You don’t give away your love—don’t give away your equity either.

Let’s be honest: navigating this market can feel incredibly frustrating. Don’t just sell—strategize.

Author

Jennifer Peele
February 13, 2026

Market Pūle

Oahu’s housing market started 2026 on steady footing. Single‑family home sales held mostly stable compared to last year, while condo activity softened slightly. Homes priced at $500,000 and below continue to play a big role in the market, making up 146 sales in January with more than 1,000 active listings available in that range.

🏡 Single‑Family Homes

  • 194 sales, down just 1% from last year

  • Median price: up 0.2% year‑over‑year

  • Days on market: 27 days (slightly longer than last January)

  • New listings: up 2.1%

  • Active inventory: down 8.2%

🏢 Condos

  • 297 sales, down 4.8% from last year

  • Median price: down 1.9%

  • Days on market: increased from 39 to 47 days

  • New listings: down 5.8%

  • Active inventory: up 5.8%

💬 Market Insight

Honolulu Board of REALTORS® President Aaron Tangonan noted that many people assume most sales happen at the high end of the market. However, January’s numbers show strong activity in the $500,000‑and‑below range, highlighting that affordable opportunities still exist across the island.

The “A-PEELE-ING” Edge

How to Sell Your Oahu Condo Without "Giving It Away"

Let’s be honest: navigating this market can feel incredibly frustrating. Seeing your neighbor’s unit sit for months or watching interest rates fluctuate can leave you feeling stuck and anxious about your own equity. It’s painful to feel like your only move is to keep slashing your price until you’ve "given away the farm." Don’t Just Sell—Strategize! Seller concessions aren’t about "giving money away." They are about understanding today’s buyer psychology and solving obstacles.

What are seller’s concessions?

Why are concessions often better than a price drop?

What are the tax benefits for the seller when offering concessions?

🔥Attention Business Owners — Stop Paying Double!

If you’re a business owner in Hawai‘i, you already know the game: we work hard, we reinvest, and we look for every legal deduction available. One of the smartest ways to reduce your taxable income is to align your living expenses with your business expenses — and yes, that’s absolutely possible in Honolulu.

Century Center is one of the rare buildings on Oahu zoned BMX‑3 (Community Business Mixed Use).

That zoning allows you to live and run your business in the same unit — legally.

That means instead of paying: A mortgage or rent for your home AND A second lease for your business space

…you can combine the two into one property.

List Price $111,000 (LH) | 1750 Kalakaua Ave #3103, Honolulu 96826

This is where the tax magic happens.

Let’s assume you purchase this listing above unit 3103,

  • Owner lives in ONE bedroom + uses ONE bathroom = Personal-use total = Estimated 190 sq ft

  • Business uses the second bedroom + living area + second bathroom + all common space = Estimated 1,015 business sq ft

  • Business-use percentage = 84%

  • Total monthly cost: 1,853+779+300+538=3,470

Estimated deductible monthly expenses: 3,470×0.84=2,914.80

Plus $3,392.54/year in depreciation.

You combine them into one property and let your business legally absorb the majority of the cost.

This is why BMX‑3 buildings like 1750 Kalākaua are gold for entrepreneurs, therapists, trainers, consultants, creatives, and small business owners.

This example is for educational purposes only and uses simplified assumptions. Actual deductions depend on your specific use of the space, how your CPA allocates building vs. land value, leasehold treatment, and current tax law. Always consult with your CPA before relying on any numbers.

A Valentine’s Reminder

In real estate—and honestly, in life—it’s easy to get caught up in the deadlines, the paperwork, the constant motion. But the greatest “homes” we ever build aren’t made of walls or windows. They’re made of people.
Of the ones who show up.
Of the ones who support us.
Of the ones who make the hard days feel possible and the good days feel even sweeter.

Recently, I was reminded of that in the most unexpected way.

The Royal Realty agents—and their significant others—came over and helped stuff more than 500 Owner Letters and 1099s into envelopes… for free.

 
No hesitation. No complaints. Just love, laughter, and a living room full of people who believe in showing up for each other.

That’s what Valentine’s Day is really about.
Not the gifts. Not the grand gestures.
But the quiet, steady acts of love that remind us we are not doing life alone.

So, whether you’re celebrating with a partner, your kids, your friends, or simply honoring your own heart, I hope you take a moment to appreciate:

  • The people who cheer for you

  • The people who challenge you to grow

  • The people who make your everyday life feel like home

And if you’re in a season of rebuilding, dreaming bigger, or stepping into a new chapter—remember that love shows up there too. In courage. In clarity. In choosing yourself. In choosing a future that feels aligned with who you’re becoming.

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day filled with warmth, gratitude, and the kind of joy that lasts long after the flowers fade. ❤️

Stay Inspired,

Discovery Call

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PS — Hey btw…

Come check out Business Networking International (BNI) Visitor Day! I recently joined this weekly Zoom networking group, and I’ve already helped agents in our company gain more clients through real, relationship‑based referrals. If you’re a business owner looking to grow through genuine connections, this is worth showing up for.

Visitor Day Details

📅 Wednesday, February 25, 2026 
⏰ 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM 
📍 Via Zoom (link sent after registration)
🤝 Grow your business through referrals with the BNI Mana Chapter

If you want to join us, just reply to this email or register here: https://tinyurl.com/59v936zj