The market is shifting, and realtors who adapt will thrive. This week, we’re covering Austin’s cooling home prices, the latest mortgage rate forecast, and the best AI tools for real estate professionals looking to scale their business. Plus, our ‘Weekly Wildcard’ takes a deep dive into an unexpected economic twist that could shake up the housing market.

The real estate industry is evolving, and AI tools are becoming essential for realtors who want to work smarter, not harder. In this episode, Mike Mills breaks down:

✅ The Best AI Tools for Realtors – How automation is transforming lead generation, marketing, and client follow-ups.

✅ Austin’s Housing Market Slowdown – Why home prices are dropping, inventory is rising, and what it means for buyers and sellers.

✅ 2025 Mortgage Rate Predictions – Is 7% the new normal? What realtors need to know about where rates are headed.

✅ Pricing Strategies for Sellers – How to price homes competitively in a shifting market to attract buyers.

✅ Weekly Wildcard Segment – A surprising economic twist that could impact real estate trends—stay tuned for the unexpected!

If you're a realtor, investor, or mortgage professional, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you navigate today’s unpredictable market.

1. AI Tools Are Revolutionizing Real Estate

Realtors using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Opus Clip, and HomeBot are saving hours each week on marketing, lead generation, and client communication. If you’re not leveraging AI, you’re already behind.

2. Austin’s Housing Market is Cooling, but Buyers Have New Opportunities

After years of rapid growth, Austin’s real estate market has shifted into a buyer’s market. Home prices are down 19% from their peak, inventory is up, and sellers must adjust pricing strategies to stay competitive.

3. Mortgage Rates Are Holding at 7%—Will They Drop?

With inflation still high and no major economic shake-ups on the horizon, mortgage rates are expected to hover around 7% for the foreseeable future. Realtors must help clients navigate creative financing options like rate buydowns and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

4. Pricing Homes Correctly is More Important Than Ever

Sellers need to ditch the outdated "list high and lower later" approach. Pricing homes strategically from the start maximizes visibility, attracts serious buyers, and reduces time on the market.

5. The Weekly Wildcard: From Space Rocks to Meme Coins

In this week’s wildcard segment, we cover NASA’s increased asteroid impact risk, skyrocketing credit card debt, and whether Dogecoin might become part of your tax refund. Stay ahead of the market by understanding how broader economic trends could affect real estate.

This episode features expert insights from Amy Cearnal, a top real estate professional with Compass Real Estate. A returning contributor to the podcast, Amy shares weekly advice for buyers, sellers, and agents to navigate today’s shifting market.

🔹 For Buyers: Use market data to make informed offers and avoid overpaying.

🔹 For Sellers: Price your home competitively from day one to maximize interest and reduce time on the...

🚨 The NAR Settlement Update 2025 is shaking up the real estate industry, and Realtors need to act fast. With MLS rule changes, buyer agent commission shifts, and new legal risks, staying informed is no longer optional—it’s essential. Tune in now to get expert insights on how these changes impact your business and what you must do to stay competitive in 2025!

The NAR Settlement Update 2025 is transforming how Realtors, brokerages, and MLS systems operate, but what does it really mean for your business? In this episode, Mike Mills sits down with real estate expert Amy Cearnal to break down the new commission rules, MLS participation changes, and what buyers and sellers need to know moving forward.

Key topics we cover:

✅ How the NAR lawsuit settlement is changing buyer agent commissions

✅ Why MLS rules are evolving, and how they impact your ability to do business

✅ What the DOJ’s real estate oversight could mean for future regulations

✅ How these changes will affect Realtors, brokerages, and homebuyers

✅ What steps agents must take to adapt and thrive in this new landscape

Whether you're a seasoned agent or new to real estate, this episode will give you the clarity and strategies you need to navigate these shifts confidently. Don't miss out—hit play now!

