Kauai Real Estate

Kauai Real Estate is some of the most desirable real estate in the entire world! Kauai is a melting pot of cultures out of which comes a unique blend of different languages, foods, music, dance, and art. Kauai truly has a style and culture of its very own. For more information about homes for sale on Kauai, choose from the list of towns below or follow this link to search all island: Kauai Real Estate.

Search by Town

Princeville Real Estate | Waimea Real Estate | Kapaa Real Estate | Hanalei Real Estate

Poipu Condos for sale | Lihue Real Estate  | Koloa Real Estate | Poipu Real Estate Agents

Selling Kauai Real Estate

Selling your home is easy! Maximizing your profits is another story. To sell your home for its full potential, you need to call on professionals to assist you.  Kauai Real Estate agents and brokers know the market, they know the process, and they know what it takes to sell a home for its full market value.

There is more to selling a home then setting a price and listing it. Your agent will be responsible for showing your home to countless buyers, handling the paperwork, walking you through the negotiations, getting your home into escrow, and many other important items required to close the deal!

With the prices of homes depressed it can be very difficult to find the fair market value of your home without the assistance of an agent or broker. List it too low, you will have missed out on potential income. List your home to high and it will sit on the market and become stale.  Some homeowners feel that the best strategy is to start high, and slowing bring the price down.  This strategy can work, but your home will sit on the market until the price is dropped 5 or 6 times before you start seeing serious buyers. Then those serious buyers will see how much you have dropped your price as a sign of weakness. That weakness will bring in lowball offers, and a decrease in perceived property value.

When your agent provides you with a price, he/she will also provide you with data to back up that price.  As an agent, I do not pick numbers out of thin air. I spend hours researching the market. I will find homes that are comparable to yours that have sold recently. I will also research properties that are new on the market, and those that are currently in escrow.  This market research is key to maximizing your profits, and minimizing your loss.

Contact Cory Beadle to start the process of selling your home!
Cory@findinghawaii.com
808-482-4276
You can also search the Kauai real estate market here: Kauai Real Estate

Buying Kauai Real Estate

Buying real estate in Kauai is investing in your future. By reading this today, it tells us that you are ready and motivated to buy!  The question is, do you know what is involved?  It can be a very smooth process, but it is important that you know what is going on at each step of the transaction. So, without further delay, let me walk you through the process of buying a home! This is your golden ticket to purchasing the home of your dreams on the great island of Kauai.

What Can I Afford?

Step one is getting pre-qualified for a loan. When you walk into a real estate office, you need to come armed with a firm idea of what you can afford and what you’re willing to spend. The lender you get pre-qualified with does not have to be the lender you take the loan with. You should still search for a lender that has the whole package. Great service AND competitive rates. Your Kauai Realtor should be able to direct you to a lender if you need any assistance. Our agents are experienced with a wide range of lenders who can close deals without long delays. Once you decide on a lender, get the information you came for and find out what you can afford!

Choosing your Kauai Real Estate Agent

Once you have your pre-qualification letter, and you have created a budget, it is now time to find yourself an agent! Finding Hawaii Realty has gone to great lengths to design and provide the most user friendly, informative, and powerful research tool available; Search Kauai Real Estate. This alone will save you days of driving looking for properties that will require additional research later anyway. Our Kauai Realtors have been involved with Kauai real estate for nearly a decade. Our Kauai Realtors bring extended value to agent services by offering prudent counsel & a seasoned perspective to the market place. Ocean Rock Properties is your number one choice for finding a Kauai Real Estate Agent.

Time to get started

The initial consultation between agent and client is all about creating a positive relationship. Get to know your agent, and let him get to know you.  Talk about what you are looking for; your price range, location requirements, number of bedrooms, etc. Once the agent knows what your needs are he will be able to provide you with a pre screened list of properties that match your requirements.

Our agents have many tools at their fingertips to help find you the home of your dreams, but so do you! No one knows what you want better then yourself. For many, your time on the island to find that perfect home is limited. So focus all your energy towards finding your home, use our Hawaii Real Estate search engine to find the perfect home for you!

