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Though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy of a year ago, buyers are showing their interest in purchasing a home. According to U.S. News:

More homes are anticipated to hit the market this year, but still below pre-pandemic levels. Home price appreciation is slowing from the recent frenzy, mortgage rates are coming down, and inflation is easing. All great news for buyers. However, you will still need a competitive strategy to come out ahead. Here’s how to get started:

Residential listings are still too expensive for most island budgets, even though Maui home prices have dropped 13% since May 2022. Higher interest rates have pushed out many potential buyers, according to a  report by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) released at the end of December.

If buying or selling a home is part of your dreams for 2023, it’s essential for you to understand today’s housing market, define your goals, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus.

Retirement often brings many life changes, including a lifestyle not centered around work. As your daily life changes, your housing needs may change too. The space may not fit your needs, or maybe you want to move to a different location. So, one of the key factors in planning your retirement is deciding where you will live, and whether you want to sell your home.

You may have heard how owning real estate is a key part of building generational wealth. Even if you are single or without children, there’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home. But if today’s housing market has you wondering if now’s still the time to buy, consider the non-financial and emotional reasons too.

With the rapid shift that’s happened in the housing market this year, some people are raising concerns that we’re destined for a repeat of the crash we saw in 2008. But in truth, there are many key differences between what’s happening today and the bubble in the early 2000s.

The devastating Lahaina wildfires of 2023 are still singed in our minds. But Hawaii is not the only area suffering from increased fire activity. Last year, over 56,000 wildfires burned 2.6 million acres, destroying over 4,300 home and commercial structures across the United States.

For over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes of their own. If you or a loved one have served, it’s important to understand this program and its benefits. Here are some things you should know about VA loans before you start the homebuying process.

Does the latest news about the housing market have you questioning your plans to sell your house? If so, perspective is key. Here are some of the ways a trusted real estate professional can explain the shift that’s happening today and why it’s still a sellers’ market even during the cooldown.

While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still high, remaining around 8%. This news impacted the stock market and added fuel to the fire for conversations about a recession.

Knowing which financial weaknesses raise red flags for lenders, and avoiding them, can strengthen your chances of loan approval. Lenders are trained to spot financial mismanagement so they are careful to review your finances before they take you on as a mortgage client. A bad risk isn’t good for their business.

When we look back at history, we’ll likely find our pandemic and post pandemic real estate market is highly unique. Industry experts are starting to make their 2023 home price forecasts. As they do, most agree homes will continue to gain value, just at a slower pace.

So, you want to make a few renovations to your home, and you are itching to get started. Pause for a minute to consider what features in your home should be left alone, especially if you plan to sell in the future. There are a few features that should never be touched.

Mold infestations are one of the major concerns to homeowners and may be a deal breaker for buyers. It ranks close behind termite and roof damage in terms of turning off a potential sale. It is unsightly, has an unpleasant odor, and can be unhealthy to humans. Some molds merely look or smell bad, but black mold can cause serious health risks.

When looking for a new home, be sure to tally all the costs of buying and the ongoing costs associated with home ownership. This will help you make a realistic budget for the purchase and related costs to make the place your own. And, it’s best to have an idea of the costs before you even start looking for a new home.

AC units are our favorite appliance during record-breaking high temps. But when they are on the fritz, life can be miserable! An HVAC system (for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) is what keeps a home cool in the summer. Even though we don’t have much need for heating on Maui, systems come with either or both.

Record prices in the housing market are easing up, but bidding wars continue in competitive areas. Silly misunderstandings or misinterpretations of real estate language can cost you the house of your dreams and you could find yourself back at square one in your search.

Your house has sold, and you have a new home to move into. Check that off your list. But that’s only part of the moving process. You can save money on the move and have extra cash for new accessories to make this home your own. Plan ahead and take advantages of freebies offered when moving to a new home.

Homebuyers looking for a bargain will have better luck finding deals on home décor at the dollar store than in housing this year. In some cases, even if a home needs major repairs, seller’s have the upper hand and can ask what they want. That’s because available houses are lagging far behind the demand.