Hawaii Real Estate News

July 15, 2012

Kauai Real Estate Trends July 2012

As is the case around the rest of Hawaii, Kauai real estate is trending upwards. Many people now realize that this is the perfect time to buy a home based on factors such as availability and lower than ever interest rates. Kauai is home to some beautiful single-family homes, townhouses and condos. All things point upward for Kauai real estate, Hawaii. and now is the time to get in on it.

Here are some Kauai property trend stats taken from June of 2012. Keep in mind that over the last few months the market on Kauai has continued to be on fire, and the numbers below point to the fact that it should keep trending positively for the next year. 

Kauai June 2012 Housing Market Statistics

Residential Sales

Year to date island wide residential sales have continued to increase! At this time last year there had been 174 residential sales and so far this year there have been 201 (27 more sold); an increase of 15.52 percent. Sales volume is also increasing compared to 2011. There has been approx. $150.1m in sales so far this year compared with approx. $134.8m in 2011; an increase of 11.40 percent. The median sales price decreased to $435,000 year to date compared with $466,000 in 2011.

Condo Sales

The number of condos sold year to date has also increased from 155 sold in 2011 to 165 sold so far in 2012; an increase of 6.45 percent. Sales volume for condos has also increased. There was approx. $52.6m in sales last year compared with approx. $58.5m in sales so far for 2012; an increase of 11.17 percent. The median sales price increased to $294,000 from $225,000 in 2011; a 30.67 percent increase. 

Vacant Land

The number of vacant land parcels sold this year has increased as of June compared to 2011. There have been 60 parcels sold in 2012 compared to 54 at this time last year; an increase of 11.11 percent. Sales volume for vacant land has increased 2.84 percent. There were approx. $27.3m in sales in 2011 compared with approx. $28.1m so far this year. The median sales price has decreased 16.28 percent from $322,500 to $270,000.

What can we take away from all the statistics above? Well for the most part we can see that since last year sales in most areas have increased over the last year. This is a trend that we should continue to experience in the real estate market not only on Kauai, but in the rest of Hawaii as well.

If you are on the market for a single-family home, townhouse or condo on Kauai, then now is the very best time to buy. Homes are starting to sell at a much better rate and with interest rates as low as ever people are starting to really take time to see what is out there.

Take some time to see all that the Kauai market has to offer. There should be nothing but positive Real Estate trend on Kauai moving forward.

July 15, 2012

Big Island Hawaii Real Estate Trends July 2012

Real estate in Hawaii is trending upward, and real estate on the Big Island is trending upwards as well. Many people now realize that this is the perfect time to buy a home based on factors such as availability and lower than ever interest rates. The Big Island of Hawaii (Hawaii Island) is home to some beautiful single-family homes, townhouses and condos. Plus, the Big Island also has tons of vacant land for sale at very reasonable rates. All things point upward for Big Island Property and now is the time to get in on it.

Take the Kailua Kona side of the Big Island for example. Current trends point toward strong activity in the residential market. There has been a nice increase in home sales, while we have seen a decrease in overall inventory for the area.

In line with Kauai and Maui, the overall outlook of foreclosures and distressed properties on the Big Island has also started to decline. This is a welcomed sign for sellers, as Hawaii may be starting to trend to a point where the real estate market starts to benefit both sellers and buyers. We all know that it is a buyer’s market right now, but many sellers have waited and waited to sell and they may be starting to see a positive trend towards the seller’s side of things.

There are great condo buys available at Mauna Kea resort, and this isn’t the only Big Island development that is currently booming. Many properties are getting multiple offers, and getting them fast. This trend shows how ready and willing buyers are right now to pull the trigger on a beautiful single-family home, townhouse or condo on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The fact if the matter is this: Since the housing crisis in 2008 most markets have struggled. However, the overall market in Hawaii has always been a bit ahead of the curve, and with the current outlook for real estate trends on the Big Island you can see that the market here is also ahead of most markets around the nation.

While buyers are coming out in droves to purchase single-family homes, townhouses and condos all over the Big Island, many sellers are still waiting for their chance to pounce. It shouldn’t be too long, as many trends are pointing to the fact that Hawaii Real Estate trends are starting to again move towards sellers being able to make some money. While we are not there yet, we are way ahead of other seller’s markets around the nation.

If you are on the market for a single-family home, townhouse or condo on the Big Island, then take a minute to do some searches and really peek into all the excitement that is going on within the Big Island community.

