Pantone, the company known worldwide for color expertise, released an annual color of the year (or colors of the year in 2021). In addition to helping companies like designers and manufacturers to define and control color, Pantone’s color guides and documentation help regular homeowners to pick a style that fits with their own sense of decor. This year, Pantone released “joint colors” for just the second time, in their colors of the year for 2021. (The last time colors of the year come in pairs was in 2016 with Rose Quartz and Serenity.)

So let’s get right down to it. What are 2021’s Pantone colors of the year?

Discover: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.

According to Pantone, the message of these shades is of strength and positivity. In this pair of hues, Pantone aimed to encapsulate hopefulness, energy, and clarity, a fresh look after a tough and uncertain year in 2020. Sounds nice, no?

Well, iIf you’re interested in adding a dash of positivity to your home’s decor, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are a great option. For some interesting and effective ways to use these colors throughout your house, read on!

On the Table

Yellow and gray are a popular color pair, and it’s easy to see why. Yellow’s vibrancy adds life and joy to the subtle, calming nature of gray, and each works well in small doses too.

Even without any paint, you can bring yellow into your home. Real or artificial sunflowers, tulips and daffodils can add a happy touch to a living space. Even a decorative bowl of lemons on the table does the trick. Taking some inspiration from the Pantone colors of the year, try putting them in a gray vase or bowl for an eye-pleasing contrast.

In the Bathroom

Look, bathrooms aren’t the most exciting part of the house. Most folks have a lot more fun in the kitchen, family room… you name it, really. So how ‘bout some color to bring your bathroom to life? Especially in a small space, a pop of color can make a big difference and create the illusion of size and scale.

If you’re still unsure about the colors you want, whether that’s Pantone’s gray and yellow combo or something else, start small. Don’t go painting a full wall right away, just get a little decoration and see what you think!

For instance, you can display a combination of yellow and gray hand towels, a yellow shower curtain, gray bath mats. It adds that wow factor while being temporary — ie. low or no commitment. When you're tired of the combination, change them out. This strategy is perfect when changing decor for each season or just on a whim, and it works particularly well with neutral wall paint as a backdrop. 

In the Bedroom

A bedroom should be comforting and calm, whether it’s a huge primary suite with a balcony and fireplace, or just a smaller spot to sleep. For an added touch of happy energy when you wake up in the morning, try incorporating yellow throughout the bedroom. A subtle, less-flashy yellow can even be nice as sheets or wall colors. 

For a dose of calm, Ultimate Gray is the ticket. More modern looks are also available in darker shades of gray, like sleek charcoal and steel.

In Furniture

Go big or go home, right? Bright yellow chairs love to stand out and offer a super cute and vintage vibe. On the flip side, a charcoal gray lamp adds a bit of modern bite to your design. 

If you're daring, how about a yellow sofa? A statement piece like this can serve as a focal point in the living room or a nice addition to a large bedroom. Find a contrasting gray designer wallpaper as an accent wall, or gray curtains to balance the brightness.

As Art

Perhaps the easiest, tried-and-true method of adding color to your home is art. Posters, paintings, photos, sculpture and more can all add interest without being overwhelming (and being easily interchangeable). 

If you are a budding artist yourself, try creating a gallery wall of alternating yellow and gray DIY artwork. It's a fun learning activity for kids and adults. 

Your Front Door

There are two ways you can include Ultimate Gray and Illuminating for the front door. The simplest way is with a wreath, adding a dash of color on your home’s facade. 

The other way is with paint. Be bold and paint your door yellow! And to mimic the Pantone-approved color pair for ultimate curb appeal, you can add some gray by switching out hardware like the handle and deadbolt lock.

Outdoor Space

To transform your outdoor living space, try a gray outdoor furniture set offset by yellow cushions and pillows. It’s a sure way to brighten a dreary deck or drab backyard. 

Or, instead of investing in new outdoor furniture, you can decorate with colorful accessories like stools, lanterns and end tables. Candles are also an easy way to add yellow or gray without going overboard or breaking the bank!

