Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Big Island

Kona Heavens Home Under $1 Million with Salt Water Pool and Swim Up Bar

Michele McKinley, RS SFR — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:39:11 +0000

Well, here I am dreaming about another favorite subdivision of mine – Kona Heavens.

Kona Heavens Subdivison

Kona Heavens is in the 1,000 feet elevation area north of Kona town before Kona Palisades, which is right above the Kona International Airport (KOA).

The views and climates are awesome. Kona Heaven homes are all on 1 acre plus lots with cool breezes and beautiful views!

Kona Heavens Home For Sale

This home has a beautiful kitchen great for holidays, parties, or just for family with everyday living

I stumbled into this property when looking for a home for some clients and fell in love! Then I saw a price reduction of $390,000 and I said to myself, “Are you kidding me, my favorite million dollar subdivision with a home for only $998,000? WOW! WOW! WOW!”

This home (MLS# 229383) is a 4 bed/4.5 bath with 4,449 sq.ft. of living space – this has all I could ever want! More important, it has what my client wants – everything on their checklist! With a pool, game room, beautiful kitchen, and peaceful master bedroom, what else could they ask for? I want to give my clients the best opportunity out there to buy their dream home and this might be the one!!

I love the real feel of the waiting area off the side of the pool!

Kona Inventory

Inventory in Kona is getting very tight, believe it or not, and I don’t have a crystal ball, but there are a lot of positive changes happening with the Kona market. Less time on market, multiple offers, over bidding, etc.

Kona Heavens has been through a few bumps with a few REO’s and short sales these last few years and when you see a buy like this one (MLS# 229383), you say to yourself, “WOW – that’s a good buy it’s time to make a move in the market!” Yes, this property was overpriced when it was first listed, but now we are talking!

Aloha for now! See ya next time!
Michele Mckinley

Ossipoff Oceanfront Condo With Kona Blue Water Views

Heidi White, R(S) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:45 +0000

Classic modern Hawaiian architecture can be seen in this 6 unit condo complex designed by Vladimer Ossipoff, which was built in 1979 and is located on Kona’s ‘Gold Coast’. I saw whales and dolphins playing out front of this property today! If I lived here, I might be late to work every day!

“Hale Pohaku” priced at $649,000

Ossipoff designed this property to have perfect airflow with the trade wind breezes allowing for cool temperatures throughout the condo all year. Made from coral cement blocks, it is a strong and durable construction.

This 2 bed/2 bath unit is located on the ground level, right or south side. It has an easy entry with only one step, yet is off the ground on the ocean view side for privacy and slightly elevated views of the ocean and coastline. It also has covered parking found close to the unit. I listed the last sale in this property in June 2011, which went for $690,000.

I would love to show you this property.

Kona Palisades Estates Home With Swimming Pool Offers Wonderful Place to Live

Michele McKinley, RS SFR — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:45:09 +0000

Kona Palisades Estates

Kona Palisades Estates is located on the western slopes of Hawaii’s third largest volcano, Mt. Hualalai, and no, it’s not active (FYI)…Kona Palisades Estates is comprised of 733 homes and built in habitats ranging from desert landscapes in less than 100 ft. in elevation to lush tropical gardens at 1,700 feet in elevation.

So, I was out showing property to some really nice people and stumbled into to a listing that I had not seen before (MLS# 248126). Really, I should have seen this listing before, but I thought is was overpriced at the time. When I showed it, I was amazed at the quiet, peaceful, and fun place that it was…and the best part is the property just had a price drop of $20,000.

The kitchen is the older style kitchen, but let me tell you, this would be a fun entertaining home! This picture doesn’t do justice to the kitchen, it has wide open, big window views of the ocean, living room, and pool.

There is a counter with a bar that has a separate ice maker and wet bar sink great for entertaining. The center island is great and wide open. The kitchen has tons of cabinets, and if you are like me, I have way too much cooking utensils because I love gadgets and cooking, so this kitchen is built perfect for someone like that.

The rooms are very open as well. This home is now vacant, and when you walk in, the openness gives you such an “ahhh” feeling. So many ideas were going through my mind…This home was so clean and spick-and-span, you could eat off the floor. This home has a lot of upgrades like central AC, lush landscaping, a great laundry room, the list goes on!

I really think this is a great buy and it is in my favorite place, Kona Palisades Estates…

The Kona Real Estate Market

Inventory in Kona is getting very tight, believe it or not, and I don’t have my crystal ball, but there are a lot of positive changes happening with the Kona market; less market time, multiple offers, over bidding, etc. Kona Palisades Estates has been through a lot of distressed properties these last few years and when you see a buy like this (MLS# 248126), you say to yourself, “WOW, that’s a good buy! It’s time to make a move in the market.”

