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As far as financing is concerned for any homes in Hawaii, you could expect to have to put a minimum 10.00% down under certain circumstances, in order to get an owner-occupant loan. Your best bet is to obtain financing through a mortgage broker here rather than through a mainland lender; there is a wider choice of loans and much less problem over appraisals because the brokers are familiar with the properties.

It is possible to get an owner-occupant "no income verification" loan on a residence providing you have squeaky-clean credit and 6 months' mortgage payments in liquid assets. Otherwise, if you need to qualify for financing, it is better to buy the property as a "second home" and qualify for it on the basis of existing earned income.

Sometimes people move here, having sold up everything and given up their jobs and they still cannot get financing until they have re-established themselves on Maui. That can take as long as 2 years in the lender's eyes. There are exceptions to that, of course, if the income is derived from investments or if the person is moving to a similar job already established on Maui. Anyway, that is for the future, and you are free to discuss the ramifications with any of the mortgage brokers.

Conventional financing is available up to $625,500; above that you run into the "Jumbo" loan category, which may entail higher "points", a higher down payment, and a higher interest rate, or any combination of those things. The situation varies from day to day, therefore it is important to talk with a loan officer, and I will be happy to give you suggestions as to people you might like to contact.

If you would like to get more specific information about this you could e-mail David McCreight at Four Star Mortgage Corporation, david@fourstarmortgage.com or phone tollfree: (888) 279-4001. There are various mortgage brokers including Tricia Morris at Premiere Mortgage: e-mail tricia@premieremortgageco.com or phone: (808) 874-8800.

I happen to use David quite a lot. He really puts himself out for you and if he is not there you can dial "12" and leave a detailed message on his "voice-mail". Or visit his website at: http://www.fourstarmortgage.com. Don't forget that Hawaii is 2 hours behind the West Coast during the winter months and 3 hours in summer.