In the Kitchen

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, so making it a “happy place” is a top priority. If you’re up for taking a big leap, try painting your kitchen cabinets a cheery yellow! If that seems like too much, there are very colorful and easily applied peel-and-stick backsplash tiles that might be just right for your design. 

If that all seems like too much work, you can add some colorful appliances, vases and kitchenware.  Gray tea kettle? Meet yellow mixer. And don’t forget about towels! Textiles like dish towels and aprons are amazing opportunities to add color that is interchangeable any time.

In the Nursery

Blue and pink may be standard fare for a nursery, but in recent years new parents have expanded their vocabulary of baby-room color. As an added bonus, you can paint the room ahead of time when you’re not trying to match color with your new baby’s gender. 

Pantone’s yellow/gray combo is an easy, soothing palette for both baby and parents to love. The gray is calming while yellow warms it up.

And, as your little one grows, you don't have to worry about repainting or redecorating. It's a color combination for all ages.

On the Floors

Whether it's in the bedroom, living room, bathroom or kitchen, you can spruce up any area with a good rug or two. Expert designers even overlay area rugs for a bohemian, contrasting look. 

Since we’re talking about contrast, did we mention Pantone’s yellow and gray? There’s an idea to instantly liven up a space.

On the Walls

When you think of design, you probably think of walls first: art, paint, wallpaper, paneling, moldings and more. There’s a huge variety of options for wall decor, allowing you to get extra creative with it to make a smaller feature wall or cover whole swaths of your home’s interior.

For an accent wall in a larger space, try fresh paint or wallpaper to add some visual contrast. Patterns and texture really heighten the appeal, whether that’s designer wallpaper, painted wood paneling, or a molded plastic art form that you buy and install. Tiles are also a way to add interest at a relatively low cost. 

As Lights

Lighting truly makes the home, from natural light to your installed light fixtures. While it’s not so easy to knock out a wall to add a new window, installing new light fixtures can be a cheap and very effective way to bring light and contemporary design into a room all at once.

If you’re going with the gray and yellow look, you can try gray sconces flanking a headboard in the bedroom, and subtle, cheerful yellow sheets. In a dining room or kitchen, a pendant light on the wall can make a big difference too.

As Books

Now, books are primarily for reading, but displaying them on a shelf means they’re part of the scenery too. Got some empty bookshelf space? Head to a local used bookstore or thrift shop to find colorfully bound books that will enhance your shelves and the whole room.

Even if you’re not a big reader, books and candles are a classic adornment for shelves. Who knows… maybe you’ll even get around to reading the decorations. 

As Small Details

Gray and yellow are a proven color pair, but it can still be easy to get carried away and end up with a weird-looking living room. The best way to go is to start small, and use bright, eye-catching color sparingly so the room is not overwhelmed. 

Luckily, starting small is also the easiest thing to do! Just begin by adding in little colorful details like trinkets, pillows and throw blankets. See how you like the colors first, and reevaluate before you make bigger decisions.

Getting a Home Ready to Live in or Sell?

We hope this guide on decorating with Pantone Ultimate Gray and Illuminating has been a little bit of helpful fun. The truth is, when you decorate a home you own, the world is your oyster! It’s one of the many benefits of home ownership.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, then you want to appeal to the broadest swath of potential, qualified and likely homebuyers. We’ve helped hundreds of Encinitas, North County and other San Diego home sellers to make the right staging and improvements that stay within budget and avoid leaving money on the table.

For more information on how Hawaii Realty International helps to get your home in top selling shape, please reach out any time to start the no-pressure conversation and discuss your options. We look forward to hearing from you!

Are you concerned with saving water this summer? Not only is water essential to life (for you and your plants), but saving more water can also save on your bills.

In the heat of summer, there’s nothing better than a cold drink and a soothing breeze in a beautiful, manicured yard. To get the most from your home’s exterior without being wasteful, you want to make sure you're not using too much water to keep up the maintenance.

