More buyers are teaming up with friends or relatives to split the down payment, mortgage and other homeownership costs, making it easier to buy in today’s affordability-challenged market.

Foreclosed homes sold for a median 27.2% below their estimated value, giving cost-conscious buyers another option as listings reached a six-year high, Realtor.com reported. Economists said the increase reflects a return to more normal market conditions, not a housing crisis.

Artificial intelligence and home automation are reshaping how homes function, from keyless entry and smarter kitchens to lighting, climate control, sleep tracking and bathroom health features that respond more directly to daily routines.

As real estate teams expand, clearer systems, stronger accountability and more intentional leadership are helping them manage growth without losing consistency.