About me • February 7, 2026

A Grounded Approach to Real Estate Advisory

by Tara Chong Kee

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 sellers who care about the long game. They’re not looking for the fastest deal at any cost; they want to know that the decisions they make about home, location, and lifestyle will still feel right years from now. My job is to be their grounded guide through that process.

Who I Am (and Who I’m Not)

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by high-pressure sales tactics, endless urgency, or “act now or miss out” messaging, you’re in the right place.

I am:

Calm – I bring steadiness and emotional regulation to every conversation and negotiation.
Analytical – I study the numbers, trends, and nuances so you don’t have to guess.
Discerning – I’d rather help you make one excellent move than rush you into three mediocre ones.
Warm – I care about how your life actually feels inside the home you choose.
Discreet – I protect your privacy and handle your information with care.

I am not the “hustle at all costs” agent. I don’t scream about deals on social media, and I don’t measure my value by how many transactions I can cram into a month. I measure it by how grounded my clients feel in the decisions they make.

What I Promise My Clients

Every client, every time, can count on three promises from me:

Long‑term thinking
I will always help you think beyond the next 6–12 months. We’ll talk about how this move fits your life in 5–10 years—your career, family, lifestyle, and financial goals. I don’t just help you buy or sell a property; I help you position yourself for your next chapters.
No drama
Real estate doesn’t have to be chaotic. I focus on clear communication, realistic expectations, and calm problem‑solving. My role is to simplify and de‑escalate, not add stress. When emotions run high, I’m the steady voice that helps you move forward with clarity.
Clarity in complexity
Markets can be confusing. Headlines can be scary. Contracts can be dense. I translate all of that into straightforward choices and clear trade‑offs. You’ll always know what you’re deciding, why it matters, and what your options are.

How I Work With You

Our work together is advisory, not transactional. Here’s what that looks like:

We start with a deep conversation, not a sales pitch. I want to understand your life, timing, constraints, and hopes before we talk strategy.
We walk through the market slowly and honestly. I’ll show you the data, explain what it actually means, and help you see where the opportunities and risks are for you specifically.
We move at a pace that respects both the market and your nervous system. When we need to act decisively, we will—but never at the expense of your clarity.
After the closing, I stay in your corner. I’m here for check‑ins, questions, and future decisions, whether that’s staying put, renovating, upsizing, downsizing, or exploring a second location.

My business is intentionally built on repeat and referral relationships. That means I’m invested in how you feel about this decision long after the ink dries.

Who I’m the Right Fit For

You’ll likely feel at home with me if:

You’re thoughtful, intentional, and not interested in being “sold.”
You appreciate context, data, and frameworks for decision‑making.
You want an advisor who will tell you when not to move forward, not just when to say yes.
You’re drawn to calm, grounded energy rather than hype and pressure.

If you just want the fastest possible deal, any deal, at any price—I’m probably not your person. If you want a grounded partner in one of the biggest decisions of your life, we may be an excellent match.

An Invitation

If you’re sitting with a move—whether it’s soon or still a few years away—and you want someone to help you think it through, I offer a “Grounded Move Session.” It’s a focused conversation where we look at your situation, your market, and your options without any pressure to make a decision on the spot.

From there, we can decide together whether it makes sense to keep working together.

If this way of approaching real estate resonates with you, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s connect soon. 🙂

Buyer's • February 1, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Programs on Oʻahu: A 2026 Guide for Honolulu Buyers

by Tara Chong Kee

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 income, cash on hand, and whether you’re buying a condo or house.

What matters most? | Program to look at first:

Need help with upfront cash → Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program
Want a lower fixed mortgage rate → HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina
Veteran or active duty → VA loan first, then compare
Not ready yet / need guidance → Homebuyer education + counseling first

