WebCE's Weekly Wrap-Up: August 1, 2025
WebCE Staff
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August 1, 2025
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This week’s headlines span everything from economic signals to legal showdowns, generational finance trends, and a shifting real estate market.
Fed Chair Powell urges patience as the full impact of tariffs on inflation remains unclear, while CoStar hits Zillow with a billion-dollar lawsuit over alleged mass copyright violations. Real estate stories capture a market in flux—inventory is rising, home prices are falling in key metros, and buyers remain hesitant amid economic uncertainty. Industry voices agree: the old rules aren’t working, and it’s time to adapt. Meanwhile, in cybersecurity, AI-driven threat detection advances even as confidence gaps widen between security leaders and frontline teams.
This week’s podcast features a former heavy metal musician turned real estate pro, sharing his blueprint for building a business with heart and hustle. And for the Weekend Wind-Down, Superman meets sales in a tongue-in-cheek ad campaign reminding us that not all heroes wear capes—some sell insurance.
Let’s dive in.
Top Stories of the Week
Fed recap: Powell says no decision on September, must wait to see tariff impact on inflation (CNBC)
“Higher tariffs have begun to show through more clearly to prices of some goods, but their overall effects on economic activity and inflation remain to be seen,” Powell said.
Zillow Sued By Homes.com Owner for ‘Massive’ Copyright Violations (Claims Journal)
“Zillow was sued on Wednesday by Homes.com owner CoStar Group, which accused the largest U.S. online real estate portal of publishing at least 46,979 copyrighted photos without permission. The complaint filed in Manhattan federal court seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, which Arlington, Virginia-based CoStar estimated could exceed $1 billion.”
For Gen Z, optimism is key to retirement readiness, report finds (InsuranceNewsNet)
“That was one of the takeaways from a new study by Nationwide Retirement Institute and The American College, which said optimists are 237% more likely than pessimists to be financially prepared to live to 100. Optimists also are 75% more likely to save at least 10% of their income for retirement.”
Trump Administration Launching Private Health Tracking System with Big Tech's Help (ABC News)
“Leaders from more than 60 companies, including major tech companies such as Google and Amazon, as well as prominent hospital systems like the Cleveland Clinic, will convene at the White House on Wednesday afternoon to discuss what the administration is calling a “digital health ecosystem." The new system will focus on diabetes and weight management, conversational artificial intelligence that helps patients, and digital tools such as QR codes and apps that register patients for check-ins or track medications.”
What the Future of Medicaid and Medicare Could Look Like (Newsweek)
Newsweek asked experts what is in store for the programs in the coming years during the term of President Donald Trump.
More Homes Hit the Market, But Buyers Aren’t Rushing In—Yet (REALTOR Magazine)
“Pending home sales continue to lag, but growing inventory and pent-up buyer demand may not stay bottled up for much longer, economists say.”
The market is changing — and the industry's old rules are outdated (Real Estate News)
“A June survey of 1,288 U.S. homeowners and renters found that 37% of respondents believe the country is already in a recession, and nearly half are holding out on making large purchases — like buying a home — due to economic uncertainty, according to John Burns researchers Mikaela Arroyo and Jenni Nichols.
Bright MLS Chief Economist Lisa Sturtevant came to a similar conclusion in her July report, suggesting that it is "less about being frustrated at losing out on homes and more about general uncertainty" for buyers who pause their home search.
Home Prices Drop in 14 Major U.S. Metros, Including Parts of Florida and Texas, As Buyers Gain Upper Hand (Realty Times)
“The median home-sale price fell in 14 of the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas this week, according to a new report from Redfin, the real estate brokerage powered by Rocket. Oakland, CA saw the biggest drop, with a 6.8% year-over-year decline, followed by two Florida metros and two Texas metros: West Palm Beach (-4.9%), Jacksonville (-3.1%), Austin (-2.9%) and Houston (-2.8%).”
How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping the Future of Cyber Threat Detection (Cyber Defense Magazine)
“In this article, we’ll explore how AI tools are transforming cyber threat detection by using advanced techniques like machine learning, behavioral analysis, anomaly detection, natural language processing, and real-time threat intelligence.”
Mind the overconfidence gap: CISOs and staff don’t see eye to eye on security posture (CSO)
These differences in confidence are evidence of a disconnect between leaders and front-line practitioners. Those who are in the trenches understand what it is like to do battle with AI-powered adversaries on a daily basis, and clearly see where present-day solutions fall short.”
Top Podcast of the Week
Heavy Metal to Heavy Closings: John Michael Perez’s Real Estate Story
44 Minutes
What happens when a heavy metal musician trades the stage for real estate success?
In this episode, John Michael Perez shares his journey from fronting a band in Austin to becoming a thriving real estate agent using innovative lead generation strategies like social media videos and community-driven Facebook groups. He dives into the importance of value-based interactions, mentorship, and balancing personal life with business demands, especially during tough times.
If you’re looking for fresh, actionable ways to build your real estate career without cold calling, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Weekend Wind-Down
With the new Superman in theaters, Progressive Insurance teamed up with the filmmakers to create some funny commercials, including this one that shows not all heroes wear capes: