Free Oahu Feng Shui Lectures

By Michael Zimmerman | Published: January 29, 2010

The Chinese New Year is just two weeks away.  To help celebrate, Mr. Clear Englebert, author of Feng Shui for Hawaii, will give free feng shui lectures at four Oahu libraries. As reported in the Honolulu Advertiser, these lectures will focus on the different schools of feng shui and explain chi energy and how to attract … Continue reading Free Oahu Feng Shui Lectures

Posted in General Interest | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

The Government Tax Credit Also Applies to Honolulu Homeowners Wishing to Downsize

By Michael Zimmerman | Published: January 28, 2010

When the government extended and expanded the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, many people thought the expansion applied only to homeowners moving to a more expensive home.  The expansion includes those who have owned a primary residence and lived in it for at least five consecutive years out of the last eight years.  If current homeowners want … Continue reading The Government Tax Credit Also Applies to Honolulu Homeowners Wishing to Downsize

Posted in Real Estate | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

New FHA Lending Policies Begin in April 2010

By Michael Zimmerman | Published: January 26, 2010

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced home loan changes that will become effective April 5, 2010.  The measures are intended to help the FHA better manage its risks, while continuing to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products that will support the housing market’s recovery. Here’s what’s changing: 1.  Increased mortgage insurance.  The mortgage insurance premium will increase from 1.75% to 2.25%.  … Continue reading New FHA Lending Policies Begin in April 2010

Posted in Mortgage Issues | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Honolulu’s Rising Interest Rates: The Impact of Waiting

By Michael Zimmerman | Published: January 24, 2010

An article in Newsweek titled If You Don’t Buy a House Now, You’re Stupid or Broke reminded me of a blog post I wrote in June 2008 titled Should I Wait for Honolulu Home Prices to Drop? The main point of both articles is this:  interest rates may have a greater impact on what you ultimately … Continue reading Honolulu’s Rising Interest Rates: The Impact of Waiting

Posted in Buyers, Mortgage Issues, Real Estate | Tagged , , | Comments closed

January 2010 Honolulu Condominium Market Report – Keola Lai

By Michael Zimmerman | Published: January 20, 2010

Summary As you can see below, a steady number of Keola Lai sales have driven the number of apartments on the market down to one third of what they were just six months ago.  That’s great news for the few owners selling their apartment.  However, that’s not good news for buyers because they have very few choices:  two of the … Continue reading January 2010 Honolulu Condominium Market Report – Keola Lai

Posted in Keola Lai, Market Reports | Tagged , , , | Comments closed