Relocating 2 Oahutag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-2825152006-10-16T16:23:05-10:00Relocation Information for People Moving to Oahu, HawaiiTypePadUnusually low mortgage ratestag:typepad.com,2003:post-134705152006-10-16T16:23:05-10:002006-10-16T16:23:05-10:00Click here for a good article on unusually low mortgage rates.Donna StottMoving to Oahu or Looking for Hawaii Investment Property? tag:typepad.com,2003:post-132162392006-10-05T19:38:23-10:002006-10-05T19:38:23-10:00After 14 years of living on Oahu for me, and a lifetime for my husband Mike, we are moving mainland in the next six months. This move is due to job offers that were “too good to refuse” so we’ll...Donna StottWhat to keep in your files after closingtag:typepad.com,2003:post-122811532006-08-28T10:39:00-10:002006-08-28T10:39:00-10:001. The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form,sometimes called a HUD 1 statement, itemizes all the costs associated withthe closing. You'll need this for income tax purposes and when you sell thehome.2. The Truth in Lending Statement...Donna StottWhat not to overlook in a Final Walk throughtag:typepad.com,2003:post-122070902006-08-25T09:00:00-10:002006-08-25T09:00:00-10:00Once you buy, it is important to be sure that:* Repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid billsand any related warranties.* All items that were included in the sale price-draperies, lightingfixtures-are still there.* Screens and storm windows...Donna Stotttag:typepad.com,2003:post-122070242006-08-22T09:00:00-10:002006-08-22T09:00:00-10:00Hold a yard sale to get rid of items you don't want to move and make a fewdollars to help with the move!1. Check with your city government to see if you need a permit or license.2. See if neighbors...Donna StottCommon Closing Costs for Buyerstag:typepad.com,2003:post-122814772006-08-19T11:12:37-10:002006-08-19T11:12:37-10:00The lender must disclose a Good Faith Estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier's check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the...Donna StottTips for packing like a protag:typepad.com,2003:post-122069942006-08-18T09:00:00-10:002006-08-18T09:00:00-10:001. Develop a master "to do" list so you won't forget something critical.2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need, Have a garagesale, donate to a good charity, or recycle.3. Don't throw out everything. If...Donna StottThe pros and cons of Condos and Townhomestag:typepad.com,2003:post-122068962006-08-15T09:13:36-10:002006-08-15T09:13:36-10:00Condominiums and townhomes offer an affordable option to single-family homesin most areas. But consider these facts before you buy. 1. Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there areno attics or basements to store belongings, of course most houses...Donna StottBack to School: Hawaii Public Schools Start and a Link to 2006/2007 Calendarstag:typepad.com,2003:post-119095212006-07-27T21:44:21-10:002006-07-27T21:44:21-10:00Many Hawaii public schools opened their 2006/2007 school year on Thursday 7/27 as part of the new unified DOE (Hawaii Dept. of Education) calendar. Some schools are actually not starting until Friday, Monday, or even Tuesday. However by one week...Donna StottWhat is Appraised Value?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-105324022006-06-01T12:30:00-10:002006-06-01T12:30:00-10:00It's an objective opinion of value, but it's not an exact science so appraisals may differ. For buying purposes, appraisals are usually based on market value - what the property could probably b sold for. Other types of value inlude...Donna Stott10 Questions to Ask a Home Inspectortag:typepad.com,2003:post-101944392006-05-25T12:30:00-10:002006-05-25T12:30:00-10:00What are your qualifications? Are you a member of the American Association of Home Inspectors? Do you have a current license? Inspectors are not required to be licensed in every state. How many inspections of properties such as this do...Donna StottRecipe for the Week of 5/22/06tag:typepad.com,2003:post-105311322006-05-22T12:30:00-10:002006-05-22T12:30:00-10:00Fried Shrimp Po'Boy (Local Style!) Ingredients: 5 jumo shrimp, deveined and butterflied 1 hoagie bun lettuce tomato, sliced 1/4 cup coleslaw (see recipe below) 2 tbsp Wasabi ("wah-sah-bee") Cocktail Sauce (see recipe below) 1 cup Panko or bread crumbs 2...Donna StottHidden Home Defects to Watch Fortag:typepad.com,2003:post-101943742006-05-18T12:30:00-10:002006-05-18T12:30:00-10:00No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for: Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements or attics. Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home's foundation. Drainage....Donna StottRecipe for the Week of 5/15/06tag:typepad.com,2003:post-103937272006-05-15T12:30:00-10:002006-05-15T12:30:00-10:00Haupia ("how-pee-ah") Squares This is a delicious coconut dessert commonly found at luau's. Ingredients: 1/4 cup Cornstarch 1/2 cup Sugar 1 cup Whole milk 1 can (12 oz) Coconut Milk Instructions: In a mixing bowl, stir together sugar and cornstarch....Donna Stott10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuyingtag:typepad.com,2003:post-101942922006-05-11T12:30:00-10:002006-05-11T12:30:00-10:00Find a real estate professional who's simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality. Remember, there's no...Donna Stott2006 Hawaii Public School Article & Ranking tag:typepad.com,2003:post-103935762006-05-08T15:00:44-10:002006-05-08T15:00:44-10:00Have Hawaii's Public Schools improved from 5 years ago? Find out here. Who's #1? Click here to find out!Donna StottWeekly Recipetag:typepad.com,2003:post-101572222006-05-08T12:30:00-10:002006-05-08T12:30:00-10:00This week's recipe is Shoyu ("show-you"; soy sauce) Chicken. This is definitely a local favorite! SHOYU CHICKEN Ingredients: 12 chicken thighs (thighs work best) 2 cups shoyu (soy sauce) 2 cups water 1 clove of garlic, minced 1 small onion,...Donna Stotttag:typepad.com,2003:post-103352972006-05-04T16:00:00-10:002006-05-04T16:00:00-10:00April 2006 Graphs are here! Check them out under "Housing Statistical Graphs." If you have any questions, call us 800.922.6811 or e-mail us and we'll be happy to explain them or answer your questions!Donna Stott10 Questions to Ask Your Lendertag:typepad.com,2003:post-101940612006-05-04T12:30:00-10:002006-05-04T12:30:00-10:00Be sure you find a loan that fits your needs with these comprehensive questions. What are the most popular mortgage loans do you offer? Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for me (us)? Why? Are...Donna StottIt's Kau Kau Time!tag:typepad.com,2003:post-101570832006-05-01T12:30:00-10:002006-05-01T12:30:00-10:00(pronounced cow-cow; "time to eat") If you've never tasted local food, but have always wanted to, or you're just longing for a taste of the islands, then you're in for a treat! If you suscribe, you'll receive a free update...Donna StottWhy You Need a REALTORtag:typepad.com,2003:post-99965612006-04-27T12:30:00-10:002006-04-27T12:30:00-10:00If you're not sure if you need to work with a licensed agent or if you flat out don't think you need one, here are 5 things that may change your mind.Donna StottEveryone Should Own Their Own Home!tag:typepad.com,2003:post-99969552006-04-27T12:30:00-10:002006-04-27T12:30:00-10:00There are many reasons why people should own their own home. Here are just 7 of them.Donna Stott5 Factors Affecting Your Credit Scoretag:typepad.com,2003:post-99963792006-04-24T12:30:00-10:002006-04-24T12:30:00-10:00"How do they determine what my credit score is?" Ever ask yourself that question? Click here for the answer!Donna StottThink You Can't Afford A Home?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-99965162006-04-24T12:30:00-10:002006-04-24T12:30:00-10:00Yes you can! Click here for some tips that will help you to determine if you can purchase your own home!Donna StottAre You Too Late to Apply?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-95798852006-04-20T12:30:00-10:002006-04-20T12:30:00-10:00Some schools accept applications year-round and some have second enrollment periods. Click here for more information.Donna StottDoes Accreditation Really Matter?tag:typepad.com,2003:post-95798182006-04-20T12:30:00-10:002006-04-20T12:30:00-10:00The answer is yes! Click here to find out why.Donna Stott5 Common Mistakes Buyers Maketag:typepad.com,2003:post-99824092006-04-17T12:30:00-10:002006-04-17T12:30:00-10:00When you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are, you're not sure of everything when it comes to purchasing a home. Here are 5 mistakes that you should avoid.Donna Stott10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyerstag:typepad.com,2003:post-99822052006-04-17T12:30:00-10:002006-04-17T12:30:00-10:00No time to read our Home Buying Guide? Here are 10 quick tips for you.Donna StottHow Do I Apply for Private Schooltag:typepad.com,2003:post-95797002006-04-13T12:30:00-10:002006-04-13T12:30:00-10:00Here's a How-To Guide that will take you through a timeline on applying for private school.Donna StottYour Campus Visittag:typepad.com,2003:post-95797272006-04-13T12:30:00-10:002006-04-13T12:30:00-10:00Don't make your final decision until you take a tour of the campus! What if you or your child don't like the layout or the "feel"? Here's how to make the most of your visit.Donna Stott