From providing insights into market data, automating daily tasks, and even managing properties and showings, AI is transforming real estate. According to Morgan Stanley research, these AI innovations “could lead to $34 billion in efficiency gains” in the industry by 2030. For agents with forward-thinking business and growth plans, this is great news.

AI assistance can help agents. It cuts costs and boosts productivity in ways that can be truly life-changing. But some may fear that AI is more than a tool to leverage — that it’s competition for agents. They may mistakenly believe AI has the potential to replace agents altogether. But with the integration of AI across multiple industries, one thing remains an inarguable truth: There’s power in a human fiduciary.

Being a successful real estate agent is about connection and community, and these factors are now more important than ever. In his newest book, Rookie Real Estate Agent: Launch a Limitless Career That Lasts, Jay Papasan shows just how irreplicable a real, live agent is — especially in times of mass digital integration. An agent who is willing to master their skills and become a true fiduciary can future-proof their career in real estate.  And Rookie will show you how to do just that.

Human Connection — The Shining Star in a World of AI

While AI offers efficiency and streamlines our systems, human connection is what bridges the gap between getting the job done and creating clients for life.

You can’t force AI to learn emotional intelligence, even though some platforms can demonstrate very human-like tendencies. AI can’t live a similar life to your client, share their interests and values, or hold their hand through the highs and lows of navigating a transaction.

The Kansas-born aviator was a heroine of the Midwest in her day. But her legend was forged in Midtown Manhattan.

A rustic cabin in Sycamore Canyon, a converted 1900s house in San Francisco’s Mission District and a private retreat in Sonoma County.

Fitting into a small home means clever transformations, custom storage solutions, and often, bright pops of color. These homes do it all.

Micia Mosely founded a group to support Black teachers transforming schools across the country. She also tells a joke or two.

Marko Banic first met NBA legend Kobe Bryant when he was playing for Croatia’s national team. Now he’s dedicating his new real estate project to the former Laker.

The rights of shareholders to transfer their shares vary from building to building. The answer lies in the co-op’s governing documents.

While the wealthy in the past favored more precious materials, pewter is making its way into high-end design studios and boutiques.

After more than 20 years in Austin, Texas, Mega Agent Camp found a warm and welcoming home-away-from-home just down the road in San Antonio. Located along the city’s picturesque River Walk, the Henry B. González Convention Center proved an ideal venue for Keller Williams’ signature learning event.

While KW’s annual Family Reunion offers presentations and breakouts on topics of interest for nearly every role in real estate, MAC targets agent education and training. Main stage conversations with top-producing agents home in on specific strategies for success in the current market, while speaker presentations and keynotes address a trending topic through the lens of real estate, such as this year’s focus on AI and branding. Add in a buzzing exhibit hall with happy hours, book signings, tech demos, and vendor booths, and you have a prime environment for learning and networking.

We like to think every MAC is better than the next, but agents say it best. Read on to hear why one attendee called MAC25 “the absolute best Mega Agent Camp I’ve been to!”

The Opening Act: Market Update

In typical KW style, Tomar and the FCs brought live music and soul to the opening of General Session, where agents were dancing in the aisles by 8 a.m. Tuesday morning. The crowd stayed on their feet to welcome Gary Keller for one of MAC’s most anticipated sessions, the Market Update. Joined by VP of Strategic Content Jay Papasan, KW Head of Industry and Learning Jason Abrams, and Chief Economist Ruben Gonzalez, Gary led with the topic on everyone’s mind: the state of the U.S. economy. The takeaway? While the U.S. economy isn’t in a recession, Gary said, the real estate industry is (and has been).

The conversation focused on the Federal Reserve’s ongoing need to balance unemployment with inflation trends, with Ruben noting that “the policy you enact for one versus the other are opposites.” With employment slowing and inflation growing, the U.S. economy is in a state of “stagflation.” The bottom line, Gary said, is that shifts happen, but there’s still enough business for motivated real estate agents to get their “unfair share.”

Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, offers waterfront homes with pools and guesthouses.

Jason Ballard, an entrepreneur who once thought he would be a preacher, believes 3-D printing is the solution to fill the affordable housing gap in the United States.

With five sons between the ages of 2 and 10, a couple needed to size up in Lancaster County. But they knew that anything they could afford would need a lot of work.

This week’s properties are in Chelsea, Yorkville and Crown Heights.

This week’s properties are a five-bedroom in Dix Hills and a three-bedroom in Hillsdale.

The number of millionaire renters in the United States more than tripled between 2019 and 2023.

A former schoolhouse in Canaan, a semidetached house in Columbus and a wood-frame house in Louisville.

Tending to a garden provides a lifelong education in science and wonder, if you get in the dirt and look closely.

Keller Williams Realty, LLC (KW), the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count, announces Alexia “Lexie” Rodriguez, CEO of KW Cares®, a 501(c)(3) public charity created to support the KW community and their families, has been recognized as a 2025 HousingWire Vanguard Award winner.

“Lexie’s leadership has continued to elevate KW Cares into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations across all industries,” said Chris Czarnecki, CEO and president, KW. “She has ensured KW-affiliated associates and their families have meaningful support when it matters most.”

The 2025 Vanguards were chosen by HousingWire’s editorial team in collaboration with a panel of respected industry professionals. Winners were selected for their contributions to guide their organizations through market headwinds while delivering transformative results. 

 “The 2025 HousingWire Vanguards exemplify what it means to lead with vision and resilience,” said Sarah Wheeler, Editor-in-Chief, HousingWire. 

Over the past year, Rodriguez has continued to transform KW Cares with forward-thinking initiatives, including the establishment of a $14 million Reserve Investment Fund. Her leadership drove a 10% increase in market centers meeting tithing goals, strengthening the foundation’s capacity to serve. 

The scion of a New York family of builders, he rescued the Fontainebleau hotel from bankruptcy, spurring a real estate boom.

A couple of architects liked their rowhouse so much that they transformed it two different times to suit their evolving needs.