Real estate is changing fast, and so must you. Inman Connect San Diego is where you turn uncertainty into strategy — with real talk, real tools and the connections that matter. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the game, this is where you need to be. Register now!

It’s easy to say the American dream of homeownership is alive and well. It’s much harder to prove it when mortgage rates hover around 7 percent, the industry is being challenged in courtrooms, inventory is tight, and headlines keep seesawing from economic panic to political chaos. 

Despite all of it, however, people still want one thing: a place to call home.

Maybe a brief history lesson of the past five years is instructive here:

• 2020: COVID market standstill turns into the Wild West of high-demand relocation trends
• 2021: COVID still holding on, accompanied by record-low rates and ongoing high demand, resulting in …
• 2022: Record low inventory accompanied by the beginning of rising interest rates
• 2023: A second year of low inventory, high interest rates and a verdict in the Sitzer | Burnett commission lawsuit
• 2024: The National Association of Realtors reaches a settlement in the commission lawsuits as agents continue to struggle to find listings, and the lack of affordability has a chilling effect on buyers

This year feels different — because it is different

There’s more noise than ever. From interest rates and off-market inventory to global unrest, AI disruption, immigration and deportation policies, warfare, and yes, even Cybertrucks, the very idea of “stability” feels out of reach. Brokers sue each other, NAR and, now, the portals. 

And yet, buyers still show up. Sellers still hope. Families still dream.

If anything, the chaos of this year makes that dream — the one rooted in homeownership — even more meaningful.

“This part of my life … this little part … is called happiness.” — Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

That quote, delivered quietly by Will Smith’s character after securing a job that changes his family’s future, still stops me in my tracks. Not because of the paycheck, but because of what that financial lifeline represents: a future. Stability. Dignity. A home.

The Pursuit of Happyness may not be a movie about real estate, but it’s absolutely a story about home. Gardner isn’t chasing wealth. He’s chasing a life where his son can sleep safely in his own room, under his own roof. It’s what every parent — every person — truly wants.

That’s what makes our work as real estate professionals more important than ever in 2025. We’re not just selling homes. We’re guiding people through uncertainty. We’re standing in the gap between fear and freedom.

This year’s Fourth of July is about more than backyard BBQs and fireworks. It’s a moment to ask: What does freedom mean now?

• Maybe it’s the freedom to plant roots
• To build equity
• To host family dinners
• To wave to a neighbor from the porch
• To say, “This is mine. I built this”

Homeownership isn’t just a transaction — it’s a transformation.

And while the path to home might feel harder this year — for first-time buyers, for international buyers, for working families — that only makes the pursuit more sacred. Just like Chris Gardner’s journey, it’s in the struggle that the meaning is made.

So, as we reflect on the American dream this July Fourth, let’s remember:

• The dream isn’t dead. It’s evolving.
• The dream isn’t easy. It never was.
• The dream still matters. Maybe more than ever.

Because in a world filled with noise, uncertainty and disruption, a home still offers the one thing people crave most: A place to belong.

Do your part to keep the dream alive

I know it feels like we’re all helpless, but as real estate professionals, we’re uniquely positioned to make a difference in our communities and in the lives of the buyers and sellers we serve. The only antidote to despair is action, as Joan Baez memorably said.

Here’s how you can help right now:

1. Become hyper-focused on your clients and exceptionally informed about your community. Look at market and pricing trends, and identify up-and-coming neighborhoods where bargains are becoming available.
2. Create content that’s educational and informative so that buyers and sellers have the resources they need to make better decisions. Create blogs, videos and social media posts about affordability, financing, specific niches and value-added services that make a difference for clients.
3. Take back the search, and develop your own online ecosystem. That way, you can display your properties and share them from your own digital platform.
4. Get back to basics. Pick up the phone and have conversations. Meet for coffee. At the end of the day, this is a relationship-based business, and there are a lot of people who need to buy and sell. Be there for them.
5. Get involved in your community, whether it’s drumming up support for your local library or joining groups that are focused on affordable housing initiatives. 

