Senate Committee Releases Affordable Housing Bill
Recently, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs voted to advance the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing (ROAD to Housing) Act of 2025 which aims to increase the supply of affordable housing.
According to its text, the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 aims to boost the country's housing supply, improve affordability, expand access to home ownership, and to increase oversight of federal housing programs.
The Act is especially welcome, since numbers of affordable homes are still decreasing in many areas. As of June 2025, the median sale price reached $435,000—a record high for the month, according to NAR. Interest rates have also remained elevated, keeping sellers from listing their homes and potential buyers on the sidelines.1
Converting Foreclosure Leads into Clients
If you're seeing more foreclosures in your territory, you may be wondering if you can assist. While they can be more complex than other transactions, there are ways you can offer solutions that can also help you earn referrals. Keep these in mind:
Consider how distressed homeowners feel. People facing foreclosure may be scared, overwhelmed, or ashamed. This means you need to skip the sales pitch and focus on listening. Leading with empathy earns trust.
Locate multiple solutions. While some may want a short sale or repayment plan, others may not know their options. The more you know, the more likely you are to close the deal. If you can't help them yourself, find connections who can help, as this type of assistance is welcome and can build the relationship.
Build credibility with testimonials. If you've helped others manage a foreclosure, be sure to share their stories with new prospects. They're much more likely to work with someone who not only understands their dilemma but has the experience to guide them through it.
Make sure potential buyers understand financing. This is where I can assist you by answering their questions and explaining the differences in buying a foreclosure.2
New for August: Instagram Performance Metrics
On August 4th, Instagram rolled out updated metrics that show users which types of content are resonating with audiences. These insights into audience engagement can help you plan your future campaigns.
A new interactive chart tells you when viewers like a Reel you published, including the specific parts that were their favorites. This will help you guide future creation processes.
Instagram's also officially announced a similar Insights graph that shows you when people interacted when your carousel and when they liked it. It also reveals the percentages of follower and non-follower viewers.
You'll also be able to view demographic data featuring your Reels' viewers by their age and where they live. The window "Top content by follows" will show you your top-rated content.
Be sure to check out these changes so you'll have a better idea of how to refine your content approach to where it's driving more relevant engagement with visitors.3
Housing Market Drags During Dog Days
Even though several economic reports were released last week, they're not expected to kick-start the current housing market.
As expected, the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged. This was based on recent inflation figures which showed that consumer prices were rising, with core prices (prices for goods and services only; food and energy prices are separate) rising 2.8% year-over-year. In addition, unemployment rates rose to 4.2% during July.
Meanwhile, mortgage interest rates have stayed above 6.5% for nine months and are nearly identical to levels seen a year ago.
Housing sale prices have fallen in 14 of the 50 largest metro areas and listing prices have joined in, falling in 33 of the nation's 50 largest metros. However, home prices are still rising and are up 2% year-over-year.4
Managing Your Mindset During Challenging Times
Be intentionally learning-based. After you obtain your license and close some sales, it's easy to fall out of the learning curve. However, real estate keeps changing and so do our clients' needs. This is why it's important to be learning-based for your entire career. Attend conferences, listen to podcasts, read books, and network with other agents.
What you focus on expands. One simple way to manage your mindset is to control what you're focusing on versus what you're dwelling on. The more positive and productive your mind is, the better. Try to limit doomscrolling and go for motivational media instead.
Surround yourself with the right people. If everyone around you has a positive and productive mindset, chances are you will, too. Make sure you're choosing to surround yourself with solution-oriented, positive-thinking people for the kind of life you desire.
Take responsibility. We all know someone who blames everyone else for their problems. Just being around them can be exhausting. Instead, be the person who takes responsibility for every aspect of their life and business. This will improve your mindset by putting you in control of your future.5
Sources: 1cnbc.com;, 2housingwire.com, 3socialmediatoday.com, 4realestatenews.com, 5housingwire.com
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