Kapolei, sometimes called Oʻahu’s second city, has been a growing community for years, and since initial construction of homes began there in the late 1980s, it’s flourished into a community perfect for families, first-time homeowners and even work-from-home professionals. Here’s our handy guide on everything Kapolei, with expert advice and tips from our friends at List Sotheby’s International Realty.  

 Kapolei Has Everything You Need

From the Ka Makana Aliʻi shopping center—home to various outlet stores, movie theaters and great places to eat—to the Straub Medical Center, Kapolei has everything you need. The community has grown to the point where its modern conveniences and amenities easily match, or surpass, other large population centers on O‘ahu. And the nearby lagoons at Ko ʻOlina are open to the public and perfect for a day at the beach. 

 It’s One of Oʻahu’s Fastest Growing Housing Markets

Not only is Kapolei one of the most accessible housing markets on the island—as new properties and homes are being built regularly—it’s also one of the best for buyers looking to move from a condo to a single-family home or larger property. “You can buy into an apartment and grow into a single-family home—all of it is in Kapolei,” says Heather Selvitelle, an agent with List Sotheby’s International Realty with over a decade of award-winning service. Properties can go quickly, however, so to contend with the demand it’s always best to have a seasoned real estate agent on your side when looking to buy in Kapolei. 

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

ʻOhana Friendly

 For many living in Hawaiʻi, ʻohana (family) is everything—and that’s probably why Kapolei has seen such an increase in residents over the past few decades. Whether your family is filled with young keiki (kids) or teen angst, Kapolei is the perfect place to settle down. “Kapolei is really a family-friendly community,” says Selvitelle. “Even though it’s called Oʻahu’s ‘second city,’ it feels like a small-town family-friendly place.” And because you have such attractions as Wet’n’Wild Hawaiʻi, The Lineup at Wai Kai and the Ko ʻOlina lagoons—as well as the Ka Makana Aliʻi mall—there’ll always be something to do with the kiddos. 

Newer Homes, Fewer Maintenance Costs

While older homes have a certain rustic charm, as well as a lived-in appeal, they can also cost you a pretty penny when it comes time to fix things that need fixing. However, the Kapolei community is relatively new compared to others on O‘ahu, which means you won’t have as many unexpected home-repair costs. “Buyers will easily be saving money on maintenance in Kapolei since most properties are newly built quality homes,” says Selvitelle. 

Photo: Courtesy of List Sotheby’s.

There Are Still Beaches Nearby

While the shoreline may not be right outside your doorstep, there are still plenty of beaches near Kapolei that are just as postcard-perfect as other beaches on Oʻahu—and they’re also less crowded. Nimitz Beach provides an excellent spot to lounge the day away and soak up some sun without having to worry about throngs of vacationers. Also close by is White Plains Beach, which is the perfect spot to learn how to surf, with gentle waves well suited for beginners. And if you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you’ll find some breathtaking shoreline scenes all along the island’s west coast, to Keawa‘ula beach park, also known as Yokohama Bay.  

Heather Selvitelle, Realtor® HI LICENSE RB-22771, (808) 282-1764. Find her agent profile page here.  

If you dream of waking up with a view of the Honolulu skyline from your 42nd floor lanai, or downsizing to a smaller living space to retire in paradise, buying a condo in Hawaii is an investment to consider. List Sotheby’s International Realty, one of the Islands’ premier real estate agencies, has helped many prospective homeowners find the right condominium for their lifestyle. Realtor Hatsumi Campbell, a condo specialist with 15 years of experience helping clients buy and sell condos in Honolulu, shares pros and cons of buying a condo in Hawaii — and why owning one can be worth it. 

Pros: Amenities, location and control 

“For clients, if they ask what’s a ‘pro’ for buying a condo in Hawaii, number one I think is the investment potential,” explains Campbell. “Because real estate always increases in value, while you are owning a condo, you can earn equity.” Campbell says that after several years, a condo owner can sell the property to upgrade to a single-family home or move to another apartment. The benefit of knowing your property value will not depreciate — as long the condo market in Hawaii remains competitive — offers flexibility for future decisions. 

