Elena Roud East Oahu Realtor in Hawaii - Риэлтор на Гавайях

06/10/2026

In a world that feels fast and uncertain, one thing stays important—planning ahead for our families.

I’m grateful my brokerage is focused on education around assisted living options like Plaza Waikiki and similar communities, helping families understand choices early and with clarity.

These conversations are not always easy, but they can make a big difference when done ahead of time—bringing more peace, dignity, and support when it’s needed most.

If you or someone you know is starting to think about next steps for a loved one, I’m always here as a resource.

With Aloha 🌺 Elena

06/10/2026

🌧️ New O‘ahu Flood Zone Maps Take Effect June 10

Homeowners, buyers, and property investors should be aware that updated flood zone maps for O‘ahu take effect on June 10. These changes may impact flood insurance requirements, building regulations, and future property planning.

If you own property or are considering buying or selling, now is a good time to review how these updates may affect you.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions about your property or neighborhood.

06/05/2026

Here's a detailed breakdown of key Oahu single-family home market areas, looking at the past 12 months ending May 2026.

Feel free to reach out anytime if you’d like guidance, deeper insight on a property, or help narrowing down what fits your goals best.

https://www.locationshawaii.com/news/research/may-2026-marks-fastest-oahu-single-family-home-market-in-four-years/?aid=428

Oahu's real estate market continued to follow typical seasonal trends in May 2026, with steady buyer demand supporting both home and condo prices. While affordability challenges, economic uncertainty, and global events continue to influence buyer behavior, the island's housing market remains...

06/03/2026

Many investors are not aware that they may qualify for financing without using their personal income to qualify. One popular option is a DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loan, designed specifically for real estate investors purchasing or refinancing investment properties.

What Is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR loan focuses primarily on the property's ability to generate income rather than the borrower's personal tax returns, W-2s, or employment history. The lender compares the property's expected rental income to the monthly mortgage payment and other housing expenses.

Common Benefits

✅ No personal income verification in many cases
✅ No tax returns required by many lenders
✅ Available for purchases, refinances, and cash-out refinances
✅ Can be used by experienced and first-time investors
✅ Financing available through LLC ownership with some loan programs

Typical Requirements

While requirements vary by lender, investors should generally expect:

Credit score typically 620–680+ (higher scores often receive better rates)
Down payment usually 20%–30% for purchases
Property must qualify as an investment property
Sufficient rental income to meet lender DSCR guidelines
Property appraisal, often including a market rent analysis
Proof of available funds for down payment and closing costs
Cash Reserve Requirements

Most lenders require borrowers to maintain additional funds after closing, known as cash reserves.

Cash reserves may include:

Checking and savings accounts
Money market accounts
Stocks and investment accounts (subject to lender guidelines)
Retirement accounts (a percentage may be eligible)

Typical reserve requirements range from:

3 to 12 months of mortgage payments
Higher reserve requirements for multiple properties or cash-out refinances

These reserves help demonstrate the ability to cover unexpected vacancies, repairs, or market fluctuations.

Who May Benefit?

DSCR loans can be attractive for:

Self-employed investors
Investors with significant write-offs on tax returns
Buyers expanding a rental portfolio
Investors seeking a simpler qualification process
Individuals purchasing long-term rental properties or certain vacation rental investments
Let's Discuss Your Current Investment Goals

Real estate financing options continue to evolve, and what worked a few years ago may not be the best fit today.

If you are considering purchasing, refinancing, leveraging equity from an existing property, or expanding your investment portfolio in Hawaii or elsewhere, I would be happy to discuss your current goals and connect you with experienced lending professionals.

05/22/2026

Did you know that the Locations Mobile App gives you instant access to the most accurate, up-to-date property listings and information in Hawaii?

Click here to download the Mobile app:

https://tacoma.redata.com/vp/jsps/COMMON/PREF_AGENT_PROMO.jsp?SITE=PRUDHI&cd_Agent=40217

Be sure to select me as your agent when you register!

Our free app gives you:

✔️Homes for Sale and Open Houses Around Your Location: Be in the know on the go!

✔️Market Stats: Check current market conditions from your couch, the car, or at an open house.

✔️Neighborhood Details: See if the neighborhood fits your needs with our handy "Points of Interest" feature.

✔️Agent Contact Information: Keeping in touch with your REALTOR® is just a tap away!

If you have any questions about the Locations app—or Hawaii real estate in general—please don’t hesitate to call me at +1 8082247274 or send me an email:

📧[email protected]

05/12/2026

A Buyer Representation Agreement is not meant to pressure buyers . It is designed to create transparency, loyalty, communication, and professional guidance from the very beginning of the home search process.

If you are starting your Oʻahu home search online, one important step many buyers do not fully understand is the Buyer Representation Agreement.

As Hawaii real estate continues to evolve, having a clear agreement in place before touring properties helps protect both the buyer and the agent — while creating a smoother, more professional experience for everyone involved.

Here is why it matters:

Why a Buyer Representation Agreement Is Important

When buyers begin touring homes without a clear understanding of representation, compensation, communication expectations, or agency relationships, confusion can happen later during negotiations or escrow.

