Sunday, January 15, 2023

Talking point: Hawaii Real Estate - Buyer preferred market? What's happening now in Hawaii?

Aloha! 

Hope everyone had a wonderful year end and started off to a great year of 2023! Another year has passed quickly. Does anyone feel that way? 

We are in the midst of economic recession. That's the reality. The moment when the Global Pandemic started, our world was already destined to face the recession. No surprise there. 

What's happening in the real estate market in Hawaii though, it has been quite stable overall at least for the long run. The below table shows the average median sales price for the past 37 years since 1985.


It still shows some set back from the past recession from the year 2008, yet Hawaii real estate market has been known for the stability thanks to the tropical weather that keeps attracting people globally.

Just like any other place in the rest of the U.S., there was the fierce competition among buyers to take advantage of the historically low interest rate to purchase homes, yet as soon as interest rate hike kicked in, the trend has been shifted to more of a balanced market where buyers have more options and negotiation room with the sellers. Because simply put, higher interest means less competition. Who offered to purchase during the crazy hot market and got beat out due to multiple offers like never before? Offering more than $100K over asking became a norm and that was definitely something else.

Compared to that, this current market is way better. Not only for the typical first-time home buyers that's good to see this trend, but for exchangers as well. New year, new pre-qualification with new rates. How about starting from that and see where it takes you?

The year of 2022 ended with $666,000 median price, which was quite close number to the previous year, 2021 ($670,000). 




I mentioned what to expect about Hawaii Real Estate before but let me state again because it's very important for anyone who is looking to grow the true asset and build a future with it. For many of us, housing expense is one of the biggest expenses each month, and each year. If that's the case, why not turning that into the true asset by carrying a mortgage and make a payment which is actually coming back to you as equity (The value you will get is subject to the market value of the property.).

Home ownership allow us to build the asset (Equity) over time and gives us the future option to upgrade using the equity from the 1st property. Starting with a small property is always a great option.


Facts of Oahu Real Estate

ハワイ不動産の変わらない実情

The fact is that Hawaii real estate can be affordable depending on the location, condition, and the type of property you choose. To deal with Hawaii Real Estate, if you are not from mountain of wealth, start small. Have something that grows and re-invest to capture more growth. At that point, you can even diversify into different products. (For our clients, we have exclusive investor training. Please email me for details.)

高いと常に言われ続けるハワイの物件ですが、場所はもちろん、どんなタイプの物件かにより手が届く価格帯の物件もかなりあります。ハワイだけに、あまり贅沢は言えない感じですが、まずは小さな物件に投資してみるのもいいでしょう。(投資家専門のセミナーのお問合せはメールでお問い合わせください)

Forecast in 2023

With all the speculations, and assumptions, Oahu market will continue to show the favorable market for trade (Buy and Sell). The timing for first time home buyers is always NOW due to the on-going, never changing rising value of the properties on Oahu. Yes, the rate of interest rate for home loans surely is a concern yet continue to save money and periodically consult with your loan officer and real estate professionals to see what you might be dealing with definitely help you for better.

いろんな推測がある中、オアフの不動産はずっと安定しているため、売り買いには適していると自信を持って言えます。住宅ローンのレートが上がってきているため、常に貯金をすこしでも続けながら、どれだけ借りれるかの査定及び自分の予算にあった物件探しを不動産屋さんと定期的に行い、買えるものが見つかり次第買いのオファーを出すことをお勧めします。

Once I was a first-time home buyer and it's a challenge and such a great journey. Just like many of us, all I could count on was myself from the start to reach the goal of tiny property purchase. It's a small property yet, for me it was a giant goal I had for myself. Saving money while you are renting is the biggest and common challenge for all the first-time home buyers without any other people's help. I will show you how you can still achieve that. 

私自身が初めて自分で小さな物件を買えたことから、家賃を払いながらでも、少しづつ貯金を増やし、物件の購入達成のプランを詳しくお伝えできます。ご相談下さい。

Re-posting the following as I still see some listings that are available (As of January, 2023).