Another plus for buying a condo is location, says Campbell. With Hawaii being a popular vacation destination, many condominium complexes are in areas that offer “access to the Hawaii lifestyle easily,” with beaches, hiking and local leisure spots nearby. Kakaako, for example, is great for condo owners. “Even though the price is higher than other locations, people love the convenience,” notes Campbell. “They don’t have to drive; they just go to the market at Whole Foods, the beach, restaurants and entertainment.” And, of course, condos in Hawaii offer incredible views of the ocean, mountains and Honolulu city lights. 

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

Amenities abound for condo owners as well. Campbell says having a pool, Jacuzzi and building security are among the perks that make condo life appealing. Additionally, some condos have maintenance workers on staff who can take care of easy repairs for residents.  

Lastly, a good reason to buy a condo in Hawaii, according to Campbell, is that it puts you in the driver’s seat. If you don’t plan to reside in the condo for a time, you can opt to earn some rental income from a temporary tenant. And depending on your building’s rules, you could also renovate and upgrade your spaces “with your taste” in mind. If you are buying a condo to downsize, there’s “no need to maintain an aging home or yard,” says Campbell, but you can still grow your own garden on your lanai if you’d like. 

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

Cons: Cost and constraints 

Property prices are perhaps the biggest drawback when it comes to buying a condo. “It’s so expensive in Hawaii,” says Campbell. In Texas, she says, you can own a single-family home for the same price as a studio here. As you discuss condo listings with your Realtor, it’s important to balance your expectations when it comes to amenities and affordability. 

Some condominiums add maintenance fees and other expenses on top of your monthly mortgage. According to Campbell, these fees may have to be paid whether you are occupying the condo or not. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Campbell says, many condo owners who were unable to come back to Hawaii still had to pay these fees as their units sat idle. 

Condo owners may also have to pay for insurance, as well as “assessment fees” for overall building upkeep. As a real estate agent, Campbell says she works hard to keep her clients informed if major assessments will be coming up or if maintenance fees will be increasing.  

Constraints in space and “house rules” are other cons of condo living, notes Campbell. “You just own the unit, and also maybe parking,” she says, “so you can’t really expand. Usually couples live in a condo, then when they have kids, they want to move to a single-family home because they need more space.” 

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

Owning a condo also means abiding by rules that can dictate everything from whether you can own a pet, to regulating noise and activity, and even what you are allowed to do if you choose to remodel.  

Campbell says she always asks her clients “very detailed questions” to learn more about their home needs, especially if they are exploring condo options. Once those questions are answered, she says she does her best with the resources and network at List Sotheby’s International Realty to find prospective owners the condos they’ll appreciate for years to come. 

Hatsumi Campbell, Realtor ®, HI License RB-22801, (808) 220-1283,  hcampbell@listsir.com. Visit her profile  here.  

Kāhala is local luxury at its finest and one of the nicest places to call home in Hawaiʻi. Just outside of the hustle and bustle that is Waikīkī and Downtown Honolulu, the streets of Kāhala are lined by beachfront homes and expansive properties with multimillion-dollar price tags. But if you can afford it, Kāhala is worth every penny, especially if you love the outdoors, want to be close to town but not in town, and enjoy a thoroughly walkable community. If you’re looking to buy in the area, or just want to know what it’s like living in Kāhala, our friends at List Sotheby’s International Realty are here to help. 

First, know that homes in Kāhala come at a premium price. “In Kāhala, right now, there are 15 homes on the market with the highest costing $22 million” says List Sotheby’s International Realty agent Hai Cha Lambert, who has over 30 years of local real estate knowledge. “Right now, the cheapest home on the market is $1.78 million, and that’s an old home, a real fixer-upper.” These prices are the norm in Kāhala. Homes listing from $2 million to $3 million—the high end of affordability for many locals—often go quickly, according to List Sotheby’s agent Scott Startsman, who once served as president of the Kāhala Business Association and knows the area well. 

Photo: Courtesy of List Sotheby’s

Not all homes in Kāhala are fast sellers, however. As the price climbs—many homes easily exceed the $10 million mark—homes tend to sit on the market longer, sometimes for years. It’s not uncommon for international buyers and real estate investors to eventually snap up these higher-priced homes, many of which are on large lots. “The larger lot sizes of Kāhala allow for homeowners to design a quality, nicely sized home that still has the yard space and room to have privacy from your neighbors,” says Startsman. “Land is at a premium here and Kāhala gives you that with the convenient access to all that the urban core of Oʻahu has to offer.” 

