Local • Real Estate • November 22, 2023

10 Ways to Give Back to Our Community This Holiday Season

by Shannon Dube

This year has demonstrated, perhaps more than ever, the importance of our family, friends, neighbors, and community. It truly “takes a village” to keep a community functioning effectively, whether that’s by keeping our waterways clean, feeding the hungry, teaching our kids, or supporting small businesses.

With the holidays right around the corner, December offers the perfect opportunity to give back to the place we call home. You might want to focus your efforts near home, expand to our larger community, or even help support the people closest to you. Whether you’re passionate about a particular cause or just want to get more involved in general, let these 10 ways, both big and small, inspire you to do good in your town.

GIVE BACK NEAR HOME

Attract local wildlife. By making your neighborhood more wildlife friendly, you’re helping to create a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Plus, many of the animals you can attract help with pest control and pollination.

Ideas:

Add a birdbath to your backyard or create a rain garden to attract wildlife (and filter out local pollutants).
Place bird feeders on your property to feed birds all year long.
Tie corncobs to tree branches to feed squirrels.
Hang birdhouses on your property to provide shelter.
Use native plants in your landscaping to provide food and shelter for birds, bees, butterflies, and other critters.

Take action: While you might not be able to “break ground” until spring, start researching native plants now to design a landscaping plan that provides food, shelter, and water for local wildlife.

Clean up our community. Besides beautifying the area, picking up trash keeps it out of our local beaches, which means a cleaner water supply for all of us.

Ideas:

Whether you make this a solo effort or join in an organized group event, pick up trash in your neighborhood, at a local park, or elsewhere in our community.
Depending on your community’s regulations, you can recycle many home items such as paper, glass, and aluminum.
And don’t forget to clean the exterior of your home, where water runoff (such as on your driveway and sidewalks) can carry debris into the local sewer system.2

Take action: Check with your local municipality to learn about environmental clean-up efforts in our community, as well as recycling and composting.

Organize or join a neighborhood watch. According to a recent report, neighborhoods with Neighborhood Crime Watch programs experience roughly 16 percent less crime. Keeping an eye out for each other instills a sense of safety and security in your neighborhood by increasing surveillance, reducing opportunities, and enhancing information sharing among residents. Even if your neighborhood doesn’t have an official program, you can still share crime information via a neighborhood Facebook group or apps like NextDoor.

Ideas:

Make a point of looking out for each other and being observant of what’s going on.
You can even make it official by joining a neighborhood watch program.
Don’t have one? Consider launching a neighborhood watch program with the help of other interested neighbors.

Take action: Some police forces use online mapping tools that provide crime alerts to people in neighborhoods where recent criminal activity occurred.Share this information with your neighbors.

HELP OUT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Boost your civic engagement. Regardless of your politics, you can get more involved as a citizen to make a positive difference in our community.

Ideas:

Sign a petition to make a needed change in our community.
Join a peaceful march, protest, or rally to support a cause dear to your heart.
Attend local school board meetings, town halls, or city council meetings to understand (and have a voice in) local issues.4
Watch (and read) a variety of local news sources to get balanced reporting on what’s happening in our community.
If you don’t know your neighbors very well, introduce yourself.
Then make a commitment to check in on those who might need help, such as an elderly neighbor.
Get plugged into the resources and events in our town by visiting local museums, taking historical tours, borrowing materials from our local library, and attending community festivals.

Take action: Do you know who our local leaders are, such as our mayor or city councilwoman? Get to know their names, their policies, and their stand on issues that affect our community. Subscribe to their newsletter and follow them on social media.

Support local businesses. Our community has been impacted by the pandemic, with many businesses being forced to limit capacity, instill social distancing efforts, and even shutter entirely in some cases. Help keep money in our local economy by shopping local instead of relying on online shopping from national chains.

Ideas:

From handcrafted soaps and one-of-a-kind apparel to locally produced chocolate and small-batch wines, you’ll find plenty of unique gifts at the small businesses that dot our community.
Consider purchasing tickets to attend live-streamed holiday concerts and shows.
Buy cookies and other baked goods from our local bakery.
Get takeout from our local restaurants.
Support local farmers by purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at community farmer’s markets.

Take action: If you’re concerned about shopping in person right now, many of these businesses, though small, offer online shopping, with options for in-store pick-up, curbside delivery, and/or mail options.

Donate to local charities. Nonprofits could always use your financial support, so consider making a monetary donation to help them carry out their mission in our community. But if money is tight (or you want to support in other ways), think beyond just donating dollars.

Ideas:

Consider donating to a charity in someone else’s name as an altruistic gift on behalf of a friend or relative.
Give blood to our local blood bank.
Donate new or used books to our community library.
Send school supplies to our neighborhood elementary school.
Help struggling neighbors by donating blankets to the homeless.
Pick out toys to give to a charity that caters to families. 5

Take action: Many collection efforts run by charitable organizations and businesses take place during the holidays. Look to see what’s already taking place in our community and choose one or more to give to this season.

CARE FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS

Organize a holiday food drive. This year, in particular, people are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table. The pandemic has caused many businesses to close or reduce their staff size, putting many people out of work.

Ideas:

If you personally know someone who needs help buying groceries, reach out and offer to help that one family.
If not, partner with a local food bank, soup kitchen, nonprofit or community organization that feeds people in need.
Round up a few friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors to collect food for a few weeks. Then deliver the bounty in time for the holidays.

Take action: Take advantage of your grocery store coupons and buy-one-get-one offers to inexpensively stock up on nonperishable goods.

Adopt a family or an individual. The holidays can be a struggle, especially financially, for some families. They might not be able to buy a Christmas tree or presents for their children. Maybe their holiday meal consists of boxed macaroni and cheese because they can’t afford a turkey and fresh vegetables. You can make a difference by “adopting” a particular family (or even just a child) to help make their holiday special.

Ideas:

If you know a needy family, help them directly.
If not, ask a community group for the name of a family or individual in need.
Some businesses even sponsor toy drives or “angel trees” where you can pick the name of a needy family off the tree and buy from their wish lists.

Take action: This works great as a family project. Get the kids in your life involved to help make holiday cards and pick out toys to give to the children in the adopted family.

Volunteer. Depending on your schedule and your preferences, you might be able to volunteer in-person or from home, whether it’s a one-time effort or ongoing project. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people in your community as you make a positive impact together for a shared cause.

Ideas:

Give your time to a cause or organization that really matters to you, such as your local school, animal rescue organization, mental health awareness group, or environmental nonprofit.6
Tap into a skill you already have, like creating videos, and offer your services.
Or learn a new skill (like fundraising) to benefit your cause of choice.