In my case, sitting on the board of directors for Boys and Girls Clubs is my way of giving back and helping to build the future I want to see. Making sure that the youth and families we serve understand their legal rights and know that their kids have a safe place to grow helps spark joy and hope in an increasingly uncertain world.

Don’t agree with the direction we’re headed, either locally or nationally? Reach out to your legislative representatives and express your concerns. It’s time that we, as Americans, stop navel-gazing and start looking upward and outward. It’s not just about me and mine. It’s about we and ours. Let’s get started.

Real estate is changing fast, and so must you. Inman Connect San Diego is where you turn uncertainty into strategy — with real talk, real tools and the connections that matter. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the game, this is where you need to be. Register now!

In another setback for veterans facing steep mortgage pain, the Veterans Administration has ended its Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program (VASP), a move that may affect tens of thousands of struggling veterans in an already stressed economy. Many veterans who hold a VA loan are disabled, seniors or a combination of both.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2023, there were 8.1 million veterans aged 65 and older in the United States, representing approximately 49 percent of the total veteran population. Additionally, 5.2 million veterans had a service-connected disability, which is roughly 30 percent of all veterans.

So far, VASP estimates that it has helped veterans save about 20,000 homes. The ending of this program comes at a time when analytics firm Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) reports that about 90,000 veterans are behind on their mortgage payments. Of those 90,000, 33,000 are at risk of foreclosure.

Alys Cohen, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, commented, saying: 

“The cancellation of the VASP mortgage assistance program for veteran borrowers puts tens of thousands of veterans and their families with VA home loans at great risk of losing their homes,” said “The VA Home Loan Program is a benefit that veterans have earned through service and sacrifice — it is meant to give them housing stability they deserve.”

Why was the program cut?

• Focus on core mission: The VA stated that the decision to end VASP reflects a need to focus on its core mission, which is the VA home loan guaranty. They believe they are not structured to act as a mortgage loan restructuring service.
• Taxpayer money concerns: Some Republicans in Congress have expressed concern that the VASP program put too much taxpayer money at risk, as the VA bought up troubled loans and held them on its own books. They worry about the potential cost of the program, with VA Secretary Doug Collins stating it would cost “multiple billions of dollars” going forward.

The VA did say they are committed to helping veterans with their mortgage issues, but only offered details of the “Wind Down” in a somewhat complex release in April.

What actions can you take?

Here’s what veterans should do now: If you’re in VASP, keep up with your loan servicer. If not, explore alternatives, such as repayment plans, forbearance or loan modification. And don’t wait: Foreclosure rates are rising, especially among VA‑backed home loans. 

Contact the foreclosure attorney and your local representatives to see if they can help delay or postpone the foreclosure on your behalf. 

Hot tip: We have linked the “buyers” guide from the VA for research for agents. Make sure that your new clients or return VA clients are working with a trusted VA mortgage provider to help navigate through the process so that they have the best experience possible. 

Resources you need:

On a personal advocacy level, you can reach out to your state and federal representatives to let them know how this impacts homeownership and the lives of our veterans, as well as your commitment, as a Realtor, to helping individuals become and stay homeowners. 

Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

July is Luxury Month at Inman. We’ll take the temperature of the luxury market, talk to top producers in the ultra-luxury space and dive into the luxe trends of today — all culminating at Luxury Connect in San Diego, where we’ll announce this year’s Golden I Club honorees.

Summer is peak season for staging. Buyers are craving light, energy and a sense of freedom. But most sellers do not have the budget to transform their space into a beachfront dream.

I sat down with Samantha Senia, CEO, and Nicole Senia, sales manager, of Elite Home Staging, the Los Angeles-based firm to uncover seven smart and cost-effective ways to capture summer’s relaxed luxury without breaking the bank.

7 Elite staging secrets

1. Use a neutral, organic color palette

According to Nicole, “Less drama, more dopamine. That’s the move for summer staging.” Elite Home Staging consistently uses soft whites, beiges and warm greys to create a calming foundation that appeals to a wide range of buyers.

Organic textures like linen, rattan and raw wood add visual interest and tactile appeal, giving each room dimension without overcrowding it with accessories. The result is a backdrop that is both elegant and easy to connect with.

