Oahu, Hawaii Real Estate | HI Estates

Scott K Startsman

RS 62384

Cell: (808) 400-8854

Office: (808) 735-2411

Embarking on his Hawaiian adventure in 1999 with a 3-month return ticket, Scott Startsman was captivated by the unique and enriching quality of life on the islands. Deciding to set roots in paradise, he resolved to carve out a successful future here. Over 20 years later, he still has that return trip ticket he never used and has become one of the most successful Realtors on Oahu as well as the creator of the HiEstates Team.

Awards & Accolades

Top 1.5% America's Best National Ranking
Top 100 Oahu Realtor
Aloha Aina Award Nominee (2005 - Present)
List Sotheby's International Realty Top Producer (2016 - Present)
Honolulu Magazine Best in Business Award (2016 - Present)
Hawaii Business Magazine Top Realtor Award (2018 - Present)
Pacific Business News 40 Under 40 For State Of Hawaii
SMEI Top Producer Award

His remarkable journey in real estate was recognized in 2011 when Pacific Business News acknowledged him as one of the promising young business leaders in the state. Scott's extensive experience is characterized by diverse achievements and proficiency in all facets of residential real estate. His comprehensive approach to buying and selling real estate on Oahu, rooted in his deep knowledge and complete concierge service, has garnered him a loyal client base and significant recognition from his peers. As a consistent Top 100 Oahu sales agent, Scott has successfully completed over 400 transactions since 2003, representing a broad spectrum of clients, from first-time homeowners and military personnel to Wall Street executives, hedge fund owners, billionaires, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and savvy investors.

His entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in the creation of 5 successful real estate-related ventures and the development of JS Development, a residential and multi-family investing and development company on Oahu. Under this company, he has helped develop a 2 unit Single Family Home CPR in Ewa Beach, a 2 unit single family home CPR in Hauula, a long term hold multifamily development near Diamond Head and multiple investment flips. Additionally, Scott's participation on condominium association boards for 15 years has prepared him to successfully create new condominium developments and associations and allows him to help buyers and sellers navigate the often-complicated condominium documents and budgets and processes.

Through JS Development, Scott has gained invaluable insight into building codes, construction processes, and costs, an expertise he generously shares with his clients.

Scott’s passion and support for entrepreneurship was evident when he became the youngest owner-associate of Kahala Associates Realty in 2005. He swiftly embraced the challenges that came his way, serving on the board of directors, leading the technology committee, and managing an investment portfolio of approximately $40 million. Scott also helped build out the company's corporate and individual relocation program, helping hundreds of families and companies like Home Depot, Microsoft and various defense contractors relocate their employees to and from Hawaii. This involvement has further honed his skills in assisting clients with the complex process of relocating to Hawaii, offering them a seamless, stress-free experience with his premium service.

Scott has sold properties in nearly every neighborhood on Oahu, from $70K leasehold condos in Waikiki to record breaking oceanfront land on the north shore and everything in between. Scott's goal is to provide the highest level of knowledge, experience and service to each client he works with.

A North Carolina native, Scott is an alumnus of Appalachian State University and UNC-Charlotte, where he was a scholarship soccer player. He honed his strategic acumen during an internship with Interealty Corporation, where he identified real estate trends and impacts. A passion for real estate was instilled in him early on by his family, which has a 40-year legacy in real estate investments and development. When he's not immersed in real estate, Scott enjoys travel, outdoor activities, cooking, and oil painting.

"My years of experience and my passion about real estate led me to become a student of the real estate industry. I take great pride in constantly learning and improving, growing and being able to add more value and services to my clients across a broad range. I look forward to earning your business and assisting you with your real estate needs."

Interests

Outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, biking, swimming, snowboarding, golfing
Traveling to places like Brazil, Barcelona, National Parks, and Whistler
Played collegiate soccer and coached youth soccer for Honolulu Bulls
Oil painting and wood working

Commitment to Our Community

Former Executive Leadership Team for American Heart Association
Former President of Kahala Business Association
Former Diamond Head Hillside AOAO President, Treasurer, VP, Director, Secretary

Scott Startsman embodies the spirit of the islands – a blend of tranquility and ambition – offering unparalleled expertise, commitment, and passion for the real estate industry in Hawaii. His diverse achievements and unwavering dedication to his clients make him an exceptional choice for all your real estate needs.

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Welcome To The HiEstates Team With List Sotheby's International Realty

Founded by Scott Startsman, the HiEstates Team is the most sought-after real estate team on Oahu. We are helping people improve their lives by connecting our clients' lifestyles to their Hawaii real estate goals. Driven by a passion for superior knowledge, experience, and service, Scott has assembled a team of top Oahu Realtors while shaping HiEstates into the industry standard for excellence. His vision extends far beyond traditional real estate services, leveraging a unique, client-focused approach that perfectly balances lifestyle needs with real estate goals.

