Zone What it is (Plain English) Is Insurance Mandatory? Zone X Low-to-Moderate Risk. The “Safe” zone. Most of Kailua is here. Not in the 100-year floodplain. NO. Lenders cannot require it. Policies are very cheap (optional). Zone A High Risk. You are in the 100-year floodplain, but FEMA hasn’t calculated exactly how deep the water … Read more
When buying property in Oâahu, itâs important to understand all the local disclosure requirements and potential hazards. Hereâs a simple guide to help you check everything before making a purchase. 1ď¸âŁ 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
One of the biggest misconceptions keeping buyers on the sidelines â especially here in Hawaii â is the belief that you need 20% down to buy a home. Thatâs simply not true. According to the National Association of Realtors: đ§ So how are people buying homes? In short: if you’re financially responsible and ready to … 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 â for a fraction of the cost. The study examined brokers offering either flat-rate pricing or reduced commissions (1â2%), and found that many, such as Clever and Ideal Agent, … Read more
In recent months, many Hawaii homeownersâespecially those in older homes or near the coastlineâhave been shocked to receive non-renewal notices or see sharp increases in their hurricane insurance premiums. What’s going on? And what can you actually do about it? Letâs break it down. đ Whatâs Driving the Surge in Insurance Costs? 1. Climate Risk … Read more
If youâre trying to sell your home right now, brace yourself: this is shaping up to be one of the most difficult markets for sellers in U.S. history. A staggering $698 billion worth of home listings are now sitting on the market nationwide â the highest total ever recorded since Redfin began tracking the data … Read more
If youâre thinking about selling your home on Oahu, thereâs a good chance youâve already done the math on traditional Realtor commissions â and didnât like the answer. A 5% commission on a $1 million home is $50,000. Thatâs money coming straight out of your equity. The good news? You donât have to pay 5% … Read more
First, I want to emphasize that we have the expertise to sell homes. Since 2020, we have sold more listings than any other agent on Oahu. We have sold over 100 more home than the third-ranked agent. When it comes to selling your home, thereâs no factor more important than price. Pricing your home correctly … 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 sellâshifting 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 Hawaiiâand for good reason. With its world-famous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and panoramic views of Diamond Head, itâs 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