And what happens if they don’t?

Choosing the right paint for your home can make a huge difference in durability, aesthetics, and even resale value. Here's a guide to help you select the best paint for your needs: 1. Consider the Surface and Room Type Exterior vs. Interior: Exterior paint is made to withstand the elements, while interior paint is more focused on washability and fi...

From the Schanfigg Valley to the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, Switzerland offers slopes, hikes and views galore.

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With their daughter in college on Long Island, an Atlanta couple looked for a modest second home in Manhattan so they could visit more often. Here’s what they found.

This week’s properties are four-bedroom homes in Franklin Township, N.J., and Darien, Conn.

This week’s listings are in Midtown East, Washington Heights and Downtown Brooklyn.

A study found that people who earn low wages were rent-burdened in all of the country’s 50 largest real estate markets.

Looking for thoughtful and memorable client gifts this holiday season? Here are some budget-friendly ideas that add a personal touch and show your appreciation in a meaningful way:

Customized Keychain
Create a personalized keychain with your client’s home address or a small engraved message.Locally Made Goods
Support local businesses and show appreciation by gifting a small jar of locally made honey or jam, or a handmade candle. Going local adds a personal touch and connects clients with their community.Home Care Kit
Assemble a simple home care package that includes useful items like mini tools, a stain remover pen, or small packs of plant seeds for spring planting.Seasonal Recipe Card Set
Print a few simple, seasonal recipes on beautiful cardstock and tie them together with a festive ribbon. You can also include a small spice jar relevant to the recipes.Customized Ornament
Give a holiday ornament featuring the year your clients bought their home, or include a simple “happy holidays” message alongside subtle business branding. Hot Cocoa Kit
Put together a DIY hot cocoa kit with mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, and a holiday-themed mug. It’s an affordable, warm, and cozy gift.Subscription Gift
Give a one-month subscription to a streaming service, magazine, or something like a wine-tasting club for a small taste of luxury that fits your budget.Reusable Tote Bag
Have a high-quality, reusable tote bag printed with a stylish design or a local motif for a practical and eco-friendly gift option.Gratitude Journal
Give an affordable gratitude journal or inspirational daily planner to prompt reflection in the new year, showing you care about your clients’ well-being beyond business.

Remember: Responsible Gift Giving Matters

Giving clients gifts during the holidays is a great way to stay in touch and say thank you for their business and referrals, but it’s important to remember this is a business relationship. Follow corporate giving best practices to make sure you’re in compliance and acting in everyone’s best interest.

Know Your Local RegulationsCompliance: Check with your state’s real estate commission and brokerage for specific guidelines or monetary limits on gifts. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest.Disclosure: If necessary, disclose gifts given or received, especially in situations involving other professionals like mortgage lenders or title companies.Set a Modest BudgetAvoid Extravagance: Keep gifts modest and thoughtful rather than expensive or flashy. The goal is to express gratitude and strengthen relationships, not to give gifts that could be seen as an attempt to influence.Consistency: If you’re giving gifts to multiple clients, make sure they’re of similar value to avoid the appearance of favoritism.Make It Personal but ProfessionalTailored to the Client: Choose gifts that are meaningful to the recipient, like something related to their hobbies or interests. For example, a book for an avid reader, or a pet-friendly gift for a dog lover.Avoid Overly Personal Items: Stay clear of gifts that might feel too intimate or inappropriate for a professional relationship.Focus on Experiences and CommunityCommunity-Centric Gifts: Gifts that support local businesses or experiences, like a gift card to a popular neighborhood restaurant, can be thoughtful and reinforce your role as a community expert.Giving Back: Consider making a charitable donation in the client’s name, which not only reflects your values but also contributes positively to the community.Avoid Potential ConflictsTiming Matters: Be mindful of when you give gifts, especially if a real estate transaction is still in progress. Gifts must not be perceived as an attempt to influence decision-making.Transparency: If giving gifts to business partners or colleagues, make sure it’s done transparently and in a manner that doesn’t create an obligation or expectation.Respect Cultural SensitivitiesCultural Awareness: Be mindful of different cultural and religious beliefs, especially during the holiday season. A generic holiday greeting and a non-denominational gift are often best to avoid causing offense.Inclusivity: Consider gifts that are suitable for everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background.Brand Your Gift TastefullySubtle Branding: If you want to brand your gift, do it subtly. A tasteful logo on a useful item like a reusable tote bag or a planner can keep your business top of mind without feeling too salesy.Respect Client PrivacyAddress Preferences: Ensure that any client information you use, such as a home address for gift delivery, is handled with care and confidentiality.Opt-Out Choice: Allow clients to opt out of receiving gifts if they prefer not to participate.

Following these best practices will help you maintain strong, ethical client relationships and uphold the integrity of your real estate practice.