Buying a home that is ready to move into immediately is also a perk, says Lambert. “People are willing to pay when properties are move-in ready.” 

Photo: Courtesy of List Sotheby’s

Really, anyone who can afford to live in Kāhala will enjoy the area—with easy access to town and some of the best beaches on the island within walking distance, it’s a luxurious place to live. And it’s flat—no steep hills or narrow roads here, unlike other high-priced areas on O‘ahu, like Hawai‘i Loa Ridge and upper Makiki—making it easy for residents to explore the neighborhood on foot. “Kāhala is located on a flat plane, it’s got wide streets perfect for getting out and walking the neighborhood and you can really enjoy the surrounding architecture and landscaping,” says Startsman. “You have six public access rights of ways to beaches and Kāhala Beach Park nearby, so you can easily access the ocean and Diamond Head. If you’re wanting to be outdoors and active, it’s a great neighborhood for that.”  

While the price range may not be suitable for everyone’s budget, if you can swing it, living in Kāhala is about as good as it gets. And while most of the properties come with a premium price tag, attentive buyers can wait for the occasional $2 million to $3 million home to come on the market. Of course, having a knowledgeable real estate agent on your side will make it infinitely easier to snag one of those heavily sought-after properties.  

Scott Startsman, Realtor-Associate ® HI License RS-62384, (808) 400-8854, scott@hiestates.com. Find his agent profile page here. 

Hai Cha Lambert, Realtor ® HI License RB-13951, (808) 286-6622, hlambert@listsir.com. Find her agent profile page here. 

Whether relocating for business or a personal lifestyle change, finding the right home in the Islands is a process that requires a lot of thought and diligence. A good Realtor can balance your needs and expectations with insider knowledge on what’s available in the local real estate market.  

List Sotheby’s International Realty has assisted many clients abroad with buying homes in Hawaiʻi for the first time. Through FaceTime chats, email listings, video walk-throughs, phone calls and more, agents provide prospective homebuyers with the insights to not only make a purchase, but to do it with peace of mind.  

Cheryl Shope, an agent with List Sotheby’s International Realty, went above and beyond for her client, Brian Yorke, a first-time Hawaiʻi homebuyer. Here’s Yorke’s sight-unseen house-hunting success story. 

Photo: Thomas Barwick via Getty Images

Originally from New Hampshire, Yorke is about to retire from the Air Force after 25 years on active duty. He has owned homes in various states during his military career, most recently in Arizona before moving to Hawaiʻi for a new job.  

“It was such a big move. Things were happening kind of fast,” Yorke says. So fast, in fact, he had no time to fly out and visit available Island properties in-person with his wife, Carrie, and German shepherd, Viktor.  

List Sotheby’s International Realty provided options for remote buying through Shope. After discussing what Yorke and his ʻohana wanted in a home, Shope began looking for residences on Oʻahu that fit their lifestyle. 

“We needed property with some grass so that [Viktor] has some freedom,” shares Yorke. “Cheryl was so helpful in the aspect of ensuring that I was happy with what I had. It was quite a process. She got it down to neighborhoods basically because the newer homes essentially were what we were looking for—ones that we didn’t necessarily have to come right into and do a bunch of work to.”  

Yorke explored listings in Kaʻaʻawa, for example. With Shope’s guidance, he was able to keep tabs on market availability and offers as they were made. They also discussed whether the commute and additional insurance costs that come with living in the scenic, coastal town could be accommodated. 

“Once we started looking at the drive time for me going to work, I think we made a good decision on not living out there,” explains Yorke. “With hurricane insurance, we didn’t realize how expensive it is to live on the beach.” 

Yorke also considered a home in ʻEwa Beach. Shope did a FaceTime chat where Yorke could see the home’s inspection report. He decided not to pursue it, saying “it was not well taken care of.” Fortunately, on the same day of the chat, Shope found out about a home in ʻEwa Villages going on the market. Yorke quickly put an offer in for that home, and it is where he and his ʻohana are residing today. 