Last updated: April 2026

Program	Best For	Down Payment Help	Rate / Loan Type	Key Catch	Oʻahu Relevance
HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program	Buyers who want a 30-year fixed mortgage with a potentially lower-than-market rate	Optional DPA available through the program structure	HHFDC describes it as a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage offered through participating lenders; public HHFDC FAQ materials list sample rates for government and conventional loans.	Must use a participating lender, meet income and purchase-price limits, and complete homebuyer education.	Very relevant for Oʻahu buyers because it is statewide and specifically usable in Honolulu County.
Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program	Buyers who are short on upfront cash but can handle the monthly payment	Up to $40,000 as a 0% interest loan.	Second loan for down payment assistance; Honolulu brochure says it is amortized over 20 years at 0% interest.	Income limits apply, property must be on Oʻahu, and homebuyer education is required.	Extremely relevant because it is Oʻahu-only and directly targets Honolulu County buyers.
Hawaii HomeOwnership Center (HHOC) Education / Counseling	Buyers who are not fully ready yet and need prep, education, or help understanding options	Not the primary mortgage itself, but can be part of the path to assistance programs	Education and counseling rather than the first mortgage product; HHFDC also requires homebuyer education for Hale Kamaʻāina.	Does not replace lender approval or program eligibility.	Important because many Oʻahu buyers need the course anyway before moving forward with assistance options.
OHA Access to Home Ownership (AHO)	Eligible Native Hawaiian buyers seeking lower upfront cash needs	Public descriptions say down payment can be as low as 3% and PMI may be avoided in qualifying cases.	Program support tied to lender participation and OHA-related eligibility structure.	Narrower eligibility than the other options.	Relevant on Oʻahu, but only for a specific buyer group.
VA Loan	Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses	Often 0% down for eligible borrowers.	VA-backed mortgage through approved lenders.	Must have VA eligibility; funding fee may apply unless exempt.	Huge on Oʻahu because of the military population; often the first option military buyers should compare against local assistance programs.
FHA / HomeReady / Home Possible	Buyers with lower down payment needs who do not fit VA or local assistance	Often as low as 3%–3.5% down depending on the loan.	National loan products accessed through lenders.	These are not Hawaiʻi-specific and may still leave the buyer with a tough monthly payment on Oʻahu. This is an inference based on Oʻahu housing costs and the fact that these programs mainly address financing structure, not local affordability.	Relevant as comparison options, but they do not provide the same Oʻahu-specific assistance angle as Honolulu or HHFDC programs.

Buying your first home in Hawaiʻi—especially on Oʻahu—can feel overwhelming. Between high home prices, down payment requirements, and understanding loan options, many first-time buyers assume homeownership is out of reach.

The good news?

There are statewide and Honolulu County programs specifically designed to help first-time buyers get into a home with lower down payments, competitive interest rates, and educational support.

the Hale Kamaʻāina sample rates shown in the FAQ PDF: 5.40% / 5.65% government loans and 5.70% / 5.95% conventional, depending on DPA
the February 18, 2026 incentive: up to $3,000 more for the first 35 homebuyers
Honolulu DPL current cap: $40,000, 0% interest, 20-year amortization, and listed income limits from the 2025 brochure

Which program may fit you best on Oʻahu?

Lowest cash-to-close focus: Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program
Looking for below-market fixed rates: HHFDC Hale Kamaʻāina
Need education and prep before applying: HHOC workshops/counseling
Eligible Native Hawaiian buyer: OHA-related homeownership support
Military or veteran buyer: VA loan may beat many first-time-buyer options

What First-Time Buyers on Oʻahu Get Wrong About “Help”

Most first-time buyers on Oʻahu assume the biggest hurdle is the down payment. Sometimes it is. But in real life, that is usually only part of the problem.

On Oʻahu, the bigger issue is often the full monthly cost of ownership: mortgage payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and—especially for condos—monthly HOA dues. That means a buyer who gets down payment help may still feel stretched if they focus only on getting into escrow instead of what the payment looks like after closing.

That is why the smartest way to use first-time homebuyer programs in Hawaiʻi is not to ask, “What program can I qualify for?” It is to ask, “Which option helps me buy comfortably on Oʻahu without becoming house-poor?”

Here is the practical breakdown:

If your biggest problem is cash to close, Honolulu’s Down Payment Loan Program may be worth a look because it offers up to $40,000 as a 0% interest loan for eligible buyers on Oʻahu.
If your biggest problem is today’s mortgage rate, the State’s Hale Kamaʻāina program may be more valuable because it offers 30-year fixed-rate financing and optional down payment help through participating lenders. HHFDC says the program launched with below-market rates, and in its public materials it says buyers may save about $300 to $400 per month depending on loan type and assistance used.
If you are still early in the process, HHOC-style prep matters more than people think, because several programs require homebuyer education before you can move forward. HHFDC’s program also requires a homebuyer education course.

My Oʻahu-first rule for buyers

Before you chase a program, answer these three questions:

How much cash do you actually have today?
What monthly payment feels safe, not just possible?
Are you buying a condo with HOA dues or a single-family home?

That last question matters a lot more on Oʻahu than buyers expect. A program that helps you with the down payment is useful, but it does not erase the reality of a high monthly payment if the condo fee is large or insurance and taxes push the number up.

