🌴Market Pūle – Oʻahu Single-Family Homes

Let’s talk story about the real estate winds blowing through Oʻahu this month. In May, we saw fewer sales overall, but prices are still holding strong.

💸 The median price for a single-family home hit $1,175,000, which is up 8.3% compared to last year. Even with fewer homes selling (-5.6% year-over-year), values remain solid.

📈 Inventory is growing. We now have 818 single-family homes on the market, a big jump (nearly 28% more) than this time last year.

Buyers: More listings = more choices. With 818 single-family homes on the market (a 28% jump from last year), buyers have space to breathe, compare neighborhoods, and negotiate. And with homes sitting on the market for longer (21 median days), sellers are more open to price adjustments or concessions, such as rate buy-downs and closing credits.

Sellers: Today’s sellers need strategy—not just a sign in the yard. Even with the median home price at $1,175,000, buyers are more cautious. That means:

• Pricing matters more than ever

• Beautiful listings need to feel valuable (think lifestyle, not just square footage)

• Flexibility is a superpower: offering credits or being open to creative financing helps your listing stand out from the crowd.

Also, with 33% of listings having already dropped their price, it’s crucial to enter the market competitively and intentionally.

Featured Listing

✨Kukui Plaza—Downtown High Rise! ✨

📅Open house on June 22nd, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM—don’t miss out!

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated monthly housing expense based on a 30-year fixed mortgage with a 20% down payment and a 6.81% interest rate (current average):

💰 Estimated Monthly Breakdown

• Down Payment: $110,000

• Loan Amount: $440,000

• Principal & Interest: ~$2,826

• HOA Fee: $825

• Estimated Property Tax: ~$130

• Homeowners Insurance: ~$75

📊 Total Estimated Monthly Cost:

$3,850–$3,900

The “A-PEELE-ING” Edge

The Costly Myths about Assumable Loans: Buyers and Sellers

As a realtor in Oahu, I've noticed a significant number of assumable VA loans available, alongside many misconceptions about the process. With many sellers still holding onto low interest rates (at 2-3%!😱) from a few years ago, these loans are becoming an incredibly powerful tool for both buyers and sellers in today's market. Let’s break down what a VA loan assumption is, how it works, and how it can benefit you. We’ll also bust some common myths and uncover the realities of this unique opportunity. Read full post here.

🍣 A Father’s Day Surprise… Kind Of

This past Sunday, I tried to surprise my husband with a special Father’s Day dinner—emphasis on tried because he figured it out pretty quickly. 😅

Ever since our trip to Japan last summer, he’s been obsessed with omakase—that beautifully curated style of sushi where the chef chooses each course just for you. So when I saw a hidden gem pop up on social media—Hide Sushi, quietly tucked away above Waikīkī—I knew I had to book it.

From the moment we stepped in, it felt like we were back in Tokyo. Just eight counter seats, an intimate vibe, and each bite… incredible. Think ultra-fresh cuts flown in from Japan, crispy tilefish with edible scales, and even a surprise all-you-can-eat dessert round to finish. 🍨

What truly set the night apart was the food—every bite was thoughtful, beautifully plated, and full of flavor. The experience is led by Chef Tsukasa Okino, who trained under Michelin-starred sushi masters in Japan. His approach is traditional, seasonal, and deeply intentional—and it absolutely shows in every course.

Disclaimer: This isn’t a sponsored post—just a personal recommendation from one sushi-loving to another!

Stay Inspired,

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