Larry Gonzales

Mortgage rates just climbed to their highest levels in seven months, and global events may be the reason.

The biggest story this week isn’t the Fed meeting — it’s what’s happening in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important oil shipping routes in the world.

If oil supply is threatened, markets react quickly — and mortgage rates often move with that volatility.

Here’s what we’re watching this week:

• Mortgage rates now around 6.4% – 6.7% conventional
• VA rates still under 6%
• Federal Reserve meeting Wednesday
• Key inflation data and global rate decisions
• Ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East

The big question: How long will oil shipments be disrupted?

That answer could determine where mortgage rates go next.

Stay informed so you can make smart decisions in today’s volatile market.

#mortgagerates #housingmarket #fedmeeting #interestrates #realestatenews

VA mortgage rates saw a sharp increase this week, rising from about 5.6% to 5.9%. That move erased much of the progress we saw since February.

Global events can quickly influence the bond market and mortgage rates. Rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions are putting pressure on inflation expectations, which in turn can push rates higher.

The silver lining is that VA rates are still below 6%, and if global tensions ease, the longer-term trend could still move lower.

In this update, Larry explains what caused the sudden rate jump and what buyers should watch moving forward.

#VARates #mortgagerates #vahomeloans #interestrates #housingmarket #economicupdates #realestatenews

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for February brought encouraging news for the economy and interest rates.

Headline inflation came in at 2.4%, while core inflation dropped to 2.5%, marking the lowest core inflation level in five years. Even more important, shelter costs and rent increases are slowing, which has been a major driver of inflation.

While global events and rising energy prices may impact future reports, this CPI reading is a positive signal that inflation is moving closer to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

Larry breaks down why this report matters and what it could mean for mortgage rates and the housing market.

#inflation #cpireport #mortgagerates #interestrates #housingmarket #economicupdates #realestatenews

A common question from homebuyers is: What’s the difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval?

The difference can determine whether your offer even gets considered.

A pre-qualification is often a quick estimate based on limited information. A pre-approval, on the other hand, involves verifying income, credit, and financial documents—giving sellers more confidence that your loan will close.

In competitive markets, submitting an offer with only a pre-qualification can make it much harder to get accepted.

In this FAQ Friday, Larry explains the difference and why serious buyers should go beyond a basic pre-qual.

#mortgagetips #homebuyingtips #preapproval #firsttimehomebuyer #mortgageadvice #realestatetips #housingmarket

Trying to perfectly time the housing market is almost impossible. Interest rates, global events, and economic shifts can change the market overnight.

Instead of waiting for the “perfect moment,” focus on what you can control: job stability, credit score, debt levels, and overall financial readiness.

Because the reality is simple, homes don’t wait. The house you pass on today at $500,000 could easily sell, and when the next one hits the market, it might cost $550,000 or more.

In this video, Larry explains why your financial situation matters more than trying to time the market perfectly.

#homebuyingtips #mortgageadvice #realestatetips #housingmarket #interestrates #firsttimehomebuyer #realestateeducation

Inventory across the Hawaii housing market is steadily climbing, getting closer to the 3,000 active listings mark. But despite more inventory, demand for single-family homes remains strong.

Nearly 50% of February sales were under $500K, and homes between $500K and $1M jumped 28% year over year, showing continued strength in the single-family segment. Meanwhile, condo inventory—especially under $400K—is rising quickly.

In this update, Larry breaks down what these numbers mean for buyers, sellers, and the overall Oahu housing market.

#hawaiirealestate #oahurealestate #housinginventory #realestatemarket #housingupdate #singlefamilyhomes #condos #housingmarket

February’s housing numbers show a clear split in the market. Single-family homes are moving faster, competition is rising, and inventory remains tight. Condos, meanwhile, are taking longer to sell and showing a little more breathing room for buyers.

In this market update, Larry walks through closed sales, median prices, and days on market so you can see where the real momentum is—and what it could mean if you’re buying or selling in Hawaii.

#honolulurealestate #oahurealestate #HawaiiHousingMarket #marketupdate #singlefamilyhomes #Condos #mortgagetips #realestatenews

The Strait of Hormuz is back in the spotlight, and global shipping disruptions could create ripple effects far beyond the Middle East. In this update, Larry breaks down why oil flow, military escorts, and geopolitical tension matter to the global economy—and why that could influence inflation, bond markets, and mortgage rates.

If you’re watching interest rates, real estate, or the broader market, this is one to pay attention to.

#mortgagerates #interestrates #straitofhormuz #oilprices #realestatemarket #globaleconomy #inflation #housingmarket

The Hawaii housing market just hit a major shift and it’s not coming from real estate.

This week oil prices surged as tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and that ripple effect pushed mortgage rates back up near 6%.

Meanwhile in Hawaii:

🏡 Single-family home prices hit a new record at $1.205M
📈 Inventory is rising toward 3,000 homes
📉 Condos remain a buyer’s market
📊 Mortgage rates jumped from 5.6% to about 5.9%

So what does this mean if you’re planning to buy in Hawaii?

In this week’s market update we cover:

• Why oil prices are suddenly controlling mortgage rates
• What the latest Honolulu Board of Realtors report reveals
• Why condos may be the best opportunity for buyers right now
• Whether trying to time the housing market actually works
• The key difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval

If you’re planning to buy a home using VA financing or conventional loans in Hawaii, this update will help you understand where the market is heading next.

Remember: the right time to buy isn’t about timing the market, it’s about being financially ready.

📊 Weekly Hawaii housing updates
🏡 VA home loan insights
📈 Mortgage rate breakdowns

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#hawaiirealestate #mortgagerates #OahuHousingMarket #vahomeloans