Why this matters right now

This is also a good moment to write about these programs because the State’s Hale Kamaʻāina program is still relatively new. HHFDC announced it in December 2025, then added an incentive in February 2026 offering the first 35 buyers who close up to $3,000 more for closing costs, pre-paids, and reserves.

The simplest way to think about it

For many first-time buyers on Oʻahu, the path looks like this:

education first → lender conversation second → program matching third → home search fourth

That sounds basic, but most buyers do it backward. They start shopping for homes before they know whether they qualify for a city loan, a state-backed mortgage, a VA loan, or a lower-down-payment conventional option. The result is wasted time and a lot of frustration.

Other Questions:

What credit score do I need for a first-time homebuyer program in Hawaii? At least 580 depending on type of loan, like VA or FHA, but really 620 is better with a clean credit report and DTI ratio of 35% or less.
Is a VA loan better than a Hawaii first-time buyer program? Depends, on your financial situation. Do you have money for a down payment and still have enough savings tucked away for 6 months of emergency? What first time home buyer programs do you qualify for? Speaking to a licensed financial advisor and mortgage broker will help you make the best decision before moving forward.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use the Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program? Eligibility: Must be a first-time homebuyer (not owned a home in 3 years).

Link to other questions:

buyer’s closing costs on Oʻahu
condo vs. single-family on Oʻahu
VA loans / military relocation pages
first-time buyer tips
neighborhoods for starter homes
affordability / monthly payment calculators

Final Thoughts

Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that multiple programs can sometimes be combined, depending on eligibility. The key is understanding:

Which programs you qualify for
The order of steps (education → lender → application)
How assistance impacts your monthly payment and long-term goals

This is where having the right guidance early makes a difference. Speak to your REALTOR they can advise you in the right direction to start the process.

Thus, if you are thinking about buying your first home on Oʻahu? I can help you figure out which programs may fit your situation, connect you with local lenders who understand these options, and help you avoid wasting time on programs you may not qualify for.

Text/call [808.551.6426] and tell me:

your price range
whether you’re military/veteran or civilian
how much cash you have saved

Seller's • January 31, 2026

What to know about your Home Owners Exemption in Honolulu Hawaii

by Tara Chong Kee

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 Honolulu County Home Exemption can significantly reduce your property taxes each year by lowering the taxable value of your primary residence. Understanding how it works, who qualifies, and how to apply can save you real money—and help you make smarter long-term decisions as a homeowner.

As a local REALTOR® who works closely with homeowners across Oʻahu, I believe education is one of the most powerful tools you can have. Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is the Honolulu Home Exemption?

The Home Exemption is a property tax relief program offered by the City & County of Honolulu. If your home is your principal residence, the exemption reduces the assessed value of your property before property taxes are calculated.

In simple terms:
👉 Lower assessed value = lower property taxes

This exemption applies only to owner-occupied primary residences, not rental or investment properties.

How Much Is the Home Exemption?

For tax years beginning July 1, 2025 and beyond:

$120,000 exemption for homeowners under age 65
$160,000 exemption for homeowners 65 years or older (as long as you turn 65 by June 30 preceding the tax year)

These exemption amounts are deducted from your home’s assessed value before the tax rate is applied.

Example:
If your home is assessed at $1,000,000 and you qualify for the $120,000 exemption, your property taxes are calculated on $880,000, not the full value.

Who Qualifies for the Home Exemption?

To qualify in Honolulu County, you must:

✔ Own the property
✔ Occupy it as your principal residence
✔ Live in the home for more than 270 days per year
✔ Have ownership recorded with the State of Hawaiʻi Bureau of Conveyances
✔ File the exemption claim by the required deadline

Once approved, the exemption typically continues automatically each year, unless your ownership or occupancy changes.

Important Deadline to Know

🗓 September 30 is the key deadline.

You must file your Home Exemption claim by September 30 preceding the tax year you’re applying for. Missing the deadline usually means you’ll pay higher property taxes for the entire year.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Hawaiʻi is often cited as having relatively low property tax rates—but that doesn’t mean homeowners should overlook available exemptions.

With rising home values across Oʻahu, assessed values have increased for many homeowners. The Home Exemption helps offset those increases and keeps ownership more affordable over time.

