<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Hawaii Real Estate Market &#187; Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/author/beththomarobinson/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles</link>
	<description>Hawaii Life</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:37:09 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<xhtml:meta xmlns:xhtml="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" name="robots" content="noindex" />
		<item>
		<title>To Buy or To Build a Home in North Kohala</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/02/to-buy-or-to-build-a-home-in-north-kohala/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/02/to-buy-or-to-build-a-home-in-north-kohala/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Feb 2010 18:23:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Building]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[For Sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawaii]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Kohala]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=5475</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For the past year, I&#8217;ve been selling lots of lots (vacant land ranging from 3 acres to 40 acres) in North Kohala.  Parcels sold from Puakea Bay Ranch just before Hawi, out to Kapana&#8217;ia which is past Kapa&#8217;au on the road to Pololu Valley.  Many of my buyers are planning for future retirement, 2 to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_5482" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5482 " title="Vacant land for sale in Kohala" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/27_DSC_5413-300x199.jpg" alt="Puuepa 20 acres" width="300" height="199" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Vacant Land is Selling in Kohala</p></div>
<p>For the past year, I&#8217;ve been selling lots of lots (vacant land ranging from 3 acres to 40 acres) in North Kohala.  Parcels sold from Puakea Bay Ranch just before Hawi, out to Kapana&#8217;ia which is past Kapa&#8217;au on the road to Pololu Valley.  Many of my buyers are planning for future retirement, 2 to 10 years out, although some clients who purchased recently are already  hiring architects and builders hungry for their business in a slow market.</p>
<p>Sometimes prospective buyers just starting their search ask me whether it makes more sense to buy a home for sale or to buy acreage and build&#8230;and the answer is <em>it depends. </em>At a few of my favorite smaller gated subdivisions in the Hawi area such as the <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230339-1.html" target="_blank">Ranch at  Puakea</a> and Puuepa Ranch, there is no choice, as there are no residences to buy, just 20 acre lots waiting to break ground.</p>
<p>In other communities, such as Kohala Waterfront, <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property231301-1.html" target="_blank">Kohala By The Sea</a>, and even the Heathers at Kohala Ranch, the buyer for whom ocean view is critical may find the lots picked over.  You can always renovate a house, change the floorplan and finishes, but you&#8217;ll never change the view!  For the ocean view buyer, one of my favorites for a long time has been this <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230414-1.html">home on 5 acres at the very bottom of Kohala Ranch</a>, which just had its price reduced to $2,199,000.  Of course the <a href="www.pueoplace.hawaiilife.com" target="_blank">King of the Hill on Pueo Place</a> a great Hawaii Life listing, is famous for its mountain (Mauna Kea, Hualalai and Haleakala) as well as ocean views and <strong>a value at only $1,399,000.</strong> <span id="more-5475"></span></p>
<p><em>If</em> you have a very specific idea about your dream home that nothing on the market fits; <em>if</em> you are the kind of person who just has to have a project; <em>if</em> you have experience managing construction (yes, even if you have a contractor you will be asked to make more decisions then you ever thought possible)&#8230;then you can certainly negotiate excellent rates from contractors and subcontractors right now.</p>
<p>But&#8230;even with the savings on labor and professional services, there are plenty of nearly new homes on the market selling for considerably less than the owners spent to build.  Some are purchased furnished, so the new owner could move in or begin using the day after closing&#8230;or, depending on location, get income from a long-term or vacation rental.  If the property is in a gated community, the buyer also saves the time and uncertainty associated with getting house plans reviewed and approved by an architectural review committee, if that&#8217;s what the CC&amp;Rs require.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/big-island/north-kohala-real-estate/">North Kohala real estate</a> offers luxury residences that you could not replicate for today&#8217;s listing price include a <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230535-1.html">7,000 sq ft home at Puakea Bay Ranch</a> on 10 acres with big whale watching view offered for $2.2 million (click <a title="Estate home for sale at Puakea Bay Ranch" href="http://hometour360network.com/provider/RTHawaii/BTR_pbr/TW_PuakeaBay.html">here </a>for the virtual tour); or this <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230134-1.html">resort-quality home above Hawi</a> listed for $1,450,000 with custom furnishings (here is its <a title="Maliu Ridge Resort Quality Home" href="http://RealToursHI.com/Tour/BTRmr/TW_maliurdge.html">virtual tour</a>).</p>
<p>Another option that can put buyers on the fast track is to buy a lot on which some of the work has already been done.  A  10-acre parcel that just sold at the Summit elevation of Kohala Ranch came with a full set of plans.  Here&#8217;s an already fenced <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property229790-1.html">Kohala Ranch lot of almost 13 acres </a>nearby that also has plans for a 5,000 sq ft house with 5 bedrooms plus ohana approved by both the County Building Department and the Kohala Ranch review process.  Added bonus: the current owner has estimates for building a riding arena on the side of the lot nearest the equestrian easement.  Super for $429,000!</p>
<p>The Hawaii Life search tools do a great job of empowering the real estate buyer, but often it is an <a href="http://activerain.com/dakini" target="_blank">agent&#8217;s local expertise</a> that makes the difference in matching a buyer with the ideal property.  We&#8217;re always happy to answer questions about the neighborhoods where we live <em>our</em> Hawaii lives!</p>