Available Affordable housing units for sale NOW (Subject to change in availability at any time)

Sometimes you get lucky to be able to still apply for affordable housing project in new developments.
Ulana Ward Village provides the balance of work and play, which will complete the development in 2024. Although the lottery had been done on March 1st, 2022, some units are still available and accepting applications now (Studio, 2 beds, 3 beds, price range: $284.8K-617.5K).

条件付きのマーケット価格以下で買える物件がまだあります。詳細はメールでお問合せ下さい。

Current affordable housing that are still available as of 1/15/'23 (Subject to change at any time)



Featured affordable project in new development, The Flats At Sky Ala Moana East.


(Source: hicentralmls.com Listed by the project broker, Associated Real Estate Advisor. MLS#202224976)

Oahu Real Estate Market assures the growing value of real estate. It's a simple math really. With limited land and growing demand to own the piece of island, the value of real estate only goes up. For buyers to own something, get a head start to save enough, whenever something comes up, just try putting an offer in. Chances are you get to be the owner of the piece of this paradise!

Wishing us all a healthy, joyful, and prosperous year of 2023!








ホノルルの不動産状況はかなり短い期間で変わります。特定のエリアについて知りたい方、不動産売買のプロセスについて知りたい方、どんなご質問もお受けします。お気軽にメールにてお問い合わせください。hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com

Are you a 1st time home buyer? Need down payment assistance? E-mail me for details. Buyer's education program is also available through Hawaii Home Ownership Center.

初めて不動産売買される方必見。頭金補助プログラム及び購入者のための無料セミナーもございます。まずはメールにてお問い合わせください。

www.hitomi.c21.com 
Hitomi Ozawa. Simmons ([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864) 
hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com 
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., #1533 Honolulu, Hawaii 96814










Our office (On the 15th Floor of Ala Moana Pacific Center) is located adjacent to the largest open-air mall in the U.S, Ala Moana Shopping Center. (If you are coming from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, go to Macy's department store 3rd level, come out to the top level parking lot, which connects to our office building called, "Ala Moana Pacific Center", right next to the luxury condominium, ONE ALA  MOANA.) You take an escalator to go into the building

弊社事務所はアラモアナショッピングセンターに直結しているアラモアナパシフィックセンター内の15階にあります。



Monday, December 12, 2022

ハワイの不動産情報 2022年度年末のハワイの不動産トレンド Hawaii Real Estate Forecast - the latest stats - November, 2022

Happy Holidays! Hope everyone has been enjoying this holiday season!


(Ala Moana Magic Island)

Latest stats from the end of November came out. Please refer to the info below. Overall economy started to show the vivid and apparent signs of recessions, with higher interest rate for mortgage rates, inflation of items, unique job market, etc. One biggest factor that's directly affecting the current Hawaii real estate market is the mortgage rate's hike. No more of the lowest of the lowest interest rate to take advantage of. However, it also started contributing to the stable market we wanted to see as the surge of real estate activities during the pandemic period was simply too intense for regular buyers to compete with others. It was a question of the balance between how much you can compromise in conditions and how much extra you were willing to pay to compete with others. 

To Buyes...

This current market feels like we went back to 10 years ago. A few years after the market crush yet started recovering to see approximately around 4-6% mortgage rate, emphasizing the importance of the savings and how much down payment you can prepare to start looking. I have seen it, experienced it, so I know I have a confidence in the up-coming buyers, that they can acquire something that they will thank themselves for in the future. 

We had a talk about the strong Dollar against Yen the other day. If you are the investor from Japan, ready to sell, it might just work for your favor because of the strong dollar. 


(As of 12/13/2022)

To Sellers...

As for the seller side, it's important to look into the neighborhood activities to plan the timing of the sales. Under any situations, if there is one great buyer who loves your home that's all that takes as well. 

We always say that if everybody is reasonable, it will end with win-win. 

I am offering the 10% donation from the proceeds if you choose to work with me to help you raise the donation of your favorite charities. Please feel free to email for free, no commitment pressure consultation at any time!



