Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Hawaii

Great New Oceanfront Condo in Lahaina Town

Rustin Singleton, RS — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:20:10 +0000

Lahaina Roads is the best location for a condo (MLS# 352326) before you get to Kaanapali. It is walking distance to the Lahaina Cannery Mall, which has Lulu’s and many other great shops. It is also right down the street from Maui’s most famous Luau “Old Lahaina Luau“. The views from the direct oceanfront lanai cannot be beat anywhere on the island; whales can be seen all winter long, sunsets year around.

There is only one other 1-bedroom on the market here and it is $499,000 and has not been remodeled. This 1-bedroom/1 bath unit has been remodeled and is move-in ready.

If you have been waiting for that perfect oceanfront condo, this is it. Priced at $495,000, this will receive a lot of attention this week. Let me know what I can do for you.

Rustin
808.281.1625
rustin@hawaiilife.com

Kona Real Estate Market Update (May, 2012)

Todd Barrett, R(S) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:58 +0000

The Kona real estate market continues to stabilize with greatly reduced inventory and improved activity in the upper price ranges.

Does the sustained increase in buyer activity, pending, and closed sales signal the bottom for Kona?

Kona Market at a Glance

The data continues to indicate strong activity in the Kona real estate residential market. Pending ratios are up nicely from a year ago due to an increase in pending sales and a decrease in active listings. The ratio is off slightly from the high in mid-March as we are experiencing some seasonal slowdown. Prices have been nearly unchanged since January when pending ratios began their steep climb.

Distressed Properties Continue Their Decline

The North Kona and Waimea real estate markets for distressed properties continue their decline. However, the declining trend in North Kona has slowed. The number of REO’s and Short Sales in the current North Kona active listing inventory is at a new low. It had been as high as 19.6% in August of 2011, but now stands at 11% of the Kona real estate market.

The highest percent of distressed active listings is in Waikoloa. The percentage of distressed properties in Waikoloa had been as high as 40% in November of 2011, but has come down to 31% of the Waikoloa market. Currently, Short Sales far outnumber REO’s, as witnessed by the 82% of distressed pending sales in North Kona are Short Sales.

The land market remains weak, with pending sales low due to the relatively abundant supply of residential properties that are in many cases selling below replacement cost.

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.

Announcing Maile Cottage in Puako Now Available Through Hawaii Life Vacation Rentals

Kahea Zietz, RA — Sat, 19 May 2012 06:32:28 +0000

Located just a two minute’s walk from the sandy beach of Waialea Bay, this two bedroom/two bath tropical bungalow features a king bed, two twins, and is filled with comfortable Hawaiian-styled furnishings.

The view of Waialae Bay and the Kohala Coast from the property

With constant sunshine and some of the best ocean views on the Big Island, the Kohala Coast — a.k.a. Gold Coast — presents an abundance of opportunity for ocean-play, including snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.

The wide-open spaces of the Big Island to take in

Highlights of the Maile Cottage

Full Kitchen
Spacious Indoor Lanai w/ Couch
Outdoor Lanai w/Gas BBQ and Dining Table
Ceiling Fans
Washer and Dryer
WiFi
Large Flat Screen TV

Hawaiiana-style furnishings fill the interior

The indoor lanai begs for a good book or an afternoon nap

Grill up some fish, take a seat outside, and dine with the ocean in view

Just north of Waikoloa Beach Resort, a ten-minute drive offers visitors numerous restaurants, boutique shops, and world-class golf courses. With wintertime whale sightings and the vast open spaces of the Big Island to contemplate, the question to be answered is just how relaxed can one get.

Aloha,
Kahea

Investir a Hawaii: Reve ou Realite?

Catherine Klug, RS — Sat, 19 May 2012 01:30:55 +0000

Les raisons ne manquent pas de s’installer sous des cieux plus clements les mois d’hiver mais gare au coup de soleil…vivre quelques jours en touriste dans un paradis balneaire comme Hawaii, ce n’est pas la meme chose que d’y habiter plusieurs mois.

Des prix plus abordables

Les annonces allechantes pour de simples pied-a-terre ou des villas de luxe en bord de mer abondent sur internet sous toutes les latitutes. Il en est de meme sur la “grande ile” d’Hawaii (Big Island of Hawaii) ou je reside et exerce la profession d’agent immobilier depuis 1998. Entre 2007 et aujourd’hui, les prix a Hawaii ont fondu jusqu’a parfois de moitie. La chute des valeurs est peut-etre stoppee, si l’on en croit quelques signes de reprise de l’immobilier, tout particulièrement cette dernière saison hivernale. J’ai récemment vendu une maison avec 4 chambres juste en face de la mer a Puako, un des endroits les plus desires de la Kohala Coast, pour $840,000 alors qu’elle avait été achetée $1,400,000 il y a sept ans.

