As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, leaders play a pivotal role in determining whether it becomes a valuable ally or a potential adversary, and proactive engagement is crucial in this process. Ethical considerations, defining human roles and crafting cultural and policy responses are key aspects that leaders must address. A collaborative and inclusive approach involving executive teams and employees is essential for successfully integrating AI into the organizational framework.

Mortgage rate forecasts anticipate rates staying below seven percent in 2024, potentially decreasing further. The rate pullback benefits homebuyers but may heighten competition and drive price increases. Market unpredictability, influenced by factors like inflation and economic growth, complicates precise predictions. Essential advice for borrowers involves improving credit scores, saving for a down payment and understanding debt-to-income ratios.

Spending time coaching his kids' sports teams taught Mark Steffe, president and CEO of First Command Financial Services Inc., how best to coach his employees, especially when facing challenges. "If you have people who aren't performing to their fullest, don't just tell them to do better; roll up your sleeves and work with them to help them understand how to do better," Steffe says. This type of hands-on approach fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Despite cooling in late 2023 due to factors like high prices and elevated mortgage rates, real estate investor activity remains above pre-pandemic levels. The investor market share declined from February to August but increased year-over-year in September, reaching 10.8% of homes. Although showing a decline of 32.9% year-to-date in September, investor purchases stayed higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating resilience amid market fluctuations.