Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers » Kona

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.

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

Just Listed – South Kona Mango & Coffee Farm with Spirit

Erik Hinshaw, R(S) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:36:29 +0000

The property stops you in your tracks and you forget, for a moment, that the rest of the world is out there.

Some properties have a special feeling about them and this leasehold Big island farm is one of them. I brought a Hawaiian coffee farm consultant to see the property and he couldn’t stop talking about it—and this guy sees a lot of farms.

Location

This farm is set on hillside which slopes down towards the ocean and looks out over one of Hawaii’s most sacred spots, pu’uhonua o honaunau or Place of Refuge (an ancient Hawaiian temple and now a National Park). It is easy to see why the Hawaiians chose this area for a temple. The seller named the farm “Sweet Spirit Farm” and you can learn the story behind the name at her website, www.sweetspiritfarms.com.

The Home

A newer home, built in 2004, with panoramic views sits at the top of the gently sloping property. A spacious lanai surrounded by lawn off the great room and master suite is the perfect place for watching whales, sunsets or star gazing. My favorite touch is a private outdoor lava rock enclosed shower off the master suite.

Coffee Processing

Next to the home is a state of the art coffee wet mill for processing the fresh coffee cherry. No expense was spared; concrete drying deck, stainless machinery and tanks, imported equipment. Nothing but the best for Sweet Spirit Farms.

The Farm

The majority of the 10 plus acres is planted in coffee and a variety of gourmet mangos. Both the coffee and mango trees are all just coming into maturity. The land is fully irrigated and although county water is available a catchment system was installed to save on the water bill and provide irrigation. There are a few remaining acres which could be planted in coffee, mango or another crop that would thrive here such as dragon fruit.

Worker’s Cottage

Near the bottom of the property is a newly built workers’ cottage. This one bedroom cottage is off grid with solar and propane for power. It’s perfect for housing workers or family. The main home is on solar as well but is connected to the grid.

This is a leasehold farm. The majority of the coffee, fruit and flower farms in the Kona Coffee Belt are leasehold. The lease rent is relatively inexpensive and I’d be happy to explain the ins and out of leasehold.

Looking for a modern state of the art coffee farm, in a gorgeous location with a sweet spirit? This is it (MLS# 250053).

Hawaii’s Trade Winds And Kona Winds

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:55:33 +0000

We had a longer than usual spell of strong trade winds this December, so it might be helpful for those that don’t live here year-round to find out about our wind patterns.

Trade Winds

Trade winds account for 70% of all winds in Hawaii and are the most common winds over Hawaiian waters. These winds, which blow from a NE to ENE direction, became known as trade winds hundreds of years ago when trade ships carrying cargo depended on these easterly winds around the earth in the subtropics for speedy passage.

During the summer, trades prevail more than 90% of the time, sometimes persisting throughout an entire month. However, in the winter (January through March), trade winds may occur only 40% to 60% of the time. Though pleasantly brisk and refreshingly cool on land, strong, gusty trade winds can cause problems for mariners. Blowing from the NE through East direction, these strong trades funnel through the major channels between the islands at speeds 5-20 knots faster than the speeds over the open ocean.

North Pacific high-pressure systems are responsible for the majority of gusty trade winds over Hawaiian waters, which commonly persist for several days before tapering off. Trade winds are usually at their lowest frequency in September and October.

Kona Winds

Kona winds is a Hawaiian term for the stormy, rain-bearing winds that blow over the islands from the SW or SSW in the opposite direction of trade winds. The western, or leeward sides of the islands, then become windward in this case, as the predominant wind pattern is reversed.

Kona winds occur when a low-pressure center is within 500 miles Northwest of the Islands. Although strong Kona winds usually don’t last for more than a day or so.*

*Information from the Pacific Disaster Center

How Do 2011 West Hawaii Real Estate Stats Compare to Previous Years?

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:16:58 +0000

Stat-a-palooza time now that 2011 is over and the new year begun. We put together some interesting stats for West Hawaii condo and residential sales. These stats cover the area from Keauhou to Waimea (TMK 3-6 and 3-7).

