Relocating and Buying In Hawaii – Kristy Nakamura
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Kristy Nakamura!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Kristy Nakamura…
Kristy Nakamura is more than just a licensed real estate professional in Hawaii; she’s a wife, mother of three, and an adventure seeker who relishes activities like diving with sharks and extreme hikes. Together with her husband, Austin, they share a love for the outdoors. Kristy’s unique approach to real estate has garnered recognition, including a nomination for an Aloha AA award and a remarkable fourth-place ranking among EXP’s top producers in Hawaii.
With three years of experience as a licensed realtor in Hawaii, Kristy specializes in navigating the distinctive nuances of the Hawaiian real estate market. Her focus extends beyond sales figures, incorporating a non-sales approach that includes clients in the vibrant activities and rich culture of Hawaii, providing transparent guidance and A-to-Z explanations of the real estate process.
Kristy’s expertise extends across Hawaii’s diverse islands, with a particular focus on Oahu, where the pace of life is faster. Each island boasts its own unique characteristics, and Kristy leverages her knowledge to match clients with their preferred environment, lifestyle, or investment goals. From the bustling Oahu to the slower, country vibes of the outer islands, Kristy navigates the geographical intricacies of the market.
In Hawaii’s unique market, Kristy sheds light on key economic factors, from the average time a property spends on the market (16 days for single-family homes and 30 days for condos) to the average prices of $995,000 for single-family homes and $510,000 for condos. The challenge of finding a single-family home for less than $700,000 underscores the trade-off for the paradise’s year-round outdoor activities.
Kristy’s non-sales approach isn’t just a tagline; it’s a philosophy that involves including clients in the richness of Hawaiian life. From running comps and property tours to offering transparent insights on budgets and goals, Kristy emphasizes the value of properties rather than employing hard-selling tactics.
Navigating unforeseen issues during home inspections is part of Kristy’s expertise. She shares an example where a client faced foundation and roofing issues. By involving professionals for inspections and recommendations, Kristy empowered the client to make an informed decision, showcasing her commitment to a client-centric approach.
Following that, Kristy addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing in Hawaii, especially for native Hawaiians. Frustration around qualifying for Hawaiian homelands due to red tape highlights the need for more accessible and affordable housing options. Austin’s personal connection to Hawaiian homelands on a different island adds a personal touch to this crucial topic.
Delving into the complexities of affordable housing projects, shared appreciation, and the difficulty for locals in building generational wealth through homeownership, Kristy sheds light on the challenges plaguing the Hawaiian real estate market. Many locals face tough choices, staying with parents or moving away to combat high prices.
For Hawaiians, homeownership goes beyond investment; it’s a cultural anchor, crucial for building generational wealth and preserving a unique way of life. The melting pot of cultures in Hawaii doesn’t diminish the importance of the local Hawaiian identity, and Kristy understands the significance of this cultural tie in the real estate journey.
Kristy’s negotiation skills are put to the test in scenarios where disagreements arise with other agents. Balancing kindness with advocating for client needs, Kristy shares an example of negotiating over a home with a dog urine issue during the height of the market, highlighting the delicate dance of real estate negotiations.
Next, Kristy outlines the most challenging aspects of Hawaii’s real estate market, from price points to educating clients with mainland mentalities. Constant changes in social media and SEO present additional hurdles. The key, according to Kristy, is getting clients in front of her to address these challenges head-on.
Beyond the business side, Kristy delves into the cultural tapestry of Hawaii, emphasizing the varied pace of life across islands and the integration of different cultural pockets. She utilizes her knowledge to help clients find their preferred slice of Hawaiian paradise, whether it’s the faster pace of Oahu or the country vibes of the outer islands.
Sharing a personal touch, Kristy describes traditional nights with Hawaiian families, featuring poo poos, talk story, and drinks. These gatherings highlight the coming together of different cultures, showcasing the warmth and inclusivity of Hawaiian hospitality. Kristy then provides a glimpse into the vibrant celebrations of New Year’s Eve in Hawaii, where the islands light up with fireworks surpassing even mainland shows for the 4th of July. The paradox of fireworks being illegal in Hawaii adds a specific touch to the festivities, reflecting the distinctive aspects of life in paradise.
Kristy also explores the concept of forbidden islands in Hawaii, shedding light on Niihau, known as the Forbidden Island, and Kaho’olawe, a former military testing site now being restored. These islands, with their unique restrictions, add an intriguing layer to Hawaii’s landscape, revealing the blend of preservation and restoration. Navigating the diverse offerings across four islands, Kristy’s agency team employs a group chat to match clients with agents based on their investment and lifestyle preferences. Virtual tours cater to clients unable to visit in person, recognizing the different MLS and price points on each island.
Check out Kristy Nakamura:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy_realtor/
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