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Buyer's A Complete Guide for Mainland Buyers Looking at Hawaii Real Estate Leasehold Properties A Complete Guide for Mainland Buyers Looking at Hawaii Real Estate July 2026 A leasehold property means you purchase the home or condominium, but you do not own the land underneath it. Instead, the land is owned by another party (called the lessor), and you purchase the right to use that land for a specific […]
Buyer's Buyer’s Strategy Session: Why Every Home Buyer Should Know! Why Every Home Buyer Should Meet With a Realtor Before Looking at Homes Short Answer: A Buyer’s Strategy Session is a one-on-one consultation that helps you understand the home buying process, clarify your goals, avoid costly mistakes (red flags), and create a customized strategic plan before you start touring homes. It saves time, reduces stress, […]
Buyer's Can My Realtor Refer Me to Another State? A Guide for Buyers and Sellers The Short Answer: Yes—And It May Be One of the Smartest Real Estate Decisions You Make. If you’re buying or selling a home in another state, your REALTOR® can absolutely refer you to a trusted real estate professional in your destination market. In fact, asking your REALTOR® for a referral is often the safest, easiest, […]
Seller's What Is the “Main” Goal of a Listing Agent? Short answer: A listing agent is not a wizard—but they are a strategist, marketer, negotiator, and protector of your equity. Their job is to take something deeply personal and turn it into a high-performing asset in the marketplace, so you can sell: Faster Smarter And with confidence Because the goal isn’t just to sell your […]
Seller's Do You Really Need a REALTOR® to Sell Your Home? Why a Full-Service, Trusted Agent Still Matters — Even in the Age of AI Short answer: Yes — if your goal is to protect your equity, reduce risk, and maximize your outcome. With the rise of AI tools and flat-fee listing services, many homeowners are asking: 👉 “Can I just sell my home myself or […]
Seller's Flood Insurance in Hawai‘i…What to know after the storm? Flood Insurance in Hawai‘i: What to Know After the Recent Kona Low Storms Recent Kona Low storms have brought intense rain, flooding, and property damage across Hawai‘i. For many homeowners, this has raised an important and often overlooked question: “Am I actually covered for flood damage?” The reality is—most homeowners are not. Understanding Flood Insurance […]
Buyer's What Is Considered “Bad Credit” When Buying a Home? What Is Considered “Bad Credit” When Buying a Home? Mortgage lenders evaluate credit using your FICO score, along with your overall financial profile. General guidelines: 740+ → Excellent (best rates) 680–739 → Good 620–679 → Fair (still loan-eligible for many programs) Below 620 → More limited options, but not impossible According to the Consumer Financial […]
Buyer's What Happens When Interest Rates Drop? What Happens When Interest Rates Drop? Why Buyers Should Prepare for Competition Before It Happens Many buyers today are waiting for one thing before entering the housing market: lower interest rates. It’s an understandable strategy. Mortgage rates have risen significantly compared to the historic lows seen in 2020–2021. Lower rates would improve affordability and reduce […]
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Buyer's The Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming “Buy-Ready” The Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming “Buy-Ready” in Today’s Market Buying a home — especially in Hawaiʻi — requires preparation, strategy, and financial clarity. In competitive markets, serious buyers are the ones who are fully prepared before they step into a showing. Below is a practical, step-by-step roadmap to help you become truly buy-ready, with a […]
Buyer's How Interest Rates Affect Home buying Behavior What Happens When Interest Rates Drop — And Why Waiting Can Trigger Bidding Wars Many homebuyers tell themselves they’ll wait to purchase a home until interest rates drop. It’s a reasonable thought — lower mortgage rates mean lower monthly payments, right? While that’s true, history shows that when rates fall, it can create intense demand, […]
About me A Grounded Approach to Real Estate Advisory A Different Kind of Real Estate Advisor Most people don’t need more noise when they’re making a big move. They need someone calm in the middle of the chaos—someone who can translate the market, not just chase it. That’s the role I’ve built my entire real estate practice around. I work with thoughtful buyers and […]
Buyer's First-Time Homebuyer Programs on Oʻahu: A 2026 Guide for Honolulu Buyers First-Time Homebuyer Programs on Oʻahu: Which Ones Actually Help in Honolulu County?   Quick answer: Yes, first-time buyers on Oʻahu do have real help available in 2026, including the State’s Hale Kamaʻāina mortgage program, HHOC counseling and down payment support options, and Honolulu’s 0%-interest Down Payment Loan Program. But the best fit depends on your […]
Seller's What to know about your Home Owners Exemption in Honolulu Hawaii Understanding the Home Exemption in Honolulu County, Hawaiʻi Last updated April 2026 What Every Oʻahu Homeowner Should Know (and Share) If you own a home on Oʻahu, there’s a good chance you qualify for a valuable property tax benefit—but many homeowners either don’t know about it or aren’t sure if they’re receiving it correctly. The […]
Seller's How to Choose a Top REALTOR® to List and Sell Your Home in Oʻahu How to Choose a Top REALTOR® to List and Sell Your Home in Oʻahu When you’re preparing to sell a home, your listing agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — not only for the price you receive, but for the entire experience from listing to closing. Here’s a reliable, practical guide […]
Buyer's Using Your Military BAH to Buy a Home in Hawaiʻi: What You Need to Know Using Your Military BAH to Buy a Home in Hawaiʻi: What You Need to Know For many service members stationed in Hawaiʻi, housing is one of the biggest monthly expenses—and one of the biggest opportunities. Your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is not just money for rent. With the right strategy, it can be a […]
Buyer's Short Sale in Hawaii Short Sales on Oʻahu: What You Need to Know and How the Process Works If you’ve been hearing the term “short sale” more often lately, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and buyers in today’s market have questions about what a short sale is, how it works, and whether it could be the right option for […]
Buyer's Real Estate Trends & How Buyers Are Using AI The Rise of AI in Real Estate Information Search A major trend shaping consumer behavior in 2025 is the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) for real estate research and decision-making. According to a Realtor.com® survey conducted in August 2025: 82% of Americans report using AI tools to gather information about the housing market—an adoption […]

Tara K. Chong Kee, REALTOR
Century 21 Island Homes

Realtortarahi.com is operated by Tara K. Chong Kee, a licensed Hawaii Real Estate agent, Military Relocation Professional, Short Sale and Forclosure Resource, and Pricing Strategy Advisor specializing in Kailua - Aikahi/Maunawili/Coconut Groove/Keolu Hills, Aiea - Pearlridge, Kapolei - Ho'opili, and surrounding Oʻahu communities.

91-1105 Keaunui Dr #520,

Ewa Beach, HI 96706

tel: +1 (808) 551.6426
e-mail: tara@c21islandhomes.com

website: www.realtortarahi.com

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