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Nick Kawakami

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Articles

July 2026 O‘ahu Real Estate Update: Strong Summer Sales and Faster Moving Homes

August 10, 2026 By Nick Kawakami

Summer is often a busy season for real estate in Hawaii, and July’s numbers show that many buyers and sellers remained active across O‘ahu. From Mililani and Kapolei to Kailua and Hawai‘i Kai, we continued to see demand for well-priced properties, while higher-end home sales helped push median prices upward. The market remains balanced in some areas and competitive in others, making it more important than ever to understand the local trends behind the headlines.

[Read more…] about July 2026 O‘ahu Real Estate Update: Strong Summer Sales and Faster Moving Homes

Filed Under: Real Estate

Condo Financing Changes Could Impact Buyers and Associations in Hawai‘i

July 1, 2026 By Nick Kawakami

Condominiums play an important role in the Hawai‘i housing market, especially on O‘ahu where condos make up a significant portion of available housing and are typically starting points for the homeownership ladder. Recent changes announced by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could affect how some condominium purchases are financed and may also influence how condominium associations plan for the future.

[Read more…] about Condo Financing Changes Could Impact Buyers and Associations in Hawai‘i

Filed Under: Real Estate

March 2026 Oahu Real Estate Update: More Home Sales, Steady Prices, and Signs of a Balanced Market

April 20, 2026 By Nick Kawakami

March always feels like a transition month here on Oahu. We start to move past winter weather, daylight stretches a little longer, and buyer activity typically begins to pick up heading into spring. This year, March brought some interesting shifts in the market that are worth paying attention to, especially if you are planning a move later in 2026.

Here is a clear snapshot of what happened last month.

March 2026 Market Highlights

  • Single-family home sales jumped 26% year over year, with 260 homes sold compared to 206 last March. This shows renewed confidence from buyers, even with higher interest rates.
  • Condo sales dipped slightly by about 5%, totaling 351 sales. Condos are still moving, just at a slower pace than single-family homes.
  • Median single-family home price rose to $1,199,500, up 3.4% from last year. Prices are rising modestly rather than surging.
  • Median condo price increased to $510,000, a 2% year-over-year gain, keeping condos relatively stable and accessible for many buyers.
  • Homes are taking a bit longer to sell, with single-family homes averaging 21 days on market and condos averaging 43 days. Buyers have more breathing room than we saw during the frenzy years.
  • Inventory remains tight for single-family homes, down more than 10% from last year, while condo inventory stayed nearly flat.
  • Multiple offers are still happening, with 26% of single-family homes selling above asking price and sellers receiving about 98.6% of their list price on average.

What These Numbers Mean Right Now

For buyers, the market feels more balanced than it did a couple of years ago. Homes are still selling relatively quickly, but not overnight. Condos in particular are offering a bit more choice and negotiating room, which can be appealing in areas like Kaka‘ako, Salt Lake, and parts of Pearl City.

For sellers, well-priced and well-prepared homes are still moving. Single-family homes in neighborhoods such as Kapolei, Kailua, and Mililani continue to see strong demand. While bidding wars are not guaranteed like they once were, serious buyers are still out there, especially for properties under $1 million and well-located homes above that range.

From a broader market perspective, what stands out is stability. Prices are holding, activity is healthy, and supply is not flooding the market. This kind of environment often rewards thoughtful strategy rather than rushing decisions.

Looking Ahead

As we move further into spring and toward the summer buying season, I will be watching inventory closely. If new listings stay limited, that could support prices through the middle of the year. At the same time, higher mortgage rates and maintenance fees in condos continue to shape buyer behavior here on O‘ahu.

If you are thinking about buying, selling, or just want to understand how these trends impact your specific neighborhood, I am always happy to walk through the numbers with you.

Want to talk about what this means for your real estate plans? Feel free to reach out.
Happy House Hunting!

Filed Under: Real Estate

February 2026 Oʻahu Real Estate Update: A Steady Start to the Spring Market

March 7, 2026 By Nick Kawakami

February always feels like a transition month here in Hawai‘i. The holiday slowdown is firmly behind us, spring break travel is picking up, and buyers and sellers are starting to re‑engage with the market. This year, the numbers tell a familiar but important story: “the O‘ahu market remains steady, competitive in certain price ranges, and very neighborhood‑specific.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what happened in February and what it means if you’re thinking about making a move this year.