This is especially important for:

First-time homeowners
Long-term residents
Kūpuna (seniors)
Military families transitioning to civilian ownership

How to Apply for the Home Exemption

You’ll need:

Home Exemption Claim Form (BFS-RPA-E-8-10.3)
Proof of ownership and occupancy
Government-issued ID (with your property address)
Your property’s TMK (Tax Map Key)

Applications can be submitted:

Online
By mail
In person at Honolulu or Kapolei RPAD offices

Final Thoughts

The Home Exemption is one of the simplest yet most impactful tools available to Oʻahu homeowners—but only if it’s applied correctly.

If you’re unsure whether:

You qualify
Your exemption is active
You’re receiving the correct amount
Or how this ties into selling or buying a home

I’m always happy to help.

📞 Call or text me anytime, or send me a message—I’m here to make sure you’re informed and protected as a homeowner in Hawaiʻi.

Seller's • January 25, 2026

How to Choose a Top REALTOR® to List and Sell Your Home in Oʻahu

by Tara Chong Kee

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 to help you choose a great REALTOR® to list and sell your Oʻahu home.

1. Choose Someone With Deep Local Market Knowledge

A top REALTOR® should know Oʻahu neighborhoods inside and out — not just statewide trends. This expertise allows for accurate pricing and realistic expectations based on recent comparable sales in your community.

2. Look for Proven Communication Skills

Effective communication is one of the most important predictors of a smooth selling process. You want an agent who:

Responds promptly
Explains every step clearly
Keeps you informed of offers, deadlines, and negotiations

Strong communication prevents surprises and builds confidence at every stage.

3. Verify Their Track Record

An agent’s past performance matters. Ask for:

Recent sales history
Average days on market
Sale-to-list price ratios
Past client testimonials

A strong track record shows an agent knows how to position and sell homes effectively.

4. Assess Their Negotiation Skills

Selling a home often includes counteroffers, multiple offers, inspection negotiations, and closing terms. Top agents are strategic negotiators who protect your interests and help you secure the best possible outcome.

5. Evaluate Their Professionalism and Ethics

Your REALTOR® must operate with integrity and always prioritize your goals. Being honest, ethical, and client-first helps avoid conflict and fosters trust. Real estate professionals with strong ethical practices are far more likely to advocate effectively on your behalf.

6. Look for Availability and Responsiveness

Real estate moves fast and timing can impact your bottom line. Your agent should be:

Accessible
Responsive
Proactive

If an agent is inconsistent or slow to respond early in your relationship, that can be a red flag.

7. Examine Their Marketing Strategy

Selling a home today requires a strategic marketing approach that goes beyond the MLS listing. A great agent uses:

Professional photography and staging
Targeted digital and social media marketing
Email campaigns
Open houses and broker outreach

Strong marketing increases visibility and brings qualified buyers to your property.

8. Choose Someone Who Listens to You

Your REALTOR® should listen to your goals and tailor a strategy to meet them — not push their agenda. The right agent takes time to understand your priorities and customize the process accordingly.

9. Prioritize Professional Development and Credentials

Top agents often hold advanced certifications and designations — such as Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), or short-sale/foreclosure credentials — that reflect specialized training and commitment to excellence.

10. Choose Someone You Trust and Respect

At the end of the day, selling a home is an emotional and financial process. You want someone you trust, can communicate with comfortably, and who consistently advocates for you.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a top REALTOR® to list and sell your home in Oʻahu requires careful thought, research, and a willingness to ask questions. The agent you hire should demonstrate:

Market expertise
Strong communication
Professionalism
Proven performance
A tailored strategy for your goals

If you want help evaluating your options — or if you’re ready to list your home — I’d love to speak with you and provide a personalized plan for your sale.

Buyer's • January 24, 2026

Using Your Military BAH to Buy a Home in Hawaiʻi: What You Need to Know

by Tara Chong Kee

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 powerful tool to help you purchase a home, build equity, and create long-term financial stability while you’re stationed here on Oʻahu.

As a REALTOR® who works with military clients and understands the local market, I want to walk you through how BAH, financing, and pre-approval all work together when buying a home in Hawaiʻi.

What Is BAH and How Does It Apply to Homeownership?

BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a tax-free housing allowance provided to eligible active-duty service members to help cover housing costs when government housing is not provided.

Key facts about BAH:

It is based on rank, dependency status, and duty station ZIP code
It is intended to cover average housing costs (rent or mortgage, utilities, etc.)
It can be used toward rent or a mortgage payment
Lenders can use BAH as qualifying income when you apply for a home loan

In practical terms, this means your BAH can help you qualify for a mortgage and offset your monthly payment instead of going toward rent.

