The Jacobson Team

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The Jacobson Team

🏠🏝️We help people buy & sell residential real estate in West Hawaii.

We are active in the primary and second home markets including the Kohala Coast resort areas.⛳️😎

10/30/2026

Current, reliable, & relevant real estate information....

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Think you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be surprised by how wrong that number is.

And if you've been putting off buying because of your credit, this could change everything.

According to a recent Veterans United survey, 57% of prospective buyers think they need a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for a mortgage. And 34% believe they need 700 or higher.

But here's what many people don't realize.

The traditional benchmark for many conventional loans has been 620. And with recent changes to mortgage credit scoring, even that isn't a hard-and-fast requirement for every loan.

Plus, lenders are beginning to adopt newer credit scoring models that could help millions more Americans get evaluated for a mortgage.

So, the number you see on your credit monitoring app may not tell the whole story about your ability to buy a home.

Does that mean everyone can qualify? Of course not. But it does mean you shouldn't count yourself out before talking to a professional.

Curious where you actually stand? Send me a message, and let's connect you with a lender who can help you find out.

Erik Jacobson, REALTOR®, Compass

10/29/2026

Current, relevant, & reliable real estate info-

Staging Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

10/28/2026

Current, reliable, & relevant real estate information....

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

What if you could save $150–$300 a month on your mortgage payment just by choosing a different type of loan?

For some homebuyers, that could be a game changer. And it's one reason adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are getting more attention.

According to Bankrate, ARM rates recently came in more than a full percentage point lower than traditional fixed-rate mortgages. That's potentially hundreds of dollars in monthly savings on a median-priced home.

And buyers are taking notice. About 1 in 10 mortgage applicants are now choosing an ARM, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

So, what's the catch?

Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, an ARM gives you a lower introductory rate for a set number of years. After that, your rate can adjust up or down based on market conditions.

That means you could save money upfront, but you'd also need to be comfortable with the possibility of higher payments later.

And here's something worth knowing: Today's ARMs have more borrower protections than the risky loans that made headlines during the 2008 housing crisis.

The bigger takeaway? A traditional 30-year fixed mortgage isn't your only option.
If today's rates are making your homebuying budget feel tight, there may be financing options you haven't explored yet.

Curious whether an ARM could help make your next home more affordable? Connect with a trusted lender who can run the numbers.

Erik Jacobson, REALTOR®, Compass

10/26/2026

10/23/2026

Current, reliable, & relevant real estate information....

To Sell or Rent? How To Choose the Best Path for Your House.

Your house isn't selling as quickly as you hoped. So, should you just rent it out instead? It's a question more homeowners are asking. And the numbers show just how common this backup plan is becoming.

According to Parcl, about 9% of homes currently listed for rent were originally listed for sale.

That's a lot of homeowners becoming landlords when selling didn't go according to plan.

But before you trade your "For Sale" sign for a "For Rent" sign, there's something worth considering.

Being a landlord isn't always the easy passive income opportunity it sounds like.
Landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more than regular homeowners insurance. Property management can eat up around 10% of your rental income.

And that's before unexpected repairs, vacancies, or late-night maintenance calls.
Suddenly, renting might not look quite as simple.

Now, that doesn't mean renting is a bad idea. For some homeowners, it's absolutely the right move.

But if selling is what you really want, don't give up on that plan just yet.
Sometimes, the difference between a house that sits and one that sells comes down to the changing the strategy.

Thinking about renting your house because selling feels harder than expected? Send a message. Let's compare the numbers and figure out which option actually makes the most sense for you.

Erik Jacobson, REALTOR®, Compass

10/22/2026

Current, relevant, & reliable real estate info-

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

10/21/2026

Current, reliable, & relevant real estate information....

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

Erik Jacobson, REALTOR®, Compass

Whether you own a house already or you’re looking to buy one, you probably care about home prices.

10/16/2026

Current, reliable, & relevant real estate information....

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Erik Jacobson, REALTOR®, Compass

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/15/2026

Current, relevant, & reliable real estate info-

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

Address

65-1230 Mamalahoa Highway , Ste. E-11
Kamuela, HI
96743

Website

http://www.jacobsonteamhawaii.com/

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