We understand that finding a home goes beyond the four walls - it's about fostering happiness in your surrounding community. With decades of combined real estate, investing, development, and relocation experience, we are proud to provide personalized strategies, exceptional customer service, and an unmatched depth of knowledge. Our team of top-performing Sotheby's International Realty Realtors, all recognized as Top 100 Realtors for sales volume and transactions, each has over two decades of knowledge and experience across a host of specialized areas of Oahu residential real estate. They stand ready to make your home buying journey stress-free, informed, and enjoyable. By working with us, you will make better, more informed decisions, have an easier, less stressful process, and have fun making new friends along the way. We look forward to helping you with your Oahu real estate needs.

Featured Videos

Moving to Hawaii With Pets? Your Questions Answered

Aloha! Because minimizing the stress your furry family members go through is important. If you do your research and start preparing well ahead of your move date, you can actually skip pet quarantine entirely. Hawaii is a rabies free state, so we take a lot of precautions - sorry folks, no snakes allowed. Five Day Or Less Program: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/faq-for-five-day-or-less-program/ For more information on moving to Hawaii with pets, check out my blog post! https://www.hiestates.com/blog/guide

Will Remote Workers Change The Economic Landscape Of Hawaii?

Aloha! As the pandemic continues onward, we've gotten questions about remote workers moving to Hawaii. It could be interesting, since remote workers would be bringing in outside money - but the businesses themselves would still be out of state. I don't think it will overall change the landscape of the economics, or that it will cause the production of new housing developments purely for remote worker populations.

Things You Should Know About Renting A House When Moving To Hawaii

Aloha! Are you excited to move to Hawaii? Here's a few things you should know first. First - don't be too picky when seeking out a rental. There's a lot of competition. Second - looking to rent with pets? Depending on the length of your rental, you could have a hard time. It's difficult finding short-term rentals that allow pets. While not a guarantee, longer lease terms tend to be more lenient on the matter. As a bonus, if you're not sure where in Hawaii you want to buy your home yet a long-term rental g

Shipping A Car When Moving To Hawaii - How Does It Work?

Aloha! Whether shipping cars overseas to Hawaii is worth the hassle depends on your needs and the vehicle in question. Some things you should know first: Before you ship your car, you are required to empty it of gas to no more than a quarter of a tank. The vehicle must be in proper operating condition, and empty of all items except the following: infant car seats, a spare tire, a jack, floor mats, and a set of jumper cables. Learn more about shipping your car and moving to Hawaii in my blog post below! h

What Island is best for someone to live on who is disabled or is in a wheelchair?

Scott Startsman answers a viewers question about which island is best to live on when needing wheelchair access to a home. There is more to this question than just needing a home that will accommodate a wheelchair. Listen to Scott's response for more info.

Advice on moving to Hawaii and deciding where to buy

Aloha! This is a question that comes up fairly often - the basic answer is that it's one of those things you need to do yourself. Nearly every person enters into this with preconceived notions. Most of the time, once they actually arrive and are more personally involved what's important shifts. There are a lot of moving parts involved with every situation, so be sure to consult with professionals before making a big decision.

What to bring when moving to Oahu?

Whether you’ve just decided to move to Oahu or have planning for years, you need to know how to go about getting your things here — or if it’s even worth it. There are a few different viewpoints on this, and it really comes down to a few different factors. Dylan, Peter and Scott Startsman discuss what you should consider shipping or bringing with you when moving to Oahu. For more information on what you can get rid of before moving, check out my blog post! https://www.hiestates.com/blog/what-can-you-get-ri

How Do You Decide Where To Live When You're Unfamiliar With Hawaii?

Aloha! Hawaii is a culturally diverse place, with tons of micro-communities that can vary widely. Take this fun interactive quiz to learn more about what neighborhoods might fit you best! https://www.hiestates.com/learn/what-oahu-neighborhood-best-suits-you/ For more information on the easiest states to move from, check out my blog post! https://www.hiestates.com/blog/what-states-are-easier-to-move-from-to-hawaii/

Are There Moving Services For Mainland Home Buyers?

Aloha! This is on that Scott has personal experience with - he helped corporations move employees to Hawaii. If you're ready to make the move, Scott has the experience to provide the best service around. Click the link below to see our blog posts all about moving to Hawaii: https://www.hiestates.com/blog/category/moving-to-hawaii/

What Kind Of Lifestyle In Hawaii Does 100k Salary Get Including Private Schooling?

