Larry Gonzales

Is the economy really as strong as it’s being portrayed — or are cracks starting to show?

GDP looks solid on the surface, but this week’s jobs data tells a very different story. Private-sector hiring missed badly, job cuts surged to levels not seen since the Great Recession, and job openings continue to slide. That combination matters — especially for mortgage rates.

In this update, I break down:

• Why the ADP jobs report came in 50% below expectations
• What rising jobless claims signal about the broader economy
• Why the Fed may be forced to cut rates sooner than expected
• What flat home prices and shrinking inventory really mean for buyers
• Why self-employed buyers struggle — and the loan options most don’t know exist
• Where VA mortgage rates are heading into inflation week

Bottom line: the housing market isn’t frozen — it’s selective. Buyers who understand how lenders view income, employment, and timing still have opportunities, even in uncertain conditions.

📉 Jobs & the economy
🏠 Housing supply & pricing
💼 Self-employed mortgage strategies
🇺🇸 VA loan rate outlook

If you’re self-employed, a veteran, or planning to buy this year, strategy matters more than headlines.

Drop a comment — Seahawks or Patriots?
Aloha 🤙

After nearly 20 years in real estate, something interesting happens.
You stop chasing business — and the business starts coming to you.
Most of my clients today come from:

Social media

Past clients

Long-term exposure and consistency

I’ve always been drawn to photos and video, so without even realizing it, I was building a personal brand. First on Facebook — then Instagram became my primary business platform.

Social media doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be authentic, consistent, and aligned with who you are.

Over time, people see you everywhere — and when they’re ready, they call.

#realestatemarketing #realtorbranding #socialmediaforrealtors #personalbrand #agentlife

A smooth transaction isn’t about micromanaging — it’s about trust.
When I work with a loan officer, I expect a few simple things:
Connect with the client right away

Stay in touch consistently

Communicate clearly

Keep me fully in the loop

We each have our roles. I handle mine. You handle yours.
If everything’s going well, just let me know.
If there’s an issue, tell me immediately.
That’s how deals stay calm, clients stay confident, and closings stay on track.

#loanofficer #realestateteams #LenderPartner #realestateprocess #communicationmatters

The Honolulu real estate market doesn’t reward guesswork — it rewards leadership.

Tonight, I sat down with Laura Fleming and Erin Evans, along with other top-performing Oahu realtors who didn’t complain about rates, inventory, or uncertainty in 2025. They adapted, innovated, and kept winning.

This isn’t theory.

Every insight shared here is field-tested, deal-closed, client-served wisdom. From pricing strategy and media execution to ethics, service, and community impact, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what actually drives success in Hawaii real estate.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or building a career, this discussion will help you move smarter — not harder as we head into 2026.

📍 Featuring leaders from Honolulu and Oahu, including top professionals from firms like Century 21 Island Homes.

If opportunity matters to you, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe for real Hawaii market insights

The Federal Reserve met for the first time in 2026 — and kept the Fed funds rate unchanged at 3.625%.

Only two dissented — Christopher Waller and Moran — both pushing for a 25 bps cut. But the majority held steady, largely because the economic outlook looks stronger than expected:

✔ Gross Domestic Product came in hotter than forecast
✔ Unemployment improved (4.6% → 4.4%)
✔ Inflation is still elevated (2.7%)

Bottom line: the economy isn’t weak enough yet to force rate cuts.

👉 Full Housing Market Update — link in bio

#housingmarketupdate #federalreserve #interestrates #gdp #inflation #unemployment #mortgagerates

VA rates dipped slightly this week — but it’s still basically the 5.8% story.

We started the week at 5.88% and ended Thursday around 5.83%. Not much moving the needle yet.

The bigger headline? Next week is JOBS week. 👀
✔ ADP private-sector jobs report
✔ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report

With more layoffs being announced (including big tech + major companies), the big question is: does unemployment tick up again? It may not hit immediately this month — but longer term, it can.

👉 Watch through the end for the quick breakdown.

#valoan #mortgagerates #jobsreport #interestrates #housingmarketupdate #realestatenews

Quick personal finance check-in 👇

✔ Build an emergency fund: 2–3 months of expenses (goal: 6–12 months)
✔ Pay down high-interest debt first (especially credit cards — that rate is no joke)
✔ Contribute to your 401(k) — and if your employer matches and you’re not taking it… that’s free money you’re leaving on the table.

Discipline wins. Start simple, stay consistent.

#personalfinance #emergencyfund #debtfreejourney #401k #moneytips #financialwellness

Think the listing price is what buying a home really costs? Spoiler: it’s not.

Buying a home is exciting — but a lot of buyers get blindsided by the “hidden” costs nobody talks about. Here’s what often gets missed:

✔ Inspections (home, pest, sewer scope — it adds up)
✔ Appraisal (required by the lender, paid upfront)
✔ Closing costs + lender fees
✔ Title insurance + escrow + recording fees (often 2%–5% depending on the market)
✔ Prepaid expenses: property taxes, homeowners insurance, prepaid interest

They aren’t always “fees”… but they absolutely hit your wallet at closing.

👉 Watch through the end so there are no surprises.

#homebuyingtips #closingcosts #firsttimehomebuyer #mortgagetips #realestateeducation #housingmarketupdate

Another government shutdown threat is back on the table… so what happens to mortgage rates if it actually hits?

Historically, shutdowns don’t spike rates higher.
If anything, they can nudge rates modestly lower — because investors get cautious and move money into Treasuries for safety. And when Treasury demand goes up, yields can drop… which can help pull mortgage rates down.

Not a guarantee — but that’s the typical market reaction.
👉 Watch through the end for the quick breakdown.

#mortgagerates #governmentshutdown #treasuries #interestrates #housingmarketupdate #realestatenews