Oahu Real Estate Market assures the growing value of real estate. It's a simple math really. With limited land and growing demand to own the piece of island, the value of real estate only goes up. For buyers to own something, get a head start to save enough, whenever something comes up, just try putting an offer in. Chances are you get to be the owner of the piece of this paradise!

ホノルルの不動産状況はかなり短い期間で変わります。特定のエリアについて知りたい方、不動産売買のプロセスについて知りたい方、どんなご質問もお受けします。お気軽にメールにてお問い合わせください。hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com



Are you a 1st time home buyer? Need down payment assistance? E-mail me for details. Buyer's education program is also available through Hawaii Home Ownership Center.

初めて不動産売買される方必見。頭金補助プログラム及び購入者のための無料セミナーもございます。まずはメールにてお問い合わせください。


Hitomi Ozawa. Simmons  ([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)
Email : hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com
Mobile : 808-554-3410
Address: 1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533 Honolulu, HI 96814
Website:www.hitomi.c21.com 









Our office (On the 15th Floor of Ala Moana Pacific Center) is located adjacent to the largest open-air mall in the U.S, Ala Moana Shopping Center. 

弊社事務所はアラモアナショッピングセンターに直結しているアラモアナパシフィックセンター内の15階にあります。
#Hawaii #RealEstate #Honolulu #Luckyweliveinhawaii #Hawaiirealtor
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Thursday, April 28, 2022

ハワイの不動産情報 今年のハワイの不動産トレンド Hawaii Real Estate Forecast - local agent's insight

Aloha from Paradise Hawaii! 
パラダイスハワイからアロハ!

I must admit that it's been quite a past few years! Obviously, pandemic happened, and the entire world ceased the normal routine. From the unprecedented unemployment, closing of businesses to the sudden stock market surge, and recent war...all the new ways of doing business and carrying on with our adjusted living situations and conditions... Lists would go on and on... How have YOU been? 

パンデミックが始まり、世界的に経済活動が止まり普通の生活というのが突然無くなって、失業者、経営破綻、突然のストックの値上がりからロシアのユクレーン占領と大変な中、皆様はいかがお過ごしでしょうか?

As our home, Hawaii started to show the normality with optional mask wearing that definitely became a new norm. Our real estate market here on Oahu will continue to show the promising days. Because the news always features the dire needs for affordable housing and Oahu being one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S, I would like to share what we have seen as locals.

ハワイでは、マスクを引き続きつけ続ける日々。不動産状況は相変わらず安定及び向上の傾向。ニュースでは引き続き庶民の買える値段の物件が少ない及びオアフ自体がアメリカの中でも特に生活費がかかる場所として悪い名声をあげているため、ハワイの不動産取り扱い士及び住人として実情をレポートします。

Kakaako-Ala Moana View from Magic Island (Oahu, Hawaii)




Truth be told. Hawaii's real estate market has ALWAYS been stable and strong in my opinion. After all, Hawaii is one of the tourists' favorite destinations. A popular place like this, always warm throughout the year, surrounded by the beautiful beaches, therefore it gets appreciated value. The price of paradise. However, the low interest rate we had leading up to the end of 2021, was like no other. As you know it led to the unusually crazy hot market in Hawaii. It's a balancing act. A simple 'Supply and Demand'. If there are more buyers, it makes the market more competitive. 
(Disclaimer: Here, I am stating the facts that's based on the best of my knowledge and actual experience with my clients. Each person's experience may differ as dealing with real estate is no cookie cutter in real life.)

ハワイは旅行者に人気の場所なため、不動産状況は常に安定しているのですが、前年度までの住宅ローンの金利の低さが今までにない不動産売買の状況を作りました。簡単に言えば、需要と供給。需要が異常に多くなったため高値を付ける物件がマーケット全体の価値の引き上げにつながりました。

From what I have witnessed as a Hawaii local real estate agent, the most competitive price range seemed always between $500-$1,250K nowadays. When I started my real estate journey, it was around $200K to 650K (in 2013) for the requested price range I was asked to stay under regardless of how much they have or qualified (Of course with the ohana that I got to help.). Those were the days when we saw multiple offers of 2-5 for desired properties. Not more than 20 offers! One of the properties I prepared the offer for my client ended up receiving 23 offers. That's how the new norm of offering $100K over asking started and multiple offers with escalation clauses and offering other types of additional benefits to the sellers also started. 