Une qualité de vie

Hawaii n’est sans doute pas la destination première des Francais qui favoriseront un investissement immobilier au Maroc, en Thailande, a l’ile Maurice ou encore en Floride mais elle l’est en revanche pour de nombreux Canadiens. Avec la crise, les opportunités se sont multipliées. Le moment ou jamais de concilier l’utile a l’agréable. Il est toujours tentant d’aller “hiverner” dans des pays ensoleilles mais attention au cout de la vie quotidienne, tout reste très cher a Hawaii. Il faut apprendre a connaitre les bons endroits pour faire son shopping : sacrifier les vins français, le fromage, ne pas diner au restaurant tous les soirs , ni prendre racine aux terraces des resorts pour boire un mai-tai en bord de mer. Prendre gare a la clim’ : la facture de l’énergie peut representer des sommes folles. Et ne pas tomber malade! Les soins ne sont pris en charge par l’assurance maladie que pendant quatre-vingt-dix jours. Pour des séjours plus longs, il faut prévoir une autre couverture.

Une opération bien preparée

Faire une acquisition a l’étranger n’est pas une mince affaire. Les règles américaines applicables a une acquisition immobilière par un étranger sont très différentes des règles françaises et les services d’immigration, en particulier, ne plaisantent pas le non-respect de la réglementation.

Quant au produit numéro 1 propose a la vente, le “condo”, un appartement en copropriété ou les charges peuvent atteindre chaque année de 5% a 10% du prix d’achat, il faut savoir que les ventes a prix casse (“short sale“) doivent conduire un accord a trois entre banque, acheteur et vendeur, une procédure longue et compliquée. Se lancer dans ce type d’opération impose de la patience et de s’appuyer sur des agents qui ont de l’experience en “short sales”. J’ai acquis de l’experience dans ce domaine due a un marché immobilier qui s’est effondre. J’ai recemment cloturé une vente a prix casse d’un appartement a Halii Kai a Waikoloa Beach Resort apres une transaction difficile avec deux banques differentes. Mes clients ont ete tres satisfaits de leur achat, meme s’ils ont du attendre 6 mois pour devenir proprietaires d’un luxueux appartment achete a $695,000 alors que le proprietaire l’avait acquis en 2007 pour $1,683,600.

Bien Choisir

Quel que soit le pays ou vous voulez vous installez ou investir, il est indispensable pour realiser l’acquisition dans de bonnes conditions juridiques et financieres de s’entourer de conseils de professionnels independants, qui ne defendent que vos interets a vous. C’est ce que l’on vous offre a Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, un groupe d’agents immobiliers solides pour que votre reve sure les iles Hawaiiennes ne se transforme pas en galere, voire en chauchemar!

When the Stars Align: Solar Eclipse to Occur Over Hawaii (Sunday, May 20)

Mahana Dunn, RA — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:37:57 +0000

What is an Annular Eclipse?

A very amazing celestial event is about to occur…and we are blessed to be able to see this grand event from Hawaii! This annular – or ring – eclipse occurs when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun, much as it does during a total solar eclipse.

At mid-eclipse – instead of the moon covering the sun completely, as in a total eclipse, turning the sky dark and blotting the sun from view – in an annular eclipse, a ring surrounds the moon silhouette. This dazzling ring is the outer edge of the sun. (Note: at no time can you gaze at an annular eclipse without protective solar filters to prevent damage to your eyes. Sunglasses don’t help.) But wait, there’s more…

(images: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

When Can You See the Annular Eclipse?

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, for the first time in 26,000 years, the sun, moon, and the mystic Pleiades Star System will align in a spectacular, full annular solar eclipse and a rare solar eclipse alignment will happen between the Earth, the sun, and our central sun, Alcyone, in the Pleiades Constellation. Look for this event to take place around 2:19 p.m. Hawaii time.

The Pleiades

In ancient Hawaii, The Pleiades (Seven Sisters) are known Makali`i (The Little Eyes). The ancient Hawaiian creation chant, the Kumulipo, tells of contact with the elohim from Makali`i. Many ancient cultures, from the Maori of New Zealand to the Mayans of Mesoamerica, from the Egyptians to the Indians, and Chinese, the Pleiades have always been a major foundation of their poetry, lore, and myths.

The fact that this 26,000 year alignment is happening on Sunday is considered a very special event and the perfect time decide what you really want in life. Perhaps this is the sign you have been looking for to finally buy your dream home on Kauai?

When the stars align, magic happens…Your Kauai dream home is waiting for you ~*~ Contact me today for details.

Mahana Dunn, REALTOR (S)
808.280.3327
Mahana@HawaiiLife.com

Puu Lani Ranch Home – A Desirable Equestrian Community in Historic Puuanahulu on the Big Island of Hawaii

Claire K. Bajo RS — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:30:47 +0000

Aloha! This gorgeous property at Puu Lani Ranch just got a price reduction (MLS# 253254) and it’s ready for the perfect owner! It is a horse-friendly community, though not all owners have horses…they just love the quality of life in this gated country community!

