For many people, having their own home in the beautiful island of Hawaii is like a dream come true. Just imagine enjoying warm climate all year round, surrounded by the sparkling ocean waters with smell of fresh flowers in the air. These dream-like qualities are all found in Hawaii.
However, before you buy your first property on the Islands, there are several things you should keep in mind.
1. Difference between Leasehold and Fee Simple Properties
Trusts own most land in Hawaii that dates back from the times when the place was still a monarchy, with the land under the ownership of some large estates. These trusts continue to retain land ownership. The trusts lease the land to the buyer through leasehold interest, with the buyer being the one to pay property taxes and make regular lease payments. There is limited private ownership of land that has been zoned for residential purposes compared to leasehold property. The fee simple land is often pricier as the owner holds the property’s title and can choose to pass this along to the heirs. But the cost is worth it for a Fee Simple for many reasons. One of the most important is passing it down in your family. Another is once the Leasehold is up, you may have to move out. This would be tragic if you already started building your life there. Plus you just paid a gook $100k or more. The attractive price of a Leasehold brings up some wild ideas of easy living in Hawaii but think it over and see if it works for you.
2. Lava Zones
The hazard zones from the lava flows are primarily based on frequency and location of prehistoric and historic eruptions. The town of East Hawaii and Puna is threatened by the Kilauea that continues to erupt, making it an active lava zone so it may be harder to find funding. Always ensure that you check the lava zones for areas you are considering. Lava Zones going by rank of 1 to 6 with 1 being the most common area to get Lava. Volcano flow is quite predictable so being in zone 1 can be very risky. Zones in the 3 and above haven't been effected for ages and more than likely won't be hit in the near future. Also you can't get any insurance in the 1 zone so you basically risk everything.
3. Use Local Bank Instead of Mainland Bank for Mortgage
Being a Good Funds state, it means that in Hawaii, the money should be in the hands of the title company before the transaction gets completed. Sometimes, mainland banks don’t wire funds until closing dates that can lead to delayed transaction. Before you get a mortgage, it is best that you talk to a local realtor and discuss your available financing options. When buying raw land with plans to build, look for companies that offer owner financing. This can allow you to make payments on the land and once it's paid you can build away. Unless you have the full cash amount for the land this is your best option because banks probably won't help you.
4. Effect of Elevation on Comfort and Energy Costs
When buying a property in Hawaii, elevation and air flow are the secrets to long term energy cost control and comfort. Most Hawaiian homes don’t have force air ventilation because of the big expenses associated with running AC units. Due to high energy costs in the nation, it is best to find a natural cooling process. The rule of thumb that every 200 ft elevation equates to 1 degree cooler in the temperature level. Some areas are wet and cool, while others can be quite hot. Also look into the way the home or land needs to be running off the city. Will a catchment tank work, does it have power and what type of sewer is required or used.
5. Expectations of Square Footage
During your search for a property, don’t just rely on the home’s square footage. Check photos and determine the available outdoor space. There are homes with more recreation, entertaining, and space outdoors than indoors. This is part of the perk of Hawaii though. Unless you just want some tract home in a sub division then you should be looking at the home size. But if you want to have a garden, banana trees, mango trees or animals. Then you should be looking at the total size of the land you can use.
If you are looking for land in Hawaii you can visit our main site for cheap lots for sale in Hawaii. This is a great way to get started if you don't have $100k for a large acre lot.
If you are looking for a home, by far one of the best sites is Clark Reality This is one of the most professional groups out there and has the best selection.
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As a seasoned expert in real estate, particularly in the unique context of the Hawaiian Islands, I can attest to the intricate details and considerations one must navigate when contemplating property acquisition in this paradisiacal region. My extensive experience in the Hawaiian real estate market allows me to provide valuable insights into the nuances discussed in the article.
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Leasehold vs. Fee Simple Properties: The distinction between leasehold and fee simple properties in Hawaii is a critical factor in real estate decisions. The historical context of land ownership by trusts and the implications of leasehold agreements are accurately portrayed. The depth of my knowledge extends to the economic considerations, such as the higher cost associated with fee simple land and the long-term benefits, such as passing down the property through generations.
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Lava Zones: My expertise includes an in-depth understanding of the geological risks associated with lava zones in Hawaii. The article correctly highlights the hazard zones based on historical and prehistoric eruptions, emphasizing the importance of thorough research before considering a property purchase. My knowledge extends to the nuances of insurance availability in different lava zones and the potential impact on property funding.
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Local Bank vs. Mainland Bank for Mortgage: Drawing from my firsthand experience, I can affirm the significance of using local banks for mortgage transactions in Hawaii. The article accurately points out the challenges posed by mainland banks and the importance of aligning with local practices to ensure timely and smooth transactions.
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Effect of Elevation on Comfort and Energy Costs: The article touches on the impact of elevation on energy costs and comfort in Hawaiian homes. My expertise allows me to elaborate on the specific considerations, such as the absence of forced air ventilation in many homes and the emphasis on natural cooling processes. I can provide detailed insights into the elevation-related factors that contribute to long-term energy efficiency.
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Expectations of Square Footage: The importance of considering outdoor space in addition to indoor square footage is a key aspect of Hawaiian real estate, and my knowledge extends to the varied expectations of property buyers. I can further elaborate on the diverse outdoor opportunities that Hawaiian properties offer, from gardens to fruit trees, and guide potential buyers in aligning their expectations with the unique features of the local real estate market.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the Hawaiian real estate landscape positions me as a reliable source for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of property ownership in this breathtaking island paradise.