Aloha for now! See ya next time!
Michele Mckinley

Golfing and Living My Hawaii Life at the Keauhou Country Club

Michele McKinley, RS SFR — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:30:32 +0000

I’ve lived in North Kona on the Big Island for seven years and I had never played golf until this year. Last Sunday, I realized what a beautiful place and how reasonable the kama’aina prices are at the Keauhou Country Club on the mauka (mountain side) course. My next goal is to play from the makai (ocean side) course. That course is a little harder from what I hear, but I am ready for the challenge!

I was sitting here browsing through homes, looking at all the great deals in Kona, and stumbled on this beautiful condo (MLS# 250601) at the Country Club Villas with a lanai overlooking my next challenge….

I thought to myself, this could also be my year to buy a retirement property while prices are so low….is it wishful thinking?

I don’t think so, I just have to put my mind to it, just like I am trying to put my mind to my next challenge at the Keauhou Country Club…I can dooooo it!! It’s definitely worth trying for the serenity of my Hawaii life!

Here I go…see ya next time! Bye!

Michele McKinley

Cost of Living the Kohala Coast Resort Lifestyle – Part 2

Catherine Klug, RS — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:00:52 +0000

If you read my previous blog – Cost of Living the Kohala Coast Resorts Lifestyle, Part 1 – you probably got inspired by the homes and settings at Mauna Kea Resort that defined some of the resort lifestyle on the Kohala Coast. Today, I want to help you discover what’s going on just a few miles south at Mauna Lani Resort. This resort also offers exceptional amenities, recreational activities, and real estate opportunities.

Sunset at Mauna Lani Resort

Mauna Lani Resort

Mauna Lani Resort is renowed for its devotion to preserving and enhancing the cultural history of Hawaii. The resort is nationally recognized for its successful honu program, cultural activites (i.e. full moon “talk story”), indigenous plant life, and historic fishponds. This land is a 3,000 square acre luxury resort and provides a place where visitors can still seek refuge from a fast-paced world.

The name of Mauna Lani is synonymous with golf and this resort features two championship golf courses and a private beach club located between the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and the private residential developments on a protected bay with white sand and coconut palms.

The Mauna Lani Beach Club

Golf Villas

Fifteen developments within the resort provide a variety of home and condominium options, some of which are offering incredible prices. Golf Villas is set right on the golf course and features a fitness room, pool, spa, and BBQ area, and a 3 bed/3 bath (MLS# 205506) for $577,000.

The Fairways at Mauna Lani

The Fairways at Mauna Lani, located on the 4th and 12th fairways of the beautiful north course, has 7 townhomes for sale and the lowest price for the larger 2 bedroom (1,646 sq.ft.) is $469,000 (MLS# 248024). And it’s an easy walk to the Shops at Mauna Lani and the Fairmont Orchid Hotel.

The Fairways at Mauna Lani Lagoon Pool

49 Black Sand Beach

Those seeking the ultimate in luxury resort living may turn to one of the most exclusive gated communities, like 49 Black Sand Beach, where owners enjoy a private beach club and spa with a 25-meter lap pool, a tennis court, a concierge service, and a work-out facility. It overlooks the Honokaope Bay and its exotic 800-year old black sand beach.

An example of the best this resort has to offer is the 8,178 sq.ft. 6 bedroom/7 bathroom remarkable estate set right on the golf course with coastline views (MLS# 250311) offered at $8,800,000.

Come “e komo mai” and live your island dream. Come and experience Mauna Lani. Call me for a tour of the Hawaii luxury resort living. Those who thrive on activity, events, and shopping may find Waikoloa Beach Resort to be their favorite. If so, watch for my next blog!

Mauna Kea Resort Valentine’s Day Dining Options

Katie Minkus, R(BIC) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:45:05 +0000

Valentine’s Day is special…some people love it, some people hate it, some are indifferent…for me, I’m glad it gives us dining choices!

Manta at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The menu for Manta at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort for Valentine’s Day 2012 looks de-lish!

One of the things about living on an island in a more “remote” area such as Puako Beach, is that the dining choices are limited. Most of the choices are outstanding – don’t get me wrong – it’s just that there are only so many of them. So when a hotel like the Mauna Kea offers a different menu on a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, well… it’s hard not to make ressies!

