Weekly Roundup | Jerome Powell's Fed Speech

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Let’s make your week a little easier. The Empire Weekly Roundup newsletter brings you real estate tips, market know-how, and CE updates—all in one quick email.

🗣️ Quote of the Week

"A good monetary policy follows inflationary expectations and not historical numbers."

– Adi Godrej (Chairman of Godrej Group)

🚀 Featured Article

Jerome Powell's Fed Speech on Friday, August 22, 2025

Real estate agents and mortgage loan officers got a dose of good news from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s latest speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In a much-anticipated address at the Fed’s annual economic symposium, Powell signaled that relief from high interest rates could be on the horizon. This marks a notable shift in tone that has big implications for the housing market. This article will break down the main takeaways and what they mean for anyone in real estate or mortgage lending.

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😎 Big 30% Off Labor Day Sale!

Labor Day weekend is coming up, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are almost here! Take 30% off all real estate continuing education courses at Empire Learning this week. Use code LABOR at checkout and experience the savings while earning those credit hours.

🇺🇸 Browse CE Courses

Offer valid through September 2. Use promo code LABOR at checkout.

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🏈 The Football Season Effect

In the fall, football is practically a religion in many households. That means listings and open houses often end up competing with tailgate parties and big game days for people’s attention. Instead of fighting against the football frenzy, a lot of good agents are choosing to lean into it. Tweaking showing schedules or even sprinkling in some pigskin-themed fun at open houses means they're managing to capture buyers’ attention during this sports-crazy season.

• Strategic scheduling. Some agents host open houses earlier in the day or on non-game days to avoid clashing with major kick-off times. This way, potential buyers don’t have to choose between touring a home and cheering on their team. They can do both without feeling rushed or torn.
• Game day open houses. Others embrace the season by turning an open house into a mini football watch party. They’ll even advertise the open house as a game-day “watch party,” keeping the live game on TV so nobody misses a play while checking out the kitchen. Add some tailgate-style snacks and team decor, and you’ve got a home tour that feels fun and inviting.
• Football-themed marketing. Creative agents sprinkle football lingo into their listings and social media posts, with phrases like “a touchdown of a backyard” or “score big with this home.” It’s a playful way to resonate with sports fans and make a property more memorable. A little humor and team spirit can go a long way in standing out during the fall market.
• Team spirit staging. You might even find a living room staged with a bowl of popcorn in front of a big-screen TV, subtly highlighting that this home is perfect for watching the big game. A few tasteful nods to the local team (like a throw blanket in team colors) can create a cozy, relatable scene that helps buyers imagine their own game-day gatherings there.
• Community engagement. Football season is community season, whether it be local high school games to college and NFL Sundays, people are coming together. Some agents tap into that by sponsoring local team events or hosting neighborhood tailgates. Being out there in the community (in a jersey, perhaps!) means they stay top-of-mind with locals who might be thinking about real estate "after the final whistle."

📈 Election Year Anxiety Meets Real Estate

Election season can stir up a swirl of uncertainty and the housing market isn’t immune. With the 2026 midterms around the corner and political chatter in full swing, some buyers and sellers have hit the “pause” button on their real estate plans. It’s understandable. Big decisions can feel even bigger when the news is buzzing with election predictions and what-ifs. But good agents know how to cut through the noise and help folks focus on what really matters... their personal timelines and needs, not just the national headlines.

• Perception vs. reality. Many clients fear the housing market will swing wildly with election results, but historically any slowdown around elections is minor and short-lived. In fact, home prices themselves tend to stay pretty stable even in election years. Reminding buyers and sellers that the market isn’t likely to suddenly crash or skyrocket overnight can ease a lot of anxiety.
• Timelines that matter. If a baby’s on the way or a job relocation is looming, those personal life events should take center stage over political news. A family that needs a bigger home or a couple who must move for work can’t always wait for the perfect political climate. A good agent helps clients see that the “right time” to make a move is when it suits their life, regardless of who’s ahead in the polls.
• Addressing economic fears. Some buyers worry an election will trigger higher interest rates or a recession, making them second-guess their timing. A well-informed agent can explain that interest rates are driven more by long-term economic factors and Federal Reserve policy than by election outcomes. Sharing current market data and economic context means agents can replace scary what-ifs with practical facts.
• Staying informed. Agents don’t need a crystal ball, but it helps to stay up-to-date on any proposed housing policies or tax changes candidates are talking about. That way, if clients ask “What if the new Congress changes [X]?”, the agent can provide a balanced view of what’s actually being proposed (or note that nothing is set in stone yet). This kind of calm, informed guidance reassures clients that you’ve got your eye on the road ahead, even if the political scenery is shifting.
• Calming the jitters. Beyond facts and figures, sometimes people just need a bit of reassurance. Good agents might share a quick story of how a past client bought during an election year and everything turned out fine, or simply remind folks that real estate is typically a long-term investment, one that outlasts any election cycle. When you listen to concerns and respond with patience (and maybe a success story or two), you can help nervous buyers/sellers feel understood and more at ease.