Writing an Offer

So you have found your home in paradise, it is time to buy. Inform your agent that you are ready to put in your offer on property XYZ.  A Realtor/Broker at Ocean Rock Properties will provide you with valuable information enabling you to make wise choices. We’ll help you understand the psychology that goes on behind the scenes of submitted offers and counters. Your Ocean Rock agent will prepare a comparable market analysis to help determine a reasonable offer. This market analysis includes a past, present, and future look at the current market.  This will show the homes that are currently for sale, the homes that are in escrow, and the homes that have already sold. These numbers are important to get an accurate view of the market, and to also help defend your offer against any objections.

A good agent will guide you through the offer process. It can seem overwhelming especially if this is your first real estate purchase. There are many details that go into a offer, if you ever have a question ask your agent to explain in detail the part that is confusing to you. Your Kauai real estate agent will develop the offer and answer any questions you may have.

Earnest Money Deposit

Earnest money is usually in the form of a personal check that you provide your agent to let the seller know that you are negotiating in good faith. These funds will be deposited into escrow once the offer is accepted.

Financing

By now you should already be pre-qualified and have a firm grasp of the loan process. If you have not, you are behind and at risk of losing this deal. Find a lender, get pre-approved, and get going!

Escrow

The term “escrow” is describing a un-interested third party who is the intermediary between the buyer and seller. All fund and title transfers are conducted through a escrow company to protect both sides of the deal.  For a good agent, escrow is where the fun begins. Having a quality realtor who can negotiate for your benefit is crucial at this point. He or she can save you thousands of dollars in escrow. Once in escrow, inspections of the property will take place, proof of funds will be required, a title search will be conducted, property line boundaries will be established, and a final walk-through will be executed.

Title Report

A title report is a document that will show the past and present ownership status, the interest being conveyed, and any encumbrances affecting the property in question. This report is provided while in escrow. If there are any issues regarding the title, they will be addressed in escrow.

Inspections

A home inspection, although not always mandatory, is always highly recommended. The condition of the property is not always obvious to the average home buyer. Damage can be covered up, and you could be stuck with thousands of dollars worth of repairs. If issues do come, they will be addressed while in escrow. In Hawaii, termites are a consistent issue. Most lenders will require a termite inspection report showing that the property is in good standing without any current termite problems before they will fund the mortgage loan. Your agent will keep you informed and suggest termite companies. Typically, the termite inspection is paid by the seller.

Property Boundaries

Property’s boundaries marked to show any potential encroachments on the property. There are two ways that this can be achieved, staking or surveying. You will want to talk with your agent to determine which option (if any) is best for your specific situation.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Most lenders require homeowner’s insurance to cover fire and weather damages, which will not only protect you from loss, but the lender as well. You may want to ask your lender about recommended insurance plans that cater to homes in Kauai.

The Final Walk-Through

The home buyer has the option, but not the requirement for a final inspection of the property prior to closing to satisfy any concerns over the property’s condition or maintenance since the offer was made. On occasion, the escrow process can take longer than expected so it is always a good idea to inspect the property one last time before closing.

Closing

Time to cross your T’s and dot your I’s because this home is almost yours! Once all the funds have been transferred and the documents completed, the conveyance paperwork will be sent to the State of Hawaii Bureau of Conveyance for recording. Upon recording you will become the new owner!

For more information on buying a home, please contact a Ocean Rock agent today.

Search ALL Kauai Real Estate

Kauai Real Estate, has so much to offer. If you are looking for a Kauai home or condo, Ocean Rock Properties can find the perfect fit for you. As a full time real estate agent  located in the heart of Kauai, I can offer the professional, timely, and quality service that only a full time agent could provide.  Kauai is a vacation hotspot for a reason, and with all its beauty, why not make it your backyard!

Now is such a great time to buy a home in Kauai. Please contact Cory Beadle, Realtor(S) to schedule a showing or obtain further details of these wonderful Kauai properties for sale.