最近では人気の高い物件の価格帯が$500,000-$1,250,000。以前不動産を始めたころの2013年には$200,000から始まり$650,000ほどで物件を探すリクエストを受けたのを覚えています。その頃は、一つ以上のオファーが入る場合でも5こまでが限度だったのが、最近は20件以上のオファーが一つの物件に出されるなど今までにない状況が。他のオファーに勝つために$100,000も余分にオファーするなど、いろんな売り主に気に入ってもらえるようなオファー作りを試す傾向にあります。

Because Oahu Rea Estate has always the unique advantage to recoup the temporary shock of overpaying if you wait long enough, some might say that it's worth every penny you spend to get the property (Depending on who you ask, of course). For those who wonder if that's the case, please check below historic data for Oahu Real Estate Market. It's safe to say that the annual growth of over 4.5% makes an ideal investment, don't you think? Simple calculation of $500K investment will make you grow in asset by $22,500. I will take that at any time. However, the elements that people often seemed to be misunderstanding is the overall evaluation of each property whether or not that makes a good investment in a true sense.

そんな中でも、ハワイの不動産は価値が安定して成長し続けるため、長く保留する場合は、余分に出した値段分を取り返すこともできる可能性大。参考までに過去の物件価格の成長の記録を見て下さい。平均して年に4.5%ほど価値が上がり続けています。


(Source: Oahu Annual Residential stats: Market Median & Average Sales Prices-Retrieved from Honolulu Borad of Realtors®)

Facts of Oahu Real Estate
ハワイ不動産の実情

One of the myths of Hawaii real estate is that it IS affordable depending on the location, condition, and the type of property you choose. To deal with Hawaii Real Estate, if you are not from mountain of wealth, start small. Have something that grows and re-invest to capture more growth. At that point, you can even diversify into different products. (For our clients, we have exclusive investor training. Please email me for details.)

高いと常に言われ続けるハワイの物件ですが、場所はもちろん、どんなタイプの物件かにより手が届く価格帯の物件もかなりあります。ハワイだけに、あまり贅沢は言えない感じですが、まずは小さな物件に投資してみるのもいいでしょう。(投資家専門のセミナーのお問合せはメールでお問い合わせください)


Forecast in 2022

With all the speculations, and assumptions, Oahu market will continue to show the favorable market for trade (Buy and Sell). The timing for first time home buyers is always now due to the on-going, never changing rising value of the properties on Oahu. Yes, the rate of interest rate for home loans surely is a concern yet continue to save money and periodically consult with your loan officer and real estate professionals to see what you might be dealing with definitely help you for better.

いろんな推測がある中、オアフの不動産はずっと安定しているため、売り買いには適していると自信を持って言えます。住宅ローンのレートが上がってきているため、常に貯金をすこしでも続けながら、どれだけ借りれるかの査定及び自分の予算にあった物件探しを不動産屋さんと定期的に行い、買えるものが見つかり次第買いのオファーを出すことをお勧めします。

Once I was a first-time home buyer and it's a challenge and such a great journey. Just like many of us, all I could count on was myself from the start to reach the goal of tiny property purchase. It's a small property yet, for me it was a giant goal I had for myself. Saving money while you are renting is the biggest and common challenge for all the first-time home buyers without any other people's help. I will show you how you can still achieve that. 

私自身が初めて自分で小さな物件を買えたことから、家賃を払いながらでも、少しづつ貯金を増やし、物件の購入達成のプランを詳しくお伝えできます。ご相談下さい。

Available Affordable housing units for sale NOW (Subject to change in availability at any time)

Sometimes you get lucky to be able to still apply for affordable housing project in new developments.
Ulana Ward Village provides the balance of work and play, which will complete the development in 2024. Although the lottery had been done on March 1st, 2022, some units are still available and accepting applications now (Studio, 2 beds, 3 beds, price range: $284.8K-617.5K).