It’s interesting to note here how similar these graphs are even though one could make the case that many condo buyers are second home buyers and many residential buyers are not. Nevertheless, the graphs show an up-turn in the years the financial crisis was erupting and a steep decline starting several years before.

Now, let’s look at prices over the same period of time:

Again the graphs are similar and both show a price decline that is in its sixth year. So, unit sales are picking up as prices continue to decline. Clearly a buyer’s market, as they scoop up bargains at prices that might not be seen again for some time. We know that inventories are very low and it will be interesting to see how that affects prices in the coming year.

At some point, the laws of supply and demand will kick in, and prices are bound to stabilize and turn again. We already have clients who would like to purchase a second home and can’t find what they want because the inventory in some condo complexes is slim or non-existent.

Our advice to potential buyers and clients who have been looking for the opportunity to purchase in Hawaii is to start looking for what you want now. It may take a while to find and we think there is greater upside potential for prices than downside.

For more detailed market information contact us.

Bali Style Luxury Home For Sale Featuring Indoor/Outdoor Living at Hualalai Four Seasons Resort

Claire K. Bajo RS — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 01:52:42 +0000

Enjoy the Asian island flare and intricate details when you bring family and friends home to this beautiful estate (MLS# 250438) at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort.

When I saw this home for the first time I was amazed at the spaciousness of the rooms and the amount of pocket doors, which enhance the indoor/outdoor lifestyle shown throughout this lovely retreat!

Attention to detail shows throughout with gorgeous features of wood, tile, rock, and water—each dwelling place holds its own character and fusion of Asian, Bali, Indonesian, and Hawaiian lifestyles combined.

The master suite takes up the north wing of this resort-like estate with an indoor/outdoor ambiance that makes it easy to appreciate all the reasons why we love living in Hawaii.

This spacious suite comes with an office/den and also comes with a large walk-in closet, washer/dryer combo unit, vanity seating area, and wet bar.

One of the main features of this room is a huge master bathroom with floating steps to the sunken tub, black rock shower area, and double-vanity sinks. With lots of privacy, you will have room to lounge and read a magazine while you dry off in the cool tropical breezes.

For honored guests and visitors, the south wing offers its own private family room with wet bar, which connects to the guest suites. Gorgeous water features and meandering walkways create the ambiance and secluded feeling of this estate. Each suite has its own indoor/outdoor bathroom, so guests will feel as royal as the owners!

Also Available With The Purchase of This Home

Private golf membership to the championship golf course is available and amenities include a private residence lodge with restaurant area, spa facilities, and access to Four Seasons’ amenities along with gorgeous views of Hualalai and beyond.

Hualalai Four Seasons Resort

Located 20 minutes North of the Kona International Airport
Within minutes of golf, beaches, restaurants, and entertainment

Please give me a call if you would like to make this your home, or add to your business portfolio. Hope to speak with you soon! Blessings always~

Claire K. Bajo, RS
808.756.4874
claire@hawaiilife.com

$324K Ocean View Condo For Sale at Alii Cove in Kona

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 03:45:29 +0000

There’s a new listing in Downtown Kona across the street from Honl’s Beach!

1,215 sq. ft. living area | 2 bedroom plus loft/2 bathroom | Offered for $324,000 FS

With ocean views that are almost 180°, this spacious condo (MLS# 249591) with two bedrooms plus loft affords sunset views and cool trades year-round. This unit’s excellent condition is indicative of its infrequent use. Granite counter tops enhance the thoughtfully laid out kitchen. Walk across the street to the beach, or into town for shopping and restaurants. Beautiful furnishings and a Jeep are available separately.

Property Sellers in Hawaii Still Under Pressure In Buyer’s Market

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 06:15:51 +0000

Distressed properties, such as short sales and foreclosures, continue to force sellers to discount their asking price, creating great deals for buyers.

