Oahu Real Estate | Seller's Disclosures & Buyer's Due Diligence in Hawaii (Part 1)

Issues involving seller’s disclosures and buyers due diligence come up every day in Oahu Hawaii Real Estate. These matters are of utmost importance and are some of the primary issues that commonly make or break an Oahu real estate transaction. But what are the obligations and requirements for Seller’s disclosures and Buyer’s due diligence regarding the sale of real estate in Hawaii? I will discuss each separately, starting with Seller’s Disclosures in Part 1.

Seller’s Real Property Disclosures

In any residential real estate transaction, a Seller is required to make disclosures of “any fact, defect, or condition, past or present, that would be expected to measurably affect the value to a reasonable person of the residential real property being offered for sale.“ (Emphasis added. HRS Section 508D-1.)

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Oahu Real Estate | Is Your Oahu Home Hurricane Safe?

HURRICANE SAFETY FOR OAHU HOMES

Oahu hurricane safety is at top of mind now, especially as we are in the midst of hurricane season, here, in Hawaii, and given the hurricane disasters we are witnessing in Houston, Florida, and the rest of the Southeast mainland. Today is also exactly 25 years from the date that Hurricane Iniki devasted the island of Kauai.

It is not as scary as it sounds: “only three hurricanes have made landfall in the past 60 years: Hurricane Iniki (1992), Hurricane Iwa (1982), and Hurricane Dot (1959).  Recently, Tropical Storm Iselle (2014) did make landfall on the Big Island, but had been downgraded to a tropical storm before impacting,” This storm was still very costly, in terms of damage and despair to Hawaii residents. “Hurricane Iniki (a Category 4 hurricane) has remained to date the largest hurricane and natural disaster that has struck the Hawaiian Islands.”* 

Hurricanes are typically a risk during the hurricane season - June 1 until November 30 - and more so in El Nino years. However, in Hawaii, we normally experience storms of lesser degrees —- tropical storms and tropical depressions —- not hurricanes, where the wind strength increases substantially. A very serious hurricane is still possible, without much warning, so hurricane safety on Oahu and tropical storm safety, in general, should always be taken seriously.

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All information on this site is believed to be reliable but is expressly not guaranteed. Blog Posts by various authors are the opinions of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the position of Home Shoppe Hawaii or other contributors. This blog does not give legal or tax advice and readers are encouraged to check with licensed professionals for advice on any specific topic and to verify any information herein. Questions? Please contact Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn at 808-721-8088.  

in Boring but Important, Buying a Home on Oahu

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Honolulu Real Estate | Hawaii Loa Ridge View Home in The Pointe

613 Moaniala Street Honolulu, HI 96821

Hawaii Loa Ridge Honolulu Real Estate on Oahu
Listed at: $2,650,000 FS by Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn, RB-20262
www.hawaiiloaridgehome.com.      

UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE

Please call 808-721-8088 for access information.

FEATURES LIST

VIDEO

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Kaneohe Real Estate | Well-Kept Waikalua Cottage, Steps to the Ocean

Home Shoppe Hawaii’s newest listing is this charming 3/2 Oahu beach cottage, just a few houses from Kaneohe Bay! Priced at $750,000 FS, this a is great value and on the affordable side of Windward Oahu real estate! This Kaneohe home for sale is in central Kaneohe, in the Waikalua area, near Kaneohe Beach Park. It is conveniently located, near shopping, schools, and major freeways.

This Kaneohe home is truly special. Not only do you have an ocean view from your dining area, but you have stunning mountain views from the back sunroom, all on a good sized lot of 5,575 sq ft. This home features maple laminate flooring throughout, and new paint inside and out. 

 Lush greenery surrounds the home, but the yard is still a blank canvas, for your special touches.

The living room, dining area and kitchen are spacious and well-laid out. All rooms have newer vinyl windows, which let in lots of natural light and capture the gentle ocean breezes. Many of the windows also have blinds.

The kitchen features solid surface countertops and lots charming original cabinetry, a cooktop, and wall oven.

