Buying a Condo in Hawai‘i: What to Know Before You Make an Offer
Buying a condo on O‘ahu can be a great way to get into the market—whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating on military orders, or just looking for something lower maintenance compared to a single-family home. From Kapolei and Ewa to town and the Windward side, condos offer a wide range of options at different price […]
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 […]
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 […]
Why I’m Passionate about helping Locals and Military Families Purchase a Home
When I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 20 years of service, I knew I wasn’t ready to stop serving — I just needed a new way to do it. During my time in the military, I saw firsthand how challenging it can be for service members and their families to find stability, especially […]
Should You Lock a Mortgage Rate Now or Wait If Rates Keep Dropping?
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 […]
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 […]
Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Home on Oahu?
This is a common question that buyers ask, especially first-time home buyers. The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The answer to this question is dependent on your financial situation and long-term real estate goals. Since the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen single-family home prices increase by approximately 35%, while condo/townhome prices […]
The Hidden Costs of Owning a Home in Hawaii Every Buyer Should Know
Buying a home in Hawaii is an exciting but complex process. While most buyers are prepared for the sticker price, many are caught off guard by the hidden costs that come with homeownership in the Aloha State. Here are some expenses to factor into your budget before making the leap. 1. Higher Closing Costs Hawaii’s […]
First-Time Homebuyer Expectations: Staying Realistic in a Social Media-Driven World
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but at the same time it can be intimidating. Especially in today’s social media-driven world, first-time home buyers may tend to look at what other home buyers have purchased and compare their situation to that. Social media users more often than not only highlight the best parts […]