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May 14, 2011

5 Tips To Help You Buy Honolulu Real Estate

Looking for your new home can be fun and adventurous. It feels good to be searching for a place that you'll soon be calling home. But, as fun as this is, it carries mixed emotions for some. They can really become confused when searching for their new home. It that describes you, then here are 5 tips to help you out:

 

Use The Internet - If you're looking for the right location, then searching online can be a big help. By surfing around you can check out neighborhoods all across the country. You can also find real estate agents that can be a big help to you. They'll know all about how the market is, and where to look for the kind of home you want.

 

Use Open Houses - By attending some open houses, you can gain lots of insight into investing in real estate. But be sure you don't cause any kind of issue while agents are present. If you have an agent already in that area, simply report that to your host, and maybe give them a business card from your agent.

 

Hiring Your Honolulu Real Estate Agent - Lots of people who have been involved in real estate investing will tell you that it's going to be a big advantage for you if you hire your own real estate agent. Even people with negative comments about them still realize their advantages. The main problem is that much like in other professions, not all agents are totally honest. But the work they do is a real load for anyone who is not experienced in that field. They hold interviews, do reference checks, background checks, and all sorts of legal paperwork that would be a total headache if you did it yourself.

 

Know Your Area - You should check out all the area surrounding a house that you're considering for purchase. You want to ensure that it's a safe place and that it fits with your lifestyle. So if you work some long night shifts, you want to be sure your home isn't sitting right on a busy street, or a public market. Look at the lawns of your 'could be' new neighbors. See if the neighborhood has lots of busted up public property. These can give you a feel for the neighborhood, and are good indicators of what you're getting into. Keep in mind that the kind of neighborhood you move into, will have a direct impact on whether your home value increases or decreases. When you hear them say location is everything, it’s not just for businesses, it’s for family homes as well.

 

Take Notes And Rate Things - When you begin visiting homes, rate them and jot down notes all what sticks in your mind, or grabs your attention. Anything of importance or noteworthy, be sure it gets put onto paper. Bad impressions and good impressions alike should be recorded to think back on later. Things like the number or rooms in the house, a leaky roof, or water-spots on the walls.

Latest Honolulu Foreclosures

property photo

$144,900

84172 Nukea Pl, Waianae

Property is a great starter home located on a cul-de-dac. You don't want to miss out on this 3/1.5 in Makaha at such a great price...

  • Beds 3
  • Baths 1.5
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 952
  • MLS 1105839

 

property photo

$189,900

429 Mananai Pl, Pearl City — Crosspointe E-2

Brand new remodel! Lovely spacious unit with all new: countertops, cabinets, refrigerator, range, dishwasher, washer/dryer, floori...

  • Beds 2
  • Baths 1.0
  • Tenure LH
  • SqFt. 717
  • MLS 1105779

 

property photo

$645,000

250 Kawaihae St, Honolulu — Mt Terrace

Amazing picturesque ocean and mountain views from every window with a sunrise view! Corner end unit with 2 covered parking stalls....

  • Beds 2
  • Baths 2.0
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 1,644
  • MLS 1105722

 

property photo

$209,900

2122 Lime St, Honolulu — Hale Hoaloha

delightful 1/1 condo in the heart of Honolulu! Travertine tile, great city views, secure w/elevator & parking. ***Close by 6/30/20...

  • Beds 1
  • Baths 1.0
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 395
  • MLS 1105678

 

property photo

$359,000

911665 Alaiki St, Ewa Beach

Great Buy! Needs some TLC but has lots of potential and is great for a starter home. Located on a corner lot in Ewa Villages 5 min...

  • Beds 3
  • Baths 2.0
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 1,152
  • MLS 1105711
Posted in Real Estate
May 13, 2011

Searching For Your New Hawaii Home Online

Since the onset of the Internet, you can find anything you need right there online. Just a click of your mouse and the whole world of information is right there, about any subject you wish to learn about.

 

This has made lots of things much easier for us, and one area that has really been affected is home searching. The real estate industry has really been stream-lined by the Internet and its awesome power.

 

Now that we have thousands of websites designed just for Hawaii real estate purposes, and thousands of online Hawaii real estate agents who own their own personal websites, searching for a new home online has become a breeze. You only have to key in your requirements for your new home, and then start reading the list and looking at the pictures. It's a virtual tour of the marketplace.

 

You can still go looking for a property the old fashioned way, like attending open houses and getting referrals, but the Internet is convenience on steroids. There's much more information to be gathered and viewed online than you could do running around town in your car. It saves you time and money to do your searching from home. And it's a great tool for narrowing down your choices before you ever step out to view a place live.