There are three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, not counting the huge sunroom.

The hall bath is still in original condition, but is good-sized, with a tiled stall shower, and has fresh paint.

Enclosed lanai/sunroom is off the back two bedrooms, shown below. Each bedroom has a slider to the sunroom.

The second bathroom is spacious and fully tiled. There’s plenty of room to add a bathtub or other amenities, if you wish.

The sunroom and second bathrom were later additions to this 1959 Kaneohe home. I am told that the sunroom was originally built to be a lanai, but was instead enclosed. There are no permits found for the sunroom and large second bathroom. 

The sunroom has a separate entrance and small patio to the back yard. There are many interesting possibiities with this space and layout.

Behind the carport and adjacent to the kitchen area is a large covered laundry and work area. The 1-car carport also has a lockable storage shed.

To schedule a private viewing of this adorable Kaneohe home for sale, please call listor, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (B) at 808-721-8088 or come to our Open House on Sunday 4/2/17 from 2-5pm.

~ Aloha

Honolulu Real Estate | Vintage Gem with Rental Opportunity in Kaimuki

Honolulu Real Estate - 1009 2d Ave in Kaimuki
$1,298,000 FS
FIRST PUBLIC OPEN: SUNDAY 11/6, 2-5pm

With Honolulu real estate at such high prices, who wouldn’t love to have help paying the mortgage? With this remodeled 5BR/5BA Kaimuki home, you have a great opportunity for either multi-generational living or tenant income.

This Honolulu home for sale can stand as one large single-family residence, or may be used in two or three different areas, as needed, offering flexibility. Current rent for the upstairs 2/2 with wet bar is $2875 (incl. utilities - one electric meter), though this is no guarantee of future rent. The entire downstairs is currently vacant and ready to move-in.

This original, vintage Honolulu home for sale has been renovated top to bottom with new electrical, plumbing, bathrooms, flooring, and roof and in 2014. And at this time, a new addition was completed with more than 1600 additional square feet. Designed in a tasteful manner, the home retains its original Kaimuki charm, but provides ample multi-generational living space. All 5 bedrooms in this home have ceiling fans and split AC units for comfort. There are 5 off-street parking spots.

Click Here for the Complete Floor Plan

The front of the home features a charming front porch, high ceilings and 1934 cottage detail, such a beadboard celings, crown molding, and wainscoting/chair rail detail. The original double-hung windows are still functional too, and add to the charm! Existing wood laminate flooring is over original wood floor, which could be refurbished.

This vintage Kaimuki home in Honolulu has a full kitchen here, in front, with gas stove and original, vintage stainless steel counter. Some of the original vintage cabinetry is also intact with beautiful glass knobs.

At the end of the kitchen area is a small storage area that leads to the laundry and lanai.

The vintage portion of this Kaimuki cottage for sale also has 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, in addition to the living area and full kitchen, shown above. 

Bedroom 1 has en-suite bathroom and door to front porch.

Bedroom 1 has its own Bath.

The above bedroom suite may also be accessed from the front porch by a separate entrance.

There is also a second bedroom and second full bathroom off the same hall area.

Bedroom #2

Hall Bath

The NEW Addition! The back portion of the home, including the upstairs, was newly constructed in 2014 and is over 1600 square feet of living space. The downstairs - connected from the kitchen area - features a giant family room with a snack area, and a bedroom and full bathroom. The family room also accesses the large lanai by sliding door.

There is also an interior staircase, in the family room, leading to the top floor which has a 2BR/2BA with wet bar area. This upstairs area also has an outdoor entrance from the front side of the house, is currently tenant-occupied, and is not shown in these photos. It has its own separate laundry area and small zen yard space, also not shown. Finishes on the upstairs unit include carbonized stranded bamboo hardwood floors and granite and ceramic tile in the bathrooms. Bedrooms have AC and there is a view deck from the living space.