2. Introduce trees to highlight indoor-outdoor living

To emphasize the connection between the home and its surroundings, Elite frequently incorporates potted trees near windows and patio doors. Samantha explains, “We want people to literally breathe the summer in.”

Adding an olive tree or a fiddle leaf fig introduces height and movement while reinforcing the seamless flow between inside and out. It is a subtle shift that makes a powerful visual statement.

3. Embrace summer minimalism

Summer naturally invites simplicity. People are traveling, decluttering and spending more time outdoors. Nicole puts it clearly: “Summers are about less. Let that guide your staging.”

Elite leans into this seasonal instinct by removing excess furniture, rolling up heavy rugs and letting rooms breathe. This minimalist style helps buyers imagine themselves relaxing and enjoying the space, free from distractions.

4. Layer fragrance throughout the home

A home’s scent has a direct impact on how people feel inside it. Elite Home Staging incorporates light, refreshing fragrances in key areas. Diffusers with citrus notes are placed near the entry. Herbal scents like basil or rosemary are used in the kitchen, and soft linen sprays go in the bedrooms.

Samantha notes, “Buyers remember more than they realize.” A strategically chosen scent can tap into deep emotional associations, making a property far more memorable.

5. Create a ‘spritz station’ to spark imagination

One of Elite’s favorite features is a summer mocktail station set up on a bar cart. This includes glassware, bottles and fresh herbs such as mint, basil and rosemary. The setup suggests summer entertaining and encourages buyers to envision relaxed evenings at home.

Nicole says, “It sparks imagination and photographs beautifully.” It is both practical and aspirational, making it a powerful tool in the staging playbook.

6. Add faux citrus for a bright, fresh vibe

Ceramic or plastic lemons and limes are a budget-friendly way to energize a space. Samantha explains, “They pop on counters and feel fresh, but do not spoil.” These props bring in a bright visual cue that suggests summer without adding perishable elements that need constant replacement. A bowl of citrus on the kitchen island or dining table adds life to the room in an instant.

7. Incorporate fresh greens and eucalyptus

Fresh cut greenery provides texture, movement and a touch of nature that elevates even the simplest space. Nicole explains, “Greens speak to wellness and ease — exactly what summer buyers want.”

Elite often uses eucalyptus, which adds both scent and visual elegance, along with other fresh greens that can be picked up at local markets for very little cost. Placing them in clear vases creates a clean and organic look.

Bonus tip: Use outdoor rugs to define living zones

Outdoor spaces matter more in summer, and Elite uses layered rugs to define zones and create a sense of order. Even in a sparsely furnished patio, a couple of well-placed jute rugs can signal where a buyer might host friends or relax with a book. These rugs are inexpensive but create a strong visual structure and a feeling of comfort.

Why these strategies work

These methods are simple, scalable and emotionally intelligent. They appeal to the senses, not just the eyes. They allow buyers to imagine their own lives unfolding in the space. And, most importantly, they do it without requiring a massive staging budget.

According to Samantha, “We’re staging emotions, not just furniture. If you sell the feeling of summer, everything else follows.” Nicole adds, “People don’t buy a home. They buy a season in a space. Make that season summer.”

Summery playbook

Samantha and Nicole Senia have refined summer staging into a disciplined art form that leverages both psychology and design. Their work proves that high-impact staging does not require high-end spending. It requires intent, restraint and an understanding of what today’s buyers want: simplicity, possibility and a touch of summer magic.

Real estate is changing fast, and so must you. Inman Connect San Diego is where you turn uncertainty into strategy — with real talk, real tools and the connections that matter. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the game, this is where you need to be. Register now!

Look, sometimes this market, this business, even, can mess with your head. One minute, you’re riding high on multiple offers. The next, you’re refreshing your CRM like it owes you money. Add in economic uncertainty, client curveballs and an inbox full of “just checking ins,” and you’ve got a recipe for burnout with a side of self-doubt.

That’s where your most underrated (and underutilized) business tool comes in: humor.

