Life, Real Estate, and That Extra Whipped Cream on Top

This photo isn’t from today — it’s from a while back, during one of my visits to Vicious Biscuit in the Arboretum. But every time I look at it, I can almost taste the golden-fried goodness, the fresh strawberries, the clouds of whipped cream, and that light snowfall of powdered sugar.

Why bring it up now?

Because this plate is a perfect reminder that even if a moment isn’t fresh from today, the lesson it leaves can be timeless: life is about balance, hustle and reward, work and play, effort and enjoyment.

And in real estate, just like in the kitchen, the right mix of ingredients at the right time can create something unforgettable.

The Market’s Flavor This Week

Every week, the market serves up a different “menu” sometimes sweet, sometimes a little spicy. Here’s what’s been cooking:

Mortgage Rates Take a Breath

For the first time in over 10 months, mortgage rates have dipped to more comfortable levels. Are they low enough to bring buyers flooding back? Not quite. But for the strategic, prepared buyer, this is the moment to lean in because the best opportunities rarely come with a flashing neon sign.

Apartment Rents on the Rise

Year-over-year rent growth is up about 2.6%, and with fewer new apartments coming in 2026, we could see sharper increases ahead. Investors in apartment REITs like AvalonBay, Mid-America, and Equity Residential are watching closely. Translation? Sometimes the biggest gains come from reading the market before the headlines catch on.

Nature’s Market Factor

Over $1.1 trillion in Texas real estate — and a staggering $12 trillion nationwide is at higher risk from extreme weather. Floods, hurricanes, wildfires... It’s a reminder that in real estate, as in life, you can’t just focus on the sweet stuff. You have to plan for the storms.

The Domino Effect of Bold Moves

Barbara Corcoran sold her NYC penthouse in one day. Within 24 hours, her neighbor listed theirs for $11.5 million. One confident move sparked a chain reaction, a reminder that action, especially well-timed action, inspires others to follow.

Buyer Wishlists: Living in Full Color

Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for walls and a roof. They want chef’s kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, fire pits for year-round gatherings, multi-gen layouts, and boutique closets that feel like a personal showroom. They want spaces that reflect not just where they live, but how they live.

How This Ties Back to the Larry Way

Here’s the thing: I’m an introvert. You wouldn’t know it from the way I work, but it’s true. I’m not the loudest in the room, I’m the one paying attention, connecting the dots, and making sure no detail is left undone.

I set high goals, and I don’t just chase them, I catch them. I believe in going the extra mile when others stop at “good enough.” And most of all, I believe in creating a real estate experience that feels like that first bite of dessert, the one you remember long after it’s gone.

Lessons From the Plate and the Market

From Dessert	From Real Estate
Perfect balance of flavors	Balance between price, value, and timing
Quality ingredients matter	Solid data, vetted advice, and strong financing
Presentation counts	How you stage, market, and negotiate
Worth savoring	A transaction worth celebrating

Your Next Move

Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in rental property, refinancing to take advantage of rates, or just dreaming about what’s possible, now’s the time to be ready.

Because in both life and real estate, opportunities are a lot like this dessert: they don’t sit on the table for long.

📞 Ready to make your move? Let’s talk, I’ll bring the market insights, the strategy, and maybe even a Vicious Biscuit recommendation.

Larry,

That Mortgage Foodie.