Hawaii Real Estate News
How do I discover liens on a property?
If you are purchasing a home you want to find out if there are any liens on aproperty. This is accomplished by ordering a preliminary title report. This report can be ordered through escrow's title department and will provide you a list of …
Mortgage Credit Certificate: Can I Qualify?
The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) reduces the amount of federal income tax you pay, thus giving you more available income to qualify for a mortgage loan and assist you with house payments. The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program was authorized by …
Conveyance Tax: What is this?
Unlike your typical property tax which is paid to the State on a semi-annual basis, conveyance tax is paid on actual and full consideration for the transfer of realty, including leases and subleases, a tax of 10¢ per $100 is …
Cesspools: Should I Be Concerned?
Hawaii has more cesspools than any other state in the country. Cesspools are “drywells” or underground holes that receive sanitary wastewater from building bathrooms and usually from the kitchens, clothes washers and/or dishwashers. A cesspool has an open bottom and/or …
Title Insurance: Is It Necessary?
Title insurance protects property owners from unforseen claims against their legal ownership of the property. Lenders may also require title insurance to assure that any loans secured by the property are sound and have priority. There are many kinds of …
Selling Without Permits?
After the fact permits are treated the same as regular permits and must meet current codes. It can be difficult to find contractors willing to sign the permit because they will be taking responsibility for the job. If you are …
A Clean Slate
Start with a clean slate by decluttering your home. Here are some tips: 1) Begin with a room you can finish in a day. The goal is completion! 2) Schedule the day or weekend into your calendar. 3) Organize bins/bags …
REO, Foreclosure & Short Sale Update
REO, Foreclosure & Short Sale Update There are 75 REO/foreclosures and 188 short sales waiting for the right buyer.
Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster
Five Ways To Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster: 1. Increase your payment schedule. 2. Make lump sum payments. 3. Shorten the time frame of your loan. 4. Increase your payments. 5. Refinance at a lower interest rate, but pay the …