A 19th-century farmhouse in Fayetteville, a Spanish-style house in SeaTac and a rowhouse in Washington.

Tree pits — those tiny patches of land beloved by dogs — have become unexpected canvases for some of the city’s most creative (and comedic) street art.

The average agent in the United States makes far less than the moneyed salespeople you see on reality TV. But a rare few have won the cutthroat game of real estate in real life.

With more than $173 million lost in real estate-related cyberattacks in 2024, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great time to remind real estate agents about the steps they can take to protect their sensitive information. 

The real estate industry is a goldmine for hackers, due to the amount of personal information that’s included on contracts, bank wiring details, and the large sums of money that are transferred between parties every day. Real estate agents can shield themselves from cyberattacks by taking a few simple steps. These include creating different passwords for all of their accounts, setting up multi-factor authentication, and educating themselves and their team members about cybersecurity and hackers’ latest tactics. Ultimately, cybersecurity isn’t a one-time thing, but habits and actions that must be practiced daily.

More than $173 million was lost in real estate-related cyberattacks in 2024, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Report. Such a figure should keep real estate agents on their toes all year long, but during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, there’s no better time to remind agents how crucial it is to protect their information.

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month has grown in importance, so has the need for strong online protection practices. The October observance began in 2004 as a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance to promote simple personal computer security tips. Today, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a global campaign designed to raise awareness and address online threats and risks.  

Businesses in every industry must do everything they can to safeguard their digital data from cybercriminals, and real estate is no exception. The large amount of personal information — social security numbers, names and contact information, bank and wire transfer details, and of course, money — involved in every transaction makes real estate attractive to cybercriminals who are waiting to pounce on the first opening they spot.

Understanding key economic factors is crucial for real estate agents to provide accurate advice, anticipate market shifts, and successfully close deals. This document outlines essential economic indicators and their impact on the real estate market, offering practical tips for agents. Understanding Key Economic Indicators Several economic indicator...

Jamie Lenore McKillop turned her bathroom into a sanctuary with ceramic blue tiles, a refinished vanity and a tray table made for bathtub movie watching.

Rent-stabilized apartments offer a more affordable solution but are more likely than others to have poor conditions, creating an uncomfortable choice.

Becoming a successful real estate agent requires a specific set of qualifications, skills, and ongoing commitment to professional development. This document outlines the essential requirements and desirable attributes for individuals aspiring to excel in the real estate industry. Licensing Requirements The fundamental qualification for any real est...

An Arts and Crafts-style house in Los Angeles, a wood house with a cottage in Big Sur and a midcentury modern home in Ojai.

Dimitrios Petsas never once considered living north of Bleecker Street, let alone outside of the city — until a tiny, furry creature came along.

Ventfort Hall, an 1893 mansion built for J.P. Morgan’s sister, was in disrepair. The living and the dead teamed up to save it.

At Arizona State University, residents pay about $500,000 in entrance fees to live on campus and take classes alongside undergraduates.

Mentorship is an invaluable asset for any real estate agent, especially those new to the industry or looking to expand their expertise. A good mentor can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer insights that are difficult to gain through formal training alone. Benefits of MentorshipAccelerated Learning: Gain practical knowledge and learn bes...

Designed to be the crown jewel of Billionaires’ Row in New York City, the supertall tower at 432 Park Avenue is now facing serious problems. Stefanos Chen, a reporter for The New York Times’s Metro section, describes why the decade-old condo skyscraper is likely to need a nine-figure renovation. What went wrong?

Landlords who require renters to use an electronic payment system are breaking the law.

Known for her roles in film, the actress built a second act off-screen, turning the homes she renovated into another stage.

The US real estate market continues to be dynamic, with several regions experiencing significant growth and demand. Understanding these hot markets can be crucial for investors, buyers, and sellers. This document outlines some of the top-performing areas, key factors driving their growth, and what to consider when entering these markets. Key Market...

An apartment in a historic villa, a renovated farmhouse south of the city center and a maisonette near the Arno River.

After the death of her husband, Richard Cohen, last year the broadcast journalist has decided to move on from her El Dorado pied-à-terre.

Building a robust referral network is crucial for sustained success as a real estate agent. This document outlines strategies and best practices for cultivating relationships that lead to consistent client referrals. I. Foundations of a Strong Referral NetworkA. Provide Exceptional Service Your reputation is your greatest asset. Consistently delive...