Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Agents

Grand Opening of Hawaii Life’s Newest Branch Office in Kailua-Kona

Claire K. Bajo RS — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:27:37 +0000

Come one, Come all! We’re having a Grand Opening Party on Thursday May 17th at our newest Hawaii Life Kona Branch Office, and Everyone is Invited!

Thursday May 17 from 4-8pm

Come join us, and learn more about what we do!

Hawaii Life has been an amazing office to work with! Because they are a marketing company (opposed to just a brokerage) the way they do business has a different perspective than any other Real Estate company that I’ve worked with previously. So much of what they do is to enhance the experience of the Buyer, the Internet Inquiry, the Customer. And because of the highly trafficked website www.HawaiiLife.com, the 100-200+ real estate leads per day feed the Sellers we attract—meaning we tend to sell our listings more quickly.

75-5660 #A2 Kopiko Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Located right in the middle of town, below Longs in Kona at Lanihau Center, we are conveniently located with easy access for our Clients, and are within close proximity to our business and Realtor network affiliates.

Come Party with Us! Hawaii Life has great parties, and we are looking forward to a wonderful celebration! Meet our Owner Matt Beall, and our awesome Brokers-in-Charge, Katie Minkus RB, and Margaret Reynolds RB, along with all of our fun Kona agents! We always have a great time, no matter what we do, and we are looking forward to having a blast with You!

Call 808-756-4874 if you need directions or would like to find out more about Hawaii Life and our Hawaii Life team of agents! Come Celebrate with Us – E Komo Mai!

Blessings & Aloha~ Claire K. Bajo RS SRES | claire@hawaiilife.com

Luxury Real Estate “WorthShop” On The Big Island Of Hawaii

Matt Beall R(B), Owner, Principal Broker — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:44:47 +0000

Hawaii Life is hosting a conference on real estate and luxury on Friday, May 18th, from 1pm to 5pm at the Four Seasons hotel in the Hualalai Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii. It marks the first event of our “Worthshop” series, which we expect to host nearly every 3 or so months, on different islands around Hawaii.

While the “Worthshop” is designed for people who work in or around the real estate industry, the event will be open to everyone (although space is limited).

The lineup for this event is awesome. We’ll start with a panel of people who are not in real estate, but who regularly deal with high-net worth individuals in their practice. There will be a few moderated questions, and then Q&A with the audience.

The economist, Paul Brewbaker, will give a presentation on his hypothesis that the luxury market in Hawaii appears to predict the fate of other market segments… which should be very interesting considering the current pace of the luxury market.

Finally, Marc Davison of 1000 Watt Consulting will be giving the keynote talk entitled “Innovation, Disruption & Destruction” which, while it might not be specifically geared towards the luxury market, is likely the most relevant and current analysis of the real estate industry by one of the country’s most known thought-leaders in real estate branding and technology.

If you’re real estate sales in Hawaii, you can’t afford to miss this event (especially if you’re already on the Big Island).

The event falls on the day after the Grand Opening of our new office in Kailua-Kona (another event where everyone is welcome to attend). So, with so many of our brokers and agents visiting from other islands, we chose to host this long-overdue “Worthshop” on the Big Island, and where better than the Four Seasons at Hualalai?

Our hope is that Realtors from all over Hawaii, and from a variety of different companies, attend the event. I’m sure it will look a bit like we’re tooting our own horn, but the reality is that our philosophy here is more along the lines of “a rising tide raises all ships”. Sharing current and relevant information about our industry from these great speakers will benefit everyone in attendance, for sure.

And… following the event Hawaii Life will be hosting a networking event with pupus and drinks at Hale Ku Manu, a brilliant estate in the resort at Hualalai that we’re currently listing for sale.

Hope to see you there!

2012 Luxury Portfolio Summit: A Luxury Real Estate Event

Roni Marley, RB — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:00:16 +0000

I recently traveled to Orlando, Florida for the Luxury Portfolio Summit, an invite-only event held for the top sales associates and luxury-marketing professionals affiliated with Luxury Portfolio International. Held at the Waldorf Astoria, the panel-packed 3-day event gave me the chance to absorb valuable information relating to current and projected trends in luxury real estate markets.

The three keynote speakers were:

Robert Frank, a financial journalist
Dr. Jim Taylor, a marketing and branding consultant
Spike Jones, a specialist in social media marketing

By utilizing a variety of marketing techniques and keeping a keen eye on up-and-coming trends, the door swings wide open for both the kinds of exposure we can offer to properties and the kind of access we can offer buyers.

As Hawaii Life is directly connected to Luxury Portfolio International, we’re afforded the opportunity to give our luxury properties maximum exposure to the field of international clientele. With advanced data compilation capabilities like the examples displayed below, Luxury Portfolio International is able to discern the origin of property interest and inquiry in the categories of country, state or region, city, currency, language, and display the results in a timeline fashion.

Monthly Exposure Delineations

Language Exposure Delineations

US State Exposure Delineations

The Florida Everglades

And lastly, embracing the requisite of balancing work with play, I decided to venture into some deep country. Riding on an air swamp boat and a little faith I got an up close and personal tour of the innards of the Florida Everglades. I highly recommend it for anyone else who has the chance to go and would be glad to share my experience of its vastly different conservation land and wildlife.