Don't worry, you can do your bit for the environment without losing your little patch of heaven! Read on for these water-efficient landscaping tips to get you through the hot months to come.

Make an Action Plan for Your Garden

As every Oahau homeowner knows, it takes planning and dedication to maintain a lush garden. For the sake of mother nature and your utility bills, it helps to make a conscious effort to save water as you plan your home’s exterior.

In addition to selection and arrangements, your landscaping plan should take into consideration things like:

- regional/microclimatic conditions of your yard

- topography

- use of property

- current vegetation and landscaping

For best results, you should also group your current plants by their water needs, sun/shade requirements and preferred soil conditions.

This information will vary because each yard is different. Once you've done the research and taken your notes, you can start to put a plan together to meet the needs of your yard.

Choose Native Plants

Consider preserving any plants that are already thriving in your yard. Since they’re already acclimatized, see if you can incorporate them into your design. These plants are most likely to perform well in your soil and local environment.

If you don’t like their current location, you can move plants to sit in designated beds or spread them out as you desire. A lot of native plants in Oahu and Honolulu are beautiful to look at and will mix in with any flora design that you have your heart set on.

Keep Your Soil Healthy

No matter the climate, every yard needs a healthy soil foundation to thrive. This is why you should check your soil before starting your improvements. Basic tests will tell you if your soils are acidic, alkaline or neutral.

Once you know your soil type, you can then work on adjusting the pH levels to what you need. Most local garden centers will offer testing kits and can help you make the adjustments.

Make Use of Mulch

If you want to preserve the moisture in your soil, then applying mulch is the best thing you can do. Mulch prevents evaporation and makes a better environment to encourage root growth.

You’ll want to apply a layer of organic mulch around 2-3 inches deep. Organic mulches you can choose include chopped leaves, pine straw and shredded bulk.

Mulch also helps to prevent weeds from taking over. The more weeds growing, the more competition there is for soil moisture. As mulch decomposes, it additionally improves the soil to help boost its water absorption. This is a big bonus when it comes to summer landscaping.

Be Cautious When Adding Turf

Grassy turf can be a great addition to add color and appeal to your landscape, and it’s nice to dig your toes in on a sunny day. However, drought can cause devastation to its growth cycle. So, if you want a lush lawn, you need to have a plan about where you'll plant it and how it’s watered.

Play areas and recreation spaces are popular spaces to install turf, since it’s safer and more comfortable than dirt or mulch. But grass takes a lot of water, so keep these areas smaller, if possible. This will increase your water efficiency, reduce runoff and lower overall evaporation.

Some grass species cope with drought better than others. If you prefer not to constantly water your lawn, pick a grass type that goes dormant in extreme conditions and springs back to life when rains return.

Use What Mother Nature Provides

It can help to get creative with how you source your water. You can collect rain and dew with tanks and barrels to capture what nature already provides. When it rains, a barrel beneath your gutters can capture a large amount of runoff from your roof.

These water collection barrels have a hole in the top for water to flow in. They then have an on/off tap at the bottom where you can place your watering can.

You can buy them ready-made, or you can make one yourself. Check with your local environmental/water agencies who may offer classes or instruction manuals on the subject.

If you create a water collection system, make sure to cover the intake hole with mesh to stop debris and mosquitoes from entering. Keep the barrel elevated too, as this will make it easier to fill your watering devices.

Be Sensible and Do Your Maintenance

To encourage strong root growth in drought conditions, your plants still need water! How much water is required depends on your soil type, plant species, topography and other factors.

Whatever you do, check your local water restrictions and abide by them. Example water restrictions might include:

- Watering only from 8 pm to 10 am

- Only allowing irrigation to run for 15 minutes max

- Exceptions for drip irrigation and low-pressure sprinklers

- Nozzles on hoses for manual watering

- Watering only allowed 3 days a week

- Alternating watering days between even- and odd-numbered houses

Before you invest time, money and a boatload of water, it's important to know your local water restrictions. When you know these in advance, you'll be able to plan around them without sacrificing the condition of your yard.

