Beyond the Front Door

Your guide to real estate, lifestyle, and local living

Helping Clients Buy Beyond Hawaii: A Scottsdale success story

By Lori Makiya | December 17, 2025

Many people are surprised to learn that I can assist with real estate needs beyond Hawaii. Through my trusted nationwide network, I’m able to connect clients with experienced, vetted agents across the country facilitate and efficient, supported process, whether you’re buying for yourself or helping someone you love. A recent success story in Scottsdale […]

What a Home Inspection Really Means

By Lori Makiya | December 16, 2025

How Buyers and Sellers Benefit from a Home Inspection If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you know the home inspection can feel like a high‑stakes moment. And while most people think of it as something only buyers do, a home inspection in Hawaii can also help sellers prepare, avoid surprises, and support […]

2026 Hawaii Real Estate Outlook: What to expect in the year ahead

By Lori Makiya | December 16, 2025

If 2025 felt like a year in flux, 2026 is promising more stability. Nationally, experts expect a healthier balance between buyers and sellers. However, Hawaii continues to follow its own rhythm shaped by strong demand and limited supply. National Snapshot Mortgage Rates: Most forecasts keep rates in the low 6% range for 2026-slightly lower than […]

CU Brings a Taste of Seoul to Downtown Honolulu

By Lori Makiya | November 19, 2025

Popular Korean Convenience Store Opens 1st U.S. Location in Honolulu If you’ve ever explored the streets of South Korea, you know CU is everywhere. It’s the go-to spot for quick bites, late-night ramen, and quirky snacks. When I visited Seoul earlier this year, CU was my daily stop. There seemed to be one on every […]

Oahu Market Update: Oct 2025

By Lori Makiya | November 18, 2025

Choices expand. Prices adjust. Buyers act. Inventory is growing across Oahu, giving buyers more options than we’ve seen in months. Single-family home listings are up 3.7% year-over-year, while condo listings jumped 7.4%. Popular neighborhoods like Hawaii Kai, Kaneohe, Makakilo, and Waipahu are seeing more choices for buyers looking to make a move. Sales remain steady […]

Exclusive Sneak Peek: East Honolulu’s First New Luxury Community in Over 20 Years

By Lori Makiya | November 18, 2025

Imagine waking up to soft ocean breezes and golden sunlight streaming through your windows. Picture evenings spent on your lanai, enjoying the calm beauty of East Honolulu. This is more than a home—it’s a lifestyle. And now, you have the chance to make it yours. You’re among the first to hear about a rare new […]

Historic Hawaiian cottage in Diamond Head

A True Gem in Diamond Head: Historic Hawaiian Cottage

By Lori Makiya | October 30, 2025

Not every standout listing is grand or flashy—some are simply timeless. One of my favorite listings this year is a modest, yet iconic Hawaiian-style cottage tucked in the heart of Diamond Head. Listed by my colleague Doug Shanefield and just steps from one of my longtime surf spots, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath home at 3030 Kalakaua […]

First Look: The Park on Keeaumoku Opens

By Lori Makiya | October 29, 2025

Just opened in September, The Park on Keeaumoku is Midtown Ala Moana’s newest residential condominium! I’ve been following its journey since 2021, when I first invited clients to the showroom to explore renderings and imagine what this vibrant development could become. Fast forward to today, and the finished project is even more than I imagined. […]

Oahu Market Update: September 2025

By Lori Makiya | October 29, 2025

Buyer Activity Accelerates as Sales Rebound in September Oahu’s housing market showed renewed momentum in September 2025, with both single-family home and condominium sales posting strong year-over-year gains. Buyers are re-engaging with the market, taking advantage of expanded inventory, adjusted price points, and a more balanced pace of transactions. Key highlights from September 2025 Single-family […]

Market Update: July 2025

By Lori Makiya | July 24, 2025

Market sees modest momentum as inventory grows and buyers gain leverage Oʻahu’s housing market showed signs of renewed activity in June, with a modest increase in sales and continued growth in inventory—giving buyers more options and greater negotiating power. More sellers are entering the market, contributing to the growing inventory. New listings for single-family homes […]

Tips for gardens great and small

By Lori Makiya | Jun 2, 2021

Like the fabled “Victory Gardens” of WWII before them, urban and backyard vegetable gardens became a vital source of food and […]

Prefer a New Build Home?

By Lori Makiya | May 28, 2021

There is strong demand for homes from buyers wanting to lock in on low interest rates. Because of this, inventory of […]

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