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Buying property in paradise is not quite the same as buying a home in the Midwest. There are many factors to consider when buying a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. This article will help you along your path to your dream home.

Here is a list of things you should consider before you contact a Real Estate Agent on the island. We'll discuss each one of these items later on.

• Do you want to live on the wet side or the dry side of the island?


• How far away from the big cities do you want to live?


• What type of construction do you prefer?


• Fee Simple or Leasehold?


• Do you want a view? If so, ocean views or mountain views?


• Price range you can afford?


• Specifications of the home you want?




• How many beds/baths?


• Square footage wanted?


• Older or newer home?

Smaller size homes are the norm on Hawaii rather than the rule. Don't get me wrong, if you have the money you can find plenty of large homes. An older home can be trouble if you are not careful. As always, do your homework when buying any home. Make sure to get the home inspected and have a termite inspection as well!





• What lava zone is your potential home in? The United States Geological Service has a lava zone map and has defined these zones as 1 through 6 with 1 being likely to see another lava flow and 6 not so likely. If your house is in zones 1 or 2 your home insurance will cost more, period. You need to do your homework before you buy a home in one of these zones.


• Most lenders on the mainland will not provide a mortgage for a home in Lava zones 1 or 2. Some won't, even if your home is in zone 3. If your home is in zones 1 or 2 you will probably only be able to get a mortgage through a bank in Hawaii. Because you will be going through a bank you can expect a ¼% to ½% higher APR. But since you are in lava zones 1 or 2 you can expect an additional 1% (approx.) higher APR.


• Is the home permitted? A lot of homes on the island have been built without permits. Are there other structures on the property? If so were they built with permits? Be careful about buying un-permitted structures.


• Buying land and building your own home. Unless you are going to build the house yourself, there is no longer much of a price advantage to doing this.


• Some homes are not hooked up to electricity. Always ask if the home is on or off the grid.


• Some homes are not connected to the city water system. If this is the case you catch your own rain water and will have a large water storage tank on your property.


• Your home may use a cesspool if not connected to the city sewer system.




Now go out and interview numerous Real Estate Agents! Find the one that you feel will be able to help you the most. By knowing exactly what you want and what you can afford you will help your Real Estate Agent help you find the home you are looking for.