<p>A hui hou,</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808.443.4588  Email: <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/02/to-buy-or-to-build-a-home-in-north-kohala/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>More Horse Properties in North and South Kohala</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/02/more-horse-properties-in-north-and-south-kohala/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/02/more-horse-properties-in-north-and-south-kohala/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:32:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kohala Coast]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=5287</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I got another call last week from a couple looking for a horse property on the west side of the Big Island&#8211;somewhere between Kailua-Kona and the Hawi area (North Kohala), close enough to a harbor where he can keep his boat.  They knew that Puu Lani Ranch near Kona has horse facilities and a number [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_5290" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230699-1.html" class="noline"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5290" title="Waikii arena" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Waikii-arena1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Covered arena at Waikii Ranch Equestrian Estate</p></div>
<p>I got another call last week from a couple looking for a<strong> horse property on the west side of the Big Island</strong>&#8211;somewhere between Kailua-Kona and the Hawi area (North Kohala), close enough to a harbor where he can keep his boat.  They knew that <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/09/horse-property-on-the-big-island-puu-lani-ranch/">Puu Lani Ranch</a> near Kona has horse facilities and a number of properties listed at short sale and foreclosure prices.  The question was what other locations would allow the equestrian access to an arena, with trails for riding.</p>
<p>Of course the Waimea (Kamuela) area in South Kohala is home to Parker Ranch and has that paniolo cowboy flavor&#8230;many neighborhoods remind me of my childhood in Colorado.  Without question the best equestrian facilities in a gated community belong to <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/09/big-island-horse-property-waikii-ranch/">Waikii Ranch</a> on the Saddle Road, and you will have a lot of company for trail riding.  Lots at Waikii Ranch are 10 acres and more, and begin at $250,000.  The <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property228972-1.html">lowest price home at Waikii Ranch</a> is currently just over $1 million&#8230;and the highest is a breathtaking $18.5 million for a<a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230699-1.html"> true equestrian estat</a>e which would be suitable for serious horse breeding and training.</p>
<div id="attachment_5292" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="www.hawaiipasofinos.com" class="noline"><img class="size-medium wp-image-5292" title="Oceanfront horseback riding in North Kohala" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/58_DSC_5678-300x209.jpg" alt="Oceanfront horse property in North Kohala" width="300" height="209" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Is this YOUR Hawaii Life?</p></div>
<p>Upcountry Hawaii locations have their advantages, and &#8220;winter&#8221; weather there is cool enough that you might need a jean jacket or windbreaker.  While there is no other Big Island &#8220;ranch&#8221; gated community with established facilities to compare with the community arena and polo field at Waikii, there are other options.  There are several privately owned boarding facilities I can recommend where my new client could keep <em>her</em> horses while they selected a home an ideal distance from <em>his</em> boat.  For example, Waikoloa Village has stables and is about equidistant from the harbors at Honokohau and Kawaihae.</p>
<p>Another solution would be to buy in a neighborhood with riding trails, and build your own barn and arena.  For the buyer who is interested in extensive facilities like the Waikii Ranch property, but wants what we all think of as a Hawai&#8217;ian climate rather than Rocky Mountain summer, my suggestion would be to buy a 20-acre <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230339-1.html"> lot in the Ranch at Puakea</a>.  Not to be confused with Puakea Bay Ranch immediately to the north, the Ranch at Puakea is an oceanfront community, where you could literally ride to the waterfront.  The developers of exclusive Ranch at Puakea (only 3 oceanfront and 10 oceanview parcels) are themselves horse owners and are breaking ground on their home at the Ranch.  Start with a $1.2 million lot, and for well under that $18 million price tag you can build a beautiful residence with horse facilities tailored to your needs.<span id="more-5287"></span></p>
<p>A hui hou,</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808.443.4588   Email:  <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
<p><em>Note: Credit for the photo of riders on the oceanfront goes to Winston Welborn, Hawaii Life Marketing Dept.  A big mahalo also to <a href="http://www.hawaiipasofinos.com/">Hawaii Paso Finos</a> who lived their dream of turning raw land in North Kohala into a super equestrian breeding and training facility.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/02/more-horse-properties-in-north-and-south-kohala/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Mauna Lani Point Versus Halii Kai &#8211; Kohala Coast Oceanfront Condos</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/mauna-lani-point-versus-halii-kai-kohala-coast-oceanfront-condos/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/mauna-lani-point-versus-halii-kai-kohala-coast-oceanfront-condos/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Condos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[For Sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Golf Front]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kohala Coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luxury]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=4725</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mauna Lani Point and Mauna Lani Terrace are two of my favorite examples of spots where the seeker of foreclosures and short sale opportunities will be disappointed.  The most recent sale at the Mauna Lani Point on the Kohala Coast was over a year ago, in December 2008, when a 1502 sq ft, 2BR/2.5BA condo [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_4726" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4726" title="Mauna Lani Point View" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ML-Point-view-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Mauna Lani Point Ocean View</p></div>
<p><strong>Mauna Lani Point </strong>and <strong>Mauna Lani Terrace</strong> are two of my favorite examples of spots where the seeker of foreclosures and short sale opportunities will be disappointed.  The most recent sale at the Mauna Lani Point on the Kohala Coast was over a year ago, in December 2008, when a 1502 sq ft, 2BR/2.5BA condo sold for $1,820,000.  There are eight units on the market, an unusually high number because the usual sale of 4 or 5 a year ground to a halt as sellers held prices steady and buyers trolled for &#8220;screaming deals.&#8221;  But today, a 2BR/2.5 bath condo listed at $2.2 million shows as being in escrow!</p>
<p>The condo in escrow had the highest asking price of any on the market, a prime 2nd floor unit overlooking the signature 15th hole of the Mauna Lani golf course.  The condo has 1504 sq ft, a spacious lanai, and a renovated kitchen, which is important since the project was built in 1986.</p>