Cory Beadle R(S)
808-482-4276
Cory@findinghawaii.com

Kauai Property Search: Kauai Real Estate
Contact an agent click here

Your Tax Map Key

Home owners should know their tax map key number, do you?  Your home is considered “Real property” and is mapped and indexed numerically according to a map or “tax map”  this system will identify your property with specific numbers for a specific area. Any questions or concerns regarding your property should be referenced using the tax map key.

How can I find my Tax Map Key?

Go to: http://www.kauaipropertytax.com.Use their Property Search feature to find your tax map key. You can use your address and other info to obtain your tax map key / parcel ID.

For customer service you will want to contact Kauai County Real Property Assessment office.

Building a Home on Kauai

So you want to build your home in paradise! Building a home does not have to be difficult, but education is key. Knowing the in’s and out’s of Kauai’s legislature is important to avoid potential pitfalls in your dream. Follow the steps to success!

On Kauai, Ron Darvil from Kauai’s Building Division is the man to talk to. After brief phone interview with him  he had this to say;

” 99 out of 100 people would rather have a root canal then have to go through permitting process. It costs money, and takes time!”

But Ron thinks you should follow your dream, and he is here to help make this a smooth process. This man should receive the County’s employee of the decade award. He has helped countless people get through this process in record time. Filling out the permit correctly and getting all the proper signatures can be a daunting task that can become confusing, and you need someone like Ron to help pull you through the mess.

Ron insists that before you get ahead of yourself, make sure that what you want to do is even possible.

If you are on a vacant peace of land first go to the planning department and bring your tax map key. Tell them you want to build “this” structure on “this” land, is that ok? Ask them what the set backs are on this property? What  height restrictions are there for this land? Want am I able to build, what is restricted? If the planning department gives you the OK, you might want to go to “flood review” and see if your in a flood zone. If you are, find out your options. Next you should go to the water department and see if they can supply your property with water. There has been times that the department cannot get water to a specific area for over a year! Don’t let that be you.

Contact Ron Darvil – Building Division: 808-241-4877

Regardless what your motivation is, the process to building a home stays the same.

Step 1: Plan

You need to decide what type of home you want to build. This will require some research, different style homes come with different price tags. You will need to compute your building costs and decide if you need a construction loan. If you do need a loan, will you qualify? Before you go any further in your dream for building a home, talk with a lender and determine if you can get funding. Typically you will first get a construction loan, and then upon completion you will want to get a mortgage with a lower interest rate. It is important to contact a local lender for more information.

Historically, the largest cost involving the building process will be the purchase of land. On Kauai, there are numerous lots for sale of all shapes, sizes, and prices. The difficult task may be finding a lot in your price range located in the area you desire. It’s time for more research.

You can search for Kauai land for sale on our website: Kauai Real Estate. Your Realtor at Finding Hawaii Realty can help you with the search. To schedule an appointment contact Cory Beadle R(S) at 808-482-4276 or Cory@findinghawaii.com

Once you get approval from a lender and have found a potential spot for your home, you should have a conversation with multiple contractors. Ask them to see prices on past projects that they have completed. Ask for contact info for the owner of that home. Pull as much information as you can from each contractor and decide who will be best for the job. Remember to discuss different styles and building techniques that will affect your budget.

Step 2: Kauai Building Permit

Once you have your land and you are ready to build you new home, it is time to file paperwork with the County’s Building Division. The Kauai Building Permit can be found HERE

You will need to decide if you are going to build the home yourself, or hire a licensed contractor. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Do your homework and decide what is best for you. Keep in mind that Hawaii has a set of their own rules and regulations that you will need to follow. Make your you are up to date on them so there are no issues down the line that could cost you time and money.

When you apply for a building permit you will need to submit multiple copies of your blueprints for your home. These drawings should be completed by a professional. Even if you complete them yourself, they will need to be stamped by a structural engineer. The blueprints will include all the specifications that are required through the whole permitting process. They will include plans for foundation, framing, structural information, electrical, plumbing, etc.

If you will be clearing a large area to prepare it for building you will need a separate permit for that call a “grubbing and grading permit”. You can find these permits for Kauai HERE.

