Buying Advice

Can We Be Replaced?

Pictured home: 219 Kipa St. Hilo, HI 96720

Most realize by now that, these days, the public has access to the listings in our Multiple Listing Service. In fact, you can go to my website and find it in two shakes. Specific address information is omitted, but it’s basically all there.

For obvious reasons, not all REALTORS® totally embraced this idea at first. The current debate focuses on whether technology will eventually envelope the industry to the point the agent is no longer needed. This extends not only to REALTORS® but to lenders and appraisers as well.

Seek Professional Help

Buying a home on the Big Island can be tricky. Unless intimately familiar with all neighborhoods, buyers would be wise to work with a seasoned agent. When it comes to the loan process, it may surprise you to know, for example, that appraisers are not always required to go into the home you’re purchasing. Some loan programs don’t require it. It’s fast, but not necessarily efficient. Some issues affecting value, such as un-permitted or unfinished areas, may not be visible from the street.

Use Local Lenders

Likewise, with a lender. The real value of a good lender is “packaging.” Your loan packet is like fine art. The better the picture, the better the rate. Like your Real Estate Agent, the more your loan officer knows the local nuances, the better.

The Trouble with Tech

It’s impossible for a computer-generated loan to do the kind of packaging that includes local idiosyncrasies. It’s convenient, but not always efficient. Since it all starts with that first call to the Real Estate Agent, it can certainly be inferred from the above illustrations that speed and convenience in the largest transaction in your entire life (well, except for that marriage thing) may not always serve your best interest!

So, beam me up Scotty…and if you bring me back as a Robot Realtor, please, nix the freckles!

P.S. Speaking of freckles, I apologize for the delay in the market update. Some are aware that I have joined others in my family in the breast cancer struggle. I’m doing very well, but had surgery 4 days ago. I’ll get the update done this week. I think we’ll find lots of surprises in the numbers…but, for now, my big surprise is that my ever-present, signature red hair is coming back black….but my freckles, well, they’re still there!

About the Author

Denise Nakanishi

Denise Nakanishi is a REALTOR Broker with Hawai'i Life. Denise Nakanishi is one of Hilo's most acclaimed real estate agents. She reached the rank of Major in the US Army and is now known by many as "Major Mom." The nickname fits–not only does Denise bring the discipline and mission-oriented attitude you'd expect, she's also caring and compassionate, always looking out for her clients like they're her own family. Having made the Big Island her home since 1987, Denise combines her extensive knowledge of the area with a sharp focus on customer service and the results speak for themselves. She's the recent recipient of the Best East Hawai`i, Best of Zillow, Chairman's Circle Award, President's Circle, Top Producing Agent since 2001, and Realtor of the Year awards. Denise stays ahead of the curve because she's passionate about education–she served as Education Chair for Hawaii Island REALTORS® for many years. She's one of Big Island's best real estate resources, known for her weekly article in the Hawaii Tribune Herald. Denise leads Team Nakanishi for Hawai`i Life, who is committed to their family, work, and community. In her little time away from work, Denise is a committed runner and Grandy. She also devotes many hours to various Veterans' Organizations, the East Hawaii Cultural Center, and the Hawaii Island REALTORS®. You can email me at denise@hawaiilife.com or via phone at (808) 936-5100.

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Kathryn Ford

July 17, 2022

Aloha Denise~
Please keep us in the loop of classic older homes in the Hilo area.
We are also big fans of supporting veterans. My husband, Terence started the F-Stop
Foundation years ago in Oceanside California particularly helping veterans learn how to use a camera to take photos as therapy for those returning home with PTSD
Thank you for your work as well~
Kathryn

Denise Nakanishi, R(B)

July 17, 2022

Will do, mahalo for reaching out!

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