Not sarcasm. Not fake-it-‘til-you-make-it platitudes. I’m talking about real, gut-level, perspective-resetting, endorphin-releasing laughter. The kind that reminds you you’re human, your clients are human, and not every obstacle requires an Advil and a spreadsheet.

If I sound passionate about this, it’s because I am. Before I ever became a real estate coach or speaker, I trained as a professional actor and stand-up comic. I’ve spent decades studying the science of smiling, humor and human connection — not just because it’s fun, but because it’s healing. It works.

In fact, I wrote a whole book on it: How to Design a Life Worth Smiling About. Because I truly believe that a life worth smiling about starts with choosing to find joy — even in the chaos. Especially in the chaos.

So, let’s talk about how humor isn’t just a mood booster — it’s a business booster, especially when the market gets lean.

Humor is stress relief with a punchline

Real estate is a roller coaster — and not the fun kind with cotton candy at the end. It’s more like the rickety wooden one that makes your knees buckle and your lunch questionable. Humor is what helps you hang on. It lowers cortisol, resets your nervous system, and creates space between you and your stress. That space? That’s where your best thinking lives.

Happy agents = magnetic agents

No one wants to work with an agent who’s wound tighter than a listing agreement. Your energy sets the tone for your client’s experience — and humor makes you relatable, trustworthy, and unforgettable. It helps people feel safe, even in the middle of a bidding war or a blown appraisal.

It’s the best icebreaker (and business-saver)

Whether you’re meeting a new client, calming a nervous seller or navigating the awkward “Why is there a stuffed raccoon in this living room?” moment — humor is your best bet. It’s disarming. It’s real. And it builds trust faster than any scripted pitch ever will.

Laughter fights burnout (and wins)

Let’s talk numbers: 89 percent of workers reported burnout in the past year. Agents? We’re probably at 110 percent. This business will chew up your enthusiasm if you’re not actively protecting it. Laughing isn’t frivolous — it’s fuel. It’s how you stay in the game without losing your mind.

Perspective is everything

When a transaction falls through or your buyer ghosts you for the fifth time, it’s easy to spiral. Humor helps you zoom out. It keeps you from making it personal, keeps you grounded and reminds you that this moment — no matter how frustrating — isn’t forever.

Humor is a communication superpower

Tension during negotiations? Humor helps you redirect it. Clients second-guessing your advice? A little levity can help them breathe. Used with care (and always appropriately), humor shows leadership, humanity, and confidence. It’s what turns you from “just another agent” into their agent.

Laughing unlocks creative problem-solving

Humor and creativity live in the same part of the brain. When you’re laughing, you’re accessing more innovative thinking. That next-level listing strategy? That “why didn’t I think of that sooner” solution? It’s probably waiting on the other side of a good laugh.

So, how do you stay funny when nothing’s funny?

Good question. Here’s how I coach agents through it:

1. Reconnect with your WHY: You didn’t get into this business to be stressed 24/7. Whether it was to help people, build wealth or prove something to yourself — get back in touch with that mission.
2. Collect the comedy: Keep a “laugh file.” Funny showing stories. Awkward listing moments. Bizarre client questions. Share them with your team. Your future self will thank you.
3. Take yourself a little less seriously: Yes, this is serious work — but you’re allowed to smile through it. When you drop the keys, forget a lockbox code or trip over a welcome mat … laugh. Clients won’t remember the fumble — they’ll remember how you handled it.
4. Create a fun-first culture: Whether it’s your team, your brokerage or your social feed — surround yourself with people (and posts) that bring joy. Positivity is a business asset. Make sure you’ve got plenty of it.

The punchline

When I say, “design a life worth smiling about,” I don’t mean slap on a fake grin and power through. I mean, choose joy where you can. Choosing to be the kind of person who lightens a room — not just with expertise, but with empathy and a little humor, too.

This market is tough. Clients are on edge. Your energy, your presence and your ability to find the funny matters.

So go ahead — crack an (appropriate) joke. Share the story. Let the smile show up in your conversations. Because when the market gets lean, the agents who keep laughing? They’re the ones who stay standing.