The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of volcanic islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They are home to a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to snow-capped mountains. The islands are also home to a variety of cultures, from the native Hawaiians to the many immigrants who have come to call Hawaii home.
The Hawaiian Islands are all different in their own way. Here is a brief overview of the differences between the major islands:
Kauai is the oldest and most rugged of the Hawaiian Islands. It is home to the Na Pali Coast, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.
Oahu is the most populous island and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It is also home to Waikiki Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Maui is known for its beauty, with its two volcanoes, Haleakala and Mauna Kea, and its many beaches. It is also home to the Road to Hana, a scenic drive that winds along the island’s east coast.
Hawaii (the Big Island) is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It is also home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
Molokai is the least populated of the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. It is also home to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lanai is the smallest of the Hawaiian Islands and is known for its luxury resorts. It is also home to Lanaihale, the highest point on the island.
No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, you are sure to find it in the Hawaiian Islands. With their stunning beauty, diverse cultures, and friendly people, the Hawaiian Islands are a truly special place.
There are many things that make Oahu a great place to live. Here are a few of the highlights:
Natural beauty: Oahu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as lush rainforests, towering mountains, and crystal-clear waters. There are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking and surfing to swimming and snorkeling.
Culture: Oahu is a melting pot of cultures with a rich history and heritage. You can learn about the Hawaiian culture at the Bishop Museum, or explore the many temples and shrines that dot the island.
Food: Oahu is home to a diverse culinary scene, with everything from traditional Hawaiian cuisine to international fare. You can find everything from fresh seafood to mouth-watering pastries.
Aloha spirit: Oahu is known for its laid-back lifestyle and friendly people. The “aloha spirit” is aloha, which means love, compassion, and respect. It’s a way of life that is embraced by everyone on the island.
If you’re looking for a place to live that has it all, Oahu is the perfect place for you.
Makakilo is a great place to live in Hawaii. It is a quiet, family-friendly community with a lot to offer. Here are some of the things that make Makakilo a great place to live:
Location: Makakilo is located on the west side of Oahu, just a short drive from Honolulu and Waikiki. This makes it a great place to live if you want to be close to the action, but still have a quiet place to call home.
Amenities: Makakilo has a variety of amenities that make it a great place to live, including schools, parks, shopping, and restaurants. There is also a large community center that offers a variety of activities and programs for residents of all ages.
Climate: Makakilo has a warm, tropical climate year-round. This makes it a great place to live if you love the outdoors and want to enjoy the warm weather all year long.
Cost of living: The cost of living in Makakilo is relatively affordable, especially compared to other parts of Hawaii. This makes it a great place to live if you are on a budget.
If you are looking for a great place to live in Hawaii, Makakilo is a great option. It is a quiet, family-friendly community with a lot to offer.
Hawaii Kai is a beautiful and desirable place to live, with a lot to offer its residents. Here are some of the things that make Hawaii Kai so special:
Natural beauty: Hawaii Kai is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Ko’olau Mountains to the west, and the Maunalua Bay to the south. There are numerous parks and hiking trails to explore, as well as world-famous beaches like Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach.
Amenities: Hawaii Kai has a variety of amenities that make it a great place to live, including shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There are also several schools, hospitals, and other essential services located in the area.
Safety: Hawaii Kai is a very safe community with a low crime rate. Residents feel safe walking around their neighborhood and leaving their homes unlocked.
Community: Hawaii Kai is a close-knit community with a strong sense of aloha. Residents are friendly and welcoming, and there are many opportunities to get involved in the community.
Location: Hawaii Kai is located in a convenient location, just a short drive from Honolulu and Waikiki. This makes it easy to access all that the city has to offer, while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a suburban community.
Overall, Hawaii Kai is a great place to live for people who are looking for a beautiful, safe, and convenient community. If you’re thinking about moving to Hawaii, Hawaii Kai should definitely be on your list of places to consider.
The National Association of Realtors released this information in response to lawsuits against them.
They claim all the issues shown in the image would happen if the buyer pays their agent for their services instead of the seller.
Their response assumes the MLS disappears, which would not happen.
If the buyer pays for their agent’s services, that is the only change that would happen. Everything else would stay the same.
Buyers might pay less for homes because the seller is not forced to pay a 2.5% commission to the buyer’s agent, so they can sell for less.
Also, their point in bold, “Compensation is always negotiable,” is not true.
With our MLS, after an offer is received, you are not allowed to negotiate it down at all. That is against their rules. So it is not “always” negotiable.
Oahu is home to many beautiful golf courses that offer breathtaking views and challenging courses for golf enthusiasts. Here are some of the nicest golf courses on Oahu:
Ko Olina Golf Club – located on the west side of Oahu, this championship course is known for its challenging holes and stunning ocean views.
Turtle Bay Resort – situated on the North Shore of Oahu, this resort boasts two championship courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer and George Fazio.
Royal Hawaiian Golf Club – located in Kailua, this course offers panoramic views of the Ko’olau Mountains and is known for its challenging layout.
Pearl Country Club – located in Aiea, this course offers scenic views of Pearl Harbor and the Honolulu skyline.
