The Dark Side of Hawai‘i Real Estate: Forged Deeds & Stolen Homes

This Month: A $148K Opportunity, Cookies That Spark Connection, and Protecting Your Home from Fraud!

Author

Jennifer Peele
March 07, 2026

Market Pūle

Overall, the market remained steady in February. While more single-family homes are selling, the condo market has slowed down slightly, with units sitting on the market longer.

Single-Family Homes: High Demand, Low Supply

The market for houses is heating up, especially for mid-to-high-priced homes.

  • Sales are up: Total sales rose 6% year-over-year. The biggest growth was in the $500k–$1M range (up 28%) and luxury homes over $1.9M.

  • Prices are climbing: The median price hit $1,140,000, a 3.6% increase from last year.

  • Inventory is shrinking: There are 7.6% fewer houses on the market than last year. Supply is particularly tight for homes under $1M.

  • Moving fast: Homes sold in a median of just 17 days, nearly a week faster than last February.

  • Competitive bidding: 1 in 4 homes sold for above the asking price.

Condos: More Options, Slower Pace

The condo market is seeing an increase in available choices, giving buyers more breathing room.

  • Sales are flat: Total sales dipped slightly (0.7%) compared to last year.

  • Inventory is growing: There are 5.4% more condos available now. The biggest jump in supply is for affordable units priced under $400,000.

  • Taking longer to sell: The median time on market rose to 56 days (up from 48).

  • Less competition: Only 10% of condos sold for more than the asking price.

The “A-PEELE-ING” Edge

As a Realtor and Property Manager embedded in our local market for the past nine years, I’ve started noticing a troubling new wave of activity. In late 2025, the Hawaiʻi Attorney General even indicted a group for a massive scheme involving forged deeds and stolen residential properties right here on the island.

To help my fellow Oʻahu homeowners, I’ve put together a concise prevention checklist and a step-by-step guide for what to do if you suspect a red flag. In my latest blog post, I discuss exactly how to get free automatic alerts when anything is recorded under your name—a five-minute step I believe is mandatory for everyone on the island.

OR Download the GUIDE BELOW

Oʻahu Title Fraud.pdf102.41 KB • PDF File

🔥Affordable Entry‑Level Condo Spotlight: Five Regents (Salt Lake)

If you’ve been thinking about getting into your first property without taking on a heavy monthly payment, Five Regents is one of the strongest entry‑level opportunities on Oahu right now.

This building checks all the boxes for first‑time buyers who want something affordable, long‑term, and financeable.

🔑 Key Highlights

  • Leasehold through 2078
    A long master lease means traditional financing is available, which is rare for LH buildings.

  • Lease rent only $47.12/month  
    Truly one of the lowest lease rents on the island.

  • HOA only $580/month
    Very manageable for a high‑rise with amenities.

  • Current listing price: $148,000  
    A realistic entry point for buyers who want stability without the fee‑simple price tag.

2888 Ala Ilima St #1512, Honolulu 96818 | STUDIO | $148,000 (LH)

At today’s average 30‑year mortgage rate of about 6.11%, a $148,000 purchase at Five Regents comes out to an estimated monthly payment of roughly $1,523 including mortgage, HOA, and lease rent. This makes it one of the most affordable long‑term options on Oahu for first‑time buyers looking to secure stable housing with low monthly overhead.

The average studio rental in this building is around $1,600/month.

So here’s the real question for first‑time buyers:

Why rent for $1,600 when you can own for about $1,523?

You get:

  • Stability

  • Long‑term affordability

  • The ability to build equity

  • And the option to re‑evaluate before the lease ends in 2078 — if it even ends at all.

With such a low lease rent, it’s reasonable to expect these carrying costs to stay affordable for years ahead…… REPLY to this email if you’ll like to explore your options! 

I am not the listing agent for this property, and all numbers provided here—including mortgage estimates, HOA fees, lease rent, and rental averages—are for informational purposes only.

🍪 A Little Joy Goes a Long Way

We’re already three months into the year — wild how fast it’s moving. And I’ll be honest: as January rolled in, I found myself dragging my feet a bit. Leaving the comfort of home to run showings felt harder than usual, and I knew I needed something to lift my energy.

So, I tried something simple… I started bringing cookies to the new people I meet.

And guess what?
It’s working.

There’s something magical about handing someone a small treat. People soften. They smile more. Conversations feel warmer. A cookie does what spreadsheets and market stats never could — it opens the door.

It takes me back to being at my grandmother’s house, standing in her cozy kitchen as she asked, “Would you like a cookie?” That tiny gesture made you feel cared for, welcomed, seen.

Now, I get to recreate that feeling.
And it’s brought so much joy back into meeting new people — not because of the cookie itself, but because of the connection it creates.

Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.

Stay Inspired,

Discovery Call

Ready to discuss your real estate goals? Let's chat! Click here to schedule a call, or REPLY to this email.

PS — Hey btw…

As my business continues to grow, I’m excited to announce that I’m looking for a part‑time assistant to join me here on Oahu. Applicants should be based on the island, have reliable transportation, be willing to learn, and have part‑time availability.

Someone who:

  • Enjoys organizing, communicating, and problem‑solving

  • Likes a mix of admin work and light fieldwork

  • Wants to learn the behind‑the‑scenes of property management and real estate

  • Appreciates a supportive, flexible, and growth‑oriented work environment

No license required — but having one (or wanting to get one) opens the door to more opportunities and higher‑level tasks

If you or someone you know might be a good fit, I’d love to connect. This is a chance to grow alongside me, learn the industry from the inside, and help support the systems that keep everything running smoothly.