<p>The views, and the location near the Mauna Lani Beach Club will always create a demand for Mauna Lani Point. The disadvantages compared with newer projects?  Carports rather than garages.  The lanai is large, but you can&#8217;t barbecue at your own home&#8230;owners can take their coolers to community grills and eat on tables there or haul the cooked food home.  <em>The big question is whether the sale price will be close to asking price or reflect a discount similar to what other Kohala Coast condominium projects are experiencing, where prices have fallen by 30-50% from the market peak, driven by short sales and foreclosures.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_4732" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4732 " title="Halii Kai Ocean View" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/12G-view1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Halii Kai Ocean View</p></div>
<p>Meanwhile, a few miles south as the crow flies, there was a price reduction on a <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property224389-1.html">Halii Kai 3BR/3BA</a> overlooking the signature 12th hole of the golf course with a lanai off the dining room and another off the master bedroom, garage&#8211;and having been built in 2006, the expected stainless steel appliances, granite counters and African mahogany cabinets.  <strong>Originally purchased for over $ 2 million and until recently listed at $1,895,000, it is now a short sale price at $999,000.  R</strong>emember that in a short sale the price will be subject to lender approval and there is no guarantee that approval will be given.  However, with an oceanfront 3BR/2BA short sale having recently sold at an astonishing $875,000, the price seems to be supported by the comps.</p>
<p>Whether you are looking for long-term appreciation or simply to enjoy the best of the Kohala Coast resort lifestyle, these are the two choices with that special golf and intimate ocean view.  One way or another, the current price gap looks like an anomaly that the market will work to eliminate.  Which means either Mauna Lani Point prices have a big drop ahead, or Halii Kai prices will have a big gain in years to come.   Watch this space!</p>
<p>A hui hou,<br />
Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808.443.4588   Email: <a href="mailto:beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/mauna-lani-point-versus-halii-kai-kohala-coast-oceanfront-condos/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Foreclosure on Raw Land near Hawi, North Kohala</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/foreclosure-on-raw-land-near-hawi-north-kohala/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/foreclosure-on-raw-land-near-hawi-north-kohala/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:18:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[For Sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=4584</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Want to buy 20 acres near Hawi at a &#8220;fire sale&#8221; price?  A new foreclosure listing in the Puuepa Ranch subdivision in North Kohala was just released at $642,900 and is sure to attract interest!  This parcel was purchased by the previous owner in 2006 for $1.2 million.
Although there are many larger acreages sold in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Want to buy 20 acres near Hawi at a &#8220;fire sale&#8221; price?  A <a href="/property230887-1.html">new foreclosure listing</a> in the Puuepa Ranch subdivision in North Kohala was just released at $642,900 and is sure to attract interest!  This parcel was purchased by the previous owner in 2006 for $1.2 million.</p>
<div id="attachment_4585" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 610px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4585 " title="Mookini Heiau below Pueepa Ranch" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Puu_heiaupano-300x136.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="272" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Historic Site Below Puuepa, Hawi</p></div>
<p>Although there are many larger acreages sold in North Kohala and elsewhere on the Big Island at prices double what the current market value would be, lenders were never as aggressive with land loans as they were with residential mortgages, so few of them appear on the market as REOs (foreclosures).  That makes this a rare opportunity.<span id="more-4584"></span></p>
<div id="attachment_4586" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4586" title="Hawi wind farm" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Hawi-wind-farm-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Hawi Wind Farm Seen from Pueepa</p></div>
<p>Puuepa is a small gated subdivision of a dozen 20-acre oceanview parcels, nearby some of the most historic sites in North Kohala, the birthplace of Kamehameha the Great and the Mookini Heiau.   The special energy here is palpable.  Cattle and horses graze on lush pasture, and the soil is rich for farming.  The town of Hawi with its restaurants and shops is minutes away.  North Kohala is perfect for a sustainable lifestyle, with wind and solar electric options although this subdivision has full underground utilities.</p>
<p>I view Puuepa as an undiscovered gem among the options for raw land in Kohala.  You have all the advantages of a gated subdivision, without monthly dues and with only minimal CC&amp;Rs (contact me if you&#8217;d like to see a copy).</p>
<p>With contractors and architects readily available, it is a great time to build.  And there are land and constructions loans available with 30-35% down at very attractive rates.  That must be why I&#8217;ve got two North Kohala parcels currently in escrow!</p>
<p>A hui hou,</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808.443.4588  Email: <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com </a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/foreclosure-on-raw-land-near-hawi-north-kohala/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Are Kohala Coast Real Estate Prices Headed Up?</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/are-kohala-coast-real-estate-prices-headed-up/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/are-kohala-coast-real-estate-prices-headed-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:26:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[For Sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures, Short Sales & REO's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawaii]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kohala Coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Short Sales]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=4261</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve noticed over the past couple of weeks a continual chatter back and forth between the members of the Big Island Hawaii Life team as we show and write offers on properties on the Big Island&#8217;s Kohala Coast&#8211;especially short sale and foreclosure properties.  Luckily, Hawaii Life prepared a Notice to Buyer Clients for us to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;ve noticed over the past couple of weeks a continual chatter back and forth between the members of the Big Island Hawaii Life team as we show and write offers on properties on the Big Island&#8217;s Kohala Coast&#8211;especially short sale and foreclosure properties.  Luckily, Hawaii Life prepared a Notice to Buyer Clients for us to share with our prospects that explains EXACTLY how we will operate on behalf of both our buyer clients and the sellers of properties we may have listed, in the situation where different agents or the same agent are representing multiple buyers with similar interests. (Contact us if you&#8217;d like to see a copy!)</p>
