Hawaii Real Estate Specialists | Derek Lau
One of the most talked about questions in the real estate market has to do with “Will prices continue to rise now that interest rates have increased dramatically this year?” It is understandable to think that if the Federal Reserve is using interest rate increases to slow consumer demand, that it would also slow homebuyer […]
Are prices and rates going to continue to rise? Read More »
“I’d wish I’d known that before I picked a mover.” Having a checklist of questions might have prevented this issue. This list of questions will provide you with things to discuss when interviewing a moving company. Fees What is the charge for packing? Does it include boxes? If not, what do they cost and will you deliver them?
Questions to Ask a Mover Read More »
The concern about inflation is the sustained upward movement in the overall price of goods and services while the purchasing value of money decreases. Tangible assets like your home consistently become more valuable over time. In inflationary periods, your home is a good investment and a hedge against inflation. Money in the bank loses purchasing power due
Your Home is a Hedge Against Inflation Read More »
Stepped-up basis is an incredible benefit to people who inherit property. Not only do they receive the property itself, the basis or cost value of the property becomes the fair market value at the time of the decedent’s death. This avoids recognizing the gain between the decedent’s cost and what it is worth when it is inherited.
Property Inheritance Read More »
A Seller’s equity in their home is the difference between what the home is worth and what they owe. At any point in time, it is an estimation because value is a very subjective term. If the seller thinks the home is worth more than an actual buyer will pay for it, the estimated equity is too high. If a buyer is
Equity, Price and the Agent You Select Read More »
It has been said that more money has been lost due to indecisions than ever was due to making the wrong decisions. Many times, the larger the decision, the more likely procrastination comes into play and doing nothing will cost something. Buying a home is certainly one of the biggest decisions people make. Careful consideration and planning
Doing Nothing is Costing Something Read More »
The question is “financially speaking, are you better off owning than renting in the long term?” Renting a home has advantages. It is usually a short-term commitment from year to year and the landlord is responsible for the repairs. Owning a home with today’s low mortgage rates, the total house payment could easily be less than
Less to Own Than to Rent Read More »
Credit plays a huge role in getting a mortgage because it is a variable that helps the lender determine the likelihood that the loan will be repaid on a timely basis. Credit bureaus evaluate people’s credit worthiness using a FICO score. The higher the score the better the borrower’s credit. The mortgage rate charged to a borrower
Thoughts on Credit and Getting a Mortgage Read More »
In cooking, “mise en place” describes having all your ingredients measured, cut, peeled, sliced, grated, as well as bowls, utensils and pans ready to use before you begin cooking. The advantage is to inventory the ingredients and recognize if you have everything you need. You are less likely to leave out an ingredient or step because
“Mise en Place” for Homebuying Read More »
There are hundreds of thousands of people who believe, for one reason or another, they cannot afford to buy a home currently. Some people may not for any number of reasons but it would be very surprising to know how many who can buy but have gotten some bad information along the way. It’s worth digging a
It’s Worth Digging a Little Deeper Read More »
