Nick Kawakami

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What’s The Difference Between a Mortgage Broker and a Mortgage Lender?

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Applying for a mortgage can be a task and a lot of people ask realtor’s for help. For today’s Question & Answer, I will explain the difference between a direct lender (like a bank or credit union) and a mortgage broker (like Lokahi HomeLoans).

Ultimately, the decision to go with either a lender and a broker is up to you. At its basic level, both will help you get an idea of what you can afford, gather your personal financial information to see what type of loan you can qualify for, provide service and help you understand any legal disclosures during the transaction, and eventually get you a mortgage for your transaction. The differences between the two focus on the process each uses to get you that loan. [Read more…] about What’s The Difference Between a Mortgage Broker and a Mortgage Lender?

The Debut of “Agent O‘ahu”

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When I started researching my transition into real estate, I was hit with a very hard fact…
Within the Honolulu Board of Realtors, there are roughly 5,500 licensed real estate agents, with about half currently practicing. On the entire island of O‘ahu, there are only about 4,000 new listings on the market annually. That’s less than two transactions available per active agent, and with veterans occupying a good chunk of that 4,000, that leaves a very small window for me.

So I asked myself, “how am I going to get through that tight window and make an impression on the industry?” My answer: BLOW RIGHT THROUGH IT! [Read more…] about The Debut of “Agent O‘ahu”

5 Reasons To Avoid Extended Warranties

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Does this sound familiar? You walk into a major retailer, and while you’re paying for your purchase, they ask, “Would you like an extended warranty?” You say, “No, thank you,” to which they respond, “You sure? It covers anything that happens to your product for an extended period past the manufacturer’s warranty…” That happened to me, about four years ago when I purchased my washer & dryer from a major retailer. For a few extra dollars, you are told your mind will be at ease, and your problems taken care of, should they arise. I’m here, with personal experience, to warn you AGAINST extended warranties… [Read more…] about 5 Reasons To Avoid Extended Warranties

Monthly Market Statistics for March 2015

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Woohoo! The year is flying by, and it’s already April! Happy Easter! Tax Season! And of course, the heating up of a busy summer real estate market! Included this month are market statistics for March (which hit some rare high points), news from around the market, and I answer a reader question! Hope you enjoy it, and have a great month of April!

[Read more…] about Monthly Market Statistics for March 2015