Homebuyer FAQs During Covid-19
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Q: Can I buy a home in Hawaii right now?
Yes. As long as your employment and income have not been negatively impacted in recent months, you can still buy a home in Hawaii. Showings are a little more challenging, but the buying process is more or less the same. For example, our agents are relying more heavily on virtual showings. Signing documents online (a digital versus a “wet” or “ink” signature) is something we’ve encouraged for years and this method has now become the norm everywhere.
Q: How have the steps to secure financing for a home purchase changed?
Interested buyers can follow the normal pre-approval process and qualify for a home loan. Please see the Lending FAQ section for more information from the lending experts at Element Mortgage. Plan for a 60-day closing period since many lenders continue to work from home. In some locations, communications may lag. Patience is key since the process may have slowed down a bit.
***Important*** Borrowers currently in forbearance are not eligible for financing and they can’t simply cancel the forbearance in order to qualify for a loan.
Q: When will it be safe to view properties in Hawaii as a prospective homebuyer?
As long as the coronavirus is circulating, we will continue to take every health and safety precaution to protect our clients and our community. Under current statewide mandates, we are able to show homes. Showings continue to take place, though predominantly with Hawaii state residents and buyers from the U.S. mainland since foreign travelers aren’t yet permitted to come to the United States.
Travel restrictions, a statewide Safe Travels program, and a mandated 14-day quarantine remain in place for all new arrivals to Hawaii. Visit our Covid-19 Resource Center for additional information.
Q: How has viewing properties changed in recent months? Will I be safe?
Technology has always been our strong suit at Hawaii Life, and we continue to embrace virtual showings and offer the option for electronic signatures on contracts.
Home showings are being conducted using personal protective equipment (PPE) and lockboxes, with physical distancing of at least six feet. All parties are currently required (by law) to wear masks at home showings.
Usually, an agent from only one side of a transaction will be on site. Buyers are prohibited from traveling in the same vehicle as an agent. We are asking buyers to drive to showings only with members of their household.
Inspections are being done virtually via Zoom. We encourage our clients to conduct a thorough online search. Resident homebuyers are narrowing down their choices drastically before going to see “the Perfect One” and then driving by any prospective properties of interest before scheduling an in-person showing.
Q: What are the current investment opportunities in Hawaii real estate for the average buyer?
Real estate and land purchases make a great investment for buyers looking to put their cash somewhere other than the stock market. Due to lower interest rates and skyrocketing demand in the Hawaii real estate market, buyers must act quickly. Many offers are coming in above the asking price and cash buyers are winning the race to scoop up the best inventory.
Q: What can I do now to prepare to purchase a Hawaii home?
Now is a great time to research the Hawaii market online by viewing listings and reading our agents’ blogs at hawaiilife.com.
- Determine the island/area where you’d like to live.
- Read reviews of places and towns, if you’re not currently a Hawaii resident.
- Consult a talented, tech-savvy agent to help you in your search.
- Make sure your finances are in order and understand the lending requirements currently in place.
- Make sure you have access to all of your financial accounts online.
- Obtain digital copies of your tax documents.
- Speak to a lender.
Q: How can I best prepare to finance my purchase of a Hawaii home?
Our lending partners at Element Mortgage or your preferred lender can help you determine how much money you’re qualified to borrow, and they can help you get pre-approved for a mortgage. From a financing standpoint, the faster you can send your lender the documentation they need to complete your loan application, the better your chances of a smooth transaction. Don’t wait. Get pre-approved before you go home shopping so you can leverage your pre-approval in any offers you make. The competition for dwindling inventory is currently quite fierce.
Q: I am moving to Hawaii for work, school, etc. What should I do?
Establish a plan well in advance of your move. Moving to Hawaii is a slightly more lengthy process right now. However, travel restrictions have eased with the introduction of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program, launched in mid-October, 2020. Nonetheless, you can expect limited flights to the islands, and limited vendors transporting household shipments. Everyone in our industry is taking extra precautions for safety.
Q: Where can I find additional resources for buyers in Hawaii?
Contact our Customer Experience team by Text, Email, Call, or use the Chat feature on our website.
Find an agent by island. Connect with one of 350+ tech-savvy agents statewide to answer your questions.
You can visit our website’s main page at hawaiilife.com for listings and follow our blog for the latest real estate news and information.
Agency. We represent you.
Our foundations of Smart Marketing and Solid Representation work to connect buyers and sellers in Hawaii, and around the world. It’s our responsibility to be informed. Our job is to protect your interests and investments.
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