First-time home buyers

Get approved to buy your first home with guidance from a trusted local mortgage lender. Stand out to sellers and make a stronger offer with a pre-approval in hand.

Get Pre-approved Today
Get Pre-approved Today

Take the Step Toward Owning Your First Home

Saving for a down payment in Hawaii can make a first home feel out of reach. As an independent broker with 60+ lending options, we compare programs and show you the ones you may qualify for.

 0% to 3% Down Options

Purchase with 0% down for VA-eligible buyers, or qualify for conventional home loans with as little as 3% down.

Flexible Financing

Benefit from flexible credit guidelines, allowing for FHA qualification with scores down to 580. Requirements vary by loan program, lender, and other factors; scores shown are general guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.

Hawaii Buyer Perks

Tap into exclusive local down payment assistance, grants, and specialized tax credits.

Disclaimer: All loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to credit approval and underwriting guidelines and may change without notice. 0% down payment is available through the VA Loan program for qualified veterans and eligible active-duty military. 3% down payment available on conventional loan programs for qualifying first-time homebuyers.

You’re considered a first-time homebuyer if you’ve never owned a home or haven’t in the past three years.

As a first-time buyer in Hawaii, you have access to programs designed to make homeownership more achievable. We explain your options, review the requirements, and help you choose the mortgage that fits your budget and long-term goals.

Hawaii first-time homebuyer programs

Down payment assistance

Local mortgage support

Affordable home loan solutions

Veterans and active-duty military members have additional benefits.

VA loans offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and some of the most flexible approval guidelines in Hawaii. As proud partners with Homes for Heroes, we also provide added savings for veterans, military families, and first responders throughout the homebuying process.

Learn More About VA Benefits

Couple embracing in the doorway of a bright home

How We Guide You to Your First Home

Your Step-by-Step Path to Homeownership

Step 1

Discover Your Homebuying Power (1–7 days)

  • Calculate your estimated monthly mortgage payment and price range using our online mortgage calculator or by consulting with a local loan specialist.
  • We perform a soft credit inquiry to check your credit profile, which will not impact your credit score.
  • Documents to gather: Recent pay stubs, bank statements, W-2s, and a government-issued ID.
1
Step 1

Discover your buying power (1-7 days)

  • Calculate your estimated monthly mortgage payment and price range using our online mortgage calculator or by consulting with a local loan specialist.
  • We perform a soft credit inquiry to check your credit profile, which will not impact your credit score.
  • Documents to gather: Recent pay stubs, bank statements, W-2s, and a government-issued ID.
2
Step 2

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (Same Day–1 Week)

  • Secure an official Mortgage Pre-Approval letter to show home sellers and real estate agents that you are a qualified, serious buyer.
  • Pre-approval gives you a competitive edge when submitting purchase offers in Hawaii's fast-moving housing market.
  • Documents to submit: Tax returns, employment history, income verification, and asset statements.
Step 3

Explore Down Payment Options & Assistance Programs (ongoing)

  • Evaluate your minimum down payment requirements: 0% down for VA loans*, or as little as 3% for some conventional loans and 3.5% for FHA loans.
  • Explore local Hawaii down payment assistance (DPA) programs, first-time homebuyer grants, and specialized tax credits to reduce your upfront costs.
  • Pro Tip: Increasing your down payment amount can lower your loan-to-value ratio, potentially reducing monthly mortgage insurance costs.
  • *0% down payment options available through the VA loan program for eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel. 3% down conventional and 3.5% down FHA options are available to eligible borrowers; minimums depend on credit, income, property type, and program guidelines, and FHA loans require mortgage insurance. Down payment assistance and grant programs are subject to program guidelines, income limits, and funding availability. Not all applicants will qualify.
3
Step 3

Explore Down Payment Options & Assistance Programs (ongoing)

  • Evaluate your minimum down payment requirements: 0% down for VA loans*, or as little as 3% for some conventional loans and 3.5% for FHA loans.
  • Explore local Hawaii down payment assistance (DPA) programs, first-time homebuyer grants, and specialized tax credits to reduce your upfront costs.
  • Pro Tip: Increasing your down payment amount can lower your loan-to-value ratio, potentially reducing monthly mortgage insurance costs.
  • *0% down payment options available through the VA loan program for eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel. 3% down conventional and 3.5% down FHA options are available to eligible borrowers; minimums depend on credit, income, property type, and program guidelines, and FHA loans require mortgage insurance. Down payment assistance and grant programs are subject to program guidelines, income limits, and funding availability. Not all applicants will qualify.
4
Step 4

Search Hawaii Homes & Submit Purchase Offers (2–8 weeks)

  • Work with your real estate agent to find properties and attach your formal pre-approval letter to every purchase offer.
  • Demonstrating verified financing capability makes your offer stand out in competitive home bidding situations.
  • Once the seller accepts your offer, you enter escrow and begin the formal loan application process.
Step 5

Submit Full Loan Application & Order Appraisal (2–4 weeks)

  • Submit your fully executed purchase contract along with updated financial documents to finalize your mortgage application.
  • Your lender orders a professional home appraisal to confirm the property's fair market value and condition.
  • What to prepare: Signed purchase agreement, property disclosures, recent pay stubs, and updated bank statements.
5
Step 5