A back lanai from the family room provides a great space for eating or relaxation. The trex-style decking provides durability and easy care. The entire property is also fenced and has privacy gates between front and back. Shown above is the lanai for the upstairs area.

Lanai off the family room


More lanai and downstairs laundry area below.

This property is located on the border of Kaimuki and Kapahulu and is close to both shopping and dining areas, such as Kapahulu Safeway and Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas! There is also easy access to the freeway and beaches. If you have questions about this great property, please call Listing Broker, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (PB) at 808-721-8088.

~Aloha 

Staging by Home Shoppe Hawaii LLC, Photos by Tron Van Tran, Hawaii Real Estate Photography. 

Honolulu Real Estate | Kapahulu Multi-Family Home, New Construction!

Honolulu Real Estate in Kapahulu - 3148 Hayden Street, Honolulu 96815
Listed at $1,850,000 FS

It’s difficult to find tastefully built, new construction Honolulu Real Estate in popular beachside areas such as Kapahulu. This Honolulu home for sale is quite unique, as it affords a great Oahu location in Kapahulu, Honolulu, near both Kapahulu and Monsarrat shopping/dining/business districts, as well as a just a short distance to Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Shell, Diamond Head State Park, the Zoo, the Aquarium, and Waikiki Beach.

It is also large enough to accomodate extended family or possibly tenants, for rental income. This home has a very flexible configuration.

This Kapahulu Oahu home has 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, along with a family room and rumpus room with a wet bar. When all areas of this home have been rented, with long term rentals, income has approached $10,000 a month. This lovely Honolulu home can be configured to work with many living situations, and could even work as a care home. Check out the floor plan below.

 This Kapahulu home was built new, from the ground-up, in 2014, and has great features such as a 20-panel owned PV system, gas appliances, cement-fiber siding, and a low maintenance yard. The design of the house is non-obtrusive and fits with the older cottage style homes in the area. 

There is high quality, durable wood laminate flooring throughout. Upstairs portions of the home have city light and Diamond Head views. And did I mention, this is a fantastic location?

All living areas have ceiling fans and there is split air in the front portion of the home. Kitchen and bath counters are all quartz and these areas feature wood cabinetry and stainless steel finish/gas appliances. The area shown in these photos is the upstairs Rumpus Room.

All windows have plantation style blinds. This Kapahulu home also features recessed lighting and wide hallways. Bathrooms are spacious and use beautiful finishes, such as quartz counters and marble tile tub surrounds.

This is truly a home which must be seen to fully appreciate the value. All areas except the Rumpus Room areas, shown in these photos, are currently tenant occupied, so require 48 hours notice to show.

Please call Listing Broker, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (PB), at 808-721-8088, with questions or for a private showing. 

~ Aloha

Staging by Home Shoppe Hawaii LLC, Photos by Tron Van Tran, Hawaii Real Estate Photography.

Oahu Real Estate | Mililani Charmer 3/2 Home Sold $660K

Oahu Real Estate in Mililani - Sold $660,000 - Listed at $640,000 FS

Real estate on Oahu is moving on all areas on the island and this includes Mililani. This fantastic Mililani home had multiple offers in the first week on the market and sold for significantly above asking to a cash buyer.

With 1,780 square feet, this 3/2 home was spacious and move-in ready.  This Oahu real estate also featured new windows and a new roof, installed in 2011.

This very well kept Mililani Oahu home for sale also had beautiful travertine tile flooring and soaring ceilings, giving it a very large, open feel. It featured a gracious entry foyer and separate dining room, as well as large living room space with a slider to the backyard and large windows.

Home Shoppe Hawaii REALTOR, Ana Kuna (B) represented the Sellers of this Oahu home. If you would like Home Shoppe Hawaii to sell your Oahu Real Estate for the best price possible, please contact us at 808-721-8088.

