What’s Up and Wine’d Down

Twice a month we host a “Real Estate Wine’d Down,” an online meet-up to talk about everything Real Estate. With many back to work and not able to join us live, I thought it might be useful to catch up on lessons learned from our “Real Estate Wine’d Downs.” Ready, set go!!!

So far, we’ve talked to:

• ProVision Solar (Kim) regarding the current credits (yes, credits still exist), Net Metering and accessories including battery banks that can be added to (especially) Net Metered systems without affecting your current agreement.
• A couple of our favorite home inspectors (Jake Bierman and Chris from Elite) joined us to talk about common issues they find. Especially useful was information on a brand of older electrical box considered unsafe. There were lots more.
• Water, water everywhere is not a good thing.
• Will Kill Termites and Pests lead a surprisingly lively bug session. In light of the number of homes suddenly in need of tenting, it was timely information because tent fumigation can delay a sale. Fumigation companies are extremely backed up.
• Laurie Mederios from Title Guaranty answered a ton of questions about the escrow process and red flags that might cause delays or even side-track a transaction (tax deed anyone??).
• Recently, Bryson Hiro reminded us of how important it is to protect your family and your largest investments with life insurance. It was a timely topic given the personal unexpected loss my family experienced!
• Uncle Tilo provided us with valuable insights about water purification. For years, ultra-violet treatments have been considered the gold standard. His option is not only more comprehensive but uses no power.
• Daniel Hartung with SEVCO appraisals explained the appraisal process and how appraisers arrive at value. He recommends providing a list of improvements to whomever is evaluating the home and while he isn’t offended. if an owner doing a refi provides a target number, other appraisers discourage this. Appraisers are given a copy of the sales contract as part of the purchase (bet you didn’t know that) so I fail to see why an owner should not give this information to the appraiser.
• Dan Berg is a licensed surveyor who was kind enough to share their process. Did you know that surveyors must sometimes read grants and deeds in Hawaiian??
• Several lenders have been kind enough to update us (Len Pagan-Academy, Farris Etterlee-Finance Integrity, Steven Gran-Fairway, and Nicole Hubbard-VIP) about today’s lending climate. Whether buying, selling or refinancing, lender choice is crucial! Rates remain historically low, but with inventory so tight, a buyer must be positioned to pull the trigger right away! A pre-approval is essential…not a pre-qualification,  a pre-approval! This will not only save time, it gives you a foot-up on the competition. Quick tip: see the home in person and write a personal letter to the seller.
• Of course, our own Danny Krause tracks market activity for us each week. He graphically depicts why buyers need to be as ready as ready can be!
• The star of the show each week is Ryan Kadota who presents us with amazing wine choices…all, of course, with a Team Nakanishi discount at Kadota Liquors!

If any of these topics piques your interest, let us know. We can send you the video recap. Or look for us on social media. Being educated is vital to success! 

So, whether you are just looking to Wine’d Down or have specific questions about real estate, join us! We are always here to help!