The process of buying real estate in Honolulu isn’t much different than other parts of the country, with one big exception.  You have almost unlimited options in location, price, view, type, age, and amenities.

Honolulu Locations

You moved to Hawaii to enjoy the island lifestyle, the weather, and the recreational opportunities.  So your first decisions when you start looking for a home must be to narrow down the location, because all communities offer those amenities.

• Where you work, play, and if you have children, where they go to school, will help scale down the choices.
• Areas like Ewa and the North Shore, Mililani and Kailua, are so different that you should be able to pick one or two as starting points.
• If you choose Honolulu, then you have many communities to investigate, and price to a large degree will eliminate some choices.  View directly affects price.  Most areas have condos as well as single family homes, and that is one more choice you should make early in the process.
• Here are the major areas in Honolulu, listed in alphabetical order for the local markets used by Realtors®:

1. Aina Haina – Kuliouou
2. Ala Moana – Kakaako
3. Downtown – Nuuanu
4. Hawaii Kai – www.movetohawaiikai.com
5. Kapahulu – Diamond Head
6. Makiki – Moiliili (includes Manoa)
7. Waialae – Kahala
8. Waikiki

• Not all neighborhoods have new homes.  If that is important to you, then you don’t need to look at homes in Manoa, for instance.  But if you want an old stately Hawaiiana home, then start there.

The Process of Finding a Home in Honolulu

1. Find an experienced, knowledgeable Realtor®

Remember, the buyer doesn’t pay for that expertise.  In Hawaii, the seller pays commissions.  I can assist you through all the steps of becoming a homeowner, from recommending lenders, to giving you market sales information for any area on the island, to writing the multi-page contract to protect your interests, to following the escrow through to closing. Don’t disregard free professional real estate assistance.

2. Get Pre-approved for a loan – not just pre-qualified

Obtain a copy of your credit report and your FICO score.  If necessary, do what you need to improve it the score. The higher it is, the better your interest rate will be. You can get this information online, or from lenders you interview.  Know before you start looking at homes how much you can afford.

3. Set your housing priorities

You’ve already narrowed down the communities on Oahu where you want to look.  Now decide what is most important to have in that home, whether it is size or number of bedrooms, being close to school or the beach, fenced yard, eat-in kitchen  – all the details which make a house a home.

4. Search Honolulu homes for sale

Become knowledgeable in the prices of homes which fit your priorities before you get in the car.

5. When you’ve decided on some neighborhoods and are pre-qualified, start seriously looking at homes.

I will find homes for you to preview based on your criteria, show you any homes you might have already found, and also make sure you know of any new listings as soon as they are available.  Look at homes with a critical eye – does the floor plan work for you? Is the property in good condition? Would it be right for your lifestyle?  Can you imagine yourself and your family living there?  Finding a home is a process that takes time and effort, and I will help you with all of the decisions.

6. Make an offer

When you’ve identified the Honolulu home you want to buy, we will write an offer to present to the seller and their agent.   I am familiar with market values and together we will agree on a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted, both in price and terms.  Be prepared to negotiate.  Rarely is an offer accepted as first presented.

7. Open escrow

When your offer has been accepted, you will need to submit an earnest money, and this formally “opens escrow.”  This deposit usually is refundable should escrow be cancelled.  As we work through the contingencies of the contract, such as inspections, you will gradually approach closing.

8. Plan for the move

Select a mover; ready change-of-address cards; contact the utility companies.  Shop for homeowner’s insurance, which will be required for a single family home before the lender can advance your mortgage funds.

9. Final Walk-through

You will have one final look at the home, and do a “final walk-through.” Now is the time to get a cashier’s check for your down payment and any closing costs.

10. Closing

We will meet at the title company, probably with your lender.  Read all documents presented to you for signature, and make sure the terms and conditions of the loan are what you expected.  When all provisions of the contract have been satisfied for both buyer and seller, you can have the keys to your new Honolulu home.

Getting Started

Call or email me with your questions on Oahu communities, Honolulu neighborhoods, schools, and sales prices.  I can set up a custom search for you on our Honolulu MLS for all island properties by location.  Just let me know when you are ready to consider home ownership in Honolulu.

Barbara Abe, Realtor®

808-226-2537
Barbara@BarbarasHawaii.com