BIG ISLAND

BUYER’S COURSE

Buying a Home on the Big Island Is Different—Here’s What You Should Know...

BIG ISLAND

BUYER’S COURSE

Buying a Home on the Big Island Is Different—Here’s What You Should Know...

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Buyer's Course

Buyers Blueprint Intro

Module 1: You Need An Expert

Module 2: Buyer's Compensation

Module 3: Choosing the Right Lender

Module 4: Making an Offer and Negotiations

Module 5: Your Offer Is Accepted

Module 6: Inspections Are Complete

Module 7: The Final Steps

Module 8: Erin Brockovich Buyer Compensation

Module 9: Purchase Agreement

Module 10: The Buyer Representation Agreement

Module 13: Which Offer Should You Choose

Buyer's Course

Buyers Blueprint Intro

Module 1: You Need An Expert

Module 2: Buyer's Compensation

Module 3: Choosing the Right Lender

Module 4: Making an Offer and Negotiations

Module 5: Your Offer Is Accepted

Module 6: Inspections Are Complete

Module 7: The Final Steps

Module 8: Erin Brockovich Buyer Compensation

Module 9: Purchase Agreement

Module 10: The Buyer Representation Agreement

Module 13: Which Offer Should You Choose

Nestled in the heart of Hawaiʻi Island, the Big Island offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty, diverse communities, and a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the world. From oceanfront living to cooler upland areas, each region of the island has its own character, climate, and pace of life.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating to the island, or looking to make your next move here, our local market updates, community insights, and educational real estate resources are designed to help you navigate the buying process with clarity and confidence. Buying on the Big Island is unique, and having the right information makes all the difference.

Exclusive Big Island Market Updates

Stay informed with timely Big Island real estate updates. From new listings and pricing trends to shifts in buyer demand and interest rates, you’ll have the insights you need to make confident, well-informed decisions. Hawaiʻi Island’s real estate market varies by area and season, and with clear, local analysis, you’ll always know what’s happening—and why it matters.

Nestled in the heart of Hawaiʻi Island, the Big Island offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty, diverse communities, and a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in the world. From oceanfront living to cooler upland areas, each region of the island has its own character, climate, and pace of life.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, relocating to the island, or looking to make your next move here, our local market updates, community insights, and educational real estate resources are designed to help you navigate the buying process with clarity and confidence. Buying on the Big Island is unique, and having the right information makes all the difference.

Exclusive Big Island Market Updates

Stay informed with timely Big Island real estate updates. From new listings and pricing trends to shifts in buyer demand and interest rates, you’ll have the insights you need to make confident, well-informed decisions. Hawaiʻi Island’s real estate market varies by area and season, and with clear, local analysis, you’ll always know what’s happening—and why it matters.

Want to be sure you don’t miss important Big Island insights, local tips, or real estate market updates?

Have them delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to the monthly Island Homes digital newsletter below.

Want to be sure you don’t miss important Big Island insights, local tips, or real estate market updates?

Have them delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to the monthly Island Homes digital newsletter below.

market Updates


Considering Buying on the Big Island?


Buying a home on Hawaiʻi Island can be exciting—but it also comes with unique considerations that don’t exist in many mainland markets. From microclimates and lava zones to inspections, disclosures, and financing specifics, it’s important to be prepared and informed every step of the way.

This guide was created to help buyers like you understand what to expect when purchasing a home on the Big Island. You’ll gain practical insights, local context, and a clear roadmap so you can move forward with confidence and avoid common surprises.

DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:

Home Buyers Blueprint

Step by Step Process to Buying A Home


Considering Buying on the Big Island?


Buying a home on Hawaiʻi Island can be exciting—but it also comes with unique considerations that don’t exist in many mainland markets. From microclimates and lava zones to inspections, disclosures, and financing specifics, it’s important to be prepared and informed every step of the way.

This guide was created to help buyers like you understand what to expect when purchasing a home on the Big Island. You’ll gain practical insights, local context, and a clear roadmap so you can move forward with confidence and avoid common surprises.

DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:

Home Buyers Blueprint

Step by Step Process to Buying A Home

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Spring is here!

The Spring Real Estate Market is thriving, and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for homes in Voorhees, especially from millennials.

In fact, the current absorption rate in our area is only 3 months, which means that if no more homes come on the market, we will only be able to sustain the current demand for up to 3 months.

