Buying a Home in Hawaii
Dreaming of sun and sand year round if you buy a home in Hawaii? People love the Aloha State, and for good reason. Here’s what you need to know:
Hawaii is possibly one of the most enjoyable states to live in, although it can be extremely expensive. 1.4 million people live in Hawaii, and more than one in five cluster in the state’s five biggest cities:
- Honolulu
- Pearl City
- Hilo
- Kailua
- Kahului
The cost of a Hawaiian home skews high. Hawaii ranks 1st in US homes for sale at average price, and 15th for homes over $1,000,000. Get preapproved before dipping your toe into Hawaii’s competitive residential real estate market!
First-time Homebuyers
There aren’t as many advantages for first-time home buyers in Hawaii as in other states. However, you may qualify for help through a program administered by the Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corporation (HHFDC.)
The HHFDC Affordable Resale Program is run as a lottery. Lucky recipients can benefit from assistance finding an affordable home, but be aware you’ll have to live in it for at least ten years, or the program has buy back rights. If the home appreciates, up to 30% of the proceeds from its sale will also go back into the program.
You’ll need to meet certain income limits (sufficient for you to be able to afford the loan for the home on your own, but not so high that you exceed the HHFDC’s annual household income limit.)
Refinancing in Hawaii
There may come a time when it makes sense to refinance a home in Hawaii, especially if there’s a chance to secure a lower Hawaii mortgage rate. You can do any of the following:
- Save money over time by refinancing at a lower rate
- Have a lower payment every month when you refinance based on the home’s value
- Take money out from the equity in your home with a cash-out refinance
- Say goodbye to private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments with a refinance
You might be able to get a streamlined refinance if your loan is of the right type. Ask your lender for more information.