Confused about when mortgage rates will finally drop? You're not alone—and this episode brings the answers. Kendall Garrison, CEO of Amplify Credit Union, joins Mike Mills to unpack what the Fed’s latest decision means for interest rates, real estate professionals, and your clients’ wallets.

Mortgage Rate Forecasting is top of mind for Realtors in 2025—and in this data-packed episode, we’re giving you the insights you’ve been waiting for.

Mike Mills sits down with Kendall Garrison, CEO of Amplify Credit Union, to discuss the Federal Reserve’s recent decision not to cut rates, and what that signals for the housing market going forward. Together, they break down what real estate professionals need to understand about:

• The real reason mortgage rates haven’t dropped
• How the bond market and inflation data are shaping 2025 predictions
• The surprising relationship between national debt, tariffs, and homebuyer affordability
• Why fee-free banking is a game-changer for consumers and small businesses
• A long-term wealth strategy Realtors can share with clients now

This is a must-listen if you're helping clients navigate rising costs, economic uncertainty, or struggling to make sense of rate volatility. By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to use in conversations with buyers, sellers, and referral partners.

📈 Why the Fed Isn’t Cutting Rates Yet

Kendall explains that inflation data—not just unemployment or GDP—is the primary driver behind the Fed's decisions. Mortgage rates may not move until inflation hits a more consistent decline.

🏦 How the Bond Market Controls Mortgage Rates

Realtors often assume the Fed directly sets mortgage rates, but Kendall breaks down how the 10-year Treasury yield, investor sentiment, and global factors drive the mortgage-backed securities market.

💰 National Debt and Housing Affordability

Rising U.S. debt means higher borrowing costs and unpredictable fiscal policies, which can push rates even higher. Kendall shares how this macro factor trickles down to affordability at the neighborhood level.

🚫 Why Amplify Went Fee-Free

In a bold move, Amplify Credit Union eliminated deposit account fees—something Kendall calls a moral and strategic imperative to support those most affected by traditional banking models.

🏠 Real Estate Is Still a Long Game

Despite market noise, Kendall reaffirms the power of real estate for long-term wealth—highlighting why buying, holding, and refinancing over time is still one of the smartest financial plays.

🔗 Podcast Website:

https://www.thetexasrealestateandfinancepodcast.com

🔗 Host Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/mikemillsmortgage

🎙️ Guest: Kendall Garrison

• Title: Chief Executive Officer, Amplify Credit Union
• Email: ceo@goamplify.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendallgarrison/
• Company Website: https://www.goamplify.com
• YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifycu

✅...

Unlock the true power of AI in real estate. Learn how to automate your CRM, craft ultra-personalized outreach, and dominate local lead generation using the latest tools — all tailored for real estate pros. If you're a Realtor ready to elevate your marketing with smart automation, this episode is your blueprint.

In this power-packed episode, Mike Mills sits down with Adam Gillespie, founder of Apex Elite AI, to break down how real estate professionals can transform their businesses using Realtor CRM AI integration. Adam shares his journey from musician to real estate AI expert and walks through how agents can personalize their messaging, automate lead follow-ups, and build content that actually connects. They dive into tools like Gamma.app, Notebook LM, and Suno AI, showing how to quickly generate custom listing presentations, smart follow-up sequences, and even personalized music for real estate videos.

You’ll also learn the difference between SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), plus why agents must update their content strategy for AI-driven search platforms. This isn’t hype—it’s actionable strategy every modern Realtor needs.

AI + CRM = Lead Conversion Powerhouse

Adam explains how to feed your AI tools personalized data, helping your CRM communicate in your authentic voice and follow up like a pro.

Prompting Is Everything

Learn Adam’s proven "RGC" method (Role, Goal, Context) for writing effective prompts that generate human-sounding, lead-converting content every time.

GEO Is the New SEO

Discover why SEO is no longer enough — and how to shift toward Generative Engine Optimization to get found by AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

Tools That Save You Hours

Gamma.app, Notebook LM, and Suno AI are changing how agents create presentations, videos, and client resources in minutes instead of hours.

