Finding Your New Home On-The-Go With CU Network Services

It’s essential to stay on top of real estate news and trends, and the staff at CU Network Services is committed to ensuring members are equipped with the knowledge and expertise they need to make informed buying decisions. Here are some current real estate industry trends:

Generation Y is the next generation of consumers

An analysis of generational trends of home buyers conducted by the National Association of Realtors reveals Generation Y (ages 35 and under) as the largest demographic of home buyers for the third consecutive year at 35%, a 3% increase over last year. Generation X (ages 36 to 50), the second-largest demographic at 26%, was followed by young baby boomers (ages 51 to 60) at 16%, older baby boomers (ages 61 to 69) at 15%, and the silent generation (ages 70 to 90) at 9%.

Real estate searches go mobile

Finding your new home on-the-go has never been easier, as the internet has become one of the primary research sources for home shoppers today. Pricing, location, ratings – these characteristics and more can now be found with a simple tap of a finger thanks to mobile-optimized websites that provide assessed values of homes and tailored search results based on a buyer’s needs.

Move to the cloud

Utilizing online document management systems that allow some paperwork to be signed online expedites the home buying process. Cloud-based document management systems provide a secure and convenient way to reach the closing date faster and with less paper clutter.

Aerial shots with drone photography

Acquiring an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for drone photography is easy, but incorporating it into real estate marketing can be complicated. Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requirements for the use of commercial drones include obtaining an operator certificate, flying drones during daylight, and avoiding restricted airspace. Rather than deal with the challenge of getting an FAA certificate, Realtors generally opt for drone photography services for their aerial shots.

Living spaces for low-income buyers

From San Francisco to New York City, micro-units seem to be a viable solution for alleviating the affordable housing crisis in major urban centers, and Honolulu is no exception. These small studio apartments, usually less than 300 square feet, are designed specifically for low-income buyers. According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a New York-based affordable housing developer is set to start construction of a 17-floor tower with micro-units in Kakaako late next year.

In keeping with current trends in the real estate market, CU Network Services is offering innovative ways to help Hawaii residents attain their goal of home ownership. With home loan products such as Owner/Builder Construction Loans and a quick turnaround on Home Equity Lines of Credit, the staff at CU Network Services works with you to find the right home loan for your needs. Call them at 529-4599 or visit their office at 715 S. King Street, Suite 100.