What do rising mortgage rates, record-low inventory, and Trump’s economic agenda mean for real estate in 2025? This episode dives into the strategies you need to thrive amidst uncertainty. Don’t miss out—your future clients are counting on you to stay ahead.

On this week’s Texas Real Estate and Finance Podcast, we analyze the post-election housing market, focusing on the housing affordability crisis, historic rate trends, and the impact of President Trump’s proposed policies. We tackle the challenges of limited inventory, surging multifamily construction, and shifting demographics in homebuying. Discover practical insights on how deregulation and tax incentives could influence supply and affordability. And don’t miss the final segment where we unveil a powerful AI-driven tool designed to elevate your real estate business for the year ahead.

Mortgage Rates Remain Volatile Amid Economic Uncertainty

Mortgage rates have been on a rollercoaster, fluctuating between the low 6% range and above 7% within weeks. Factors like weak job creation, declining banking liquidity, and the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts are contributing to this unpredictability. Understanding these dynamics is critical for navigating today’s market.

Trump’s Policies Could Reshape Housing Affordability

With Trump’s return to the White House, key policies on tariffs, immigration, and deregulation are expected to impact housing costs and supply. While deregulation and tax incentives could encourage construction, tariffs on building materials and immigration restrictions may exacerbate affordability challenges.

The Housing Affordability Crisis Intensifies

Home prices have risen 57% since 2020, far outpacing wage growth at just 28%, making homeownership increasingly out of reach. The typical age of first-time buyers has climbed to 38, reflecting the growing challenges younger generations face in entering the market.

Economic Pressures Are Reshaping Real Estate Trends

Rising national debt and shrinking market liquidity are putting pressure on the economy and real estate markets. The Federal Reserve’s actions and Trump’s economic agenda could lead to further market volatility, requiring professionals to stay vigilant and adapt to changing conditions.

Revolutionize Your Business Planning with AI Tools

The episode closes with an introduction to ChatGPT as a transformative tool for real estate professionals. This AI platform can help streamline business planning, marketing, and operations, offering agents a competitive edge in 2025’s uncertain market.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

National Association of Realtors (NAR): https://www.nar.realtor

Mortgage News Daily: https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com

CoreLogic Home Price Insights: https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/reports/home-price-insights/

HousingWire – Logan Mohtashami's Analysis: https://www.housingwire.com/author/logan-mohtashami/

IRS Opportunity Zones: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/businesses/opportunity-zones

ChatGPT by OpenAI:

Ready to turn your real estate team into a powerhouse? In today’s episode, we’re diving deep with Alex Kutsishin, co-founder of Fuel, on how to build and lead a team where every member performs at their peak. Discover practical strategies to enhance your team’s effectiveness and create a winning culture in real estate.

In this episode, we explore the top strategies for Developing Real Estate Teams That Thrive with guest Alex Kutsishin, co-founder of Fuel. Together, we dive into key leadership insights on boosting team performance, maintaining high standards, and recognizing when it’s time to elevate—or replace—team members. Alex shares actionable tips on measuring team progress, creating high-impact learning experiences, and fostering an environment that encourages growth for each member. We also discuss how to inspire a results-oriented mindset while maintaining a balanced, healthy work atmosphere. From self-improvement to performance-based analytics, this episode equips real estate professionals with the tools needed to create unstoppable teams. Whether you’re a seasoned broker or building your first team, this conversation will give you the edge to lead with impact and purpose.

Elevate Team Standards Consistently

Alex emphasizes that successful teams continuously raise standards to ensure every team member performs at their best. Leaders should seek 95% of the team to meet 100% of expectations, with standards evolving as the team excels.

Shift to a Talent-Development Mindset

Transitioning from personal performance to team-focused leadership requires viewing every interaction as a chance to develop talent. Alex shares practical ways leaders can enhance each member’s skills and build a culture of continuous improvement.