Hawaii Kai Golf Course – situated on the east side of Oahu, this course offers stunning ocean views and a challenging layout.
Waialae Country Club – home of the Sony Open, this private course is located in Honolulu and is known for its immaculate greens and stunning views of Diamond Head.
These are just a few of the many beautiful golf courses on Oahu. Each course offers its own unique challenges and stunning views, making it a golfer’s paradise.
Oahu has many beautiful beaches to offer, each with its own unique charm. However, the nicest beach on Oahu will largely depend on personal preferences, as well as the type of beach experience you are looking for.
That being said, some of the most popular and highly-rated beaches on Oahu include:
1. Waikiki Beach: This is perhaps the most famous and busiest beach on Oahu, known for its stunning views, soft sand, and clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
2. Lanikai Beach: This beach is located in the small town of Kailua and is known for its pristine turquoise waters and white sand. It’s an ideal spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
3. Kailua Beach Park: Another great beach in Kailua, this park offers calm waters, soft sand, and plenty of shade. It’s a great spot for families with children and those looking for a more relaxed beach experience.
4. Sunset Beach: Located on the North Shore, this beach is known for its massive waves and is a popular spot for surfers. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset.
5. Waimanalo Beach: This beach is located on the east side of Oahu and is known for its long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Overall, Oahu has something for everyone, and it’s worth exploring a few different beaches to find your favorite.
A 2015 survey of 160 Realtors was conducted by a vendor of Home Inspection software services to determine the criteria in selecting a Home Inspector. Here are the results ranked in order of importance:
1) Thoroughness (It is what the Buyer wants. Since the Realtor is representing the interests of the Client, it is incumbent on the Realtor to seek this skill in a Home Inspector.)
2) Certifications and Licensing (There at two national Trade Associations that offer certifications: ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) and NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors). 36 States require Licensing and Regulation of Home Inspectors. Hawaii is not one of them. Realtors are keenly aware that any referral reflects on their reputation, so a Home Inspector with nationwide industry credentials is a safe bet.)
3) Schedule (There is a fixed deadline in the Home Inspection Contingency contained in the Purchase Contract. If the preferred Home Inspector is too busy and cannot meet this deadline, then the Realtor must find another Home Inspector who can.)
4) Quality of Report (For the same house, one Home Inspector can produce 25 pages and another one can produce 75 pages. Some of the “extra” pages are copies of the Standard Practices documents and detailed tutorials on the house defects. Most Realtors prefer a concise and straight-forward documentation of the defects versus reading a novel.)
5) Personal Demeanor (The two key skill sets of a Home Inspector are the “Technical skills” and the “People skills”. If the smartest Home Inspector cannot communicate their findings clearly and objectively to the level of the Client, then it reduces their effectiveness. Both skills are required to be a successful Home Inspector.)
7) Reputation (Realtors are good at “word of mouth” referrals, so Realtors will ask among themselves as to the quality of a Home Inspector. Social media reviews are also a research tool.)
8) Price (The reputation of the Realtor and the quality of the Inspection far exceeds the importance of price. Of course, price cannot be exorbitant, neither should it be “too low” as it implies a lower quality of work. To quote, Benjamin Franklin, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”)
9) Size of Company (A company with many Inspectors on staff may vary in quality of work and competency. Most Realtors prefer working with an Inspector they know versus an unknown one.)
Are Home Inspectors all the same?
The resounding answer is “No”. Like Realtors, Home Inspectors differ by knowledge, experience, customer service, and unique service benefits.
How does a realtor refer a Home Inspector to a Client?
Some Realtors will suggest 3 or more Home Inspectors for the Client to make the final selection. The Client pays for the Home Inspector, so it is ultimately their decision to choose a Home Inspector. They can even disregard the Realtor’s referrals and find their own Home Inspector. The responsibility is on the Client to make the final decision, not the Realtor.
Some Realtors will not offer any referrals and direct the Client to find their own Home Inspector. In this case, the Client will research the Search Engines on the Internet for Home Inspectors, read social media reviews, and call different Home Inspectors before they make a selection.
Why is it important to select a Good Home Inspector?
From the State Auditor’s Report on the Regulation of Home Inspectors, “Although certification programs are offered to Home Inspectors in Hawaii, we found indications that there are an undetermined number of non-certified individuals who are conducting home inspections in the State.”
What is “Caveat Emptor” regarding Real Estate transactions?
Translation: “Let the Buyer Beware!”
Here is the longer version:
Caveat emptor, quia ignorare non debuit quod jus alienum emit (“Let a purchaser beware, for he ought not to be ignorant of the nature of the property which he is buying from another party.”)
For any questions on this topic, please call Oscar Libed of Inspect Hawaii at 808-728-5707 or send an email to oscar@inspecthawaii.com
Should you decide to pay a fixed, non-negotiable buyer’s agent commission, we recommend either 2% or 2.5%.
The first chart shows the buyer’s agent commission paid on Active listings. Here you can see the most popular option is a 2.5% commission to the buyer’s agent.
The second chart below shows the percentage of listings that sold for a specific buyer’s agent commission level.
Both charts are from MLS data going back one year.