条件付きのマーケット価格以下で買える物件がまだあります。詳細はメールでお問合せ下さい。

Ulana Ward Village-Howard Hughes Corporation



Oahu Real Estate Market assures the growing value of real estate. It's a simple math really. With limited land and growing demand to own the piece of island, the value of real estate only goes up. For buyers to own something, get a head start to save enough, whenever something comes up, just try putting an offer in. Chances are you get to be the owner of the piece of this paradise!

ホノルルの不動産状況はかなり短い期間で変わります。特定のエリアについて知りたい方、不動産売買のプロセスについて知りたい方、どんなご質問もお受けします。お気軽にメールにてお問い合わせください。hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com



Are you a 1st time home buyer? Need down payment assistance? E-mail me for details. Buyer's education program is also available through Hawaii Home Ownership Center.

初めて不動産売買される方必見。頭金補助プログラム及び購入者のための無料セミナーもございます。まずはメールにてお問い合わせください。


Hitomi Ozawa. Simmons  ([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)
Email : hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com
Mobile : 808-554-3410
Address: 1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533 Honolulu, HI 96814
Website:www.hitomi.c21.com 









Our office (On the 15th Floor of Ala Moana Pacific Center) is located adjacent to the largest open air mall in the U.S, Ala Moana Shopping Center. 

弊社事務所はアラモアナショッピングセンターに直結しているアラモアナパシフィックセンター内の15階にあります。





Sunday, January 3, 2021

Hawaii Real Estate Market Updates - Home Sweet Home continues in 2021! あけましておめでとうございます!ハワイの不動産情報2021

Happy New Year to everyone! 

Hope everybody is being safe and doing great within what we are allowed to do during this pandemic. 

Living in Hawaii, I can't help but to be so thankful for locals' Ohana mentality to protect ourselves and others from coronavirus as well as other things that we should be mindful about. In this unpredictable state of the world, we can only do what we can. Be creative to help ourselves and help others.

As a real estate agent, my mind and heart is always with home. One of the most important elements for pursuing a quality of our lives. Some are blessed not to have to think about it, while others are constantly in the needs of seeking a shelter for themselves. 

There is always a talk about Rent VS Buy. When I joined Abe Lee's brokerage firm back in 20013, I learned bout Hawaii Home Ownership Center (The non profit organization that helps with home ownership and related issues) locally. My boss, broker, and mentor Abe Lee is a fierce supporter and humanitarian who supports other non-profit organizations to support home ownership and beyond. I am very fortunate to be a part of the actions. 

Current real estate market continues to show the steady growth. (Always up trend although there are some dips over those years.)


Because of the surge in the real estate market being flourishing in 2020, in addition to already being a great market before the pandemic, the price was going up and up, yet affordability with low interest supported the market strongly. 

Whether or not you paid premium to get your home during this heated market, the price will always go up. Just simply enjoy being a home owner and pay mortgage and any fees in time. You are already investing in your brighter future big time. 

If you would like to start planning owning/investing in your first home in Hawaii, simply email me for planning consultation. (No commitment necessary! I would like to help you to reach your goal in the future!)

Wishing you and your families a safe and wonderful year of 2021!

Go to our website for quick search! hitomi.c21.com



  
Hitomi Ozawa Simmons
([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)
1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410
Fax: 808.988.8077
Email:  hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com / hitomi@ipropertieshawaii.com
*** Ask me about 10% donation to your favorite non-profit organization when you choose to work with us! ***

My most current contribution to our beloved community. Thank yous to my clients who trusted me to guide through the purchase process. 



Thursday, December 24, 2020

ハワイの不動産情報: Have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! メリークリスマス!

          Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to our Ohana! 

素敵なクリスマス及び新年をお迎えください!




