Should You Rent or Sell Your Hawai‘i Home in 2026?
If you’re a homeowner in Hawai‘i who may be moving next year, you might be asking yourself the big question heading into the new year: Should I rent or sell my property in 2026? Whether you’re relocating for work or military PCS orders, downsizing, upgrading, or just weighing investment opportunities, the decision between renting or selling […]
HARPTA & FIRPTA Explained: What Every Hawai‘i Home Seller (and Buyer) Should Know
When selling a home in Hawai‘i, two terms that often create confusion — even for experienced owners — are HARPTA and FIRPTA.They sound complicated, but understanding how these tax laws work can help you avoid delays, surprises, or unnecessary withholding at escrow. What Is HARPTA? HARPTA stands for Hawai‘i Real Property Tax Act.It’s a state law requiring escrow to withhold 7.25% of the […]
How to Afford a Home in Hawai‘i in 2026 (Local Strategies That Work)
It’s no secret that buying a home in Hawaiʻi isn’t easy. With some of the highest home prices in the nation and mortgage rates that haven’t come down much, many local families wonder if homeownership is even possible. The good news is—yes, it is. I’ve seen firsthand how families here are getting creative and making […]
Leasehold vs. Fee Simple: Understanding Hawaii’s Unique Real Estate Market
Hawaii’s real estate market is unlike any other in the U.S., and one of the biggest distinctions buyers encounter is the difference between leasehold and fee simple properties. When you’re looking to buy your first home, understanding these ownership structures is crucial. What is Fee Simple Ownership? The most common and sought after form of […]
Hawaii Property Tax Exemption: What Homeowners Need to Know
Owning a home in Hawaii comes with its share of responsibilities, and property taxes are one of them. The good news is that Hawaii offers a Homeowners’ Exemption that can help reduce the amount you owe each year. On top of that, if you are a veteran with a 100% disability rating, you may qualify […]
Selling a Home in Hawaiʻi: Hiring Family, Flat Fees, and What I Learned
Selling a home in Hawaiʻi is not just a transaction. It is often one of the largest financial decisions a family will make. It involves timing, preparation, negotiation, inspection oversight, and coordination — especially if you are both selling and buying at the same time. Several years ago, my wife and I chose to sell […]
Should You Lock Your Mortgage Rate in Hawai‘i Right Now? (2026 Update)
If you’re thinking about buying a home, there’s a good chance you’ve been watching mortgage rates. Lately, they’ve been slowly dropping, and that has many buyers weighing their options—lock in now, or wait a little longer to see if rates continue to improve? It’s a fair question, and one that applies to all buyers. But […]
Can You Buy a Home in Hawaii Using Your BAH? A Guide for Military Buyers on O‘ahu
If you’re PCSing to Oʻahu, one of the first financial decisions you’ll face is this: Should you use your BAH to buy a home in Hawaiʻi — or rent? With high home prices, strong rental demand, and frequent military transfers, buying a home on Oʻahu requires more than just loan approval. It requires strategy. As […]
Work Hard, Play Harder: Finding Balance in Family, Home, and Real Estate
“Work hard, play hard.” It’s a phrase I live by and one I try to pass on to my family. Life doesn’t pause. Between being a husband, supporting my wife, raising kids with busy sports schedules, maintaining a home, and running a full-time real estate business, days are full—and that’s not a bad thing. Family […]
How to Get Top Dollar for Your Home in Hawaii: A Seller’s Guide
Selling a home in Hawaii can be both exciting and challenging. With the right strategy, you can maximize your home’s value and attract serious buyers willing to pay top dollar. Whether you’re selling in Oahu, Maui, or any of the islands, this guide will help you navigate the process effectively. 1. Price It Right from […]