 

If you'd like working with a good real estate agent, then you can find yourself one right there online. Check out a few realtors websites and look through their list of brokers/agents to find one you want to talk with. You can set up your interview with the ones you're interested in. Most of your agents will specialize in specific areas of real estate, and you can find one that can be exceptionally helpful for your interest in one specific area. You want someone who's familiar with that area.

 

You also have the option of search for homes yourself on websites that list their properties with descriptions and pictures and prices. You can search by location, price, size, square footage, available rooms, or anything else that's important for the house you want.

 

Once you've short listed your future possible homes found online, you can begin contacting owners or agents to get an appointment, either by email or by phone. This allows you to see the home in person and touch the house you saw on the screen. It will let you be better able to know if this house is the one for you.

 

Searching for a new home isn't a complicated as it once was because of the Internet. You are always just a click away from finding the Hawaii home you always dreamed of.

Posted in Real Estate
May 12, 2011

Tips For Successful Oahu Real Estate Ventures

In Oahu real estate you have many available options, both for buying and for selling homes. If you haven't had the privilege of dabbling in real estate, then some research is definitely in order. Once you learn these following tips, you need to begin to practice them. This way you'll become savvy within the business of real estate, and that's what you want.

 

Always remember that over time, you want your work to be automated. You'll need a system for doing this, and it's worth it to take the pressure off things. The best way of accomplishing this, is to find a virtual assistant. They can check your emails, answer voice mails, and take your phone calls. You can find them and hire them online, or you can search for one working for your local area. Many people mess up believing they can just enter this field alone without help, and that's why many don't succeed.

 

Many beginners will try buying properties that are cheap, in order to sell at higher prices. It's a good strategy, but there may be unforeseen problems in it. The trick in doing this is making sure your costs remain very low, and this is hard to accomplish. Many homes you buy cheaply will need repairs, some that you weren't aware of. That can run up your costs quickly, and cut deeply into your profit from sale. If you can do the repairing yourself, that's a big plus, but if not, you'll have to pay professionals to do it.

 

When you get down to selling the home, you want to be firm in your asking price. But being firm doesn't mean not being flexible. You'll find there are times some people are on tight budgets, struggling under loads of stress, and need a home. These are considerations you should give to the process, but never go so low on your price that you risk losing any money. Always be patient and listen carefully to what potential buyers tell you. Never be short or difficult with people. It's a fact, some people are hard to deal with, but a cool head will always prevail. You can never really know all that goes on in someone's life, and they're probably not intending any hostility specifically toward you, just life in general.

 

If you listen closely to your potential buyers, you can glean a lot from what they say. Don't act un-interested, even when they tend to repeat things. Lots of people get nervous when they're involved in big transactions like home buying, so be patient and polite. Never try to take advantage of anyone. You want people to feel at ease, and give off an heir of trustworthiness.

 

After you establish this trust, then you can have a far better chance of achieving a satisfactory conclusion for yourself and your prospects as well. They'll no doubt spread the word about you, which means more business down the line. All because you were thoughtful and nice.

Posted in Real Estate
May 3, 2011

Good Time to Buy Honolulu Real Estate

The economy throughout the world is not something that most people are proud to be a part of and professionals are not stating that this is going to improve anytime soon. As with everything, though, there are a few exceptions to the general rule of a bad economy. The Honolulu real estate market has been affected by the current economy in that there are many homes on the market and with little buyers. However, there are those cases in which the supply and demand is evening out. Honolulu is a prime example of the real estate market doing better than in other areas. Investors are still showing interest in the real estate in this area because there are so many options that they have with the homes that are for sale on the market. This is one of those things that people should be taking advantage of while the market is staying as it is.

 

The reason that so many investors are jumping onto this opportunity because interest rates are lower than they have been in many years, meaning that loans are much lower priced. Plus, the price of property is lower than it has been in years, meaning that you have the makings of a perfect investment. Those that were looking at investments before the poor economy are finding that they can now find properties that were once beyond reach. Most investors, though, point out that the biggest reason for investing is simply having a home in Honolulu.

 

The weather in Honolulu is one that many people classify as paradise, with a causal way of living, and to top it all off is the ability to have low prices in the real estate market. When comparing the Honolulu area to other areas of the world, the price is much lower. This is why so many people are being encouraged to buy property in the area before the market bounces back. This is the opportune time and people must take advantage of it if they are wanting to make a great investment that will pay off in the future and pay out more than your initial investment making you quite a bit of profit.

