Chip Lewis, MBA, Realtor, 1888 Kalakaua Avenue, Ste C312, Honolulu, HI (2026)

As homeowner and real estate investor, I understand the key role real estate can play in a family's path to financial independence. My goal is to fully understand the unique needs of my clients and to provide the absolute highest level of service. About me:
My early career began as a financial advisor, later I enlisted in the Navy which brought me to Hawaii when I reported to a Pearl Harbor based Submarine. I fell in love with the islands and I have been in Hawaii since 2006. I have an MBA from Hawaii Pacific University and a Bachelors in Finance from Auburn University. In addition to real estate, I continue to serve as an Officer in the Navy Reserve. The transition to real estate was a natural fit and I’ve found it to be quite rewarding. My military background, coupled with my experience in financial counseling, auditing, and investment analysis bring a diverse skill set to the local real estate market. When not serving my clients property needs, I spend much of my time with family, or outdoors surfing, hiking, running, paddling, and volunteering in the local community. I live in Kailua with my wife and 2 awesome kids.

09/22/2026

🏠 OʻAHU HOMEOWNERS: DON’T MISS THIS DEADLINE!

If you own and live in your home as your principal residence, September 30, 2026 is the deadline to file for the City & County of Honolulu’s Home Exemption for the upcoming tax year.

💰 What does the Home Exemption do?

The Home Exemption reduces the taxable/assessed value of your property:
• $140,000 exemption for homeowners under 65
• $180,000 exemption for homeowners 65+

There are also additional property-tax exemptions available to qualifying 100% disabled veterans. If you are a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, make sure you check whether you qualify for additional tax relief.

⚠️ Who qualifies for the basic Home Exemption?

Generally, you must own and occupy the property as your principal residence. If you recently purchased a home, changed ownership, moved into the property, or changed how the property is used, make sure you check your exemption status.

If you already have a Home Exemption and there has been no change in ownership or use, you generally do not need to reapply.

📅 DEADLINE: September 30, 2026

👉 File your Home Exemption online:
https://realproperty.honolulu.gov/exemption/file-home-exemption/

Don’t assume your exemption is already on file. Check your property tax records and make sure you’re receiving every exemption for which you qualify.

Or, feel free to reach out to me directly and I can help you check.

08/13/2026

🏡 KAILUA HOME | $20,000 SELLER CREDIT + 2.625% VA ASSUMABLE

Looking for an upgraded Kailua home with exceptional energy efficiency and a location that puts the best of Windward Oʻahu close by?

This move-in-ready home sits between world-famous Kailua Beach and beautiful Kawainui Marsh and features:

✨ Remodeled kitchen with custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, designer backsplash, farmhouse sink, gas range & newer stainless appliances
☀️ 25 owned Tesla solar panels
🔋 Two Tesla Powerwall batteries
❄️ Split AC throughout
🌳 Engineered hardwood flooring
🪟 Newer windows & French shutters
🌴 Fully enclosed yard
💧 Tankless water heater
🎨 Fresh exterior paint

And there's more:
💰 Seller is offering a $20,000 credit to the Buyer.
🇺🇸 Qualified Buyers may have the opportunity to assume the existing VA loan at an attractive 2.625% interest rate.

Minutes from Kailua's beaches, restaurants, shopping, and Kawainui Marsh with beautiful Koʻolau Mountain views.

If you're considering buying in Kailua, or know someone who is, send me a message for details or to schedule a private showing.

🌐 Property Details:
https://701-kihapai-street.chiplewishomes.com

Chip Lewis, MBA, REALTOR, MRP
RB-22971
📲 (808) 348-2521
📧 [email protected]
➡️ https://chiplewishomes.com/
HomeSmart Island Homes

08/03/2026

🎉 JUST SOLD | $1,045,000 | Mililani, HI 🏡

Every real estate transaction has a story, and this one certainly put everyone to the test.
After navigating three separate escrows, multiple delays, and the complexities of a VA loan assumption, we're excited to officially celebrate a successful closing for my sellers in Mililani.

This home was located in a very desirable community, but needed significant updating. While that limited the pool of traditional buyers, the existing 2.75% VA assumable mortgage created a unique opportunity that allowed us to secure an outstanding sales price for my clients.

Would I recommend a VA loan assumption for every transaction? Absolutely not.

VA assumptions often involve lengthy processing times, lender backlogs, and plenty of uncertainty. They require patience from everyone involved and aren't the right fit for most buyers or sellers.