1️⃣ NAR Settlement Update 2025: Major Commission Changes

The NAR lawsuit settlement has removed buyer agent commission disclosures from the MLS, fundamentally altering how Realtors negotiate compensation. With commissions now negotiated outside the MLS, buyers and sellers are facing new challenges in understanding who pays what.

2️⃣ MLS Rule Changes: New Access & Membership Updates

MLS access rules are shifting, with some markets like Austin and Houston allowing non-Realtors to access MLS data. This could change how listings are controlled, forcing agents to rethink how they leverage MLS platforms.

3️⃣ Buyer Agreements: Are They Helping or Hurting?

Buyers must now sign agreements before viewing homes, aiming to improve transparency in agent compensation. However, this requirement is creating friction, as buyers may hesitate to commit before seeing properties.

4️⃣ DOJ Oversight: More Real Estate Lawsuits Ahead?

While the NAR settlement addressed commission disclosure, the DOJ is still investigating real estate practices. More lawsuits and regulatory changes could be coming, making it critical for Realtors to stay proactive.

5️⃣ Adapting to a Changing Market in 2025

To stay competitive, Realtors must embrace these new rules, educate clients, and refine their value propositions. Those who adapt and innovate will thrive, while those who resist change risk falling behind.

Amy Cearnal is a real estate veteran with expertise in brokerage operations, title services, mortgage lending, and real estate law. As a former brokerage owner and longtime Texas Realtor®, she specializes in helping clients minimize risk and maximize value in real estate transactions.

Amy has...

The DFW Real Estate Market is shifting, and 2025 could be the turning point for buyers, sellers, and realtors. With rising inventory, mortgage rates holding steady, and home prices stabilizing, the North Texas housing market presents both opportunities and challenges. Tune in as we break down key real estate trends, mortgage rate forecasts, and expert insights to help you stay ahead in this evolving market!

The DFW Real Estate Market is at a crossroads—are we finally entering a buyer’s market? As home prices level off, inventory grows, and mortgage rates remain high, real estate professionals need to adapt their strategies to succeed in 2025.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

✅ Current market trends—how rising inventory and mortgage rates are impacting buyers and sellers.

✅ Mortgage rate forecasts—will rates drop or stay high in 2025?

✅ Changing buyer demographics—why first-time homebuyers are older than ever and how this affects the market.

✅ The CFPB debate—how changes to mortgage regulations could impact real estate financing.

✅ Expert real estate strategies—guest Conrad Jackson of REMAX Pinnacle shares game-changing tips for agents, buyers, and sellers.

Whether you're a real estate agent, investor, or homebuyer, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you navigate the DFW market in 2025.

✅ DFW’s Real Estate Market is Changing—Here’s What You Need to Know

With inventory levels rising and home prices stabilizing, 2025 may be a prime time for buyers. However, elevated mortgage rates continue to shape affordability, making strategic decision-making essential for realtors and investors.

✅ Mortgage Rates Are Holding Steady—But Will They Drop?

Mortgage rates remain a major factor influencing demand. We explore why inflation, Federal Reserve policies, and economic uncertainty will determine whether rates fall or remain high throughout 2025.

✅ First-Time Homebuyers Are Older—How This Affects the Market

The median age of a first-time homebuyer has risen from 28 in 1991 to 38 in 2024. This shift means realtors must adjust their approach, catering to buyers who are financially established but facing affordability challenges.

✅ The CFPB Debate—Will New Regulations Impact Home Loans?

With new leadership at the CFPB, real estate lending policies could tighten or relax in the coming years. We break down how potential changes in mortgage regulations could impact buyer financing and loan availability.

✅ Expert Strategies for Realtors to Win in 2025

Special guest Conrad Jackson of REMAX Pinnacle shares actionable insights on increasing listing visibility, negotiating better deals, and understanding buyer behavior. His tips can help realtors and investors maximize success in a shifting market.

Conrad Jackson is a highly experienced real estate professional with REMAX Pinnacle in Arlington, Texas, specializing in buyer representation, seller negotiations, and market...