H
ONOLULU – 2025 saw sluggish home sales as buyers awaited lower prices and mortgage rates. Experts now note a shift toward optimism for 2026. Clarice Casamina, president of House of Finance, discussed Hawaii’s market on HNN’s Sunrise, highlighting that rates have fallen and prices are stabilizing. Despite affordability challenges, local families remain resilient. The average 30‑year rate dropped to 6.15%, its lowest in a year, sparking renewed buyer confidence amid supply constraints. Casamina urges buyers to strengthen finances for better terms, noting that while Fed policy is beyond their reach, they can control down‑payments and credit scores. Her tips: monitor credit, pay on time, track rates, choose secured loans, watch balances, add authorized users. More info on Instagram @houseoffinancehi.