Our Top 10 Most-Read Articles of December: Renovation benefits, Top housing markets, AI fairness

Happy New Year! Before we dive fully into a new year, let's take a look at the month and year that just passed. As our regular readers likely know, each month we publish a list of our most read articles. But every December, we go one step further and count down our 10 most popular articles of the year. You can see the full list of our best articles of 2023 here.

Below is our final monthly list of articles from 2023. Check out what your fellow agents and brokers were reading during the final days of the year just passed.

1. Buyers Don't Know How Much Time Their Agent Spent on Their Transaction: Survey
A recent research project by WAV Group analyzed responses from more than 300 buyers, asking them whether their agent fully earned their commission and what they felt were the most valuable parts of the process. Here's a sampling of what was uncovered.

2. How Critical Will It Be to Renovate Before Selling In 2024?
When a homeowner gets ready to sell, one of the biggest considerations is understanding what price they might reasonably attract for what's likely their largest investment. Depending on how well the home has been maintained or whether it's been upgraded, they might learn that they could capture significantly more profit with a few renovations. Here's a closer look at NAR's most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, which showcases how important a move-in-ready home can be in certain markets.

3. Mastering Instagram: Best practices for real estate agents
Let's explore Instagram best practices, providing you with valuable insights and strategies to elevate your online presence and expand your network. Whether you're new to the platform or looking to enhance your existing Instagram strategy, this guide will help you leverage the full potential of this dynamic social media channel.

4. The Top Housing Markets of 2024, Per Realtor.com
Home affordability has become a big problem in 2023, as buyers have grappled with high mortgage rates, high sales prices, and low inventory. There could be some relief around the corner, according to new data from Realtor.com; the company released its forecasted list of the top housing markets in the country that are "poised to see the strongest combined increase in home sales and listing prices in the coming year." In other words, they're good places to be working in real estate!

5. The Role of Agents in Pre-Sale Renovations: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities
The emergence of pre-sale renovation firms in the last few years has given homeowners ready to sell a better way to sell a home. While a pre-sale renovation may not suit every client, more often than not, it ensures homeowners receive top dollar for their property. This also allows agents to take home higher commissions. Let's explore the role of agents in pre-sale renovation and the key benefits this innovative service provides to sellers and their agents.

6. Your Most Critical Task for 2024: Setting Up a Referral Program for Past Listing Clients
The real estate market in 2023 was a challenging one for agents, with fewer transactions taking place, higher mortgage interest rates, and low inventory. Moving into 2024, many agents have the nebulous goal of landing more listings. And there's one tactic that works better than any other when it comes to increasing seller leads: A referral program.

7. The Future for Real Estate Professionals: 8 Ways to Stay Ahead
While we can't take a sneak peek into a crystal ball to see the future of the average real estate professional, it's no surprise there's a lot changing in — and around — the industry. Instead of playing guessing games, we're breaking down the top best practices you can expect to leverage as we move into the future.

8. 4 Ways to Maximize Your Downtime Over the Holidays
As the end of the year approaches, real estate professionals typically experience a downturn in activity. Instead of looking at this time as a slump, consider using it as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful new year. Here are four ways to maximize your downtime to ensure you're ready to go in 2024!

9. Real AI: AI fairness is a huge hurdle, AI can't count, fast facts, top headlines and Quote of the Week
Of all the obstacles AI faces to continue its rocket-speed integration into our lives, the largest one it will need to overcome is fairness. In 2023, "responsible AI" became a buzzword we advised clients early on to embrace. In 2024, we will be adding another word – responsible and fair AI.

10. Pricing It Right: How Agents Can Show Value to Home Sellers Through CMAs
The numbers don't lie: Sellers who attempted to unload their house without an agent in 2023 left behind about $95,000 in potential profit. What exactly are agents doing for sellers that help them net that extra cash at closing? Respondents to NAR's 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers said that their agent was instrumental in helping them with one critical piece of the puzzle: Choosing the right list price.