Larry Gonzales

One of my clients, an E-4 in the Air Force, was fully approved to buy a $500,000 condo in Hawaii.

But approval isn’t the same as affordability.

After reviewing his budget together, he felt most comfortable around $300,000 — a number that kept him within his BAH and aligned with his long-term goals.

Working with a strong realtor, he found a condo for $275,000 that later appraised for $308,000.

Even better:

✔️ Seller paid all closing costs
✔️ Seller bought his rate down into the mid-5s
✔️ Mortgage payment came in BELOW his BAH

This is why I always say: Affordability isn’t just what you can borrow. It’s what feels right month to month.

When you know your number, you control the outcome — not the market.

If you’re military or a VA buyer in Hawaii and want to run your real numbers, I’m here to help.

✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

How much home can you actually afford in Hawaii?

Most buyers guess — and that’s where stress, overbuying, and missed opportunities begin.

In this video, I break down the real numbers lenders use: income, debt, credit score, down payment, and Hawaii’s unique costs like HOA fees, insurance, and taxes.

No fluff. No pressure. Just clarity.

I coach Hawaii homebuyers every day, and the #1 question I get is:
👉 “How much house can I afford without drowning in the monthly payment?”

You’ll learn:

✔ The 4 factors that shape your buying power
✔ Why Hawaii’s hidden costs matter more than you think
✔ How lenders calculate DTI and affordability
✔ A real example of a client who avoided overbuying
✔ How to find your true comfort zone, not just a pre-approval number

Pro tip: Being approved for a price doesn’t mean you should shop at that price.

Affordability is personal — and your lifestyle, goals, and time in Hawaii all matter.

Want help finding your number?

Book a free strategy call and I’ll walk you through your full picture so you can buy with confidence, not confusion.

If this helped, hit like, comment, or share with someone thinking about buying in Hawaii.

And if you have a question, I’m just a call or DM away.

✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Mortgage rates are closing out the year on a positive note — especially for VA buyers.

Last week delivered strong news for rates, helping keep VA loans under 6% and conventional rates in the low-6s. This week is quieter, with limited economic data due to the holiday schedule and bond markets closed mid-week.

In this update, I cover:

Where VA, conventional, and jumbo rates are starting the week

Why movement is likely limited through year-end

What to watch heading into the first week of January

How the overall trend since July continues to move in the right direction

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just staying informed, this update will help you understand what’s really happening — without the noise.

📊 Current snapshot:

VA: ~5.89%
Conventional: ~6.25–6.4%
Jumbo: Low-6% range

Have a great Christmas and holiday season — I’ll see you in the new year.

Aloha.

✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com

2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Builders are still cautious… but optimism is rising 📈
Rates expected to fall = better days ahead 🏡

#HousingMarket #HomeBuilders #InterestRates #RealEstateTrends

✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Job growth stalled. Inflation dropped.
And interest rates finally responded.

In this Housing Market Update for December 19, 2025, we break down what the latest jobs report, CPI data, and Fed policy mean for mortgage rates, VA buyers, and Oahu home sellers as we close out the year.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why unemployment hitting post-COVID highs matters for rates
The inflation surprise that pushed mortgage rates lower
VA rates near 2025 lows around 5.87%
Why inventory is falling — but buyers still have leverage
How to sell your home faster in a buyer’s market

As we head into two holiday-shortened weeks, don’t expect big swings — but this window matters.

For VA buyers and homeowners, the opportunity isn’t chasing the lowest rate headline.

It’s understanding timing, leverage, and total cost.

📍 Oahu | VA Loans | Hawaii Real Estate

🔔 Subscribe for weekly housing & mortgage updates

#HousingMarketUpdate #MortgageRates #VAHomeLoan #OahuRealEstate #Inflation


✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Anyone who tells you they know where mortgage rates are headed next is guessing — and this week proves why.

As we kick off Monday, mortgage rates are largely unchanged from last week, but don’t let that fool you. We’re heading into one of the most data-heavy and potentially volatile weeks we’ve seen in a while.

Here’s what’s on deck:
• Housing Market Index
• ADP Employment Data
• November BLS Jobs Report
• Retail Sales
• CPI Inflation Report
• 20-Year Bond Auction
• Central bank decisions from England, Europe, and Japan

If the numbers come in weaker, rates could improve. If not, expect upward pressure again. The truth is — we won’t know until the data hits.

Starting the week rates:
• 30-Year Conventional: ~6.30%–6.45%
• 30-Year VA: ~5.92%

Stay informed, stay realistic, and don’t make decisions based on guesses.

#MortgageRates #RateUpdate #HomeBuyers #VAHomeLoans #HousingMarket


✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Yes, the Fed dropped rates by 0.25%, but here’s the part no one’s talking about...

👀 Jerome Powell basically admitted they overshot the labor numbers—by 60,000. That changes the game.

This isn't just about short-term rates. This could signal where mortgage rates are really headed—especially if weaker job data hits next week.

Want to know what that means for your mortgage strategy? Watch this.

#LarrytheLO #TheBroker #TheBrokerHI #veteranloan #veterans #valoans #mortgage #va #iwhawaii #veteranspcsing

✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Too many veterans are jumping at "low" rates without knowing the real cost. That 4.75% VA rate? Came with a $25K equity hit.

Before you jump into a VA IRRRL, ask yourself:
1️⃣ What’s your goal—lower payment or faster payoff?
2️⃣ What’s the true cost?
3️⃣ How long are you keeping the home?

Don't chase a sexy number. Chase peace of mind and real monthly relief.

#LarrytheLO #TheBroker #TheBrokerHI #veteranloan #veterans #valoans #mortgage #va #iwhawaii #veteranspcsing

✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Mortgage rates finally moved the right direction — and this time, it actually mattered.

The Fed cut rates, VA mortgage rates dipped below 6%, and we’re seeing early signs of what this means for the Oahu housing market heading into 2025.

In this week’s housing market update, I break down:
Why this Fed cut actually lowered mortgage rates
November Oahu home & condo prices (yes, condos dropped)
Why inventory is still high — and why that matters for buyers
VA refinance warning: the lowest rate isn’t always the best deal
What happens next if rates fall into the mid-5s


If you’re a VA buyer or homeowner, this is one of those moments where timing matters more than headlines.
👉 Thinking about a VA IRRRL (Earl)?

Before you refinance, ask:
What’s the goal — payment or payoff?
What’s the real cost?
How long will you own the home?


💬 Comment “Earl” or DM me — I’ll run the math and tell you yes or no.

📍 Oahu | VA Loans | Hawaii Real Estate

🔔 Subscribe for weekly housing & rate updates

#VAHomeLoan #HawaiiRealEstate #MortgageRates #OahuHousing #VALoan

✅ Here is how to contact me:

1️⃣ Take the first step to homeownership! Get pre-approved in under 2 minutes at my website: larrythelo.com
2️⃣ Give me a call 📞 808-348-5287

Social Media Handle:

👉 Instagram - larrythelo
👉 Facebook - LarrytheLO

All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied.

Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice.

This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend.

All loans subject to underwriting approval.

Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply.

Equal Housing Opportunity.