In this premiere episode of the new Hustle Harder roundtable format, host James Gaskin is joined by Renovo Financial CEO Kevin Werner and Chief Credit Officer Darren Weaver to unpack current events shaping the U.S. economy and housing market. The trio revisits predictions from earlier in the year and evaluates how they’ve held up amid Moody’s credit rating downgrade, rising national debt, and persistent inflation. With their signature blend of insight and banter, they discuss whether the downgrade truly matters for investors, and how shifting interest rates might shape the remainder of 2025.

The conversation then turns to the state of the housing market, where trends in affordability, inventory, and regional market performance take center stage. From the surprising resurgence of older urban markets like Chicago and Boston to the growing pains of boomtowns like Austin, Kevin and Darren emphasize the importance of local knowledge, product-market fit, and disciplined investing. With actionable strategies like mortgage rate buy-downs and hyperlocal focus, this episode lays the foundation for a practical, insightful new series designed to help real estate professionals thrive in any market.

Key Points from This Episode

00:00 – Intro to the new roundtable format and weekly cadence

01:29 – Introducing Darren Weaver and Kevin Werner

04:41 – US credit downgrade: what it means, and does it matter?

12:11 – Market reaction and long-term implications of the downgrade

13:21 – National housing update: inventory, affordability, and trends

16:47 – Regional breakdown: where supply is rising and where it’s tight

20:00 – Logan Mohtashami’s “savagely unhealthy” market, revisited

22:27 – Why product-market fit is everything right now

24:51 – Chicago’s resurgence and strength in legacy markets

27:14 – Mid-year market awards: NE leads, Chicago steady, CA resilient

30:23 – Challenged markets: Austin and Tampa overbuild examples

33:56 – Real estate discipline vs. chasing speculation

36:23 – Interest rates: hope vs. operational readiness

39:16 – 7%+ rates: normalizing the new normal

42:03 – Builders using rate buy-downs as sales strategy

45:42 – The gap in smaller investor awareness of buy-downs

48:11 – Actionable tip: partner with local mortgage pros for better rates

50:46 – Tariffs, labor pressure, and proactive cost planning

53:10 – Supplier conversations: relationship-building & preparation

56:28 – Don’t be a bottom-20% customer: how to stay prioritized

59:06 – Random WSJ article game: Art Deco vs. Affordable Housing

1:01:25 – Final thoughts on preservation, change, and smart development

1:03:36 – Sign-off and teaser for next roundtable episode

Links

Renovo Financial - https://renovofinancial.com/

James Gaskin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gaskin-b675593/