"In 1998, my future wife and I made our first trip together to Hawaii and fell in love with the Big Island. We made it our mission to someday live part of our life there, and by 2015 we finally had the resources to make it happen. So, we thought...

We searched intermittently for years before, during, and after the COVID pandemic to realize our goal. It wasn’t easy to find exactly what we were looking for. Our dream was full of lofty ideals and an unwillingness to compromise, and we faced a highly competitive market.

Nonetheless, Mike was there for us every step of the way with honest even-keeled guidance, a local’s understanding of the island, and a knowledge of real estate that was impressive in both depth and breadth. His patience and encouragement kept us in the game and his timely support led us through a seamless closing process. We found our perfect second home at the right price on the Big Island, thanks to Mike Despard!"

- Chris & Laurel DeMaula | Sep 2023

"After 2.5 years of procrastination regarding putting our house on the market and dangling the concept of listing it with Mike, we knew 2023 was going to be the year! He was extremely patient with our indecision and allowed us sufficient time and level of comfort before we actually pulled the pin. He could have, but never for a moment, pushed us.

He was thorough in his guidance preparing our property right down to the finest detail in order to enhance it's overall value at time of listing. Mike extended his professionalism to include hands-on participation physically pitching in for the staging of our home at point of photography when we were unable to be present. We felt extremely reassured that Mike's strategic approach would be a success in our absence and we were not disappointed.

Less than 72 hours from going on MLS and a single open house later, Mike took negotiations in hand when he sensed the right offer had been secured. His communication skills were meticulous during this step by step process via long distance which is so important to us as absent homeowners. Mike provided us with answers before we even had a question. He kept us grounded in reality for our expectations to the final purchase agreement which in turn exceeded our asking price by $15K.

Everything about our interaction personally over the years consisted of integrity, patience & sincerity looking out for our timing and best financial interest. When it came time to FINALLY "do the deal", Mike's professionalism went above and beyond our wildest expectations all the way through to the close of escrow. In an effort to ensure a smooth physical move for us, we were able to depend upon Mike and his wife, Kristi, to assist us in a myriad of instances.

We would not hesitate to recommend his services whether buying or selling real estate in Hawai'i for a seamless, worry-free experience with a true professional. We have made family friends for life as a result."

- Bob & Cindy Barthi | July 2023

"Mike is a terrific agent, his knowledge on the area and expertise in negotiating are excellent. I met Mike almost 9 years ago when I was purchasing a home and he was professional and easy to work with, I looked at a lot of homes and Mike was very patient and responsive to my needs.

Mike made the purchase of my home easy and seamless, I liked Mike and his hard work and professionalism so much that in June of 2023 when my time in Hawaii was done I knew Mike was the man to now sell my home. Mike made selling my home a very easy and drama free experience, Mike explained all my questions and then some, he's very professional and so easy to work with.

Buying and selling homes can be stressful and intense, Mike makes sure things go as smooth as possible and that comes from his years of experience and local knowledge,.

Thanks again Mike for all the hard work you did to get the job done... I would recommend Mike Despard to anyone who's looking to buy or sell, he's a top notch agent and I consider him a friend."

- John Windham | June 2023

(Repeat Client)

"Mike Despard was our realtor as we sought to purchase a condo that would serve as an investment and also as a vacation getaway for our family. We live on the mainland and needed someone to represent our interests.

Mike was a great communicator, listened to our input, went out of his way to preview properties for us, and served as our eyes in making a purchase. He was most professional, friendly, and responsive. We ended up with a wonderful property that serves just what we were looking for.

We couldn’t have asked for more in an agent. Highest recommendation! He knows what Aloha and Mahalo is all about!"

- Frank & Pam Dellino | April 2023

"I had been looking for a vacation place to buy for several years. I contacted Mike in May 2020. We had a few conversations where I told him what I was looking for.

In the summer of 2022, we started visiting properties in earnest, but there was nothing that fitted my needs. Then in October 2022, Mike told me about a house in Bay View Estates. It was not publicly listed yet, but was about to, so I had a head start of a few days. It turned to be pretty much a perfect fit for me.

Throughout the negotiation phase, Mike gave me many judicious advices. Then once the sale was closed, he helped me settle in to the new place. As a vacation home owner, I needed to make a lot of additional arrangements that were not necessary for full-time residents. Mike and his wife were of great help in this process, recommending many service providers whom I ended up hiring.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and will keep him in mind for all my future real-estate needs in Hawaii. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"

- T. M. Vuong | December 2022