Hilo Area First-Time Homebuyers Workshop

Tired of renting and wondering if buying a home on the Big Island is actually possible?

Join us for a FREE 90 minute First Time Homebuyer Workshop, including a free dinner bento. There is a $5 refundable reservation fee to hold your spot and help us plan food. You’ll receive the full refund when you arrive. Designed for small groups – limited to 2 people per registration – we’ll walk through loans, down payments, Big Island realities, and what it really takes to become a homeowner here.

What We’ll Cover

Understanding the Homebuying Process

• How the buying journey works from pre-approval to closing
• What to do first and who you’ll work with (lender, inspector, escrow)
• How your loan type, credit score, and documentation affect your timeline
• What happens during escrow, inspection, appraisal, and underwriting
• Common first-time buyer mistakes and how to avoid them

The Numbers You’ll Need to Plan For

• Realistic monthly payments for homes in the $300K to $500K range
• FHA and conventional down payment examples
• Typical Hawaiʻi County closing costs
• How seller credits can reduce your upfront cash

Big Island Realities Every Buyer Should Know

• Lava zones and how they affect insurance and loans
• Catchment water systems and basic filtration requirements
• Solar and off-grid considerations for rural areas
• Permitted versus un-permitted home realities
• Septic vs. cesspool and what you need to budget for

Who This Is For:
Renters, newcomers, long-term residents, and anyone feeling stuck or unsure how to start. This is an educational, no-pressure workshop designed to help you plan realistically.

Location: Hawaiʻi Island Realtors Office
1321 Kino‘ole Street, Hilo, HI 96720

Sponsored and Presented

 by Living on Big Island Realty and Kama'aina Mortgage Group