Use Drip Irrigation & Soaker Hoses

Another of the best summer landscaping tips is to use a drip or soaker hose. A soaker hose has little holes along the length of it. This lets water seep out of it at a slow pace over time. Drip irrigation is another slow method of watering that's more efficient.

In both cases, efficiency is higher because the water gets right into the roots. Watering above the plants coats their upper portions in water while providing less to the roots right away. Also, the spray from water falling can be wasteful, and you don't want to be the bad neighbor who wastes water!

Water-Efficient Landscaping Tips Made Easy

Now you know these top summer landscaping tips, you're in great shape to make a plan and start saving water this summer.

To recap: Know your local water restrictions and always follow them. Use native plants and plants that thrive in dry conditions, if possible. Work with what nature gives you, and your local environment. The best landscaping designs always tie in the home and the yard environment in one cohesive look. This will provide you with a beautiful yard, even in the driest of summer months.

If you're looking to find your perfect patch of Oahu heaven, contact us today. At Hawaii Realty International, we’re always happy to help you make a plan to reach your real estate goals.

So far in 2021, the estimated annual inflation rate for the United States is 4.2%. With the housing market hot and home values already at historic highs in much of the country, higher inflation may put the prospect of buying a home further out of reach for many Americans.

The steady increase in prices, paired with a decrease in our purchasing power, affects housing markets nationwide. This includes Oahu real estate.

To learn more about how inflation rates affect interest rates, home prices, and your ability to buy a home, keep reading. We'll cover everything that you need to know!

The Power of Owning a Home

Owning a home is beneficial during periods of economic inflation. As a homeowner, you're locked into a price based on when you purchased it, subject either to a mortgage or nothing at all if you paid cash. As home values rise — and more often than not, they do — you are saving money and gaining equity because you are a homeowner.

This is why experts consider housing to be a dependable asset during periods of high inflation. As the price of goods and services rise, your home’s value is likely rising in kind.

Broadly speaking, the value of your home rises at least by the rate of inflation times the cost of the house. As time passes, your down payment and mortgage get smaller and smaller relative to the growing equity you hold in your home. This makes owning a home a financial benefit any time, but especially amid high inflation.

Bonus Power: A Fixed-Rate Mortgage

If you do have an existing mortgage on your home, you may be getting even more from inflation. A fixed-rate loan is particularly beneficial during high inflation.

With a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments stay the same over the course of the loan. But in inflation-adjusted dollars, by the end of your loan period you are paying considerably less.

Consider the most common type of fixed-rate mortgage, the 30-year conventional. In the 30 years since 1991, cumulative inflation has reached about 96% in the US. So, a $2,000 monthly loan payment in 1991 would equal $3,921 today in inflation-adjusted dollars. By locking in at a fixed rate 30 years ago, you would be saving nearly 50%.

We should note that this doesn't mean that you should always opt for a fixed-rate mortgage. There are various mortgage types for a reason, and depending on your situation an adjustable-rate loan might make more sense. It all depends on your goals, finances and timeline.

Supply and Demand

Supply and demand are the main forces that drive real estate prices up and down. Supply and demand are even more powerful than inflation.

Even if inflation is high, overabundant housing supply will bring home prices down, just like high buyer demand will drive home prices up. Right now, the inverse is true: tight supply of listings has caused home prices to surge, even before the higher inflation rate of 2021.

However, interest rates do depend on inflation. One of the main reasons the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates is to match their target inflation rate. Since mortgage rates reflect interest rates, mortgage rates also rise as inflation rises.

Here’s the thing: If mortgage rates rise too much, people will stop taking out home loans. Thus, the demand for homes will decrease and home prices will fall with it. Rather than a direct line from inflation to home prices, these factors all intertwine in a complicated web of economic incentives.

