The "A-PEELE-ING" Edge

Or do they? With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act now in play, 2025 brings a wave of new tax perks for homeowners—including a juiced-up SALT deduction and the return of PMI write-offs. But are these benefits enough to tip the scales in Hawai‘i’s high-cost housing market? Let’s break it down.

There's a hidden challenge—and a fascinating opportunity—lurking in some of Oahu's most sought-after neighborhoods. When I first became a realtor here, the term 'monster homes' often came up, usually with a shake of the head or a sigh. For homeowners, they sometimes meant headaches; for savvy investors, a perplexing puzzle. As someone deeply involved in Oahu property management, I quickly realized that ignoring the story of these oversized dwellings meant missing a crucial piece of our island's real estate puzzle. Why did certain neighborhoods push back so hard against them, and what does their evolution mean for your investment future in paradise? Let's dive in.

Can you believe we're already halfway through the year? As July rolls around here in beautiful Oahu, it's the perfect time to pause and ask yourself: Have you truly been tax planning for 2025? Or are you simply waiting until next spring to see what Uncle Sam demands?

I want to share a real-life closing story that perfectly shows just how unique and sometimes tricky our island's property market can be. We're going to dive into the world of leasehold properties and what happens when they get a rare chance to become fee simple – and how I helped a client navigate all the twists and turns.

As a realtor in Oahu, I've noticed a significant number of assumable VA loans available, alongside many misconceptions about the process. With so many sellers holding onto low interest rates from a few years ago, these loans are becoming an incredibly powerful tool for both buyers and sellers in today's market.

Oahu's real estate market is shaped by distinct seasonal patterns that can make a big difference in your selling strategy. If you're a homeowner considering when to list your property, understanding these cycles is key to maximizing your sale price and minimizing time on market.

Oahu’s housing scene is set for a major transformation. Starting September 30, 2025, Ordinance 25-2 will permit homeowners to have both an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and an Ohana unit on a single-family lot. This means you can legally have up to three separate dwellings: your main house, an ADU, and an Ohana unit. Here’s what this change entails, how the two units differ, and what it means for homeowners and buyers. 

Oahu’s soaring home prices are driving families to embrace creative solutions like multi-generational living and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Whether you’re a homeowner looking to boost your property’s value or a buyer seeking flexible options, understanding the latest ADU rules and trends is key to making smart real estate decisions. Here’s a clear breakdown of the current Oahu-specific rules and requirements for ADUs, updated for 2025.

If you’ve been thinking about buying a single-family home (SFH) in Oahu, you’re probably wondering if it’s still a good investment. The short answer? Yes! The market here has been a seller’s market for over a decade, and homes have steadily increased in value. Let me break down why that matters to you as a buyer or investor.