," says Johana Williams, regional manager at Utopia Management.

Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research, discusses why NAR's data shows a higher average age of first-time buyers in the U.S. "The share and age of first-time buyers is a direct reflection of today's housing affordability and inventory conditions in the past year, and those buyers are disproportionately older in today's market," she says. Factors influencing NAR's data include an influx of all-cash buyers not counted in mortgage data, a higher number of divorced individuals now buying homes, and younger persons pooling for vacation and investment homes, which are not reflected as primary residences.

Home delistings were up 45.5% year to date in October, and they rose almost 38% compared with the same month in 2024, according to a Realtor.com report. Some potential buyers are now seeking opportunities in "refuge markets" where prices are lower, according to the report.

Adopting a designer packing mindset means approaching your move with intention and visual strategy. Instead of randomly boxing items, start by envisioning how your new space will look and function. Plan each step so that everything you pack has a place, a purpose, and a thoughtful protection plan. This approach helps ensure your decor arrives organized and ready for a seamless transition into your new home.

Commercial real estate could benefit from increased momentum for leasing and sales activity, according to Colliers' 2026 Commercial Real Estate Outlook Report. The multifamily sector could see improved occupancy next year, and the industrial sector is seeing decreased construction activity as well as continued demand. The report also covers trends affecting the office, retail, data center, health care, hospitality and life sciences segments.

Clients are often paying more attention to their energy bills in the winter months. Real estate pros with an understanding of smart-home thermostats have an advantage. A modern thermostat signals a well-maintained, updated home, giving you another selling point during a listing presentation or buyer consultation.

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry has developed energy-efficient homes in Cleveland to provide affordable housing for people transitioning from homelessness. The homes, powered by solar energy and insulated to R-42 standards, aim to keep utility costs minimal, with winter bills estimated at about $20 monthly. Each unit costs $170,000 to build, with funding from public and private sources, including Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland Foundation.

The Green Bay, Wis., City Council has unanimously approved the most significant revisions to the city's zoning code since 2006 to promote affordable housing. The changes aim to deregulate land-use laws, making it easier for developers to build affordable housing.