Larry Gonzales

Rates have been bouncing between 5.6%–5.65%.

But next week? That’s different.

It’s Jobs Week and that can move mortgage rates fast.

Here’s what matters:

• Wednesday: ADP
• Thursday: Jobless Claims
• Friday: BLS Jobs Report (the big one)

Last month unemployment was 4.3%.

If unemployment rises → That’s good for rates.
If it drops or stays the same → Rates likely won’t improve.

If you're buying, this is a week to watch closely.

Follow for Hawaii mortgage updates.

#mortgagerates #jobsreport #hawaiirealestate #homebuyers #RateWatch

The wealth gap isn’t about politics. It’s about strategy.

In this Housing Market Update, I break down:

• Why the top 0.01% buy appreciating assets
• Why real estate drives 83% of millionaire wealth
• What the latest Case-Shiller data really shows
• Why rates dropping could push prices higher
• When paying off your mortgage is actually a mistake
• 10 tax moves that could quietly kill your mortgage approval

Here’s what most people miss:

When rates fall, prices rise.
Waiting for the “perfect” rate could cost you more in appreciation.

If your mortgage is at 4% but your money can earn 8%, is paying it off smart… or expensive?

This is strategy not slogans.

If you're thinking about buying in the next 12–24 months, watch this before filing taxes or making financial moves.

📞 15 minutes now can protect your approval later.

#housingmarketupdate #mortgagestrategy #vahomeloans #realestateinvesting #financialliteracy

The Hawaii real estate market doesn’t reward excuses — it rewards adaptability.

In Honolulu, I sat down with Erica Lehmkuhl and Oahu’s top-performing realtors to break down what actually drove success in 2025.

No theories.
No hype.
Just real deals, real clients, and real strategies that worked when inventory was tight and rates were high.

We dig into:

What hustle really looks like in a challenging market

Why reputation and relationships matter more than ever

How top agents are educating buyers the right way

The mindset shift that separates survivors from standouts

You’ll also hear how a 24-year-old first-time buyer secured an incredible deal — proof that smart strategy still beats fear and misinformation.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or building a real estate career in Hawaii, this conversation will help you move smarter — not harder.

📍 Honolulu | Oahu | Hawaii

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

We are almost 1/6 of the way through 2026 — are you on track with your goals?

This week could bring volatility to mortgage rates, and here’s why:

• Factory Orders
• China Rate Decision
• Case-Shiller Home Price Index
• Consumer Confidence
• 2, 5, and 7-Year Treasury Auctions
• State of the Union Address
• Producer Price Index (PPI)
• Construction Spending

The big report of the week is PPI (Producer Price Index) — the “cousin” to CPI. If producers are paying more, inflation pressure builds. If inflation pressure builds, mortgage rates react.

Current Rates:
• VA: 5.65%
• Conventional: 6%–6.25%

The good news? Rates ended the week exactly where they started. Stability is healthy. Slow downward trends are better than sharp drops and spikes.

We’re watching:
• Treasury auction demand
• Consumer confidence
• Inflation signals
• Global political tensions

If you're buying this year, this is a week to stay informed.

Prayers for peace globally because geopolitics impacts markets whether we like it or not.

Subscribe for weekly mortgage rate updates and market breakdowns.

#mortgagerates #vahomeloans #housingmarket #interestrates #marketupdate

Buying a home in Hawaii as a military member can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re unsure how the VA loan really works.

In this conversation, Sarah Lockwood-Sepulveda shares her real-world experience using a VA loan and the lessons that helped her family make confident decisions in Hawaii’s competitive market.

We cover:

How using a VA loan changed her family’s life

Advice for military members new to Hawaii

How to choose the right location and home type

What to consider if you’re only stationed for 2–3 years

Why education and flexibility matter more than timing

Whether you’re active duty, relocating to Hawaii, or exploring your VA benefits for the first time, this conversation will help you move smarter — not harder with clarity and confidence.

👇 Comment below: What’s your biggest question about buying with a VA loan?

📍 Hawaii | VA Loan | Military Homebuying

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

Pending home sales fell 0.8% month-over-month and are 0.4% lower than last year.

Current pace: 3.91 million. We need over 5 million for a healthy market.

That said — this looks seasonal.

The Northeast has been frozen. Literally. As weather improves, we should see activity rebound.

#housingmarket #PendingHomeSales #realestateupdate #homebuying #marketupdate

Every $100,000 you put down can lower your mortgage payment by about $500 per month.*

Bigger down payment =
• Lower monthly payment
• Better interest rate
• Immediate equity
• Smaller loan balance
• No PMI at 20% down (conventional)

More skin in the game = less risk to the bank = better terms for you.

*Ballpark example. Always scenario-specific.

#downpayments #mortgagetips #homebuying #pmi #realestateeducation

Home builder sentiment just dropped again.

Second month in a row.
37 → 36.

Future sales expectations?
49 → 46.

Buyer traffic?
24 → 22.

That’s not strength. That’s hesitation.

When builders feel it first, the market usually follows.

This doesn’t mean panic.
But it does mean pay attention.

👉 Watch the full breakdown on YouTube.

Link in bio.

#housingmarketupdate #realestateupdate #marketshifts #homebuilders #mortgageupdate

VA mortgage rates are near 3-year lows.

The last time we were here?
February 2023 — and rates bounced fast.

This time is different.

The trend down has been steady, not volatile.

If this continues, we could see 5.5% VA rates.

👉 Watch the full Hawaii Market Update on YouTube for the full breakdown.

Link in bio.

#valoan #vamortgage #mortgagerates #veterans #homebuying