Oahu Real Estate | Honolulu Home in Maunalani Heights

SOLD: SALE PRICE $955,000 FS

Honolulu real estate on Oahu is hot as ever, and Home Shoppe Hawaii clients did great in purchasing this beautiful Maunalani Heights property. Over multiple offers and from being in a backup position, Home Shoppe Hawaii Oahu Real Estate clients prevailed and obtained this solid 6 bedroom 2 bath, 1,760 sq ft home, perfect for multi-family use.  A large deck gives this Honolulu home great views over the city and this lovely residence is situated in one of the best parts of Honolulu’s Maunalani Heights neighborhood, where most real estate prices far exceed $1M.

Principal Broker, Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn RB-20262 represented the Buyers in this transaction. If are interested in homes like this or you would like help with the purchase or sale of Oahu Real Estate, please contact Yvonne at 808-721-8088.

Oahu Real Estate | Recent Sold Homes - Ewa Beach and Kaaawa Hawaii Homes

Home Shoppe Hawaii is busy selling Oahu real estate. We help clients all over Oahu buy and sell homes. Check out our latest sales in Kaaawa and Ewa Beach!!

51-002 Lau Place Kaaawa, HI $750,000 FS
Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (B) represented the Buyers of this 3BR/2BA property. 

This remodeled home is situated direcetly across the street from the ocean and has beautiful unobstructed views. It also features a 2 car garage and large lanai.

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OPEN TODAY 8/2 2-5p - 1638 Laukahi St. in Honolulu (Waialae Iki)

OPEN WED 8/5 9:30-11:30am & SUNDAY 8/9 2-5pm - VIDEO TOUR HERE This is a remarkable mid-century style Honolulu home by architect Owen Chock. Enjoy gorgeous ocean and Diamond Head views in this remodeled residence that still retains its charming midcentury feel. Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, multiple lanais, and a wood-burning fireplace are other features of this beautiful Waialae Iki view home, listed at $2,099,000 FS.

Besides a wonderful indoor-outdoor lifestyle, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous, new chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, high-end Electrolux and Frigidaire stainless steel appliances, stainless steel apron-front since, and of course, an ocean view. This home also features a spacious, master suite with stunning views, a lanai overlooking the swimming pool, and a new spa-like bathroom, with Grohe fixtures and double sinks, a shower with a view of Diamond Head, and a walk-in closet.

There are 4 bedrooms and 2 and 1/2 bathrooms in the upper part of the house. There is also a recreation room with another full bath, down by the sparkling, blue-tiled swimming pool, for a total of 5 possible bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. Plenty of room for family and friends in this 2,943 sq ft home!

This Honolulu home is on a private and peaceful rim lot of 10,705 sq ft, backing up to preservation land, in desirable Waialae Iki, close to Kahala Mall and other shopping and restaurants.

The exterior has been completely repainted, and features a Wayne Dalton garage door, and a reglazed Monier tile roof. There are also newly re-tiled slate lanais on the front and side of this lovely Honolulu home for sale. The beautiful, private, landscaped and sprinklered, muti-use outdoor space for gathering and entertaining, makes this home a complete package!

Video Tour  Open Wednesday August 5, 9:30-11:30am and Sunday August 9, 2-5pm

Complete Photo Gallery of 1638 Laukahi Street Waialae Iki Below.

Contact Listing Broker: Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (B) at 808-721-8088, for a private showing.

Oahu Real Estate | More Sold Homes - Kaneohe and Honolulu July 2015

Oahu real estate is booming and July was a busy month for Home Shoppe Hawaii with 4 closings, totalling $3,111,000 in sales. We had two sales at Ka Malanai in Kailua and the two more detailed below:

KANEOHE SOLD HOMES

In Kaneohe we closed the following listing:

45-535 Luluku Road F-4 Kaneohe, HI 96744
List Price: $335,000; Sale Price: $340,000 FS
Co-Listed By: Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (B) and Ana Kuna (S) 

This was a 3 BR/ 1.5 BA Kaneohe condominium in Na Pali Gardens. Home Shoppe Hawaii obtained the highest sale price ever, for a non-ground floor unit in original condition, thanks to the power of Staging!!

