Permit problem help for real estate transactions
When a permit issue comes up during a listing, escrow, inspection, purchase, or refinance, the next step is to understand what the records show and what may need to happen next.
Upload the inspection note, permit record, seller disclosure, MLS concern, lender message, appraiser note, or buyer request — or briefly describe what happened.
Permit issues can slow down a sale
Permit problems often appear late in a real estate transaction, when everyone is already under pressure.
A buyer may question an enclosed lanai, garage conversion, added bathroom, wet bar, deck, patio cover, open permit, expired permit, or work that does not match the property records.
A lender, appraiser, inspector, escrow officer, seller, buyer, or realtor may need a clearer explanation before deciding what to do next.
Real estate permit problems this can help review
- open or expired permits
- work that may not match DPP records
- unpermitted additions
- enclosed lanais
- garage conversions
- added bathrooms
- wet bars or second kitchens
- old remodels
- missing final inspections
- buyer inspection concerns
- seller disclosure questions
- lender or appraiser permit concerns
- escrow questions
- MLS and record mismatches
- previous-owner work
A clearer path before the issue grows
This page is for realtors who need a practical next step when a permit concern appears during a transaction.
The goal is not to create panic. The goal is to understand what the issue appears to involve, what records or documents may matter, and whether professional help may make sense.
A licensed Honolulu architect can review the notice, screenshot, inspection note, permit record, photo, or message and help identify what may need to happen next.
Useful documents for transaction-related permit issues
- inspection report
- buyer request
- seller disclosure
- MLS listing or concern
- permit record
- HNL Build screenshot
- DPP notice
- photos of the work or area
- lender message
- appraiser note
- escrow email
- realtor message
- old plans or drawings
- brief description of what happened
This is not legal advice
Permit review is different from legal advice.
If the issue involves seller disclosure disputes, liability, contracts, lawsuits, or legal claims, the parties may also need to speak with a qualified attorney.
This site is focused on helping identify what the residential permit issue appears to involve and what may need to happen next from a permit and architectural review standpoint.
Did a permit issue come up during a sale, purchase, or refinance?
Start with the inspection note, permit record, photo, message, or brief description. A licensed Honolulu architect will review it and help identify what may need to happen next.