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

Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow real estate...

Struggling to stand out in today’s market?

AI is transforming how top Realtors generate leads, follow up, and close deals faster than ever. In this game-changing episode, Mike Mills and Ginger Bell reveal the real estate AI strategies that smart professionals are using to work less, earn more, and stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.

Real Estate AI Strategy is no longer optional—it's your edge in a shifting market.

In this episode, Mike Mills sits down with Emmy Award-winning producer and tech educator Ginger Bell to break down the practical ways AI is being used by real estate agents and mortgage pros to scale smarter. You’ll hear how AI tools like ChatGPT, Macy 365, and ROAM are helping industry professionals streamline lead follow-up, automate content creation, and optimize local branding.

Topics covered include:

• How to build custom GPTs that handle repetitive tasks
• Automating your marketing and lead nurturing with AI
• Tools like ROAM and Macy 365 that replace multiple platforms
• Why real estate agents must become hyperlocal content creators
• Who today’s buyers really are—and how to create messaging that converts

Whether you're a solo agent, team leader, or broker-owner, this episode gives you the AI playbook to grow your real estate business in today’s digital-first market.

💡 Adopt AI as a Business Standard

AI isn’t futuristic—it’s functional and already reshaping the real estate industry. Smart agents are using it now to automate workflows, lower overhead, and increase responsiveness.

📞 Let AI Handle Your Follow-Ups

Tools like Macy 365 act as tireless assistants, reconnecting with cold leads, abandoned applications, and prospects you don’t have time to chase—without sounding robotic.

📍 Own Your Local Market with AI-Driven Content

Create hyperlocal videos, blogs, and SEO-rich pages in minutes using AI. The more your content reflects your community, the more likely you are to win with both clients and search engines.

🏆 Compete with National Brands Without the Budget

Ginger outlines how platforms like ROAM let independent agents and small teams operate like tech giants—at a fraction of the cost.

👥 The Buyer is Evolving—So Should Your Messaging

From Gen X investors to multigenerational buyers, today’s clients want more than a house—they want insight. AI helps you adapt your marketing to meet their specific needs.

• AI Beehive – A curated directory of AI tools for real estate and mortgage pros:
• https://www.aibeehive.com
• AI Mastery Center – Online training for agents and loan officers using AI:
• https://www.go2training.com/aimasterycenter
• Go2Training – Custom training programs for real estate and mortgage professionals:
• https://www.go2training.com
• Ginger Bell’s Website – Speaking, consulting, and resources:
• https://www.gingerbell.net
• NAMB Hive – Free community for mortgage professionals:
• https://www.skool.com/nambhive/about
• ROAM Virtual Office – Combines Zoom, Calendly, and AI follow-ups for teams:

Crashing prices, rising inventory, and Bitcoin-backed mortgages—what could possibly go wrong? The Texas housing market shift is in full swing, and it’s turning traditional real estate wisdom on its head. If you’re a Realtor trying to stay profitable in this madness, this episode is your new playbook.

In this fast-paced breakdown of the Texas housing market shift happening in Summer 2025, host and mortgage pro Mike Mills guides Realtors and lenders through the economic turbulence hitting Texas real estate.

Here’s what’s inside:

• Why Austin’s inventory surge and falling home prices signal a new buyer’s market
• How the latest jobs report and Fed delays are impacting mortgage rate trends
• What the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” means for affordability, taxes, and the future of housing finance
• An AI tool that might outsmart your entire CRM system (Fello, we’re looking at you)
• And yes... there’s even talk of aliens, ancient tech, and Klarna credit scores

If you’ve got listings that won’t move or buyers still waiting for rates to drop, this episode delivers the insight, humor, and tools you need to survive—and maybe even thrive—this summer.

Mortgage Rates Are Flip-Flopping Again

Rates dipped, then bounced back slightly—but the Fed’s indecision means volatility is here to stay. Understanding what’s driving rate behavior is critical for advising buyers and timing your locks.

Austin’s Buyer Market Is Here

Inventory in Austin is up 43%, and over half of sellers are slashing prices. This means Realtors must pivot fast—buyers have power, and overpriced listings will stall out quickly.

The Fed, the Bill & the Backlash

Massive federal policy changes are adding fuel to the debt fire. Elon Musk’s dramatic political pivot and warnings from the CBO reveal how high the stakes are for housing affordability and investor confidence.

Fello: Your CRM’s AI-Powered Sidekick

Fello integrates with your CRM to score, segment, and nurture leads based on real equity and ownership data. If you're sitting on a database of “maybe someday” leads, Fello helps you turn them into real conversations.

