Powell Holds Steady at Congress While Fed Proposes Reduced Bank Leverage Requirements

Mortgage rates have dipped to 6.67%, their lowest level since early April—and that shift is giving buyers a rare boost in purchasing power. In this episode, we break down what the recent drop means for affordability, why a $3,000 monthly budget now stretches $16,000 further, and how sellers can take advantage of renewed buyer interest. With economic uncertainty looming and rates still volatile, this might be a short-lived window of opportunity for both sides of the market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Airbnb just updated its payment terms—and hosts need to pay attention. In this episode, we break down the most important changes coming September 8, including delayed payouts, expanded chargeback windows, and the rise of “book now, pay later” options. If you’re a short-term rental host, especially one operating at scale, these shifts could seriously impact your bottom line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sun Belt cities like Phoenix, Miami, and Dallas were once havens for affordable housing—now they’re facing price surges that rival coastal metros. In this episode, we break down why home prices are rising fastest in the very places known for loose regulations and sprawl. The culprit? A new wave of NIMBYism, restrictive zoning laws, and the collapse of the suburban expansion model. From failed apartment projects in Texas to developers fleeing Arizona, we explore how the same anti-growth forces that stifled coastal cities are now spreading inland—and what that means for the future of housing in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump’s sweeping new tax and spending bill just cleared the Senate—and it’s packed with major changes for workers, investors, and real estate pros. In today’s episode, we break down everything you need to know: from tax-free tips and new child credits to deep Medicaid cuts, EV credit rollbacks, and a SALT cap boost for high-tax states. We’ll also unpack how this bill reshapes business deductions, renewables, and housing market incentives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Condo prices are falling fast across the U.S.—especially in Florida—due to soaring HOA fees, rising insurance costs, and new special assessments. Sales dropped 12% year over year in May, while single-family home prices rose slightly. Florida and Texas are leading the decline, with several metros seeing price drops over 30%. Meanwhile, short-term rental investors are finding opportunity in NFL cities. Markets like Jacksonville, Cleveland, and Kansas City are posting strong STR revenue growth tied to football season demand. For investors, the key takeaway is that while condos are struggling, football-fueled STR markets are heating up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Houston, long seen as the beating heart of the U.S. oil industry, is now grappling with a commercial real estate crisis. Office vacancies have surged to nearly 28%, driven by massive energy sector consolidation and changing workplace dynamics. Despite Trump’s calls to ramp up drilling, oil companies are becoming leaner, shedding jobs—and office space—in the process. This script explores how a wave of corporate mergers, surging insurance costs, outdated buildings, and Houston’s sprawling development model are leaving once-prized office towers empty. Investors, take note: Houston’s energy-fueled boom may be shifting to a more space-efficient era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MOAT Method episode reference link Want to be a guest on the show? APPLY HERE! It's that simple. Side hustles can be your ticket to securing those elusive down payments for a home or even landing a full-time job by starting small. So, how do you seize these opportunities that others overlook? Aaron Mann will dive into unconventional summer side hustles, equipped with insights from his own successful ventures and research. In this episode, you’ll discover inventive ways to turn labor into lucrative side hustles. Learn how to transform knocking on doors into profitable haul-away jobs and unleash the power of a pressure washer for more than just cleaning. Discover smart strategies on tapping into Airbnb markets to offer much-needed services. Turning manual labor into profitable haul-away side hustles Using a pressure washer to create a cleaning service business Offering garbage removal services to Airbnb and VRBO owners Building a business from seasonal side hustles Amplifying hustle efforts using the MOAT method Marketing strategies through direct outreach and social media Creative storytelling in business ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florida’s once-booming housing market is cooling off—and fast. Prices are falling in most metros, with condos taking the biggest hit. But is this a Florida-only reset, or a warning for investors nationwide? In today’s episode, we break down the forces behind Florida’s price drops, from migration trends to soaring insurance costs, and what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Consumer spending declined with the sharpest drop of the year, signaling economic uncertainty is starting to weigh on households. With inflation still tame and personal income falling, pressure is mounting on the Fed to cut rates soon. Fed officials, including Neel Kashkari, are now pointing to September as a likely starting point, while warning tariffs could still spark delayed inflation. Investors are watching closely for any signs the Fed will act sooner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spent two days testifying before Congress, facing questions on inflation, tariffs, political pressure from President Trump, and the future of rate cuts. Meanwhile, the Fed proposes loosening a key capital rule for big banks. We break down the highlights—and what investors should watch next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices