When you think about living in Hawaii, you probably think about living in paradise along crystal blue waters and endless palm trees, right? Bet you don't envision exploding interest rates. Yes, buying a home in Hawaii is an expensive undertaking. When the average home in suburban Hawaii is priced at almost $275,000, you may ask yourself, why? The truth is that the values of homes are appreciating at such high rates that today the median home in Honolulu is $750,000. In fact, the majority of incomes of working citizens in Hawaii are too low to afford even this moderately priced home which leaves many Hawaiians living in rented apartments or multi-family homes. Hawaii is ranked as the third highest state for level of home appreciation. Hawaii is the third most expensive state to live in behind California and New York. 

Be forewarned when looking into buying a home in Hawaii. The average interest rates there are well over the national average. Gas and food prices are also almost double than national averages and this is due to the high shipping taxes Hawaii faces to import all of their goods. 

However, if you are not fazed by the expensive price tag that comes with living in a Hawaiian paradise than buying a home there may be a good idea for you. For one, property revenue is a lucrative market and by taking advantage of low interest rates, you can be well on your way to setting up your own real estate niche right in the heart of Hawaii. After all, Hawaii has a lofty job growth rate that is ranked seventh in the whole country. More and more job openings afford the opportunity you may need to get your life started there, including buying a home. Also, due to the increased amount of home appreciation, Hawaii has severely high conventional loan numbers. These amounts are about 50% higher than the national average, which means you can get more bang for your buck. Consider looking into procuring a home loan in Hawaii before making any other decisions. This may be a great option for you if you are willing to work with the increased housing appreciation. 

The paradise of Hawaii sure has its perks, but if you can't afford to cover the high interest rates and other expenditures than this paradise may be an optical illusion. Talk to your local lender about the current housing market in Hawaii. It's always best to do your homework and get all the facts before making a big decision on a big move.

Most of us know and understand the benefits of owning a home in Hawaii. It gives you independence, good tax savings, and forced savings as well. And you get to experience limited monthly costs without increases. In times of good economy, your property value can raise substantially adding to your net worth. This in turn improves your credit rating. Anytime you make home improvements, you improve your overall standing. If you're considering buying your own home, then here's a few tips to help you with that:

- Finding a good house is step number one. Location is the key here. If you have children you want one that is not too far from school and is close to public transportation. You want to be sure you can get to town quickly for errands and necessities. You want to be close to doctors and retail stores, dentists, and playgrounds, and all the things you may have need of in your new life in this home.

- Let the professionals handle all the complicated areas for you. Get yourself an appraiser, a good Hawaii real estate lawyer, a home inspector, a land surveyor, and an insurance broker. You can use all their expertise in bringing your deal together, whether you are building or rebuilding a home. While building a home may be complicated, and even buying one already built may not be a picnic, still it requires patience. It's a big step in your life, and you want to do it right and not leave things to chance. So do your homework, check everything out, and be smart in your decision making. You can find tons of information at your fingertips by going online.

- You should check your credit rating to be sure you can get the kind of money you need. Figure up your net worth before applying for a mortgage. You should talk to several mortgage brokers and do some comparison shopping before settling. Most of them will give you some free quotes. Today there are many various mortgage lenders available with a lot of discounts and offers for you to choose from. Find out about their interest rates and terms, and settle on the best one for you and your needs.

- Be totally honest with yourself in calculating how much you can afford to spend on your new home. Buying a house is definitely one of the most important purchases you'll make in your lifetime. The new homes will require an investment in furnishings, and the older already built homes may need you to invest in repairs. So take everything that costs into consideration and check it against your financial abilities.

- Consider what amenities you want in your house. Do you want a brick house or wood? What about the style of the house, do you prefer the ranch style or the townhouse? Check out the neighborhood and see if it has the right feel to it. Do you prefer a quiet community or one that's a little more busy? All these questions should be answered in your mind before committing to owning a house in the area.

Honolulu, HI 96825

Although the state of Hawaii consists of more than 80 volcanoes in addition to 132 islands, shoals, and reefs, we usually refer to Hawaii as the big island and the other six islands, which are the most visited by tourists, and are spread throughout the Pacific Ocean. If you are planning to buy a home in Hawaii or going on vacation, it is helpful to know the different characteristics of each island. Each island has its unique features and appeal, which is worth mentioning. However, each island is a paradise, and it will be difficult to choose just one, you might want to visit them all in time. 

Kauai is the oldest and is surrounded by natural beauty. It is considered a romantic getaway and a place for outdoor adventure. It rains a lot in Kauai, approximately 485 inches of rain a year. Do not let the rain deter you, as there is plenty to do in this paradise. There are many touristic and popular spots to visit such as the Coconut Coast, the Napali Coast, the Waimea Canyon, and the Wailua River. This river is considered the only flowing river in Hawaii. If you are looking for one of the best beaches in the world, look no farther than Paipu Beach Park. And there is much more to Kauai. 

Oahu is home to Honolulu - the state capital. This makes Oahu the most modernized of the islands of Hawaii. It is also most populated - the home to ¾ of the state's population. You will find nature and cultural appeal in Oahu. If you are into surfing, the North Shore will offer you big surfing waves, as well as Waikiki beach. You will see a historical side to this island and will find the historic museums of Pearl Harbor, as well as tons of shopping. 

One of the smallest islands is Molokai. This is where you can hop in your car and drive the entire island in a few hours. It is home to the majority of Native Hawaiians and to the largest white sand beach in Hawaii, named Papohaku Beach. It also has historical and cultural appeal, and if you love the outdoors, it has plenty of it. 

Lanai only has approximately 5000 residents. It is an unusual island in the sense that there are no fast food restaurants or traffic lights in Lanai. If you are looking for privacy and a relaxing getaway, this paradise island will give this to you. Most visited spots are Hulopoe Bay, Lanai City, and the popular Garden of the Gods. 

Maui is known as a beach paradise because some of the best beaches in the world are located there. Next to the Big Island, it is the second largest island, and one with a lot of tourist appeal. It is home to luxurious real estate. The Aloha spirit is alive in Maui and you will experience a traditional true Hawaiian culture. If you like golf, you will find some of the best top golf courses here. You can also go whale watching in Maui. A very popular tourist spot is the Kahiwa Falls, known as the highest sea cliff in the world. You can also enjoy the town of Hana, a scenic town, and the Makena Beach State Park. 

Its residents know Hawaii as The Big Island. This is because it is the largest. The climate is varied by zones, as many as eleven climate zones. You will find pristine sandy beaches, but also, snow capped mountains. If you head to the west, it is mostly dry. If you head the opposite way towards the east, it is mostly wet. You will find waterfalls, botanical gardens, rain forests, and volcanoes in Hawaii. An active volcano is Kilanea. There is also a coffee plantation and tons of cultural activities and festivals throughout the island. 

These are some of the main characteristics of each island, which makes them unique and special.

The Big Island of Hawaii, as it is known by the residents to differentiate it from the other islands that comprise the state of Hawaii, is home to eleven climate zones, from beautiful sand beaches to snow-capped mountains. If you are thinking of buying a home in The Big Island there are many important issues, such as this one, to consider. Before you head out to the Big Island real estate office, look at some of this issues to proper determine what you want. 

The island has a wet side and a dry side, which one would you prefer. The wet side - Hilo - gets about 140 inches of rain yearly, while the dry side - Kona - only gets fifteen inches of rain approximately. Therefore, the humidity will be higher in the wet side, but you will also see more lush greenery. If the desert landscape appeal to you, then the dry side of the island will give you that. 

You should also consider the elevation of the area where you want to live - the temperature is cooler in the higher areas. Nights become chilly, and you may require some heating. 

Another issue to consider is city life. How far or close do you want to be from the main cities? This will affect price, as the closer to the city the more you will pay for a home. Consider the traffic and the tourist flow of the city. The rural areas will give you privacy and better pricing, but in some cases, you will have to drive more than 20 miles for markets or hospitals. 

Consider the architecture of the house that you want to live in. Most recent construction is made of slab and footing - just as the regular homes in the main land USA. You may also like the appeal of the post and pier construction, which is traditional and raised from the ground. Both types will affect cooling and stability in a hurricane. The post and pier will be cool, but also not grounded to the floor. The slab and footing will be secured to the floor, but also more accessible to bugs, and less cool. If you are going to live in the dry side of the island temperature may be an issue to consider. 

Do you want to own the land where your home sits or do you want to lease it, but own the home? This is something to consider. A leasehold home is harder to sell but you may have an advantage in negotiating the price lower. If you do not have much money but want to buy a home in Hawaii, leasehold may give you the opportunity. Later, you can sell and buy a home where you also own the land (known as Fee Simple). 

Other things to consider are the square footage, room layout, the view that you will enjoy proximity to the beaches or touristic areas. All these issues will affect price. 

Just as in the main land of USA, we have flood zones; in Hawaii, you also have lava zones. You need to consider the lava zone where the home is, as a 1-2 zone will mean that you are likely to see another lava flow and therefore, the insurance will be higher. The zones go from 1-6. This will affect a mortgage. 

Other important issues to consider are availability of water and electricity in the home, and if the home was originally built without permits. If you are building on raw land, it could be costly due to availability of materials and other topographical considerations. 

Before deciding on a home, make sure that these issues are clear to maximize your investment.

Owner financing can provide a quick solution when you need to sell your home fast, or it can turn into a nightmare.  Knowing your options before you advertise your home for sale can be helpful. 

As a general rule, there are two situations where owner financing is needed.  Either the home itself does not qualify for conventional financing because of some problem.  Or the potential buyer does not qualify for financing for some reason. 

In the first case, you may find it financially difficult to repair the problems with the home, and choose to sell it “as is”.  Your potential buyers will probably fit into one of these two categories: investors or occupants.  Investors have a wide range of experience and cash available.   

In either case, requiring a down payment is a good way to identify the better risk. Be wary of any “investor” who can’t raise a down payment.  How will he pay for repairs?

Make sure that the buyer is able to meet any code requirements and that you agree on major modifications. 

The third case is one where a potential buyer can’t get financing.  The pivotal question is “why”?  It’s obvious there’s a credit problem.  The big question that affects you is whether or not it’s an ongoing problem.  Divorce, accidents, and job loss can cause a temporary problem that can be overcome.  But if the buyer is getting evicted from his rental because he lost his job, how will he make a house payment? 

Because so many individuals default on owner-financed homes, many legal and financial professionals will advise against owner financing as being too risky.  But owner financing can also be an advantage to you by spreading out the sale income over several years. 

However, being cautious with potential buyers can alleviate a lot of that risk.  It helps to be honest with yourself about the condition of the house.  Is it a dilapidated rental that the last tenant trashed?  If so, then cleaning and painting can at least improve it to the point that you can sell it to someone else.  If your potential buyer is an occupant, it may be reassuring to check out their current residence.  Does it appear clean and well-kept?  Will the current landlord give them a good reference? What about a former landlord? (The current one may say anything to get rid of them!) 

You can find owner financing agreements online or in many office supply stores.  Read through the standard agreement—you may want to make changes.  If owner financing appeals to you, you may be able to sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.  By being prepared for the possibility, you can protect yourself from problems.

There are many factors that are important in a relationship with a Realtor, and different clients will have different priorities.  Of course it goes without saying that you want a  

Realtor who will be honest with you, who will do their best to get you the best price for your home, and who will be available when you need them.  And there are laws and licensing requirements that help assure minimum standards are met. But what are your priorities for all the other human factors that make each Realtor different? 

A lot depends on whether you are buying or selling.  In both cases, you want a Realtor who listens to your needs and is willing to help you meet those needs.  If buying, you want a low price, favorable terms, and quick possession.  If selling, you want a high price, favorable terms, and ample time to move. 

Different people have different personalities, and Realtors are no exception.  Professionalism takes many forms-- from the cliché middle-aged woman in a skirt suit with a cell phone in one hand and organizer in the other to the older man in a dark suit with a cell phone in one hand and organizer in the other.  One test of a good Realtor is “how easy are they to reach?” The ever-present cell phone won’t do any good if it isn’t answered, and if messages aren’t returned. 

While many people tend to choose the “most successful” agent at a firm, that may be a mistake.  He may be too busy to spend time on “regular” clients, especially if he’s chasing the multimillion dollar deals.   

Sometimes the youngest or newest agent at the firm may be more likely to go the extra mile with a first client.  While the attention is nice, there are also benefits to experience, and the time to compare those factors is BEFORE you sign a contract. 

Another important factor is how well the agent communicates with you.  Do they explain paperwork, and give you time to read before you sign?  Or do they assure you that it’s “a standard agreement” and urge you to sign without reading?  

The bottom line is, you must feel comfortable with the Realtor you choose.  They should treat you with dignity and respect, and represent a good mixture of friendliness and professionalism. They should return phone calls within a reasonable amount of time, and answer your questions accurately and honestly.  This will be one of the biggest transactions of your life, and you need more than a friend—you need a friend you can trust.

There are dozens of things you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers.  The only problem is, every other seller is reading the same tips, from cleaning the front yard to baking fresh bread. 

But chances are, there are some unique features that make your house special.  By identifying those special features, and finding creative ways to spotlight them, you can increase your home’s appeal. 

What are your three favorite things about your home?  Big kitchen?  Huge stone fireplace in the family room?  Basement storage area?  Once you’ve identified your favorites, brainstorm ways to call attention to them. 

The kitchen will look even bigger if counters are clear.  Put away appliances you don’t use every day.  Fresh curtains in an airy fabric will let in more light.  Make sure all the bulbs in light fixtures are in working order.  If you use a portable “island”, don’t leave it in the middle of the room—it will make the room look smaller.   

The fireplace suggests cozy, warm evenings. Fluffy cushions, colorful afghans, and  big candles can add to the motif.  How about an old-fashioned popcorn popper?  A pretty tray with a wine decanter and goblets or a basket with a few romantic paperbacks can add a bit of romance to the scenario. 

Basement storage can be a real selling point—especially if you make it look easy and convenient.  Neatly labeled boxes and totes, uncluttered walkways, and good lighting all help to spotlight this valuable feature. 

Ask other family members for their favorite features—maybe they also lend themselves to the spotlight treatment.  A bedroom window seat can be spotlighted as a cozy reading nook; add a tiny table with scented candles and bath goodies to turn an underused bathroom into a mini spa. 

But what about negative features?  You may have identified a few things you don’t like.

Is there an area in the yard where the dogs have dug up the grass?  Move the dogs and plant more grass before you list the home for sale.  Don’t be in too big a hurry to volunteer negative information to potential buyers—while there are laws requiring you to disclose some negatives, others are best left alone.  While that 3rd bedroom may be too small for your hyperactive 9-year-old boy, it may be perfectly adequate for a quiet little girl.   

The more “neutral” your home appears, the easier it is for a buyer to picture himself living there.  Instead of selling “your” home, help the buyer find “his” home by spotlighting those features that make your home special.

It's a cliché for a reason: first impressions count. And one of the most important areas where first impressions can mean thousands of dollars more in your pocket is when you decide to sell your home. 

For many sellers, the free "market analysis" offered by Realtors is the first step to listing the home for sale. The experienced real estate agent will know what other comparable houses are selling for. The agent will also be able to suggest things you can do to improve your home's "curb appeal". But before you make that first call to an agent, take a few preliminary steps to make the agent's first impression a good one. 

A digital camera may be helpful to review your "tour" of your home. 

Start by walking across the street and looking at the front of your home. This is the picture that's most likely to appear in ads. Are there toys or sports equipment in the yard or driveway? This is the time to de-clutter. 

Make sure trash cans and other "utilitarian" items are out of sight as well. 

Look at your landscaping, if any. Do bushes or flower beds need attention? Fresh mulch and a few annuals can perk up the view at a very reasonable cost. 

Does your porch look cozy and inviting? Fresh cushions on the furniture and a few decorative touches can help a potential buyer feel relaxed and comfortable with the neighborhood. You can reinforce your home's "style" with the porch décor, but don't go overboard. 

Are front windows and screens clean and sparkling? Pay special attention to the trim around the door. If you have small children, be sure to check for grubby fingerprints below the doorknob area, as well as kick scuffs at the bottom of the door. A fresh coat of paint on the trim is another quick fix that pays off well. 

The second most important point is the interior entry area. Pretend that you don't live there. Look in every direction, up, and down. Once again, you will want to de-clutter. While a few decorative touches look "homey", too much décor makes it difficult for a buyer to picture their belongings in the home. Neutral colors are a plus, as are neutral smells. 

Now follow through with the rest of the home. De-clutter, then clean the obvious—doorknobs, trim, switch plates. Pay special attention to pet areas—keep the litter box and cages scrupulously clean. Pretty towels and linens in the kitchen and bath can subtly add to your home's appeal. 

Okay, now it's time to call for that market analysis. Your agent can give you more tips to put on the finishing touches that will help your home sell quickly.