“Slow season?” What slow season?
When I first moved to Hawaii, my favorite local-style restaurant, Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea, used to close down for the entire month of September. I mean close, as in lock the doors and go on vacation for a month. Ahhh…slow season…those were the days!
Remember when the Hiyashi building was pink?
So, where did the slow season go?? Beth Robinson, R(B), first got me thinking with her blog, “If the real estate market in Hawaii is ‘dead’ why am I working 7 days a week?” Great question. As top producer of the 7th largest dollar volume office on the Big Island, Beth runs her business like a business, and her team like a business leader and they are busy—doing business!
To put this in perspective, Beth’s personal production is neck and neck with that of the largest REO listing agent on the island. You don’t accomplish that level of success by taking off the month of September when business is “slow”—Beth accomplished that by utilizing her team effectively. So effectively, that Beth is also able to have a LIFE, and she enjoyed her life without real estate for two weeks this past fall. To me, Beth is an inspiration!
Just in time for the “busy” season, Charlie Parry, R(B), has joined Hawaii Life Big Island as the Broker-in-Charge, Kailua-Kona. Charlie folded his company, CP Kona Realty, under the Hawaii Life umbrella, and has quickly acclimated to his new leadership role.
Charlie will provide sorely-needed Broker support, such that Hawaii Life Big Island can expand, and serve the Kailua-Kona and South Kona markets even better than before. To me, Charlie is a lifesaver—welcome to Hawaii Life, Charlie!
Hawaii Life Real Estate Services has had, by anyone’s standards, an incredible year, especially on the Big Island. There was no “slow season” in 2010. I know because in looking at our pending business report, it seems we still have 26 escrows to close this month.
Our Big Island Agents and Brokers are busy! Most have clients in town the next 2-3 weeks, prior to the start of the traditional selling season. As Catherine Klug, R(S) informed us, SAP is bringing 5,000 employees to the Kohala Coast February 18th – 25th.
The market is picking up pace, and has been just shy of breathtaking lately. The weather has been gorgeous, the new year is imminent, the whales have arrived. Seriously. What slow season??
Heidi White
December 7, 2010
Sure thing Katie, I went into one of my favorite restaurants in Keauhou and the owner (who’s wife is an appraiser) complained “oh the market is so slow”. I told him no way, it is busy! We chatted and I am going to list is rental home now (great ocean views and mother in law suite) when the exterior paint is finished. It always shocks me when so many people think it’s slow and we are jamming!
Heidi White
December 7, 2010
Sure thing Katie, I went into one of my favorite restaurants in Keauhou and the owner (who’s wife is an appraiser) complained “oh the market is so slow”. I told him no way, it is busy! We chatted and I am going to list is rental home now (great ocean views and mother in law suite) when the exterior paint is finished. It always shocks me when so many people think it’s slow and we are jamming!
Katie Minkus, R(BIC)
December 7, 2010
Aloha Heidi – great story!! Congrats on your new listing and spreading the word that perhaps it’s not the market, but the representation that matters… way to go!!
Katie Minkus, R(BIC)
December 7, 2010
Aloha Heidi – great story!! Congrats on your new listing and spreading the word that perhaps it’s not the market, but the representation that matters… way to go!!
Pam Deery, R(B)
December 7, 2010
Katie; As Beth’s business partner and part of the Kohala-Kona Angels team, I too can attest to the steady and yes, even blustering activity in the market along the resort coastline. It seems we are closing more short sales (whew) and replacing them with “traditional” or non-distressed sales as the activity and inventory continues. Is this an end of the distressed market? I think not quite yet, but… it’s nice to see the renewed confidence of the buyers in all price ranges of the market including the condominium market which was the hardest hit during the past couple of years. I had a client ask me yesterday what the “upside” was to a condo that was 1/2 it’s original value and I laughed and said look at the last sales price and you tell me! There has been no slow down for our team or company since we opened our Big Island branch with top producers only 2 years ago. A hui hou!
Pam Deery, R(B)
December 7, 2010
Katie; As Beth’s business partner and part of the Kohala-Kona Angels team, I too can attest to the steady and yes, even blustering activity in the market along the resort coastline. It seems we are closing more short sales (whew) and replacing them with “traditional” or non-distressed sales as the activity and inventory continues. Is this an end of the distressed market? I think not quite yet, but… it’s nice to see the renewed confidence of the buyers in all price ranges of the market including the condominium market which was the hardest hit during the past couple of years. I had a client ask me yesterday what the “upside” was to a condo that was 1/2 it’s original value and I laughed and said look at the last sales price and you tell me! There has been no slow down for our team or company since we opened our Big Island branch with top producers only 2 years ago. A hui hou!
Jana Kaholoa'a
December 9, 2010
With Beth as my partner in the North Kohala area, I have been up to my eyeballs with listings, escrows, and buyers. I have not seen “slow” but only keeping up with the “busy” pace after joining her team only 3 months ago. I’m excited to see we have been closing some short sales and helping people in our community through these rough times, truly rewarding. I totally agree with Katie, “what slow season???”
Jana Kaholoa'a
December 9, 2010
With Beth as my partner in the North Kohala area, I have been up to my eyeballs with listings, escrows, and buyers. I have not seen “slow” but only keeping up with the “busy” pace after joining her team only 3 months ago. I’m excited to see we have been closing some short sales and helping people in our community through these rough times, truly rewarding. I totally agree with Katie, “what slow season???”
Julie Keller
December 12, 2010
I couldn’t agree more about Beth, she truly is an inspiration, as are you Katie Minkus!
I too, have been busier than ever during this “slow season” working to assist your Wild Wahine Network. I am grateful for all of the priceless education and experience I am gaining through the shared knowledge of the team of professionals I am so fortunate to be a part of! If this is slow, i’m putting my seatbelt on now! Giddyup.
Julie Keller
December 12, 2010
I couldn’t agree more about Beth, she truly is an inspiration, as are you Katie Minkus!
I too, have been busier than ever during this “slow season” working to assist your Wild Wahine Network. I am grateful for all of the priceless education and experience I am gaining through the shared knowledge of the team of professionals I am so fortunate to be a part of! If this is slow, i’m putting my seatbelt on now! Giddyup.
Julie Keller
December 12, 2010
OH, and yes, I remember the pink Hiyashi building well! Used to walk to Hiyahi store every day after school. They were the only store in town that served Icee’s :), and sweet Mrs. Hiyashi was always there with a big smile and special treats for us kids. Those were the slow days….long ago.
Julie Keller
December 12, 2010
OH, and yes, I remember the pink Hiyashi building well! Used to walk to Hiyahi store every day after school. They were the only store in town that served Icee’s :), and sweet Mrs. Hiyashi was always there with a big smile and special treats for us kids. Those were the slow days….long ago.
Mark Hedenstrom
March 30, 2011
Been looking at some listings online for Kau and Kalapana areas. Interested in some more info for properties of at least one acre, I will buid myself so raw land is preferable.
Mark Hedenstrom
March 30, 2011
Been looking at some listings online for Kau and Kalapana areas. Interested in some more info for properties of at least one acre, I will buid myself so raw land is preferable.