Thursday, April 23, 2020

Resources that might help you during this pandemic - Mortgage Forbearance, Economic Impact Payments and more!


Hope everybody has been doing the best they can during this difficult time as that's all we can do! My motto is always, try to control what I can control. I may not be able to control your behavior, yet I can control and improve on mine. As being preached by everybody at this point, let's wash hands, be mindful about what we are touching. Clean/disinfects surfaces that we touch more often than before.

As the pressure to go back to work has been increasing rapidly ( because how else we can get money, right?), there are easy to understand posters that are available for household/businesses to share with others. Although those are easy/simple enough, what might happen at home/work is that we tend to focus on what's in front of us (=interaction with others). If it's a very small group of people(2-3 people), highly manageable, however imagine dozens of people are all going back to work and more people are interacting regardless of rules and regulations. We can easily forget what we are supposed to do. These posters will definitely help us all to remind us, if they are posted everywhere we can see.


http://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dem/dem_imgs/Did_you_wash_your_hands.pdf


http://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dem/dem_imgs/Preventive_Actions_Updated_24MAR20.pdf

http://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dem/dem_imgs/Preventive_Actions_Updated_24MAR20.pdf


http://www.honolulu.gov/rep/site/dem/dem_imgs/Where_is_your_face_covering_.pdf


As for more immediate financial helps for renters, landlords, home owners and home buyers, here are some detailed info from National Association of Realtors, which includes CARE Act and Regulatory Actions by Congress. 

NAR resources download


Because of many inquiries on what this Mortgage Forbearance is, here is a link to the video that explains what it is from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Official Government Site). 




Lastly, I am also including this link that explains a few things about stimulus check.




As scammers are also working so hard with their malicious intent, if you suspect anything, please report! 

Federal Trade Commission Fraud Report System




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



#COVID-19resources
#NARCOVID19recource
#Hawaiihomeownershiocenter
#helpinghawaii
#helpourohana


Go to my website for quick search! 


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

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410

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Monday, April 13, 2020

Oahu Real Estate Market March Stats and useful resources for Food, Housing, Utilities and more! オアフ島の不動産売買状況及び食べ物、住居その他のお役立ち情報


Hope you had a decent Easter weekend regardless of the challenges we are facing during this pandemic. Here is the real estate trade result from March. If it was closed in March, then most of the transactions started in January or February to be able to finalize in March. So there is a little delay that's reflected in the result just like any other month's report. As we know, up until this whole pandemic started, our economy was going strong and super favorable for buyers and exchangers.

As a Honolulu local agency, we have seen some cancellations due to this unforeseen economy and job situations, while some are on a hunt for good deals. ( Please email me if you are wondering about how your neighborhood or your property value might be affected/changed.)

皆様いかがお過ごしでしょうか？３月のハワイオアフ島の不動産売買情報の結果は以下の通りです。３月のセールとして含まれている物件は、１月、２月ですでに契約に入っていた物件です。住宅ローンの金利の良さ、市場に出ている物件の多さが、買い手に好ましい状況として反映しました。

オアフ島、ホノルルのローカルの老舗不動産屋として、様々な状況を見ていますが、今回のコロナバイラスの非常事態で突然資産状況が変わった民間の事業に携わっている人達のキャンセルが目立ち、投資家及び、エッセンシャルワーカーと呼ばれる人達は、引き続き物件探しが続いています。特に知りたい地域の詳しいデータは、メールにてお問い合わせ下さい。



As we fight for coronavirus pandemic together, I would like to also include some of the critical/helpful resources herein:

以下、コロナバイラスの非常事態を切り抜けるために役立つ情報

- For home owners: Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Information Center 808-586-2634 [8a.m. to Noon Mondays through Fridays]  They can provide you with information about Hawaii's residential Owners Code.

*Home owners are still legally required to pay all the bills(Mortgage, maintenance fee, utility bills) unless you contact your lenders for any special arrangements that you can settle the matter personally.

- For resources for Food, Housing, and Utilities: 
Aloha United Way (Call 211) https://www.auw211.org/
Hawaii Food Bank http://www.hawaiifoodbank.org/emergency-assistance
The Food Basket 808-933-6030 https://www.hawaiifoodbasket.org/

- The U.S. Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan:
https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
皆様、お身体にお気をつけいただき、お気軽にご連絡下さい。

Please feel free to reach out for any questions you might have. Thank you for hanging in there together during this pandemic. Please stay safe, practice good social distance, and God bless us all.

