It’s hard to believe we’re less than a month away from NAR NXT, Nov. 6–8 in New Orleans. The city holds a special place in my heart. I first visited in 2010 to cover the BP oil spill, one of the biggest stories of my career at the time. I returned later that year for my second NAR conference—dubbed “NARdiGras”—and fell in love with the historic city. One memory that has stayed with me is covering a Habitat for Humanity home build, a powerful reminder of the difference REALTOR® members make in their communities. Sixteen years later, I’m excited to return. This year’s NAR NXT features Ryan Serhant, founder and CEO of SERHANT., and country music icon Reba McEntire, plus sessions on emerging technology, networking opportunities and the industry’s largest real estate expo. The 12-piece band Party on the Moon will perform at NAR NXT FEST on Friday, Nov. 6, during a welcome celebration that also marks the 25th anniversary of the REALTORS® Relief Foundation, bringing the conference’s community impact full circle. Registration is open, and there’s still time to make your plans. I hope to see you in New Orleans!
As demand for data centers accelerates, local opposition is creating new challenges for developers—and opportunities for commercial real estate brokers. In 2025, at least 25 U.S. data center projects were canceled amid community opposition, while an estimated $98 billion in projects were blocked or delayed. Local brokers can help bridge the gap between developers, landowners and municipalities by providing expertise on zoning, power availability, infrastructure and community concerns. They also play a critical role in managing seller expectations, identifying suitable properties and assembling teams of specialists. With electricity and water use among residents' chief concerns, brokers who understand local conditions and foster collaboration can help advance responsible projects that balance economic development with community needs.
Where is commercial real estate demand growing? NAR’s new Commercial Real Estate Demand Index tracks job growth, population changes and migration across more than 300 metro areas to identify where demand for commercial space may be growing. The Carolinas stand out, with South Carolina leading all states in average index scores and Raleigh, N.C., ranking fifth nationwide. Population grew 2.4% in 2025, while job growth and migration continue to support commercial real estate demand. Multifamily leads demand, followed by industrial and office.
Identifying promising commercial real estate markets is only part of the equation. Knowing how to evaluate an investment's financial potential is just as important. CCIM's CI 101: Financial Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate course, offered Nov. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at Fordham University in New York, helps commercial professionals strengthen their skills in cash flow analysis, capitalization rates, investment returns and financial leverage. The course also supports progress toward earning the CCIM designation. Register for the November course.
AI can help agents write listing descriptions and client emails, but can it tackle the operational challenges of running a brokerage? BrokerBot.ai, a company selected for NAR's 2026 REACH program, is betting it can. The platform brings a brokerage's policies, documents and workflows into one AI-powered system designed to streamline tasks, support compliance and help agents find answers faster. "Brokerage knowledge lives in a dozen places," says co-founder and CEO Jerimiah Taylor, one of NAR's 2026 Innovators of the Year. He says the goal is to make that knowledge accessible across the tools agents already use, from email to mobile devices, while giving brokers greater control over how AI is used. "We give brokers the ability to scale and add more value to their agents without having to add headcount," Taylor says.
Hundreds of brokers from across the country came together for NAR's first broker-led online networking mastermind to exchange ideas on recruiting and retaining agents, modernizing their businesses and navigating AI. Some shared success with mentorship programs that help newer agents develop their skills while giving experienced agents opportunities beyond sales. Others highlighted technology solutions, including courted.io for recruiting and retention and BrokerBot for streamlining operations and supporting compliance.
With the 2026 general election approaching, NAR Advocacy has launched a new online voting resource where members can register to vote, check their registration status and find election information. The resource also features an interactive map showing REALTOR® voter registration and turnout rates by state. NAR members have a strong record of civic participation: Approximately 87% of REALTOR® members who are registered voters cast ballots in the 2024 presidential election, compared with 65.3% of the nation's eligible citizen voting-age population.