Submit Full Loan Application & Order Appraisal (2–4 weeks)

  • Submit your fully executed purchase contract along with updated financial documents to finalize your mortgage application.
  • Your lender orders a professional home appraisal to confirm the property's fair market value and condition.
  • What to prepare: Signed purchase agreement, property disclosures, recent pay stubs, and updated bank statements.
6
Step 6

Mortgage Underwriting & Conditional Approval (2–4 weeks)

  • Our underwriting team reviews your file, verifies employment, and ensures all investor and regulatory guidelines are met.
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional documentation (conditions) to keep your loan closing on schedule.
  • Maintain stable finances during this time—avoid changing jobs, opening new credit cards, or making large purchases.
Step 7

Final Approval & Closing Day (Closing Day)

  • Receive your Clear to Close (CTC) and review your Closing Disclosure (CD) at least 3 business days before settlement to verify final loan terms and closing costs.
  • Wire your remaining down payment and closing costs, sign your final mortgage documents with the escrow officer, and receive the keys to your new home.
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Step 7

Final Approval & Closing Day (Closing Day)

  • Receive your Clear to Close (CTC) and review your Closing Disclosure (CD) at least 3 business days before settlement to verify final loan terms and closing costs.
  • Wire your remaining down payment and closing costs, sign your final mortgage documents with the escrow officer, and receive the keys to your new home.
Step 8

Post-Closing & Ongoing Loan Support (ongoing)

  • Set up automatic mortgage payments to ensure you never miss a payment and keep your credit in good standing.
  • Monitor interest rate trends with our team to evaluate future mortgage refinancing or home equity opportunities.

What Our Clients Say

Wayde helped us purchase our home as first-time home owners and we're so grateful for his support. We interviewed several brokers/lenders before deciding to move forward with Wayde as he had prior experience working with first-time home owners, was extremely knowledgeable of the market, and reassured us he would be available every step of the way.

Grace L.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

From the start of this property buying process, Todd French has been the most professional and helpful person. He answered all my questions and helped me get through this whole process with ease.

Jerome A.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Todd was absolutely amazing. As a first-time homebuyer, we thought the process would be really confusing and scary, but Todd made everything so smooth. Answered all the questions and pretty much did everything for us.

Sandra M.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Nick knows everything you need to know about your VA loan. He answers all your questions and easy to get a hold of, even on the weekends and evenings. Great attitude. And he educates you on your entitlement as a veteran.

Gladis H., 2020

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Dominica was the best! Was only able to afford my home because of Dominica's expert and assistance. Dominica was able to get the job done while others lenders couldn't.

Rafael, Ewa Beach, HI

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Thoai was AMAZING every step of the way. She provided me with so much info, I really didn't have any questions. She actually gave me answers and explanations to questions I wouldn't have even thought to ask.

Jacob V.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Preston works so well with our realtor, escrow, and everyone involved to make sure the transaction stays on track.

Tracy T.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Hayden Weighner, Taylor Kaiura, Philip Nguyen, and the entire team for helping make our dream of homeownership a reality!

Tyiler M.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Brian Bender and his team were the best mortgage broker I have ever had.

Mai L.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

John Keifer was excellent to work with. Our purchase transaction was seamless and timely.

Stephanie H.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

I was purchasing my first home remotely and Brian Hirono was exceptional to work with.

Carina S.

Honolulu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

Mortgage types explained

Fixed-rate mortgage

Your rate stays locked for 15, 20, or 30 years. Easy to budget since your payment never changes.

Discount/Variable

You get a discount off the lender's standard variable rate for a set period. Payment can fluctuate.

Tracker mortgage

Your rate moves with the lender's base rate (like the prime rate). Goes up or down with the market.

Offset mortgage

Your savings account balance offsets your mortgage balance, reducing the interest you owe each month.

Call To Speak With Our Loan Specialists

Call Now: (808) 426-7661
Call Now: (808) 426-7661

VA home loans in Hawaii

VA loans make it possible for qualified veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses to buy homes with no down payment. These loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and designed to make homeownership more attainable for those who’ve served.

Kama‘aina Mortgage Group Inc. helps borrowers across Hawaii take full advantage of their VA benefits by streamlining communication, managing documentation, and coordinating with lenders who specialize in VA financing.

Here’s how you know if this is the right option for you

VA loans are built for people who’ve served and want flexible, accessible financing. You may qualify if:

You’re a veteran, active-duty service member, reservist, or surviving spouse.
You want to use your VA entitlement for a new purchase or refinance.
You prefer a program that offers low or no down payment with competitive rates.
Why choose our VA specialists

We work exclusively with VA-trained lenders who understand the program’s unique requirements and how to move approvals forward efficiently.

  • Direct access to VA-approved lenders familiar with Hawai‘i’s real estate market.
  • Assistance securing your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
  • Review of funding-fee exemptions and entitlement usage.
  • Secure document collection and timely updates throughout your loan.
  • No consultation fees—your eligibility review is always complimentary.
Apply now
Apply now
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Call to speak with a VA loan specialist
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Branch address

500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7400, Honolulu, HI 96813

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808-426-7661
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At Kama'aina Mortgage Group Inc. we are committed to ethical and honest lending. It is our priority to build a relationship with our clients and help them find a financing option that fits their goals.

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