Refinancing Your Mortgage

Many economic experts recommend refinancing your mortgage when current rates are at least 2% lower than your existing rate. Thanks to refinancing, you can redeem yourself with a lower rate even if you signed onto a mortgage when rates were high.

Thanks to options like refinancing, a high mortgage rate can usually be lowered down the line. But pay careful attention to rates and additional fees before you take the plunge to refinance. If your new, lower rate doesn’t save enough money, you could end up paying more in the end after all the fees are added up.

The Harm of Persistent Inflation

In a perfect economic world, inflation would correct itself. As explained earlier, inflation and interest and supply and demand are all connected. If inflation rises, interest rates would rise, then supply and demand would find equilibrium once again. Theoretically, it can be a self-correcting system.

But truthfully, inflation can work much differently.

If inflation persists for a long period of time, it can be a major setback to the entire economy. In particular, inflation harms those with fixed incomes such as the elderly and disabled.

Inflation can be harmful even on an international scale.

As we mentioned, inflation causes the purchasing power of currency to fall. If this keeps happening, the nation cannot perform internationally against other countries. The currency will have become devalued. With the US Dollar as the de facto global reserve currency, rampant inflation in the dollar would have global implications.

So, for everyone’s sake, inflation is carefully monitored by the Fed, with a goal of healthy inflation around 2% and no runaway inflation that lasts forever.

Predicting Inflation

One of the biggest problems with inflation is its unpredictable nature. Sure, some indicators of inflation are big and glaring, but there are countless smaller factors that may go unseen or unreported. Ultimately, even the best economists are not 100% accurate.

That said, these are the two largest drivers of inflation with a high degree of predictability:

1. The government spends a lot of money within a short period of time

2. The treasury introduces too much money into the economy

Because of these factors, economic experts look at government spending and private spending to track patterns of inflation.

Investing in Oahu Real Estate

Inflation, interest rates, housing prices — these are powerful economic concepts that are still hard for some to understand, and even harder to predict.

That’s why our best advice is to make decisions based on your own goals, finances and timeline. No one perfectly times the housing market, except by accident. No one has a crystal ball to tell the future.

When it feels like the right time for you to buy or sell a home, get in touch with our team of experts to start the conversation and discuss your options. We’re always happy to help!

So You Moved to a Brand New Place...

Congratulations! You’ve mustered up the courage to make a move to a new city for that job you’ve always dreamed of, to be closer to family, or just a brand new start. Whatever the case may be, with the closing documents signed and the keys in your hand, you couldn’t be more excited. Then it hits you - I’m in a new place. I don’t know anyone. Nothing is familiar.  I don’t know where anything is. The excitement suddenly turns to fear.

Settling In

Uprooting your life to a new city can be a refreshing, exciting change, but it can also come with it’s own list of challenges. Fear not, as we’re here to provide you with some tips and tools to help you acclimate to your new surroundings. So take a deep breath, heed our advice below, and then step outside and start enjoying your new city!

Locate the Essential Stores Near You

Scope out your neighborhood, either by foot or car, and establish the closest grocery stores, pharmacies, coffee shops, Target (because who doesn’t love Target), and other places you plan on frequenting routinely. Chances are you’ll need to run out to at least one of these within your first few days of moving in, so you might as well establish your go-tos. Plus, it’s a great way to get to know your new city in the process!

Make New Friends

Moving to a foreign place where you don’t know anyone can be a really scary thing. Meeting new people can be a huge game changer in making you feel less alone and also provides someone who knows the area to show you around! Attend a new church you’ve been considering and strike up a conversation with another family. Attend that workout class you saw advertised that looks like fun. Take your kids and dog to the park nearby your house, and mingle with other moms or dads. Simply reaching out to others while doing the activities you already do can help make your new city feel less lonely and more like your new home.

