As with buying a home anywhere, personal taste, lifestyle and budget will always be the biggest influencing factors. However, in Hawaii, there are some aspects unique to the islands that you may not know about, but should always keep in mind.
1. Homes built to take advantage of prevailing tradewinds: Hawaii can be humid, especially during the summer, so it is important that the home you purchase was built to accommodate the prevailing NE trade winds of the islands.
2. Outdoor living space: Hawaii has a wonderful climate, so make sure your new home has outdoor living space or at least the potential for a great outdoor living area. Many homes in Hawaii will already have decks or what we in the islands call a lanai. A covered lanai is great because it will help to preserve your deck if you are searching for a home in an area that is know to have a lot of rainfall. Screened in lanais are also nice because they will keep the mosquitoes away!
3. Abig roof with big eaves: Hawaii is known for its lush beauty, and if you are buying a home in an area with a tropical climate, it is important that your home has the proper amount of overhang to protect it from the weather. There’s a reason that the old Hawaiian architecture featured those huge roofs. Large eaves will protect the house from water and extensive sun, and keep the house cooler as well. It’s a good idea which direction the wind and weather usually comes from, so you can know where it’s most importatant to have the protection of a big roof.
Katie Minkus
May 7, 2008
When purchasing a home on the Big Island, there are some additional environmental factors to consider. We’re the only island in the chain with “Lava Zones.” The entire island is divided into 9 Lava Zones, with Lava Zone 1 being the most likely to be covered with lava in a future eruption, to 9 being the least likely to encounter lava eruptions. “Remote-ness” is another factor to consider on the Big Island. This island is BIG – all the others fit into it twice, with room left over. That means that many, many properties on the Big Island are incredibly remote – nowhere close to a “large town” with all the conveniences. Thirdly, we have been infested with coqui frogs, most prolifically on the East/Hilo and South/Puna sides of the island – they are considered pests and can be deafeningly noisy in places, although some people enjoy their evening song because it reminds them of being “in nature.” Katie Minkus, R(BIC) Lava Rock Realty, LLC.
Pamela
October 2, 2008
While it’s true there is little you can do about the current prime rate, price of gasoline at the pumps or the incessant news coverage touting recession doom and gloom, there are a few “lemons” about this economy that we, as consumers, can turn into that proverbial “lemonade.”
1. Lower interest rates. Mortgage rates are at an all time low, and if you ever wanted to purchase a home, now would be a great time! Add that savings to lower housing prices and you have a terrific financial win-win.
2. Higher home inventory. With so many homes currently on-market, buyers can literally have their pick. What’s interesting is how many savvy investors have recognized the tremendous potential to “move-up” to that bigger house they’ve had their eye on. While it’s accurate that you won’t get as much for your current home as you once did, that larger home has decreased dramatically in price as well. What a great time to consider the possibilities!
3. Travel for less. In a shifting economy, most consumers buckle down and start putting their money away for that potential “rainy day.” Often times, this means they cut out “extras” like travel and vacation time. That usually translates into considerable price breaks for hotels and other travel related businesses looking to capture the attention and business of consumers still looking to “get away from it all” during these stressful times. Take a look online, at your local travel company or in your weekly paper for great getaway deals!
4. Seek out the savings. Deep discounts aren’t limited to travel businesses. With less consumers out there actively spending, your purchase power has never been stronger. You’ll find your ability to negotiate on products such as collectables, larger ticket items or investments more successful than ever.
5. Good credit is worth its weight in gold. If you have good credit, the time is now to negotiate a better rate with your card companies. They are eager to keep customers happy in a declining market, so do your homework, then make the call.
6. Keep a keen eye on Taxes. If your home is worth less than you paid, there is a chance that you can get a temporary reduction in your property taxes. Call your local county assessor’s office and find out what the protocol is for your area for seeking a reduction. You might just be pleasantly surprised!
Perspective is everything when it comes to living happy lives in ANY market. Finding the many silver linings available despite the clouds that dampen others days should bring you both peace of mind and a healthy financial future! Email me if you have any questions real estate related or not at Pamela@PamelainHawaii.com – I’m never tired of showing people how special a place The Big Island is.
ExistentialDuck
March 22, 2009
#1 is really important – if your house’s windows face the wrong way, be prepared to pay a lot in electric bills for your a/c!