#Aloha! This is a question we get from often from viewers, so we asked members to tune in and give us some answers as well. Check out our blog post on Cost of Living in Hawaii! https://www.hiestates.com/blog/cost-of-living-in-hawaii/ Click the link below for information on popular Oahu neighborhoods! https://www.hiestates.com/communities/

Safe And Affordable Communities In Hawaii

Aloha! East Oahu, from Diamond Head to Hawaii Kai is going to be the absolutely safest area. The urban area is always going to be a slightly mixed bag, though areas like Ward Village stand out. Check out neighborhoods in the Diamond Head region! https://www.hiestates.com/diamond-head/ Check out the neighborhoods in the Hawaii Kai region! https://www.hiestates.com/hawaii-kai-neighborhoods/ Check out Kailua neighborhoods below! https://www.hiestates.com/kailua-neighborhoods/ Check out Metro Honolulu comm

Loan Considerations For Retirees Moving To Hawaii

#Aloha! If you're on the verge of retiring, it can affect home loans. Click the link below for information on popular Oahu neighborhoods! https://www.hiestates.com/communities/

Retiring In Hawaii - Viewer Questions Answered

Aloha! Thinking about #retirement in #Hawaii ? We field questions from viewers on the topic. Take our fun interactive quizzes! https://www.hiestates.com/learn/

What are the safest places to live on each of the islands in Hawaii?

Aloha! East Oahu, from Diamond Head to Hawaii Kai is going to be the absolutely safest area. The urban area is always going to be a slightly mixed bag, though areas like Ward Village stand out.

When Should You Get Your Financing Lined Up When Moving To Hawaii?

Aloha! This audience member was wondering - start looking for condo financing now in current job or wait until I they find a local job? Ultimately you need to talk to a mortgage broker to be sure, because every situation is different. Generally if you're looking for a job in the same industry it should be fine, but you could run into problems if you have a break in employment or a change in industry. The safest thing to do would be to not leave your job until you have closed on the property.

Where Can I Buy Essential Furniture Once I Move?

Aloha! Curious about bringing furniture? There are a few options to get new furniture once you arrive. Facebook Marketplace and Costco are popular options, as well as getting it shipped in. Be aware though, there could be or a backlog due to the pandemic - double check before you plan for it!

What Percentage Of Buyers Moving To Hawaii Are Remote Workers?

Aloha! We examine how common this trend is throughout the islands. With an increase in the amount of people working from home, this has been a popular question. We don't have the hard data but it hasn't been a huge number - less than 20% for sure. The bigger trend I've seen though is that more people are moving here just to live here, not necessarily related to work.

Moving To Hawaii | Is $30k In Savings Enough?

Aloha! This is a very specific question with specific circumstances - but it can give you an idea. It really comes down to your lifestyle and expenses. I'd say you should have at least 6 months worth of savings to make sure that you have a cushion - and even longer is better. You really need to dig into the nitty gritty though to personalize it to your needs. Are you moving alone, or are you supporting others? If you have kids, have you researched their future schools? Do you have your savings planned ou

Advice for a Single Income Person Moving to Hawaii

Aloha! Moving alone? We've been there and done that. I moved here like that, 20 years ago now. It really depends on your financial situation - and being willing to give up some things can't hurt. For example - if you're not too attached to your car, it may be better to sell it before you move and use public transportation until you can get a cheap beater. Check out my blog post on what careers thrive in Hawaii! https://www.hiestates.com/blog/what-careers-thrive-in-hawaii/

Moving To Hawaii | When Is The Best Time To Move?

Aloha! In this video, Scott Startsman and company take a crack at these tough questions from fans: When is the right time in life to move to Hawaii? This is more of a philosophical discussion about how we want to live our life. We also answer the direct question, Should I Move to Hawaii now and get a rental, or save up a down payment before making plans? Got a question you want me to answer on our next live show? Fill out this form to send me a message! As with many things in life, the questions posed to

Is Hawaii A Remote Workers Paradise?

Aloha! Today we talk about a topic that’s been popping up since the start of the Pandemic: Is Hawaii A Remote Workers Paradise? The start of the pandemic sped up the modern workspace transitioning fully digital, with many people now permanently work from home. Even those that have to return to the office once or twice a month - the cost of a flight to the mainland might be worth the tradeoff. And if you’re working from home - why not live in Hawaii and work from paradise every day? The February 2021 ice

When Visiting, How Long To Stay To Get The Hawaii vibe?

