Powering Through 2025 with a Strong Third Quarter!

Hey Everyone,

With half of 2025 behind us, it’s easy to feel the weight of a sluggish market. But don’t let that dim your drive! The third quarter is your chance to pivot, push forward, and finish the year strong. Yes, properties aren’t flying off the market, and buyers are pickier than ever - but that’s where your creativity and connection shine. Let’s turn challenges into opportunities and set the stage for a powerful end to the year and an explosive 2026!

What’s Working for Agents in 2025

Agents who are thriving right now are leaning into adaptability. Video tours and virtual staging are grabbing attention, with properties featuring these seeing up to 403% more inquiries. Hyperlocal marketing - targeting specific neighborhoods with tailored content helps you stand out, especially as inventory shifts. Social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, remains a goldmine for reaching buyers, with 70-85% of adults active on these platforms. If you are like me and not into social media, then you need to stay present in another way. Hosting community events, such as housewarming parties for new clients, open houses, and engaging more with your sphere of influence, can help keep you top of mind. Consistent lead nurturing through email and personalized follow-ups is yielding results, transforming hesitant buyers and sellers into committed clients.

What to Expect as Rates Come Down

As interest rates dip, potentially to 6.5% or lower by year-end, demand is expected to pick up. Lower rates could push prices up 1-3% nationally, and likely higher locally, so act fast to guide clients. Lower rates might also loosen inventory as more sellers list, but competition is likely to intensify. Prepare for a busier market and position yourself as the go-to expert to navigate it.

What to Tell Your Clients

Be upfront: higher payments due to interest rates and insurance, plus, picky buyers are real, but so are opportunities. Encourage sellers to price competitively with data-backed insights - overpricing can lead to months on the market. For buyers, highlight creative financing options, such as lender-paid buydowns, and stress the value of pre-approval with a known lender to strengthen offers. Remind them that waiting might cost more if rates drop and prices rise. Build trust by sharing local trends and success stories, showing you’re ahead of the curve.

Contact Frequency: How Many Is Enough?

Top agents are making 20-30 meaningful contacts daily - calls, texts, or social check-ins - focusing on engaged leads first. Aim for at least 100 contacts weekly, mixing past clients, prospects, and new leads. Staying in touch keeps your pipeline full and maintains strong relationships. Track engagement to prioritize, and don’t shy away from personal touches, such as a quick call to celebrate a client’s milestone.

Let’s Finish The Year Strong Together

Half the year gone doesn’t mean half the potential lost. Get creative - stage listings to spark imagination, talk more with your clients to understand their needs, and use every tool at your disposal. The market’s shift is your cue to shine. The more consistent you are, the better your business will be! Let’s collaborate to refine this plan - share your successes, and we’ll tailor it to drive results in the third quarter and beyond!

I’m here, available, and ready to work with you and your clients to help make their dreams a reality. I’m backed by an incredible team, which allows me to dedicate quality time to you and your clients, ensuring they have the guidance and support they need to achieve their goal of homeownership.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if a client needs my guidance. I’m just a call, text, or email away.

📞 Cell: 661-714-6258

📞 Direct Line: 661-291-2222

📞 Office: 661-260-2970 ext. 2222

📧 Email: Mike@AugustaFinancial.com

But wait, there’s more…

Interest Rates

Today was not a great day, but yesterday was solid, so rates are where they finished up last week. Let’s hope we continue to see improvements over the next few weeks, as even a slight reduction in interest rates is always beneficial.

Loan Programs

• We do loans on Non-warrantable condos!
• We offer 12-day escrows for pre-approved buyers - 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 high 5’s and low 6’s.
• Conventional loans up to $806,500 are in the low to mid 6s.
• High Balance Loans from $806,501 to $1,209,750 are also in the 6’s.
• Jumbo loans above $1,209,750 are in the 6’s and 7’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 30% down.
• 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:**   

Cornerstone –  It looks like it will be coming off the Fannie List shortly!

American Beauty Village East – Off the naughty list!

Canyon Country AKA Canyon Gardens - new insurance provided -

American Beauty GARDEN – YAY!

American Beauty Classics – Terrific

**Bad News for Condos***

Parklane Condos – Simi Valley CA  – Insurance is adequate!

Park Northridge HOA  – 19533 Rinaldi – Critical repairs and deferred maintenance

MARIPOSA – Another setback! Now, they have 19% delinquencies to be added to an already too-high deductible on their insurance.

The full state of California 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.

📞 Cell: 661-714-6258

TEXT: 661-714-6258

📞 Office: 661-260-2970 ext. 2222

📞 Direct Line: 661-291-2222

📧 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!