NEW ORLEANS, LA — The historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans came alive on June 16, 2025, as the National Association of Real Estate Editors (NAREE) opened its 59th Annual Real Estate Journalism Conference. Running through June 19, the four-day event has drawn a national crowd of journalists, editors, and industry professionals for one of the most anticipated gatherings in the realm of real estate media.
With a dynamic mix of professional development sessions, market trend discussions, and networking events, this year’s conference emphasizes the shifting landscape of real estate journalism in a post-pandemic world. Participants are engaging in deep dives on emerging reporting tools, economic outlooks, and how digital innovation is redefining the way real estate news is covered and consumed.
Shining a Spotlight on Innovation and Reporting Excellence
A major emphasis at the 2025 conference is placed on the future of journalism in a data-driven age. Under the educational arm known as “NAREE University,” attendees have access to a curated series of workshops and seminars covering topics such as investigative techniques in housing policy, best practices for sourcing and interpreting data, and strategies for engaging modern audiences across platforms.
The increasing relevance of technology in real estate reporting is also a key discussion point. Sessions on AI-assisted journalism, the use of big data in market predictions, and tools for mapping housing inequities illustrate how the field is adapting to new realities. Experts from residential and commercial sectors provided press briefings on everything from climate risk in property development to changes in zoning laws and rental markets.
Mid-Year Forecasts and Market Analysis
As always, NAREE’s conference serves as a platform for mid-year economic forecasts, drawing input from economists, real estate analysts, and institutional voices. Topics include the Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory, housing affordability, and commercial property downturns in urban cores—a continuation of trends sparked by remote work transitions.
This year’s analysis reflects heightened concern about persistent inventory shortages, fluctuating mortgage rates, and new construction lags. Panelists addressed how these factors continue to shape housing access and affordability, especially for first-time buyers and historically underserved communities.
Celebrating Journalistic Achievement
Perhaps the most anticipated moment of the event is the presentation of the 75th Annual NAREE Journalism Awards, scheduled for June 18. These awards, judged by faculty from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, honor exceptional work across 30 categories that span digital, print, audio, and visual media formats.
Notably, 2025 introduces a new category for “Best Real Estate Data Journalism Reporting.” This addition reflects the growing emphasis on quantitative storytelling and underscores NAREE’s commitment to equipping journalists with skills to analyze and present complex datasets to readers in accessible ways.
Top honors include the Platinum Award for Best Overall Individual Entry and the Kenneth R. Harney Award, named after the influential syndicated columnist known for his consumer advocacy. The latter award remains one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field, celebrating impactful journalism that empowers real estate consumers through accurate and accessible information.
Strengthening the Real Estate Journalism Community
Beyond formal programming, the conference remains a vital networking hub. Events like “Meet the Press,” editorial roundtables, and receptions allow attendees to connect, collaborate, and discuss shared challenges in covering one of the most dynamic and consequential beats in journalism.
“NAREE provides an important space for reflection and innovation,” said NAREE President Lisa Goldberg in her opening remarks. “As our industry evolves, so must our approaches to storytelling, ethics, and audience engagement. This conference represents a commitment to that evolution.”
Looking Ahead
The 59th annual gathering of NAREE comes at a critical time for the media and housing sectors alike. With local news outlets shrinking and real estate coverage becoming more data-dependent, organizations like NAREE are crucial in supporting journalists navigating these changes.
As the event progresses toward its conclusion on June 19, participants are expected to leave with not only enhanced skills and industry insight but also a renewed sense of purpose in telling stories that impact the everyday lives of people across the United States.