When the Market’s Weird, Stay Informed

Between tech layoffs, public-sector hiring, and an interest cost crisis, staying updated is your competitive edge. This episode keeps it real—because Realtors don’t need fluff, they need facts (and maybe a little sarcasm).

• 🎙️ Episode Page – Full recap, tools, and timestamps:
• https://www.thetexasrealestateandfinancepodcast.com/texas-housing-market-shift
• 📊 Mortgage News Daily – Daily Rate Indexes:
• https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/mortgage-rates
• 🏦 Freddie Mac PMMS – Weekly Rate Trends:
• https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms
• 🧠 Fello – AI-Powered CRM Optimization Tool:
• https://www.fello.com
• 📅 Federal Reserve Meeting Calendar:
• https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomccalendars.htm
• 🔗 Connect with Mike Mills – Linktree:
• https://linktr.ee/mikemillsmortgage

Enjoying the podcast? Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow agent. It helps more real estate pros stay informed, ahead of the...

Realtors, want to thrive—not just survive—in today’s market? This episode unpacks the AI Real Estate Revolution, showing how smart tech can supercharge your sales and client connections. Discover the must-use tools and mindset shifts that will elevate your real estate game.

In this episode of The Texas Real Estate & Finance Podcast, host Mike Mills sits down with tech innovator Bobby Bryant to explore the AI Real Estate Revolution and its implications for Realtors:

• Discover essential AI tools—CRMs, ChatGPT, and Gemini—that amplify your efficiency and human touch
• Learn why visibility matters more than ever, and how to become truly “Googleable”
• Uncover the consumer demands: transparency, control, and cost-saving strategies
• Get real about why 72% of agents went cold in 2024—and how to avoid becoming one of them
• Be inspired by Bobby’s personal mantra: “be stupid enough to try” when it comes to disruption

This episode delivers a clear roadmap for Realtors ready to harness AI and real estate tech to drive business growth and build meaningful client relationships. Tune in and transform your strategy for 2025.

1. Use AI to Amplify Your Humanity

Modern Realtors—those who use ChatGPT and smart CRMs—can communicate more clearly, build stronger connections, and free up time for person-to-person interaction.

2. Visibility = Credibility

If you can’t be found on Google, LinkedIn, or social media, you don’t exist to prospective clients—start showing up consistently.

3. Keep Your Tech Stack Simple

Your foundation: a reliable CRM, AI tool (ChatGPT or Gemini), a YouTube channel, and the right mindset—no fluff necessary.

4. Give Consumers What They Want

Today’s buyers and sellers demand explicit control, transparent pricing, and value—meet them with honest communication and digital empowerment.

5. Disruption Begins with You

You don’t need perfect—just persistence. Boldly step into inconsistency, iterate, and outwork the market to stand out.

Bobby Bryant is a seasoned real estate technologist and Houston-based entrepreneur with 25 years in mortgages and brokerage. He holds two master’s degrees (one in special education), built a brokerage that closed 100+ transactions a month pre-2008 crash, and now leads an AI-powered peer-to-peer real estate platform. Bobby is committed to modernizing real estate through practical tech, authentic content, and a human-first approach.

• Podcast Website – https://www.thetexasrealestateandfinancepodcast.com
• Mike Mills Linktree – https://linktr.ee/mikemillsmortgage
• ChatGPT (OpenAI) – https://chat.openai.com
• Gemini (Google AI) – https://gemini.google.com
• Opus Clip (video editing & clipping) – https://www.opus.pro
• Descript (transcription & editing) – https://www.descript.com
• Fiverr (affordable marketing materials) – https://www.fiverr.com
• Bobby...

“Mortgage rates stalled, housing inventory surging, and AI taking over lead follow-up—sounds like a market meltdown, right?” This week, we dive deep into the Texas housing market and reveal the must-use AI lead conversion tool every Realtor needs. Consider this episode your playbook for navigating 2025’s unpredictable real estate landscape.

AI Lead Conversion Tools are revolutionizing how Realtors operate—and this episode shows you exactly how.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why mortgage rates are holding steady in June 2025 and what that means for buyers and sellers
• The latest Texas and DFW housing market updates: soaring inventory, seller trends, and shifting buyer power
• A segment called Mike’s Mind where we unpack wild headlines—from corporate landlords and AI surveillance to quantum breakthroughs and gold surges
• A deep dive into Structurely, the AI chat assistant that’s helping agents engage leads 50–60% more and schedule more appointments
• Practical next steps: how to sharpen your strategy, boost conversions, and get ahead in today’s competitive market

This episode is essential for Realtors, brokers, and real estate pros who want real numbers, cutting-edge tech insights, and actionable strategies—all in one place.

