purchasing a home directly from owner

[Kelena]

I would add this: It is always better --and usually more expensive-- to work with a professional. That being said, there are some sellers who do not wish to pay a professional to assist in the sell of a property. There are thousands of such sellers. Their properties are for sale by owner. Some of these properties may suit your criteria. I found two properties that were both for sale by owner (one seller later engaged a professional) in Puna. Both properties were, of course, unique, and both were desireable to me in many ways. I considered both of these. With one of these properties, I was acquainted with the seller sufficiently and felt comfortable with him. I liked the place, the price was good, and I would have considered an agentless transaction had there not been so many other properties (no shortage of inventory in Puna) that caubght my fancy. I would never recommend going "agentless". I personally think the peace of mind is worth it --especially in a place as treacherous (and beautiful --don't treachery and beauty often go together?) as Hawaii.

So, go for the beauty, but beware the treachery!