<p>But today a bigger problem unexpectedly reared its head.  I have several prospects and clients in town wanting to see real estate best buys on the Kohala Coast, and I am running out of inventory to show!  For example, at my favorite Waikoloa Beach Resort condo properties, there is only <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property229380-1.html">one active REO (bank-owned) listing at Kolea</a> and the oceanfront <a href="http://">one at Halii Kai</a>.  According to the listing agents they are getting multiple showings a day and at these prices it can only be a matter of a day or two before they have offers.  At Halii Kai today I had a prospect wanting to see our office&#8217;s two short sale listings but they decided why bother because there already offers in on both listings.  I have another client staying there who doesn&#8217;t want the smaller 2-bedroom, and the REO and most of the active short sales without offers are that floorplan&#8211;so he told me today he&#8217;d rather look at Kolea and maybe Puako (there is one house in that $750,000 price range).</p>
<p>Ooops.  I have for years kept Kolea resale spreadsheets and I happen to have several old ones.  In July 2008, there were 32 active listings plus one unit, 3D, under contract. (As readers may recall, the economy crashed a month later and that was the last non-distress Kolea condo sale until my sale of 13E last month).  In July 2009, there were 30 active listings at Kolea including the first REOs.  As of today, there are only 18 active listings including that single foreclosure, plus 4 condos in escrow (all short sale or REO).   Aside from the REO, none of those eighteen units are listed anywhere near a price where they would appraise, given the recent sold comps.  In other words, I have nothing to show at Kolea, although we do know of additional 2-bedroom units in the foreclosure pipeline.</p>
<p>I work as a real estate agent, but somewhere in my ancient past I earned a Ph.D. in economics and I just can&#8217;t help but apply the basic framework of supply and demand curves setting prices in a market.  I&#8217;ve just painted a picture of abundant demand and limited supply.  What usually happens next is prices trend up!</p>
<p>At Halii Kai, lenders are also indicating a change in perspective on the direction of prices.  One of our short sale listings with an offer on it may be withdrawn from the market as the lender who had previously denied a loan modification just offered a reasonably attractive one, leaving our seller consulting his attorney for advice.  On another short sale where I am representing the buyer, the lender  came back throwing out one of the sold comps saying it had been underpriced and shouldn&#8217;t count!  Their bottom line is they want more for the unit than recent sales in the same building would suggest is a fair price.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ve been wondering when appraisers would stop checking that &#8220;declining market&#8221; box and we may just have hit that inflection point.</p>
<p>A hui hou,</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808.443.4588  Email: <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2010/01/are-kohala-coast-real-estate-prices-headed-up/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Trading Up in Kohala Coast Big Island Real Estate</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/12/trading-up-in-kohala-coast-big-island-real-estate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/12/trading-up-in-kohala-coast-big-island-real-estate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Dec 2009 03:45:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[First Time Buyers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama Tax Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sales Stats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Short Sales]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=4024</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wednesday morning our local newspaper&#8217;s front page reported that for the month of November 2009 real estate sales on the West side of the Big Island were stronger in most areas and categories than in the same month a year ago.  I know the Hawaii Life Big Island team contributed to those statistics!  Some of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wednesday morning our local newspaper&#8217;s front page reported that for the month of November 2009 real estate sales on the West side of the Big Island were stronger in most areas and categories than in the same month a year ago.  I know the Hawaii Life Big Island team contributed to those statistics!  Some of the real estate market trends we have blogged about recently are the predominance of foreclosures and short sales, the renewed activity in luxury properties at Hualalai and Kukio, and the effects of the first time homebuyer tax credit.  Reading the news article on the real estate market reminded me that a year ago, in November 2008, was the first time I noticed a different trend:  buyers who are trading up!</p>
<div id="attachment_4026" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-4026" title="northwest-view-towards-maui" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/northwest-view-towards-maui-300x198.jpg" alt="Halii Kai Direct Oceanfront Condo" width="300" height="198" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Halii Kai Direct Oceanfront Condo</p></div>
<p>At the time I had a listing on a direct oceanfront condominium at Hali&#8217;i Kai&#8230;and the buyers already owned the same floorplan farther back without the view.  They loved the community and had the money, hence they made an all cash, quick close offer&#8230;which convinced the seller to take a substantial loss, even though, compared with recent foreclosure and short sales at the same property, with 20-20 hindsight this seller did quite well.   A buyer who has inside knowledge of a location or property sometimes sees value that someone who is strictly thinking &#8220;deal,&#8221; rather than lifestyle and long-term appreciation, might miss.<span id="more-4024"></span></p>
