The National Association of REALTORS®' latest consumer guide helps veterans and those serving in the military understand how the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program can make owning a home more attainable and affordable. The guide explains VA loan terms more, borrowing limits and more. Get all the guides, also available in Spanish, at facts.realtor. Also: Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for a real estate professionals toolkit (NAR's policy team had a hand in it). And earn the MRP certification to show that you go the extra mile.

Digital content creators are increasingly using AI as a cost-saving measure, primarily for backend tasks such as research, copyediting, social media analysis and contract review. Max Schneider uses ChatGPT as an assistant for idea generation and fact-checking, Elvi Caperonis relies on Grammarly for copyediting, and April Little leverages AI for social media insights. These practices help creators avoid hiring additional support, highlighting AI's practical benefits in streamlining workflows.

Designers are seeing a trend toward vertically laid rectangular tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, but they have mixed opinions on the trend's longevity. Jamie Gernert of WYC Designs notes that vertical tiles can make spaces feel taller and more dramatic, while designer Lara Apelian advises homeowners to mock up designs before committing.

Sentiment among commercial real estate leaders has improved as conditions stabilize, with the Real Estate Roundtable's Sentiment Index posting an overall score of 67, up 13 points between the second and third quarters. In addition, 73% of respondents expect improvement to continue during the next year.

Access control is becoming a top priority for multifamily property owners and operators looking to invest in proptech and smart building solutions, as modern access control enhances safety, convenience and operational efficiency. However, retrofitting access control systems in older buildings presents challenges such as infrastructure limitations and potential system fragmentation, requiring careful consideration of network solutions and integration with property management systems.

Joe McBride, a real estate professional in Sterling, Colo., has partnered with Homes for Heroes to help public servants buy homes. The program offers savings on real estate transactions for military personnel, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, health care professionals and educators.

Congress's reauthorization and update to the Qualified Opportunity Zone program through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax reform package is cause for industry optimism, as the rebooted program acknowledges past challenges and seeks to better spread investment money around the country. Read about the upcoming changes and tax incentives, effective Jan. 1, 2027.