Posted in Real Estate
May 3, 2011

Consider Your Second Home in Oahu - Oahu Real Estate

In the Hawaiian islands, Oahu ranks as number three. The natives of the area are very friendly and they make anyone feel as if they are at home, and because of this most people find that they have a great interest in having their home in this area. And it could be this feeling of home that is giving the real estate market in the area such good numbers. There are many homes to choose from in the area, including single family homes, apartments, offices and condos. The best advice that any Realtor is going to give the person is to buy their own home in the area so that they become a resident and really can blend into the community.

 

Those that have a family are going to love moving to this area. And people are going to find that traveling in the area is relatively easy due to the commuting that they have in the area. Oahu has all the things that a big city can offer a person with the small town charm that people are wanting as well.

 

Those that are looking to invest, should also consider this area, as it is not just for those that want to purchase and live in a home. Ask anyone, and they will tell you that investments in the Oahu area is a smart decision. The prices of the property in Oahu has increased recently, and it intended to keep climbing. The reason is that so many people are looking towards moving to the area because there is so much to offer. For example, placed like Sandy Beach, Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Beach and Hanauma Bay.

 

The tourism of the area is greatly affecting the price of the real estate in the area simply due to the fact that many people are wanting to have their own home when they visit the area, making it their second home. Those that do this, many times rent out their property to those that visit touring the time in which they are not using the home.

 

If you are hooked on the idea of living in Oahu whether it be full-time or just to have a second home, then you are probably wondering about who you should start talking to in order to make this dream a reality. A local Oahu real estate is the best way to do this since they are going to be able to take all of your criteria and make sure that they find a home that you are going to love. Remember to meet this agent in person so that you two can really get to know one another while going through this process. And these agents are easy to find, so there is no reason for you to wait to start living your dream and finding the perfect home to start living that dream in.

Posted in Real Estate
April 23, 2011

Honolulu Real Estate - Moving to Honolulu

The most popular Island in Hawaii is Oahu, having the world's most famous naval facility on the Island. For this reason, moving to Honolulu you will need a sizable wallet or the ability to get a lot of extra work on the Island, because it is very expense to live there.

 

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, and means "protected harbor." Honolulu is one of the most populated cities in America coming in at 377,379 residents. Once again most of the residents in Honolulu live in urban areas and are married couples.

 

Living in Honolulu has many benefits for example; the income. The average income is 51,000 dollars a year that is 4,500 dollars more than the national average. The most common jobs in Honolulu are the tourist jobs because the biggest income for the city is the tourist. The unemployment rate in Honolulu is very low; this is a good sign because when moving it will give you hope in finding a job.

 

The house market is through the roof in Honolulu, with the average house price being 481,000 dollars. Even though the house prices are so high the city has a low tax rate, taxes on houses with mortgages being only 1,200 dollars. The average cost of a house is 1,817 dollars a month while renters are paying 920 dollars a month for their space. So buying a house will be cheaper than renting when you move to Honolulu.

 

Your child will be lucky and be in the state with the only single unified school system, with a student teacher ratio of only 17 to 1 which is wonderful. The school system in Honolulu is good, with spending nearly 7,000 dollars on each student and the drop out rate is only one percent. The children like to go to school here because of the low teacher child ratio and the way the school is ran. There are 30,000 students in graduate school in Honolulu; education is their main priority here.

 

Hawaii is the only state in the United States that has a royal palace.

 

The popularity of Honolulu is its beaches and the tropical climate, where it is nearly perfect year round. The weather in Hawaii changes the least amount of any other state in America. All this beauty and weather makes Honolulu, Hawaii heaven on earth and a lot of people want to move here to get a feel for this kind of living. Make your move today, move to Honolulu.

Posted in Hawaii Relocation
April 22, 2011

Moving to, and Visiting Hawaii are Two Different Things

Most people take trips to Hawaii, but relocating to Hawaii is usually just a dream that many people have; the large islands state is full of all things tropical and leaves a lot to the imagination. Hawaii is made up of a bunch of volcanic islands, some smaller than others and is the only state in the U.S. that is made from only islands. The weather is tropical meaning that the summer is in the high 80 degree region and winter is in the low 80 degree region. Most people presume that Hawaii would be humid, but near-constant winds from Hawaii's east keep the humidity less dense.

 

The culture in Hawaii is rich and enticing. Many travelers that have set their sails through Hawaii come back with souvenirs of white and black sand, pictures of crystal clear water, like. Being a tourist and a native are two very different things. Color full fish and ritual parties. The relaxed laid back atmosphere of the people who live in Hawaii is very attractive when you find your life filled with the hustle and bustle of things that usually aren't worried about on this island state.