Moments before venturing out on an air swamp boat

Aloha,
Roni

Hawaii Life Vacation Rentals is Proud to Announce the Launch of Hawaii Life Concierge

Kahea Zietz, RA — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:00:57 +0000

With a clientele list that is rapidly growing, we have decided to extend our services beyond assisting clients with a rental or real estate purchase. Whether through vacation rentals or real estate, all Hawaii Life clients now have the opportunity to utilize our Concierge Department, run by Sonja Cabebe.

With over two decades of experience serving Kauai’s visitors and residents, Sonja has proven her ability to accommodate and be a successful concierge agent. Starting with Na Pali tour boats 20 years ago, she has since worked for some of Princeville’s most prestigious resorts, including the St. Regis Princeville. Her Hawaii visitor industry knowledge coupled with her passion for guest relations and friendly nature made it an easy decision appointing her to the position of Concierge.

Sonja is here to help any and everyone in search of the ultimate Hawaii experience. The following are some of the services with which she’ll be able to assist:

Airport Pickup and On-Island Transportation
Private Dining Services
Personalized Itineraries or Tours
Surfing, Stand Up Paddle and Kite Surfing Lessons
Snorkeling and SCUBA Diving Tours
Fishing and Sailing Charters
Private Masseuse and Spa Services
Personal Shopping
Hiking, Kayaking and Mountain Biking Guides
Childcare and Children’s Amenities and Services
Helicopter and Airplane Tours
Golf and Tennis
Floral Arrangements

Hawaii Life extends a warm welcome to Sonja! She is available to offer concierge services on all islands and can be reached at Sonja@HawaiiLife.com or at 808.634.8508

REALTOR Nationwide Open House Weekend April 28th-29th

Brooke Derby, R(S) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:30:09 +0000

During the weekend of April 28th-29th, REALTORS® across West Hawaii and the United States will be hosting thousands of open houses as part of the 3rd Annual REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend. The goal of the event is to give buyers the opportunity to easily see a wide range of homes for sale in a single weekend.

National Fair Housing Month

Nationwide Open House Weekend is being held in April this year to also promote National Fair Housing Month. National Fair Housing Month celebrates the Fair Housing Act, which was signed into law on April 11, 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which was meant as a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The 1968 act expanded on previous acts and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, (and as amended) handicap and family status. Title VIII of the Act is also known as the Fair Housing Act (of 1968).

How To Find Homes For Sale That Will Be Open During the Nationwide Open House Weekend

Nationwide Open House Weekend, held locally by the West Hawaii Association of REALTORS, comes amid a good time to think about purchasing real estate as a first time home buyer, move-up buyer, or investor. Prices are at pre-bubble levels and interest rates are at historically low levels. Confidence in the economy and the housing market in general is increasing. Buyers are entering the market again and have pushed sales up for the past eight straight months.

Looking ahead, homes put under contract in March indicate that sales should continue to go up in the next several months. As always, working with a local REALTOR® is your best bet when it comes to buying or selling a home.

Hawaii Life will be participating in the Nationwide Open House Weekend on April 28-29, 2012. Look for our “Open House” signs above with blue and white balloons!

To find homes for sale that will be open during the Nationwide Open House Weekend, look for blue and white balloons on Open House signs April 28th-29th.

North Kona District Real Estate Market Report

Todd Barrett, R(S) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:00:07 +0000

The biggest story for the North Kona real estate market, by far, is the decreased inventory in the residential markets. Last April 15th, 2011, the Kona inventory stood at 273 homes on the market under $4.0 Million. That number on April 15th, 2012 is 148 homes.

More sunshine on the horizon for the Kona real estate market?

Island wide inventory had been 1,470 and currently the number is 1,332. Interestingly enough, the West Coast stats show California major metros have very close to the same percentage of inventory decline as North Kona as counted from dates of peak inventory.

North Kona residential sales, using the running 12-month count, hit a new high of 404 homes sold. However, median prices are up just a hair from last month.

Distressed Properties Are on the Decline

Island wide distressed properties continue to show a decline in both REO inventory, and the percentage of short sales and REO’s listed in the MLS in North Kona. The general trend island-wide seems to be moving in that direction also, with the exceptions of South Hilo, which shows a relatively stable pattern of a slight uptick in percentage of Short Sales and REO’s according to the MLS data.

North Kona condominium inventory hit a new low this month and is down 17% from last year. The current rate of absorption continues to reduce inventory and price has been stable since the first of the year.

Want the Most Accurate Information For Sound Buying Decisions?

Staying up to date with the North Kona residential inventory is what I do best. As an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), making sure that my clients have the most accurate information in order to make sound buying decisions is my mission. If you are in the market for real estate anywhere on the sunny Kona coastline, please contact me anytime for a no obligation “talk story” about why I make Kona home. Let me help you to live your best Hawaii life!

Please feel free to contact me anytime at:

Todd W. Barrett, Realtor(S)
Direct: 808.937.1629
Email: Todd@HawaiiLife.com

*Data republished with the courtesy and approval of the Griggs Report.