Explore Your City

Often, during and after a move, we get so caught up in the chaos of all that needs to be done that we don’t actually take the time to stop and enjoy our new surroundings. Take a day to treat your city as if you were on vacation. If you’re in a walkable area, take some time to just wander around your neighborhood, with no agenda, and see what you come across. If you can’t walk, go for a drive (with no GPS!) and take in the surroundings. It’s amazing how much more we take in, when we’re not on a set mission to get somewhere.

Find Out About Upcoming Events

Check out free platforms like Eventbrite to learn about various upcoming events in your area. Browse events on Facebook - you can even filter by categories of music, crafts, sports, comedy, and more, if you have something in mind you want to do! Subscribe to your local community event calendar to stay in the know of exciting activities and events taking place near you!

Learn Your Transportation Options

Just moved to New York City? Chances are you’ll need to learn the best subway routes to get around. Bought a house out in the suburbs? You’ll most likely want to learn the highway system around you. An avid cyclist who plans on biking to work? Check out the safest and most direct biking lanes around town. Whatever type of area you live in, you’ll want to learn the best way to get around, in addition to the public transportation options available to you, such as subway systems, bus transit lines, bikesharing programs and ridesharing services. Also, a tip: if you’re starting a new job, test out your new commute before your first day to see exactly how long it takes you. Being late on your first day is never a good thing!

Conclusion

Settling into a new city can be overwhelming, so above all, give yourself time to acclimate. It won’t happen overnight, but, as you slowly become more comfortable with your surroundings, this new place will start to feel like home.

Feel free to reach out with any questions! We love to help folks get acquainted with the beautiful areas around Oahu.

So you've decided to rent out your home, but have you given much thought to all the details? Perhaps you've rented it before and you're looking at securing good, long-term tenants this time. Or maybe you're here because it's your first time, and you have questions. 

It's important that you properly prepare your house for rental, so that the transition is smooth and the tenancy is too. The last thing you want is to find subpar renters that don't take care of your home, or a lack of willing tenants at the price you want due to broken appliances or an unwelcoming environment.

Check out this guide with easy steps on how to get your house ready to rent. 

Declutter and Remove Valuables 

If you're renting out a house that you or someone else has been living in, you need to start by decluttering and removing personal items and valuables. Your potential renters want a space that is clean and functional, that doesn't feel like they're staying in someone else's house.

Remove any knick knacks that don't add aesthetic value, all clothing items, or any other personal accoutrements. Avoid shoving these items in a locked cupboard — your tenants will want storage, too! Move all the stuff you’re clearing out to your new home or a storage unit, or put them up for sale or donation to get them off your hands. 

Decide What Appliances and Furniture Are Staying 

You need to make it clear to your renters what is included in the rental agreement and what isn't. Some homeowners rent out their homes fully-equipped with furnishings in the living areas and bedrooms, and crockery and cutlery in the cupboards. Others rent their homes completely unfurnished. 

Right away, make a list of what is staying and what is going, so you can tell prospective tenants. Of course, tastes may vary, so be prepared for renters who might ask you to remove certain furniture items, re-paint walls, or make other unique requests. You may decide to oblige their requests, or not — either way, it helps to have a plan. 

When you show your property to prospective tenants, let them know the specifics like whether you are taking the washing machine, or if the unit doesn't come with a fridge. This can sometimes be a 'make or break' factor for people, and it will save everyone time and effort by being clear up-front.

Make Repairs and Replacements

To properly prepare your property for the rental market, you need to ensure that everything is in good, working condition. Check for small things such as faulty outlets or blown light bulbs, as well as larger repairs such as the AC unit or leaks in your ceiling.

Before you place it on the rental market, perform an extensive check of your house (looking everything over thoroughly!) and make a written list of all the necessary repairs and replacements. You should start this list early on, so that you can add to it as you notice things, and so you have time to perform the needed updates. 

It's advised to schedule vendors and contractors for repairs as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to be paying higher fees for last-minute, “emergency” repairs just days before your new tenant moves in.