A Buyer Representation Agreement helps create:

Clear expectations from the beginning
Better communication
More organized property tours
Stronger negotiation strategy
Protection of the buyer’s interests
A more efficient search process

Instead of casually opening doors, your agent becomes a committed advisor helping you make informed decisions about pricing, financing, neighborhoods, resale potential, inspections, and contract strategy.

How Buyers Benefit:
1. Better Guidance Before You Fall in Love With a Property

Many buyers start touring before understanding:

financing options
monthly payment comfort
insurance considerations
building issues
leasehold vs fee simple
future resale potential
special assessments
neighborhood trends

Having representation early helps buyers avoid costly surprises.

2. Stronger Negotiation Support

A dedicated buyer’s representative works to:

analyze market value
explain comparable sales
identify negotiation opportunities
protect contract timelines
coordinate inspections and due diligence

Especially on Oʻahu, where inventory can move quickly, preparation matters.

3. Clear Understanding of Compensation

Real estate practices have changed nationally, and compensation structures may vary from property to property.

Discussing representation upfront allows buyers to clearly understand:

how representation works
possible compensation structures
what services are included
what to expect before making offers

This helps avoid misunderstandings later in the transaction.

4. More Strategic Property Tours

A serious consultation before touring often saves buyers significant time.

Instead of randomly seeing homes online, buyers can focus on:

lifestyle fit
commute
school districts
investment potential
maintenance costs
future appreciation
insurance and HOA considerations
Why This Matters on Oʻahu

Oʻahu’s market is unique. Every area — from Hawaii Kai to Waikiki, Kapolei or Kailua — has different factors affecting value, insurance, maintenance costs, rental potential, and long-term appreciation.

Working with a buyer’s representative before touring can help buyers understand not only what they like emotionally, but also what makes financial and practical sense long term.

05/05/2026

Hawaii Kai living, at a more accessible entry point, Hawaii Kai opportunity: attached homes under $1,2 mil with no HOA fees:

MLS 202607973.

This immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers comfort and convenience on a quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Kalama Valley. Enjoy the thoughtful layout, stainless steel appliances, quartz and granite countertops, and generous closet and storage space. Beautiful, durable vinyl plank flooring adorns the s...

04/26/2026

Something interesting is happening right now in Honolulu real estate…

Many local homeowners are starting to reposition — some are moving equity into newer high-rise developments, others are diversifying into different types of properties.

Not because they have to…
But because the market is quietly opening new opportunities.

👉 The question is — where does your property stand today?

Your home may be worth more than you think… or sitting in a position that could work harder for you.
https://www.locationshawaii.com/lhv/?aid=428

Our home valuation tool is the most accurate in Hawaii. Using neighborhoods boundaries, our home valuation results are even more accurate than Zillow.

04/22/2026

✨ Aloha Surf Unit #1407 – Rare Opportunity in Waikīkī ✨

If you’ve been waiting for a property that combines lifestyle + income potential in one of the most flexible short-term rental zones on Oʻahu — this is it.

📍 Aloha Surf is one of the few Waikīkī buildings with legal short-term rental use (less than 30 days allowed), making it highly desirable for investors and second-home owners.

💡 Why this matters right now:
Oʻahu STR rules are very strict, and only a limited number of Resort Zones and specific buildings allow daily/short stays. These include Waikīkī, Ko Olina, Turtle Bay, and Makaha — plus a small group of grandfathered buildings.

Within Waikīkī, properties like Aloha Surf, Waikīkī Banyan, Ilikai, and a few others hold special status allowing continued vacation rental use when properly registered and compliant.

👉 That means:
✔ Legal short-term rental potential
✔ Strong occupancy demand year-round
✔ Prime Waikīkī location close to beaches, dining & entertainment
✔ Flexibility to use personally or generate income

🌺 Aloha Surf Unit #1407 is positioned perfectly for today’s market — where legal short-term rental inventory is extremely limited and highly sought after.

In moments like this, timing matters more than anything — opportunities in buildings with this use designation don’t come often.

📩 If you want details, rental income potential, or private showing info — message me directly.

OR FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR MORE PHOTOS AND ALL ADDITIONAL INFO https://www.locationshawaii.com/buy/oahu/metro-honolulu/waikiki/444-kanekapolei-street-1407/?mls=202525923&aid=428&allow=true

04/21/2026

🧾 What is HARPTA withholding?

When a non-resident sells property in Hawaii, the buyer is required to withhold 7.25% of the sales price (for individuals) and send it to the state as a prepayment of taxes.

It’s not the final tax, just a withholding.

✅ How a seller qualifies for a HARPTA waiver (or reduced withholding)

To avoid or reduce that 7.25% withholding, the seller must prove one of these situations:

1. Seller is a Hawaii resident
Seller signs a HARPTA exemption certificate
No withholding is required

👉 This is the simplest path.

2. Seller applies for a withholding certificate (Form N-288B)

This is the most common “waiver” strategy.

The seller shows:

Their actual estimated gain is low, or
They may even have a loss, or
Their actual tax owed will be less than 7.25% of the sales price

👉 The State can approve:

Reduced withholding, or
Full waiver
3. Sale results in little or no taxable gain

Examples:

High original purchase price
Large closing costs
Capital improvements

👉 If documentation supports it, withholding can be reduced significantly.