Ever wonder how that "rich" aunty and uncle of yours living in Hawaii Loa Ridge ever got there? Were they just plain lucky? Did they marry rich? Or did they work their 'okoles' off and climb to the top? Having grown up in a lower-middle class family -- and at a young age hearing conversations of "rent is due on the first," and "money doesn't grow on trees" -- I didn't know how really hard working people made it and created financial security for their families.

It wasn't until my husband and I, at the young ages of 21 and 22, were blessed to have our dear friend introduce us to the crazy idea of purchasing our first home. Sure, we were young and naive and didn't really know how hard working people created wealth or financial security, but we took that leap of faith. Investing in a two-bedroom townhouse was the stepping stone we needed to acquire a rental property and then our big single-family home today!

Right Place at the Right Time

So I would like to Pay it Forward. You are reading this at the RIGHT TIME and if you are thinking of buying your first home, you don’t need to wait for someone to show you the way. I work for Prudential Locations, an amazing company where the employees care about the people of Hawaii and they work tirelessly to bring you market information on what it takes to "one day" OWN your very own home each and every month.  

Hosted by Prudential Locations, and at NO cost to you -- I invite you to attend our Non-Homeowner Seminar – A wonderfully engaging presentation filled with incredibly dynamic and clearly illustrated market information! I've attended a number of these by now with my clients and can honestly say that these 90 minutes could change your life! I know, I know -- it sounds like a motivational cliché -- but here are two examples from my own clients who decided to do something for their future.

In early 2011, Dave and Janice came to me with the desire and hope to one-day move out of their family's home and get their own place. Like many local couples living with family, they had a nice blend of very low rent and live-in babysitting for their two young children! They had fabulous jobs, great credit scores, and some money in the bank. Even though in their minds, and from what I could see on paper, they weren't ready to submit an offer to purchase a home, they both made the commitment to attend Prudential Locations' Non-Homeowner Seminar. After absorbing every bit of information, I clearly recall the fire and passion ignited in this wonderful couple. They quickly made the decision to work together towards their goal of aggressively putting more money into savings.

Just 18 months later, Dave and Janice did it! Today, they are enjoying their very own single-family home in Mililani.

Janice and Dave and their two children, enjoying family time in their own backyard.

B. Akamine, a software engineer of Kapolei told me, "Since this was my first home purchase, I didn't know a whole lot about the homebuying process. I really enjoyed the Prudential Locations homebuyer seminar at Pearl Country Club. I found great value in that. Kendra took the time to explain the entire process and patiently answered all my questions. She was prompt to coordinate all the meetings and showings we had and she was there for me every step of the way. I’m very pleased with the overall experience and am very happy with my new home purchase!"

I revisited my client's file and was so amazed to see that he secured an extremely low interest rate last year. Luckily interest rates are still historically low, but a one percent increase on that same loan amount could have cost him about $300/month more! Yikes...

I could go on and on and share different stories on how this seminar has helped different families, allowing them to start their path towards financial security through real estate investing. Now that I’m in my 30s, I've come to realize that in most cases the "rich" aunty and uncle didn't start out rich. Perhaps they stumbled into buying a little condo back in the day, then over time sold it for the townhouse, and then again for that beautiful home on the hill.

Check here for the next available seminar dates and times. I promise, it’ll be well worth your time! I'll be there to greet you with a smile and get you front row seats for the best show in town.  

Kendra Okihiro (RA) Prudential Locations, Diamond Head 614 Kapahulu Avenue, Suite 200 Honolulu  HI   96815   Office: (808) 735-4200  Office Fax: (808) 732-5096 Direct Line: (808) 484-3317 Mobile: (808) 258-5950 Email: kendra.okihiro@pruhawaii.com