Why Many Military Buyers in Hawaiʻi Choose to Purchase Instead of Rent

Hawaiʻi is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. Many service members find that:

Monthly rent can be equal to or higher than a mortgage payment
Renting builds no equity
Buying allows you to use your BAH to invest in your future
PCS orders don’t necessarily mean selling—you may later convert the home into a rental

For some military families, buying while stationed on Oʻahu becomes the first step toward long-term wealth building.

VA Loans: A Powerful Benefit for Military Buyers

Most service members use their VA loan benefit when purchasing a home. VA loans offer several advantages:

No down payment required (in most cases)
No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Competitive interest rates
More flexible credit guidelines
Limits on certain closing costs charged to the buyer

Combined with BAH, this often allows military buyers to purchase with significantly less cash out of pocket than civilian buyers.

Why Pre-Approval Should Always Be Your First Step

When you want to buy something, it all comes down to money. That’s why your home-buying journey should always begin with a pre-approval, not with open houses.

Starting with open houses before understanding your numbers often leads to disappointment, frustration, and heartache.

A proper pre-approval helps you:

Discuss and understand your loan options and realistic budget
Have your credit reviewed and address any issues early
Know the maximum amount you can borrow, which defines your price range
Be ready to make an offer immediately when the right home appears
Compete more strongly against other buyers
Show sellers that your offer is legitimate and financeable
Potentially lock in your rate for up to 90 days, protecting you from market changes

In a competitive market like Oʻahu, buyers without pre-approval are almost always passed over.

Not Ready for a Full Pre-Approval? Consider Pre-Qualification

If you are early in the process and just gathering information, a pre-qualification can be a good starting point.

A pre-qualification:

Gives you a rough estimate of affordability
Does not require a hard credit pull
Helps guide your early home search
Is lower commitment than a full pre-approval

It’s often the right first step for service members who are still months away from PCS or unsure about timing.

What You’ll Need for Pre-Approval

When you’re ready for a true pre-approval, lenders will typically request:

Proof of income (LES statements)
Verification of employment
Proof of assets (bank statements)
Credit check
Identification (Social Security number, driver’s license, current address)

This is standard and helps ensure your approval is accurate and reliable.

Not All Lenders Are Equal—Especially for VA Buyers

One important point many military buyers don’t realize:
Different lenders may approve you for different amounts and offer different terms.

Some lenders are highly experienced with:

VA loans
Military income (including BAH)
PCS timelines
Oʻahu property types (condos, leasehold, CPRs, etc.)

Others are not.

If you’d like guidance, I can recommend lenders I’ve worked with who understand VA financing and the Hawaiʻi market well.

How I Support Military Buyers on Oʻahu

Buying in Hawaiʻi—especially with VA financing—requires local expertise. I help military clients with:

Understanding how BAH applies to buying power
Timing purchases around PCS orders
Identifying properties that meet VA appraisal standards
Navigating condo approvals and building eligibility
Writing competitive offers
Planning for future resale or rental strategies

Every buyer’s situation is different, and military purchases are never “one-size-fits-all.”

Final Thoughts

Your BAH is more than just a housing allowance—it can be a tool for long-term financial growth when used strategically. The key is starting with the right foundation: education, pre-approval, and guidance from professionals who understand both the military lifestyle and the Hawaiʻi market.

If you have questions about:

How much you might qualify for
Whether buying makes sense for your PCS timeline
VA loan details
Using BAH toward homeownership
Where to start

I’m always happy to help. Reach out anytime for a conversation.

Buyer's • January 24, 2026

Short Sale in Hawaii

by Tara Chong Kee

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 them.

As a local REALTOR® here on Oʻahu, I want to break this down clearly so you can understand the process and make informed decisions.

What Is a Short Sale?

A short sale occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, and the lender agrees to accept the reduced payoff instead of requiring the full balance.

This situation typically arises when:

Property values have declined since the owner purchased
The homeowner is experiencing financial hardship
The homeowner needs to sell but does not have enough equity to cover the loan balance and closing costs

A short sale is not automatic. The lender must approve the terms of the sale, including the price, fees, and any credits involved.