<p>The first buyer client I assisted this year after joining Hawaii Life was a local physician and his family, who already owned a beautiful ocean view lot in a location makai of the highway where the possibility of someone ever developing or building between his lot and the ocean is very very slim.  However, he&#8217;d been watching the real estate market and realized that if there were ever a time to trade up&#8211;and the only thing &#8220;up&#8221; from the property he already had was in fact &#8220;down&#8221; to direct oceanfront&#8211;now was the time.   So Katie and I walked pretty much every large oceanfront acreage on the north side of the island with them until they were satisfied that the first property they inquired about via the Hawaii Life website was, indeed, the perfect choice.  By the way, the <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property225341-1.html">Hamakua coast 5-acre parcel</a> they traded up from is a wonderful buy for someone whose price point is under $500,000 rather than almost $2 million!</p>
<p>I had a phone call recently from a customer who for several years has owned a condo in Waikoloa Village as a second home.  She was calling about a single family <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property225207-1.html">home I have listed near Kapaau in North Kohala</a>&#8230;an area she&#8217;d always loved but at the height of the market felt she couldn&#8217;t afford.   She was excited to see a quality residence in a quiet neighborhood for under $500,000.  She&#8217;s another example of someone who is looking at the market as an opportunity to trade up.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m working with another prospective buyer who owns a luxury condo within one of the Kohala Coast resorts, but ultimately wants to spend more time in Hawai&#8217;i, and therefore was intrigued by some of the price reductions on resort lots where one day he could build a home.  I just sent him news of a reduction on a lot of almost an acre in size at <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property220287-1.html">Kauna&#8217;oa at Mauna Kea</a>.  Other buyers would rather not have the high association dues that come with a resort property even if nothing is built on it, and they are driving the land sales in my home market near Hawi.  I predict that some of the smaller, less well known gated communities are ripe for discovery this winter, and I&#8217;ve just taken listings in two of them, <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property230246-1.html">Puuepa Ranch</a> and the Ranch at Puakea.   If you like the paniolo ranching heritage of Waimea (Kamuela), but also would like to be near enough the ocean to put in a swimming pool and watch whales in season, these might be the right options for you (and your family and equine friends!)</p>
<p>If you are considering trading up and want to know what your present Big Island property is worth, remember we are always happy to give you a comparable market analysis with no strings or sales pitch attached.</p>
<p>Mele kalikimaka and a hui hou!</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808-443-4588    Email:  <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com </a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/12/trading-up-in-kohala-coast-big-island-real-estate/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Hawaii REO and Short Sales Still Hot: Kolea and Halii Kai</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/11/kolea-and-halii-kai-reo-and-short-sales-still-hot/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/11/kolea-and-halii-kai-reo-and-short-sales-still-hot/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:33:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures, Short Sales & REO's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Halii Kai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kolea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[REO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Short Sales]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=3294</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve blogged regularly about the REO (foreclosure) and short sale properties at beachfront Kolea and oceanfront Halii Kai on the Big Island&#8217;s Kohala Coast.  Although there are also bargains to be had at nearby communities such as the Colony Villas REO my teammate Pam mentioned in a recent blog post, I am personally representing either [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_3297" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3297" title="kolea-15d-outdoor-indoor" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/kolea-15d-outdoor-indoor-300x225.jpg" alt="Kolea-Built in BBQ and pocket doors" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Kolea - Built in BBQ and pocket doors</p></div>
<p>I&#8217;ve blogged regularly about the <strong>REO (foreclosure) and short sale properties at beachfront Kolea and oceanfront Halii Kai on the Big Island&#8217;s Kohala Coast</strong>.  Although there are also bargains to be had at nearby communities such as the <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/11/the-best-deal-on-the-kohala-coast-is-a-bank-reo/">Colony Villas REO</a> my teammate Pam mentioned in a recent blog post, I am personally representing either buyer or seller in two transactions at Kolea and three at Halii Kai, with additional clients almost ready to submit offers.  Why so much activity in those particular resort properties?</p>
<p>At the market peak, those properties sold at significant premiums to nearby competition because of their locations.  There are very few Kohala Coast properties where you can walk to the beach.  You can at Mauna Lani Point, but the lowest priced listing there is $865,000 for a 984-sq ft 1-bedroom with a carport and no ocean view, and a walk to a community BBQ grill.  At Kolea, you can choose between two REO properties that are 2BR, 2BA, 1270 sq ft, with a built in BBQ on the lanai. One is priced at <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property224888-1.html">$424,900 for a ground floor</a> and the other at <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property229380-1.html">$453,900 for a second floor</a>.<span id="more-3294"></span></p>
<p>Similarly, at Halii Kai, who can argue about the value in direct oceanfront units priced at 50% of what the original owners paid pre-construction only a few years ago?  I often get the question of whether these make sense as vacation rentals, given the high homeowner association dues at Halii Kai and Kolea.  The best answer I can give came from noticing who purchased Halii Kai 13A, about which I&#8217;d blogged as an oceanfront best buy.  The public records show the proud new owners are a couple who just happen to work for a rental management company managing many Halii Kai and Kolea vacation rentals!</p>
<p>Vacation renters don&#8217;t care whether they are renting the smaller ground floor two-bedroom that only has a carport, or the larger, more expensive upstairs unit that has a garage.  On the other hand, someone buying for their own use might prefer the elevation and garage for their toys.  Renters DO care about direct oceanfront location.  <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property227741-1.html">Halii Kai 14B is an REO</a> listed at $724,900 &#8211; or if you want turnkey furnished and have the patience for a short sale, try<a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/property229180-1.html"> HK 13C, a short sale </a>listed at $697,000 and we&#8217;ll negotiate for the furnishings under separate bill of sale.  Remember whale season is coming, and this is what you&#8217;ll see from your lanai (actual photo taken from lanai of 13C):</p>
