Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Hawaii Home
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Choosing the real estate agent that you’ll work alongside to buy your home is not a decision to take lightly.
Your agent should have a deep understanding of your goals, your market, and a track record for working diligently on behalf of you, their client. Credentials, of course, are a plus- but what you can’t see behind the numbers are the intangibles of always going the extra mile and genuinely caring deeply for clients.
- Crystal Cabansag
I look forward to the opportunity of earning your business and sharing this life milestone with you and your family.
CHOOSE YOUR
AGENT
1
The Value of a Buyer's Agent
Exclusive Representation for Your Interests
Unlike going through a listing agent who serves the seller's interests, a buyer's agent is committed solely to you. They ensure your needs and preferences are top priority, offering unbiased advice and support throughout the buying process.
Access to Off-Market Listings
Your buyer's agent can tap into a network that goes beyond the usual listings, including off-market or "pocket" listings. This access can be crucial in finding your dream home in competitive markets.
Coordination of the Buying Process
From arranging viewings to coordinating inspections and navigating closing procedures, your agent handles the logistics. This coordination is essential for a smooth journey from house hunting to homeownership.
Insider Advice on Property Potential and Pitfalls
A buyer's agent looks beyond the surface, advising you on the potential or pitfalls of properties. They help you see the full picture, including aspects like future resale value and necessary repairs
In-Depth Market Insight
Buyer's agents offer specialized knowledge of the local real estate market, from pricing trends to neighborhood dynamics. This insight is invaluable for making educated decisions and spotting hidden gems.
Skilled Negotiation on Your Behalf
Having a seasoned negotiator on your side can save you thousands. Buyer's agents negotiate not just on price, but on terms and conditions that best serve your interests.
Before we hop into the home search, I like to advise my clients to create a "Needs" list and a "Wants" list. This will help us to really focus on the things that are most important in your future home. Needs are the non-negotiable. Wants are the ones you’d like to have, but you can add or change down the road. Remember you can’t change the lot, the location, or the price you paid.
THE HOME BUYING PROCESS
2
At a
Glance
Update your address, set up utilities, and consider a home warranty for peace of mind in your new residence.
Start by assessing your finances and getting pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your budget.
Explore homes within your budget, select your ideal property, and make a competitive offer.
Conduct a home inspection, negotiate any necessary repairs, and finalize your mortgage details.
Review your closing disclosure, confirm your moving plans, and prepare any required documents or payments.
Sign all necessary paperwork to officially transfer ownership, receiving the keys to your new home.
21-30 Days Out
25-40 Days Out
3-6 Months Out
1-7 Days After
3-5 Days Out
0 Days Out
The first step of the home buying process is to understand how much you qualify for by meeting with a local lender and getting a pre-approval letter. It's important to interview a few lenders to find one that will be the best fit.
A pre-approval is only valid for 30-90 days, so while you can start talking to lenders, you’ll want to wait on getting that pre-approval letter until you know you’re ready to buy.
In the next section, I outline several questions to ask your lender to ensure they provide a full picture into the terms and conditions of your loan.
Understanding the ins-and-outs of the loan they offer is critical to ensuring long-term success in your new home!
The Mortgage Process
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What type of loan do you recommend for me and why?
Do I qualify for down payment assistance program?
What is the interest rate? What is the APR?
Will I pay mortgage insurance?
What will my monthly payment be?
Can I lock in an interest rate? If so for how long?
Are there fees associated?
What will my closing costs be? Are they a part of my loan or will I pay them at closing?
Questions to Ask Your Lender
“I had been feeling so burnt out with my content and literally one session with Athena changed everything.
I'm baby organic authentic skateboard microdosing waistcoat, vinyl sartorial. Bodega boys street art four dollar toast.
— JEN OLMSTEAD
Before we hop into the home search, I like to advise my clients to create a "Needs" list and a "Wants" list. This will help us to really focus on the things that are most important in your future home. Needs are the non-negotiable. Wants are the ones you’d like to have, but you can add or change down the road. Remember you can’t change the lot, the location, or the price you paid.
CONSIDER WANTS VS. NEEDS
wants might look like
needs might look like
✓ Specific paint or exterior color
✓ Fenced-in backyard
✓ Specific flooring
✓ Walk-in shower or double vanity
✓ First floor master bedroom
✓ Close proximity to work or school
✓ Yard for children or pets
✓ Enough bedrooms for your family
✓ First floor master bedroom
✓ Close proximity to work or school
✓ Yard for children or pets
4
THE HOME SEARCH PROCESS
Use the search filters but don't go crazy.
You don’t want to restrict your search so tightly that you only have a handful of homes to view.
Add 25-50k to your max price.
There is sometimes wiggle room with negotiations.
The house is "pending"...now what?
Don’t panic! Pending contracts do fall through occasionally, so keep it on your list.
