By Nichole Ehrbar, Your Big Island Agent After a long stretch of slower movement in 2025, the real estate market is finally showing signs of gearing up for a strong rebound. Early indicators point toward real growth ahead, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year where both buyers and sellers will see more opportunity. Here’s what that means in simple, real-world terms. A Significant Increase in Home Sales Is Expected Projections point toward a double-digit rise in home sales in 2

A Look at What Other Countries Are Doing By Nichole Ehrbar, Your Big Island Agent The idea of a 50-year mortgage has sparked a major debate in the United States. Some believe it could help make homeownership more attainable, while others warn that slow equity growth and higher lifetime interest make it risky. But here’s what many people don’t realize: The U.S. is not the first country to explore mortgage terms beyond 30 years. Several nations have tested or used long-term pro

There’s something magical about life in Hawai‘i that you can’t fully understand until you feel it — the warmth in the air, the rhythm of the ocean, and the slow, soothing pace that invites you to breathe deeper and live a little softer. Every morning here starts with possibility. The trade winds move through the trees, the birds begin their song, and the island eases into the day in a way that reminds you what truly matters. Whether you’re sipping coffee on your lanai or taki

What Serious Buyers Should Be Doing NOW (and Why): 1. Get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified). Why: Sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously. It gives you a competitive edge and speeds up the process once you find “the one.” 2. Lock in a rate if you find a good one. Why: Rates are moving week to week. Locking protects you from sudden increases and keeps your monthly payment predictable. 3. Watch new inventory closely. Why: More homes are hitting the market, but the best o

Every year, the National Association of REALTORS® releases one of the most important snapshots of our industry — the Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers. And this year’s report makes one thing clear: We are in a market of extremes. On one end are buyers coming in strong with cash, equity, and financial power. On the other end are first-time buyers who are being pushed farther and farther from homeownership. These dynamics are shaping real estate nationwide — and we’re feeling th

For decades, Hawai‘i has captured the imagination of people around the world. The islands represent something deeper than a vacation destination — they symbolize peace, possibility, and a lifestyle built around nature, community, and intentional living. But when it comes to making Hawai‘i home, there are two distinct groups of people: the Dreamers and the Doers. Both groups love Hawai‘i. Both feel the pull of the ocean, the mountains, and the aloha spirit. But only one group

Based on NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers The Market Has Shifted — And It’s Affecting Every Seller The newest national data shows a major change in who is buying homes. It’s not your property—it’s the current buyer pool. Understanding today’s buyers is key to understanding why some listings take longer to sell. There Are Far Fewer First-Time Buyers First-time buyers used to make up about 40% of the market. Today, they make up just 21% — the lowest ever recorded. Hi

The National Association of REALTORS® just released its 2025 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, and this year’s findings paint a very different picture of the American Dream. For the first time ever, only 21% of buyers were first-time homeowners, and the average first-time buyer is now 40 years old. That’s the oldest on record — and a full decade later than previous generations. And the financial impact? Waiting until 40 instead of 30 can cost buyers about $150,000 in lost equ

The government shutdown continues, and it’s starting to show up in the housing market — especially in metro areas with a large number of federal workers. In October, buyer activity and new listings both slowed last month as some households hit pause amid all the uncertainty. Market Cooling, Not Crashing Nationwide, the housing market is still stable, but the pace is cooling. Active listings are up more than 15% compared to last year, yet homes are taking longer to sell — aver

Mortgage rates just dropped again — the 30-year fixed is now averaging 6.17%, the lowest we’ve seen in over a year. The 15-year fixed also dipped to 5.41%. The good news: More homeowners are taking advantage of this opportunity to refinance and lower their monthly payments. The catch: After the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week, daily rates started to rise slightly following comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggesting another rate cut in December isn’t guaranteed. Even

After a long stretch of higher borrowing costs, the housing market is finally showing some renewed energy. Average mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level in over a year, and buyers are beginning to take notice. Refinance activity is picking up, and homebuyers who’ve been patiently waiting on the sidelines are starting to re-enter the market. Mortgage Rates Hit a Yearly Low According to recent data, average mortgage rates have dipped to 6.19%, down from over 7% earli

There’s exciting news in the real estate world — and it’s especially good for Hawai‘i homebuyers. Fannie Mae now allows borrowers to include rental income from an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) when calculating qualifying income. That means if you’re looking to purchase a home with an ohana unit, guest cottage, or studio space that can be rented out, that potential rental income could help you qualify for a larger loan — and maybe even make your dream home more attainable. Wha

Many local homeowners are holding tight to their homes — and it’s easy to see why. Those who locked in low 3–4% mortgage rates during the pandemic aren’t eager to give them up for today’s mid-6% rates. This “golden handcuffs” effect is keeping inventory low across the islands. Homes that would normally come back on the market are staying off, making it harder for new buyers to find options and keeping prices steady. Here in Hawai‘i, that means fewer listings, strong demand, a

The Hawai‘i real estate market is moving into a fresh, more confident phase. Sales are rising, inventory is expanding, and prices remain steady — signs of a market that’s finding its natural rhythm again. Buyers are becoming more intentional, focusing on homes that fit their lifestyle and long-term goals. Sellers are also adjusting, setting realistic prices that reflect today’s true market value. Together, it’s creating a healthy balance that benefits everyone. Even with smal

In real estate, communication can make or break a transaction. We spend our days negotiating, collaborating, and problem-solving — but every so often, you come across a tone that makes you pause. A text, an email, or a comment that begins with “It’s quite simple…” or “You should already know this.” Patronizing. Dismissive. And completely unnecessary. Where Does It Come From? Over time, I’ve realized this kind of tone usually says more about the person using it than the one re

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