<p>If your price point is somewhat lower, Pam and I have just listed Halii Kai 4B, one of the few of this floorplan that has a garage.  Serene golf course location, and only $409,000 &#8211; competitive with the remaining developer sales across the road in the Coconut Grove.  It is a short sale, we&#8217;ll talk you through the process.</p>
<p>A hui hou</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct 808.443.4588  Email: <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/11/kolea-and-halii-kai-reo-and-short-sales-still-hot/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Coming Home to Hawi, North Kohala, Big Island of Hawaii</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/11/coming-home-to-hawi-north-kohala-big-island-of-hawaii/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/11/coming-home-to-hawi-north-kohala-big-island-of-hawaii/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:26:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North Kohala]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Puako]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=3276</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our Big Island (Hawaii) broker-in-charge Katie Minkus lives in Puako, and when she went on vacation in September, she wrote a blog post about the question we get: where do you vacation when your home is in Paradise?  My home is in North Kohala, and the day I left on holiday in October, colleague Lucy [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_3282" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3282" title="alps" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/alps-300x225.jpg" alt="Swiss Alps or Mauna Kea" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Swiss Alps or Mauna Kea</p></div>
<p>Our Big Island (Hawaii) broker-in-charge Katie Minkus lives in Puako, and when she went on vacation in September, she wrote a blog post about the question we get: <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/09/where-do-hawaii-residents-go-on-vacation/">where do you vacation when your home is in Paradise</a>?  My home is in North Kohala, and the day I left on holiday in October, colleague Lucy Clark <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/talking-story-with-lucy-clark-rb-about-north-kohala-big-island/">wrote about its charm.</a> My husband is Swiss, and we took three weeks&#8211;in what turned out NOT to be the slow season for Big Island real estate&#8211;to visit his family in Switzerland. Going to visit family and friends often determines where we vacation, regardless of whether we live in Hawaii or Minnesota!</p>
<p>Another question I often get from prospective buyers of <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/big-island-real-estate/">Big Island real estate</a> is why I chose to live in the <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/big-island/north-kohala-real-estate/">North Kohala district</a> (what visitors usually refer to as Hawi and locals call simply &#8220;Kohala&#8221;).  I think one of the reasons people travel away from a place they love is to get perspective, and coming home to the Big Island gave me a chance to reflect.<span id="more-3276"></span></p>
<p>Some of the things we love about Switzerland are its rural character, the availability of delicious locally grown food, the beauty of its landscape, the diversity of its people (did you know the Swiss have FOUR official languages?), the open spaces to enjoy Nature, and the sense of community participation and self-sufficiency.</p>
<div id="attachment_3277" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3277" title="lighthouse-liquors-opens-004" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/lighthouse-liquors-opens-004-300x225.jpg" alt="Lighthouse Liquors Opens in Hawi" width="300" height="225" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Lighthouse Liquors Opens in Hawi</p></div>
<p>Replace &#8220;Switzerland&#8221; with &#8220;North Kohala&#8221; in the last sentence, and you have a pretty good idea of why we chose our home in Kohala.  Just as on vacation we loved to see the snow-capped Alps, we returned to see the first traces of snow on Mauna Kea&#8211;but with temperatures hovering around 80 degrees.  We arrived too late to buy groceries in Kona, so we picked up local eggs, milk, beef and greens at Takata Store in Kapaau&#8230;and our neighbor came by with oranges off his trees.  My horses seemed to have survived my absence quite happily grazing in on their ocean view acreage.  And on Saturday morning, eager to reconnect with our community, we headed for beautiful downtown Hawi.</p>
<p>At the Farmer&#8217;s Market under the Banyan Tree, there were fall specialties available: breadfruit and breadfruit chips, for example.  It was hard to focus on our purchases, as people kept calling our names, eager to hear about our trip and welcome us home with invitations, news, and tips on possible new listings.  We didn&#8217;t linger too long at the market because the highlight of the day was the grand opening of <a href="http://www.lighthouseliquorshi.com">Lighthouse Liquor</a>s, bringing a fine selection of beer, wine and spirits to the neighborhood.  North Kohala attracts people with a lot of entrepreneurial spirit and talent.  Despite the supposedly wretched economy, each piece of vacant commercial real estate on the streets of Hawi and Kapaau seems to quickly get filled.</p>
<p>Some wonderful new properties came on the market in North Kohala, at prices from $300,000 to $3 million.  If a lifestyle that is rural but sophisticated appeals to you, check out my <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/gallery/2721/">gallery of favorite properties</a>.</p>
<p>A hui hou,</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808.443.4588   Email: <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/11/coming-home-to-hawi-north-kohala-big-island-of-hawaii/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kolea Foreclosure Update, Kohala Coast, Big Island</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/kolea-foreclosure-update-kohala-coast-big-island/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/kolea-foreclosure-update-kohala-coast-big-island/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:43:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures, Short Sales & REO's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kohala Coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[REO]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=2816</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Six weeks ago I wrote a post about Kohala Coast foreclosure (REO) properties, highlighting the beachfront Kolea community.  The bank-owned properties are moving quickly now that the lenders have figured out there are definitely buyers for half-price deals on condos with high-end finishes and the top walk-to-the beach location on the Kohala Coast!