Normal wear and tear is expected when you rent out a house, but completing the essential maintenance tasks will be important in securing the right renters. Keeping everything in working condition and looking nice will let you charge higher rental fees and attract and keep your tenants for longer.

Reference this quick checklist when inspecting for repairs.

You should check:

• HVAC systems

• leaky drains, pipes, or water damage

• clogs, blockages and all the plumbing 

• appliances like the water heater and kitchen equipment

• windows and window screens

• hardware such as doorknobs, towel racks, etc

• Lightbulbs, switches and outlets 

This is also a great opportunity to make any renovations or remodels in your home to increase the rental value!

Have Carpets Professionally Cleaned

Carpets are soft and comfy, but they also trap dust and other unwanted grime. Before you market your rental property, make sure its carpets are all freshly cleaned. If you had the carpets cleaned fairly recently, then a simple vacuum or shampoo should do the job. 

However, a professional deep carpet clean is recommended when you're renting a house that has been occupied for a while. If you or your previous tenants owned a pet, then a deep cleaning is essential to remove trapped odors, fur, dander, and pests.

Get Keys Made or Rekey the Apartment 

If this is your first time renting out the house and you are the only person that has lived in it, then there is no reason to change the locks or rekey the apartment.

In this case, simply go to the locksmith and get a few sets of keys made. Your renter will expect at least two sets of keys. However, if you're renting out a big home, or to a family or group of people, you'll need more so that everyone has access.

You will also need to keep a couple sets of keys yourself, for emergencies, repairs, and routine inspections.  

If you had previous tenants, it's advised to rekey locks once a tenant moves out. The only way you can assure your new tenants that their assets are safe and secure is by rekeying the apartment, as you cannot be sure that your old tenants did not make copies of the keys.  

Clean the Property Interior and Exterior

Curb appeal and outdoor living space both make a big difference in attracting tenants. It's important that the building exterior and the surrounding area outside are clean and neat. This includes your garden and the street in front of your house. You don't want potential renters to get a bad first impression from broken furniture outside, unkempt landscaping, or trash strewn on the road.

Once you're sure that the exterior is looking sparkly and clean, it's time to deal with the interior. Check all the walls for scuff marks and give them a proper scrub. Assess whether they need to be repainted. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in making the home feel clean and new, so we highly advise keeping the right paint on-hand for touching up your walls. 

Also ensure the windows are clean, appliances are clean, as well as all the little nooks and crannies in cupboards, under shelves, in corners and crevasses, and so on. 

Cleaning is critical when you're renting out a house. Once you've cleaned it once, double-check and clean it again! Good tenants want to move into clean homes, and above all you're looking for good tenants. If you have the time to do it yourself, that’s fine, but we often recommend hiring a professional cleaning service to spare yourself the considerable effort, and to make sure the job is done perfectly.

Is Your Property Ready for Renters? 

Are you prepared and ready to rent your home after reading these steps? It's a fairly straightforward process, as long as you ensure that everything is up to standard, clean, and working properly.

Perhaps you're interested in jumping into the rental game and considering buying a house to rent out. We are here to assist you with finding the perfect rental property with great investment value! Get in touch with us today to start the no-pressure conversation.

Are you looking to build a new construction home in Oahu? Do you wonder what the difference will be in home design pre- and post-COVID-19? If so, then you’ll be interested to learn how the coronavirus might affect future home design.

Understanding future home design trends will help to stir your imagination and plan for the features you want, before you set out to find or build your next home. We are beginning to see old spaces used in new ways, with novel additions to current homes and adjusted open floor plans, just to name a few.

See below for an in-depth guide on several COVID-19 architecture design solutions that you can expect to see in a post-COVID world!

1. The New-Look Open Floor Plan

Everyone loves an open floor plan. It's a trend that has become commonplace in many modern home designs, whether you're building a new construction home or remodeling an existing structure. 

However, the worldwide pandemic revealed something to us about open floor plans that we didn't consider before: productivity is just as important at home as it is in the workplace. Really, the home has become a workplace itself. 

