Larry Gonzales

This is a BIG week for mortgage rates—and honestly, a lot of it is out of our control.

We’ve got rising tensions in the Middle East, oil supply uncertainty, and a full lineup of jobs data that could move rates fast. If oil prices stay elevated, inflation stays elevated… and that puts pressure on mortgage rates.

On top of that, we’re heading into one of the most important jobs weeks of the month:

ADP Jobs Report
Jobless Claims
BLS Jobs Report (the big one)

If the labor market weakens, we could see some relief in rates. If not… we may be looking at continued pressure on housing.

And let me ask you something—

👉 Are you where you need to be after Q1?

If not, it’s time to adjust. Because doing the same thing won’t get you different results.

There’s still time this year—but you’ve got to move.

Drop your questions below 👇
Let’s navigate this market together.

#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #InterestRates #RealEstate2026 #VAHomeLoans

VA mortgage rates just crossed 6%, and yeah… it’s not pretty.

This is the highest we’ve seen since late 2025, and volatility isn’t going away anytime soon.

Here’s what’s driving it:

➡️ Ongoing geopolitical tension
➡️ Pressure on oil prices
➡️ Economic uncertainty

What needs to happen?

We need stability—in global conflict, in energy markets, and in government policy.

I’m optimistic we’ll get there…
but right now, the market is waiting for real action, not headlines.

If you’re buying or refinancing, understand this:
👉 Rates can move fast in this environment

#varates #mortgagerates #housingmarketupdate #vahomeloans #realestateupdate #interestrates

Let’s clear this up—because this mistake costs buyers deals all the time.

A pre-qualification is just an estimate.
➡️ Based on self-reported income and debt
➡️ Quick snapshot, not fully verified

A pre-approval is the real deal.
➡️ Verified income, assets, and credit
➡️ Lender puts their name on it
➡️ Stronger when submitting offers

Here’s how I approach it:

If you’re 6–8 months out, start with a pre-qual.
If you’re ready to buy, you need a pre-approval—period.

Because when it’s time to compete…
the seller cares about what’s verified, not estimated.

#homebuying #mortgagetips #preapproval #firsttimehomebuyer #realestateadvice

Solar panels can be a huge financial win… but they can also create serious problems if structured the wrong way.

I’ve got solar on 3 of my 4 homes in Hawaii, and yes—it saves me $3,000–$4,000 on electricity.

But here’s what most people don’t think about:

➡️ How were those panels financed?
➡️ Is there a lease or loan attached to the property?
➡️ What happens when you try to sell?

Right now, I’m seeing buyers, sellers, and homeowners getting into risky situations because of solar agreements.

This isn’t about whether solar is good or bad—it’s about understanding the structure behind it.

If you’re buying, selling, or thinking about adding solar…
you need to know this before making a move.

#hawaiirealestate #solarpanels #homebuying #realestatetips #homevalues #oahuhomes

Mortgage rates just hit a 7-month high, and there’s a clear reason why.

Oil has surged past $100 per barrel, driven by ongoing geopolitical conflict—and markets are reacting fast.

Here’s the bigger issue:
➡️ Rising oil = rising inflation expectations
➡️ Inflation could jump from 3% to 4%
➡️ That puts upward pressure on mortgage rates

And if oil climbs toward $150/barrel, this could escalate quickly.

Even if you don’t follow the headlines, the markets do—and that’s what ultimately drives rates.

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or waiting…
this is a moment to pay attention.

#mortgagerates #housingmarket #interestrates #realestateupdate #inflation #oilprices

Let me be real with you…

Mortgage rates just crossed 6%, and if what’s happening globally continues, we could see even higher rates ahead.

In this week’s housing market update, I’m breaking down:

Why rates are rising (and what’s driving it)
The real risk behind leased solar panels (this could cost you BIG)
Pre-qualification vs pre-approval — what you actually need
The truth about renting vs buying (most people get this wrong)

And before we start… thank you to everyone who’s been praying for my mom. That means more than you know.

💡 Here’s the bottom line:
The market keeps moving — whether we’re ready or not.

So your job?
Be informed. Be prepared. Make smart decisions.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to understand what’s happening right now…

👉 Watch this all the way through.

📲 Need help or have questions? Reach out anytime.

#housingmarketupdate #mortgagerates #vahomeloans #firsttimehomebuyer #realestate2026

Excellence.
It’s a word we hear all the time, but what does it actually look like?

Not just in business.
Not just in leadership.
But here, in the islands, in our communities, in our homes, and in the way we show up every day.

In Search of Excellence, Island Style is a new podcast exploring what it really means to raise the standard, with conversations from leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, creators, and difference makers who live it out.

Because excellence isn’t loud.
It’s consistent.
It’s relational.
It’s built on values.
It’s lived with aloha.

🎙️ Episode 1 launches April 1
📅 New episodes every Wednesday
6am HST | 9am PST.

Follow along and subscribe to be part of the conversation.
Let’s raise the standard.

#InSearchOfExcellence #IslandStyle #PodcastLaunch #Leadership #Excellence #Aloha #BusinessLeadership #Community #TheBrokerMortgageExperts

Sales down 18%.

Inventory rising.

Homes are sitting longer…

Buyers may finally be gaining leverage.

Pending sales jumped 1.8%...

But we’re STILL near historic lows.

This market isn’t fixed yet.