At the time [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Six weeks ago I wrote a post about <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/08/update-on-kohala-coast-foreclosures/">Kohala Coast foreclosure (REO) properties</a>, highlighting the<strong> beachfront Kolea community</strong>.  The <strong>bank-owned properties are moving quickl</strong>y now that the lenders have figured out there are definitely buyers for<strong> half-price deals</strong> on condos with high-end finishes and the top walk-to-the beach location on the Kohala Coast!</p>
<div id="attachment_2817" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-2817" href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/kolea-foreclosure-update-kohala-coast-big-island/poolbeach-ii/"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2817" title="Kolea beachfront condos" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/poolbeach-ii-300x199.jpg" alt="Kolea Pool Overlooks Beach" width="300" height="199" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kolea Pool Overlooks Beach</p></div>
<p>At the time of the last post, there were two REOs in escrow, both of which have closed. As of today, there are two more in escrow, and two well-priced units on the market.</p>
<p>Taking a step back, let&#8217;s look at how the Kolea community is configured.  This property is located in between the two hotels at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, and was originally intended as the location of a third hotel, which is why it is the only project in the resort with direct access to the beach at Anaeho&#8217;omalu Bay.</p>
<p>The developer laid it out with 17 lots and the Beach Club amenities on the ocean-side perimeter, and three-story condo buildings on the interior.</p>
<div id="attachment_2818" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-2818" href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/kolea-foreclosure-update-kohala-coast-big-island/kolea-site-map/"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2818" title="Kolea Site Map" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/kolea-site-map-300x199.jpg" alt="Kolea Site Map" width="300" height="199" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kolea Site Map</p></div>
<p>Starting with the condos, buildings 1-8, 10, 12, and 13 have only six luxury units per building.   Because they have attached garages, the ground floor is a slightly smaller floorplan of 3BR/3BA  and 1716 sq ft interior plus 400 sq ft of lanai.  On the second and third floors, the condos have 3BR/3.5BA with over 2100 sq ft and the same huge lanai with pocket doors to be fully opened and a built-in &#8220;summer kitchen&#8221; barbecue area.</p>
<p>Buildings 9, 11, and 14-16 have twelve smaller units per building.  The outside units are 1554 sq ft and the interior 2BR/2BA condos are 1270 sq ft.  The finishes on the smaller condos are identical to the large ones, so for a more affordable price point the lucky buyer still gets top-of-the-line appliances, pocket doors, African mahogany crown moldings&#8230;and that walk-to-the-beach lifestyle.</p>
<p>The majority of the Kolea foreclosures have been these two-bedroom condos.  The smaller 2BR just closed for $460,000 in Building 9.  The one that is currently available in Building 15 has just been reduced to $439,900. For comparison, before the market collapsed in 2008, this same floorplan sold for $1,030,000!</p>
<p>One of the larger 1550 sq ft two-bedrooms just sold for $521,900, there is another REO in escrow at $563,900 and one that just came on the market at $532,900. I should mention that all of these were top-floor units, and the only additional large 2BR currently in the foreclosure pipeline is a second floor condo.</p>
<p>The 3-bedroom REO mentioned in my previous post that was listed at only $695,000 in Building 1 is in escrow today.  Although there are short sale listings, to date no other 3-bedroom has been foreclosed upon.</p>
<p>Finally, let&#8217;s look at the single family residences. Beautiful homes have been built on 11 of the 17 lots.  Some of them were built for the owners personal use, and others were built as spec homes.  On several of these homes, construction was started near the peak of the market and unfortunately completed near the bottom.  One of them is bank-owned already, and prices on others have been dropped to under $ 5 million.  With a similar home having sold for $7.5 million in 2006, these homes are looking like best buys on the Kohala Coast!</p>
<div id="attachment_2821" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 543px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-2821" href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/kolea-foreclosure-update-kohala-coast-big-island/kolea-lot-4/"><img class="size-full wp-image-2821 " title="Kolea Best Buy House" src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/kolea-lot-4.jpg" alt="Kolea Bank-owned House" width="533" height="400" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Kolea Bank-owned House</p></div>
<p>A hui hou!</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808-443-4588  Email: <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/kolea-foreclosure-update-kohala-coast-big-island/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Big Island Oceanfront Choices: 49 Black Sands Beach or Dramatic Hawi Cliffs</title>