#hawaiirealestate
#coronavirusresources
#century21iph
#helpourohana
#hawaiihomes

Go to my website for quick search! 


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

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410



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Monday, April 6, 2020

We serve our Oahu community with the highest safety cautions!


ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE SAFE PRACTICE FROM Century 21 iProperties Hawaii

To our Ohana, please kindly read the below as we continue to help our beloved locals who are in need of real estate service during this pandemic.










To all the public health workers and to researchers in the scientific community, thank you


Please feel free to reach out for any questions you might have. Thank you for hanging in there together during this pandemic. Please stay safe, practice good social distance, and God bless us all.


Go to my website for quick search! 


No Image 　
Hitomi Ozawa Simmons
 ([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Hawaii's Financial Emergency Assistance Programs ハワイにある緊急の経済援助プログラム


Hope everybody is being vigilant about staying safe!
As we are wondering how this help from government will pan out realistically, I would like to share the 5 financial institutions and a few local non-profit organizations that are offering a help during this difficult time.

Herein, I listed :1. Hawaii National Bank, 2. HomeStreet Bank, 3. Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, 4. American Saving Bank, and 5. Central Pacific Bank. Plus, a few of non-profit organizations that offer grants, rental assistance programs and so on. There might be other financial institutions that are offering similar type of emergency assistance program yet these are the ones that explicitly trying to help their customers. Please contact them directly for the details of their programs.

皆さん、おとなしくお家で待機されていますでしょうか？
昨日、トランプ大統領から経済援助の内容の発表がありましたが、ロックダウンの状況の中、ハワイの銀行からのアシスタンスプログラムを以下にリストします。直接各銀行お問い合わせ下さい。



1. Hawaii National Bank / hawaiinational.bank

"WE’RE HERE TO HELP.
The spread of COVID-19 to Hawaii has drastically changed the way we live, work and play. We understand that this may have also changed the financial situation for you, your family and your business. We are committed to assisting our customers and communities, and encourage you to contact your branch, relationship officer, or call us at (808) 528-7800 to discuss the ways we can help." 
2. HomeStreet Bank / homestreet.com
"Home Loan Assistance
If you are having financial difficulties due to the Coronavirus, HomeStreet Bank may be able to help. While we are required to follow your loan investors' guidelines, with a simple telephone call we can generally provide you with important information about possible loan payment options. Please contact one of our dedicated Loan Counselors at 1-844-544-9071. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. If you are not able to reach us during these hours, you can also email us at loanservice@homestreet.com and advise us of the best method and time to arrange a call. You may also visit our FAQs page.
Business Lending Assistance
We know this is a very difficult time for businesses and we want you to know we are committed to supporting the communities we serve. HomeStreet Bank may be able to grant existing borrowers’ temporary relief in some circumstances. Please contact your HomeStreet banker or email us at Assistance for Business Loans at ABL@homestreet.com.
The Small Business Administration is offering Disaster Loan Assistance to businesses impacted by COVID-19 with loans up to $2 Million to eligible businesses. Please reach out directly to SBA for SBA Disaster Loan Assistance at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. " 
3. Hawaii State Federal Credit Union / hawaiistatefcu.com
"Emergency Assistance Loan*
Need financial help? Get access to money with a low rate personal loan with no prepayment penalty for qualifying members.
Deferral of Loan Payments**
Get relief from making scheduled monthly payments, Hawaii State FCU loan payments may be deferred for one to three months for qualifying members. Available on auto and personal loans, including share-secured and term share-secured loans.
Penalty Free Term Share Withdrawals***
Make withdrawals from your term share after the first 6 days of the account term without an early withdrawal penalty. Minimum withdrawal is $500. If your account falls below the $1,000 (minimum balance requirement) the account must be closed. Let us know how we can help. Call (808) 587-2700 for more details.