Autonomy and Accountability in Performance

Fuel’s platform encourages autonomy by allowing members to engage in personalized courses while maintaining accountability. Leaders can track growth and address specific areas for improvement, making training impactful and personalized.

Focus on Performance Over Knowledge

Moving beyond conventional training, Fuel’s approach emphasizes practicing skills rather than just understanding concepts. By encouraging team members to apply what they’ve learned, they’re better prepared for real-world success.

The Journey is the Goal

Both Alex and Mike discuss the importance of viewing progress as a continuous journey. By celebrating small wins and pushing through challenges, real estate professionals can stay motivated, avoid burnout, and keep their teams energized for the long term.

Alex Kutsishin is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Fuel, a leading platform in personal and professional development designed to build high-performance teams. With a background that spans launching ten diverse businesses, Alex brings a wealth of knowledge in team-building, leadership, and innovative training approaches. His commitment to developing teams through hands-on practice and performance analytics has made Fuel a go-to resource for companies worldwide. Alex’s insights inspire leaders to redefine team standards and build a culture where every member thrives.

Resources

For additional insights and tools mentioned in this episode, check out the following resources:

Fuel Personal & Professional Development Platform – Dive into a range of performance-enhancing courses and tools: https://www.myfuel.io/

Patty McCord’s Article on Building Teams Like Sports – Insight into building strong, talent-focused teams:

Are you ready to discover which presidential candidate's housing policies could make or break the real estate market? In this episode, we dive into the differences between Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s stances on housing, with expert insight from D.C. insider Michael Williams. Join us as we uncover which policies might truly impact your business—and what you need to know before election day!

In this timely episode of The Texas Real Estate and Finance Podcast, we tackle the hot topic of the 2024 presidential election and its potential impact on real estate. Host Mike Mills sits down with Michael Williams, an experienced Washington lobbyist and policy strategist, to break down the differences between Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s housing policies. With the election just days away, they explore how these contrasting policy approaches could influence housing affordability, real estate investments, and the regulatory landscape that Realtors navigate daily. From affordable housing proposals to deregulation debates, this episode answers crucial questions that real estate professionals need to consider as they head to the polls. Whether you're an agent, investor, or loan officer, gain valuable insights into how this election could reshape the real estate industry.

The Reality of Affordable Housing Promises

Michael Williams discusses why sweeping federal affordable housing programs often fail due to complex local regulations and red tape. He highlights the challenge of aligning federal funding with state-level incentives to boost housing supply effectively.

Down Payment Assistance Programs: Do They Work?

We explore Kamala Harris’s proposal for $25,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers. Williams explains how this type of assistance could increase demand but won’t solve supply issues, potentially driving prices even higher.

The Limits of Deregulation in Real Estate

Williams shares his view on Trump’s deregulation promises, explaining why federal deregulation might not make a noticeable difference in housing supply, as zoning regulations are largely determined at the state and local levels.

Systemic Challenges to Housing Policy Implementation

Both Williams and Mills highlight the logistical and structural hurdles in implementing long-term housing policies, noting how temporary political goals often overshadow the sustained efforts needed for real change.

Why Your Vote Matters in Housing Policy

With a deep dive into how policies affect everyday housing, Williams stresses that Realtor and consumer participation in elections is essential for driving policies that prioritize real estate issues. Voter turnout directly impacts whether housing policies become a priority in Washington.

Michael Williams is a seasoned lobbyist and policy strategist with nearly two decades of experience in Washington, D.C., specializing in financial services, housing policy, and legislative affairs. His career includes working with influential political figures and administrations, such as Governor Mario Cuomo and President Bill Clinton, where he was involved in groundbreaking initiatives across trade, tax, and banking regulations. As a political consultant, Williams now advises top financial institutions and government bodies on critical housing and finance policies. Known for his practical approach to navigating policy challenges, Williams brings valuable insider knowledge on the legislative process and its impact on the real estate market. His insights shed light on the policy contrasts between presidential candidates, offering real estate professionals an in-depth understanding of how political shifts might influence the...