Hawaii Real Estate News

March 1, 2011

How to Attract Buyers for Your Hawaii Home

If you want to sell your home quickly without so much delay, it is important to attract potential buyers to your home. The more buyers you have visit your home, the higher the chances of making a sale. So, how can you make your home attractive to a potential buyer? In order to get your home ready for a sale, you really need to put in the time to make it happen. What is the first thing people hear about your home even before they visit it? The asking price!

At the time of putting your home in Hawaii up for sale, you need to consider the various prices in your area. If there are many homes for sale in the area, you need to make sure that your home stands out. One thing many people look into is the asking price. Even though the asking price is not the actual sale price, you should still make it very attractive to a potential buyer. Leave enough room for a negotiation, since many buyers will offer a much lower bid than what you are asking. If you have a real estate agent working with you, then you could certainly ask for their opinion on setting a price. There is a great advantage in setting an attractive price tag for your home.

The first impression really does make a large impact when someone is considering your home. Make sure that your looks good on both the outside and inside. Home staging as realtors call it, is extremely important when selling a home. Creating a very spacious and luxurious look is what catches the eye in a buyer. You should throw away everything that you do not need, and make sure to not leave it in the basement. Closets and basements seem to be the most cluttered spots in the home, so focus on these two. If you have carpet flooring, get it cleaned or washed before inviting people to your home. Other things you should do are paint the home, fix minor issues and rearrange the home. Rearranging the home to make it look bigger than it actually is will be the key to your sale.

The kitchen and bathroom tend to be very messy and dirty, so make sure to get these places washed from top to bottom. In the kitchen, all your appliances and surfaces should be dust free. Wipe all surfaces with a wet towel and remove any stains on the floor. In the bathroom leave no spot untouched, as this is one of those people pay attention to. If you need to replace the toilet or sink, you should get it done before the sale of the house. Lastly, you should have a home that looks and smells good. A nicely scented incents stick or fragrance would be a great addition to the home.

The time it will take to sell a home can never really be predicted, as it all depends on the demand for a home, and whether your home is suitable for those looking. The best thing you can do is make your home standout, so that it will at least get seen.

Posted in Real Estate
Feb. 28, 2011

Important Things to Know About Condominiums in Hawaii Kai

Many people choose to purchase condominiums instead of single family homes, and there is nothing wrong with that. Many development firms and builders have invested millions of dollars in condominiums, and they have done so because there is demand for it in our society. Tons of people choose to purchase condominiums as they are easy to move into and out of. There are far less costs involved in maintaining a unit as opposed to a home. However, if you are planning on buying a condominium, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Whether you agree or not, condominiums are expensive when compared to buying a home. The amount of money you pay towards a condo is much more when you think about what you are getting. Most people prefer to leave in a smaller area, than a whole house, which takes a ton of effort to maintain. In terms of finances, a condominium will still be able to hold your investment. If you compare it to renting a unit, purchasing a condo is not a bad idea at all. Your initial down payment will remain, and the amount of money you pay towards the principle loan is all yours at the time of sale.

There are several perks when living in a condominium. The building is maintained by the development firm or company. Garbage collection in the building, cleaning in the building and lighting in the building is all controlled by the firm. You simply have to pay a slight fee on a monthly basis for maintenance. Condominiums tend to be a lot safer than other types of residential properties. The building usually has a watcher at the lobby that monitors all activity in the building, including all cars coming in and around the lot. There are numerous cameras in the building which would help if an incident does occur. Each of the rooms in the building has a washer and dryer, something you don’t usually see with rental properties.

The major disadvantage about buying a condominium is the risk in depreciation. Many people tend to purchase condo’s since the investment is not so high, but then they realize that they can’t pay for it any longer. Once they default on a few payments, the bank will file for foreclosure. If you own a condominium in a building with a few other foreclosed units, it will affect your condo’s evaluation. Buildings with many foreclosed units will have a high rate of depreciation, and this could affect you very badly in terms of your financial stability.

So, when you are purchasing a Hawaii Kai condominium, you need to do some research as it is now very crucial. Hiring a real estate broker to help you with the process would be an excellent start. Realtors have the background knowledge and experience, so they know which buildings have the most foreclosures. At the time of buying the condominium, think about whether you will be selling it in the short term. Do you think this unit would be snatched up by potential buyers? The small things you don’t consider can end up making the big difference. 