"Decisions made at every level of government affect housing affordability, property rights and the future of homeownership," says Shannon McGahn, NAR executive vice president and chief advocacy officer. "When our members participate in the political process, they help ensure that real estate issues remain front and center for policymakers."
With NAR NXT taking place in New Orleans Nov. 6-8, conference-goers can get a closer look at one of the city's most historic neighborhoods. Just steps from the French Quarter, Trémé has been a cultural crossroads for more than two centuries. Known for its Creole cottages, shotgun houses and vibrant music traditions, the community has endured urban development, Hurricane Katrina and rising housing costs while working to preserve its distinctive character. As part of NAR's "American Dream at 250" series, this article and accompanying video explore the neighborhood's history, architecture and the residents dedicated to protecting its legacy. "The French Quarter is where people visit to experience New Orleans culture," says REALTOR® Wendy Wiltz. "But that culture was born in right here in Trémé."
Share
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Medicare Annual Enrollment starts October 15. Spam calls and texts? It’s NOT US. REALTORS® Insurance Place is here to help you review coverage and make informed decisions. Call 609-356-1664.
This is a solicitation of insurance. Not connected with/endorsed by the U.S. government or federal Medicare program.
In a crowded real estate market, being good at what you do isn't always enough. You also need to make sure people know it. The Brand Boosting education track at NAR NXT, Nov. 6-8 in New Orleans, is designed to help you stand out, build trust and turn visibility into business. Learn how to create videos people actually want to watch, develop a 12-month social media plan and establish yourself as the go-to real estate expert in your market. Sessions also explore reputation management in an AI-driven world, customer service and what makes a personal brand memorable. Whether you're looking to sharpen your message or expand your reach, you'll leave with ideas you can implement immediately. Explore the Brand Boosting track and plan your NXT experience.
Building your brand is one thing. Turning that visibility into new business is another. The REALTOR® Store's "Empowering REALTORS® with AI: ChatGPT and the Future of Real Estate for Lead Generation" webinar explores how AI can support your efforts to attract and connect with potential clients. It's one of six REALTOR® Store resources available at 20% off through Oct. 31. Explore ways to strengthen your marketing and make technology work harder for your business.
Share
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Your pipeline shouldn’t be haunted
October is when pipelines start to thin out. Leads go quiet, calls go unanswered, and the buyers you counted on in September stop responding. Connections℠ Plus delivers vetted, high-intent buyers who are serious about closing before year-end. So your Q4 fills with people who answer, not ghosts. No tricks, just real opportunities in your market.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but a little preparation goes a long way. According to a 2026 survey from Hippo Insurance Services, 90% of homeowners feel unprepared for at least one severe weather event. Our newest consumer guide, "Protect Your Home Against Winter Cold and Storms," offers practical steps to protect your property, prepare for power outages and avoid potentially costly repairs. From insulating attics and shutting off water to exterior pipes to stocking up on emergency supplies and reviewing homeowners insurance coverage, the guide provides a useful checklist before winter storms arrive. Share it with your clients now to help them get their homes ready before the weather turns. Download all of NAR's Consumer Guides in English or Spanish at facts.realtor.
Whether you're traveling for business or planning your next getaway, your NAR membership can help you save on the road. Enjoy up to 20% off Hertz car rentals, plus additional perks when you book with a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account. Members can earn points toward free rental days, making it easier to get more from every trip. Explore your Hertz benefits and start saving.
Heading to NAR NXT in New Orleans? Stop by booth 1738 Nov. 6-8 to connect with Victor Insurance and learn about discounted errors and omissions (E&O) insurance available through the REALTOR Benefits® Program. Explore coverage options designed for real estate professionals, ask questions and find out how your NAR membership could help you save on protection for your business.
Nov. 6-8, 2026 | New Orleans Mark your calendar for NAR's flagship conference, featuring real estate marketing strategies, expert education and real estate networking opportunities.
Headquarters 430 N. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611-4087 800-874-6500
DC Office 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20001-2020 202-383-1000
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®. As a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, you are entitled to receive the most updated information on the programs, products and services offered by the association.