This is great news for anyone considering selling their home, as the high demand can lead to a boost in your bottom line.

If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the perfect time to do so. To get started, it's essential to focus on your curb appeal, which can significantly impact the value of your property. That's why we've put together a helpful checklist to help you get started.

Friendly reminder: Before you make a repair, be sure to check with a real estate agent to make sure it is worth your return on investment. Feel free to Book A Call with me if you have any questions or want a free consultation!

Are you a little behind on your spring cleaning? Grab a copy of the Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist that was featured last month.

Whether you’re preparing to move to Kona, North Kohala, Waikoloa, Hilo, Puna, or another area of Hawaiʻi Island, having the right local information makes all the difference. Each district has its own climate, lifestyle, market trends, and neighborhood feel—and being prepared helps you make confident decisions.

Click below to download a simple, stress-free moving checklist designed for Big Island living.

What’s Happening in Kona & Across the Big Island?

From farmers markets and cultural events to local festivals and community gatherings, each Big Island district offers something unique. Stay connected to what’s happening in Kona and surrounding communities, as well as island-wide events.

Image

Spring is here!

The Spring Real Estate Market is thriving, and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for homes in Voorhees, especially from millennials.

In fact, the current absorption rate in our area is only 3 months, which means that if no more homes come on the market, we will only be able to sustain the current demand for up to 3 months.

This is great news for anyone considering selling their home, as the high demand can lead to a boost in your bottom line.

If you are thinking about selling your home, now is the perfect time to do so. To get started, it's essential to focus on your curb appeal, which can significantly impact the value of your property. That's why we've put together a helpful checklist to help you get started.

Friendly reminder: Before you make a repair, be sure to check with a real estate agent to make sure it is worth your return on investment. Feel free to Book A Call with me if you have any questions or want a free consultation!

Are you a little behind on your spring cleaning? Grab a copy of the Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist that was featured last month.

Whether you’re preparing to move to Kona, North Kohala, Waikoloa, Hilo, Puna, or another area of Hawaiʻi Island, having the right local information makes all the difference. Each district has its own climate, lifestyle, market trends, and neighborhood feel—and being prepared helps you make confident decisions.

Click below to download a simple, stress-free moving checklist designed for Big Island living.

What’s Happening in Kona & Across the Big Island?

From farmers markets and cultural events to local festivals and community gatherings, each Big Island district offers something unique. Stay connected to what’s happening in Kona and surrounding communities, as well as island-wide events.

BIG ISLAND BUYER RESOURCES & GUIDES


DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:

Buying a Home on Hawaiʻi Island: A Lender’s Perspective


DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home on the Big Island

BIG ISLAND BUYER RESOURCES & GUIDES


DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:

Buying a Home on Hawaiʻi Island: A Lender’s Perspective


DOWNLOAD TO ACCESS:

The Complete Guide to Buying a Home on the Big Island

market Updates

buying new construction? buyer beware

Local market update

NAR's Commission Settlement:

Understanding Buyer's Agent Compensation

National Market Update

Buyer Tips

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Best Burrito in Brentwood

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WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL Home Buyer SEMINAR HAWAII BIG ISLAND


At Island Homes, we understand that buying a house can feel daunting and overwhelming.

That is why we have put together our Home Buyer Seminar with a step-by-step video series on everything you need to know before buying a property, getting your offer accepted and the transaction process. We’ve got you covered!

Join our Home Buyer Seminar and feel confident as you begin your journey to homeownership!

Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker RB- 21086

Island Homes by Scuba Julie

Brokered by Real Broker

RB- 23337

WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL Home Buyer SEMINAR HAWAII BIG ISLAND


At Island Homes, we understand that buying a house can feel daunting and overwhelming.

That is why we have put together our Home Buyer Seminar with a step-by-step video series on everything you need to know before buying a property, getting your offer accepted and the transaction process. We’ve got you covered!

Join our Home Buyer Seminar and feel confident as you begin your journey to homeownership!

Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker RB- 21086

Island Homes by Scuba Julie

Brokered by Real Broker

RB- 23337

WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL HOME BUYER SEMINAR LIBRARY

Enjoy the latest & most up-to-date marketing & sales tactics to help you purchase a NEW home.

Thinking About Buying?

Are you thinking about buying a home but you don't know where to start?

