Reflections, Real Talk, and a Challenge for 2026

Last night was our 13th Annual Oktoberfest, and it was great to see so many familiar faces, friends, real estate agents, and partners from all corners of our industry. For those who couldn’t make it, you were missed! Hopefully, we'll catch you next year.

In talking with many of you, one common theme came up: 2025 has been a challenging year. The market has slowed, transactions are fewer, and for many, it's been tough to match the pace of prior years. That conversation carried over to the gym this morning, where we started talking about the hours we all put in and how they translate into what we actually earn.

I'll be the first to admit, I tend to put in long hours, usually 60 or more a week between Augusta Financial and other ventures. But like most small business owners, my pay comes after everyone else's. It made me think about what that looks like for real estate agents right now, the time spent prepping open houses, showing properties, negotiating deals, attending inspections, and chasing new opportunities, all while trying to make it all balance.

So, here’s a challenge for anyone who wants 2026 to look different than 2025:

Track your hours. Every hour you spend on your business prospecting, marketing, client calls, and networking, write it down for a month. Then divide your income by those hours.

It's not about judging yourself; it's about getting clarity. Once you know your true hourly rate, you can start asking:

• If I worked 10% more hours, would my income grow by 10%?
• If I focused that extra time differently on follow-up, education, or building relationships, could it grow by even more?

Because unless something dramatic happens, a big rate drop, a huge wage increase, or a significant price correction, 2026 is going to look a lot like 2025 unless we do something differently. The market will always have its ups and downs, but our habits, focus, and consistency are the things we can control.

I also know that life doesn't stop for business. We all have family, health, and personal commitments that demand our time and energy. For me, that might mean watching UCLA football with my dad, catching a Dodgers game with friends, or hitting the golf course on Sunday. Those moments matter, and they make the hard work worth it. But when it's time to focus on business, I give it everything I have.

So, if you're not happy with how this year has gone, take a step back and evaluate where your time is really going. Small shifts now can make a huge difference later.

I truly love what I do, and I love working with people who care deeply about their craft. Seeing others succeed, especially in tough markets, is one of the most rewarding parts of this business.

If there’s any way I can help you, your clients, or anyone you know - whether it's brainstorming a strategy, running the numbers, or simply offering a second opinion - please reach out. I’m here to help however I can.

Let’s finish this year strong and set ourselves up for a better, more productive 2026 together.

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.

📞 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

Interest rates are up a tad today, wiping out all of the gains from earlier this week. Housing starts came in better than expected, but next month won’t! LOL!  

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:**   

NONE

**Bad News for Condos***     

Nothing New!  

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!