Go to our website for quick search! hitomi.c21.com



  
Hitomi Ozawa Simmons
([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)
1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410
Fax: 808.988.8077
Email:  hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com / hitomi@ipropertieshawaii.com
*** Ask me about 10% donation to your favorite non-profit organization when you choose to work with us! ***




Thursday, October 15, 2020

Team works make dream work! Traditional value continues to be cherished in each successful sales! ハワイの不動産最新情報!大切なお家の売買をチームワークでお世話します!

Hope you and your ohana have been safe and doing good during this pandemic.

I felt the urge to post this with cheesy title...!! As most people already know, this year has been very challenging and unprecedented with the COVID-19 situation. Who would've thought that the world gets shut down!? Although with all the challenges, there are some good news during this time.

コロナバイラスで世界中が大変な状況ですが、そんな中でもハワイの不動産市場はとても良くなってきています。住宅ローン利率の低下でローンの組み換え及び、不動産の買いが増えてきています。

Because of the recent super low interest rate that we had only seen in the past during the 2006-2008 recession, people are out and about, buying homes! The low interest rate generated the high demands/needs for both re-financing, and purchase. Even though conditions are very good for both buying and selling homes in our Oahu real estate market, not everything sells. It's a careful planning and execution that actually makes the successful transaction. I would like to list the few things that you can start with if you are planning on selling or buying in this current market.


Download the app to search for the homes in Hawaii! 
Click below to install the App for quick search!



Are you planning on selling your home? 

お家を売る

First and foremost, consult with your agent how the comparable sales are in your neighborhood. If you are selling, just like anything else, you need to know your competition and what you are dealing with. What you want for your cherished home doesn't mean much to buyers, it's the hard cold facts and how you can reason better than others, that adds value in $$$. Once you study and mentally ready, then you are ready as a successful seller! 

お家を売る準備。まずは不動産エージェントにご自分のお家のご近所市場はどうなのか調べましょう。そのデータ及び詳細を元にどのくらいの値段を設定するか決めましょう。

Be and stay flexible. So much road blocks to overcome during the actual sale process. Good agents are always looking out for your interest, stay connected, inform you every step of the way (Unless you would only like the pin point summary...). 

常にフレキシブルな対応を心がけ、エージェントの方とこまめに連絡を取り合いましょう。

Fix a problem early on. Almost all the re-sale homes are sold AS IS. Unless it's a brand new construction. If you are selling home, not as a developer, it will be AS IS sale, however be reminded that lots of buyers use home loans for purchase. If your home has serious structural damage that no lender would want, then you need to fix that problem first. Otherwise you will be waiting for the all cash offer for a long time. 

お家に修理が必要な場合は、早めに治しておくことをお勧めします。

Review every two weeks of listing period. If you don't see much result from the first 2 weeks of period of listing and marketing your home, most likely, it's over priced or too unique. In Hawaii, home price may not be priced too high, yet some of the buildings and projects have higher maintenance or special assessment that raise the total maintenance fee, which discourage some buyers. 

お家を売りに出して2週間ごとにエージェントとのメーティングをお勧めします。その時点で買い手がつかない場合は、何かおかしいと考えて間違いないです。

Be frank and open. Assumption and guessing creates further problem. Always disclose material facts as no one wants the cancellation during escrow process. 

常にオープンマインドでいること及び、出せる情報は提供しましょう。後でわかった事実はその時点で提供しましょう。

Not to be afraid to address concerns. It's also in the line of where I am headed. Guessing and assuming create unnecessary drama and problems. Ask questions, address concerns whenever you have to your agents to clear your questions and wonders. I actually do the same to address to my broker as each transaction is very unique to the buyer/seller and each home.

心配ごと、質問がある場合は常にたずねましょう。何も聞かずに推測していたせいで後々問題になりましたというのはキャンセルにもつながることがあります。質問は常にクリアーにしましょう。

Don't put your guard down till actually it's recorded. Our motto is to be the most caring and knowledgeable real estate advisor in our community. I know it's a highly stressful and lengthy process, somewhere during the process, you might be discouraged/frustrated, yet as long as everybody is doing the job, it will end successfully. 

