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July Jitters
New rules for buyers, new tariffs for builders, and maybe a new Fed chair?
Splits and Caps Daily: Action for Agents
July 14, 2025
📈 Market Move:
Credit Scores & Copper Wars
Imagine being at a family dinner where everyone argues but no one leaves the table. That’s the Fed right now.
Fed Governor Chris Waller is doubling down on his call for a July rate cut, saying it’s not about politics—it’s just that the current rate is “still pretty restrictive.” He’s been banging this drum since 2023. Meanwhile, rumors swirl that Fed Chair Jerome Powell might bounce early (though he says he’s staying put). Trump and his crew are not fans of Powell—think of them like Yelp reviewers with a personal grudge.
Over in the real estate world, some big moves happened:
FHFA just approved VantageScore 4.0 for mortgage underwriting. Translation: more buyers might qualify, especially those who pay rent and utility bills on time. NAR’s loving it.
HUD scrapped appraisal bias rules (the PAVE task force stuff from the Biden era), claiming they were costly and slowed down the system.
Trump extended tariffs and floated a 35% tax on Canadian goods, plus a wild 50% copper tariff—cue the National Association of Home Builders sweating over material costs.
In short: The Fed’s in a tug-of-war, the housing industry is shaking off old rules, and the credit score game just got a new player.
🌟Quote of the Day:
"The harder the conflict, the greater the triumph." — George Washington
📊🤔 Agent Poll Results
On 7/11, we asked: Real talk—what’s been draining you the most lately?
The results are in!
A) Dead leads ghosting like it’s Halloween: 75%
B) Unrealistic clients who binge HGTV: 0%
C) 6-month escrows that should’ve been 6 weeks: 0%
D) Trying to stay upbeat on social when your pipeline’s dry: 25%
Hang in there and keep hustlin’!
🎉 Fun Fact of the Day:
Island Inventory: You Can Buy Your Own Island… Cheaper Than a City Condo. Some private islands go for under $100K — especially in Canada, the Philippines, or Belize. No HOA, but good luck getting Uber Eats.
📚 Book Recommendation:
“Leveling Up: How to Master the Game of Life” by Eric Siu—Real estate is a game. Life is a game. Most people are stuck on the loading screen.
Eric Siu says screw that—and lays out how to actually level up in real life like it’s a video game. You’re the character. Your skills? Upgradeable. Your obstacles? Boss battles. Your mindset? The cheat code.
What I love about this book is that it gives structure to something most people just wing: personal growth. Instead of waiting for motivation to magically show up, Siu gives you a map. A real one. With missions, XP, and power-ups—whether you're trying to grow your business, fix your habits, or just stop living like an NPC.
Bottom line:
If you’re tired of being stuck at Level 1, this book hands you the controller.
You won’t feel ready. Do it anyway.
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