The Right Way to Use ChatGPT

Understand why proper prompting isn’t just about results—it’s about ethics, avoiding hallucinations, and ensuring your AI doesn’t affirm misinformation.

Adam Gillespie is the founder of Apex Elite AI, a real estate-focused AI training platform that equips agents to leverage automation, CRM strategies, and smart content generation. With a background in real estate and music, Adam brings a creative, technical edge to helping agents personalize their marketing and grow their businesses. He is the creator of Agent Prompt University, winner of the Inman AI Innovation Award, and a top thought leader in AI for real estate.

Follow Adam Online:

• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/adamgillespieai

• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/adamgillespie_ai/

• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJGQRmO11TQMVaTgVIg8tw

• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamgillespieai/

• LinkTree – https://linktr.ee/adamg303

• Website – https://www.adamg303.com

• 🎯 Adam Gillespie’s Coaching & Tools –

Rates are stuck, debt is exploding, and the dream of homeownership feels more like a financial fairytale. From $120K Bitcoin to $350K starter homes, this episode unpacks the chaos behind today’s real estate market with a punch of humor and a dose of hard truth. If you're a Realtor or mortgage pro trying to keep up, this is the episode that breaks it all down.

In this episode, Mike Mills — North Texas mortgage expert and host of The Texas Real Estate and Finance Podcast — delivers an unfiltered look at the state of housing in mid-2025. With mortgage rates stuck in the sixes, inventory creeping back to pre-pandemic levels, and affordability fading fast, Mike breaks down what’s really keeping buyers out of the market — and it’s not just the interest rates.

Here's what you'll hear:

• The true cost of a $400K home in 2025 (and how it's changed since 2019)
• Why price, not just rates, is killing affordability
• How ballooning U.S. debt and Treasury yields are driving mortgage trends
• A data-packed breakdown of the Texas housing market (Dallas, Austin, San Antonio)
• Why fewer first-time buyers and lower birth rates could spell demographic doom
• Plus, a wild tour through crypto highs, job market shifts, and the week's most absurd headlines in the “Mike’s Mind” segment

Whether you're advising buyers, managing listings, or just trying to make sense of this market — this episode will give you the insight (and sarcasm) you need to stay one step ahead.

🏡 Housing Isn’t Just Expensive — It’s Unreachable

Even with rates dipping slightly, most buyers are still priced out due to skyrocketing home prices, high insurance, and tax costs.

📉 Mortgage Rates Are Not the Root Problem

Rates get the spotlight, but the real villain is U.S. debt pushing up Treasury yields, making long-term rates stubbornly high.

📊 2025 Looks More Like 2019 — Kinda

While inventory and days on market resemble pre-pandemic levels, prices are still 46% higher — leaving affordability stuck in limbo.

👨‍💻 AI Agents Can Be Your Next Assistant

This week’s AI Tip breaks down how autonomous AI agents can manage your follow-ups, schedule showings, and make your CRM actually useful — no coding required.

😬 The Demographic Time Bomb Is Real

With fewer first-time buyers and record-high renter rates, long-term housing demand is shifting in ways that could reshape the industry.

🎧 Podcast Website

https://www.thetexasrealestateandfinancepodcast.com

📲 Mike’s Linktree

https://linktr.ee/mikemillsmortgage

📉 Mortgage Rate Index – Mortgage News Daily

https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/mortgage-rates

🔁 Automation Platforms:

• Zapier – https://zapier.com
• Make.com – https://www.make.com

🧠 AI Agent Builders:

• ChatGPT – https://chat.openai.com
• AgentGPT – https://agentgpt.reworkd.ai
• Lindy – https://www.lindy.ai
• Replit Ghostwriter – https://replit.com/site/ghostwriter

👨‍💻 Freelance Help:

• Fiverr – https://www.fiverr.com
• Upwork – https://www.upwork.com

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