Step By Step: How To Buy A House In Hawaii From Top Local Real Estate Agents

Subscribe To Learn More About Hawaii

Share This Article With Your Friends

Are you thinking about buying a house in Hawaii? The process can be daunting, but with a little planning and research, you can make the experience smooth and successful. Here are some steps to follow to make your dream of owning a home in Hawaii a reality.

 

The Hawaii Real Estate market has been BOOMING for the last couple of years. The United States as a whole felt the boom of the seller’s market and Hawaii was no different in that aspect. But buying a house in Hawaii is different than most other places. Learn Step By Step: How To Buy A House In Hawaii From Top Local Real Estate Agents

1. Research the market:

Before you start looking for houses, it's important to get a sense of the current market conditions in Hawaii. Look at real estate listings and prices in the area where you want to live, and talk to a local real estate agent such as our team to learn more about the local market.

 

As local real estate agents we'll be able to advise you on the current market conditions no matter if it's your 4th time buying a house or you're a first time home buyer. 

buying a house in hawaii, hawaii real estate, hawaii homes

2. Determine your budget:

Buying a house in Hawaii is a significant investment, so it's important to have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend. Take into account your income, savings, and any potential mortgage financing you may be eligible for.

 

When you speak to a member of our team about your budget we like to talk in terms of your "ideal monthly housing expenses" and reverse engineer that into a home purchase price. There are other factors to consider in your total monthly housing budget (expenses) such as property taxes, homeowners association dues, and any other applicable fees that may apply.

 

Homeowners Associations In Hawaii And Their Fees

Homeowners associations in Hawaii can be pretty expensive. this is something that can play a huge Factor in terms of your ideal monthly housing budget but also your  loan qualification.

 

Now when we say homeowners associations and their fees we are talking about the actual homeowners association fee plus what is considered the maintenance fee. we typically umbrella these all together when we say HOA fees.

 

When it comes to single family homes we typically HOA fees less than $200 a month. but this is always something that is community dependent so always double-check  when searching for homes. 

 

Condos and townhome communities are where we start to see  HOA fees really get more expensive and impact your budget.

 

 it is not uncommon to see these in townhome communities upwards of $500 a month.

 

And For condos around the island it is not uncommon to see fees upwards of $800 a month.

 

Now why are fees in condos and Townhomes so much more expensive?

 

Typically condos and townhome communities offer more than some single-family home communities. For instance having a community pool, area beautification, Community Center, and what is called an ho6 insurance policy that covers everything from the walls out of the structure. 

 

You may also find that some of your utilities are included in the monthly fees. Now this is not all the time but utilities that are common to see included in the fees are sewer and water. What that means is you will not have a separate water and sewer bill. That is included into the HOA fees regardless of how much you use. 

 

So when you're searching homes a lot of your favorite home search websites will show you the fever will not always tell you what encompasses that fee. When working with our team we will always show you the back end MLS of what is listed to include those fees.

Moving To Hawaii?

Our team talks to so many people thinking about moving to Hawaii just like you and we absolutely love it! Click the button below or go ahead and shoot us a text by tapping this number: (808) 388-8710

hawaii real estate, buying a house in hawaii

3. Get pre-approved for a mortgage:

Once you know how much you can afford to spend, it's time to start looking for financing. Talk to a lender to get pre-approved for a mortgage, which will give you a better idea of how much you can borrow and help you narrow down your search.

 

If you start home shopping without a pre-approval letter from a lender you may delay the process of writing and submitting offers if you need to move quickly to make an offer on a house you fell in love with. In a lot of cases, sellers may not even entertain an offer that does not come with a pre-approval letter or other proof of funds to purchase the home.

 

Getting pre-approved will also make sure you're not looking at homes outside of your ideal monthly housing expense budget you set. Time may be of the essence and you don't want to waste time looking at homes that don't fit in your criteria.

SEARCH HOMES IN FOR SALE IN HONOLULU HAWAII

4. Find a local real estate agent you can trust:

A good real estate agent can be your biggest ally in the home-buying process. Look for an agent who has experience working with buyers and who knows the local market well.

Your agent can help you find houses that meet your criteria and assist you with negotiating and closing the deal.

 

Our team of local real estate agents has helped so many homebuyers through the years with our top notch negotiating skills, clear and transparent methods, and being known as "over-communicaters" in the homebuying process so you're always in the loop with your transaction.

5. Start looking for houses:

With your budget, financing, and agent in place, you're ready to start looking for houses. Use online listings and your agent's expertise to find properties that match your needs and preferences. Be open-minded and willing to compromise to find the right house for you.

hawaii real estate, buying a house in hawaii

6. Make an offer:

When you find a house you like, it's time to make an offer. Your agent can help you determine a fair price and present your offer to the seller. Be prepared to negotiate and make counter-offers until you reach an agreement that works for both parties.

7. Close the deal:

Once you have an accepted offer, it's time to close the deal. This involves signing a purchase agreement, getting a home inspection, and obtaining the necessary financing. Your agent and lender can help you navigate this process and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

 

Congratulations! By following these steps, you can successfully buy a house in Hawaii and begin the next chapter of your life.

Buying A House In Hawaii

Buying a house in Hawaii is so unique and unlike any other place to live in the United States. Whether you’re a single, working class individual or a family looking for that special spot to call home. If you have more questionsAbout buying a house in Hawaii don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We talk to so many people about their move to Hawaii every single day and we absolutely love it. We’re here when you need us!

 

Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.

CLICK ANY OF THE BUTTONS BELOW TO SHARE THIS ARTICLE WITH ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO MAY BE PCSING TO HAWAII AND NEED THIS INFORMATION. PRINT THIS ARTICLE OUT IF YOU NEED IT FOR LATER.

MAHALO!

ryan strong, ryan strong oahu real estate agent, veteran real estate agent in oahu

Ryan Strong

Aloha! I’m Ryan!

I was fortunate as a child to have the opportunity to move to Hawaii at a young age due to my parents being in the military. I now have spent more of my life here on the island of Oahu than anywhere else. Hawaii is my home! I talk to so many people who are either thinking about it or are already making the move to Hawaii and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! You can reach out too. Shoot me a text, give me a call or send me an email. However you want to get in touch with me, I’ve got your back when moving to Hawaii!

Mahalo!

HOMES FOR SALE IN HAWAII

Would you like to see homes for sale in Honolulu, HI? Click the button below to begin your intuitive home search.

Leave a Comment