“The markets have been so crazy, that if you have the opportunity and there’s a home that you like, you have to act fast,” says Yorke. “Cheryl was on it. We showed up on-island May 16 in the afternoon, and we signed for the house May 17 in the early morning. We got the keys on May 19. 

“The home has been great,” he adds. “One of my things was having a single-floor, kind of ranch-style house. We needed at least three bedrooms – one room for an office and one room for a guest bedroom. We didn’t need a massive house, necessarily. The home is still dated, but they had done some upgrades already, and there’s going to be some more that we’re going to do.” 

Yorke credits Shope for her excellent customer service and helping his ʻohana find their first home in Hawaiʻi. “She made sure we were informed, made sure we got the house that we wanted, which this house fulfilled. She knows the market; she knows who to talk to. She did a really great job.” 

Cheryl A. Shope, Realtor-Associate®, HI License RS-68317, (808) 330-2533, cheryl.shope@sothebysrealty.com. Visit her profile  here.  

It’s a beautiful dream, to own a beach house in Hawaiʻi. You can fall asleep to the sound of the ocean—and not the sounds of the ocean being played on your laptop—and wake up to views of the sea. However, buying a beachfront property is no simple task, especially here in Hawaiʻi. Fortunately, top realty companies like LIST Sotheby’s International Realty can help make it happen for you, but be sure to consider these important factors before beginning your search on the market.  

Your Property May Shrink 

While oceanfront homes protected by outer reefs or those not fronting sandy shorelines may be safe from eroding coastlines, houses on the beach are not. “The hot topic that’s been in the news is going to be the shoreline, that’s something to really strongly consider,” says Jeff Hughes, a LIST Sotheby’s International Realty agent who has sold numerous oceanfront properties to clients over the years. “There are a lot of issues right now with protecting an oceanfront property while also protecting the shoreline.” Worst-case scenarios of shoreline erosion can be seen on Oʻahu’s North Shore, where houses and yards are quite literally falling into the ocean due to larger winter swells and waves sweeping away the very sand that many residences are built upon.  

So, what’s the solution here? Understanding and researching which shorelines are most affected by coastal erosion is a step in the right direction. And, looking for properties that aren’t necessarily on the beach, but across from it or very close by, can save you from stressing out about coastal erosion. “Our shorelines are really accessible, and there are rules and laws here that require neighborhoods and communities to have beach access paths,” says Hughes. “If you’re in a neighborhood closer to the ocean, a lot of people here will just ride a bike or walk. It’s more realistic and cuts down on your budget.”  

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

The Price of Paradise 

Unsurprisingly, it is very, very expensive to own a beachfront home in Hawaiʻi. “Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu, in particular, are very limited in oceanfront property,” says Honolulu native and LIST Sotheby’s International Realty agent Brandon Kim. “People need to understand that whenever they want to buy, it’s going to be at a top dollar price.” So how much should you have in the bank before looking to buy? A starting budget should be at least $1 million dollars, while prices can easily reach the $30 million dollar mark—especially in areas like Kailua and the North Shore, where beachfront properties are a hot commodity.  

Salt Air and Maintenance 

Last, but definitely not least, is the salt air factor of owning a beachfront home. “Maintenance is always a consideration on the beach because salt air is so harmful to homes and appliances—it has the capability to rust stainless steel,” says Hughes. “You have to be conscientious of the materials used when remodelling or building a shoreline home.” Vinyl doors and windows, for example, will hold up better than aluminium, and wood that is properly painted and sealed will last far longer than unprotected materials. Electronics are also susceptible to damage from salt air, and warranties are highly recommended for any new purchases.  

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

The Finer Details 

There are, of course, so many great things about owning an oceanfront or beachfront property. You’ll have easy access to pristine beaches in Hawaiʻi people on the Mainland can only dream about, and spend thousands of dollars to visit. (Of course, just because you own a beachfront home does not mean you own the beach—all beaches in Hawaiʻi are open to the public, and anyone has the right to use the shoreline.) And there’s nothing really more serene than looking out your window and seeing the beauty of the Pacific staring right back at you. So if you’ve carefully considered the points above and still want to make the move, you can always rely on the agents at LIST Sotheby’s International Realty, like Hughes and Kim, for expert advice and great listing on beachfront homes. 

