In today’s competitive real estate market, many homeowners face a frustrating “chicken and egg” problem: you need the equity from your current home to buy the next one, but you can’t sell your current home until you know you have a place to go. Even worse, carrying two mortgages often pushes your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio … Read more
In real estate, there is a common misconception that the seller or the Realtor “sets” the price. While we certainly choose the number that goes on the MLS, that number is actually just a suggestion. The truth? The buyer is the ultimate arbiter of value. A seller can list their home for $2 million, but … Read more
We often talk about the high cost of living in Hawaii, but a recent April 2026 report from WalletHub puts a specific, sobering number on it: 13.3%. That is the share of total personal income that Hawaii residents pay toward state and local taxes. For 2026, Hawaii has officially claimed the top spot as the … Read more
Historical Peaks and the Case for Mean Reversion The visual evidence from the inflation-adjusted Case-Shiller Index is hard to ignore: we have moved significantly past the peak of the 2006 housing bubble. Historically, the real estate market tends to operate on a mean reversion principle. When prices accelerate this far beyond the long-term trendline, the … Read more
When buying property in O‘ahu, it’s important to understand all the local disclosure requirements and potential hazards. Here’s a simple guide to help you check everything before making a purchase. 1️⃣ Tax Map Key (TMK) Every property has a unique identifier called a TMK. You can usually find it in MLS listings or the City … Read more
A recent Consumer Policy Center report confirms what savvy sellers have known for years: low-fee real estate brokers can deliver the same results as traditional agents — for a fraction of the cost. The study examined brokers offering either flat-rate pricing or reduced commissions (1–2%), and found that many, such as Clever and Ideal Agent, … Read more
If you’re thinking about selling your home on Oahu, there’s a good chance you’ve already done the math on traditional Realtor commissions — and didn’t like the answer. A 5% commission on a $1 million home is $50,000. That’s money coming straight out of your equity. The good news? You don’t have to pay 5% … Read more
The U.S. housing market is continuing to cool as higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty push many buyers to the sidelines. As a result, inventory is rising, and homes are taking longer to sell—shifting the dynamic between buyers and sellers. In March 2025, homes took an average of 47 days to sell, marking the slowest … Read more
Waikiki is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in all of Hawaii—and for good reason. With its world-famous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and panoramic views of Diamond Head, it’s no surprise that many dream of living here. But as with any place, living in Waikiki comes with both benefits and challenges. If you’re considering making Waikiki … Read more
The recent decline in the stock market has sparked questions across the country, and many on Oahu are wondering how it might affect local real estate sales. While stock market volatility can influence real estate trends, the effects are not always immediate or predictable, especially in a unique market like Oahu’s. Luxury Market Sensitivity One … Read more