HONOLULU SOLD HOMES

Our last closing in July was in Honolulu, in the Manoa Woodlawn Area

3312 Paty Drive Honolulu, HI 96821
List Price: $1,198,000 Sale Price: $1,140,000
Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (B) represented the Buyers

Here are some lovely photos of this 3 BR / 2 BA cedar home on an over 11,000 sq ft lot. This was part of the original Straub estate and features an anthroposophical garden.

Oahu Real Estate | Sold Homes in Kaimuki, Honolulu

The fourth quarter of 2014 was busy for Home Shoppe Hawaii and two of the homes we sold were in the Kaimuki neighborhood of Honolulu.

The first was a CPR home, built in 1939 and located at 1010A 8th Ave in Kaimuki, Honolulu. This was a gracious old plantation-style home with a daylight basement, with a total of 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. This Honolulu home was in need of some upgrades, but was otherwise solid and presented a good opportunity for extra income, since the basement featured a separate entrance, as well as a wet bar. This home was listed by Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (B), and sold for $810,000 FS (with multiple offers) on 12/14/14.

The second Kaimuki home was located just down the street from the first at 1009 2nd Ave in Kaimuki, Honolulu. This was a cute old 1934 cottage with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. This home also was in need of a rehab, but had very little structural damage for a home of its age. The Buyers of this home were represented by Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn (B). This home was listed for $730,000 FS and sold for $680,000 FS on 11/21/14.

If you would like more information about either of these homes in Kaimuki or if you would like to purchase or sell any home in Honolulu, please don’t hesitate to contact Home Shoppe Hawaii at 808-721-8088. 

Better to Buy or Rent in Hawaii? Oahu Real Estate

Is it better to buy or rent Oahu real estate?

My husband and I were faced with that question when we moved here in 2004.  Like other military reserve families, we intended to stay only for a few years… Until we fell in love, that is, and decided to never leave Oahu. We are certain that, for us, the decision to buy, over renting was a good one. This is true, even in light of the market bubble and slight downtown we had over the past 10 years, from which the market has now completely recovered. And we know many people who were in our situation who are now kicking themselves for not buying, or not buying sooner.

There are many factors to consider when determining the financial benefits of purchasing over renting. Some of the benefits of owning Oahu real estate are: potential appreciation, tax savings, and positive impact on credit scores, and also, the prospect that some day you will have the home paid off and be living for free!

A benefit of renting is the flexibility to be able to move easily, if it is not the right area for you or if your job changes.  Also, in some cases, you may be able to live in a nicer home for the same money out of pocket than you could if you purchased. On the downside, in a rental, you cannot usually make the place your own, with extensive home decor and improvements, but are under the landlord’s rules about what you can do and not do to your home. 

This calculator may help you to analyze the financial aspects of the rent or buy decision as to Oahu real estate.

BUY OR RENT CALCULATOR - This is a great tool!! Check it out.

In many cases, the decision to purchase a Hawaii home will win out over renting. If that is the situation with you, please don’t hesitate to contact Home Shoppe Hawaii to assist with your Oahu real estate purchase.

Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn, Esq. (PB) 808-721-8088

Oahu Real Estate | Sold Homes in Mililani and Ewa Beach

Home Shoppe Hawaii Oahu REALTORS are busy around the entire island selling Oahu homes. See some of our recent sales of Ewa Beach and Mililani Real Estate on Oahu:

91-982 Papapuhi Pl Ewa Beach, HI 

List Price $549,900 / Sold for $550,000

This 5BR-3BA home is in Ewa Gentry Sunterra and closed 8/22/14. It featured a bedroom and full bath on the main floor, privacy due to golf course frontage, and was in great, move-in ready condition. Home Shoppe Hawaii represented the Buyers of this lovely home.

Image Courtesy of HiCentral MLS.

