CPI and the Correlation between Football and Real Estate

I don't want to jump the gun, and I know Christmas is next week. Some of you are in the middle of Hanukkah, while others are getting ready for family to come to town and for the fun to start.

That said, I'm excited about next year.

I'm excited because I already have over 30 people signed up for my Lunch & Learns, and my podcast room is filling up with people ready to shoot videos, stay consistent, and build momentum heading into 2026. I’m excited because 2026 brings a fresh start with new plans, hopes and dreams!

We’ve also had a little more good news. Interest rates caught a break this week after CPI came in lower than expected. Year-over-year inflation is now 2.6%, down from 3%. The markets didn’t go wild, but we’ve had a solid week, and there may be a little more room to move. Rates are a balance between inflation and employment, and that balance could push us a bit lower heading into next year.

Tonight, the Rams play the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. The winner will likely take the division and earn a first-round playoff bye.

Yeah, sports talk… but stay with me.

Both teams have been consistent all season. The Rams lead the league in the fewest penalties, run the ball well, and may have an MVP candidate at quarterback or wide receiver. The Seahawks are also steady, with a strong defense and a solid offense. Both teams have been in almost every game, week after week.

Have you ever really thought about what it takes to win in the NFL?

Coaches get fired every year. Players get cut. Contracts get canceled. Why? Because teams want to win.

Do you want to win in 2026?

Do you have a game plan?

If this were the NFL, a bad 2025 would put a coach’s job on the line. A running back who fumbles too much wouldn’t last. A wide receiver who runs the wrong route or drops too many balls would be gone.

And let’s be honest, we all dropped a few balls this year.

Let’s make sure we don’t drop them in 2026.

If you’re interested in my Lunch & Learns next year, let me know. You’ll walk away with a clearer game plan and possibly a career year.

Now let’s shift gears.

How many of you are going to sit around a Christmas dinner table and hear conversations about jobs, houses, kids, or how someone’s place is too small and they really want to buy something next year?

How many parents of these “young adults" have a pretty good nest egg and are thinking, We’d really like to help our kids get into a home in 2026?

Who’s going to control that narrative?

If I were a young agent, I'd be calling everyone I know over the holidays, checking in, reminding them I’m in real estate, and seeing if those conversations are happening. I’d also let them know that many people start planning to buy a home over the holidays, and yes, mom and dad are often in the giving spirit.

If I were an older agent (which I am, but not an agent), I’d be calling past clients and friends to see if their kids are looking to buy, move up, or downsize. I’d like to ask about single-story homes, lifestyle changes, and long-term plans.

I have a friend who will be listing her home after the first of the year so she can move into a retirement community. She’s 80, in perfect health, and ready for her next chapter, a retirement home.

So, I’ll ask you again:

Do you feel like you dropped a few balls this year?

Let’s make sure 2026 is different.

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

2.6% CPI number is great! The market moved slightly in the right direction today, so let’s see where we go tomorrow and next week. Lower rates could help in 2026 for sure!

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 $832,750 are in the high 5’s and low 6s.
• High-balance loans from $832,751 to $1,249,125 are also in the 6s.
• Jumbo loans above $1,249,125 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 $1,325,000.
• 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!