Negotiations do not end with just one offer. In Kahului, with recent frequent price adjustments, it has become more common to renegotiate terms based on inspection results after the offer. What the agent checks and adjusts at this stage determines the final transaction price. Since negotiations that were thought to have ended at the offer stage often restart after the inspection, it is important to maintain the flow from start to finish.

Let's first look at the market figures for Maui, where Kahului is located. According to Zillow, the average home value at the end of February 2026 is about $1,016,632, down 5.0% from a year ago. Compared to the rise from around $700,000 in 2020 to $1,200,000 in 2024, it seems we are now in a gradual adjustment phase. Of the properties sold in 2026, 27% have undergone price reductions, and the median price for Maui County as of March is around $1,100,000, showing a slight increase of 0.7% from a year ago, indicating a trend close to stability. This suggests that negotiation power is gradually shifting towards buyers since the peak in 2024, making it a time when there is more room to request price adjustments than before.

In such a market, there are five main items that agents need to check in order. First, search for properties and gauge appropriate prices through comparative market analysis; second, set the offer price and terms for negotiation; third, review the sales contract; fourth, coordinate the home inspection and appraisal schedule; and fifth, manage the procedures up to closing. During times like now, when there are more price-reduced properties, it is important to draft offer conditions with the possibility of renegotiation after the inspection in mind. Checking the price reduction history for each property can also help gauge how far the seller might be willing to adjust.

Since the NAR lawsuit settlement in 2024, one more item has been added to this list. Buyers must first sign a written buyer agency agreement with their agent before viewing properties. This agreement specifies the agent's role and commission structure, and in a market where negotiation possibilities have increased, understanding this contract thoroughly from the start can impact the transaction outcome.

In markets where renegotiation is frequent, it becomes crucial that the language used in the negotiation process is precise. When proposing to adjust the price based on inspection results, being able to clearly understand and judge the basis in Korean can prevent one from being at a disadvantage in negotiations. This is the difference felt when working with a Korean agent.

In areas like Kahului, where the Korean population is not large, there are limited channels to check school district information. For families prioritizing school districts for their children, it is advisable to refer to indicators like GreatSchools or Niche, but since school district boundaries change frequently, it is recommended to verify the assigned school for the specific address before purchasing. You can also check related items such as access to Korean markets or the location of religious communities.

For families moving from the mainland, it is important to note that property tax and insurance conditions in Hawaii may differ from those on the mainland. If you are newly arriving from Korea and preparing to settle, you will need to familiarize yourself with unfamiliar processes such as international remittance, ITIN issuance, and FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act). Having experience dealing with these situations can help reduce the difficulties faced for the first time. When needed, you can connect with reliable lawyers, mortgage brokers, or inspectors within the Korean community. Due to Maui's island nature, the schedules of inspectors or appraisers can be tighter than on the mainland, so being able to expedite schedules through inspectors with whom you have built relationships can also be an important variable in negotiations.

In negotiation phases, it is crucial not to overlook any items to check. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult directly with professionals before finalizing any contracts.