With interest rates lower than ever, now is a prime time to buy real estate on the Big Island, Hawaii. Don’t wait, that amazing single-family home, townhouse or condo can be yours for a lot less than you realize.

July 13, 2012

Oahu Real Estate Trends July 2012

The fact that home sales on Oahu are up over 11 percent from the same time last year and around 10 percent alone in 2012 should tell you that the current Real Estate trends on Oahu are looking very promising. While Oahu is still coming out of the 2008 housing crisis, the island has definitely fared much better than other markets around the nation.

While we wouldn’t go as far as to say it is a seller’s market just yet, the fact of the matter is that Oahu Real Estate trends are starting to point in a direction that will be beneficial to both buyers and sellers. This wasn’t always the case, as 2008 and the following years have not brought much good news for sellers.

While a buyers market has been in tact on Oahu over the last few years (just view some statistics and couple that with lower than ever interest rates), the fact of the matter is that many people were forced to sell and lost a ton of money. Right now the market is starting to trend back to sellers. While Oahu is not there yet, the market does show that it is starting to come out of the crisis and should start to trend to a place where both buyers and sellers benefit. 

Too many numbers would be involved to break down monthly trends, so for the sake of argument lets just look at a recent set of numbers for homes on Oahu. Available single-family homes for sale on Oahu sat at around 1,200 the past two months, which is a significant drop from around 1,700 we were hovering around a few years back. Available condo listings were also low around 1,800, which is a contraction from 2,311 listings just a few years ago. As you can see, the numbers are not up to par yet, but they are climbing and becoming healthier. It is still a buyer’s market, but sellers are starting to see some daylight as well. 

Hot Seller’s Neighborhoods 

  • Makaha - Nanakuli
  • Hawaii Kai
  • Waialae – Kahala
  • The Windward Coast

Hot Buyer’s Neighborhoods

  • Hawaii Kai
  • Moanalua – Salt Lake
  • Wahiawa
  • North Shore

Interestingly enough, Hawaii Kai comes in as a hot neighborhood for both buyers and sellers. This doesn’t happen often (especially since 2008), but it does state the case that some neighborhoods are starting to be more seller friendly and that more should start to follow. 

Real Estate trends on Oahu seem to be a bit easier to predict lately. After the housing crisis hit the market was all over the place, with many people (even some agents and brokers) unable to predict what would happen next.

With the economy on an upturn, albeit a slow upturn, Real Estate trends on Oahu should be much easier to predict. A couple of things that we do know are that it is still a great time to buy, more and more sellers are making money, and interest rates are lower than at any point in history.

The real estate market on Oahu is healthy and should continue to prosper.

Posted in Market Update, Oahu
June 16, 2012

Hauula Apartments Available for Rent

Pats at Punaluu is a great apartment building located in the middle of Hauula on the windward side of Oahu. Close to Windward Mall – where there is plenty of shopping available, close to restaurants, and right across the street from several bus stops, the Pats at Punaluu is an affordable opportunity to own a place in Haaula.

MLS# 1204445

Located at 53567 Kamehameha Hwy, the Pats at Punaluu building offers a number of apartments, all of which are unique and affordable. This particular unit is unit/Main 212. This unit allows you to enjoy an extra large bedroom. Ocean views are available in many units, and the surrounding property offers plenty of amenities and activities. All of this is laid out perfectly for someone who wants to be independent and live in an affordable, clean apartment on the windward side of Oahu.

The 212 unit is a nice sized 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom unit. It comes complete with all appliances, covered lanai & security. Lots of amenities to enjoy! Enjoy views that include Coastline, Mountain, Ocean, Sunrise, as well as on-site amenities that include BBQ, Exercise Room, Meeting Room, Resident Manager, Restaurant, Sauna, Trash Chute. All of this provides for very easy living in this well-kept, clean and affordable apartment building in Hauula.

Take some time to check out this listing and others that are available in the Pats at Punaluu. This particular unit is also equipped with AC Window Unit, Cable TV, Ceiling Fan, Dishwasher, Disposal, Drapes, Dryer, Microwave, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, Smoke Detector, Washer and is in excellent condition.

Independent living in a clean and amenity filled apartment building can be your right now by stepping inside the Pats at Punaluu. Make the choice to get this affordable apartment today.

View more Kaneohe homes now!

Posted in Kaneohe, Oahu
June 15, 2012

Stunning North Shore Single-Family Home

The North Shore of Oahu is known for its surf, sand and sea. It is also famous for amazing properties with stunning ocean views. With that being said, there is a stunning North Shore single-family home available now. Located right on the ocean, this luxurious single-family home can be yours if the price is right for you.