 

Moving to a tropical climate is something that people set their sights on for later in life if they can't do so while they are younger. Retiring in a warm environment, where it never snows and elders are respected sounds like the ideal place for people to live out their final years. While the elderly are not required to work in Hawaii, if they choose to do so, it is also considered okay. No one is forced into retirement at age sixty five.

 

Each island though, is like its own state. You may find that while one has a few job opportunities the other has an unemployment rate that surpasses all the other states. The same is true for transportation. Only one island has access to public transportation, everywhere else people must either own their own cars, or walk. Choosing which island to live at, does take some careful planning, and just because you visited does not mean you know what island life is

 

Tourism is something else you will have to consider living with. People are constantly coming and going from Hawaii. It is a place that is known throughout the world. Sandy white beaches and the ocean surf draw people from all over the world. That being said, prices of a lot of commodities are high, especially in the more tourist known regions. If you live in Hawaii it is expected that you be polite to the tourists, as it is a major source of Hawaiian income. If this is a problem for you, but you still want to live there, pick very carefully where you chose to live, shop and fulfill your entertainment needs.

 

Latest Hawaii Kai Real Estate

 

1104853-0-100-100.jpg

$1,599,000

512 Puuikena Dr, Honolulu

Must see the recent renovations! Stunning sweeping KokoHead to DiamondHd vws from this executive residence. Enjoy the breathtaking...

  • Beds 4
  • Baths 4.0
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 3,506
  • MLS 1104853

 

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$1,625,000

717 Moaniala St, Honolulu

Just past the midway point of the hill and a few homes off the main drive make this spacious home easy to get to. Gated community ...

  • Beds 5
  • Baths 4.5
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 3,560
  • MLS 1104835

 

1104810-0-100-100.jpg

$6,000,000

525 Moaniala St, Honolulu

Designed for Beauty & Comfort, this Stunning Oceanview 5 Bedroom, 5.5 bath two story residence includes separate guest quarters on...

  • Beds 5
  • Baths 5.5
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 4,650
  • MLS 1104810
Posted in Real Estate
April 21, 2011

Choosing Where to Live in Hawaii

When planning to move to Hawaii most people forget that it is a state, not just a place. It is the same as saying you're moving to Texas without picking a city to live in. There is a chain of islands in Hawaii and each island has its pros and cons as far as economy, transportation, and the social norms. Make sure before you decide to move there that you actually visit Hawaii and not just the tourist locations.

 

Pick your priorities and what you will use most often in your every day life. You may want to live close to the gorgeous beach, but are you willing to give up being close to your work, with the high cost of gas? If you like to live near shopping malls, are you willing to live right in Hawaii and not be near the beauty of palm trees and beaches? Choosing a higher paying job may mean you also has to pay more for things, but you may be closer to the stores. There are many things to consider when choosing to move to this famous state.

 

While Hawaii is not known for its high levels of crime, it does happen even in beautiful Hawaii. Making sure you are not living in the middle of any major drug or crime activity will go a long way to ensure your happiness with your move. When finding out the crime rate for your area, be sure to note what kinds of crimes are common where you live. Somewhere with people that violate the noise laws are a whole lot different then living where armed robbery or rape is common.

 

Also when looking at the increased cost of groceries, take a look at the kinds you use most often. While being able to buy a turkey for Christmas in Hawaii for under ten dollars is great, if you are someone who likes to eat something that costs higher then above average costs, you may find that your grocery costs are still outrageous. However, if you are someone who likes to eat a lot of fresh fruit for breakfast, especially the kind that is grown locally your grocery bill may go down.

 

Moving to Hawaii is like moving to anywhere else, there are pros and cons. People must take the move seriously, and realize that living somewhere is very different then living there. Seeing the island through a tourist's eyes will leave you quickly unhappy that you chose to live in Hawaii.

 

Latest Hawaii Kai Listings

 

1104810-0-100-100.jpg

$6,000,000

525 Moaniala St, Honolulu

Designed for Beauty & Comfort, this Stunning Oceanview 5 Bedroom, 5.5 bath two story residence includes separate guest quarters on...

  • Beds 5
  • Baths 5.5
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 4,650
  • MLS 1104810

 

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$749,000

495 Kekupua St, Honolulu

EXCEPTIONAL quality upgrades in this beautiful 3 bedroom home. Granite counters, hardwood cabinets, new appliances. Low maintena...

  • Beds 3
  • Baths 2.0
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 1,268
  • MLS 1104790

 

1104757-0-100-100.jpg

$457,000

5213 Pepeekeo St, Honolulu — Village Green

Lowest priced 3 bedroom in Hawaii Kai. Priced $22K under the assessed value! Great location, close to schools and busline. NOT A...