How the Short Sale Process Works in Hawaiʻi

Short sales require more documentation and patience than traditional sales. The typical process looks like this:

Seller Financial Review
The homeowner must submit financial documentation to the lender (hardship letter, income, bank statements, etc.) to demonstrate the need for a short sale.
Property Listed on the Market
The home is listed for sale just like a traditional property, often priced based on market conditions and lender guidelines.
Offer Accepted (Subject to Lender Approval)
The seller can accept an offer from a buyer, but the transaction does not move forward until the lender reviews and approves the contract.
Lender Review and Negotiation
The lender evaluates:
- Purchase price
- Net proceeds to the bank
- Closing costs
- Commissions
- Buyer credits
- Any short sale facilitation fees
This is where many delays can occur, and where professional negotiation matters most.

An Important Buyer Protection You Should Know

One key provision that often appears in short sale transactions is:

If the lender does not approve the 3% credit, the buyer’s obligation to proceed and to pay any short sale facilitation fee is terminated.

What does this mean in plain language?

It means that if the buyer and seller agree to a 3% credit (often toward closing costs), but the lender refuses to approve that credit, the buyer is not obligated to move forward with the purchase and does not have to pay any short sale facilitation fee. This protects buyers from being financially obligated when lender approval terms change.

This is why careful contract wording and experienced representation are essential in short sale transactions.

Are Short Sales Good Opportunities for Buyers?

Short sales can sometimes offer value, but they are not always “bargain deals.” Buyers should be aware that:

Approval timelines can take weeks or months
The property is usually sold as-is
The lender has full authority over final terms
Competing offers may still occur

That said, with the right guidance, short sales can present opportunities for well-prepared buyers.

Should Sellers Consider a Short Sale?

For homeowners who owe more than their property is worth, a short sale can:

Help avoid foreclosure
Minimize long-term credit damage compared to foreclosure
Provide a more controlled exit strategy
Allow for a dignified, structured sale process

However, it is not the right solution for every homeowner. A careful review of your financial situation and your options is always the first step.

Why Local Expertise Matters on Oʻahu

Short sales in Hawaiʻi involve:

Unique lender practices
Local market dynamics
Hawaii-specific contract forms
Precise timelines and disclosure requirements

This is not a process where generic online advice or national articles are sufficient. Each short sale is highly specific to the property, lender, and client goals.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a homeowner feeling unsure about your options, or a buyer curious about short sale opportunities, the most important thing is to get accurate, local, professional guidance before making decisions.

If you have questions about:

Your home’s value
Your mortgage balance vs. market value
Whether a short sale might apply to your situation
How to safely pursue a short sale purchase

I’m always happy to have a confidential conversation and walk through your options.

Buyer's • January 23, 2026

Real Estate Trends & How Buyers Are Using AI

by Tara Chong Kee

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 rate that spans both buyers and sellers.
Major AI platforms like ChatGPT (67%) and Gemini (54%) are the most frequently used tools for housing market insights.
Consumers also frequently turn to social media platforms—such as YouTube (73%) and Facebook (57%)—for housing content, with Gen Z notably relying on TikTok (76%) for real estate information.

These findings highlight that while technology is rapidly transforming how people research real estate, agents remain the most trusted source of accurate, market-specific guidance. In the same survey:

62% of respondents said real estate agents make them “smarter” about the market, slightly higher than AI (61%).
Other sources such as friends and family, television, and social media lagged behind, with many respondents noting that these sources often provide generic or inapplicable information.

What this underscores is that consumers are blending tech convenience with human expertise—looking to AI for broad insights and speed, but relying on local professionals for context and accuracy.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Buyers

AI can streamline your home search by quickly filtering listings, identifying trends, and providing broad market context.
But AI tools do not replace localized market knowledge—whether it’s understanding neighborhood comps, seasonal trends, or unique community factors. That still requires professional insight.
With only about 28% of homes in the U.S. considered affordable to the typical household, informed guidance is more valuable than ever when evaluating offers and purchase strategies.

For Sellers

AI can help you get preliminary estimates and insights into price ranges, buyer interest patterns, and market velocity.
However, algorithms cannot account for property-specific features, recent comps, and qualitative advantages that a local agent can provide.
In markets where seller expectations remain high, real expert evaluation ensures pricing that balances return with marketability.

The Future of Real Estate Information

AI will continue to play an expanding role in real estate, but its optimal use lies in augmenting—not replacing—the human element of the transaction. Tools like AI can help educate and inform, but critical decisions about pricing, timing, negotiation, and strategy still benefit from trusted local expertise.

As the data shows, whether you are buying or selling, partnering with a qualified REALTOR® gives you clarity and confidence—especially in markets with unique dynamics like O‘ahu.

If you have questions about how these trends affect your own real estate goals, or would like a personalized market overview or home valuation, I’m here to help.