Take action: Start with your local community to see where its needs are the greatest. Make a point to help this holiday season, perhaps extending your commitment throughout 2024.

Perform random acts of kindness. Don’t think you need to “go big or go home” in your give-back efforts. You can make a big difference one small act at a time.

Ideas:

Give a generous tip to a waitress.
Pay for the coffee of the car behind you in the drive-through.
Take care of a neighbor’s pet while they’re out of town.
Send holiday cards to deployed military personnel.
Deliver a plate of homemade holiday cookies to our local fire or police station.
Smile at a stranger.
Rake leaves for an elderly neighbor.
Thank your child’s teacher for all their hard work this year.
Send an uplifting text to a friend.
Compliment someone.
Help a coworker with an unpleasant task.

Take action: Need more ideas? Visit randomactsofkindness.org for hundreds of inspiring ways to make someone’s day a little brighter.

HOW I CAN HELP YOU?

As a real estate expert in our community, I am tuned into the unique needs of the place we all call home. Reach out today to discuss more ways to make a positive impact in our community—this holiday season and beyond. I want to make sure you’re taken care of, too. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home now or in the near future, l’m also here to help you!

Sources:

Redfin –
https://www.redfin.com/blog/attract-wildlife-to-your-backyard/#:~:text=Sow%20plants%20that%20provide%20essentials,these%20alternate%20natural%20food%20sources
The Groundwater Foundation –
https://www.groundwater.org/action/home/raingardens.html
The Globe and Mail –
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/how-neighbours-and-online-maps-can-help-deter-break-ins/article34886427/
Parade –
https://parade.com/1083640/stephanieosmanski/what-is-civic-engagement/
MentalFloss –
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/88663/15-ways-give-back-holiday-season
Together We Rise –
https://www.togetherwerise.org/blog/7-ways-give-back-community/

Real Estate • October 23, 2023

Take Advantage of Your Home Equity: A Homeowner’s Guide

by Shannon Dube

Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.
But one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the opportunity to build wealth over time. Researchers at the Urban Institute found that homeownership is financially beneficial for most families, and a recent study showed that the median net worth of homeowners can be up to 80 times greater than that of renters in some areas.

So how does purchasing a home help you build wealth? And what steps should you take to maximize the potential of your investment? Find out how to harness the power of home equity for a secure financial future.

WHAT IS HOME EQUITY?

Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and the amount you owe on your mortgage. So, for example, if your home would currently sell for $250,000, and the remaining balance on your mortgage is $200,000, then you have $50,000 in home equity.

$250,000 (Home’s Market Value)
– $200,000 (Mortgage Balance)
______________________________
$50,000 (Home Equity)

The equity in your home is considered a non-liquid asset. It’s your money; but rather than sitting in a bank account, it’s providing you with a place to live. And when you factor in the potential of appreciation, an investment in real estate will likely offer a better return than any savings account available today.

HOW DOES HOME EQUITY BUILD WEALTH?

A mortgage payment is a type of “forced savings” for home buyers. When you make a mortgage payment each month, a portion of the money goes towards interest on your loan, and the remaining part goes towards paying off your principal, or loan balance. That means the amount of money you owe the bank is reduced every month. As your loan balance goes down, your home equity goes up.

Additionally, unlike other assets that you borrow money to purchase, the value of your home generally increases, or appreciates, over time. For example, when you pay off your car loan after five or seven years, you will own it outright. But if you try to sell it, the car will be worth much less than when you bought it. However, when you purchase a home, its value typically rises over time. So when you sell it, not only will you have grown your equity through your monthly mortgage payments, but in most cases, your home’s market value will be higher than what you originally paid. And even if you only put down 10% at the time of purchase—or pay off just a small portion of your mortgage—you get to keep 100% of the property’s appreciated value. That’s the wealth-building power of real estate.

WHAT CAN I DO TO GROW MY HOME’S EQUITY FASTER?

Now that you understand the benefits of building equity, you may wonder how you can speed up your rate of growth.

There are two basic ways to increase the equity in your home:

Pay down your mortgage.
We shared earlier that your home’s equity goes up as your mortgage balance goes down. So paying down your mortgage is one way to increase the equity in your home.
Some homeowners do this by adding a little extra to their payment each month, making one additional mortgage payment per year, or making a lump-sum payment when extra money becomes available—like an annual bonus, gift, or inheritance.
Before making any extra payments, however, be sure to check with your mortgage lender about the specific terms of your loan. Some mortgages have prepayment penalties. And it’s important to ensure that if you do make additional payments, the money will be applied to your loan principal.

Another option to pay off your mortgage faster is to decrease your amortization period. For example, if you can afford the larger monthly payments, you might consider refinancing from a 30-year or 25-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage. Not only will you grow your home equity faster, but you could also save a bundle in interest over the life of your loan.

Raise your home’s market value.
Boosting the market value of your property is another way to grow your home equity. While many factors that contribute to your property’s appreciation are out of your control (e.g. demographic trends or the strength of the economy) there are things you can do to increase what it’s worth.
For example, many homeowners enjoy do-it-yourself projects that can add value at a relatively low cost. Others choose to invest in larger, strategic upgrades. Keep in mind, you won’t necessarily get back every dollar you invest in your home. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value Report, the remodeling project with the highest return on investment is a garage door replacement, which costs about $3600 and is expected to recoup 97.5% at resale. In contrast, an upscale kitchen remodel—which can cost around $130,000—averages less than a 60% return on investment.

Of course, keeping up with routine maintenance is the most important thing you can do to protect your property’s value. Neglecting to maintain your home’s structure and systems could have a negative impact on its value—therefore reducing your home equity. So be sure to stay on top of recommended maintenance and repairs.

HOW DO I ACCESS MY HOME EQUITY IF I NEED IT?

When you put your money into a checking or savings account, it’s easy to make a withdrawal when needed. However, tapping into your home equity is a little more complicated.
The primary way homeowners access their equity is by selling their home. Many sellers will use their equity as a downpayment on a new home. Or some homeowners may choose to downsize and use the equity to supplement their income or retirement savings.
But what if you want to access the equity in your home while you’re still living in it? Maybe you want to finance a home renovation, consolidate debt, or pay for college. To do that, you will need to take out a loan using your home equity as collateral.

There are several ways to borrow against your home equity, depending on your needs and qualifications:

Second Mortgage – A second mortgage, also known as a home equity loan, is structured similar to a primary mortgage. You borrow a lump-sum amount, which you are responsible for paying back—with interest—over a set period of time. Most second mortgages have a fixed interest rate and provide the borrower with a predictable monthly payment. Keep in mind, if you take out a home equity loan, you will be making monthly payments on both your primary and secondary mortgages, so budget accordingly.

