31 Years – Where Did the Time Go?

When they say time flies, they really mean it! Today marks the 31st Anniversary of Augusta Financial, which I started in my home on Shelburne Drive in Valencia.
Yes, Augusta was the first of my five kids, and sadly, probably the one I paid the most attention to over the years! LOL!
First and foremost, THANK YOU.
Thank you for the friendship, support, referrals, and business you have sent our way over the past 31 years. Augusta Financial would not be here today without all of you.
This has been one of the tougher markets we have experienced in a while. Earlier this year wasn’t quite as difficult, but lately the spigot of loans seems to have dried up. From talking with many of my Realtor friends, I know you are feeling it too. There are fewer buyers in the market right now.
But after 36 years in this business, I have learned something:
It is never as bad as it seems, and it is never as good as it seems. Markets change. Rates change. Buyers come and go. But the people who keep working, keep building relationships, and keep putting themselves in situations where business can happen usually come out the other side stronger.
We are officially in the fourth quarter, and I think NOW is the time to start preparing for 2027.
Ask yourself:
What good habit can I start TODAY? Where could I find one, two, or three additional deals next year? Who is still buying and selling real estate regardless of the market? What can I do that I actually enjoy that also puts me around more people? And maybe most importantly, how do I stay focused when business is slow?
We all know what we’re supposed to do. The bigger question is whether we have the passion and discipline to do it.
I have a Realtor friend who used to go into her daughter’s workplace every week. She got to know everyone, built relationships, and found a way to generate at least one piece of business from that company almost every month. She did it for a couple of years. Then life changed, and she stopped going. Guess what happened? The business stopped too.
I was talking to another friend who is an agent and asked him what he was doing over the weekend.
He told me he was going to a charity poker tournament. I asked, “Do you play a lot of poker?” He said, “No, I don’t play poker. I’m going to get a listing!” I LOVE THAT!
Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about where our next deal is going to come from that we forget the simplest answer:
GET OUT THERE!
Meet people. Have fun. Join something. Volunteer. Play golf. Go to a charity event. Coach a team. Join a club. Call an old client. Have coffee with someone you haven’t seen in a year.
Not everyone you meet is going to buy or sell a house.
That’s not the point.
Relationships create opportunities, and opportunities create business.
I admit I am a lot more boring today than I was 31 years ago, and I don’t get out nearly as much as I used to. But I know one thing for sure:
Getting out there works!
Over the next couple of days, I am going to be texting many of you just to say thank you. I know a thank-you text doesn’t pay anybody’s bills, but I couldn’t have made it 31 years without you.
I have been blessed with so many great friends through this business.
I also miss people tremendously who are no longer with us: Molly, Heather, Paul, Todd, and, most recently, Elgin. I am sure I am missing a few!  
And there are a few of you I probably could have lived without. I won’t mention your names. Although, it WOULD be fun if I did! LOL! Heck, maybe I will do that if I ever retire!
There are too many people to thank in one email personally.
Just know that after 31 years, I am still working because I love the people, I love the relationships, and yes, I still love this crazy business, especially when we’re busy!
I still want to be your go-to lender, and if there is anything I can do to help you get through this market, find another deal, structure a difficult loan, save a transaction, or brainstorm an idea with you, I am here.
And I promise you this:
I will keep working, and I will keep being the most knowledgeable and responsive lender around.
Thank you for an incredible 31 years.
Now let’s finish 2026 strong, and start building 2027 today!

Interest Rates
Rates are better! 1 day in a row! It’s a start!

Loan Programs Snapshot

• Government loans (FHA/VA/USDA): in the High 6's and low  7’s –
• Conventional (≤ $832,750): in the 7’s
• High-balance: in the 7’s
• Jumbo: In the 7’s
• Bridge Loans: 8.29%

Additional options:

• Bank statement loans (10% down+)
• P&L loans (20% down, no bank statements)
• 0% down options (620+ score)
• DSCR loans (15% down)
• Buydowns Available (3/2/1, 2/1, 1/0)
• Private Money loans – Hard Money
• Construction Loans
• 203K loans
• Commercial Loans
• Fix and Flip Loans

Rates subject to change without notice.

Condo Update
Good news:
Nothing this week!

Bad news:
Nothing new!

We love your Non-Warrantable Condo loans!!
Need help checking a condo? Call me, and we can look it up in real time.
Also:
Full California “naughty list” available here:
https://mikemeena.com/non-warrantable-condos/
If you or your clients, friends, or family need guidance, I'm here.

📞 661-291-2222 (Direct)

📞 661-714-6258 (Cell)

📞 661-260-2970 ext. 2222 (Office)

📧 Mike@AugustaFinancial.com

Sincerely,