Keauhou Resort Condo Guide 2026: Buying in Kailua-Kona
Your 2026 guide to buying Keauhou resort condos in Kailua-Kona. Compare oceanfront, golf-course & townhome options plus vacation rental rules on the Big…
KE Team Hawaii Real Estate Blog: Kailua-Kona Market Trends & Insights
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18 posts in Buyer
Hawaii Real Estate 101: Fee Simple vs. Leasehold
By Kai Ioh and KE Team Hawaii Kai Ioh is a luxury real estate advisor based in Kona, Hawai‘i, specializing in resort and ultra-high-net-worth markets across the Big Island. Executive Summary Fee simple means you own the land and the improvements (home/condo) with no expiration date. Leasehold means you lease the land for a fixed […]
Hawaii Real Estate 101 : Escrow Explained for Mainland & International Buyers
“What’s Escrow?” A Must-Know for Buyers & Sellers from Non-Escrow States and outside the US. If you’re from New York, Texas, Illinois, or overseas, like Japan, you may be surprised by how real estate transactions work in Hawaii. That’s because Hawaii is what’s called an “Escrow State.” Unlike states where attorneys handle closings, Hawaii uses […]
Hawaii Real Estate 101: What Is the Escrow Period in Hawaii?
Kai Ioh | Nov 2025 If you’re buying or selling real estate in Hawaii for the first time, you might be wondering: “What happens between offer acceptance and closing?”Or: “What exactly is the escrow period?” In Hawaii (an escrow state), we don’t use attorneys to close real estate deals. Instead, a licensed escrow company acts […]
Hawaii Real Estate 101: 5 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Big Island Property Search
There are a few essential details to understand about the Big Island of Hawai‘i if you want to do a smarter property search. It’s important that you know these before the showing requests, Zoom consults, and even before you bookmark your first oceanfront listing. The KE Team is here to make sure that you’re prepared […]
Hawaii’s TMK Numbers Explained
Hawaii’s TMK Numbers Explained — A Simple Guide for Big Island Property Owners If you’ve ever looked at a Hawaii property listing or tax record, you’ve probably seen a string of numbers called a Tax Map Key (TMK). To many, it looks like a random code. In reality, it’s a precise and practical way Hawaii […]
Embrace the Kama’aina Luxury at 77-298 Wikolia Street
What does it mean to be Kamaʻāina? If you’ve visited Hawaiʻi more than once—or are lucky enough to call it home—you’ve probably come across the word Kamaʻāina. Hotels offer a “Kamaʻāina rate.” Golf courses have “Kamaʻāina discounts.” But it does not mean “DISCOUNTS”! In Hawaiian, Kamaʻāina (“child of the land”) refers to someone with a […]
Making Sense of Price Per Square Foot (PPSF) in Kailua-Kona
Price per square foot (PPSF) is often the first metric buyers and sellers look at when evaluating a home’s value. When used correctly, PPSF can provide valuable insights but relying on it too heavily can be misleading. So what else should you focus on when there are so many other factors that can impact a […]
How to Protect your Real Estate Transactions from Escrow Fraud in Hawaii
Recent Trends in Real Estate Escrow Fraud Real estate transactions have always been a prime target for fraudsters, but the sophistication of their schemes has reached alarming levels. Earlier this year, we encountered a fraudulent seller situation—our first involving impersonation. Thanks to the vigilance of our team and escrow company, the scheme was detected and […]
How Should You Hold Title to Your Property in Hawaii?
The question about how to hold title comes up often when purchasing property in Hawaii. It’s essential to understand the various ways to hold title, as this decision affects ownership rights, transferability, and estate planning. Here are the common methods: Tenancy in Severalty: This is sole ownership by one individual or entity. The owner has […]
Understanding the Real Estate Practice Changes Effective August 17th, 2024
On March 15, 2024, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reached a settlement agreement with plaintiffs that could potentially end ongoing litigation regarding broker commissions. The $418M antitrust settlement took effect on August 17, 2024, and the final approval hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024. It’s important to note that consumers will continue to […]