Cash-Out Refinance – With a cash-out refinance, you refinance your primary mortgage for a higher amount than you currently owe. Then you pay off your original mortgage and keep the difference as cash. This option may be preferable to a second mortgage if you have a high interest rate on your current mortgage or prefer to make just one payment per month.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) – A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a revolving line of credit, similar to a credit card. It allows you to draw out money as you need it instead of taking out a lump sum all at once. A HELOC may come with a checkbook or debit card to enable easy access to funds. You will only need to make payments on the amount of money that has been drawn. Similar to a credit card, the interest rate on a HELOC is variable, so your payment each month could change depending on how much you borrow and how interest rates fluctuate.

Reverse Mortgage – A reverse mortgage enables qualifying seniors to borrow against the equity in their home to supplement their retirement funds. In most cases, the loan (plus interest) doesn’t need to be repaid until the homeowners sell, move, or are deceased.6
Tapping into your home equity may be a good option for some homeowners, but it’s important to do your research first. In some cases, another type of loan or financing method may offer a lower interest rate or better terms to fit your needs. And it’s important to remember that defaulting on a home equity loan could result in foreclosure. Ask me for a referral to a lender or financial adviser to find out if a home equity loan is right for you.

I’M HERE TO HELP YOU
Wherever you are in the equity-growing process, I can help. I work with buyers to find the perfect home to begin their wealth-building journey. I also offer free assistance to existing homeowners who want to know their home’s current market value to refinance or secure a home equity loan. And when you’re ready to sell, I can help you get top dollar to maximize your equity stake. Contact me today to schedule a complimentary consultation!

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult a financial professional for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:
National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/highlights-from-social-benefits-of-homeownership-and-stable-housing
Urban Institute –
https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/homeownership-still-financially-better-renting
Census Bureau –
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/08/gaps-in-wealth-americans-by-household-type.html
Remodeling Magazine –
https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2019/
Investopedia –
https://www.investopedia.com/mortgage/heloc/home-equity/
Bankrate –
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgage/reverse-mortgage-guide/

Home Organization • September 20, 2023

Stress-Free Home Cleaning

by Shannon Dube

Practical Tactics for Busy Households

Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks.

The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs and allergens. Plus, researchers have found that organized, uncluttered homes have quantifiable mental health benefits, too, including reduced stress, improved emotional regulation, and increased productivity.

The reality is, we enjoy our homes more when they are in good order. It’s much easier to relax without piles of unopened mail or a messy kitchen reminding us of work to be done. And don’t we all feel more inclined to entertain family and friends when our homes are well-kept?

That’s why I’ve rounded up our favorite tactics—from overall strategies to little tips and tricks—for keeping things tidy without spending all our spare time cleaning.

Set a Schedule for Daily and Weekly Cleaning

We’ve all been there—you put off vacuuming or mopping your floor for a few days, only to realize that weeks have passed. Creating a cleaning schedule that works for you is the best way to stay on top of things and avoid overwhelm.

Here are a few of my favorite strategies:

Designate a day of the week for each task—then, add them to your calendar so you can’t forget.
Create a shared schedule that assigns specific responsibilities to each member of the household. Post it in a prominent place, like on the refrigerator, or create a shared digital calendar.
Carve out 15 minutes a day for cleaning and decluttering. Set a timer on your phone and get as much done as you can before it goes off.

It may take some trial and error to find the tactics that work best for you. The most important thing is to make a habit of cleaning so that clutter and grime don’t have a chance to build. And if you’d like some professional help, reach out for a referral to one of my favorite cleaning services!

Tackle Bigger Chores Seasonally

Many home care tasks are seasonal by nature and only need to be completed once or twice a year. But when we don’t have a plan to tackle them, it’s all too easy to put them off.

Here are a few tips to stay on top of these chores:

Mark days on your calendar in advance to attend to annual or semi-annual chores, like cleaning gutters, washing windows, turning mattresses, and shampooing carpets.
Schedule just one primary task each weekend instead of blocking out a full two days. This will help ensure a good balance between chores and relaxation.
Designate a date two to four times a year, depending on your lifestyle, to put away out-of-season items like clothes, holiday decorations, and sporting goods.
Take some time to sort through your seasonal items when you pack them away. Then you can toss, sell, or donate items that you no longer need or enjoy.

Remember—breaking down these larger tasks can make them less overwhelming. If you space them out so that you can handle them one by one, even the most time-consuming chores become a lot more manageable.

And since all your time is valuable, don’t hesitate to delegate these larger home care tasks to professionals. Give me a call for a list of our recommended service providers.

Reduce the Barriers to Cleaning

Set yourself up for success by ensuring you have the tools on hand to tackle small tasks with ease.

Here are a few ways to make your cleaning supplies more accessible:

Store a broom, dustpan, and vacuum on each floor of your home so they’re easy to reach.
Stash containers of disinfecting and glass wipes under every sink for a mid-week wipe-down.
Place extra bags beneath the liner of your garbage pails, so you’ll have a replacement ready when you take out the trash.
Keep a paper shredder and recycling bin handy so you can dispose of unwanted mail as it’s opened.

By strategically placing your tools and supplies in the locations where you’re most likely to need them, you’ll make cleaning less of a chore and more of a habit.

Stop the Clutter Before It Starts

From coats to shoes to mail, it’s all too easy to find clutter taking over your home. Once these piles start to form, they can feel overwhelming—which only makes it harder to address them.

To avoid this problem, stop the clutter before it starts. Assign every item a home and create storage spaces and “drop zones” in key locations.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Install coat hooks and shoe racks in the entryway for easy access.
Add a key caddy or shelf for essential items to get you out the door.
Hang a letter bin to capture mail and newspapers as soon as you walk into the house.
Place a donation box in each closet for items you no longer want or need.

It can take a little time to get in the habit of returning items to their assigned space. But once you do, staying on top of clutter will become far more manageable.

Are you considering a larger organizational upgrade, like a custom closet or pantry system? Reach out for a free consultation to find out how the investment could impact the value of your home!

Tackle Small Tasks Right Away

Sometimes, the mental load of thinking about a chore you need to do is worse than the chore itself. Plus, handling small tasks right away can reduce the need for lengthy cleaning sessions.

Try working these changes into your routine:

Learn to clean as you cook, rather than piling it all up for later. As you wait for water to boil or food to cook through, wash the bowls and utensils you used for prep.
Hang bath towels on a bar immediately after use. By allowing them to properly air dry, you can cut down on the frequency of laundering.
Bring items with you when you leave a room. For example, return plates and cups to the kitchen right away rather than letting them stack up in your home office.
Take out the trash when you leave for work, school drop-off, or errands. This will save you the time and hassle of a second trip.

