Hey Team,

The annual month long siesta know as August is finally over! End of summer, back to school, and last vacations make for a quiet month, but it's seasonal not structural.

Post Labor Day is the ideal time to press the gas and build momentum for the rest of the year. The next four weeks decide what closes before December 31.

Here are the three challenges we see every week, and more importantly what we are doing about them to keep our pipeline and our partners' pipelines full.

Yes, rates are at their 2026 highs and the headlines have been negative all year. But we are seeing some incredible deals right now. The combination of price reductions and closing cost concessions has actually improved affordability in many markets. Sellers gave concessions in 68.7% of Atlanta transactions against 46.2% nationally, and Redfin puts Atlanta's peak buyer discount window in early September.

It is up to us to educate would-be buyers and show them the numbers. That's why every client we speak to gets a Total Cost Analysis so they can see the math clearly.

I have these conversations every week. Whether it's tapping into equity to purchase the new home or optimizing finances ahead of a 2027 home purchase, using the record levels of existing equity to the benefit of our clients is critical. These tools take stress off our clients and help you structure winning offers. Our new digital HELOC’s make this process easier than ever.

You're going to keep hearing this from me. The Non-QM space has changed and the rates are no longer punitive. Bank statement loans in particular are some of the best loan structures out there and allow self-employed borrowers to qualify for a more realistic price point based on their actual financial profile.

I'm happy to help you have these conversations with any of your clients who need them. Just reach out or send them my way.

- Micah