The Coast Grille

The Coast Grille is where you’re most likely to find @Daveminkus and I. We’ve been fortunate to have been out dining a lot lately, and the simpler menu at the Coast Grille seems most appealing at the moment. And how do you pass up an entire meal accompanied by champagne??

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Big Island’s Kohala Coast!

Kumulani Condo Offers Huge Ocean View & Huge Value

Annie Mendoza, RS — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:45:30 +0000

It’s another one of those pristine days on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast! You might ask, “How would you know, since Hawaii real estate is in high gear, you’re up to your ears in contracts (not complaining), and staring at your monitor for hours?” Well, I’ll tell you why…because one of my favorite all-time clients just shared, “the ocean is so blue, all I can think of is the buyer that is missing out on this beautiful view and the whale migration!” He really loves his home, but is selling to relocate for work.

He’s not kidding about the ocean views! Words can’t express how grand his coastline, ocean, mountain,and Maui views are at Kumulani H4 (MLS# 250584).

Now, this deal on a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom Kumulani condo - and the Hawaii lifestyle that comes along with it – is up for grabs! Kumulani is low density, surrounded on three sides by fairways with the big blue ocean beyond!

There is no doubt in our minds that the value of this condo is just as huge as the views!! My teammates and I are in the field every day “pounding the pavement” with our “ears to the ground.” We know the market and prices on the Kohala Coast (a.k.a. Gold Coast). We know there are fewer condos with ocean views than not and that inventory is diminishing.

For example, the 3 bedroom condos listed below could be considered the lowest priced condos at the two neighboring resorts with ocean views to rival Kumulani H4:

Waikoloa Beach Resort: Hali’i Kai 10E (MLS# 233828) overlooking the fairway to ocean views beyond at $998K.
Mauna Lani Resort: The Terrace (MLS# 240700) overlooking the ancient ponds to ocean views beyond at $2.950M.

Can you see the blue ocean?! That’s just a sliver of what is seen from this meticulously maintained and upgraded condo!

When you become an owner at Kumulani, a distinctive Hawaii lifestyle becomes available with membership to the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Resort! Visitors, celebrities, and residents of its elite neighborhoods (like Kauan’oa or The Bluffs with multi-million dollar homes) cherish the privacy and luxury available within the gated resort.

Notable Features of Membership

Access to the crescent shaped white sand Kauna’oa Beach (has been rated top ten in the world)
Member-only functions
Two championship golf courses (Mauna Kea Golf Course and the Hapuna Golf Course)
Two fitness centers
Fine restaurants & lounges
Spa
The award winning Seaside Tennis Club
And more!

Kumulani H4 could be your first step to the Hawaii life you’ve imagined! I’d love to introduce you! A hui hou!

Always my best with aloha…Annie

Annie Mendoza, R(S)
Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers
Cell: 808.557.5322
annie@hawaiilife.com

2011 Hawaii Tourism Authority Visitor Statistics Infograph

Justin Britt — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:47:59 +0000

Brought to you by Title Guaranty.

Visiting the Islands? Check out our Hawaii vacation rentals.

Zero Down Home Loans Available

Sharon Gerber, Senior Loan Officer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:45:00 +0000

USDA/Rural Housing Loans Offer 100% Financing on Hawaii Homes

Many people are unaware that there is still 100% financing available. There are definitely eligibility requirements for the property and the borrower. To find out if you are eligible, this website is an excellent resource: http://www.eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

As an example, the whole island of Kauai is considered rural. This does not mean that every property on Kauai is eligible for this loan, but does broaden the liklihood that a property would be eligible. Condos are also eligible as long as they are already on an approved government list, such as VA or FHA.

Income eligibility is a key piece as well. The income guidelines are generous. I recently closed a USDA/RH loan for a single borrower that makes just under $50,000 per year.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact me.

Festival Of Quilts – Saturday, Feb. 4 in Waimea, Big Island

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:15:56 +0000

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place this Saturday, Feb. 4th in Waimea. A part of the agenda is the Festival of Quilts, which will take place in the Kahilu Hall from 9 am to 3 pm. Kahilu Hall is located right across from the Kahilu Theater near the post office.

“Tropical Bamboo” by Marion Fumento will be on exhibit

The Festival of Quilts will feature handcrafted quilts from the Quilt Clubs of Northern Hawaii. Marion Fumento is a member of the Anuenue Quilt club, which has selected three of her quilts for the exhibit. Attendees will see a wide variety of quilts and styles, so please stop by.

For more information, please contact Lorane Elliot at 808.775.1137 or hawaiiwoman@aol.com, or call Dorothy Badua at 808.775.9894.