Posted in Hawaii Kai Condos
Feb. 26, 2011

Buying a Brand New Home in Hawaii

Purchasing a brand new Hawaii home right from a builder is the best feeling for any future home owner. However, you should be ready to take some very important decisions throughout the process, especially if you want the perfect end result. The beginning stages in the process can be quite hectic, as you need to get approved for a loan and will need to do a bunch paper work. Apart from the paper work and finances, the bulk of the process is where you choose how your home is built. The flooring, doors, windows, ceilings, back yard, front yard, drive way and etc will all be up to you to decide. The builder will guide you along the way, but you need to be knowledgeable about what is going on.

The first process in building your home is the structure of your floor plan. The floor plan is the blueprint for your home, which outlines all the hallways and rooms. You should be very careful when selecting a floor plan, as it is important to choose something that fits you and your family. Each type of floor plan will be priced at a different range, so this is something to consider as well. It is best to choose a floor plan that is under your limit, so that you can spend money on the other options for the home. The floor plan for the home is bulk of your cost, as it includes the pricing for the entire house, without options. If you want to purchase conservatively, it is best to have your options under twenty-percent of the total cost of the home.

Once the floor plan is set and decided, you need to consider the price of the lot and options. Every builder will have options at various prices, so choose what you really want. You should purchase depending on the amount you have qualified for in terms of the loan. If your maximum limit is three hundred thousand, you need leave at least sixty thousand dollars for the lot and options. This is just a recommended amount most agents and builders agree on.

Now, not all builders work in the same way. Some builders purchase a large area of land, usually in acres and they build a home as a demo. Their goal would be to build similar style homes in the area, and sell each one with customized options. These builders usually build tons of homes all at once, and have buyers choose some of the options. Most of the options would be included in the home, and the buyer will only have to decide on the specifics such as countertops, flooring, cabinets, railings and etc. If you plan on purchasing a home from such a builder, you will need the extra funds to cover the options.

If you prefer to choose each and every option on your own, you can, but it will certainly cost you more. You will need to put down more money, but this way, you will get a home that is built exactly as you wish. Always remember that you have the final say in the decision, so never let the builders decide for you.

Posted in Real Estate
Feb. 25, 2011

Investing in Hawaii Commercial Real Estate

 

It is common knowledge that market policy is based on the customers' demand and as such the supplying is provided in accordance with these demands. The same goes for commercial real estate markets - they have developed on the foundation of demand and supply.
But Hawaii commercial real estate market has been somehow limited in supply with so many people showing lately their interest into buying commercial properties. This interest grew so much over time due to the popularity of the place. Each year Hawaii islands are literally invaded by tourists coming from all corners of the world to relax and have a mouthful of enjoyment surrounded by the natural beauty.
Because there is a constant preoccupation in preserving the nature, difficulties in purchasing urban and commercial properties have risen. Places like Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island have limited quite small portions of land into being industrialized and commercialized.
This is why Hawaii commercial real estate market has limited opportunities to develop - re-zoning process is quite hard to run in these areas. A developer for instance, would need 7 years to have the property re-zoned and turned into a commercial real estate marketplace. 
Due to the fact that Hawaii is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and being a part of USA territory, it can provide plenty of benefits to the investors. They have a good ally in the financial markets and the laws governing across USA, not to mention the capital access and resources provided by Asia.
It has been remarked that Asian investors didn't have any problems with the economy as a great part of it was still maintained strong. The same can be said regarding the currency as this one suffered a great swing for the ones ready to invest.
Hawaii economy is known to have reached more diversified levels due to the fact that many of the investors have decided to add more diversity in the economy of the States. Spending on tourism and military were the first investments followed by investing in Hawaii real estate that has become a major part of Hawaii economy.
There have been also High Tech companies involved, movie productions included, all of them leading to a big boost of the economy. One side effect that has positively affected the Hawaii real estate market is the affluence of residents and more and more tourists looking to spend their leisure inside this state.
A large part of the Hawaii real estate investors is represented by families who plan to retire and need to purchase some place for their future. Another investor in the Hawaii commercial real estate market is considered the young Asia financier who comes for several months in Hawaii, takes the market pulse and then, boom, buys a high-end luxurious resort.
These investors begin step by step to be part of the community, organizing charities, and not using many of the county's resources. Along with this, they pay real estate taxes and spend a lot when being in Hawaii.