 Jeffrey A. Hughes, HI License RS-61227, (808) 478-2568, jeffrey.hughes@sothebysrealty.com. See his agent profile  here.  

Brandon E. Kim, HI License RB-18878, (808) 383-7603, brandon.kim@sothebysrealty.com. See his agent profile  here. 

Purchasing a house or condo in Hawaiʻi is an exciting endeavor. The state’s beautiful weather, community spirit and scenic spots are among the benefits that come with having your own place in paradise. But to get the right information and take the right steps to meet your homebuying goals, you have to ask the right questions.  

“A lot of people don’t know what questions to ask” when buying their first home, says Drew Read, a Realtor at List Sotheby’s International Realty. “And a lot of even seasoned people forget to ask these questions.” 

Whether you are a prospective local buyer or from the mainland, read shares some frequently asked questions as a primer before you meet with your Realtor. 

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

What is the zoning of this property?  

Many of Read’s clients want to know whether a home or condo lies in a tsunami or flood evacuation area. Local buyers additionally inquire about changes in sea level rise and how that will affect their prospective homes in the future. “Am I going to be inundated at some point in this property that I want to pass on for generations to my kids?” says Read. “I think that’s a good question.” 

If I purchase this property, can I then offer it up as a short-term rental? 

“Especially with mainland buyers, you get a lot of people that come out on vacation every other year and they want to do it more frequently,” explains Read. “So they want to own a property, but then subsidize it when they’re not using it and rent it out.” Locals are aware of the statutes requiring a 30-day minimum for short-term rentals in residential areas on Oahu. A real estate agent can be helpful in researching whether the home or condo you’d like to buy is under any zoning restrictions for rentals, and what the parameters would be if you’d still like to pursue it. 

Do you know any good contractors, plumbers, electricians and gardeners? 

Read shares that many properties in Hawaiʻi are older and need some extra attention. Maybe it has termite damage or leaky pipes, or maybe the utilities, infrastructure or landscaping need work. “I’ve got a Rolodex of people from window coverings and shades, to painters, contractors, handymen, yard guys,” says Read. 

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

 Is there storage and parking? 

This is a very common question for prospective condo owners, as well as clients looking into densely populated areas, explains Read. “In Kaimukī,” for example, “one house has three families, so all the parking of the house is taken up. Is there street parking?” 

Is the house or condo in a good neighborhood?  

“When you’re buying a property — whether it’s a house or a condo — it’s a lifestyle as well as your home and your shelter,” says Read. “You’re a part of a community, and you want to make sure that community fits you.” Clients with children also often ask about schools in the area.  

Do you have any good lenders?  

“A lot of people need financing, and a lot of them have a checking or banking account but they’re not that familiar with mortgages, or their mortgage broker is on the mainland,” says Read. A local lender can be an asset when you are looking at a property that has multiple offers. Read also refers clients to mortgage brokers who can “shop around and get the best deals for you.” 

Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images.

How old is the roof?  

Prospective buyers inquire about recent updates done to a home or condo, to get a sense of assessment fees or maintenance projects that may need to be taken care of down the line. For condo buyers, it’s important to also ask what maintenance fees will cover. “Most of them include insurance, maybe the outside, the railings and the roof, and stuff like that,” says Read, but what about amenities? 

Is this a good value? 

“People don’t want to overpay, and you don’t want the client to overpay,” says Read. Looking at the comparative costs for homes in the surrounding area helps clients to gauge whether they are getting a fair price for their property. Read also checks the homebuying histories of his clients — this helps him to put together comparably priced listings that will balance their budgets while still ensuring that they get what they want in a home. 

Drew Read, Realtor-Associate®, HI License RS-67769, (808) 782-3636, drewread@listsir.com. See his agent profile  here. 

