05.07.25

Written by Chase Majerus

The U.S. Econo-coaster

This week in TWT, we’re riding the rollercoaster that is the U.S. economy—housing cuts, trade war drama, and yes, more recession predictions (fun!). But don’t worry, we’ve also got luxury homes, wild real estate listings, and a quick reminder that staying financially sharp is your best defense. Whether you’re bracing for impact or just curious, we’ve got the keys to help you stay ready—not rattled.

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Today's Agenda:

S1L Home Equity Loan

Use Your Home For The Best Future Gains

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, lets you borrow against your home’s available equity. Applying for a HELOC with Synergy One Lending is fast and easy. Our application is fast, easy, and all online. If pre-approved, you’ll be instantly presented with your offer options.

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Proposed HUD Cuts Spark Fears of Rising Homelessness and Reduced Rental Aid

(from Housingwire.com and NAHB.org)

The White House has proposed major cuts to federal housing programs, including the elimination of Section 8 housing vouchers and a 40% reduction in rental assistance. The plan would replace HUD programs with block grants to states, giving local governments more control—but with less funding.

Rental aid for able-bodied adults would be capped at two years, with more resources directed toward elderly and disabled residents.

Critics warn the changes could lead to a sharp increase in homelessness, especially since only one in four eligible households currently receives rental help. Some housing advocates say shifting funds to short-term shelters instead of permanent housing could make things worse.

COVID-era emergency housing vouchers are also running out faster than expected due to rising rents. In response to budget uncertainty, cities like Los Angeles have already paused new applications for Section 8.

A bipartisan group in Congress has introduced a bill to expand Section 8, but the future of federal housing aid remains uncertain.

Read more here or here

Major Manor

Hollywood Hills Meets Home Sweet Home

(from Wallpaper.com)

(from Wallpaper.com)

The Fall Guy director David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick just gave wallpaper.com a peek inside their stunning LA home—and yes, it’s exactly the kind of stylish sanctuary you’d expect from a couple who makes action movies and hangs out with Brad Pitt. Designed by Vanessa Alexander, the space blends Spanish-style charm with modern luxury, plus a few Easter eggs for movie buffs and design nerds alike.

  • The 4,500 sq. ft. hillside home was built in 1928 and once belonged to ’30s starlet Wynne Gibson—talk about old Hollywood glam
  • After losing a previous home in the 2019 Getty Fire, Leitch and McCormick finally found their dream spot in Outpost Estates and customized it to fit both their film careers and their two dogs
  • The home features curated pieces like a Pierre Yovanovitch chandelier, Moroccan tilework, a prohibition-era cocktail nook, and custom dog-friendly laundry room details
  • Outside feels like a five-star resort with an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and multiple terraces for entertaining (or just decompressing between shoots)
  • The couple’s timing is golden—just as the Academy finally announced it will honor stunt performers at the Oscars, Leitch gets to celebrate from the comfort of his very own cinematic haven

This isn’t just a house—it’s a statement. One that says “we work in Hollywood,” but also, “we know how to make a house feel like home.”

Read more here

Social Space

Our Top Social Links of the week

Video:
Compass CEO: New construction homes are getting cheaper than existing homes – Watch here!

Video:
The most absurd home builds you’ve ever seen! – Watch here!

Read:
You can buy a whole Montana town for $2.6 million – Read here!

Read:
Synergy One Lending has been recognized as a top 50 mortgage company in America – Read here!

Financial Fitness

Short Financial Fitness Sub Head Here

(from BusinessInsider.com)

Some of the country’s leading economists are now warning that a recession in 2025 is increasingly likely.

JPMorgan recently raised its recession forecast to 60%, while Apollo Global Management’s chief economist puts the odds at 90%. These warnings are largely based on the economic risks posed by new tariffs, which could disrupt supply chains and raise prices across key industries.

Experts believe the first sectors to feel the impact may include manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture — with small businesses and consumers hit especially hard. In April, the U.S. economy shrank by 0.3%, marking the first GDP contraction in three years.

Moody’s economist Mark Zandi says without a shift in trade policy, the damage could spread to retail, entertainment, and healthcare spending. If these forecasts hold, the unemployment rate could rise to 5.3%, and the S&P 500 could fall another 10–20%. Still, there is hope that a change in policy direction or a mild recession could limit the damage.

That’s why being financially prepared matters more than ever. In uncertain times, being financially fit is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

Budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding your credit can help you stay grounded even if the economy takes a turn. That’s where the S1 FinFit app comes in—it gives you real-time tools to manage your money, set goals, and prepare for what’s ahead.

Whether you want to build emergency savings, explore loan options, or just stay on top of your financial habits, the app puts control in your hands. The stronger your financial foundation is now, the more confident you’ll be facing whatever comes next.

Download the S1 FinFit App today!

S1 FinFit App

Digital financial assistant at your fingertips

S1 FinFit is a FREE app that provides a roadmap to help you reach your financial and lifestyle goals, no matter how big or small! Free credit monitoring with alerts, set financial goals, create budgets, and keep track of your spending to see where your money is going.

Download the app on the appropriate app store with the links below!

Keychain

Do mortgage rates go down in a recession?

(from Finance.Yahoo.com)

Some economists now estimate a 60% to 90% chance of a U.S. recession in 2025.

Historically, mortgage rates tend to fall during recessions as investors move money into safer assets like government bonds. However, this time inflation could stay high due to trade policies and supply chain issues, which may prevent the Federal Reserve from cutting rates.

That means mortgage rates might not drop much, even if a recession happens.

Still, even a small decline in rates could motivate some homeowners to sell and buy homes that better fit their needs. While a large drop in rates is unlikely, a slight decrease could help the housing market regain momentum.

Read more here

Tariffs trigger pauses on some retail, industrial real estate deals

(from CFODive.com)

The impact of tariffs is starting to show in the commercial real estate market, especially in the retail and industrial sectors.

Retailers are pausing expansion plans due to rising costs and uncertainty, leading to the first quarter of negative space absorption since 2020. Industrial tenants are also delaying decisions, and vacancy rates have risen to their highest level in over a decade.

The office market has been less affected by tariffs, but high construction costs are still causing some tenants to hold off on new leases. Overall, renewals are increasing as companies choose to stay in place to avoid the expenses of moving and building out new spaces.

Read more here

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