 

 

Posted in Real Estate
Feb. 24, 2011

Oahu Real Estate - How to Sell Your Home in Hawaii

When one needs to sell his home in Hawaii, he must have a pretty good reason for doing it. Some would consider this option due to the recent divorce they have been through, others because they face a foreclosure. But regardless the reason, they would definitely need to resort to one of these options: through Hawaii real estate agency, by the owner himself or to an investor.

The following lines will describe each of these options to help you make a wise decision regarding the sell of your Hawaii home:
* Selling the home through a Oahu real estate agent - these agents will generally charge you a % of the selling price in order to help you find a buyer. The thing is, hiring a Realtor to assist you with the sell has to be done with a maximum of vigilance.
You will actually entrust a stranger with the sell of your home, therefore the choice of this realtor should b e a completely educated one. You should be well informed regarding the services for in the end to deserve the effort.
* Selling the home by the owner. In this way you will have the total control over the transaction, performing the selling in accordance with your needs and expectations. You should be very realistic with the value of your home for getting the price that you ask.
The good thing here is that you won't have to pay the commission for the realtor, but the bad thing is that you need to be always ready to show the house for various clients. Selling the home to the buyer you will have to fill in the purchase and selling contract and give it to a third party (a title company) who will collect the money for you.
* Selling the home to an investor. There are many Hawaii real estate investors who sell and buy properties on regular basis. There is no need to pay any fee or commission when the transaction is done, because investors are considered buyers who do this: buy the homes that are for sale.
Selling the house to an investor you will get a fast deal where the paperwork is done by the in vestment company. The thing is, investors will always agree to buy the house fast, but at the price they will set for the house, as they do not intend to buy it at the full market value.
These are the options that you are given with when planning to sell your Hawaii home. As a conclusion: for having a real estate agent to sell your home, you should be ready to pay a consistent fee. Selling by owner, you must be ready to face the ups and downs of this initiative, and for selling the house to an investor you must be prepared to sell the home at the price he is willing to offer.

 

 

Posted in Real Estate
Feb. 23, 2011

Maui Hawaii Real Estate - Useful Info

To many people has become more and more important nowadays the affordability of spending at least one time per year their holiday in a place that brings them relaxation leaving aside the pressure of big city life.

In this respect, Hawaii has turned into the heaven of holiday makers and of those people in search of living their retiring days in the more serene places of Hawaii islands. Many of them even attempt to buy properties considering them their vacation homes for those week ends and holidays of recreation.
But the prices are variable, in accordance with the popularity of the island, but it seems that by now Maui Hawaii real estates are valued as the most beautiful across USA. One can find in here properties costing more than $1,000,000. Beside the fact that owning a property in Maui will allow you have a small spot of personal paradise, you will be given the chance to make a great investment for the future.
One of the other advantages would be that you can build a hotel or simply have the space rented out for fast return of your investment. Not to forget the fact that Maui is one of the main destinations for Hawaii visitors. If you decide buying land, the moment you will select it, make sure that you have the right information related to the zoning laws.
You could as well fall for a beautiful beachfront property and have it turned into a little inn (the 'bed & breakfast' type) to earn you an extra income. It is important to look for the zoning, since that property could be designed as a residence for a single family.
If this situation occurs you should then request a variance to allow you run the business on that piece of land. This ended up in a difficult process for several times, therefore it is better for you to do the research first, be properly informed, and after that sign the contract.
Three things are essential to keep in mind when dealing with Maui Hawaii real estate, before you purchase the property: you need cash, a stable income and good credit. Reaching to buy a property in Maui is quite an expensive initiative and as such you must make sure that you are strongly backed up by money power. Another piece of advice: consult with a Maui Hawaii real estate lawyer or an agent running the business in this area before doing the purchase.
Thus you will be properly informed regarding the laws of the state and have more knowledge on the land value. Nobody then could trick you and you won't end up paying huge money when there could be available better deals in this real estate market.