About This Home

Nicely landscaped with beautiful roses and hibiscus, you will be greeted by the gorgeous scents and colors as you come home! The stained concrete driveway with lots of space to park for you and your guests makes it easy to load and unload. There are no stairs in this home and it’s all tiled inside, so anyone who needs special care will be able to get around if a wheelchair or walker are needed.

When you walk through the Koa double-doors, you see the dramatic entryway of Ohia posts, and the custom open floor plan with skylights and featured wall space that offers room for your collections of art or sculptures that take your breath away!

Around the corner from the grand entryway is this beautiful custom kitchen. With features of granite, Koa cabinets, a walk-in pantry, and lots of lighting, your guests will be dazzled by the experience of being entertained in such a gorgeous room!

Coming home to your sacred sanctuary will heal you as you unwind and enjoy the jetted aromatherapy tub, or separate shower and double-sink vanity. The high ceilings and quality lighting features make it easy to relax and put you in a state of “heaven” in your thoughts.

If you’d like to see this or any property in Puu Lani Ranch, I’d be happy to show you around! The grounds are very well kept and the active association is constantly looking for ways to offer more value to the lifestyle here! Besides being amongst the beautiful landscapes and gorgeous homes, you will have peace of mind with so much more at Puu Lani Ranch!

So, where do you see your dream home in Hawaii? Let me help you find it!

With Warmest Aloha~

Claire K. Bajo, RS, SRES
808-756-4874
claire@hawaiilife.com

64 Hokai Place: A Hawaiian Dream Estate Minutes From the Famous Keawakapu Beach

ZAM - Cameron J. Dorr R(S) — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:39 +0000

A sampling of the delightful amenities include the centerpiece pool and hot tub, Bose surround sound, built-in aquarium, rain shower, a home theater room, kitchen with the works (granite counter tops, custom built bar, etc.) and a fun hidden feature.

Fun Feature

Indoor hidden fireman’s pole! – If you have children over, there is a fantastic feature which I just love. Kids can literally slide down from the upstairs to the downstairs through an installed “fireman’s pole” through a hidden shoot. I know, as a kid, I would have thought this is about the coolest thing in the world.

Summary

For $2,375,000, I call this home a great buy. With its prime location, welcoming and inclusive design, and peaceful neighborhood…you’ve got to see this place for yourself. (You can start by watching the HAWAIIZAM video or by calling me, Zam, at (808) 214-8584 to schedule a visit).

YouTube Video: 64 Hokai Place, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii, 96753, Is For Sale – HAWAIIZAM Real Estate Show

P.S. For the daring, I can arrange a special try out of the fireman’s pole.

The Tastes of Hawaii – Recipes from Kauai’s Old Plantation Days – Kalua Pig

Lucy Adams, RS — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:45:41 +0000

Week 37 – Kalua Pig!

Hawaiian style Kalua pig at outdoor luau

Kalua Pig Recipe

(A luau favorite; Here is a way to duplicate without cooking a whole pig)

2 lbs. lean pork butt
Hawaiian salt
Liquid smoke

Directions

Cut pork butt into chunks about 6 inches by 3 inches. Salt liberally. Douse with liquid smoke. Cook in slow cooker for at least 8 hours at low temperature. While in the cooker, shred in the cooked out oil and then drain. (If you shred outside of its natural oil, it will be too dry).

As mentioned in my first recipe blog, Hawaii is a wonderful mix of cultures and each of these peoples brought with them their customs and foods during the early plantation days. Because we have this rich Hawaiian heritage, I started this running blog that features recipes with a Hawaiian flair. If you love collecting recipes, please check back so that you can collect your favorites.

Kauai Has Some of the Very Best Real Estate Available

Collecting and sharing recipes of Hawaii is our hobby, but our passion is helping people with their real estate needs. Hawaii offers some of the most beautiful islands in the world and we believe Kauai has some of the very best real estate available.

Looking for a home in beautiful Koloa Estates? We may have the perfect 3 bedroom/2 bath (MLS# 245278) in this upscale community.

My sister and I work as a team to help people make their dreams come true. Please contact us with your real estate needs, we are here to assist.

Ilona Coffey, RS
808-635-1495
www.KauaiAgent.com

Lucy Adams, RS
808-651-5676
www.KauaiAgent.com

Great Price: Fully Furnished Ground Floor Condo at Waikoloa Resort

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:00:15 +0000

This 2-bedroom Fairway Villa at the Waikoloa Beach Resort (MLS# 253939) is only $325,000.

Good deals are harder and harder to find with the low inventory in the resorts. We showed this unit the other day. It’s a desirable ground floor unit on the golf course and is in great condition.

The condo is 2 bedrooms with 1,033 square feet. It is not a short sale and is being sold fully furnished, including all linens and kitchenware, so it is move in ready. At $325,000, this is a good buy as prices have been inching up for resort condos.

The Fairway Villas is an easy walk to the beach, shops, and restaurants and the condos here rent well because of the great location in the resort. Only on the market 8 days, this will go quickly.

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