Aloha! Today, Scott Startsman & Company discuss visiting the islands before deciding to make the move to Hawaii. You definitely want to get a feel for the culture before you move to Hawaii. The islands are a diverse cultural melting pot, with people from all over the world - each community can have its own feel. You can’t expect to move to a small neighborhood with no previous island experience and fit right in. If you have been to Hawaii many times before and know where you’re moving, you should have f

How Do I Find A Rental When Moving To Hawaii?

Aloha! Today I answer the often asked question: when moving to Hawaii how do I find a short term rental to stay in while looking for a home? It really comes down to how familiar you already are with the island and the area where you want to be. Short term rentals may work for you if you don’t have pets and don’t mind moving between units every month until you find a home, or if you know the exact area you want to settle down. Otherwise, a longer term rental may be better suited to you - 6 months and up, so

Avoiding Pet Quarantine When Moving To Hawaii

Aloha! Today I have a little advice on how to move your pets to the islands with the least amount of stress. Hawaii is a completely rabies free state - animals coming in must go through special testing and quarantines to make sure it stays that way. The pet quarantine can take a long time to release your beloved pet - unless you prepare ahead of time. I have never had a client that had to go through the pet quarantine. Instead, they took part in Hawaii’s Five-Day or Less program and got everything done u

Can I Rent In Hawaii With Pets?

Aloha! I’ve had a few fans asking if there are many pet friendly rentals on Oahu. The answer is - not really, no. If you’re coming to rent to buy, my advice is to leave your pet with family on the mainland until you get into your home. Otherwise the situation could get complicated real quick trying to find pet friendly temporary housing. It’s possible - but it’s already difficult to find regular rentals. I don’t recommend trying this route unless there is no other option.

How hard is it to rent a place on Oahu with pets?

In this video we discuss what it is like to try and rent a place with pets on Oahu and some of the things to consider.

Are Low Down Payments Acceptable In The Hawaii Real Estate Market?

Aloha! Today Scott Startsman & Company tackle the question: Are low down payments acceptable in the current Hawaii Real Estate Market? There are a few tips I can offer to help, even with a down payment of 5%. First, work with a local lender because guidelines are different here. Second, even with a low down payment, depending on your income and how long it would take to save another 5%, it can be better to jump in now rather than waiting. Third, be patient and be prepared - offers with a low down payment w

How are Oahu public schools compared to mainland public schools?

See this round table discussion about Hawaii's public schools vs mainland public schools. Hear the insights on what the challenges area with Hawaii public schools and how to make your public school experience better for your child.

Are you allowed to bring fire arms to Hawaii?

Moving to Oahu or moving to Hawaii in general? We discuss Hawaii's fire arms rules in detail. Does Hawaii have concealed carry laws? Are gun laws strict in Hawaii? What is the process for registration of guns? Can you have long guns and are those laws different than having a hand gun?

Is bullying a concern for caucasian kids in Oahu schools?

In this video we talk about is there a concern for Caucasian kids to be bullied in schools on Oahu, what neighborhoods to consider for housing and the general school environment in Hawaii.

Finding a rental to stay in when you arrive on Oahu while searching for a home to buy?

Scott Startsman and Peter Kay discuss some examples of affordable, middle ranged and higher end range shorter term (1-6 months) rental options when moving to Oahu and needing temporary housing before finding the Hawaii home you will purchase to live in.

Getting Started

Are you looking to buy a second home or a vacation property in Oahu? Or are you planning to move over the next few years? Or maybe you're only interested in brand new properties? These launch points will help you get started with exploring the website. Our team's local knowledge, excellent service, and keen understanding of the market ensure a seamless buying and selling experience on Oahu.

Select the appropriate page below to get started.

Starter Pages

Hawaii Vacation Home Assistance

Looking to purchase a Vacation Home in Hawaii? With 20 years of experience in the state, we can help you create a customized strategy. Visit the main page to view services.

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Moving To Hawaii Assistance

The Hi estates Team are specialists in helping people move to Hawaii. Head over to the main moving page to see our relocation services.

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New Development Assistance

We specialize in buying brand new housing and condo developments on Oahu. Each project is different - we do the footwork to bring all the information together in one place.

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Explore The Website

If you're not quite sure which category you fall into just yet, here are some of the major content areas of the website to get you started.

Sections

Community Information

Finding a community that matches your desired lifestyle is as important as your home itself. Learn about the different areas of Oahu and neighborhoods available throughout the island.

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Contact

Reach out and contact the HiEstates Team

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Fun Quizzes

Learn about Hawaii & take fun quizzes to see if life in Hawaii is right for you!

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Learn About The HiEstates Team

The HiEstates Team represents the region's finest properties with exceptional skill using the most innovative technologies currently available.

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New Developments

New condo developments in Honolulu and other new construction on Oahu.