95-1217 Laipu St #17, Mililani 96789

List Price $715,000 / Sold for $695,000

This 3BR-2.5BA home is in Mililani Mauka and closed 6/2/14. It featured numerous upgrades including a PV system, plantation shutters, a convection oven and induction cooktop, rain gutters, and a spacious lanai. Home Shoppe Hawaii REALTOR-ASSOCIATE, Ana Kuna represented the Buyers of this lovely home.

If you are interested in a home anywhere on Oahu, please contact Home Shoppe Hawaii, we’d be happy to help!

~ Aloha. Yvonne Ahearn, Principal Broker 808-721-8088.

Honolulu Real Estate | Downtown Condo at Harbor Square - SOLD $314K

The Honolulu real estate market is still hot, but not too hot to find some great properties for our buyers! And, on that note, we’d like to congratulate one of our most recent Buyers who just purchased this lovely Honolulu condo at Harbor Square.   Harbor Square is located in Honolulu, near the ocean, in the Downtown neighborhood. This is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully remodeled condo home, in fee simple.

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Staging Oahu Real Estate - Outdoor Space & Lanais Matter Too!

Most people understand the importance of staging Oahu real estate and homes for sale in other areas such as Honolulu and Kailua. Most statistics on real estate staging, claim that homes that are staged can fetch a higher price and sell with less time on the market.  In my experience, this is true.

 

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The Diamond Head Estate of Doris Duke | Honolulu Real Estate

A few days ago, I visited the home of Doris Duke (1912-1993) who was, at one time, one of the wealthiest women in the world. Doris Duke first visited Hawaii (along with various Muslim countries) on her honeymoon in 1935 and like many others, fell in love with our wonderful islands and decided to stay, at least seasonally.

Diamond Head Estate of Doris Duke - View

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Home Shoppe Hawaii's Customer-Focused Service | The Nordstrom Model

The perfect company does not exist, but Nordstrom holds a reputation for customer service that many companies attempt to emulate.  Companies are proud when they are compared to or are called the “Nordstrom” of their industry. Home Shoppe Hawaii endeavors to be the “Nordstrom of Oahu Real Estate.”

Some basic components of the Nordstrom model are:

1. Customer Service - We work hard to deliver great customer service. This includes creating an atmosphere of helpfulness and professionalism, where we educate our clients to make sound choices.  It also means working hard to understand our clients’ needs, being prepared, maintaining the right attitude, creating win-win situations, ensuring clear communication, checking understanding, involving clients in solutions, managing expectations, accepting responsibility, and ending on positive note.  Each client is different.  We listen to our clients’ needs and tailor our services to those needs.

2. Sales (results for the client and success for our agents) - Our sales results speak for themselves. By being prepared and using best practices for marketing and finding properties, we achieve sales success for our clients and ourselves.

3. Team Orientation - Home Shoppe Hawaii uses a team approach in most of our work. We associate only with good, like-minded people, with the most ethical practices and positive attitudes, who have similar goals with respect to customer service and success in the industry.  We mentor from within and have created a culture of cooperation versus competition, which is unique in the real estate industry.  Our business model is an agent-owned company, where is our agents’ have an interest in the success of everyone in the company.

When other REALTORS we know say, with dismay, “You do THAT for your clients?” We say, “Yes we DO.”

Home Shoppe Hawaii is Full-Service. Full-Time.

Schedule Some "Spa Days" for your Oahu Home in the New Year

Most people know that a decluttered and refreshed home for sale on Oahu will sell quicker and usually for a higher price than Oahu real estate that is not decluttered and staged. And basic staging is not that hard. It is usually well-worth the time and effort. There are numerous shows on HGTV that can show you how to stage Oahu real estate, and to do it on a budget.  I typically advise my clients who are selling Oahu real estate to at least de-clutter, and I help with staging if it is desired. 

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Happy New Year from Home Shoppe Hawaii Oahu Real Estate

Home Shoppe Hawaii Oahu Real Estate wishes you and your family all the best in 2013! Please let us know how me can contribute to your happiness and prosperity in the new year by serving all your Oahu real estate needs!

~Aloha~

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Waikiki 2012