Preparing for 2026 I hope you’re all doing well and getting ready for the big holidays! I still remember when buying gifts for my parents and siblings meant spending every night wandering around the mall, at least I was with friends, but it sure felt like a full-time job. Then I got married and, just like that, most of those duties disappeared… until they came back again about 30 years later! Now the job is mine again. With four kids, nieces, nephews, my girlfriend, and my dad to shop for, it could be overwhelming, but today it's easier than ever, as you can sit on the couch, watch the game, and order everything online. And that got me thinking about how much our world of real estate and lending has changed, too. We didn’t wake up one day and suddenly start buying homes online or taking out loans from people we’ve never met. But slowly, the world shifted. And today, our competition isn’t always local; it’s the internet: websites giving automated advice, online lenders, online real estate agents who don’t know the area, and information (sometimes right, sometimes very wrong) coming from everywhere. But one thing hasn't changed: People still want a real human guiding them through the most significant financial decision of their lives. The internet can provide data. You provide clarity, trust, and expertise. As tools evolve, the way we work evolves with them, including AI. And, as with every new technology in this industry, some people will fear it, some will ignore it, and some will use it to make their lives easier. So as we head into 2026, here are three simple, friendly ways agents can start thinking about AI, not because you need to become tech experts, but because a bit of awareness today can make next year smoother and more productive. Three Simple Ways Real Estate Agents Can Get AI-Ready for 2026 Use AI to stay more consistent with client communication. Life gets busy, and staying in touch can fall through the cracks. AI can help draft: Monthly market updates Holiday messages Client check-ins Quick follow-up scripts You still personalize everything; the tool gives you a head start. Turn everyday conversations into easy content. Clients ask great questions every day. AI can help turn those into: Short educational videos Social posts Simple emails to your database It’s a way to stay visible without spending more time. Organize your database with less effort. A clean database is the key to repeat and referral business. AI tools can help with: Cleaning up duplicates Writing friendlier follow-up messages Categorizing contacts It's not about doing more, it's about doing the same things with less strain. Final Thoughts as We Get Ready for 2026 AI isn’t replacing real estate agents; it's replacing some of the busywork that takes agents away from the people-work. The relationships still matter most, and that’s something no technology can compete with. As we get ready for 2026, I’m grateful for all of you, for the trust you place in me, and for the opportunity to work together in this constantly changing industry. There is still business out there for the remainder of the year, but getting a start on 2026 will also be helpful. 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 Today’s report for initial jobless claims was the lowest since 2022! That pushed rates a tad higher, but they are still better than they were on Monday! The good news is that more economic news will follow tomorrow! 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! Mike Meena President | Loan Officer Click to Call or Text: (661) 714-6258 This entry has 0 replies Comments are closed.