$1,800,000

MLS# 1204570

Located at 67-297 Kahaone Loop on the North Shore of Oahu, this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom single-family home is a gorgeous oceanfront home sitting on a great piece of property. Colorful flowers, palm trees, and a fenced yard for privacy are all added amenities that make this property worth a look. Swim, snorkel, surf, basically anything you want to do in the ocean from your home, as the beach is literally a few steps away. The property is being sold as is, and for the right offer it can be yours very soon.

With over 1,600 square feet of living space, there is plenty of room for you to maneuver around. However, this really doesn’t tell the whole story, as the piece of land that the home sits on is over 11,000 square feet. That includes your pat to the ocean as well as your yard.

With hardwood floors and a beautiful view of both the ocean and the mountains, this stunning single-family home located on Oahu’s North Shore is waiting for you to view.

Take this opportunity to set up a showing at this wonderful property. There is so much to see that you will want to make sure and take your time viewing the entire property. Amazing ocean views and ocean activity fun await you in a stunning single-family North Shore setting. View this listing today and see all that it has to offer.

View more North Shore properties today!

Posted in North Shore Oahu
June 6, 2012

Real Estate Areas on the Big Island

The Big Island (Hawaii Island) is bigger than all of the other Hawaiian islands combined. Surprisingly enough, even though there is much more land mass than Oahu, the Real Estate market is much smaller. This is because much of the land of the Big Island is either private or you would not want to build on it anyway because of the volcano.

This doesn’t mean that the real estate market on the Big Island is bad, it is just smaller. The best thing about buying Real Estate on the Big Island (besides the obvious choice of owning property in Hawaii) is the fact that you can buy land and property in Hawaii for mainland rates. That’s right, the Big Island more than any other Hawaiian island offers more mainland like prices, mainly because there is so much available and the population of the Big Island does not demand as much as Oahu.

That being said, the Big Island offers some amazing single-family homes, townhouses and condos that are unique and interesting and sure to please. The overall real estate market is healthy, and it is definitely a buyer’s market so great deals are posted all over the Big Island.

Another unique advantage to buying real estate on the Big Island is that you can buy and make it seem like an island feeling, or you can buy more inward and feel like you are living on the mainland. There is so much land available that many parts of the Big Island don’t feel like an island at all. This allows for an interesting feel for many buyers, as some buy and take advantage of this aspect.

The Big Island has perhaps some of the most recognizable and unique destinations in the world. From the hikes and valleys to the black sand beaches, Big Island living is second to none when it comes to adventure and family friendly living. With good schools, great communities and a laid back way of life, the Big Island is an ideal place to buy Real Estate.

If you are serious about owning a single-family home, townhouse or condo on the Big Island and want to take advantage of the prices and space, then take a few minutes to really dig into all the aspects of the real estate marketplace on the Big Island.

A wonderful single-family home, townhouse or condo awaits you on Hawaii’s biggest island, the Big island of Hawaii.

Posted in Big Island, Hawaii
June 6, 2012

Real Estate Areas on Maui

Maui is full of little neighborhoods and towns. All of which give off their own unique living experience. The overall real estate market on Maui is prospering, as Hawaii has actually started to recover a lot faster than most other real estate markets around the nation. There are several interesting real estate areas on Maui. From bustling cities full of life and commerce (Kihei and Kahului) to smaller laid back towns and neighborhoods (Lahaina and Wailuku), real estate on Maui is in full swing and you should take advantage of the opportunity.

There are plenty of single-family homes, townhouses and condos available throughout Maui. All of which offer their own unique and interesting take on living.

Kihei is a wonderful city on Maui that sits on the sunny south shore of the island. Hawaiians used to refer to the area of Kihei as "Kama?ole" which means "barren." However, barren is the last thing you imagine when you first set foot into this south Maui city. Shopping, restaurants, and beaches all help lend to the fact that Kihei is anything but barren.

What you will find in Kihei is more of an “old-school” look, as many of the buildings from the 1970’s remain. The town of Kihei doesn’t look old or dirty, in fact, quite the opposite, but those who live in Kihei on Maui’s south shore so in fact appreciate a more local lifestyle flavor.

Wailea is known for its amazing beaches (crescent shaped beaches) and even more well known for its world-renowned golf courses. If you want to own a single-family home, townhouse or condo in Wailea the prices are a bit higher. However, there is really nowhere else on Maui that gives you some of the luxurious living and amenities that Wailea does.

