{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Can Locals Still Afford to Buy a Home in Hawai\u02bbi?","description":"In this episode of In Search of Excellence: Island Style, Larry Gonzales sits down with Jewel Henderson-DeGerald and Michel Arakaki of Real Broker \/ Team MJ for a conversation about helping local Hawai\u02bbi families believe homeownership is possible. Jewel and Michel share how their backgrounds in education, counseling, and relationship-building shaped the way they serve clients today. Rather than simply helping someone buy or sell a property, they focus on education, communication, and creating what they call the \u201cMJ Experience\u201d personalizing the homebuying journey, celebrating milestones, and helping clients feel supported through every stage of escrow. The conversation also gets into the difficult side of real estate: condo insurance delays, termite issues, liens, trust and probate sales, and family members who may not agree on what to do with an inherited property. Jewel and Michel explain why listening, remaining neutral, and communicating clearly can be just as important as negotiating the transaction. They also share practical advice for first-time homebuyers, including managing expectations, considering different parts of O\u02bbahu, taking advantage of available programs, and understanding that your first home does not have to be your forever home. Both women close by sharing their own homeownership journeys and the legacy they hope to build for their children.   Guests Jewel Henderson-DeGerald Real Broker | Team MJ REALTOR License: RS-81560 Instagram: @jewel_oahu_real_estate_agent Team: @teammjhawaii   Michel Arakaki Real Broker | Team MJ REALTOR License: RS-81556 Instagram: @michelarakaki_hawaii Team: @teammjhawaii   Timestamp Highlights 00:00 Meet Team MJ 00:27 Jewel\u2019s Story 01:47 Michel\u2019s Roots 03:06 Parenthood Talk 05:04 Locals Buying Homes 06:58 The MJ Experience 08:45 Escrow Stress Tips 12:51 Break and Subscribe 13:19 Deals Falling Apart 16:05 Trust Sales and Liens 19:39 Family Dynamics Mediation 24:54 Realtor Style and Fit 25:37 Relationships Win Deals 27:25 Credits and Rate Buydowns 28:22 First Time Buyer Playbook 30:27 Programs and Timing Matters 32:13 Prices Rates and Equity 32:53 Leeward Side Mindset Shift 36:07 Their Homeownership Journeys 41:05 Legacy and Work Ethic 44:13 Gifts Thanks and Wrap Up   Listen & Watch \ud83c\udfa5 Watch on YouTube: https:\/\/youtu.be\/IyA6dqPOR2w \ud83c\udf4e Listen on Apple Podcasts: https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/can-locals-still-afford-to-buy-a-home-in-hawai%CA%BBi\/id1891237091?i=1000787541738 Subscribe to In Search of Excellence: Island Style for more conversations about Hawai\u02bbi real estate, financial literacy, homeownership, leadership, and building long-term wealth. If this episode helped you see homeownership differently, share it with a first-time buyer, local family, young adult, REALTOR\u00ae, or anyone wondering whether buying a home in Hawai\u02bbi is possible. ","author_name":"In Search of Excellence, Island Style","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/613475","html":"