  • ​Learn to take advantage of Tax Saving opportunities instead of throwing your money away

  • Walk through the important aspects of purchasing a home

What to Expect When Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is most likely going to be one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime.

  • ​We have helped hundreds of clients in the past and we can help you too

  • My team and I are free! The seller pays for our fees and they have an agent who has their best interest at heart. We are here to have yours

Home Buying Process -

First Step

The first step when looking to buy a home is getting qualified for a loan.

  • ​Before doing anything else you need to know what you can afford by getting qualified for a loan

  • ​Don’t go house hunting before going mortgage shopping

Pre-Approval vs

Pre-Qualification

Why you need an approval rather than just a pre-qualification.

  • Pre-Qualification is not a true approval but the initial step in a home loan process where you discuss your financial situation with a loan officer - nothing is verified

  • Pre- Approval is where the buyer provides the lender with the necessary documents to tell them what they are approved for, which loan option is the best for them and what the interest rate will be

10 Must Not’s When Buying a Home

Once you find your dream home, we need to make sure you get to move into it.

  • ​Don’t change jobs; becoming self employed or quit current job

  • ​Don’t buy a vehicles

  • ​Don’t use any charged cards or let your accounts fall behind

  • ​Don’t spend money you saved for closing

  • ​Don’t omit any debt or liabilities from your loan application

What are the Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Home?

Whether you’ve never owned a home before or it’s been a while since you’ve purchased, let's talk about the pros and cons.

  • Pro: Your wealth can increase as you build equity in your home through 2023 averaging about 3%

  • Con: Maintenance costs; work and money to keep a home in good condition

How Much Money Do I Need To Purchase a New Home?

Most people are afraid that it will cost them thousands and thousands of dollars to purchase a home in Brentwood.

  • ​There are various loans and grants to qualify to purchase a home

3 Tips To Get Your Offer Accepted

Are you competing with other buyers on your dream home or do you want to make sure you’ve got the best chance of getting your offer accepted?

  • Make sure you offered a competitive price on a home

  • Put down a larger earnest money deposit

  • ​Let the seller know that you have not written offers on any other properties

Offer Has Been Accepted, What’s Next?

Once your offer has been accepted, it's time to open up escrow.

  • It's time to get inspections done on the home, review disclosures, secure the loan, and get the appraisal done

WANT TO GET A FREE CUSTOM MARKET PROPOSAL?

Go to the next page to request a custom market proposal for your specific home

WELCOME TO THE VIRTUAL HOME BUYER SEMINAR LIBRARY

Enjoy the latest & most up-to-date marketing & sales tactics to help you purchase a NEW home.

Thinking About Buying?

Are you thinking about buying a home but you don't know where to start?

  • ​Learn to take advantage of Tax Saving opportunities instead of throwing your money away

  • Walk through the important aspects of purchasing a home

What to Expect When Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is most likely going to be one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime.

  • ​We have helped hundreds of clients in the past and we can help you too

  • My team and I are free! The seller pays for our fees and they have an agent who has their best interest at heart. We are here to have yours

Home Buying Process -

First Step

The first step when looking to buy a home is getting qualified for a loan.

  • ​Before doing anything else you need to know what you can afford by getting qualified for a loan

  • ​Don’t go house hunting before going mortgage shopping

Pre-Approval vs

Pre-Qualification

Why you need an approval rather than just a pre-qualification.

  • Pre-Qualification is not a true approval but the initial step in a home loan process where you discuss your financial situation with a loan officer - nothing is verified

  • Pre- Approval is where the buyer provides the lender with the necessary documents to tell them what they are approved for, which loan option is the best for them and what the interest rate will be

10 Must Not’s When Buying a Home

Once you find your dream home, we need to make sure you get to move into it.

  • ​Don’t change jobs; becoming self employed or quit current job

  • ​Don’t buy a vehicles

  • ​Don’t use any charged cards or let your accounts fall behind

  • ​Don’t spend money you saved for closing

  • ​Don’t omit any debt or liabilities from your loan application

What are the Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Home?

Whether you’ve never owned a home before or it’s been a while since you’ve purchased, let's talk about the pros and cons.

  • Pro: Your wealth can increase as you build equity in your home through 2023 averaging about 3%

  • Con: Maintenance costs; work and money to keep a home in good condition

How Much Money Do I Need To Purchase a New Home?