Looking for thoughtful and memorable client gifts this holiday season? Here are some budget-friendly ideas that add a personal touch and show your appreciation in a meaningful way:

Customized Keychain
Create a personalized keychain with your client’s home address or a small engraved message.Locally Made Goods
Support local businesses and show appreciation by gifting a small jar of locally made honey or jam, or a handmade candle. Going local adds a personal touch and connects clients with their community.Home Care Kit
Assemble a simple home care package that includes useful items like mini tools, a stain remover pen, or small packs of plant seeds for spring planting.Seasonal Recipe Card Set
Print a few simple, seasonal recipes on beautiful cardstock and tie them together with a festive ribbon. You can also include a small spice jar relevant to the recipes.Customized Ornament
Give a holiday ornament featuring the year your clients bought their home, or include a simple “happy holidays” message alongside subtle business branding. Hot Cocoa Kit
Put together a DIY hot cocoa kit with mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, and a holiday-themed mug. It’s an affordable, warm, and cozy gift.Subscription Gift
Give a one-month subscription to a streaming service, magazine, or something like a wine-tasting club for a small taste of luxury that fits your budget.Reusable Tote Bag
Have a high-quality, reusable tote bag printed with a stylish design or a local motif for a practical and eco-friendly gift option.Gratitude Journal
Give an affordable gratitude journal or inspirational daily planner to prompt reflection in the new year, showing you care about your clients’ well-being beyond business.

Remember: Responsible Gift Giving Matters

Giving clients gifts during the holidays is a great way to stay in touch and say thank you for their business and referrals, but it’s important to remember this is a business relationship. Follow corporate giving best practices to make sure you’re in compliance and acting in everyone’s best interest.

Know Your Local RegulationsCompliance: Check with your state’s real estate commission and brokerage for specific guidelines or monetary limits on gifts. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest.Disclosure: If necessary, disclose gifts given or received, especially in situations involving other professionals like mortgage lenders or title companies.Set a Modest BudgetAvoid Extravagance: Keep gifts modest and thoughtful rather than expensive or flashy. The goal is to express gratitude and strengthen relationships, not to give gifts that could be seen as an attempt to influence.Consistency: If you’re giving gifts to multiple clients, make sure they’re of similar value to avoid the appearance of favoritism.Make It Personal but ProfessionalTailored to the Client: Choose gifts that are meaningful to the recipient, like something related to their hobbies or interests. For example, a book for an avid reader, or a pet-friendly gift for a dog lover.Avoid Overly Personal Items: Stay clear of gifts that might feel too intimate or inappropriate for a professional relationship.Focus on Experiences and CommunityCommunity-Centric Gifts: Gifts that support local businesses or experiences, like a gift card to a popular neighborhood restaurant, can be thoughtful and reinforce your role as a community expert.Giving Back: Consider making a charitable donation in the client’s name, which not only reflects your values but also contributes positively to the community.Avoid Potential ConflictsTiming Matters: Be mindful of when you give gifts, especially if a real estate transaction is still in progress. Gifts must not be perceived as an attempt to influence decision-making.Transparency: If giving gifts to business partners or colleagues, make sure it’s done transparently and in a manner that doesn’t create an obligation or expectation.Respect Cultural SensitivitiesCultural Awareness: Be mindful of different cultural and religious beliefs, especially during the holiday season. A generic holiday greeting and a non-denominational gift are often best to avoid causing offense.Inclusivity: Consider gifts that are suitable for everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background.Brand Your Gift TastefullySubtle Branding: If you want to brand your gift, do it subtly. A tasteful logo on a useful item like a reusable tote bag or a planner can keep your business top of mind without feeling too salesy.Respect Client PrivacyAddress Preferences: Ensure that any client information you use, such as a home address for gift delivery, is handled with care and confidentiality.Opt-Out Choice: Allow clients to opt out of receiving gifts if they prefer not to participate.

Following these best practices will help you maintain strong, ethical client relationships and uphold the integrity of your real estate practice.

Highlighting sustainable and eco-friendly home features can make a property more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers and add value to the listing. Here's how to spotlight these features effectively: 1. Feature Energy-Efficient Appliances and Systems Emphasize energy-saving elements such as ENERGY STAR® appliances, smart thermostats, and ...

A 1928 brick house in Oshkosh, Wis., a Craftsman-style bungalow from 1925 in Salt Lake City, and a duplex apartment in an 1854 mill building in Wake Forest, N.C.

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Some of the biggest offenders tend to be small appliances like coffee makers and toasters. Designers are creating new ways to maximize space.

Sending personalized closing gifts is an effective way to leave a lasting impression and reinforce your relationship with clients. Thoughtful, customized gifts can make clients feel valued beyond the transaction, potentially leading to future referrals and repeat business. Here are some tips on choosing and personalizing closing gifts that reflect ...

IKEA and Uniqlo join luxury fashion houses in owning, rather than leasing, huge retail spaces on the strip. Developers are cashing in.

The reputation of the iconic New York City thoroughfare began with a competition to build lavish mansions that came crashing down with the advent of luxury apartment buildings.

Tokyo's suburbs offer a mix of residential charm, green spaces, and easy access to the vibrant city center. Each suburb has unique characteristics, attracting families, expats, and anyone seeking a quieter lifestyle with urban convenience. Here are some notable suburbs of Tokyo: 1. Setagaya Overview: One of Tokyo's largest and most popular resident...

A midcentury A-frame house in Palm Springs, a three-bedroom home overlooking Lake Arrowhead, and a hilltop six-bedroom estate in Santa Rosa.

After an emergency evacuation put them into limbo, tenants of a New York building are still awaiting a court decision that might help them recover their past lives.