Among those who were able to maintain their employment during the pandemic, many were forced to share space with their family members in ways they had never imagined. Suddenly, mom and pop were forced to work at home, while kids ran around, eating, playing, destroying, sometimes learning...

All of a sudden, those coveted open floor plans became more distracting than invigorating. Productivity declined as a result. 

That brought on the invention of what we're calling the "new-look open floor plan". In this design, the entire space is maximized. What was once a living room/kitchen combo is now a living room, kitchen, office, arts and craft station, play area, study room, and more.

When looking at a new home, we at Hawaii Realty International believe that we need to embrace these changes, not run from them. It makes your home more functional and, thus, more valuable to your family!

2. Super Porches

Sounds like an awesome comic book title, right? While it might not be picked up by Marvel for their next blockbuster, this is certainly a growing trend in the home design industry.

We all had those neighbors, friends, and relatives that used the 2020 pandemic as a way to catch up on their home renovations, both inside and outside. Maybe you did too.

Many homeowners used that opportunity to improve the outside of their properties, like patios and porches. For some, it was the deck in their front yard. For others, it was the balcony or the roof lounge atop their home.

With more time spent at home, homeowners want better exterior living spaces to maximize their enjoyment of the great outdoors. A good portion of them preferred covered patios so that they could enjoy the fresh air in any weather (it helps that we’re blessed in Oahu with great weather most of the year). 

These homeowners are on to something! Not only does the "super porch" give you more ways to enjoy the outdoors, but it also enhances the curb appeal of your home for when it comes time to sell. It's what we like to call a "win-win," improving your enjoyment of the home now and your sale price later. 

3. At-Home Gyms

Did you know that Hawaii has been ranked the healthiest state in America?

This can be attributed to the residents, who are often health-conscious and committed to bettering their health and fitness each day. Unfortunately, when the pandemic struck, all the gyms we frequent to stay in shape were temporarily shuttered.

Everything was closed: CrossFit gyms, big-name gyms, the track at the nearest high school football field. All completely closed off to the public. Even public parks were shut down for a time!

So, many homeowners made their own workout solution. They invested in creating an at-home gym, which gradually continued to evolve as the year 2020 went on. Since everyone at once started looking for gym equipment, buyers had to hunt and buy piecemeal to put it all together. But now, a home gym has become a feature that many homebuyers are looking for in their next home.

4. Potential for Additions

As if land wasn't already at a premium in Oahu real estate, the 2020 coronavirus pandemic made it even more of a hot commodity.

Economists believe that this is a direct correlation to many families having relatives move in with them during the pandemic, especially elderly relatives. Now, they're with them for the long haul, and many homeowners are looking to build additional living space to give their new “roommates” their own private area.

Having a bonus bedroom suite or standalone ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit, aka “granny flat”) is a huge boon for housing multiple generations of family. An ADU is amazing when you have teens or grandparents living with you. Homebuyers know this too and will pay a premium for it!

5. Healthy Homes

An aging, dirty or broken HVAC system is never great, but homebuyers these days are putting even more attention on ventilation and comfort. After all, if the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it's to be more conscious of the air we’re breathing (and who’s breathing it near us). 

The indoor air quality of a home is no different. Home inspectors put an emphasis on checking the home's HVAC system for signs of mold or build-up in the air ducts, signs of poor air quality, etc.

Good cooling and heating has become a primary selling point. If you're in the market for a new home, make sure that the home's HVAC system is inspected by an expert. This pandemic has shown us all how much air quality truly matters!

Consider These Future Home Design Trends as You Search

Now that you have seen a few ways that COVID-19 has affected future home design, be sure to use these to your advantage while you search for or build your new house!

Getting ready for a big move? It's never too early to start planning. See this article for a list of tips and tricks for a stress-free move.

For any other inquiries and questions about real estate, please feel free to connect with us and we will be happy to assist you further!