The Alabama Association of Realtors is calling out for change in national membership models. (Image created by AI in Midjourney.) The Alabama Association of Realtors (AAR) turned heads last week when it sent a letter to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and asked for greater flexibility in allowing members to decide which levels of Realtor associations they would like to join. But according to...

Negative depictions of Americans ages 50 and older have lessened over a five-year period, with negative sentiment in online media and marketing images dropping from 28% in 2018 to 10% in 2023, according to research published this week by senior advocacy organization AARP. “The 50-plus population is pictured as more active and independent, less fearful, and more likely to use technology, reflecting a...

The share of single-family homes sold to investors peaked at nearly 30% at the start of this year, but these types of transactions dropped significantly in the ensuing six months, according to a CoreLogic report released Wednesday. Investor purchases began to decline in March 2024 and by June represented 23.4% of all U.S. home sales. That was the lowest share in two years, CoreLogic economist Thomas...

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced on Wednesday it has changed its proposal to amend the Suspended Counterparty Program (SCP), offering a less severe version after several trade groups raised concerns about its impacts on the mortgage market.  The SCP, established in June 2012 during the Obama administration, requires that entities report to FHFA if an individual or institution they do...

Showing off luxury homes that cost millions of dollars to build is quite the process. Every detail has to be on point, ensuring that the quality materials and high-end finishes are beautifully complemented by just the right decor choices, for maximum impact. The goal is pretty clear — to showcase the property in the best possible light, and to make it easier for the would-be buyers to imagine...

Landscape designer Christian Douglas's new book is packed with ideas for beautifully growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit all over your yard. Sasha Gulish As popular as edible gardens may be these days, they still tend to be thought of as distinct from the rest of the yard. California-based landscape designer Christian Douglas has other ideas: "What if we embraced vegetables, fruits, herbs, and...

These days, the driveway is where friends and neighbors meet for lively conversation and fun. Experts share their best tips for throwing a party on the pavement. David Tsay Search “What is a driveway social?” and not much comes up. But the truth is, driveway socials have been around for a few years. “During the pandemic, driveways were a common place to gather and enjoy each other’s...

Aloe vera works just as well to get you beautiful arrangements—without hurting the planet. BHG / Alicia Long Beautiful floral arrangements aren't always friendly to the very nature you're looking to add to your space. Floral foam—those green blocks used to hold blooms in place—is single-use and contains a lot of plastic, leading bouquet lovers to look for eco-friendly alternatives. The most...

Find out why jalapenos turn red, and if red jalapeños are hotter. Barbara Rich / Getty Images Did you know those bright green jalapeño peppers at the grocery store are not completely ripe? Like bell peppers, jalapeños develop more color as they ripen, turning from green to red as they mature. Some jalapeño varieties may ripen into shades of purple or yellow too. But are red jalapeños hotter...

They’re all under $20. Better Homes & Gardens / Madison Woiten Candles are the greatest way to make your house smell amazing—even if you don't have time to bake a yummy fall recipe. Even unscented candles can create a cozy atmosphere ideal for movie nights, reading a great book on a rainy day off, or having friends over for a fall cocktail (or two). Better Homes & Gardens has teamed...