Debra A. Jason
Realtor-Associate,ABR
808-826-1846
888-449-0815

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Kaua`i Lenders
While you may use whichever lender you like, it's usually easiest to work with local lenders as they understand the intricacies of Kaua`i real estate. Here are some Kaua`i lenders you might consider calling: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Lisa Ledesma (808) 634-2628 or 808-246-8877, ext. 1; Island Pacific Mortgage, Judy Kempf (808) 246-2500 or (808) 346-2226; Central Pacific HomeLoans, Joan Stagnaro (877) 466 3429, ext. 193 or (808) 652-3048; The Mortgage House, Sheila White (808) 826-6594 or 888-826-6594.

The Closing Process Explained
Here's what happens behind the scenes while your transaction is in escrow. Vista ALTA's (American Land Title Association) Web site to read about the closing process. In addition, click here for a better understanding of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement.The HUD-1 Settlement Statement is the financial picture of the closing. All money flowing into and out of settlement appears on the form.

Kaua`i Real Property Taxes (Fiscal year July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008)

Real Property Taxes are paid in two installments. Period #1 from July 1 to December 31 is due on August 20. Period #2 from Jan. 1 to June 30 is due on Feb.20.

Class	Net Taxable Bldg. (per $1000.00)	Net Taxable Land (per $1000.00)
Single family residential	$4.25	$3.95
Apartment	$7.90	$6.90
Commercial or Industrial	$7.90	$6.90
Hotel & Resort	$7.90	$6.90
Agricultural	$4.25	$6.90
Conservation	$4.25	$6.90
Homestead	$3.44	$4.00

Source: Title Guaranty Hawaii

Termites
Termites are not uncommon on Hawaii's islands. Free literature is available through the University of Hawaii at Manoa or the University of Florida.

Mold
Mold has been with us for some time and seems to be a growing health issue around the country. More information can be found through the Environmental Protection Agency or the Center for Disease Control.

Flood & Shoreline Hazard Status
Water surrounds this lovely Garden Island and many rivers cross its terrain. If your new property is in a flood zone, an additional annual insurance premium may be required. If your property is in an area deemed high risk, your lender may require you to obtain flood hazard insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Coastal property owners are also vulnerable to tsunamis (tidal waves), storm surges, high wave impacts and hurricanes. You can find information when you click on one of the following:

• Floods and flood maps
• Hurricanes
• Tsunamis
• Lava flow - if you're considering the Big Island, you may want to visit the County of Hawaii Kilauea Eruption Update Website - it's a convenient one-stop link to the latest scientific information about the Kilauea eruption on the Big Island. The site's links to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory will provide the latest and most accurate information about the lava flow.

Kaua`i Real Estate Permit Process
Obtaining building permits for a home on Kauai may take you to 6 county departments and one state agency. Here are the phone numbers for each in case you need to reach them for more information:

1. Building Division at Dept. of Public Works, County of Kauai, (808) 241-6655 In most cases, the building department controls actual construction issues such as framing, electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation.
   
2. Planning Department, County of Kauai, (808) 241-6677 In most cases, the planning department manages zoning: minimum lot size, how much of the lot can be covered by a building, whether dwellings can be single or multi-family, clearances between the building and the street, side yards and rear yard, etc.
   
3. Department of Water, County of Kauai, (808) 245-5400
4. Engineering Division, Dept. of Public Works, County of Kauai (808) 241-6619 In most cases, the engineering department takes care of things like streets and roads, flood zones, sidewalk and curb and gutter, storm drainage, lot drainage and other lot and street issues.
   
5. Division of Wastewater Management, Dept. of Public Works, County of Kauai (808) 241-6642
6. Fire Department, County of Kauai, (808) 241-6500
7. Environmental Health Services, Dept. of Health, State of Hawaii, (808) 241-3323

Source: Kauai Data Book, H&S Publishing, LLC. 1995-2003. Carey, M. and J. "Getting a building permit - a scary proposition?" The Garden Island, May 15, 2005.

Pet Quarantines
On December 1, 2006, the Kauai Humane Society was awarded the contract with the State Department of Agriculture to provide receiving, inspection and release services at Lihue Airport for pets arriving from the mainland. Now, you can fly direct into Lihue and not have to travel through Honolulu when bringing your furry companions with you. It does, of course, require that you do all your homework before hand in order to qualify your pet for the State rabies quarantine requirements. You may view these in detail at www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm

Kauai Utility Companies
Once you've bought your property on Kauai, don't forget about turning on the utilities. Best bet, is to have the former owner transfer utilities into your name, if at all possible. Here are Web sites to help you find those Kauai utility companies you may need to contact.

Additional Resources on Kaua`i and Beyond
All kinds of beneficial information is listed at RealEstate4.com, the largest online real estate directory.
Read about vacation rental accommodations and activities available around the island.
Kauai search guide and directory at www.hawaii-search.com/Kauai
International Real Estate Digest at www.ired.com.
Not interested in Kauai real estate? Look for homes in other states across the mainland at www.movemeto.com
Search for Las Vegas real estate online. Homes in Summerlin, Green Valley, Lake Las Vegas and more at www.lasvegaswebofhomes.com
Hawaiian Explorer: Hawaii search engine & business directory

Browse through this Web site and explore your Kauai real estate options. Pet quarantines . . . vacation rentals . . . properties for sale? If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact me, Kauai Realtor-Associate Debra Jason, at (808) 826-1846. Or e-mail me now with your "wish list" and she'll start researching Kauai's real estate market for you right away.