Ask LeAnn & Anna is a Realtor advice column providing two generations’ perspective, insight, and experience. Questions come from clients and friends. Feel to email us any of those burning, real-estate questions you might have!
In Article 1 of Ask LeAnn & Anna, Noa asks:
I am a millennial and I have saved to buy a house however, here in Hawai’i, it seems impossible that I will ever be able to afford a home. What can I do?
Give up.
Just kidding!! DON’T GIVE UP! It may seem impossible, especially on a tropical island where home prices are some of the highest in the nation AND land is much more limited than on the mainland however, in all honesty, perseverance is what will enable you to finally achieve the goal of home-ownership. Buying your first home is challenging, discouraging, humbling and difficult but at the same time, SO rewarding.
The first thing we advise our Buyers to do is to talk to a lender, even before you begin browsing for homes online. Your lender will be able to help you sort out the necessary financial steps that you can take in order to solidify your purchasing power. Oftentimes, Buyers don’t know that they may not need as much cash down as they initially thought and they might be ready sooner than expected. There are many different financing options and details so having a discussion with your lender in regard to your home-purchasing goals is the best way to begin your search.
More often than not, homes here in Hawai’i are older and need a lot of work. Give yourself a break and realize that you don’t need to purchase a home that is considered “beautiful” right away. Being able to purchase a home in Hawai’i, regardless of its outward appearance, is accomplishment enough! You have time to make it look like the “home goals” of which you have always dreamt. You would be surprised how much a deep cleaning and some homey furnishings can transform that scary-looking, original ’50s bungalow or original ’60-’70s concrete walk-up.
There is so much more that we can impart as far as purchasing your first home and everyone’s situation is unique. So please, reach out to us to talk more!
A hui hou, LeAnn & Anna
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