Disclosures
Program subject to change without prior notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
* The Emergency Assistance Loan features 0% interest rate and no payments for the first 3 months, with a subsequent interest rate of 8.000% for the remaining 3 years. The blended APR over the entire 39-month term of the loan is 6.845%. A loan of $1,000 will have 36 payments of $31.34 per month, and total interest paid of $128.11. This Emergency Assistance Loan is available to affected Hawaii residents who have been members as of 12/31/2019. Members must meet minimum qualifications established for this special program. This program and rates are effective as of 3/23/2020 and are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Speak to a Hawaii State FCU representative at (808) 587-2700 or at any branch for more information.
** Speak to a Hawaii State FCU representative at (808) 587-2700 for more information.
*** Withdrawals will reduce earnings on the account. Penalty free withdrawals do not apply to IRA Term Shares. Speak to a Hawaii State FCU representative at (808) 587-2700 for more information. "
4. American Savings Bank / asbhawaii.com

 "Financial Hardship
We're here for you, and are offering solutions to help customers who may be facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Customers may receive a loan forbearance, deferment or extension of up to 3 months. We encourage customers who may be impacted or need assistance to reach out by emailing hardship@asbhawaii.com or by calling (808) 846-4645 (unsecured loans –i.e. Personal Unsecured Loans or Lines) and (808) 846-4626 (real estate secured loans – i.e. Mortgages or HELOCs). Please note that we are experiencing high request volume at this time. Our team is working hard to respond to requests as soon as possible. "



 5. Central Pacific Bank / cpb.bank
"COVID-19 RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR CUSTOMERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS CPB HAS SEVERAL RELIEF PROGRAMS TO HELP CUSTOMERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS THAT MAY NEED ASSISTANCE GET THROUGH THESE CHALLENGING TIMES. Employment Disruption Loan: Hawaii residents whose employment status has been interrupted may be eligible for our low interest rate, unsecured personal loan from $1,000 to $8,000 with terms of 12 or 24 months. Consumer Loan Deferral: If you are struggling with payments on your Term Loan or Revolving Line of Credit, you may qualify for our 3-month deferral. 
Residential Mortgage Payment Deferral: If you need relief from your residential mortgage payments, our partner, Dovenmuehle (DMI), will work with you on a program.
SBA DISASTER LOAN: The Small Business Administration (SBA) has low-interest, long-term disaster loans available to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters.

Banking Signatories, Online Authorities and Entitlements 
Review your current banking signatories and online authorities and entitlements to ensure banking transactions will not be disrupted.

Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Resources
The Chamber has a frequently updated hub and is hosting webinars for business owners to keep updated during COVID-19.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
The CDC has recommended strategies for businesses and employers to plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
OSHA offers guidance on preparing a worksite to avoid possible risks.
If you have questions regarding our programs to assist customers dealing with the impact of COVID-19, contact us at COVID19@cpb.bank
To apply, call us at 808-544-0500. To request a deferral, please download pdf here. To request a mortgage payment deferral, call Dovenmuehle (DMI) at 800-669-4268 or visit their loan solution center to register and submit a request - www.loansolutioncenter.com If you have questions regarding our programs to assist customers dealing with the impact of COVID-19, contact us at COVID19@cpb.bank 
BUSINESS BANKING PROGRAMS AND TIPS / SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL TIPS Financial Concerns:Contact your trusted Central Pacific Bank Business Officer, Branch Manager and/or Financial Planner to discuss your current situation and financial concerns.(Reference: https://www.cpb.bank/landing/covid-relief-programs)
Other Resources:
Hawaii Home Ownership Center (www.hihomeownership.org)
Helping Hands Hawaii (helpinghandshawaii.org)
Legal Aid Hawaii(legalaidhawaii.org)
(Picture Reference: helpinghandshawaii.org)

For those who need more assistance relating homes(Rental,housing, mortgages, other great programs in Hawaii), go to Hawaii Home Ownership Center (www.hihomeownership.org). HHOC is a non-profit organization that strives to help with home ownership and provides educations. They might be able to navigate you through this challenging time. Please feel free to forward this article to the ones who can benefit from this information. Please stay safe and thank you so much for reading/sharing this info!
上記の銀行以外に、非営業団体のハワイホームオーナシップセンターも参考にされてください。(hihomeownership.org)
皆様くれぐれも身体にご自愛下さい。



Go to my website for quick search! 

*Olena At Hoopili Affordable Housing Application Due on Friday



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

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410






Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, March 22, 2020

We should all wear masks and here is why. でかける時はマスクをしましょう！


Hello everyone, hope you are staying safe in this Coronavirus pandemic. My heart drops every time I see the new updates on the wild spread of the virus...

I heard about the shortage of this and that, I would like to do my part to stay away from others, so I won't be the one to bother being helped.

 I have been thinking, seeing not many are already wearing masks, maybe they think it's ok to not wearing one as they are healthy. However, I feel like they are missing the point of the "keeping distance" order. Now that we know some won't show the symptom, those "healthy ones" should also consider wearing masks to stop the spread unknowingly.