In this case, however, it was exactly the right strategy. My sellers achieved an excellent net result, and the extra time and persistence ultimately paid off.

And just when we thought we were finally at the finish line, another unexpected hurdle appeared. A documentation error by the lender was discovered after loan documents had already been signed, requiring both the buyers and sellers to return the very next day to re-sign a new set of loan documents. That last-minute issue delayed closing once again, but everyone stayed committed, worked together, and ultimately got the transaction across the finish line.

Real estate isn't about using the same approach for every property, it's about understanding all the available options and choosing the strategy that best serves your client's goals. Sometimes that means navigating unexpected challenges with patience, diligent communication, and a commitment to seeing the transaction through.

Congratulations to my sellers, and thank you to everyone involved for sticking with it through the challenges to reach the finish line!

If you're thinking about buying or selling in Mililani, Oahu, or anywhere on Oahu, or you're wondering whether a VA loan assumption, VA home loan, or traditional financing makes the most sense, I'd be happy to help you evaluate your options.

🌐 Property Details:
https://94-436-kealohi-place.chiplewishomes.com

Chip Lewis, MBA, REALTOR, MRP
RB-22971
📲 (808) 348-2521
📧 [email protected]
➡️ https://chiplewishomes.com/
HomeSmart Island Homes

07/03/2026

🇺🇸🎆 Happy Fourth of July! 🎆🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a safe and memorable Independence Day as we celebrate 250 years of American freedom. Whether you're enjoying the holiday here in Hawaiʻi 🌴 or celebrating from afar, here's to family, friends, and the communities we call home.

Happy 4th of July! ❤️🤍💙

06/16/2026

🏡 JUST SOLD | Honolulu, Hawaii 🌺

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from military members is, "There's no way I can afford a home in Hawaii."

This Active Duty E-4 Sailor just proved otherwise.

After 148 days on the market, we identified an opportunity on a newly constructed 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-family home in Honolulu. The property features separate living areas upstairs and downstairs, making it an ideal house-hacking opportunity.

Originally listed at $1,099,000, the price eventually dropped to $995,000 and we negotiated:
✅ Purchase Price: $985,000
✅ $10,000 Seller Credit
✅ $23,000 in Additional Seller Credits, Agent Credits, and Lender Incentives for Rate Buydowns, for $33k in total credits

Even more impressive, this purchase may not have been possible without the additional income from special duty pays, which helped this Sailor qualify for the loan amount needed to secure a nearly $1 million property in Honolulu.

By strategically using Buyers VA loan and finding the right property, this buyer is now positioned to offset housing costs through rental income from roommates while building equity in one of the nation's most desirable real estate markets.

💡 Lessons from this transaction:
✔ Patience creates opportunity.
✔ Properties that sit on the market can create negotiating leverage.
✔ Proper pricing is critical in today's Honolulu real estate market.
✔ House hacking remains one of the fastest ways for young service members to build long-term wealth through real estate.

There are opportunities in today's market, but success comes from preparation, strategy, and having the right team in your corner.

If you're Active Duty, Reserve, or a Veteran and want to learn how to maximize your VA Loan benefits in Hawaii or beyond, let's connect.

📍 Serving military families across Oahu.

04/10/2026

🏝️ JUST SOLD | Diamond Head / Pualei Circle 🏝️

This one was a journey.

After 460+ days on market with multiple Listing Brokers, this renovated 1-bedroom condo is officially SOLD.

And it wasn’t a straight line:
• Smaller buyer pool (1-bedroom unit)
• A distressed nearby sale that impacted perceived value
• A previous contract that fell through

On top of a tough condo market across Oahu—rising HOA fees, insurance concerns, and hesitant buyers.

But here’s what made the difference 👇

The Sellers stayed all in.
They trusted the process, stayed patient, and never lost sight of the goal.

📊 We’re now seeing signs of a shift:
• Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund helping stabilize insurance
• HOA fee increases leveling out
• Buyers starting to step back into the market

💡 Opportunity is coming back—but it rewards those who stay the course.
Huge mahalo to my Sellers for sticking with it and getting this across the finish line🤝

Want to see the property details? 👇
https://3027-pualei-circle-208.chiplewishomes.com/

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to sell—or how to navigate this condo market—I’m always happy to talk story.

Address

1888 Kalakaua Avenue, Ste C312
Honolulu, HI
96815

Website

https://chiplewishomes.com/, https://kailuapropertymanagement.com/

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