Aloha,

We know that our Maui community is hurting and trying their best to navigate through the various processes. Let us take the weight off of your shoulders and help you. 

Did you know there are special home buying programs just for those who were displaced by the August 8th Maui Wildfires? These programs are for both Kula and Lahaina displaced residents. We know how difficult it is to find a rental on Maui right now. So you may want to consider the following options.

You may want to consider purchasing a home while you’re waiting for yours to be rebuilt. Then you can use the equity to qualify for another loan (i.e. construction loan) when that time comes to rebuild yours. You could also sell the newly purchased home and use those proceeds for rebuilding. Another option is to rent out the newly purchased home when you’re ready to move into your rebuilt home and use the rental income to help you qualify for your next loan. 

Did you know the Small Business Administration offers relocation loans that you can use to relocate to another area on Maui. Whether you wish to stay near your hometown in Lahaina or Kula, or perhaps you wish to be in another location such as Kihei, Kahului, Wailuku, Haiku, etc. This SBA loan may be useful for you especially while its interest rates are relatively low compared to traditional mortgage loans. Once you apply for SBA assistance post-Hawaii wildfires, keep in touch with your case worker to learn more information about their relocation program.  

Did you know the Federal Housing Administration offers a mortgage for disaster victims? This program is called FHA Section 203H. It allows qualified lenders to help victims of a major disaster who have lost their homes and are in the process of rebuilding or buying another home. It allows 100% financing for the purchase or reconstruction of a home destroyed or damaged in a Presidentially-declared major disaster area. Therefore there is no downpayment required. This program is for both renters and homeowners that were living in the affected zones who's primary residence was destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is necessary. 

There are both 15 and 30 year fixed rate terms. The minimum FICO score requirement is 580. The program allows for a seller to gift 6% of the purchase price back to the buyer. This is called a seller concession and may be used for customary closing costs. The FHA loan limit for this program (particularly for Maui) is $977,500. Meaning that's the maximum amount that a lender can finance with this FHA 203H program on Maui. Any purchase price above that will need to be supplemented in cash or other means. 

This loan is only eligible for single family residences, not 2-4 unit homes or manufactured homes. Condos must be in an FHA approved complex. Borrowers must file a claim with FEMA and be under contract within a year from the date the disaster was declared.

Contact the 'Ohana Real Estate Team for more information on these various programs. Our Maui realtors will work with your favorite lender to find a creative solution for you! 

We are here to give you guidance so that you can have peace of mind. Please visit us at ohanarealestatehawaii.com and sign in or fill out a contact form. An experience and local Maui Realtor will be in touch with you shortly. Mahalo! 

**Please note that we are not mortgage professionals and information provided above is based on what has been relayed to us by various Maui local mortgage lenders. This is not a guarantee to lend. You should always consult a licensed mortgage professional to see what loan programs you qualify for and if that lender participates in these particular programs. Each lender may provide different loan programs.

***Please note that we are not affiliated with the Small Business Administration or any government entity. You should always apply for government programs on their official websites and/or consult a case worker to see what assistance programs you qualify for.