The purpose of the deposit is to assure the seller that you are serious in your offer. That's why it is sometimes called earnest money. Once the money is put up, it's at risk to you. If you back out of the deal, you stand to lose the deposit. Therefore, …

Try to get recommendations from Hawaii real estate agents or other professionals. Look for inspectors who belong to trade organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Make sure the inspector or his or her company has been in business for several years at minimum.

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The choice is between independent living and shared ownership in Hawaii. Each has advantages and detracting features. In terms of price, often some form of shared ownership, such as a condo, will have a lower price than detached homes in the same neighborhood, allowing you to get in easier. Just …

Look at the Hawaii location: Is it in the Hawaii school district you want? Is the neighborhood safe? Is there easy access to freeways or rapid transit? Look at the size: Are there enough bed­rooms and are they big enough? Are the kitchen and the family room big enough for …

You or any good Hawaii real estate agent can quickly determine your mortgage, tax, and home owners' insurance monthly payment. You can add in a logical amount for utilities. Don't forget to include something for maintenance and repair, more if the house is older. This should be your total housing …

Sometimes buyers will make an offer which includes the seller's furniture. Often times this will be for more than the asking price, to accommodate the furni­ture's cost. Usually, but not always, this is a mistake. If a seller has a good eye, the furnishings may make the place ever so …

Not if you want to avoid problems later on. A corner lot can be a problem selling because you could have noisy traffic on two sides. A pool house may seem desirable, but maintaining a pool, particularly an older one, can present headaches you never dreamed of.

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