Figures just released by the National Association of Realtors show the median sales price of homes nationwide dropped more than 3% to $165,400 in September, but house sales increased over 11% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.91 million units from a year ago. The bump in sales numbers is good, but sellers face increasing competition from distressed properties that are selling at steep discounts. We’ve seen the same trends in Hawaii sales.

Sold in 27 days for $648.2K (left); Still on the market for $495K after 889 days (right)

Are sellers caving in too soon? Consider the two properties listed above. The one on the left, even though it sold at a higher price, was priced correctly for the market and sold in 27 days. The one on the right (MLS# 220048) was originally listed for $679K and has had 5 price reductions over the past 889 days, and is now listed at $495K. Holding out for a change in the market is probably not a good strategy and a property that has been on the market for years raises all kinds of red flags for buyers.

Sellers who need to sell also have to consider the maintenance costs of keeping a home as well as ongoing property taxes. While it’s an unfortunate situation for sellers, the “wait and hold” strategy doesn’t seem to be working in this market. More than one-quarter of the listed homes on Trulia.com, a popular real estate site, have had a price change down.

It seems the best strategy for sellers who want to sell in this market is to work with a Realtor who can determine what the comparable sales are and will give them the straight story on what the home will sell for. For buyers who are ready to take advantage of this market, the deals are out there.

Results of the October 2011 Kona Chocolate Festival

Dan Fumento, R(S) and Marion Fumento R(S) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:30:50 +0000

We attended the Kona Chocolate Festival and it was a big hit with almost 500 in attendance at the Keauhou Beach Resort. Through the participation of more than 18 chefs, chocolatiers, and catering companies, event attendees consumed over 14,000 tasty tidbits of chocolate confections! The festival is a fundraiser, but also designed to support cacao growing and the chocolate industry in Hawaii.

The Kona Chocolate Festival encourages the participants to place their entries into the Chef and People’s Choice Competition. A sequestered panel of judges sampled each entry and awarded points in the categories of appearance, flavor, degree of difficulty, and creativity. The attendees also had a chance to weigh in by casting their vote for their favorite dessert or appetizer of the evening.

Here are the winners:

People’s Choice Award

Kealakehe High School – Rocky Road Cake Pops

Amateur

1st Place: Konawaena High School
2nd Place: Kealakehe High School

Professional Sweet

1st Place: Tommy Bahama
2nd Place: Captain Cook Baking Company/A la Scoop
3rd Place: Mahina Mele Farms

Professional Savory

Kimberly Hall-Food Fusion

1st Place Raw Chocolate

Sky Kubby-Medicinal Foods Hawaii

Professional Special Mention

Thirteen Palms

Sweet!

Alii Drive Oceanfront Estate For Sale in Kona

Heidi White, R(S) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:30:54 +0000

This property is one of the few oceanfront estates available in Kona today (MLS# 241698) that has it all! Like many luxury homes, it has been on and off the market for 3 years. Now that it’s priced right, I have the feeling this one will sell before the end of the year!

Previously listed for $6M in 2008, now a deal at $3,200,000!

On nearly a ½ acre, it is set back from Alii Drive and is quite a wonderful estate! It is located at the mainly unknown surf spot called ‘Ala Kala’s’ and central to Kona and Keauhou for shopping, boating, or golf. This home allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the whales in season and dolphins all year long.

This home has a strong sense of privacy indoors and out. With six bedrooms and six bathrooms, it is designed for a large family or corporate gatherings. A media room is included, but I think you will spend most of the time on the covered (or uncovered) lanai, pool area, or in the ocean, which is still 70 degree liquid silk!

The kitchen is an all new design and must be seen to really be appreciated. The detached garage has a parking stall outside perfect for your own small boat, and a small workshop area in the garage for any projects one might have to get done.

Although it was built in 1978, it was completely renovated 8 years ago. It is immaculately maintained and was recently painted yellow by its present owners. Very little, if anything, needs to be done by a new buyer. Remember, this kitchen would make Julia Childs smile and it could be yours for a Christmas dinner in the Hawaiian Islands!