Nearly 26 percent of people under 25 own their homes, up from less than 20 percent in 1982. During the same period, ownership in the 25-to-29 age group grew from 39 percent to 41 percent. Because home prices have tripled since 1982, it takes more planning for a young person to buy. Here are some steps to take to help you achive your dream of your own home in Hawaii.
Meet with a credit counselor to determine how much you can afford to pay for a house.
Get a free copy of your credit report online. If your credit score is 620 or higher, you should be able to get a mortgage. If it's lower, consider paying off some debt.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage in Hawaii of a certain amount so sellers will take your bid seriously.
Find a good Hawaiian real estate agent to negotiate for you.