不動産登記の日まで少し気を張ってがんばり続けましょう。通常は45日間、ケースバイケースで長くなったり短くなったりしますが、根気がひつようなので、最後の最後まで詳細をチェックしつづけましょう。


One of our recent sales. 
Received an offer on the day zero before the public open house, received multiple offers, went into escrow in 3 days after the public open. Would you like to sell your cherished home with us? Contact me for free consultation!




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Are you planning on buying your home? 
お家を買う

Qualification process and budgeting. Some people think that they can go through the financing preparation when they actually find a home...WRONG! You have to get it done before you start viewing homes. So you won't miss a chance of getting a home that you love. 
一番最初のステップは、予算を組むこと。ローンを組む場合は、ローンオフィサーとのコンサルテーションが何よりもまず始めにしなければなりません。

Don't be afraid to contact your agent for any questions and what's normal, what's NOT normal. This is where our agency's experience comes into play. The same goes with home sellers. Each property is unique and each person's wish and needs are also unique. Imagine what sort of unknowns you might be getting into?! When in doubt and wonder, always ask questions!
あなたの不動産のエージェントさんに常に質問をしましょう。自分で思っていることと実際にすること、するべきこと等細かく確認しながら、実際にプランしてることが予算的に、あるいは法律的に可能なのかチェックしましょう。

Don't be afraid to place an offer for purchase. If it's within your budget and you like the home, it's ok to put an offer right after you view. Longer you wait, lower the chance of getting the home you like. Purchase contracts are drafted in a way to protect buyers. You will get 14 day inspection period for the property (If it's a regular sale) for possible cancellation. However, be reminded that you need to of course take each step with your highest cautions and attentions. It IS a legal process that you go through. 
初めて買いのオファーを出すのは緊張すると思いますが、とても自分に合う物件を予算内にみつけるというのはまれなものではあるため、思い切ってすぐにオファーを出すというのはいつもお勧めです。ハワイの不動産契約書は買い手を守るための項目がいくつも設けられているため、万が一契約通りにすすめることが無理な場合はその項目の期限以内にキャンセルできます。

Be flexible and open-minded. As I mentioned in the selling home section, each home sale has unique situation and unique buyer/seller personalities, situations. Unexpected/inexperienced situation occur 
almost in every home sales.
常にフレキシブルに対応するように心がけましょう。一つ一つのお家がユニークなものであると同時に、売り手側の人格などもユニークではあるので、思いがけないことが起こりましたというのは多々あることです。

Stay tuned with your loan officer and your agent. They are your best friends during your home search and actual process. The better the communication is among your team, the better the outcome will be! You will absolutely need the Team "Your name" ! 
常にローンオフィサーとエージェントさんと連絡を取り続けましょう。一つ一つの物件がユニークであるということは、それに応じて支払いプラン等も変わる可能性があります。あなたのチームを作り、大きな買い物なので、いろいろサポートしてもらえることはしてもらいましょう。

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Special thanks to our clients who trust us with their cherished homes, my mentor and broker, Abe Lee, Joni and Eri from our Admin team, Kenn Nishihara from KN surveying LLC, Terminix, Brandon and Michele from Title guaranty, Todd from Real Steam Clean Hawaii, Handyman service KS works and my cheerleader and volunteer beloved husband :). 


#sellinghomes
#hawaiihomes
#firsttimehomebuyer
#century21iph


Are you a 1st time home buyer? Need down payment assistance? E-mail me for details!
Buyer's education program is also available through Hawaii Home Ownership Center.
初めて不動産売買される方必見! 頭金補助プログラム及び購入者のための無料セミナーもございます。まずはメールにてお問い合わせください。



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Hitomi Ozawa Simmons
 ([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410
Go to my website for quick search! 


Saturday, September 19, 2020

ハワイの不動産情報 Hawaii, Oahu Real estate Update Single Family Home or Condominium/Townhouse? Are you a home owner in need of help?

Hope all is well with you all! In this content, I would like to cover the Hawaii real estate trend we have seen this past month and why the change happened. 