 

 

Posted in Real Estate
Feb. 22, 2011

Waikiki Hawaii Real Estate - A Few Facts

Waikiki is counted among the best locations to spend your leisure in Hawaii. Situated on the South shore of Oahu island, it has attracted millions of tourists from across the world due to its magnificent beach area. In fact, Waikiki Beach is the representative name that the place has won due to its popularity. Originally, Waikiki was the land of fresh streams and water springs, this is the reason why it was given the name of "Spouting Fresh Water" - Waikiki in Hawaiian language.

With the number of tourists increasing every year, Waikiki developed a great network of Waikiki Hawaii real estates along the shoreline, ranging from condos and homes to hotels and high-end villas.
Tourism is the main activity that has poured (and still does) money into the economy of the Oahu island, with Waikiki Hawaii real estate market being on constant development. The history of Waikiki has been written since Hawaiian royalty preferred the place for the beach celebrations as well as surfing activities.
Waikiki shoreline is not very long, with a beach that measures merely 2 miles long and water depth that can be reached at quite a distance from the shore. The beauty of the place is completed by the crystal clear waters with the skyline being beautifully outlined by the famous Diamond Head. Owning a Waikiki Hawaii real estate on the beachfront allows you a quick access to the beach along with the water sporting activities that wait loyally for you.
As mentioned before, the place used to be famous from back in the 1800s, when royalty came for their recreational time performing sport activities, surfing being the most popular. Step by step, the first beachfront hotels were built (around 1880) turning the place in a summer time resort. This happened more precisely in 1893 when George Lycurgus changed the location in a resort.
This fact has attracted more development in Waikiki Hawaii real estate market. Along with the royalty that contributed into making Waikiki Beach a famous place, many local celebrities have visited the place. One of them is the real legendary figure of Duke Kahanamoku, the famous sportsman who invented the so popular water sport - surfing. One can even see the statue erected for his fame and for people to remember him as the "Father of Surfing".
Honolulu is the urban center of Waikiki, and it is known that a part of the fame that is attributed to Honolulu comes from Waikiki Beach that is interspersed with hotels and resorts of great popularity. Every year Waikiki Beach is the host of various events that gather people from all the corners of the world.
One can find outdoor musical shows, canoe races, surfing competitions, as well as hula dances performed almost everywhere in the area. If one can afford it, purchasing a Waikiki Hawaii real estate can be a great investment for now and for future times.

 

 

Posted in Real Estate
Feb. 21, 2011

Oahu Real Estate - Honolulu Option

Hawaii is the newest state that adhered to the USA's other states and is renowned for its beach and mountainous landscapes boasting with a warm climate for all the year round. This is the reason why many tourists choose to spend their holidays on one of the islands that belong to the main island, Hawaii.

Honolulu is the capital of the state and also the largest city. The place gathers a lot of tourists each year because there is an intense activity going on due to the presence of Honolulu harbor.

Since many people choose to come here and many of them planning also to buy properties, the Honolulu Hawaii real estate has grown quite into a prosperous business. There are also many opportunists looking for the chance to invest in the area, apparently Honolulu Hawaii real estate being the best alternative given to investment plans. Once you invest money in a property located in this area, you can be certain that will become a huge investment turning into a good profitable deal.

But why do people wish to own their property in Hawaii, especially in Honolulu? Well, various reasons are there, such as the need to have a vacation home on a land that allows you to relax completely when you want to do this. Another reason could be the climate that doctor has recommended, as your tired bones need the warmth of the sun. Or simply because you have already retired and with the money you have saved all your employee(d) life you look to purchase a Honolulu Hawaii real estate to make it your dream comes true.

Let's consider now the other reason - the financial purpose that has led you to this valuable investment. To benefit from buying land can be out of the question as land on the island is seen as a rare commodity; this is why properties are so highly valued. Considering that many tourists come here for the first time, it would be a wise move to invest in developing land to build restaurants, hotels and maybe inns for serious and immediate profits.

Many buyers are more often tempted to negotiate the problem of buying directly with the seller avoiding the assistance of a Honolulu Hawaii real estate agent. This can lead to a huge mistake: without the presence of a realtor, you could easily lose opportunities of really good prices of the properties on the Hawaii real state market.