Talk Story #41 – Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers Ranks in Top 5 For Gross Residential Sales

Jeanne E. Buboltz, R, CRS, GRI — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:30:30 +0000

Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers did it again! In 2011, comparing over 40 prime Hawaii state wide Real Estate firms, Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers came in the top 5! What, What? Well, according to a recent Pacific Business News yearly ranking of gross residential sales. Keep in mind, that this is along with long time, established large companies in the state…and Hawaii Life is only 3 years old!! We must be doing something right, for sure.

YES! We are here to stay

This Couldn’t Have Been Achieved Without Excellent Leadership

Obviously, one of Hawaii’s newest non-franchised/corporate real estate companies has taken the whole state by storm! The three Owners: Matt Beall (Dynamite Principal Broker), Justin Britt (Super Web Head), and Winston Welborn (Most Creative Director) have surpassed expectations and are steadily being acknowledged across the nation and around the world.

Recognizing that communication and internet resources would tap into the needs of potential Buyers and Sellers not only here in Hawaii but elsewhere, they set forth with up-to-the-minute techniques utilizing the Internet.

Other Reasons For High Rankings and Exponential Growth

The ensuing enthusiasm, prompt responses, and professionalism of the team with enthusiastic Brokers in Charge and over 120 Realtors, has resulted in exponential growth.

It is not just with a quick response to the 24-hour requests flowing in, but physically among the 6 offices serving all the main islands, and personally being available and satisfying both newcomers and kama’ainas alike. It is the finding and obtaining a dream of a Hawaiian lifestyle, helped by ending the day with a nightly show of nature and ever changing sunsets.

Colorful, peaceful Oahu sunset sky and ocean

Let’s “Talk Story”

I have been a licensed Realtor for over 28 years and it is a pleasure to be associated with such a diverse group of qualified and knowledgeable Realtors who made the decision to join and be a part of this fine company.

You can rest assured that no matter what your need is or desire, Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and I will be happy to assist you in fulfilling that goal. Contact me and let us “Talk Story”. We can do it together! Don’t wait.

Aloha,
Jeanne

How Big a Part of Our Hawaii Market Are Short Sales and Foreclosures?

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:10:13 +0000

We sometimes forget the progress this market has made over the past two years. We took a look at a few market segments to see how many short sales and foreclosures are out there. Seems like over the past few years these types of listings were dominating the market, and at some point in various neighborhoods and condo complexes, that’s all there was – short sales and foreclosures.

A lot of that distressed inventory has apparently been rung out of the market. For this study, we looked at homes and condos in the tax map area of 3-7, essentially Kona from the Palisades to just South of Keauhou. Then, we looked at homes and condos in tax map area 3-6, the resorts, Waikoloa Village, and Kamuela. Finally, we looked just at condos in areas 3-6-8 and 3-6-9, Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, and Waikoloa Village.

As you can see from the graph above, the results are remarkably similar. While we knew the distressed property was diminishing, it was surprising to see what a small part of the market it is at present. There may be shadow inventory out there waiting, but at this point in time, distressed inventory is not dominating the market, although it it still affecting prices. In our opinion, just another sign that this market is improving.

Puako Looking For Earth Day Volunteers For Community Clean-Up

Annie Mendoza, RS — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:40:47 +0000

This Saturday (4/14/12), you’re invited to meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Puako Boat Ramp for a community clean-up!

Puako is not only one of the most coveted beachfront hideaways in Hawaii, it is also a community that cares! Several community groups work hard throughout the year to maintain the pristine nature of Puako.

Cleaning Locations

There will be land and water cleaning of:

Puako Boat Ramp and Bay
Shoreline trails along bluffs
The vicinity of Old Puako Road, toward Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy. and Puako Beach Drive to Hokuloa Church

What To Bring

Water or dive gear
Tools to remove plastic bags from the trees
Work gloves (if desired)

Clean-up supplies and jugs of water are supplied. I’ll be there with several of my associates, The NetWorking Wahine. So, please join us if you can!!! Just email Cynthia, Site Coordinator for “Keep Hawaii Beautiful & Get The Drift & Bag It“: homar17@hawaii.rr.com

New Oceanfront Listing in Puako

(MLS# 250738)

Be transported to the simpler times of Hawaii as you listen to the waves gently lapping on the wide, sandy beach at my new oceanfront listing 32 Puako!

Visiting friends said that Waialea Bay (aka 69′s or Beach 69), near Puako has the best snorkeling on the island! Community groups, such as “Makai Watch,” work to maintain and/or gain various designations to protect the reef and marine life.

Big Island ROCKS… #happyBIC

Katie Minkus, R(BIC) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 04:00:18 +0000

Hawaii Life Big Island is cranking…We finished out Q1 2012, at 2.5 times $$ amount sold in Q1 2011. That’s an incredible achievement.

As Margaret said a few weeks back, it takes a team.

Hawaii Life, Big Island – Thank you for being part of ours.

@KonaHIMargaret @katieminkus #happyBIC @HL_BigIsland

(P.S. Can anyone help me get my big headshot off the top of the stats? anyone? #bueller?)