Home buying guide
Your Step-by-Step Path to Owning a Home in Hawaii
Buying a home in Hawaii—especially on Oahu—can be a life-changing experience, whether you’re relocating, investing, or buying your very first property. With the right support and expert guidance, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
As a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty and a military spouse who’s bought and sold nine homes myself, I understand what it takes to make smart, informed, and confident home-buying decisions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Define Your Goals
Start by asking:
Are you relocating (e.g., PCSing to Hawaii)?
Is this your primary residence, second home, or investment?
What’s your desired lifestyle (urban, suburban, beachside, rural)?
What’s your timeline and budget?
Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
Before you start touring homes, connect with a trusted local lender to understand your purchasing power.
You’ll need:
Proof of income (LES or pay stubs)
Credit report
Employment verification
Recent tax returns
Find the Right Property
Now the fun begins! Based on your goals and budget, I’ll help you:
Explore Oahu’s neighborhoods (Kapolei, Ewa Beach, Mililani, Kailua, etc.)
Match you with listings that fit your needs
Set up virtual or in-person tours
Evaluate properties with long-term value in mind.
Make an Offer
Once you’ve found the right home, I’ll guide you through:
Submitting a competitive offer
Negotiating terms
Understanding contingencies (inspection, financing, appraisal)
Escrow, Inspection & Final Steps
During escrow, we:
Schedule your home inspection
Finalize financing
Conduct title research
Coordinate with the seller, lender, and escrow company.
Close & Move In!
Congratulations! You’re now a Hawaii homeowner. We’ll celebrate this major milestone and ensure you have everything you need to settle in—whether you’re moving in or renting it out.
Ready to Begin?
Whether you’re just starting your home search or already pre-approved, I’m here to walk with you every step of the way.
Phone: 808.208.9519
Email: kim.dunn@cbrealty.com
Mortgage Calculator
Mortgage Calculator
- Down Payment
- Loan Amount
- Monthly Mortgage Payment
- Property Tax
- Home Insurance
- PMI
- Monthly HOA Fees
Oahu Neighborhood Guide
Each neighborhood entry typically features:
Brief Overview (location, vibe, local landmarks)
Target Buyer (families, military, retirees, investors, etc.)
Types of Homes (condos, single-family, new builds, etc.)
Average Home Prices (ballpark figures or trends)
Commute & Transportation Info
Nearby Amenities (schools, parks, beaches, shopping)
Pros & Considerations
Example Oahu Neighborhoods to Feature:
Kapolei – Fast-growing “second city” great for families and new development
Mililani – Central, suburban, family-friendly with great schools
Ewa Beach – Popular with military, newer homes, near bases
Kailua – Laid-back beach town vibe, pricier but scenic
Hawaii Kai – Upscale, marina living with strong community feel
Waikiki / Ala Moana – Condos and resort-style living near nightlife and beaches
This guide helps build authority, attract organic search traffic, and give buyers confidence in their decisions—especially those relocating from out of state.
Faq
On average, the home buying process takes 30–45 days from offer acceptance to closing. The timeline can vary depending on financing, inspections, and seller conditions. With pre-approval and expert guidance, I help ensure a smooth, timely experience.
Not necessarily. You can explore contingent offers, bridge loans, or renting out your current property if the timing is tight. We’ll evaluate your financial situation and goals to decide what works best for you.
Typical seller costs include agent commission, escrow/title fees, and possibly repairs or staging. Hawaii sellers may also be subject to HARPTA/FIRPTA (withholding taxes if you’re not a full-time resident). I’ll give you a detailed estimate upfront so there are no surprises.
Presentation matters! I’ll help you highlight your home’s strengths with professional photos, staging advice, and targeted marketing. We’ll also review local comps and create a pricing strategy that attracts buyers while maximizing your return.
Military Resources for PCSing
Helping Military Families Make a Smooth Transition to Island Life
As a military spouse and seasoned real estate professional, I understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with a PCS (Permanent Change of Station). Whether you’re heading to Schofield Barracks, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, or another Oahu installation, I’m here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Essential PCS Resources & Tools
Base Housing & Area Info
Military OneSource – Hawaii Overview
PCS Checklists & Planning
VA Loans & Financing in Hawaii
Learn how your VA loan benefits apply in Hawaii’s high-cost market
Explore zero down payment options
I can connect you with trusted local VA lenders who understand BAH structures
Calculate Your BAH
Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Calculator
(Choose “OAHU” as the duty location for Hawaii-based assignments)
Buying vs. Renting
I offer personalized consultations to help you decide if buying or renting is best during your tour
Virtual showings, video walk-throughs, and remote closings available for buyers purchasing from the mainland.
Join Our PCS Facebook Group
Be part of a supportive community of fellow military families!
PCSing to Hawaii – Facebook Group
Snowbird Resources for Relocation
SnowbirdS are typically retirees from colder regions like Canada who spend winter months in warmer places like Hawaii. This suggests creating a relocation section tailored to snowbirds, with:
Visa/residency tips (for Canadians)
Information on part-time property ownership
Healthcare access in Hawaii
Rental vs. purchase guidance
Community lifestyle info (e.g., quiet beach towns, golf communities)
These are targeted relocation support tools to help:
Military families (PCSing)
Seasonal residents (snowbirds)
Visitors considering part-time or permanent