My 2026 Business Plan – Part 2(And Why I’m More Fired Up Than Ever)

Last week, I talked about something I’m really excited about small-group Lunch & Learns.

So far, 13 people have signed up, and I know without a doubt that I can help every single one of them.

Here's the deal:

In 75 minutes, a few times a year, you’ll walk away with valuable, actionable information to help keep you focused, accountable, and moving toward your 2026 goals. My Lunch and Learns are not fluff. We will go over fundamental strategies to get more business and work smarter than you do today. Email me if you want to check it out!

A Big Upgrade for 2026

I’ve also recently upgraded our podcast studio, and this is where things get really fun.

We’re now inviting agents into the studio to work on their social media for 2026. The goal?

To create timeless, professional content that we will:

• Film
• Edit
• Cut into shareable pieces

You’ll have content you can confidently share with your followers, clients, and friends. This content will reflect who you are and how you do business.

We’re already starting to fill time slots, and we’re initially opening this up to our loyal Augusta Financial partners. Once we work through that group and see how it’s going, we’ll expand it to others.

Because here’s the truth…

Consistency Is Still King

Marketing doesn’t work if it’s random.

Consistency is key, and social media, whether you love it or hate it, keeps you visible. It keeps you relevant. It reminds people that you’re still in the game.

I’ve put together hundreds of questions to ask agents on camera. These aren’t "gotcha" questions; they’re designed to:

• Showcase your expertise
• Highlight how you do business
• Help you look professional and confident

Especially in a challenging real estate market, this matters more than ever.

If 2025 Was Hard… You're Not Alone

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

Don’t beat yourself up if your volume isn’t what it used to be.

Not many people had career years in 2025.

Not everyone is going to sell:

• 50 homes
• Or fund 100 loans

And that’s OK.

The real question isn’t "Why didn’t I do more?”

It’s "What can I do better?”

Why I’m Still Grinding (Ten Days Before Christmas)

I left the office last night at 8:20 PM, ten days before Christmas, during one of the most beautiful, warm Decembers we’ve had in years.

Was I calling clients all night?

No (although I did make one call at 7:30 at a client’s request).

What I was doing:

• Emailing business partners
• Checking in
• Trying to get people ready for 2026

Every morning, I ask myself:

• Where can I get more business today?
• What do I need to find more business?
• What can I do today to make tomorrow better?

After 35+ years in this business, I’ve never had four down years in a row, and I'm determined to make next year better.

I may not need the money.

But I need to win.

Honestly?

Sometimes it feels like I’ve been losing for four years straight… and I'm done with that.

Am I turning into the Clippers? The Angels? Maybe. LOL!

But I know one thing for sure, I'm stepping up.

Now I Ask You to Step Up Too

I’m here to help. I truly am.

If you want to be involved in the small-group Lunch & Learns I mentioned last week, please let me know. If you want help getting organized, visible, and prepared for 2026. I'm all in.

I'm showing up for you.

Now I ask that you help you.

Let’s make 2026 better together.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if you or any of your clients, friends, or family members need my guidance. I’m just a call, text, or email away.

📞 Direct Line: 661-291-2222 – Text OK

📞 Cell: 661-714-6258 – Text OK

📞 Office: 661-260-2970 ext. 2222 – Text OK

📧 Email: Mike@AugustaFinancial.com

But wait, there’s more…

Interest Rates

Unemployment hit a 4-year high, but it didn’t move the market much! Interest rates are down in some areas today, but close to yesterday’s rates.

Loan Programs

• We do loans on Non-warrantable condos!
• We offer 12-day escrows for pre-approved buyers, including conventional, FHA/Jumbo/Bridge loans.
• We provide loans in all 50 states, so call me with anything you need.
• Government loans (FHA/VA/USDA) are in the 5s.
• Conventional loans up to $806,500 are in the high 5’s and low 6s.
• High-balance loans from $806,501 to $1,209,750 are also in the 6s.
• Jumbo loans above $1,209,750 are in the 6’s.
• ARMS in the 5’s and some in the 6’s
• Bank statement loans are available with 10% down again, with larger down payments in the 6’s++.
• Profit and Loss Statement loans require 20% down - no bank statements needed, only a profit and loss statement!
• 0 down loans are available in the high 6s, with a minimum credit score of 620, up to $1,300,000.
• Private Money lenders offer Hard Money Loans with 35% down.
• No-Ratio Loans require a 30% down payment.
• DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are available with as little as 15% down.
• Bridge Loans typically have an interest rate of 7.99% with limited fees, helping you get where you need to go!
• 3/2/1 Buydowns, 2/1 Buydowns, and 1/0 Buydowns are available at great starting rates!

Please note that interest rates are subject to change without notice, and the information above reflects LA County Loan Limits.

**Good News for Condos:**   

Nothing New

**Bad News for Condos***     

Princessa Estates – Balcony Issues – HOA Dues raised to $540.00 monthly!

CONDO HELP!!!

If you have a listing or a buyer interested in a specific condo and are unsure whether it is warrantable or Non-warrantable, please call me, and we can look up Fannie’s list in real-time. We don’t know when something has changed, and it would be impossible to track everything day by day, but we don’t mind looking up a few items each day.

The full state of California’s naughty list has been added to: MikeMeena.com! See the link below:

https://mikemeena.com/non-warrantable-condos/

Let me know if you hear anything new about condos or townhouses.

I am available every day if you need anything.

📞 Direct Line: 661-291-2222 – Text OK

📞 Cell: 661-714-6258 – Text OK

📞 Office: 661-260-2970 ext. 2222 – Text OK

📧 Email: Mike@AugustaFinancial.com

Have a great day and an even better tomorrow! Please call me when you have a client who needs to borrow!