Buyer guide
First-time buyer checklist
One page to print and take with you. It follows the first-time buyer guide.
Draft for Marcus Suzuki (R)'s review. Content follows the buyer guide; Hawaii-specific points are sourced in sources-buyer-guide.md.
Oahu first-time buyer checklist
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Oahu first-time buyer checklist
Aloha American Realty, Inc., License RB-18053 · Marcus Suzuki (R), Principal Broker, License RB-20759
Before you look
- Talk to a lender about what you can borrow and what the monthly payment includes (loan, property tax, insurance, any association dues).
- Decide your must-haves, and the areas you want to see.
- Decide whether fee simple, leasehold or a condo fits your plans.
- Gather income, bank and ID documents your lender asks for.
Fee simple or leasehold
- Is the listing labeled "leasehold"? Get the recorded lease and amendments.
- Lease rent now, and when and how it can change.
- Years remaining, extension options, and what happens at the end of the term.
- Ask your lender if it will lend on this lease.
Condo or association
- Declaration, bylaws, house rules and amendments.
- Current budget, reserve study or summary, and financial statements.
- Recent board minutes; any pending lawsuit or special assessment.
- What the dues cover, and the association insurance deductible.
Property tax
- Look up the assessed value and tax class on the City property records.
- Remember: the seller's home exemption does not transfer. File your own claim by September 30.
- Over $1,000,000 with no exemption? Ask about Residential A rates.
- Bills are due August 20 and February 20. Confirm whether escrow collects them.
Insurance quotes
- Homeowners or condo HO-6 quote, with deductible and exclusions.
- Ask about hurricane coverage, its trigger and its deductible.
- Flood insurance quote. NFIP policies generally have a 30-day wait.
Flood and hazard check
- FEMA flood zone for the address (City DPP page, FEMA map center or State FHAT).
- Tsunami evacuation zone (Oahu Hazard Explorer).
- Ask the seller about past water intrusion.
Offer and contingencies
- Price, deposit, closing date and contingencies written in the purchase contract.
- Note every deadline: inspection, financing, disclosures, closing.
- Counteroffer? Read each changed term before you sign.
Inspection, loan and appraisal
- Schedule the home inspection (and condo document review) right away.
- Lock in loan paperwork; avoid new debt or large moves of money.
- Appraisal ordered by the lender; know your options if it is low.
Disclosures and escrow
- Seller disclosure statement received; note your review period (15 calendar days unless changed in writing).
- Title search and escrow instructions reviewed.
- Closing statement reviewed before signing.
Closing
- Final walk-through.
- Funds ready, ID and signing time confirmed.
- Keys, garage and mailbox access, utilities in your name.
- File your home exemption claim by September 30 (if you occupy the home).
General information only. Not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rates, maps and rules change; check the official sources in the buyer guide.
General information only, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Tax figures are fiscal year 2026-27 from the City and County of Honolulu. Aloha American Realty, Inc., License RB-18053 · Marcus Suzuki (R), Principal Broker, License RB-20759 · (808) 216-8216 · marcus@alohaamericanrealty.com · alohaamericanrealty.com/buyer-guide.html
Want to go through it together?
Ask Marcus Suzuki (R), principal broker.
Aloha American Realty, Inc.