Key February Market Stats (With Context)

  • Single-family home sales increased 6% year-over-year, with 177 homes sold.
    This tells us high buyer demand is still there, especially for well-priced homes.
  • Condo sales were essentially flat, down just 0.7% compared to last February.
    Condos are taking a bit longer to move, giving buyers more breathing room.
  • Median single-family home price: $1,205,000, up 1.7% year-over-year.
    Prices aren’t skyrocketing, they’re rising gradually, which is a healthy sign.
  • Median condo price: $500,000, up 1.2% year-over-year.
    Condos remain one of the most accessible entry points into the O‘ahu market.
  • Single-family homes spent a median of just 17 days on market, down from 23 days last year.
    Homes are still moving quickly, especially under $1M in areas like Ewa, Waipahu, and parts of Central O‘ahu.
  • Condos spent 56 days on market, up from 48 days last year.
    This is where buyers may find more negotiating power.
  • Single-family inventory dropped 7.6% year-over-year, while condo inventory rose 5.4%.
    Two very different markets depending on what you’re shopping for.
  • 25% of single-family homes sold above asking price, compared to 10% of condos.
    Competition is still real, but selective.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’re shopping for a single-family home, preparation is key. Homes that are priced right and located in high-demand neighborhoods are still selling fast (sometimes with multiple offers). Having financing lined up and being ready to act matters.

For condo buyers, this market is quietly improving your position. More inventory and longer days on market mean you may have room to negotiate especially in the $300,000–$600,000 range, which still represents the bulk of activity.


What This Means for Sellers

Single-family sellers continue to benefit from tight inventory, particularly under $1 million. If your home is well-presented and priced realistically, buyer interest is still VERY strong.

Condo sellers should expect a more thoughtful market. Pricing and presentation matter more than ever, and buyers are comparing options closely. Strategic pricing, not chasing last year’s peak, is the difference between selling and sitting.


My Take on the Bigger Picture

This isn’t a market of extremes. We’re seeing balance! Buyers are active, sellers are realistic, and prices are moving gradually instead of dramatically. That’s often when the smartest decisions get made.

As we move into spring, I expect steady activity — especially as families plan around school calendars and mainland buyers start looking ahead to summer moves.

Filed Under: Real Estate

ANNUAL SHRED DAY ANNOUNCED FOR 2026

February 16, 2026 By Nick Kawakami

Another tax year will be in the books and another reason to celebrate Earth Day in 2026! Bring your unwanted items down to our office to be securely destroyed and recycled for free!

Shred-It trucks will be at our office parking lot on Saturday, April 18, starting at 9:00 am with their document shredding truck.  This is a free event, sponsored by my brokerage & Fairway Mortgage, so bring as much stuff to shred as you’d like!

[Read more…] about ANNUAL SHRED DAY ANNOUNCED FOR 2026

Filed Under: Real Estate

“Take it Easy” Summer Benefit Concert

February 15, 2026 By Nick Kawakami

Summer doesn’t officially start until later in the year — but on May 2, we’re getting a head start!

Take It Easy is a summer kickoff concert benefiting the Hawaii Comedy Festival, bringing together live music, improv comedy, and a great cause for one relaxed night at HB Social Club.

Set against a fun, comedy vibe and hosted at one of Honolulu’s most iconic live music venues, Take It Easy is all about easing into summer the right way: with rock‑and‑roll roots, good laughs, and a cold drink in hand.

🎶 Live Music with a Classic Feel

The evening features Alx Kawakami and the MarXmen, delivering a sound inspired by classic rock and folk legends (think Eagles, James Taylor, and Crosby, Stills & Nash) while mixing in some great dance classics to jam to! It’s music meant to be enjoyed live: energetic, exciting, and perfect for a night spent unwinding with friends.

🎤 A One‑of‑a‑Kind Musical Improv Set

Adding a unique twist to the night, Take It Easy will also feature a special set by Improv Hawaii’s Musical Improv Group. Known for their quick wit and spontaneous creativity, the group creates fully improvised songs and scenes inspired by audience suggestions, all made up on the spot. The result is a blend of comedy and music that’s unpredictable, smart, and perfectly in the spirit of the Hawaii Comedy Festival. It’s a rare chance to experience live musical improv in an intimate concert setting, and a reminder that some of the best moments of the night are the ones you can’t plan.

🎭 Supporting the Hawaii Comedy Festival

This concert isn’t just about the music — it’s also a benefit for the Hawaii Comedy Festival, an organization dedicated to bringing top‑tier comedy, improv, and creative performance to Hawaiʻi. Proceeds from the event help support the festival’s mission and future programming, strengthening the local arts and entertainment community.

