Island Home Loans

10/23/2025

10/21/2025

79% of homeowners surveyed regret waiting to sell.

If you’ve been holding off, take this as your sign.

Don’t let “I wish I sold sooner” become part of your story.

But have a smart plan for the aftermath.

10/16/2025

The sellers who are winning right now are the ones working with experienced local agents who know the current market and aren’t afraid to have honest conversations about price.

And it’s paying off. In the right price range and condition, homes are still selling fast, sometimes even with multiple offers.

10/14/2025

There’s a lot to digest when it comes to understanding how mortgage rates shift and change over time, and we aren’t going to get into all of that today. But if there’s one thing to watch on where they’re likely headed, it’s the 10-year treasury yield.

Basically, the 10-year treasury yield is a widely watched benchmark for long-term interest rates. And as the yield goes up or down, mortgage rates tend to follow.

The good news is – the gap between the two is starting to narrow. And with experts saying the 10-year yield should come down going into next year, that means there’s room for mortgage rates to come down too.

I know this is a lot to keep track of. And that’s exactly why you should have an expert on your side.

10/13/2025

To be an ally begins with respect — respect for the people whose land we live on, and for the deep history, culture, and traditions that have shaped it long before us.

Here in Hawaiʻi, that means honoring the Native Hawaiian people — the original stewards of these islands — and recognizing their continued connection to this land and its stories. But it also extends to Indigenous peoples everywhere — Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and First Nations across the world — whose strength, wisdom, and resilience remind us of the importance of community, balance, and aloha ʻāina (love for the land).

Being an ally means listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous voices. It means standing with respect, not speaking over — and remembering that true aloha is shown through understanding and care.

10/10/2025

🏡 Thinking about buying a home… someday?
Don’t wait until you’re ready to start asking questions.

Even if you’re 1–2 years away, talking to a mortgage professional now can help you:
📋 Build a plan for your credit, savings, and income
🧭 Identify and fix any issues early
💡 Understand what’s realistic for your budget and goals

Getting prepared early means fewer surprises and a smoother path to your future home!

10/09/2025

Only 8 out of 100 people know the minimum down payment required for a conventional home loan. Most overestimate what’s really needed. If you want more information about what’s actually required, talk to a trusted lender.

10/08/2025

💡 Think you can use all your income to qualify for a home loan?
Not quite!

Lenders look at your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) — how much of your monthly income goes toward debts like:
🚗 Car payments
💳 Credit cards
🎓 Student loans

Most loan programs allow only 41–50% of your income to go toward your total monthly debts, including your future mortgage. The rest is meant for your other life expenses (yes, even groceries and gas 🚙💰).

✅ Pro tip: Before you start shopping for homes, take a look at your monthly payments and see if there’s room to pay down debt — it can boost your buying power!

10/07/2025

🏡 Buying a home? Don’t forget—Homeownership is more than just a mortgage payment!

You need to budget beyond the mortgage -

As a homeowner, you’ll also want to budget for:
🔧 Maintenance & repairs
💡 Utilities
🏠 Property taxes & insurance
🌴 Upgrades & personal touches

Keep in mind that we have seen property taxes rise with increasing property values and insurance premiums go up with more losses. Higher electric bills and general cost of living. Planning ahead keeps you financially comfortable and confident in your new home. ✨

10/06/2025

What would make you feel more comfortable making a move?

63% of would-be homebuyers say lower home prices.
50% say lower mortgage rates.

Seems like pretty obvious answers as it speaks to today's affordability issues.

Experts are projecting price increases this next year, although they will be smaller increases and there may even be some slight declines in some markets.

Mortgage rates may ease just a bit although it won't be anything to get too excited about.

While it's not enough to completely change the game on affordability, both trends should stick around going into 2026.

10/03/2025

🏡 Thinking about buying a home in the next year or two?
Here’s a pro tip: Don’t wait to ask questions.

Talking to a mortgage professional early helps you:
✅ Catch and fix credit issues
✅ Build a savings plan
✅ Understand what you can afford
✅ Avoid surprises later

Even if you’re not ready today, making a plan now puts you closer to your future front door. 🚪✨

09/30/2025

📌 Homebuyer Tip: Job Stability Matters!
Lenders like to see a steady employment history—it shows reliability and makes your mortgage application stronger.

If you’re planning to buy a home soon, try to avoid switching jobs right before applying. A stable job history can be the key to getting approved smoothly! 🏡✨