1. Mortgage Rates Are Surprisingly Steady

Rates remain near 7%, mirroring stable 10-year Treasury yields—explaining this to clients is crucial for maintaining trust.

2. Texas Housing Market Is Stabilizing

After 19 months of rising inventory, markets are balancing—demand is cooling, but price stability remains. This is the signal to adjust seller expectations.

3. Buyer Leverage Is Real—Use It

More choices and longer days on market give buyers negotiating power. Agents can deliver value by emphasizing price cuts, concessions, and strategy over hope.

4. “Mike’s Mind” Highlights Market Chaos

From trigger lead debates to AI surveillance and quantum science—the headlines tell a story of economic complexity that’s shaping real estate trends.

5. Structurely Proves AI Lead Conversion Works

Agents using this tool report 50–60% higher engagement, revived old leads, and more appointments. In a slow market, this is the tech edge you need.

• 🎧 Podcast Website: https://www.thetexasrealestateandfinancepodcast.com
• 🔗 Mike Mills' Linktree (contact info & socials): https://linktr.ee/mikemillsmortgage
• 📈 Mortgage Rates Source (Mortgage News Daily): https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/mortgage-rates
• 🤖 Structurely – AI Lead Follow-Up Tool: https://www.structurely.com
• 🏛 Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center: https://www.recenter.tamu.edu
• 📊 Housing Stats & Trends (Redfin): https://www.redfin.com/news/
• 📜 Trigger Leads Bill (H.R. 2808): https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2808

If you appreciated today’s insights, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your real estate colleagues. Every rating and share helps more agents discover how AI lead conversion tools can transform their business.

Realtors, ready to slash your workload and still close more deals? Discover how AI-driven Realtor tools are helping agents automate follow-ups, generate custom CMAs, and find their perfect niche—without lifting a finger. In this episode, tech strategist Jeff Loyd reveals how to future-proof your real estate career and start working smarter today.

AI-Driven Realtor Tools are transforming how agents manage listings, market to leads, and streamline day-to-day tasks in an evolving housing market.

In this tech-forward episode of The Texas Real Estate and Finance Podcast, host Mike Mills sits down with Jeff Loyd, Head of Strategy at Cloud Team Realty, to unpack exactly how AI can elevate your real estate business. Whether you're a solo agent, a team leader, or managing a brokerage, this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can implement immediately.

• The smartest ways Realtors are using ChatGPT to automate lead nurturing and listing presentations
• How to create your own personal GPT assistant tailored to your voice and brand
• Why integrated CRMs like Pipedrive outperform traditional systems for real estate
• How AI-powered training simulators improve Realtor confidence and communication
• The real reason human connection still matters—even in a tech-driven world

👉 If you’re feeling overwhelmed by real estate tech or looking to scale your productivity fast, this episode delivers actionable insights that work in today’s market.

AI-driven Realtor tools can eliminate repetitive tasks like lead follow-up, CMA generation, and client communication—giving agents more time for relationship-building and closings.

With a few simple uploads, Realtors can train a personal GPT that mirrors their communication style, background, and niche—becoming a powerful digital assistant on-demand.

Switching to AI-powered CRMs like Pipedrive helps reduce time wasted on context-switching and manual data entry, allowing Realtors to focus on their highest-value tasks.

Simulated client calls and AI-driven onboarding at Cloud Team Realty help new agents sharpen their skills privately and confidently before going live with real leads.

While AI enhances performance, Realtors who blend automation with emotional intelligence and personal connection will continue to thrive.

Jeff Loyd is the Head of Strategy at Cloud Team Realty, an AI-first brokerage serving clients across Texas. With a background in leading generative AI initiatives at Best Buy—where he improved product deployment by 55%—Jeff brings high-level engineering experience into the real estate world. A licensed Realtor and tech visionary, Jeff has built custom GPTs, AI-powered training tools, and automated systems that empower agents to work more efficiently. At Cloud Team, he's pioneering a culture where agents are supported with cutting-edge tools—not buried in fees. His mission: help Realtors become AI-augmented pros in every transaction.

• Cloud Team Realty – Learn how this AI-first brokerage supports agents:
• https://cloudteamrealty.com
• ChatGPT by OpenAI – Build your own GPT and explore...