🧾 Tax Credit Talk at the Table

Autumn isn’t just about pumpkin spice and football... it’s also when a lot of us start thinking about taxes (fun, right?). This year, those conversations are getting spiced up with talk of home energy credits, EV charger deductions, and other “green” perks, especially since a new law (nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) introduced some big changes to these programs. Clients are increasingly curious if installing that solar panel or adding an EV charger might score them a nice tax break. And with year-end tax planning in full swing, agents who know the basics of these incentives can really shine by adding extra value to their clients’ plans.

• Green home perks. Homeowners are curious about the benefits of making eco-friendly upgrades. For example, “If I put in solar panels or a high-efficiency heat pump, will I get a tax credit?” An agent who can outline the basics (like the federal credit for solar installations or energy-efficient improvements) in plain English shows they’re looking out for the client’s long-term savings, not just the sale. Even if the details are best confirmed with a tax professional, introducing these ideas can be a huge help.
• EV charger deductions. With electric vehicles becoming more common, buyers might eye that garage and ask, “Can I install a charger, and do I get any kickback for it?” In many cases, the answer is yes. There’s currently a federal tax credit for installing a home EV charging station (at least for now, as the recent bill is set to phase these out sooner than expected). Letting clients know they could get 30% of the charger and install costs (up to $1,000) back as a credit might just put a smile on their face.
• Know the bill basics. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act shook up a lot of the clean energy incentives, speeding up the expiration dates for some programs. Agents don’t need to be tax advisors, but having a grasp on which credits are still available, and when they’re set to expire, is golden. For instance, if a buyer is excited about a home’s older windows, you might mention there’s a tax credit for upgrading to energy-efficient windows (and that it’s wise to check how long that credit will last). It’s all about showing you’re informed and proactive.
• Fall financial check-ups. Fall is prime time for people to review their finances, and naturally that includes looking at home-related expenses and benefits. Some agents take the initiative to share a yearly “homeowner tax tips” email or host a casual workshop covering available home improvement credits and green financing options.
• Added-value connections. Going the extra mile might mean connecting clients with professionals who can help them take advantage of these incentives. Maybe you know a great lender who offers green renovation loans, or a solar installer who can outline the rebates and credits available. When you help a client navigate these opportunities, like pointing a first-time buyer toward a program for first-time solar installations, you’re adding value beyond the transaction. It shows that you care about their savings and satisfaction in the long run, which is the kind of service that clients remember and rave about.

🎯 Quick CE Tip of the Week

🎧 CE Karaoke. Read a tricky section out loud, but in a playful voice or even “sing” it back to yourself (yes, it feels silly). Studies show speaking information aloud boosts retention, and this trick can turn dry legal text into something you’ll actually remember. 🎤

→ Start Today! (And Sing Away)

📈 Market Highlight: The Great Wait-and-See

🔥 Did You Know? If you missed the last few weeks' market highlight, we're keeping it in this week's newsletter. If you already skimmed it at some point in the month of August, you're good to go! We'll have a new market update next week for the month of September. As August winds down, the housing market is showing signs of settling into a more balanced groove. Residential agents across the country are seeing a shift... More homes are available for sale than we've seen in recent years, but buyers remain cautious. Let's dive into the key trends happening nationally with inventory, buyer and seller behavior, mortgage rates, and prices, and what they mean for you and your clients in this evolving "normal."

→ View Full Market Highlight

💡 Feedback Welcome!

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Happy Learning,

— The Empire Learning Team
www.empirelearning.com