Looking for a quick catch-up on the buzziest stories of the week? Here’s Inman Top 5, the most essential stories, according to Inman readers.

Aaroe, who founded John Aaroe & Associates and the John Aaroe Group, was known as a cherished mentor and guiding light to Southern California agents. He passed away at the age of 73 on Tuesday.

Brad Inman remembers Beverly Hills real estate leader John Aaroe, his personal friend and professional confidant, who died this week.

Existing home sales were up 0.5 percent month over month in November. But NAR's Lawrence Yun also said "homeowners are in no rush to list their properties."

A growing number of home renovation and interior design platforms are rolling out A.I.-enabled imaging tools capable of redesigning rooms in an instant.

In the mountains of northeast Italy, buyers can find a city duplex penthouse, an amenity-packed designer apartment, and a renovated mountain chalet.

Some interior designers have convinced their wealthiest clients that this artifact from the ’70s is worth another look.

The next era of real estate won't be won by whoever displays homes best, Molly McKinley writes. It will be won by whoever understands buyer intent most deeply.

Google remains the place consumers verify credibility, research agents and confirm trust before making contact for the first time, Jimmy Burgess writes.

Negotiating at the highest level is not about tactics alone, Mauricio Umansky writes. It is about psychology, patience and emotional discipline.

Fair Isaac's Mortgage Direct License Program is aimed at eliminating mark-ups charged by credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — backers of competing VantageScore.

Real estate technology is making investing more accessible than ever, Amanda Neely writes. Yet, without proper financial education, many investors risk mistaking ease of entry for smart wealth building.

Real estate attorney and new contributor Brett Stack says these six red flags should cause co-op and condo agents to hit the brakes for further review on transactions in the Big Apple.

Boston is a city where the past is not tucked away in museums but woven directly into daily life. Brick sidewalks, gas lanterns, and centuries-old row houses exist alongside modern condos and thriving business districts. For homeowners, this blend of history and progress creates a unique experience that influences everything from property values to...

Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden are asking the DoJ and FTC to "thoroughly investigate" the pending deal, which they claim would "entrench existing antitrust and price manipulation concerns that have been at the center of mounting litigation."

Unlisted founder Katie Hill believes off-market is the solution to real estate's long-standing inventory problems. But her idea has been tried before.

In some cities, trading down can save hundreds of thousands of dollars. But in others, it could actually cost you money.

Zillow reports that, despite an unusually active fall market this year, the housing market has finally settled into a slower pace for winter and returned to seasonal norms.

After a long stint in Europe, a Texas couple brought their two young daughters home and searched for a house in a good school district with room for grandparents and friends.

The interior designer keeps things casual in her 1900s cottage, with a corduroy sofa, oversize TV cabinet and Art Deco-inspired molding.