Buying a home in Hawaiʻi is by no means an easy task—especially if you’re doing it without the assistance of a realty agent. There are so many factors to consider: Where in Hawaiʻi will you be looking? What’s your price point? What’s the overall market doing? However, there are common mistakes that the folks at List Sotheby’s International Realty see time and time again with new buyers. With this article, you can learn what these mistakes are, and more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Not Looking at All of Your Financial Options

More often than not, homebuyers who are new to the market will agree to the first mortgage rate quotes they get, says List Sotheby’s International Realty agent Curtis J. Jackson. But, in the same way you’d take a damaged car to multiple repair shops for different quotes, you’ll want to check with several lenders when it comes to your mortgage rate. Oftentimes, separate lenders will offer you different terms, and you can even use acquired quotes to negotiate with new lenders for better rates. 

2. Tunnel Vision

Photo: Courtesy of LIST Sotheby’s International Realty

Tunnel vision happens to all of us. You know what you want, and you’re going to get it. Right? Maybe in other fields of commerce, but definitely not in Hawaiʻi realty. While there may be homes that check a lot of the boxes you’re looking to fill, the market in Hawaiʻi is tight and even those with large budgets will be hard-pressed to find homes that match all of their wants and needs. Instead, focus on having your bigger needs met and worry about the smaller stuff later. 

“Nothing is going to be perfect—there is no perfect house—but make sure the area of the home, the number of rooms and those bigger problems are met,” says List Sotheby’s agent Cheryl Shope. “Concentrate on the things that are necessary and things you can’t fix, like the size and location of the home, and you can change the color or the furniture later.”

3. Expecting the Process to be like the Mainland

For homebuyers coming from the U.S. Mainland, don’t expect the process to be anything like your last. “I always try to meet expectations,” says Shope, “but the first thing I try to do with my clients is figure out where they’re coming from to prepare them for the sticker shock. If you’re from Texas, you’re used to having acreage—we don’t have that here.” A budget that may get you a two-bed, one-bath home in Wyoming may only get you a small studio in Hawaiʻi, if that, but that’s the price you’ll have to pay for a chance to live in paradise. 

4. Waiving a Home Inspection

Photo: Courtesy of LIST Sotheby’s International Realty

Buying a home in Hawaiʻi is tough, but also exciting. Sometimes, it’s so exciting that new homeowners will waive their home inspections to help expedite the process, says Jackson. However, that can be a recipe for disaster. Due to the tropical climate of Hawaiʻi—and the fact that many homes here are several decades old—you can find a litany of problems, from termites to rotting wood and busted plumbing. 

5. Not Having a Real Estate Agent

Having a real estate agent on your side when buying a home in Hawaiʻi is a major benefit for anyone looking to buy property in the Islands. Not only do real estate agents know the various districts and areas of Hawaiʻi, they can also help new homebuyers avoid some of the common mistakes you’ve just read about. “Using the assistance of an experienced List Sotheby’s International Realty Realtor and neighborhood specialist who is familiar with your needs can help you … by guiding you through the process, connecting you with listings within your price range, and helping you negotiate the terms and purchase price,” says Jackson.

Curtis J. Jackson, Realtor®, e-PRO, MRP, SRS, HI License RB-22974, (808) 291-4404, cjackson@listsir.com. Visit his profile here. 

Cheryl A. Shope, Realtor-Associate®, HI License RS-68317, (808) 330-2533, cheryl.shope@sothebysrealty.com. Visit her profile here. 

For many, living in Mānoa is a dream come true. A verdant valley community minutes away from Honolulu, the charm of Mānoa lies in its properties and people. Full of multigenerational households, old homes and plenty of undeveloped space, this coveted neighborhood is highly sought after by both locals and newcomers wanting to set down roots. If you’re looking to settle down in Mānoa, here are a few things to keep in mind before making the big move. 

1.) Community Charm

Mānoa is a special community. Because the properties found here are so highly prized by their owners, many homes have been passed down for generations, and residents have stayed in the valley for decades. Because of this, everyone tends to know everyone on their street, and the community actually feels like a community. “You’ll see the auntie and the uncle down the street and it’s just such a nice neighborhood feel,” says List Sotheby’s real estate agent Dee Asuncion, who has been providing professional real estate services for over 10 years in both residential and commercial sales, with an emphasis on asset building and a passion for sustainability. “It’s what you’d expect to see when you think of a neighborhood in Hawaiʻi. You can just walk out down the street and you’ll know your neighbors, you’ll know their names and they’ll know you.” 

