Rock Fever Common for Non Islanders
When you step off the airplane in Hawaii and walk down the indoor-outdoor corridor to catch a ride to your destination, the smell of beauty can overwhelm. The flowers in this tropical climate exude smells that are sumptuous and redolent. That’s when the desire to move to paradise cements in your heart.
Less than a year later, the newest residents often make haste back to the mainland because they got the fever… the Rock fever. What exactly is Rock fever? It’s a condition caused by homesickness, claustrophobia, or a feeling of being trapped on a “rock” in the middle of the ocean.
If you can overcome Rock fever, Hawaii is definitely a top destination for people wishing to make a life in paradise. The islands offer gorgeous, affordable real estate, but know in advance that the prices increase as the views become more desirable. You can choose between six of the eight islands to call home – one is forbidden (the forbidden island of Niihau) and one is uninhabitable (Kahoolawe with usage mandated to be only for native Hawaiian cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes).
One would think the Big Island of Hawaii would have the greatest population, but in fact Oahu maintains that distinction. Condominiums are deliciously affordable in Honolulu with prices starting as low as $29,000 for 300 square feet of living space. As in any place you consider living, however, be sure to check out the neighborhood before committing to a purchase.
If you prefer to live in a single family residence, real estate in Oahu can be found for less than $300,000. These homes range from 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms and are scattered across the island. However, if you have to dream about living in Hawaii, dream big. One of the nicest homes is in Kailua and costs almost $13 million. The stunning beach-front house has five bedrooms, six baths, 6,452 square feet of living space, and views of both the ocean and mountains. Over on the island of Maui is another favorite called the Ualei Place located in Wailea. The home boasts stunning panoramic views of the ocean, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and lanais connected to each of the five bedrooms in the home.
If you are fortunate enough to afford a million dollar home, Hawaiian style, just hope you can keep the Rock fever at bay. Your spirit and soul will appreciate the sheer beauty of the islands that really are paradise on Earth.
Hawaii Mortgage Rates
View our real estate market snapshot for Hawaii to stay on top of the average home value, market value changes, mortgage rates and more in Hawaii at Banks.com.
Hawaii real estate, home buying tools, average home value, real estate market trends
Less than a year later, the newest residents often make haste back to the mainland because they got the fever… the Rock fever. What exactly is Rock fever? It’s a condition caused by homesickness, claustrophobia, or a feeling of being trapped on a “rock” in the middle of the ocean.
If you can overcome Rock fever, Hawaii is definitely a top destination for people wishing to make a life in paradise. The islands offer gorgeous, affordable real estate, but know in advance that the prices increase as the views become more desirable. You can choose between six of the eight islands to call home – one is forbidden (the forbidden island of Niihau) and one is uninhabitable (Kahoolawe with usage mandated to be only for native Hawaiian cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes).
One would think the Big Island of Hawaii would have the greatest population, but in fact Oahu maintains that distinction. Condominiums are deliciously affordable in Honolulu with prices starting as low as $29,000 for 300 square feet of living space. As in any place you consider living, however, be sure to check out the neighborhood before committing to a purchase.
If you prefer to live in a single family residence, real estate in Oahu can be found for less than $300,000. These homes range from 1-bedroom to 4-bedrooms and are scattered across the island. However, if you have to dream about living in Hawaii, dream big. One of the nicest homes is in Kailua and costs almost $13 million. The stunning beach-front house has five bedrooms, six baths, 6,452 square feet of living space, and views of both the ocean and mountains. Over on the island of Maui is another favorite called the Ualei Place located in Wailea. The home boasts stunning panoramic views of the ocean, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and lanais connected to each of the five bedrooms in the home.
If you are fortunate enough to afford a million dollar home, Hawaiian style, just hope you can keep the Rock fever at bay. Your spirit and soul will appreciate the sheer beauty of the islands that really are paradise on Earth.
Hawaii Mortgage Rates
View our real estate market snapshot for Hawaii to stay on top of the average home value, market value changes, mortgage rates and more in Hawaii at Banks.com.
Hawaii real estate, home buying tools, average home value, real estate market trends
Some Tips for Living in Hawaii
Hawaii homes are among the most prized of any real estate available to buy in the United States. Nearly everywhere, you’ll find a gorgeous view either of the mountains, jungle, or the ocean. Palm trees are scattered throughout the islands, as commonplace as the gorgeous smells of ripe vegetation.
