Buying a home in Hawaii — or anywhere — is a serious decision and likely the most significant investment most people will make in their lifetime. Being able to purchase a home is a great achievement and should be met with excitement and honor, however it can also be an overwhelming experience, especially for those going through the process for the first time. If you are on the path to home ownership, check out the tips below to calm your nerves and ensure you’ve checked all the boxes before choosing your new home.
Today, you can find out just about everything with a simple internet search. Most of them being free, it is crucial to use these resources to your advantage to equip yourself with as much information as possible. Everything from listings to neighborhood guides to basic legal information is available online, so build up your knowledge as a first step in the buying process.
Arguably, the most important thing when going to buy a home is having a stellar team of professionals in your corner dedicated to helping you achieve home ownership. Having agents, lawyers, inspectors, and lenders on your side who understand your wants, needs, and current financial situation is a key element in the process and will contribute to a simple and seamless search and purchase. Start with an experienced real estate agent, who you can meet at open houses, through friends or through research and who understands your position. From there, they can help introduce you to other professionals you will need along the way as you go through the home buying process.
Purchasing a home is a large commitment and requires foresight into where you will be in the next five, ten, and even twenty years. Take time to think about your future and the type of lifestyle you value you now, how that lifestyle might change down the road, and buy based on your future plans. Anticipating how long you will live in your first home and the major changes that will occur in your life while you are there will help guide your home search in the right direction.
Be sure to separate your “must haves” from your “would be nice to haves” when deciding on your priorities. Often this comes down to a budget issue, and distinguishing what you need from what you want will help if you need to compromise on price. For example, number of bedrooms may be an essential factor for your family’s future while a pool or a 3-car garage may be things on your wish list that could be compromised on if your budget doesn’t allow them.
For information about real estate in hawaii or to speak with an experienced real estate professional, visit www.annehoganperry.com or contact the Anne directly at annep(at)cbpacific(dotted)com.