If you implement these small changes, your home will stay neater—and you’ll minimize the number of dedicated cleaning sessions you need to take on each week.

Embrace an Evening “Shutdown” Routine

Kitchens can get dirty and cluttered fast. But a few minutes spent cleaning up each evening can prevent the mess from getting out of control.

Imagine your kitchen is a restaurant and you’re tidying it up before closing down for the night. These simple steps will prepare you for the morning rush:

Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, stove, microwave, and sink. Then toss your soiled washcloth in the hamper and lay out a fresh one for tomorrow.
Load and run the dishwasher every night so you can empty it the next morning.
Prepare for breakfast by programming your coffee pot and setting out some grab-and-go options.

We all know it can be hard to find the energy for chores in the evening. But if you complete these small tasks each night, you’ll start the next day off right in a tidy, clean kitchen.

Think Outside of the Box When It Comes to Storage

Most of us have limited storage space. Unfortunately, without the right spots to stash our items, it’s easy to become disorganized.

But I’ve found that using household items in innovative ways can help keep mess and clutter under control.

Here are a few of my favorite swaps:

Place a magazine file in your kitchen for cookbooks, takeout menus, and meal kit cards.
Hang a pocket-style shoe organizer inside your pantry door to store granola bars, spice jars, and other small items.
Separate dress and athletic socks by turning an old shoe box into a drawer divider.
Repurpose jam jars by using them to store office supplies or bathroom essentials.
Store out-of-season clothes inside rarely-used suitcases, so all that space doesn’t go to waste.

A little creativity goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your space. Just be sure that you’re creating systems you can stick with and not putting things where you might forget about them later!

Keeping your home clean and organized can be a continuous struggle—there’s no need to feel ashamed of that. But taking the time to implement systems that work for you can make life more pleasant and less stressful in the long run.

Remember,I’m not just here to help you buy or sell a home. I want you to love living in it, too. Reach out if you need referrals for house cleaners, window washers, or other service providers that can help you make the most of your space.

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

Healthline – Here Are 5 Ways Spring-Cleaning Can Make You Healthier
Forbes – The Mental Health Benefits Of A Clean Home
My Domaine – 25 Housecleaning Tips to Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape Year-Round
Better Homes and Gardens – 25 Clever Ways to Repurpose Household Items for Organization

Real Estate • August 3, 2023

9 Tips for Buying and Selling Your Home at the Same Time

by Shannon Dube

Selling your home when you still need to shop for a new one can feel daunting to even the most seasoned homeowner––especially when the demand for new homes keeps rising, but the supply feels like it’s dwindling.¹ You’re not alone either if you’re already feeling drained by the complex logistics of trying to sell and buy a new home all at once.

Searching for a new home can be exciting, but many homebuyers admit that it can also be stressful, especially if you live in an unpredictable market with plenty of competitors. Unfortunately, waiting out a competitive housing market isn’t always the best idea either since listings are expected to remain limited in the most coveted neighborhoods for some time.²

That doesn’t mean, though, that you should just throw up your hands and give up on moving altogether. In fact, as a current homeowner, you could be in a better position than most to capitalize on a seller’s market and make a smooth transition from your old home to a new one.

I can help you prepare for the road ahead and answer any questions you have about the real estate market. For example, here are some of the most frequent concerns from clients who are trying to buy and sell at the same time.

“WHAT WILL I DO IF I SELL MY HOUSE BEFORE I CAN BUY A NEW ONE?”

This is an understandable concern for many sellers since the competitive real estate market makes it tough to plan ahead and predict when you’ll be able to move into your next home. But chances are, you will still have plenty of options if you do sell your home quickly. It may just take some creativity and compromise.

Here are some ideas to make sure you’re in the best possible position when you decide to list your home:

Tip #1: Flex your muscles as a seller.

In a competitive market, buyers may be willing to make significant concessions in order to get the home they want. In some cases, a buyer may agree to a rent-back clause that allows the seller to continue living in the home after closing for a set period of time and negotiated fee.

This can be a great option for sellers who need to tap into their home equity for a downpayment or who aren’t logistically ready to move into their next home. However, many lenders limit the duration of a rent-back to 60 days, and there are liability issues to consider before entering into an agreement. A contract and security deposit should be in place in case of any property damage or unexpected repairs that may be needed during the rent-back period.³

Tip #2: Open your mind to short-term housing options.

While it can be a hassle to move out of your old home before you’re ready to move into your new one, it’s a common scenario. If you’re lucky enough to have family or generous friends who offer to take you in, that may be ideal. If not, you’ll need to find temporary housing. Check out furnished apartments, vacation rentals and month-to-month leases. If space is an issue, consider putting some of your furniture and possessions in storage.

You may even find that a short-term rental arrangement can offer you an opportunity to get to know your new neighborhood better—and lead to a more informed decision about your upcoming purchase.

Tip #3: Embrace the idea of selling now and buying later.

Instead of stressing about timing your home sale and purchase perfectly, consider making a plan to focus on one at a time. Selling before you’re ready to buy your next home can offer a lot of advantages.

For one, you’ll have cash on hand from the sale of your current home. This will put you in a much better position when it comes to buying your next home. From budgeting to mortgage approval to submitting a competitive offer, cash is king. And by focusing on one step at a time, you can alleviate some of the pressure and uncertainty.

“WHAT IF I GET STUCK WITH TWO MORTGAGES AT THE SAME TIME?”

This is one of the most common concerns that we hear from buyers who are selling a home while shopping for a new one, and it’s realistic to expect at least some overlap in mortgages. To make sure you don’t get into a situation where you are carrying dual mortgages for longer than you can afford, examine your budget and calculate the maximum number of months you can afford to pay both.⁴

If you simply can’t afford to carry both mortgages at once, then selling before you buy may be your best option. (See Tip #3 above.) But if you have some flexibility in your budget, it is possible to manage both a home sale and purchase simultaneously. Here are some steps you can take to help streamline the process:

Tip #4: As you get ready to sell, simplify.

You can condense your sales timeline if you only focus on the home renovations and tasks that matter most for selling your home quickly. For example, clean and declutter all of your common areas, refresh your outdoor paint and curb appeal, and fix any outstanding maintenance issues as quickly as possible.

But don’t drain unnecessary time and money into pricey renovations and major home projects that could quickly bog you down for an unpredictable amount of time. We can advise you on the repairs and upgrades that are worth your time and investment.

Tip #5: Prep your paperwork.

You’ll also save valuable time by filing as much paperwork as possible early in the process. For example, if you know you’ll need a mortgage to buy your next home, get pre-approved right away so that you can shorten the amount of time it takes to process your loan.

