New to Ho'opili? Start with our buyer guide. →
Set a monthly number you can keep, then add tax, insurance, dues and upkeep before you shop.
What the $112,695 income headline means
HSH.com estimated that in the second quarter of 2026 a buyer needed about $112,695 in yearly pretax income to afford the national median priced existing home. That model assumed a $434,900 price, 20 percent down, a 6.41 percent 30 year fixed rate and a housing cost of 28 percent of income, plus estimated tax and insurance. It is a national model, not an Oʻahu requirement, and you do not have to put 20 percent down to buy.
Why inflation still matters
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that consumer prices rose 3.7 percent in the 12 months ending September 2026, and 2.6 percent excluding food and energy (BLS release). That is not a measure of home prices. It matters because a bigger grocery and gas bill leaves less room for a housing payment and savings.
Start from a payment you can keep
A lender tells you what you can borrow. Your budget tells you what you can sustain. Before you shop, agree on a monthly housing number that still leaves room for savings, and how much cash should remain after closing.
Every cost to include
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau explains that the total payment usually adds taxes, insurance and sometimes mortgage insurance to principal and interest, and that association fees are usually paid separately.
- Principal and interest from a loan estimate for the exact home
- Property tax and any exemption you qualify for
- Homeowners or condo insurance
- Association dues and what they include
- Utilities, upkeep and a repair reserve
- Upkeep and repairs
- Association dues
- Insurance
- Property tax
- Loan payment
Lower price, higher monthly cost
This made up example shows why dues matter. Home A has a $2,800 loan payment and $1,100 in dues, $4,150 a month with $250 for tax and insurance. Home B has a $3,100 loan payment and $650 in dues, $4,000 a month. The lower loan payment ends up costing more. At Ho'opili, compare the dues for a condo such as ʻAhakea with a townhome such as Kāpili C11a or a house such as Noio.
Steps toward a plan
- Review recent statements and set a monthly housing target
- Meet a lender early and ask for clear next steps
- Compare home types, down payments and loan terms side by side
- Ask whether affordable or reserved housing may fit; see how programs work
- Buy on terms you can carry today, not on a future refinance or price gain
Your first home can fit this chapter of your life. Start with the Ho'opili buyer guide.
General information only, not legal, tax or lending advice. Plans, prices, fees, programs and amenities can change; confirm current written details for the specific home.
Sources: HSH.com, Income you need to purchase a median priced existing home, Q2 2026 · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI September 2026 · Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, principal and interest vs total payment