Most people are afraid that it will cost them thousands and thousands of dollars to purchase a home in Brentwood.

  • ​There are various loans and grants to qualify to purchase a home

3 Tips To Get Your Offer Accepted

Are you competing with other buyers on your dream home or do you want to make sure you’ve got the best chance of getting your offer accepted?

  • Make sure you offered a competitive price on a home

  • Put down a larger earnest money deposit

  • ​Let the seller know that you have not written offers on any other properties

Offer Has Been Accepted, What’s Next?

Once your offer has been accepted, it's time to open up escrow.

  • It's time to get inspections done on the home, review disclosures, secure the loan, and get the appraisal done

WANT TO GET A FREE CUSTOM MARKET PROPOSAL?

Go to the next page to request a custom market proposal for your specific home

Community Videos

Lets Get You Prepared To Buy A Home

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Country

Lets Get You Prepared To Buy A Home

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Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker

RB- 21086

Dive into Hawaii Real Estate with Julie as your guide!

Julie is not your average real estate specialist. With 30 years of experience, she's a seasoned professional who thrives on making her clients' dreams a reality. Her favorite part of being a real estate agent? Seeing the sheer joy on her clients' faces when she helps them find their perfect Dream Home. Born and raised in a small ranching community in Southwestern Wyoming, Julie's values of community, loyalty, and family run deep. She's a country girl at heart, and her roots have shaped her into the dedicated and trustworthy professional she is today. Married to her high school sweetheart, Julie is a proud mother of three beautiful daughters and a doting grandmother to an adorably cute granddaughter. An animal lover at heart, she shares her island life with two dogs who are just as enamored with the ocean as the rest of her family. Julie's love for the ocean led her and her family to Hawaii, where they relocated to the Big Island in 2011. An avid scuba diver, she spends as much time as possible underwater, capturing the beauty of the underwater world through her photography. Her passion for photography extends to capturing the unique animals and landscapes of the ocean, always on the lookout for the biggest and smallest of creatures. Having navigated the complexities of relocation herself, Julie understands the challenges that come with moving, whether it's across an ocean or within the same town. She's adept at helping her clients through every step of the process, making the transition as smooth as possible. Julie loves meeting new people and takes great pleasure in helping them find their perfect place to call home. If you're seeking an exceptional person to help you find the home of your dreams, Julie is the one to call. She can't wait to help you make your vision a reality.

Julie Wettstein | Realtor & Broker

RB- 21086

Dive into Hawaii Real Estate with Julie as your guide!

Julie is not your average real estate specialist. With 30 years of experience, she's a seasoned professional who thrives on making her clients' dreams a reality. Her favorite part of being a real estate agent? Seeing the sheer joy on her clients' faces when she helps them find their perfect Dream Home. Born and raised in a small ranching community in Southwestern Wyoming, Julie's values of community, loyalty, and family run deep. She's a country girl at heart, and her roots have shaped her into the dedicated and trustworthy professional she is today. Married to her high school sweetheart, Julie is a proud mother of three beautiful daughters and a doting grandmother to an adorably cute granddaughter. An animal lover at heart, she shares her island life with two dogs who are just as enamored with the ocean as the rest of her family. Julie's love for the ocean led her and her family to Hawaii, where they relocated to the Big Island in 2011. An avid scuba diver, she spends as much time as possible underwater, capturing the beauty of the underwater world through her photography. Her passion for photography extends to capturing the unique animals and landscapes of the ocean, always on the lookout for the biggest and smallest of creatures. Having navigated the complexities of relocation herself, Julie understands the challenges that come with moving, whether it's across an ocean or within the same town. She's adept at helping her clients through every step of the process, making the transition as smooth as possible. Julie loves meeting new people and takes great pleasure in helping them find their perfect place to call home. If you're seeking an exceptional person to help you find the home of your dreams, Julie is the one to call. She can't wait to help you make your vision a reality.

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Want to be sure you don't miss out on any local tips & local real estate market updates?

Have them delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to the monthly digital newsletter below!

Want to be sure you don't miss out on any local tips & local real estate market updates?

Have them delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to the monthly digital newsletter below!

Island Homes by Scuba Julie | Copyright © 2026 | All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy | Terms & Condition | Disclosure

Island Homes | Copyright © 2026 | All Rights Reserved

Privacy Policy | Terms & Condition | Disclosure