Imagine a home that anticipates your needs, adjusts to your preferences and helps you live a healthier life. That's the future of smart homes! With advancements in AI, 5G and renewable energy, these homes are becoming more connected, efficient and personalized than ever before. From voice control to health monitoring, smart homes are transforming the way we live. Are we on the cusp of a future where our homes are not just places to live but partners in our daily lives?

Mortgage rates rose slightly during the last week of September, but refinancing activity is still booming. Many homeowners with higher rates can benefit from refinancing to today's lower rates. Home purchase applications are also on the rise as more buyers enter the market. However, some are waiting for rates to drop further. Overall, the housing market is showing signs of improvement, with increasing inventories and better affordability.

Managers seeking to improve their team's engagement and motivation should consider adopting a coaching approach. By actively listening, choosing your words carefully, building trust, addressing difficult conversations, reflecting on your interactions and considering the use of AI, managers can create a positive and productive work environment that fosters employee engagement and success.

Home prices will likely remain relatively stable even though more homes are for sale and mortgage rates are falling. This is because there are more people who want to buy a home, and the number of homes for sale is increasing slowly. So, it's a waiting game to see if prices go up or down. However, experts predict prices won't change dramatically in the near future, with a slight upward trend possible as more buyers enter the market.