1. Research Hawaii mortgage rates.
2. Get an overall feel of the housing market in Hawaii.
3. Be open-minded, and don't limit yourself to Hawaii mortgage lenders that you are familiar with or even your own bank.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find Hawaii mortgage companies online

Most medium to large sized mortgage companies have information available online. Get instant quotes from most, and apply for a Hawaii mortgage online. This is probably the best place to start since it can give you a general idea of the terms you can expect for Hawaii mortgage loans.

I recommend: Try MortgageLoan.com to find mortgage loans in Hawaii, or locate a mortgage loan at Mortgage101.

Get a mortgage loan for a Hawaii property from a national lender

Oftentimes national mortgage companies give the best rates. You can apply for most online, and they can give instant quotes through their website. Most of the big national mortgage lenders approve Hawaii home loans.

I recommend: Some of the largest national lenders include Wachovia, Wells Fargo, National City and CitiFinancial.

Check mortgage lenders associations for information on Hawaii home loans

Find professional help from someone who has interest in the local Hawaii housing market. Lenders associations can provide information on the housing market in Hawaii and the best way to qualify for a loan.

I recommend: Check with the Mortgage Associates of Hawaii or Hawaii Association of Mortgage Brokers.

Consider a local bank for a mortgage loan in Hawaii

You may have more luck getting approved from a local or regional lender that is familiar with the area. Many Hawaii properties are mortgaged through a local or regional mortgage lender. Often, interest rates are higher, but not always.

I recommend: Try Adams Mortgage on the Big Island of Hawaii, Maui Mortgage Mate on the Island of Maui, or Trans-Pacific Mortgage Group or Pacific Lending in Honolulu.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay on top of fluctuations in the market, which can change very quickly.
• •  Know your credit status, which can help narrow down the search before you even begin.