Although there is argument about the regular masks not being effective to protect you, or only the ones with symptoms should wear the masks type of recommendations out there, as long as THE MASKS REDUCES THE CHANCE of spreading/getting the virus, why not implementing it?

The below picture is from Smart Air, who educates on antipollution globally and sells the filtration items/devices(smartairfilters.com). I have no affiliation to this organization at all yet I do admire what they do.

The picture shows how small the virus particle can be...

As I live in high rise condo, where we tend to be trapped in the elevator whenever we get to a car, go downstairs to check mails, go shopping...etc...my fear is to get virus in the elevator where there is no way to get 6 feet distance from each other. So, with my clear conscious, I tell my husband to wear masks.

Particle Sizes - Virus Labelled
(Reference from https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/)


Now, with the shortage of the masks happening and all, if you are crafty, or would like to try making one, those are the materials to consider making the mask with. From Vacuum Cleaner Bag to T-shirt, Pillow cases...I am sure you have one or two of them that you can use from the list below.

I tried making one with dish towel, and my husband was cracking up as it looked so humongous on my face, so I will try improving on it. :) My goal is to make a few washable ones so I can re-use it again and again. (As Pastor Wayne's service said, "God is asking for creativity" by enewhope.org.)

Dish towels are by the way, not the most softest material(therefore not so comfortable) that you place on your face, so consider doubling up with T-shirt/ Cotton material as lining.

Homemade Mask Materials Particle Capture Effectiveness

(Reference: https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/best-materials-make-diy-face-mask-virus/)

Please stay safe, try covering your mouth/nose in public as the virus can live in the air more than 3 hours. We don't know if there was someone passed the area you just passed has potential of having the notorious virus.

Prayer to the end of all this...
God bless us all.




Go to my website for quick search! 


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

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

What is 1031 Exchange? How it can save you money on Tax? １０３１エクスチェンジと呼ばれる税金対策

Tax season again! How's everybody doing with filing process? It feels like just yesterday that we had to go through with it, yet the time of the Tax filing came once again! Tax time makes us think more about saving on tax, and do better for the next filing period. 
税金申告の時期がやってまいりました。皆様いかがお過ごしでしょうか？
時間の立つのは早いもので、税金申告したかと思えば、又時期がやってきました。税金対策の見直しを考えさせられます。

Speaking of which, have you heard of 1031 exchange for investment properties? If you own a property that you are renting, you have an investment property. How's your investment property performing? Are you considering an option to change the investment property? Would you sell it and buy? Or EXCHANGE it if that's an option for you? 

IRS code 1031 allows investors to exchange the property you own with "Like-kind" property with deferral benefit on capital gains taxes on the sold property.
The crazy thing is  that you can exchange properties as much as you would like. 
アメリカの不動産投資物件の税金対策として、１０３１エクスチェンジという方法があります。ハワイで賃貸物件を所有しており、違う物件に投資をするような場合、現在の所有物件を売って、おいおい違う物件を買うよりもエクスチェンジをすると売却したときの利益にかかる税金の支払いを遅らせることができます。（交換した物件の所有が続く限り税金の支払い期限が来ない。）

However, of course it has rules on the days and if the situation doesn't meet the dead line, you will owe the tax on the capital gain. The whole process from selling the relinquished property to acquiring the replacement properties has to happen within 180 days. 

Now, the current Hawaii market is actually very favorable to try doing the 1031 exchange as the inventory has been stable, which triggered buyer's market. With the on-going low rate on home loans, equity, re-fi and commercial loan rate are relatively lowing also. This might just be the timing for you to consider shopping for good rates IF you need loans. As we always say at our seminars, 1% drop in interest rate saves you significant dollar amounts over time. 
１０３１エクスチェンジをする場合、全ての条件を満たさない場合はもちろん税金が発生します。交換のプロセスは、既存の物件を売って、代わりの物件の購入までをすべて１８０日以内で行うことが条件であり、現在のハワイの不動産市場がとても良いため、（市場に十分な物件がある、住宅ローンの利率が良くなっている）

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.

Would you like to help your favorite on-profit organization? Refer us to help the buyers/sellers that you know. We will donate 10% on the proceedings in your name to your favorite non-profit organization!