🍹 The Details

  • What: Take It Easy — A Summer Kickoff Concert
  • When: Saturday, May 2, 2026. Doors open at 6:00 PM, concert starts at 7:00 PM.
  • Where: HB Social Club (1680 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 – 2nd Floor)
  • Who: Alx Kawakami and the MarXmen, Improv Hawaii Musical Improv
  • Why: To sing, dance, and have fun supporting the Hawaii Comedy Festival
  • Tickets: Tickets are free but you must register here beforehand. No walk-ins at the door.
  • Seating: Limited open table seating will be available (first-come, first-serve)
  • Food: No food service provided at the event, so eat beforehand!
  • Age Restriction: This is a 21+ event. Bars open all night!

Thank You!

The Hawaii Comedy Festival and Improv Hawaii have been an integral part of my creative journey for over a decade. Whether supporting the Festival or playing with my improv friends at shows with Improv Hawaii, this holds a very special place in my heart!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the arts, a fan of live music, or just looking for a great night out as summer approaches, Take It Easy is the perfect excuse to mark your calendar.

Come raise a glass, enjoy the music, and help kick off summer, just a little early.

Filed Under: Real Estate

January 2026 O‘ahu Real Estate Update: A Steady Start to the New Year

February 9, 2026 By Nick Kawakami

January always feels like a reset here in Hawai‘i—a chance to take a breath after the holidays and see what kind of momentum the new year brings. This year, the O‘ahu housing market kicked things off with stability, steady pricing, and some early signs of renewed buyer activity, especially on the single-family side.

Here’s a clear look at what happened in January and what it means for buyers and sellers moving forward.

[Read more…] about January 2026 O‘ahu Real Estate Update: A Steady Start to the New Year

Filed Under: Real Estate

Oʻahu Real Estate Update: November Brings Mixed Signals as the Holidays Approach

December 13, 2025 By Nick Kawakami

Aloha friends! As we settle into the holiday season and look forward to cooler evenings and festive gatherings, it’s a great time to check in on how the Oʻahu real estate market is shaping up. November’s numbers show a blend of opportunity and caution—so let’s dive into what’s happening across our island neighborhoods.

Key Takeaways

  • Single-family home sales jumped 18.7% compared to last November, with 241 homes sold. This is a strong sign of buyer interest, especially in the mid- and high-end price ranges.
  • Median price for single-family homes dipped slightly to $1,100,000 (down 1.3% year-over-year), but the year-to-date median is up 3.8%—showing overall price stability.
  • Condo sales fell 7.3% to 316 units, and the median price dropped 8% to $487,450. Most activity was in the more affordable $100,000–$399,999 range.
  • Homes are taking longer to sell: Median days on market rose to 27 for single-family homes and 40 for condos.
  • Inventory is shifting: Active single-family listings dropped 3.3%, while condo inventory rose 11.5%, especially in Central Oʻahu and Waipahu.
  • Pending sales are up: Single-family homes (+12.4%) and condos (+3.7%) both saw more properties under contract, hinting at steady buyer demand.

How you feel depends on where you are

The market is showing its seasonal rhythm—single-family homes are seeing a burst of activity, especially in the $800,000–$899,999 and $2 million-plus ranges. This could be a sign that buyers are feeling confident heading into the new year, perhaps motivated by stabilizing interest rates and the desire to settle before 2026. On the condo side, affordability is driving sales, but higher-priced units are seeing less movement, which is pulling down the median price.

For sellers, competitive pricing and presentation remain key, especially as homes are spending more time on the market. Buyers have more choices in the condo market, but single-family inventory is tightening, especially in popular neighborhoods like Central Oʻahu and Waipahu.

You can call on me

Whether you’re thinking about making a move or just curious about what these trends mean for your neighborhood, I’m here to help. Want to talk about what this means for your real estate plans? Feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect and chat about your options!

Filed Under: Real Estate

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Legal Stuff

All information contained in this website is not guaranteed, and any questions should be directed to your trusted real estate agent (hopefully me!). All media is property of Above The Stream LLC, and all opinions are my own. All listings are properties of the owners, and requests for removal can be made using the contact page. Thank you for visiting!

Nick Kawakami, Realtor Associate
RS-76713, Marcus Realty
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Copyright © 2026 · Nick Kawakami, VP, Marcus Realty
Licensed in the State of Hawaii, RS-76713

All information contained in this website is not guaranteed, and any questions should be directed to your trusted real estate agent (hopefully me!).
All media is property of Above The Stream LLC, and all opinions are my own.
All listings are properties of the owners, and requests for removal can be made using the contact page.