Look for some time in your calendar.
I'll set up a tour the homes on your shortlist. Hold more time than you think you’ll need.
Check out the Google street view.
Online pictures can be deceiving so a virtual ‘walk down the street’ will give you a sense of the house and surrounding area.
Jot down the MLS number and address.
Send your list to me and I will call the listing agents to gather pertinent info.
5
What area(s) are you looking to buy in?
What do you like about this/those area(s)?
how many bedrooms, bathrooms, and preferred sqaure footage? 1 or 2 story?
do you have children? Pets?
what's your favorite style of home?
what ar the top 5 most important things in your future home?
what is a non-negotiable feature or aspect needed in your future home?
anything else we should keep in mind during our search?
Home Search Questions
“I had been feeling so burnt out with my content and literally one session with Athena changed everything.
I'm baby organic authentic skateboard microdosing waistcoat, vinyl sartorial. Bodega boys street art four dollar toast.
— JEN OLMSTEAD
You’re SO READY to get inside those homes on your shortlist and see for yourself if one of them is soon-to-be your new address. Below are a few things to keep in mind.
IT'S TIME FOR SHOWINGS!
Examine the roof for leaks, missing shingles, or other damage. Inspect siding, windows, doors, and the overall exterior condition.
Consider layout & space. Does the property's layout suit your lifestyle? Check room sizes, storage space, and the flow between rooms.
Look past decor & staging. These things will soon be gone!
Consider the potential resale value by checking the historical appreciation rates.
Read over your wants vs. needs list and revisit your budget. Having this fresh on your mind will help you stay objective and focused.
Take pictures and videos to jog your memory later.
Consider the lot, lot size, and location, all of these things cannot be changed.
Look for signs of structural integrity. Water damage, cracks in walls or ceilings, sloping floors, and other potential issues.
Pay attention to noise levels from nearby roads, airports and railways.
6
6
Writing Your Offer
Sometimes it’s the smallest gestures that have the most significant impact.
This shows you’re serious, qualified, and ready to purchase.
Who can help you compose an offer that gives you every advantage in landing the home!
You may only get one shot, so make it count. Lean on your agent and use comps as a guide.
Let the sellers know you want their home—and that you’ll be easy to work with all the way to closing.
Include contingencies only if you must. If you need to sell your current home before purchasing, disclose it here.
7
YOU'RE
UNDER
CONTRACT
Cue the Confetti! You’re well on your way to your new home sweet home. Here's a quick rundown on what happens after you make an offer and your new home is “under contract.”
Finalize the Loan –
You'll provide documents and go through underwriting with your lender.
Title Search –
A title company will conduct a title search to ensure there are no liens or legal issues with the property’s ownership.
Final walk-through –
Shortly before the closing date, you'll have the opportunity to do a final walk-through of the property to ensure it's in the agreed-upon condition.
Provide an Earnest Money Deposit – This is a good faith deposit to show your commitment to buying the property. This deposit is typically held in an escrow account until the closing.
Schedule Home Inspection –
Depending on the results, you may negotiate with the seller for repairs or credits. Schedule this ASAP!
Order Appraisal –
Your lender will initiate this. If the appraisal is lower than the agreed-upon price, negotiations or additional funds may be required.
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The inspection will uncover any issues in the home that would have otherwise been unknown. You will receive a written report of the inspection.
INSPECTIONS & INSURANCE
When should I schedule the inspection?
Schedule your inspections immediately after your initial offer is accepted. If we need to negotiate any repairs we can before the inspection period ends.
What about home insurance?
Once you have a signed contract, start looking for insurance providers. Your lender will typically require evidence of insurance coverage before they approve your mortgage.
What is the "inspection period"? Inspection periods typically last 7 to 30 days. If the results of the report reveal any issues, you may ask the seller to cover the costs or reduce the sale price.
The home seems fine, do I really need a home inspection?
The home may appear to be in perfect shape, but some of the costliest problems are difficult to spot: leaks, termite damage, foundation issues, poor ventilation, faulty wiring, and drippy appliances.
9
IT'S CLOSING TIME!
First, schedule the final walk-through to confirm the seller made the repairs that were agreed upon. The walk through also ensures no new problems have occurred while under contract. We will typically schedule the walk through right before closing.
What happens at closing day? Sign all necessary documents, pay remaining closing costs and the down payment. The title is officially transferred to you, and keys are exchanged.
What should I bring? A photo ID and a cashier’s check to pay any closing costs. Your agent will share any other documents specific to your situation. Be prepared for A LOT of paperwork.
Funding and Recording – Once all documents are signed and funds are transferred, the transaction is recorded with the county or local municipality. This officially transfers ownership from the seller to you.
Get a hold of those keys and celebrate!
We made it to the finish line!
