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!
Most commercial listings tout location, amenities and investment potential. This one comes with a few additional selling points—and perhaps a few extra tenants. A 19-room hotel in New Orleans' French Quarter is on the market for $5.2 million, complete with a notorious past and reports of ghostly encounters. Its listing agent is taking it all in stride, even joking about hiring Buffy the Vampire Slayer to conduct a paranormal inspection. But behind the spooky sales pitch is a serious real estate question: What happens when a property's reputation becomes part of its value? From supernatural marketing strategies to disclosure laws that vary by state, this unusual listing offers some surprisingly practical lessons for commercial real estate professionals.
Higher interest rates are putting pressure on commercial real estate, particularly as property owners face refinancing deadlines. Unlike residential mortgages, commercial loans typically have shorter terms of three, five or seven years, explains NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in the latest "Ask the Economist" video. With borrowing costs rising, refinancing has become more difficult, potentially leading to an increase in distressed properties, especially in the office sector. But Yun also sees opportunities: With plenty of cash available in the commercial real estate market, investors may be positioned to find bargains as more properties come up for sale.
How much more could you learn about a commercial property with better access to lease and sales comparables? RPR's integration with CompStak gives REALTOR® members access to analyst-reviewed comparable data, including 500 free CompStak tokens as part of their member benefit. Looking to learn more about these resources? Join RPR's free, 60-minute webinar Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. CT, to learn how to combine property research, trade area insights and lease and sales comps to strengthen your client recommendations. You'll also discover how to use your free tokens and earn more by contributing comparable data.
Have you closed a commercial transaction within the past six months in excess of $3 million or facilitated a particularly unique agreement? Perhaps you creatively overcame an unexpected obstacle to save the deal or achieve the client’s goal. Tell us about it, and you may be featured online or in a future Commercial Insights article, published by the National Association of REALTORS®, or on NAR Commercial social channels!
Maybe you've invested in AI tools, CRMs, marketing platforms and countless other technologies for your company. But here's a question worth asking: Are your agents actually using them? Broker-owner Max Fitzgerald discovered that offering more technology wasn't necessarily helping his agents. Instead, they were struggling to navigate a maze of disconnected platforms, and he had little insight into which tools were delivering value. His solution became StackWrap, a centralized dashboard that simplifies access and tracks adoption, now part of NAR's 2026 REACH program. Fitzgerald's experience offers a timely lesson for brokers: Before adding another shiny new tool, take stock of what you're already paying for—and whether it's earning its keep with your agents.
With the median first-time buyer now 40 and affordability keeping many aspiring homeowners on the sidelines, the traditional starter home may be due for a rethink. Enter house hacking: purchasing a duplex or small multifamily property, living in one unit and renting out the others to help offset housing costs. Rental Beast CEO Ishay Grinberg did just that, buying a three-family property in Boston that helped launch his real estate investment journey. For residential agents, the opportunity lies in helping buyers explore possibilities they may never have considered, from owner-occupied multifamily properties to homes with legal accessory dwelling units. Hear from experienced brokers about how to identify these opportunities, educate buyers on the financial realities and help clients explore a different path to homeownership.
Share
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Incogni
Before the showing, they search you.
All they need is the name and number on your listing. In seconds, people search sites hand over your home address, your age and who lives with you. Incogni helps remove your details from these sites before someone you have never met goes looking.
You've checked out a prospective client, scheduled the showing and headed to the property. But how much do you really know about the person you're meeting? A clean background check can offer reassurance, but it shouldn't replace good judgment or consistent safety precautions. In the latest "Change Agents" podcast, NAR's Bennett Richardson talks with Blaise Coco, founder and CEO of Domii, about practical ways REALTORS® can protect themselves before and during showings. From one-tap check-ins and emergency alerts to recognizing red flags and setting boundaries with clients, Coco explains how technology can support safer habits without creating a false sense of security.
Share
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Level up your setup during Lenovo’s Black Friday Deal Days with deals on PCs and more. Plus, get an extra 40% off gaming accessories through 11/9.
A fresh coat of paint might be one of the simplest ways to transform a listing, but choosing the right color isn't always easy. Should sellers stick with neutrals, embrace earthy greens or take a chance on something bolder? In the latest "Styled, Staged & Sold" blog, a paint color expert offers room-by-room inspiration to help homeowners make the most of their spaces without a major renovation. From darker accents that add depth to living rooms to calming bedroom colors and unexpected pops of color in bathrooms, discover ideas worth sharing with sellers who want their homes to make a memorable first impression.
What's your next move for growing your real estate business? Whether you're looking to generate more leads, win more listings or turn prospects into loyal clients, the Growth Strategies track at NAR NXT, Nov. 6–8 in New Orleans, offers practical ideas to help you get there. Learn how to stand out online in "5 Power Moves to Get Your Listing Found Online," turn YouTube into a source of local business or sharpen your approach to winning clients in "From Pitch to Close: Convert More Meetings Into Business." You'll also find sessions on pricing strategies, building trust and strengthening client relationships. Whatever your next business goal, there's an opportunity to pick up new ideas and put them to work.
Get a head start on holiday shopping with Lenovo's Black Friday Deal Days! Discover savings on laptops, desktops, accessories and more, whether you're upgrading your everyday technology or shopping for the perfect gift. Plus, save an extra 40% on gaming accessories through Nov. 9. Explore the deals and find something for everyone on your list.
Clients renting longer? Sellers becoming landlords? Apply Now by Rental Beast gives NAR members access to free rental applications and tenant screening. Renters can apply directly from their phones through any Realtor.com listing, and you'll receive their applications and screening reports. Whether you're helping clients find a rental or manage an investment property, this benefit can simplify the process. Activate your free account today.
Major medical open enrollment begins Nov. 1 for 2027 coverage. Getting unwanted calls or texts urging you to buy a plan? They're not from us. REALTORS® Insurance Place helps you explore coverage options that fit your budget and priorities, without the pressure. Compare plans, get answers to your questions and find coverage that meets your needs. Explore your options today.
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.