		<link>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/oceanfront-choices-49-black-sands-beach-or-dramatic-hawi-cliffs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/oceanfront-choices-49-black-sands-beach-or-dramatic-hawi-cliffs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:32:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Beth Thoma Robinson, R(S)</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[For Sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hawi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kohala Coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oceanfront]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Puako]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/?p=2773</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although Manhattan is long in my past, I still start my day with a cup of strong black coffee and the New York Times.  I love the Times&#8217;s Great Homes and Destinations real estate section, and especially the features that ask &#8220;What do get for&#8230;$xxxxxx?&#8221;   The game for me as a real estate agent is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Although Manhattan is long in my past, I still start my day with a cup of strong black coffee and the New York Times.  I love the Times&#8217;s Great Homes and Destinations real estate section, and especially the features that ask &#8220;What do get for&#8230;$xxxxxx?&#8221;   The game for me as a real estate agent is to compare the destinations they chose with what the same amount will buy here on the Big Island.  Today&#8217;s question: <em>What do you get for&#8230; $17 million</em>?  The answer is easy: a magnificent, and magnificently sized oceanfront residence.  Or maybe the answer isn&#8217;t so easy, because several properties come to mind, with very different lifestyles attached. Let me give an example.</p>
<div id="attachment_2779" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a class="noline" rel="attachment wp-att-2775" href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/oceanfront-choices-49-black-sands-beach-or-dramatic-hawi-cliffs/49bsb1/"><img src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/49bsb1-300x200.jpg" alt="Oceanfront Residence at 49 Black Sand Beach" width="300" height="200" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Oceanfront Residence at 49 Black Sand Beach</p></div>
<p>This blog post was prompted because the listing agent for a gorgeous 6-suite, almost 9,000 sq ft of living area 49 Black Sands Beach residence sent me his glossy 12-page e-brochure twice today (sending once to his short list of Hawaii Life agents, and again to a larger list).  Actually, the headline of the email was a little misleading, because the price reduction from $24 million to $17.9 million actually happened three months ago.  But we can always use a little reminder as our attention can get rather focused on the deals in hand.</p>
<p>Lifestyle: there are only 49 lots snuggled around Honoka&#8217;ope Bay in the Mauna Lani resort, and only 17 of them (plus the Beach Club amenity area) are on the oceanfront.  Much as at nearby <a href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/07/historic-homes-for-sale-from-hawi-to-puako/">Puako</a> outside the resort, homes and lots on the ocean/beach side sell for a multiple of what asking prices are on the opposite side of the street.  This home is intended to offer seclusion even within a secluded enclave: set on a lot of over an acre, with its own oceanfront pool and fitness room, six bedroom suites and over 2,000 sq ft of lanai to spread out on.  The sunny Kohala Coast location allows for outdoor living almost guaranteed 365 days a year.  Tennis and beaching available inside the gates, and 49 Black Sands Beach is surrounded by the Mauna Lani South Golf Course.</p>
<div id="attachment_2779" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a class="noline" rel="attachment wp-att-2779" href="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/oceanfront-choices-49-black-sands-beach-or-dramatic-hawi-cliffs/mohammadi-house-2/"><img src="http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/mohammadi-house-300x225.jpg" alt="13,000 Sq Ft Oceanfront Hawi Home" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">13,000 Sq Ft Oceanfront Hawi Home</p></div>
<p>Last Friday I ran into the owners of a very different $17 million Big Island estate , and I fondly recalled a casual lunch in their gorgeous dining room last winter.  If your idea of seclusion is something other than living with 48 close neighbors inside a resort, and if your taste is more crystal chandelier than tiki torch, this elegant home near the town of Hawi in North Kohala might be a fit.  Seclusion? The home is in a 6-lot subdivision and the lot size is a full 20 acres larger than the resort parcel, ready for additional landscaping or an equestrian facility.   With six bedroom suites, this residence has over 13,000 sq ft of interior living area in addition to ample lanai space for watching the whales that breach only yards away in season.  It has a magnificent staircase, but also an elevator, making its multi-story design suitable for aging-in-place.</p>
<p>In a &#8220;buyer&#8217;s market&#8221;, the better question is not &#8220;what does&#8230;$17 million buy?&#8221;, but &#8220;what would buy a $17 million listing?&#8221;  Or as a client once said to me, &#8220;I may be wealthy but I know what things are worth!&#8221;  The problem is that knowing what a literally incomparable property is worth can be a challenge.</p>
<p>For the 49 Black Sands Beach property, there is only one sold &#8220;comparable&#8221;, but that 2006 sale for just under $14 million was a much smaller house of 4,700 sq ft and only 4 bedrooms.   A residence of similar scale on a somewhat smaller not-quite-oceanfront lot at Hualalai Resort just sold for $14.7 million.  What&#8217;s the premium for Hualalai versus Mauna Lani? Or on the flip side, for oceanfront versus across one hole of the golf course?</p>
<p>For the Hawi, North Kohala estate, we have even less data.  The only other truly oceanfront estate that could be &#8220;comparable&#8221; was last sold in 2000 for $8.7 million.   Now that home isn&#8217;t currently listed in the MLS, but would most likely be available for a serious, qualified buyer to comparison shop.  In the end, savvy comparison shopping, followed by a deal struck between a willing buyer and a willing seller, will tell us what any property is worth.</p>
<p>A hui hou,</p>
<p>Beth Thoma Robinson R(S)</p>
<p>Direct: 808.443.4588  Email:  <a href="beth@hawaiilife.com">beth@hawaiilife.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hawaiilife.com/articles/2009/10/oceanfront-choices-49-black-sands-beach-or-dramatic-hawi-cliffs/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