Therefore the advice here would be to get in touch with one of the local realtors who are specialized in dealing with properties buying/selling in the desired area. They are the ones who have their homework prepared updating you with necessary information related to the Oahu real estate.

Posted in Real Estate
Feb. 17, 2011

How You Can Qualify For A Reverse Hawaii Mortgage Loan

Reverse mortgages are very popular loans for vehicles today. You can qualify easily for these loans if you're 62 years old or over and own your home. Whenever you obtain a reverse mortgage, you'll be able to transfer your home equity into cash. You'll have several options for receiving your payments. You can take a monthly check, a line of credit, or a lump sum. But why convert your equity?

 

Well, for one, your reverse mortgage is actually a financial strategy for your retirement. If might be the only source of income you'll have. It's called a 'reverse' mortgage due to the fact that the payment flow has reversed. Rather than building equity into your home with mortgage payments, now you're reducing it by withdrawing cash using this reverse payment method. You've already saved this equity over the past years. Now you can access your savings through the help of this reverse mortgage loan.

 

There are several things about reverse mortgages you should know that are simply amazing. Whenever you apply for one, your eligibility will never be affected by your credit history. You have no need to produce any income statements or bankruptcy records. Your state of health will be a non-issue as well for getting approved for the mortgage.

 

Lots of people want to know how the lenders determine your equity value. They use three specific factors in their determinations. The first one is 'official home appraisal', the second is 'age of youngest borrower', and the third is  'FHA Loan Limit' for your area.

 

There are charges and fees associated with reverse mortgages that are very similar to various other loan types. You have to pay the corresponding originator fee, plus title fees, escrow, appraisal fees,and recording charges along with ongoing service fees. If you happen to have a substantial amount of equity in your home, these charges and fees will probably be bundled into your loan.

 

You won't make any payments on your reverse mortgage loan. It's different though, if you decide to move or to sell your house. If you transfer into another home, and your mortgaged property isn't your permanent address any more, then all your payments become due. This loan becomes due as soon as you sell the home. You need to take note your loan balance is never going to be allowed to go beyond the market value of the home.

 

The government is who ensures that you go into the reverse mortgage agreements with both eyes wide open. That's why it's a requirement for borrowers to have counseling before they will be allowed to sign their loan contract. These counselors are supposed to be accredited, and also approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (DHUB).

Posted in Hawaii Mortgage
Feb. 14, 2011

Why Mortgage Brokers Are Needed

If you are planning to get a home loan, either for upgrade or for acquisition, you most definitely need to have a mortgage broker. You might not be too keen on this idea. You may be under the impression that a mortgage broker is an unnecessary part of your loan process, because you can apply for a home on your own, but this also implies that you know how to comply with all the procedures and get that loan. Finally, you believe you might generate some cash by avoiding any fees the mortgage broker may be due.

 

Well, that's true to a point, but when you look deeper, you'll see that even though a broker may not be included in your budget for this, it doesn't always come down to cash savings for you. The fact is, without their services you may very well save some cash, but is it worth all the extra headaches and trouble? It's the presence of the mortgage broker that will promote efficiency in applying for your home loan. They play a role that is paramount, especially if you value your time. They are familiar with all the intricacies of the home loan process. They are able to guide you along and give you invaluable help throughout this process, and it can mean more than just some cash savings. Just think if you spent most of your time going around and complying with all the home loan requirements rather than focusing that time on tasks that are more productive, and that may yield even more revenue. It's not such a productive way of spending your time.

 

The accessibility of these very capable and very dependable mortgage brokers is never a problem. Many of them are available for hire. You can find them both online and offline. Do a search online and you'll find a good listing for them, or you can even check your local listings. You should try to select the mortgage broker on the list that is the most reputable and has a proven track record when it comes to helping home loan applicants. Don't bother with any fly by night brokers. Be diligent in your research and selection process.

 

The main role for mortgage brokers and their importance, is not something to be ignored or taken lightly in regard to home loan acquisition. Their services are well worth the cost. Their fees are actually marginal when compared to what they can deliver. They may well be the main key in you realizing that elusive dream house you've always wanted.

 

Posted in Hawaii Mortgage