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。（次回セミナー：３月１８日）まずはメールにてお問い合わせください。
非営業団体の皆様、今年もご紹介頂き契約が成立したときの利益の１０％の寄付を行っています。お友達、お知り合いの方で不動産の売り買い、投資のヘルプ及びサポートが必要な方をご紹介下さい。

#realtorwhocares #philanthropyrealtors #Honoluluhomes #Honoluluhawaii #Hawaiihomes #Hawaiirealestate #c21iproeprtieshawaii #1031exchangeinhawaii #Helpinghawaiibuyerssellers #ハワイに住む人を助ける　＃ハワイの不動産情報　＃ハワイの投資物件　＃投資物件の税金対策


Go to my website for quick search! 


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

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410
Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Mortgage Rates are falling! This means a discount on the House of your dream! 住宅ローンの金利低下でお家のコストをセーブする！


Hope everybody has been staying safe and well! Due to the Corona Virus breakout (Among other things), the mortgage rates have been dropping to favor the current home buyers/ exchangers /investors. What does this mean for Hawaii real estate? Herein, the stats from January market result and report from Honolulu Board of REALTORS®.

皆様お元気でいらっしゃいますでしょうか？コロナウイルスのニュースが広がる中で、住宅ローンの利率が落ちてきています。ハワイに不動産購入（住居、投資）を考えられている方には好ましい傾向ですが、ハワイの実際の不動産状況も見てみましょう。以下、ホノルル不動産協会からの２０２０年１月の結果のレポートです。

“We continue to see a healthy real estate market with a moderate uptick in sales and a small increase in median days on market,” said Tricia Nekota, president, Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. “Both single family home and condominium sales were most active in the affordable to mid-range price categories, which is encouraging, especially for first-time home buyers.” Although new listings were down 18.9% compared to last year, the new listing volume in January 2019 was notably higher than any other January since 2009. Median days on market was 35 days for single family homes and 33 days for condos last month marking the first time since 2014 that monthly median days on market has been above 30 days. Approximately 41% of single-family home sales occurred in the $600,000-$799,999 price range. This price range also represented the most significant jump in sales volume at 19.8% or 18 more sales compared to January 2019. The most substantial portion of condominium sales occurred in the $300,000- $499,999 price range, while a 51.7% increase in sales volume occurred in the $400,000-$599,999 price range." 

概要：一軒家、及びコンドミニアムの売買が共に活発な中、やはり人気のある価格帯は３千万円辺りから６千万円辺り。新しく市場に出てくる物件が前年度と比べると１８．９％少なくなっているものの、前年度２０１９年の市場の物件数はあまりにも多く、その数は２００９年以来の高い数値でありました。市場に出ている物件の日数が３０日以上であるのも２０１４年以来。

The sales data shows the popular price range of $300K-$600K. Due to the hype of luxury condos in Honolulu, people in general tend to feel timid on the price point when it comes to home purchases, especially in Hawaii, yet you might just be pleasantly surprised when you find out what you can afford with today's low interest rate. It wouldn't hurt to start talking to your loan officer and see where it takes you. Time is money!
結局、人気のある価格帯は３千万円から６千万円代。高級コンドミニアムが多く売買される中で、ハワイは物件が高すぎるというイメージがありますが、現在の下がってきている利率で、もしかすると意外に買える物件がでてきているかもしれません。これを機会にローンの査定をしてみてはいかがでしょうか？

Announcement! FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminar from Abe Lee Seminar Room!
Join us for the 1st time home buyer seminar on March 18th, 2020 (6p.m.~) at Abe Lee Seminar Room. We will also introduce Down Payment Assistance Program from Hawaii Home Ownership Center. Please RSVP to hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com or hihomebuyer808@gmail.com. 

初めてハワイで物件の購入をお考えの方、ぜひご参加下さい！参加は無料！
３月１８日（水曜日）午後６時　ハワイで初めてお家を買う方のためのセミナーをエイブリーセミナールームにて行います。要予約。参加無料。お友達、ご家族とお気軽に参加下さい。非営業団体のハワイホームオーナーシップセンターからのローンオフィサーをお呼びして、頭金援助プログラム等、特別なプログラムの紹介もございます。Eメールにてご予約下さい。hitomi808ozawa@gmail.com/hihomebuyer808@gmail.com


StatsInfo_Jan2020.png (800×626)

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。（次回セミナー：３月１８日）まずはメールにてお問い合わせください。


Go to my website for quick search! 


No Image 　
Hitomi Ozawa Simmons
 ([RA] RE Lic# RS-74864)

1585 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 1533
Phone/Text: 808.554.3410



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