Many people think they can’t buy a home, for a variety of reasons. Maybe they have poor credit, perhaps very little money saved or maybe the whole process of buying and owning a home is just so overwhelming it’s simply easier to rent.

Well, the unknowns of buying a home shouldn't be a deterrent. Start by asking a simple question. Is buying a home right for me? Oftentimes there is a need, motivation or driving force leading towards the thought of buying?

• Are you tired of paying rent?
• Do you want more privacy?
• Are you looking to move out of your parent’s home?
• Has your family grown and you need more space?

A Wave of Giving Creates an Ocean of Caring 

Giving back to the community, where we live and work, defines the Locations Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of Prudential Locations, Hawaii’s No. 1 locally owned and operated real estate agency, with more transactions than any other company.

Last night, November 14, the Pacific Business News held the 12th Annual Business Leadership Hawaii Dinner and Awards Event and recognized the Locations Foundation as the Community Spirit Award winner from a panel of eight finalists. 

“The key to a successful volunteer effort is simple: offer employees an organized and empowering opportunity to give back to the community,” says Bill Chee, Prudential Locations CEO.

In attendance to accept the PBN Community Spirit Award were Locations Foundation donors: Jodee Farm, Locations Foundation president; Dolores Bediones (R), Stephanie Chan (R), Michael Marks (RA), Brandon Lau (R), Chad Takesue (R), James Chan (R) and Mary Tess Edu (R).

Are you thinking about changing up your real estate investments - looking for properties with better opportunity for appreciation or increased rental income potential, but you're worried about capital gains tax on the profits? Welcome to the world of the 1031 Exchange.

The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange is a great way to sell your investment property and trade up to another investment property, tax deferred. And by investment property, we mean any property that’s not your principal residence or second home. Typically, it’s a rental that’s either residential, such as a house, townhome or condo, or commercial, like an office building, warehouse or strip mall or vacant land that’s either residential or commercial.