Similarly, set your home sale up for a fast and smooth transition by pulling together any relevant documentation about your current home, including appliance warranties, renovation permits, and repair records. That way, you’re ready to provide quick answers to buyers’ questions should they arise.

Tip #6: Ask us about other contingencies that can be included in your contracts.

Part of our job as agents is to negotiate on your behalf and help you win favorable terms. For example, it’s possible to add a contingency to your purchase offer that lets you cancel the contract if you haven’t sold your previous home.

This tactic could backfire, though, if you’re competing with other buyers. We can discuss the pros and cons of these types of tactics and what’s realistic given the current market dynamics.

“WHAT IF I MESS UP MY TIMING OR BURN OUT FROM ALL THE STRESS?”

When you’re in the pressure cooker of a home sale or have been shopping for a home for a while in a competitive market, it’s easy to get carried away by stress and emotions. To make sure you’re in the right headspace for your homebuying and selling journey, take the time to slow down, breathe and delegate as much as possible. In addition:

Tip #7: Relax and accept that compromise is inevitable

Rather than worry about getting every detail right with your housing search and home sale, trust that things will work out eventually––even if it doesn’t look like your Plan A or even your Plan B or Plan C. Perfecting every detail with your home decor or timing your home sale perfectly isn’t necessary for a successful home sale and compromise will almost always be necessary. Luckily, if you’ve got a good team of professionals, you can relax knowing that others have your back and are monitoring the details behind the scenes.

Tip #8: Don’t worry too much if your path is straying from convention

Remember that rules-of-thumb and home-buying trends are just that: they are estimates, not facts. So if your home search or sale isn’t going exactly like your neighbor’s, it doesn’t mean that you are doomed to fail.

It’s possible, for example, that seasonality trends may affect sales in your neighborhood. So a delayed sale in the summer or fall could affect your journey––but not necessarily. According to the National Association of Realtors, the housing market tends to be more competitive during the summer and less competitive during the winter.⁵ But it’s not a hard and fast rule, and every real estate transaction is different. That’s why it’s important to talk to a local agent about your specific situation.

Tip #9: Enlist help early.

Which leads me to my final tip: If possible, call me early in the process.

I’ll provide you with key guidance on what you should do ahead of time to prepare your current home for sale, I can also help you narrow down your list of must-haves and wants for your next one. That way, you’ll be prepared to act quickly and confidently when it’s time to list your house or make an offer on a new one.

It’s my job to guide you and advocate on your behalf. So don’t be afraid to lean on me throughout the process. I’m here to ease your burden and make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible. I will not only help you evaluate your situation, but also provide you with honest and individually tailored advice that addresses your unique needs and challenges.

Sources:

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, FEDS Notes – https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/notes/feds-notes/housing-market-tightness-during-covid-19-increased-demand-or-reduced-supply-20210708.htm
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, FRED Economic Data – https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPUS
Realtor.com – https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/what-is-a-rent-back-agreement/
Bankrate.com – https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/sell-your-house-while-buying-another/
National Association of REALTORS – https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/seasonality-in-the-housing-market

Real Estate • July 3, 2023

Get Your Credit Score in Shape

by Shannon Dube

Before Buying a Home

How strong is your credit? Cleaning up your credit is essential before you make any major financial moves. Having a bad score can hurt your chances of being able to open a credit card, apply for a loan, purchase a car, or rent an apartment.

It is especially important to have clean credit before you try to buy a home. With a less-than-great score, you may not get preapproved for a mortgage. If you can’t get a mortgage, you may only be able to buy a home if you can make an all-cash offer.

Or if you do get preapproval, you might get a higher mortgage rate, which can be a huge added expense. For example, if you have a 30-year fixed rate mortgage of $100,000 and you get a 3.92% interest rate, the total cost of your mortgage will be $170,213. However, if your interest rate is 5.92%, you’ll have to spend $213,990 for the same mortgage – that’s an extra $43,777 over the life of the loan! If you had secured the lower mortgage rate, you could use that additional money to fund a four-year college degree at a public university.

So now that you know how important it is to maintain a good credit score, how do you start cleaning up your credit? Here, we’ve collected our best tips for improving your score.

Talk to a loan professional

You can protect your score from more damage by getting a loan professional to check your credit score for you. A professional will be able to guide you to whether your score is in the ‘good’ range for home buying. Plus, every time that you request your own credit score, the credit companies record the inquiry, which can lower your score. Having a professional ask instead ensures that you only record one inquiry. Once you know your score, you can start taking action on cleaning up your credit.

Change your financial habits to boost your score

What if your score has been damaged by late payments or delinquent accounts? You can start repairing the damage quickly by taking charge of your debts. For example, your payment history makes up 35% of your score according to myFICO. If you begin to pay your bills in full before they are due, and make regular payments to owed debts, your score can improve within a few months.

Amounts owed are 30% of your FICO score. What matters in this instance is the percentage of credit that you’re currently using. For example, if you have a $5000 limit on one credit card, and you’re carrying a balance of $4500, that means 90% of your available credit is used up by that balance. You can improve your score by reducing that balance to free up some of your available credit.

Length of credit history counts for 15% of your FICO score. If you’re trying to reduce debt by eliminating your credit cards, shred the card but DO NOT close the account. Keep the old accounts open without using them to maintain your credit history and available credit.

Find and correct mistakes on your credit report

How common are credit report mistakes? Inaccuracies are rampant. In a 2012 study by the Federal Trade Commission, one in five people identified at least one error on their credit report. In their 2015 follow-up study, almost 70% thought that at least one piece of previously disputed information was still inaccurate.

Go through each section of your report systematically, and take notes about anything that needs to be corrected.

Your personal information

Start with the basics: often overlooked, one small incorrect personal detail like an incorrect address can accidently lower your score. So, before you look at any other part of your report, check all of these personal details:

Make sure your name, address, social security number and birthdate are current and correct.
Are your prior addresses correct? You’ll need to make sure that they’re right if you haven’t lived at your current address for very long.
Is your employment information up to date? Are the details of your past employers also right?
Is your marital status correct? Sometimes a former spouse will come up listed as your current spouse.

Your public records

This section will list things like lawsuits, tax liens, judgments, and bankruptcies. If you have any of these in your report, make sure that they are listed correctly and actually belong to you.

A bankruptcy filed by a spouse or ex-spouse should not be on your report if you didn’t file it. There shouldn’t be any lawsuits or judgments older than seven years, or that were entered after the statute of limitations, on your report. Are there tax liens that you paid off that are still listed as unpaid, or that are more than seven years old? Those all need to go.

Your credit accounts

This section will list any records about your commingled accounts, credit cards, loans, and debts. As you read through this section, make sure that any debts are actually yours.