Photo: Getty Images

2.) Old Homes

Don’t expect to find many new homes in Mānoa. “On average, the homes in Mānoa were built in the 1960s, however, there are even historical homes and vintage homes that can be dated as early as 1910,” says Leanne Kwock, a List Sotheby’s real estate agent with over 20 years of experience. Kwock is highly regarded at List Sotheby’s for her ability to understand client needs and for her strong negotiation skills. Of course, buying an old home isn’t a bad thing—not at all. Many of the homes in Mānoa exude charm and have vintage appeal; however, be prepared to invest in repairs post-purchase. 

3.) Competitive Market

Since Mānoa is such a highly sought-after place to live, the market is best entered with a trusted agent—such as one from List Sotheby’s International Realty—at your side. “There’s not a lot of action in terms of listings,” says Asuncion, “so when they do come on the market, they get gobbled up really fast.” On average, a home will stay on the market for 30 days before it’s sold, and the average price for a single-family home in Mānoa is $1.4 million—roughly 23% higher than single-family homes elsewhere in Honolulu. If the market is looking too competitive for your current situation, Kwock recommends districts similar to Mānoa, such as Makiki, Hawaiʻi Kai and Kailua. In these areas, listings stay on the market longer, which leaves more time for negotiations. 

Photo: Getty Images

 4.) Perfect for All Types

Whether you’re a young family with keiki (kids) in tow, an elderly couple looking for a quiet place to retire or a business-minded single, Mānoa is a great place to settle down. Despite being  a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mānoa is only 10 minutes away from central Honolulu and its business districts, shopping malls, emergency care and grocery stores. Mānoa residents have numerous schools to choose from, and those with college-aged kids will love the short commute to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. 

5.) Yard Factor

There aren’t too many places in or near Honolulu where you can purchase a home with a lawn. But Mānoa has plenty of properties with ample real estate. Not only is this fantastic news for residents with dogs and other outdoor pets, but those looking to live sustainably will have ample room to grow their own produce. “I’m always attracted to sustainability,” says Asuncion, “and the larger parcels of land found in Mānoa allow you to really grow fresh produce and those ever-sought-after fruit trees!” 

Leanne Kwock, Realtor-Associate ® HI LICENSE RS-64548, (808) 542-0511. Find her agent profile page here. 

Dee K. Asuncion, Realtor-Associate ® HI LICENSE RS-74712, (808) 840-7232. Find her agent profile page here. 

 1. Test the Waters by Renting a Home

 For potential homeowners coming in from out of state, renting a home before making the move to buy is a great option, if you can swing it financially. Moving to Hawaiʻi is a big, big, decision, and while island life is fantastic, it isn’t for everybody. “I encourage people—if they’re not sure where they want to settle down—to rent in an area for at least six months,” says Hai Cha Lambert, an agent at List Sotheby’s International Realty. “It’s best to live in the neighborhood or district you’re interested in for an extended period of time to get a feel of the culture they have there.”  

2. No Strings Attached

 Unlike buying a home, which can tie you down financially with decades of mortgage payments, renting is a more flexible option for to-be residents. While a lease can commit you to a rental for six months to a year, you can still always try living somewhere else once the lease is up. “By renting, you have flexibility in what your payments are going to be, in a sense,” says Drew Read, a local Realtor with List Sotheby’s International Realty. “Economically, for the short-term, renting is beneficial. And if you don’t like living on Kauaʻi, you can try another island like Maui or Oʻahu. You have that flexibility with renting that you don’t with owning.”  

 3. Consider Your Lifestyle

 Once you’re in the market for a home rental, you have to consider what needs you have for your particular lifestyle. That means families with school-age children will have to look into school district options. Those who don’t own a car or who like to commute by bicycle will probably want to look for something more central—and avoid renting at the top of any hills. Remote workers won’t have to think twice about a commute, however office-bound employees will. Knowing what your lifestyle is like will help narrow down your search and increase the chances that your move to Hawaiʻi will be a positive one. 

 “You have to categorize couples with young children, retired people, professionals who travel a lot because their needs are different,” says Lambert. “An elderly couple who just retired and are looking to move to a warmer climate—they have specific areas they’d like to rent compared to someone who’s looking for a cooler climate but still wants to live in Hawaiʻi.”  