Real estate provides home, roof over your head. One of the most critical and essential elements for most of us. With more people are ordered to stay at home, or work from home, more people are in need of a place that serve them in a customized manner. 

(Oahu Town houses)

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Some of the increased demands that we have witnessed in our daily operations are: 

- A place that provides the space to be able to divide actual living space from study/work place

- A place that provides the space to exercise/relax

- A place that provides the space to grow own food resources(vegetable, fruits)

- A place that provides the space for new member of families (Pets included!)

- A place that provides (your own needs!)


Whatever it might be, something that we didn't think about before became very important in our life (aka "New Normal"!)

The recent surge in purchase is definitely the single family home purchase vs condominium/apartments/townhouses. 


O‘ahu’s Housing Market Sees Mixed Activity Amid Ongoing Pandemic

Single-family home market marks new record and steady recovery, while condos continue to trail 2019 activity

HONOLULU – According to resales figures released today by the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®, O‘ahu’s single-family home market continues to make a steady recovery, while condo activity struggles to regain momentum as the pandemic stretches on. Most notably, sales of single-family homes in August marked a new record-high median sales price of $839,000, climbing from $790,000 this time last year and representing a year-over-year increase of 6.2%.

Using data collected from its computerized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system, the Board reported the following statistics:


(Reference: Honolulu Board of Realtors)

A lot of times, the maintenance fee for condominium/apartments is one of the key factors that drives the demand for single family homes.

Simply put, affordability goes up with single family home: 


(Reference: Mortgage Calculator from Google)

Monthly cost: $1,706 + $600 (Potential Maintenance Fee)= $2,306


(Reference: Mortgage Calculator from Google)

Monthly Cost: $2,306

*With the same Monthly Cost of $2,306, you can afford up to 
$513,600 for a Single Family Home VS $380,000 for a condominium unit with maintenance fee.

*Disclaimer: This sample calculations are NOT including Tax/Insurance (Escrow fee, actual monthly costs would vary with different credit, maintenance fee, insurance, and tax)

You can sort of see how effective your money can be used and build your equity faster with a single family homes. 

I often use the google calculator to see how much monthly cost would be (The ball park of the estimate) when I am requested to schedule viewing of homes/condos, so when my clients see and like the place, he/she would already know how much they are expected to pay monthly. 

For the people who have been pre-qualified with a loan officer, that loan officer can calculate the estimate of cost that can be more close to actual cost also. 

If you are anything like me, I would like to know how much I would like to pay monthly rather than how much I can borrow. If you are renter and considering the purchase in the near future, pre-qualification process should come now to find out how much you can afford, and how much YOU want to spend. Even if you are qualified to spend $2,000 a month toward housing, you may want to limit spending up to $1,800, and put the extra $200 for rainy day funds or saving for other purposes. 

I often refer to this website: iwasbrokenowiamnot.com (Yes! Very self-explanatory website!) for further budgeting/saving tips in addition to all the helpful resources from Hawaii home ownership center. 

ATTENTION HOME OWNERS!!
***If you own a home and in need of assistance to sell/exchange/develop, contact us for our free counseling session and possible route you can take. ***As always, our mission prevails! We have more than 40 years of local expertise to get you where you need to be! 

"Our mission is to be the most knowledgeable & caring real estate company that provides unsurpassed service & value to the community."

Also, check out Hawaii Home Ownership Center for useful info!
https://www.hihomeownership.org/news

 Please continue to stay safe, and wash and moisturize your hands often! 

#COVID-19resources
#NARCOVID19recource
#Hawaiihomeownershicenter
#helpinghawaii
#helpourohana
#hawaiihomes
#buyorrent
#sellingparadise
#hawaiirealestate
#century21ipropertieshawaii

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Go to our website for quick search! hitomi.c21.com


No Image  
Hitomi Ozawa Simmons
([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)
1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410
Fax: 808.988.8077
Email:  hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com / hitomi@ipropertieshawaii.com
*** Ask me about 10% donation to your favorite non-profit organization when you choose to work with us! ***