For example, if you find an outstanding balance for which your spouse is solely responsible, that should be removed from your report. Any debts due to identity theft should also be resolved. If there are accounts that you closed on your report, make sure they’re labeled as ‘closed by consumer’ so that it doesn’t look like the bank closed them.

Your inquiries

Are there any unusual inquiries into your credit listed in this section? An example might be a credit inquiry when you went for a test drive or were comparison shopping at a car dealer. These need to be scrubbed off your report.

Report the dispute to the credit agency

If there are major mistakes, you can take your dispute to the credit agencies. While you could send a letter, it can be much faster to get the ball rolling on resolving a mistake by submitting your report through the credit agency’s website. Experian, Transunion and Equifax all have step-by-step forms to submit reports online.

If you have old information on your report that should have been purged from your records already, such as a debt that has already been paid off or information that is more than 7 years old, you may need to go directly to the lender to resolve the dispute.

Follow up

You must follow up to make sure that any mistakes are scrubbed from your reports. Keep notes about who you speak to and on which dates you contacted them. Check back with all of the credit reporting companies to make sure that your information has been updated. Since all three companies share data with each other, any mistakes should be corrected on all three reports.

If your disputes are still not corrected, you may have to also follow up with the institution that reported the incident in the first place, or a third-party collections agency that is handling it. Then check again with the credit reporting companies to see if your reports have been updated.

If you can keep on top of your credit reports on a regular basis, you won’t have to deal with the headaches of fixing reporting mistakes. You are entitled to a free annual credit report review to make sure all is well with your score. If you make your annual credit review part of your financial fitness routine, you’ll be able to better protect your buying power and potentially save thousands of dollars each year.

How to clean up your credit now

Does your credit score need a boost so you can buy a home? Get in touch with me. I can connect you with the right lending professionals to help you get the guidance you need.

Real Estate • June 1, 2023

National Real Estate Market Update for 2023

by Shannon Dube

Hawaii

There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Federal Reserve began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has emerged: mortgage rates, mortgage rates, mortgage rates.

Higher rates had the immediate impact of dampening homebuyer affordability and demand. But this year, we’re seeing further repercussions. While analysts expected listing inventory to swell as sales declined, instead, homeowners have been pushing off plans to sell because they feel beholden to their existing, lower mortgage rates.

So what impact is this reduced demand and low supply environment having on home values? And what can we expect from the real estate market in the coming months and years? Here are several key indicators that help to paint a picture of the current market and where it’s likely headed.

HOME SALES ARE EXPECTED TO PICK UP BY EARLY NEXT YEAR

The weather isn’t the only thing that heats up in the spring and summer. Nationally, it tends to be the busiest time in real estate. But this year, the peak season got off to a slow start, with sales declines in both March and April. (1,2) Existing home sales in April were down 3.4% from the previous month—and 23.2% from a year earlier. (2)

What’s causing this market slowdown? Industry experts attribute it to several factors, including near-record home prices, high mortgage rates, and low inventory.

According to National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, “Home sales are trying to recover and are highly sensitive to changes in mortgage rates. Yet, at the same time, multiple offers on starter homes are quite common, implying more supply is needed to fully satisfy demand. It’s a unique housing market.” (1)

However, some industry experts believe the market is poised for a comeback. Forecasters at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) predict that home sales will continue to fall through Q3 before rising in Q4 and throughout next year. (3) Analysts at Fannie Mae expect the recovery to take a bit longer, picking up in early 2024.

Meanwhile, home builder confidence is already up, as purchases of new single-family homes surged in March and April to a 13-month high. (5) Builder incentives are helping to boost sales: According to the National Association of Home Builders, in May, 54% reported using them to win over budget-conscious buyers. (6)

What does it mean for you? A slower pace of sales has given buyers some breathing room. If you hated the frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate market, now might be a better time for you to shop for a home. I can help you evaluate your options and make an informed purchase.

If you plan to sell your home, prepare yourself for less foot traffic and a longer sales timeline than you may have found a year ago. It will also be crucial to enlist the help of a skilled agent who knows how to draw in buyers. Reach out for a copy of my multi-step Property Marketing Plan.

PROPERTY VALUES REMAIN RELATIVELY STABLE

Some good news for buyers: While home builder sales climbed in April, the median new-house price fell to $420,800, an 8.2% decrease from a year ago. (5) Meanwhile, the median existing-home price dropped to $388,800, down 1.7% year-over-year. Notably, existing-home prices rose in parts of the country but fell in the South and West. (2)

“Roughly half of the country is experiencing price gains,” explains Yun. “Multiple-offer situations have returned in the spring buying season following the calmer winter market. Distressed and forced property sales are virtually nonexistent.” (2)

The average national home price remains about 40% higher than it was in early 2020, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller index. (7) A tight housing supply has helped to buoy prices amidst a slowdown in sales.

“While it varies from region to region, home prices at the national level may fall 1% or 1.5% by the end of the year, so not much,” Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae, told Yahoo Finance in April. (8)

Record levels of home equity will help to stabilize the sector and prevent a wave of foreclosures, even as prices moderate, according to Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. (9)

“But for those who have owned a home for more than a year or two, their home will remain a rock-solid investment. And once affordability is restored, the next generation of households can become homeowners. Getting there is critical to the financial well-being of those households, their communities, and the broader economy,” writes Zandi in The Washington Post. (9)

What does it mean for you? Prices have softened in certain market segments—and motivated sellers are out there and willing to make deals. I can help you find your next home and negotiate a great price.

If you’re a homeowner, the surge in home values has slowed, but you’re likely still sitting on a nice pile of equity. Reach out for a free assessment to find out how much your home is currently worth.

LISTING INVENTORY IS LOW, BUT NEW CONSTRUCTION IS ON THE RISE

Unsold existing home inventory rose 7.2% from March to April, according to NAR. At the current level of demand, this equates to 2.9 months of supply, which is still well below the 5 to 6 months of inventory required for a “balanced” market. (2)

Inventory remains tight despite the market slowdown because many would-be sellers are reluctant to give up their lower mortgage rates. “Affordability is not only an issue for first-time homebuyers, but also for many repeat buyers who still need to take on a mortgage,” explains Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com. (10)

In a recent survey by the home listing site, 82% of respondents who are planning to both buy and sell a home said they feel “locked in” by their low rate. (11)

In some areas, new home construction is helping to fill the supply gap. “Currently, one-third of housing inventory is new construction, compared to historical norms of a little more than 10%,” according to National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz. (12)

And more new homes are in the pipeline, after a builder slowdown last year. Single-family housing starts rose 1.6% from March to April (seasonally adjusted) and new construction permits hit a seven-month high. (13)

What does it mean for you? Inventory remains tight, but less competition means more choice and negotiating power for buyers. If you’ve had trouble finding a home in the past, it may be time to take another look. I can help you explore both new and existing homes in our area.