Your Completed Building Permit

After your plans have been submitted to the County Building, it will take some time to hear back. The plans will go to multiple department offices for approval. The departments include, but are not limited to the Planning Department, Engineering Department, Water, Electrical, and Waste-water, Fire, and Flood Departments.

You can expect to wait up to six months, or as quickly as two months for all of the department approvals and to have your permit issued. This all depends on the completeness of the application and the delay that easy department causes with your application. With technology today you can actually track your permit status online as it moves through each department. To do this, you will want to go HERE

Step 3: Kauai Architects

It is always a good idea to use a local architect. They know the local regulations and laws that a out of state architect would not necessarily know. On Kauai there are height restrictions that you must be mindful of as well as other laws not found in other states or counties. Should you decide to go with an out of state architect, I would highly recommend having a local architect review the plans once completed for any potential problems.

Architects can truly save you money in the long run. They know what to watch out for, and they have the experience to recognize a problem before it occurs. If you have a budget, they are also good about working with it in mind to help you from going over your ideal budget.
To search for a Kauai Architect click HERE..

Step 4: Kauai General Contractors

Due to this depressed market, there are many more contractors seeking work at lower rates then in years past. With that in mind, do not settle for anything but the best. Once you find the best, put your negotiator hat on and do your best to lower your expenses. Everything in real estate is negotiable, if you’re buying, selling or building, you can negotiate just about everything. Make sure you check past projects and ask for contact info for at least the past five owners they have worked with. To search for a General Contractor go HERE.

Hiring a top notch local contractor is very important. The contractor will have their own list of qualified, hard working subcontractors. Quality construction AND timely completion is not always easy to find. Once you hire your General Contractor, he will handle all of the building details while keeping you updated and informed. Be sure to work with a contractor who gives you constant updates.

Enjoy Your New Home!

For information on Zoning ordinances please visit Kauai’s Planning Department website HERE.

Kauai Legislature Changes

1. Changes to ADU (additional dwelling unit) allowances for properties zoned agriculture
2. Act 48 foreclosure reform bill
3. Kauai building height restrictions
4. Zoning Ordinances
5. Residential permitting

It is important to stay up to date on all Kauai legislature changes. Contact the County Building for any specific questions you may have.  They are a great source for quality and accurate information.

Why Choose Kauai?

Well, there is something magical about this island that nothing can be compared to. It is not just by luck that it is nicknamed “the garden island”. The beauty of Kauai by far, surpasses what the neighbor islands have to offer. Invest in Kauai real estate and wake up to the sight of emerald green mountains, overflowing with the most beautiful and exotic plants on earth.  The powerful ocean, that you can see practically see around every corner you turn as you make your way down the highway.  You will never feel stressed as you explore the island; there are not traffic jams and five lane highways to navigate. On Kauai there is no such this as the typical never-ending rush of cars as you simply turn out of your driveway, as you might experience elsewhere. Kauai is the picture of peacefulness that is priceless. Move to Kauai where every day for the rest of your life, you will wake up in paradise, where every day is beautiful.

Aside from the obvious beauty, there are so many wonderful things about the island that are waiting to be discovered. People will not let you be lonely, the aloha spirit is overflowing on this island. It is not unusual to be invited to a family get-together by someone that you just met.  People want to make you feel welcome. Communities are closely knit together and supportive.

Children and adults alike are given a natural playground, waiting to be explored. From hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, to a simple day on the beach – Kauai is waiting for you. Investing in your own slice of Kauai is the ultimate investment. The endless list of features that make Kauai an ideal place to live tops any other destination. Don’t delay, find your own piece of paradise by searching our website at Kauai Real Estate.

Related Kauai Real Estate Blogs

• Search Kauai MLS
• Kauai Property Tax
• Hawaii VA Loans
• What is a FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan
• Pre-qualifying for a Loan

Now is such a great time to buy Kauai real estate. Please contact Cory Beadle, Realtor(S) to schedule a showing or obtain further details on these wonderful properties.

Aloha!

Cory Beadle R(S)
808-482-4276
cory@findinghawaii.com