 4. A Rental Can Become Yours—For a Price

 While it’s not common, if you find yourself loving the rental home you’re in, it’s not crazy to look into purchasing it from the current owner. “List can find the homeowner of your rental and at least make that connection for you,” says Read. “I’ve written letters to homeowners for clients. Even if their house isn’t on the market, anything is possible for the right price and if you can come to terms and negotiate the deal to everyone’s benefit, the sale can happen. Generally, however, you’re going all cash and over market value.” 

 5. List Sotheby’s Can Help Find Your Dream Rental

 If you’re unsure of where to start looking for a Hawaiʻi rental, List Sotheby’s International Realty is here to help. “We have a rental department that has contacts to over 200 rental units,” says Lambert. “We handle a lot of international clients as well as local clients, and have a huge rental department.” Using their vast knowledge of the Islands and local real estate, agents like Lambert and Read can connect clients with property managers in areas that they think would fit them best. And if clients end up in a place they’d like to eventually call their own, agents at List Sotheby’s can help with the possible next step, homeownership.  

Hai Cha Lambert, Realtor ® HI License RB-13951, (808) 286-6622. Find her agent profile page here. 

Drew Read, Realtor-Associate ® HI License RS-67769, (808) 782-3636. Find his agent profile page here. 

There’s no doubt about it, buying a home—especially in Hawaiʻi—is a daunting task for first-time homebuyers. From qualifying for a mortgage loan to deciding on a location and learning what schools are in what districts, a lot goes into owning your own slice of paradise. Fortunately, List Sotheby’s International Realty agents Brandon Kim and Tiffany Chen can help. Here, they share some of the lessons and tips you need to know if you’re in the market for the first time. 

“One of the most important steps is figuring out your finances,” says Kim, who was born and raised in East Oʻahu. “People need to know how they’re going to pay for their property, and how much they can pay. Talk to your favorite mortgage broker or local bank, get prequalified for a mortgage loan and that’ll be your road map for the purchase.” From where to look for a property to what type of home you’re in the market for—whether it’s a condominium, apartment or house—how much you can spend dictates everything else. Knowing your budget also helps to limit your options, which can be a good thing for overwhelmed buyers with choice paralysis. 

Photo: Getty Images

The next thing you want to consider is your lifestyle. “Think about your everyday life and how you like to spend your time,” says Chen. “Do you like to be near nature, or do you prefer to be in close proximity to restaurants and businesses? Do you enjoy entertaining? Are you willing to commute longer distances to work or school if it means more space and a yard?” Fortunately, Hawaiʻi accommodates all types—with an abundance of country escapes for hikers, swimmers, surfers and outdoorsy individuals as well as thriving city centers, like Honolulu and Waikīkī, where those looking for a little more going on will feel right at home. 

Once you’ve found a home that you’d like to call your own, check to see what kind of maintenance it will need. From peeling paint and rotting floorboards to plumbing issues and more, older properties that have been left unattended can end up costing much more than they’re worth. Another unexpected pitfall for potential homeowners? Termites. “Termites are a big problem here in Hawaiʻi, so you want to make sure to get a termite report while you’re in the process of buying the home,” says Kim.

Photo: Getty Images

While many first-time homebuyers are looking for their dream house, Chen recommends that people keep an open mind during the buying process. “You may have a set vision of your dream home, but that may be preventing you from seeing the potential in other properties. Because of this, we may want to show you something just a little bit different from your envisioned dream home. You never know—you may actually end up liking and buying that one.”

Ultimately, the best thing first-time homebuyers can do is get an experienced real estate agent on their side. “There’s never a sale that goes smoothly without any issues, and that’s why you need an agent to help you through that,” says Kim. “If you have someone that has been through the homebuying process hundreds of times for years and years, it’s extremely helpful.” 

For more information on buying a home in Hawaiʻi and to find your own agent, visit  List Sotheby’s International Realty website. 

Tiffany Chen, Realtor-Associate®, HI License RS-81090, (808) 745-8029, tiffanym.chen@sothebysrealty.com. Visit her profile here. 

Brandon E. Kim, Realtor®, HI License RB-18878, (808) 383-7603, brandon.kim@sothebysrealty.com. Visit his profile here.