Sellers are enjoying reduced competition right now, as well. However, the longer you wait to list, the more competition you’re likely to face. And if you feel locked in by your current, lower mortgage rate, consider this: If you roll your equity gains into a down payment on your next home, you could possibly lower your monthly payment. Reach out to discuss your options.

MORTGAGE RATES MAY FINALLY COME DOWN

According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a peak of 7.08% in the fourth quarter of 2022, and since then it’s primarily floated between 6 and 7%. (14) However, there are signs that rates could trend lower later this year.

“Calmer inflation means lower mortgage rates, eventually,” Yun predicted in a recent statement. “Mortgage rates slipping down to under 6% looks very likely toward the year’s end.” (15)

Other leading economists agree. In its May forecast, Fannie Mae speculates that 30-year fixed mortgage rates will continue to decline, averaging 6.0% in Q4 2023 and 5.4% by Q4 2024. (4) Meanwhile, the MBA predicts rates will fall even faster, averaging 5.6% by Q4 2023 and 4.8% by Q4 2024. (3)

On May 3, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark borrowing rate by another quarter point—its 10th consecutive increase since March 2022. However, in its corresponding statement, the Fed omitted language from its previous release about “additional policy firming,” leaving some analysts to speculate that the rate hikes may be over. (16)

Although mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to the federal funds rate, a decision by the Fed to pause rate increases could have a positive effect. In the meantime, buyers should shop around multiple lenders to find the best rate—and buckle up for what could be an exciting ride.

What does it mean for you? Mortgage rates may finally trend down, which would be great news for buyers. But, a decrease in rates could correspond with an increase in competition and prices. If you start searching now, you’ll be prepared to make an offer when the time is right. I can help you negotiate a great deal and potential seller incentives.

If you’re planning to sell, this is good news for you, too. But, there are several factors to consider when determining the right time to list your home. Reach out for a consultation, I can help you chart the best course.

WE’RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU

While national real estate forecasts can provide a “big picture” outlook, real estate is local. As a local market expert, I can guide you through the ins and outs of our market in Hawaii and the issues most likely to impact sales and drive home values in your neighborhood, whether it’s Mililani, Ewa Beach or Kaneohe.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, contact me now to schedule a free consultation! I’ll work with you to develop an action plan to meet your real estate goals.

Sources:

National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-slid-2-4-in-march
National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-faded-3-4-in-april
Mortgage Bankers Association –
https://www.mba.org/docs/default-source/research-and-forecasts/forecasts/2023/mortgage-finance-forecast-may-2023.pdf?sfvrsn=4bf1d1a7_1
Fannie Mae –
https://www.fanniemae.com/media/47006/display
U.S. Census Bureau –
https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/current/index.html
National Association of Home Builders –
https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2023/05/lack-of-existing-inventory–boosts-builder-confidence-to-key-marker
New York Times –
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/29/business/spring-housing-market.html?
Yahoo Finance –
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mortgage-rates-increase-after-weeks-of-declines-160015631.html
The Washington Post –
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/22/housing-prices-put-some-out-of-the-market/
CNBC –
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/20/home-sales-fell-in-march-amid-volatility-in-mortgage-rates.html
Realtor.com –
https://www.realtor.com/research/2023-q1-sellers-survey-btts/
National Association of Home Builders –
https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2023/04/lack-of-existing-inventory-continues-to-support-builder-sentiment
United State Census Bureau –
https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/newresconst.pdf
Freddie Mac –
https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms
National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/instant-reaction-inflation-april-12-2023
CNBC –
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/03/fed-rate-decision-may-2023-.html

Local • Real Estate • April 26, 2023

PCS to Hawaii: Tips for a Smooth Transition

by Shannon Dube

Congratulations on your new PCS move to Hawaii! This may be the most unique PCS location you will come to anywhere in the U.S! On Oahu, you will find temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s almost all year round, depending on your location. Some parts of the island are dry, some areas are wet, and there are tons of microclimates that change neighborhood by neighborhood. PCSing to Hawaii and finding a house isn’t just about finding a house to live in, it’s about waking up and feeling happy in the community around you. I’m here to help!

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Homes Are Smaller

In Hawaii, there is less space. Single-family homes usually range from around 900 square feet to 1,500 square feet for most places within an average service member’s budget. However, there are exceptions. Single-family homes in a service member’s average price range as small as 220 square feet and as big as a 3,000 square feet. In general, think small!

Your Location & Your Commute Time

In Hawaii, commute time is defined by location-specific traffic patterns. If you move to the wrong location and have the wrong work start time, you can easily be in bumper-to-bumper traffic for well over 2 hours each way!! Depending on your branch and your duty, you can be at one of the various bases throughout the island of Oahu. (Read my blog Military Bases in Hawaii, for more information about your specific base.)

On Oahu, there are several “rush hours” throughout the day that correspond with the times that the military leave bases, the times state workers finish for the day, and the times that the dockworkers finish for the day. To find the best place for a good commute time, it is important to know which base or location you will be commuting to, and what your hours will likely be. The goal here is to make sure that you spend less time in your car and more time doing what is important to you!

The Addresses Aren’t Always the Same as the Town Names

In Hawaii we do not have incorporated municipalities, so the mailing addresses are not accurate to the location. Let’s say you want to buy in “Honolulu.” Well, an address that says “Honolulu” could be practically anywhere between the town of “Salt Lake” down by Hickam Air Force Base to the Hawaii Kai area. That can be a distance of 23 miles and well over an hour of transit time difference. Likewise, towns like Makaha and Ma’ili in the Leeward side are given Waianae mailing addresses. So, looking for a place to live online may get pretty confusing pretty fast without a good realtor to guide you. Again, I’m here to help!

HOA Fees are Bigger for Condos and Townhomes

HOA fees are much higher here than what you may be used to on the mainland if you move to a homeowners association. As of 2023, the average HOA fee on apartments is upwards of $400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the downtown area could have an HOA of over $1,000/month. Many of the more popular attached townhomes have HOA fees of more than $600/month. Sometimes these large fees cover nice amenities, but often they are high to cover reserves to do future maintenance. HOAs are counted into the debt-to-income ratio and borrowing limits for a buyer, an HOA of $500/month may lower your buying ability by $70,000 or more. On one hand, these HOAs might go towards maintaining your lawns and common areas. But on the other hand, during three years of service, you could easily be giving an HOA $18,000.