While buying and owning a home in the 50th state would be a dream for many people, it is also a bit scary and intimidating. For example, do you know the difference between buying a leasehold property and a fee simple property? Did you know that all beaches in Hawaii should have public access (so much for the grandiose idea of keeping that stretch of white sand to yourself)? Did you know that the easiest way to pronounce Hawaiian words is to pronounce every vowel?
Leasehold v. Fee-Simple
Let’s talk about the widespread rumor that no one in Hawaii actually owns their own property – that the government allows it to be leased up to 99 years only. There is some truth to this information, but it’s not really the entire story. Native Hawaiians may apply for land leases that cost $1 per year. To be “Native” the applicant must have at not less than half of the blood of the races living in the Hawaiian Islands before 1778. You must be half Hawaiian and will require proof through birth certificates and other means to prove it.
Specific homes are available to qualified applicants, but the waiting lists are historically long. However, once a native Hawaiian does get in an eligible home, they can extend the original 99 year lease for 100 more years, thus allowing homeowners to pass the homestead to descendents, 7-year exemption from property tax, total exemption on land tax, low interest government loans, and the ability to obtain home equity loans using the property.
If you’re not half Hawaiian, other real estate is available as a fee-simple purchase.
Open Beaches
Technically the public should have clear access all beaches, but not all areas of shoreline are easily accessible for the general public. However, there are fantastic beaches that people prefer to use anyway – in fact; some of the most fantastic beaches in the U.S. are found in Hawaii. Finding a nice beach is easy, even where blocked by property owners who grow vegetation to inhibit free use by the public. Finding an amazing place that’s family friendly is as simple as a Google search.
Speak Hawaiian
So you’re buying real estate in Hawaii and want to know how to fit in? Here are some tips from an off-islander who has only visited twice.
1.)Don’t be afraid to say Aloha!
2.)Pronounce every vowel in any word that looks exotic. For example, if you’re going to the lovely beach of Waikoloa and you want to say “WayKola,” DON’T. Instead, pronounce every vowel so you say Way-i-ko-lo-uh and you’ll fit right in!
Here’s wishing you a successful life in Hawaii. Go 5-0!
Hawaii Mortgage Rates
View our real estate market snapshot for Hawaii to stay on top of the average home value, market value changes, mortgage rates and more in Hawaii at Banks.com.
Hawaii real estate, home buying tools, average home value, real estate market trends
While buying and owning a home in the 50th state would be a dream for many people, it is also a bit scary and intimidating. For example, do you know the difference between buying a leasehold property and a fee simple property? Did you know that all beaches in Hawaii should have public access (so much for the grandiose idea of keeping that stretch of white sand to yourself)? Did you know that the easiest way to pronounce Hawaiian words is to pronounce every vowel?
Leasehold v. Fee-Simple
Let’s talk about the widespread rumor that no one in Hawaii actually owns their own property – that the government allows it to be leased up to 99 years only. There is some truth to this information, but it’s not really the entire story. Native Hawaiians may apply for land leases that cost $1 per year. To be “Native” the applicant must have at not less than half of the blood of the races living in the Hawaiian Islands before 1778. You must be half Hawaiian and will require proof through birth certificates and other means to prove it.
Specific homes are available to qualified applicants, but the waiting lists are historically long. However, once a native Hawaiian does get in an eligible home, they can extend the original 99 year lease for 100 more years, thus allowing homeowners to pass the homestead to descendents, 7-year exemption from property tax, total exemption on land tax, low interest government loans, and the ability to obtain home equity loans using the property.
If you’re not half Hawaiian, other real estate is available as a fee-simple purchase.
Open Beaches
Technically the public should have clear access all beaches, but not all areas of shoreline are easily accessible for the general public. However, there are fantastic beaches that people prefer to use anyway – in fact; some of the most fantastic beaches in the U.S. are found in Hawaii. Finding a nice beach is easy, even where blocked by property owners who grow vegetation to inhibit free use by the public. Finding an amazing place that’s family friendly is as simple as a Google search.
Speak Hawaiian
So you’re buying real estate in Hawaii and want to know how to fit in? Here are some tips from an off-islander who has only visited twice.
1.)Don’t be afraid to say Aloha!
2.)Pronounce every vowel in any word that looks exotic. For example, if you’re going to the lovely beach of Waikoloa and you want to say “WayKola,” DON’T. Instead, pronounce every vowel so you say Way-i-ko-lo-uh and you’ll fit right in!
Here’s wishing you a successful life in Hawaii. Go 5-0!
Hawaii Mortgage Rates
View our real estate market snapshot for Hawaii to stay on top of the average home value, market value changes, mortgage rates and more in Hawaii at Banks.com.
Hawaii real estate, home buying tools, average home value, real estate market trends
