Larry Gonzales

Mortgage rates didn’t move this week — and here’s why that matters.

The Fed held the Fed Funds Rate steady, home prices are still rising, and now we’re staring down another potential government shutdown. So the big question is:

👉 Are these obstacles… or roadblocks… to lower mortgage rates?

In this housing market update, I break down:

What the Fed’s decision really means for mortgage rates

Why inflation — not the Fed — ultimately controls long-term rates

How a government shutdown historically impacts interest rates

The true cost of buying a home (beyond the purchase price)

VA mortgage rates and where they’re trending

Personal finance moves you should be making right now in 2026

Home prices are holding steady. Inventory is doing what it always does this time of year. Rates are moving sideways — but volatility is high, and next week’s jobs report could change everything.

If you’re buying, refinancing, or just trying to make smart financial decisions this year, this is information you can’t afford to ignore.

👇 Drop a comment below:

Do you think mortgage rates fall if the government shuts down?

What’s your #1 financial goal for 2026?

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for weekly market updates

The hardest lesson I learned this year?

You can’t give from an empty cup.

As a former people-pleaser, I said yes to everything — until I realized burnout doesn’t help clients, family, or business.

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this…

The market doesn’t care how much you spent. Buyers don’t care about memories or upgrades. They care about value.

In a shifting — and increasingly buyer-driven — market, sellers have to choose:

👉 Sell the home
👉 Or chase a number

Unless your property is truly unique, you usually don’t get both.

The smartest move? Partner with a realtor who brings real neighborhood data, not broad island-wide stats — because every area is moving differently.

Real expectations. Real strategy. Real results.

The best professionals aren’t fighting for scraps.

They’re building relationships.

Real growth comes from collaboration — with agents, partners, and people who are humble, hungry, and growth-minded.

When the focus shifts from competition to community, everyone wins — especially the people we serve.

That’s how you elevate an industry.
That’s how you build something that lasts.

🤝 Collaboration over competition. Always.

What does real success in real estate actually look like in 2025?

In this conversation, Dan Sepulveda from Broker Mortgage Experts sits down with Joe Extra Ordinario from The O Team at eXp Realty to talk leadership, authenticity, collaboration, and how top professionals are navigating today’s changing real estate market.

We cover:

Why top agents stop saying yes to everything

Collaboration over competition in real estate

Advice for new agents entering the market

Buyer vs. seller strategies in a shifting market

How to invest in yourself without burning out

This isn’t hype — it’s real talk from professionals who put people first and business second.

If you’re an agent, buyer, seller, or simply growth-minded, this one’s for you.

👇 Drop a comment and let us know what resonated most.

Strength is built before it’s visible.

Financial preparation starts long before the keys ever hit your hand.

The strongest buyers don’t rush.
They plan.
They prepare.
They move with intention.

Closing day isn’t luck — it’s the result of quiet, disciplined decisions made well in advance.

This is what confidence really looks like.

Small wins stack.

One lift.
One credit tweak.
One saved dollar.

You don’t need a breakthrough.
You need momentum.

And once momentum starts, it does the heavy lifting for you.

Progress isn’t loud — it’s consistent.

Renting is a lot like doing cardio only and wondering why you’re not gettin stronger. You’re comfortable. You’re moving.

But you’re not building long-term muscle. Strength comes from resistance.

Ownership does too.

Comfort feels good — but growth requires load.

You don’t get fit by thinking about the gym.

And you don’t buy a home by waiting for the perfect time. Progress comes from action.

Clarity comes from movement.
Confidence comes from reps.
Action beats intention.

Every rep.