PCS Season – Look at Homes Before You Arrive

In PCS season, roughly the end of March through the end of July, there is a huge increase in home inventory for sale as service members leave the island. However, there is also increased competition for homes that are for sale. Just like you, plenty of service members will soon be looking for a place to call home. That means effective communication, efficient scheduling, and proper guidance are very important. We have to work together quickly to find a place that will work for you, get in tailored and well-written offers, and get you the best shot to get to the top of the seller’s pile of offers. When there are multiple offer situations, we need to be ready to get revised offers submitted in the most efficient manner possible. We want to set you up so that when you arrive, things are ready for you.

My goal is to help you find a place to move into that will set you up for your professional and personal success.

There are quite a few military bases here, so looking for targeted advice on a military move can be difficult without a realtor who actually knows what they are doing. Reach out anytime. I’m here to help!

Here is my contact information:

Shannon Dube

808-475-3324

Shannon@C21IslandHomes.com

Local • April 5, 2023

Discover the Brilliance of Diamond Head – The Ultimate Guide to Exploring this Iconic Hawaiian Landmark

by Shannon Dube

Diamond Head is one of Hawaii’s most recognized landmarks. The unique profile of Diamond Head sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline. It is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. At the 760- foot summit you’ll have once in a lifetime panoramic views of the surrounding landscape!

The Formation of Diamond Head

Diamond Head is also known as Le’ahi. It’s broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption. The eruption sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater. It is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

A Little History

The name “Diamond Head” comes from the 19th century when British sailors mistook calcite crystals found in the crater for diamonds. The name stuck and has been used ever since.

Throughout history, Diamond Head has played a significant role in Hawaiian culture and military history. The crater was once used as a navigational landmark by Hawaiian seafarers. It was also a sacred site where the Hawaiian god of fire, Pele, was believed to live in the early 1900s. The US military later established a coastal defense system at Diamond Head to protect the island from potential attacks.

Hiking at Diamond Hike State Monument

This hike is great for most fitness levels. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh air and exercise while taking in the beautiful scenery of Oahu.

This hike can be done at your own pace with the help of a provided map, or just by following the trail! You could also opt to take a guided tour, which includes round-trip transportation, park entrance fees, and water. Diamond Head Tours

For more information head to the State of Hawaii website: Diamond Head.

Special Tips

Entry and parking reservations required for non-residents (as of May 12th, 2022) , plan accordingly.

The last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:00 pm. The gates are locked at 6:00 pm daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time.

NO PETS ARE ALLOWED IN THE PARK EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS.

Diamond Head has fully accessible park facilities on the crater floor those with disabilities. The hiking trail to the summit is not ADA accessible, it is very steep and uneven in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Let’s all take a hike!

Local • February 24, 2023

O’ahu Farmers’ Markets: Shop Smart

by Shannon Dube

Several times a week, in a variety of locations around the Hawaiian Islands, food producers and local culinary stars gather in parks and parking lots to sell fresh produce and other agricultural products. It’s the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy locally grown Oʻahu products, including aqua-cultured seafood, North Shore beef, Mānoa honey, Kahuku corn, Waialua chocolate and Waimānalo greens (that’s just for starters).

Shop Smart at Farmers’ Markets

Look for produce that’s free from unusual odors or colors and signs of spoilage.
Handle produce gently to reduce bruising. Bacteria can thrive in the bruised area.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water before handling produce.
Wash all fruits and vegetables with cool running tap water right before eating. Don’t use dish soap or detergent because the FDA hasn’t approved or labeled these products for use on foods.
Scrub melons with a brush and running water, because bacteria can be transferred from the outside of the melon to the inside by a knife.
Cut away bruised parts before eating. Remove the outer leaves from lettuce and cabbage.
Keep fresh cut produce cold by placing serving containers on ice. Perishable food should spend no more than two hours in the “danger zone” (40 to 140oF).
Store produce in containers that are free from excess liquid.
Refrigerate cut produce and use within a few days.

There are amazing Farmers Markets all over O’ahu!

Honolulu Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m.
777 Ward Ave.
(808) 848-1921
Website

Hyatt’s Farmers Market
Mondays and Wednesdays, 4–8 pm
Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa
2424 Kalākaua Ave. (Ground Floor)
(808) 923-1234
Website

Mahiku Farmer’s Market at International Market Place
Thursdays, 4–8 pm
2330 Kalākaua Ave. (Level 1, Banyan Court)
(808) 921-0536
Website

Kapiʻolani Community College Farmers Market
Saturdays, 7:30–11 a.m.
4303 Lēʻahi Head Rd.
(808) 848-1921
Website

Mahiku Farmers Market at King’s Village
Fridays and Mondays, 4–9 p.m.
131 Kaʻiulani Ave.
(808) 225-4002
Website

North Shore Country Market
Saturdays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
59-360 Kamehameha Hwy
(808) 234-9421

Kailua Farmers Market
Thursdays, 5–7:30 p.m.
609 Kailua Rd.
(808) 848-1921
Website

Windward Mall Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
46-056 Kamehameha Hwy.
(808) 235-1143
Website

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Ideas:

Ideas:

HOW I CAN HELP YOU?

WHAT IS HOME EQUITY?

Practical Tactics for Busy Households

Set a Schedule for Daily and Weekly Cleaning

Tackle Bigger Chores Seasonally

Reduce the Barriers to Cleaning

Stop the Clutter Before It Starts

Tackle Small Tasks Right Away

Embrace an Evening “Shutdown” Routine

Think Outside of the Box When It Comes to Storage

“WHAT WILL I DO IF I SELL MY HOUSE BEFORE I CAN BUY A NEW ONE?”

Tip #1: Flex your muscles as a seller.

Tip #2: Open your mind to short-term housing options.

Tip #3: Embrace the idea of selling now and buying later.

“WHAT IF I GET STUCK WITH TWO MORTGAGES AT THE SAME TIME?”

Tip #4: As you get ready to sell, simplify.

Tip #5: Prep your paperwork.

Tip #6: Ask us about other contingencies that can be included in your contracts.

“WHAT IF I MESS UP MY TIMING OR BURN OUT FROM ALL THE STRESS?”

Tip #7: Relax and accept that compromise is inevitable

Tip #8: Don’t worry too much if your path is straying from convention

Tip #9: Enlist help early.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Homes Are Smaller

Your Location & Your Commute Time

The Addresses Aren’t Always the Same as the Town Names

HOA Fees are Bigger for Condos and Townhomes

PCS Season – Look at Homes Before You Arrive

Blog Archives

The Formation of Diamond Head

A Little History

Hiking at Diamond Hike State Monument

Special Tips

Blog Archives

There are amazing Farmers Markets all over O’ahu!