FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

After the reset of January, February is when decisions start to feel more real. Whether you’re actively planning a move or simply paying closer attention, understanding your position as a homeowner, buyer, or future seller is what creates leverage.

This month’s update focuses on knowing your worth: what your home, your buying power, and your long-term plans are truly worth in today’s Hawai‘i market, and how informed strategy protects that value.

O‘ahu Real Estate Market Snapshot - January 2026

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The Oʻahu real estate market entered 2026 with quiet confidence, like a canoe gliding out of the harbor, steady, deliberate, and powered by consistent momentum rather than sudden waves.

Single-Family Homes: Strong Current, Limited Supply

Single-family home sales were essentially flat, down just 1.0% year-over-year, while prices held firm. The median sales price rose 0.2% to $1,122,500, underscoring continued value support. Inventory tightened further, with active listings down 8.2%, keeping supply lean at 2.8 months and competition elevated.

Nearly 31% of homes sold above asking price, particularly between $800,000 and $1.4 million, which accounted for almost 60% of all single-family sales. Homes moved efficiently, with a median of 27 days on market, and a 14.4% jump in pending sales points to sustained buyer demand heading into the spring.

Condominiums: More Room to Navigate

The condo market offered buyers more flexibility. Sales dipped 4.8% year-over-year, and the median price softened 1.9% to $529,000. Inventory expanded 5.8%, pushing supply to 6.0 months, giving buyers greater leverage.

Condos took longer to sell, with a 47-day median, and only 7% closed above asking price, as most sales occurred below list price, especially in the $700,000–$899,999 range. Still, pending condo sales rose 5.0%, signaling steady, selective demand.

The Takeaway

This is a market finding its balance. Single-family homes remain tight and competitive, while condos present opportunity and negotiating room. Like paddling with the tide, success in 2026 will favor those who understand the current and move with intention.

This report reflects information about re-sales of existing properties only and does not include new home sales. All the MLS information is com­piled from sales reported during the cited months; this data is Known only after closing of escrow. The time delay between the signing of a sales contract and the closing of escrow is usually between one and three months. This report is provided as a service to HBR members. Note: Percentage change compares data from January 2026 to January 2025.

Looking Ahead: How Value Will Be Defined in 2026

As we move further into 2026, success will hinge less on timing the market and more on understanding position.

Key value drivers to watch:

• Pricing strategy.

• Buyers are well-informed; value must be defensible.

• Condition & preparedness

• Move-in-ready homes continue to command premiums.

• Total cost awareness

• Insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and reserves carry more weight.

• Local expertise

• Neighborhood-level insight matters more than broad averages.

This is not a market of shortcuts, it’s one of informed decisions and intentional moves.  

Read More.

5 Moves to be Ready to Sell in 2026

If selling is on your radar in 2026, the smartest step is preparation. Today’s market rewards sellers who plan early, price strategically, and understand what actually drives value.

Here are five things to do now that can make a meaningful difference later:

1. Understand Your Current Value
2. Focus on High-Impact Improvements
3. Study Today’s Buyer Expectations
4. Plan Your Timing Intentionally
5. Work With Local Expertise Early

Even if your sale is months away, clarity now creates flexibility later, and often leads to smoother transactions and stronger outcomes.

Read More.

Thinking About Buying? Know Your Power

Knowing your worth as a buyer goes beyond pre-approval.

If buying is on your radar in 2026, preparation matters more than perfect timing. While mortgage rates have eased from recent highs and some economists expect modest rate drops later in the year, even small shifts could bring more buyers back into the market, and increase competition.

Rather than waiting for headlines, smart buyers focus on knowing their position now.

Why this matters:

• Lower rates often spark demand, especially in supply-constrained markets.
• Buyers who are already prepared tend to have more choice and negotiating power.
• Understanding your buying power today allows you to act confidently when the right opportunity appears.

Strong buyers use this time to:

• Get clear on financing and comfortable monthly payments
• Understand neighborhood-level pricing, not just list prices
• Clarify lifestyle priorities and long-term plans
• The goal isn’t to predict the market, it’s to be ready. Knowing where you stand now puts you in control, no matter how the rest of the year unfolds.

Read More.

Homeowner Tip: Equity is More Than a Number

Knowing your current value helps homeowners:

• Plan renovations with purpose
• Evaluate rental or second-home options
• Track equity growth realistically
• Make confident decisions, even without plans to move

A personalized Comparative Market Analysis review creates a stronger foundation for your financial positioning and planning for whatever comes next.

Read More.

Rooted In Hawai'i:
Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, marking the start of the Year of the Horse on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, brings vibrant cultural celebrations across Honolulu that highlight community, tradition, and shared heritage.  

Chinatown Festival & Parade

• The 50th Annual Chinatown Festival & Lunar New Year Parade returns on Saturday, February 14, 2026 in historic Honolulu Chinatown.  
• Festival Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Parade: Steps off at 4:30 PM from the Hawai‘i State Capitol lawn down Hotel Street through Chinatown, leading to celebration zones at ‘A‘ala Park & Beretania Street.  

Read More.

I'm dedicating this message to Pepper..

On January 15th, it was Pepper's time to cross the rainbow. She was almost 14 years old. Isn't it funny that not a word is spoken from our furry friends, but the love they have for you is unconditional, and their loyalty is unquestionable. Pepper was very special to me, and I will miss her dearly.

Thank you for trusting me to support you and your ‘ohana. My focus remains the same: clear guidance, modern tools, and dependable service every step of the way.

From market insights and personalized valuations to curated searches and strategic planning, you have access to resources designed to make real estate decisions easier. And with our expanded global network, I can now help you, and your family, anywhere in the world.

If 2026 includes buying, selling, investing, or simply staying informed, I’m always here as a resource. I always welcome your questions, comments, or to hear from you. Just say hi!

Have a wonderful day. Mahalo Lila

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