  • Beds 3
  • Baths 2.0
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 1,305
  • MLS 1104757

 

1104685-0-100-100.jpg

$499,000

501 Hahaione St, Honolulu — Mauna Luan

Professionally remodeled from top to bottom & rarely available large corner end 'L' unit that offers the best privacy and preferre...

  • Beds 2
  • Baths 2.0
  • Tenure FS
  • SqFt. 1,302
  • MLS 1104685
April 20, 2011

Relocating with Your Pets to Hawaii

Relocating anywhere is exciting, but somehow there is some extra excitement at the idea of getting to wake up every day and look at palm trees. Having fresh coconut and pineapple as an option for breakfast is a dream come true for a lot of people. However, don't let this excitement drown out the things that are necessary in your planning. Planning for your pets to relocate with you to Hawaii is very important, as Hawaii does have special regulations that do not come into play when moving from one continental state to another.

 

Up until recently all pets that came into Hawaii had to undergo four months in quarantine. However, now it is possible to get your pet out of quarantine in five days or less. Sometimes you can even get your pet out of quarantine the same day. There is a check list though that people must be aware of in order to save themselves a lot of money.

 

Never enter Hawaii with a puppy or kitten. They must spend the four months in quarantine if they are ten months old or younger. This means if you choose to come into this state with a puppy or kitten, it is very likely you will miss some of the most important time of their lives. Another requirement is that you must arrive between eight in the morning and four in the afternoon in order to qualify for the immediate release program.

 

Rabies is what Hawaii is most concerned about; all pets that enter into Hawaii must have had their rabies vaccinations at least twice. Hurrying to get your pet vaccinated before jumping on a plane will not help; the pet must have been vaccinated at least one month prior to arriving onto this island. Your pet must also have a working microchip in order to qualify. They will be checked at the airport.

 

People moving to Hawaii need to realize that if they do come into Hawaii and their animal is taken into quarantine the owner will be responsible for paying the bill for their animal. This means that as soon as you enter the state you are already racking up a bill that can be quite expensive to pay off. The cost is approximately fifteen dollars per day, per pet. With two pets staying four months, it is easy to see why it is worth the time to make sure your pet meets all the requirements first. Spending a few moments is a whole lot easier then spending hundreds of dollars.

Posted in Hawaii Relocation
April 18, 2011

Making Money With Hawaii Real Estate

Be warned - This one vital step may double your Hawaii real estate investment income over the next ninety days.

 

First, decide on what your target market will be. I've learned through experience that it's very easy to feel like you're going to do it all - probate, abandoned properties, lease options, absentee owners, foreclosures, tax liens, and the list never seems to end. But if you want to be a real success, you have to narrow it down to one good niche, and then stay focus on becoming a master within that niche. To make money in real estate, carve out a hole that's one inch wide, and two miles deep.

 

For a lot of people, it happens like this. You hear a good tele-seminar about short sales, and couldn't wait to dive right in. Then you go and buy another course you saw online about probate home study.

 

Believe me, I've been there, and I've done that. I once attended a three day training for real estate. I tried everything I learned, and all at the same time. We all get lured in by the magic pill, but the truth is, it's just a myth.

 

So I'm letting you know that I've experienced the same frustrations and disappointments. Running from one contradiction to another can make you want to pull your hair out. So here's where I'll clear some things up to help you out. There's no need for you to take on everything to do with real estate. Just learn to do a couple of things, and do them very well. If you choose foreclosures, and you like the probate system too, then work at those until you get good at them.

 

Take one market, then learn how to negotiate and solve problems within that market. Figure out natural sounding ways of overcoming objections and do it smoothly. Systemize what you learn, then you can move on the your next system while the one you've mastered runs on autopilot. Take one step at a time, and first things first.

 

Pick Your Niche - Choose one from among the many, such as MLS, tax liens, farming neighborhoods, absentee owners, foreclosures, code violations, etc.

 

Set Yourself A Marketing Budget - Sit down and figure up what you can spend on each campaign. Campaigns are not monthly budgets. You need to keep that in mind. You might want to spend $100 one month, and the next month spend $500, because the tactics will vary between marketing campaigns.

 

Select Your Means Of Communication - This can be driving for dollars, direct mail, mass media advertising, or telemarketing.

 

Implement Your Strategy, And Stick To It - You have to be committed to what you're doing to make it work, or you're simply throwing money away. It takes patience and work, and a determination to see it through to the end. If you have that kind of fortitude, then the money and deals will come. Remember that marketing real estate is part of your overall real estate business, and it takes a constant investment in marketing to keep the income streams coming in. 

Posted in Real Estate