Home to some of the most amazing crescent shaped beaches you will ever find, Wailea sits on south Maui and is a city where you can see the coast from almost anywhere. The golf course are amazing, with some of the best courses in all of Hawaii being built in this area. Not only that, but when you play a round you can see the coast and the mighty Pacific from almost all the golf courses.

Other cities on Maui include:

  • Lahaina
  • Makena
  • Kahului
  • Up Country

Whatever city you may choose – and there are many more on Maui, one thing is certain. The Real Estate prospects on Maui are interesting and unique. Why not dig a little deeper to find that single-family home, townhouse or condo that is perfect for you?

Don’t just buy a home, buy an investment when you purchase Real Estate on Maui.

Posted in Maui
June 6, 2012

Real Estate Areas on Kauai

Kauai is full of little neighborhoods and towns. All of which give off their own unique living experience. The overall real estate market on Kauai is prospering, as Hawaii has actually started to recover a lot faster than most other real estate markets around the nation.

There are several interesting areas for Kauai real estate. From bustling cities full of life and commerce (Lihue, Waimea) to smaller laid back towns and neighborhoods (Poipu, Koloa), real estate on Kauai is in full swing and you should take advantage of the opportunity.

There are plenty of single-family homes, townhouses and condos available throughout Kauai. All of which offer their own unique and interesting take on living. Kauai is arguably the most beautiful of all the Hawaiian islands, but everyone has a different opinion on that matter.

Located right before the Waimea Canyon (the rand Canyon of the Pacific) sits the quaint little town of Waimea. The local community is full of shops and stores that take you back to old Hawaii. However, the growing area is also home to a bustling real estate marketplace, as single-family homes, townhouses and condos are ripe for the picking at excellent prices in the area. Want more? Waimea is also steadily growing because it hosts a growing number of high-tech companies.

Head to the south shore of Kauai and you will find Poipu. More commonly called Poipu Beach, this area of Kauai is actually nestled into the Poipu Resort area. While this area of Kauai is geared towards a resort style lifestyle, there are numerous single-family homes, townhouses and condos available to own in the Poipu area.

Located next to some of Kauai’s best golf, shopping, parks and nightlife, Poipu is also considered “America’s Best Beach.” According to Travel Channel, and is considered to be one of the safest beaches around.

Other cities and towns around Kauai include:

  • Koloa
  • Lihue
  • Princeville
  • Kilauea

Take some time to really dig into all of the real estate aspects of Kauai. There are plenty of single-family homes, townhouses and condos available throughout the island. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, the Real Estate landscape on Kauai has something for you. Kauai has so much to offer that many people are making their way to the island and trying to find homes to purchase. The beautiful island of Kauai is waiting for you. Take some time to check it out today!

Posted in Kauai
June 6, 2012

Real Estate Areas on Oahu

Oahu is the most heavily populated of all the Hawaiian islands. So much so that there are more people on Oahu than there are on all of the other islands combined. At the same time, the Real Estate market on Oahu is very strong. It seems even stronger when you compare it to some of the other Real Estate markets around the nation.

From big cities (Honolulu and Waikiki) to small, laid back towns (Kailua, Haleiwa) and everything in between, Oahu has something to offer everyone. With a variety of single-family homes, townhouses and condos spread around the island you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

Honolulu is Hawaii’s most famous city, and it is also the Hawaiian Island capital. Most all commerce operates through here, and while you may think Honolulu is only city, there are actually amazing single-family homes, townhouses and condos available in the area for excellent prices.

Honolulu is Oahu’s metro pub and commerce capital. Most all the big businesses on Oahu operate from this area of the island. That being said, potential buyers in the Real Estate area of Honolulu on island of Oahu will love the home layouts. Businessman and other professionals will especially love the sprawling condos located in some of the skyscrapers in Honolulu. Major developers, including Donald Trump, have building in Honolulu that sell condo properties. Whether this is tight for you or not, you have to appreciate all that Honolulu has to offer.

Perhaps no other city on Oahu has experienced as much growth over the last decade than Kapolei, otherwise known as “the second city” to locals. What was once a vision is now a sprawling city that is being built up more and more every year. Kapolei has now grown into one of the most desirable areas on the island of Oahu to live.

Perhaps it is the area of the island? Perhaps it is the current available deals you can get on single-family homes, townhouses and condos? Perhaps it is the fact that Kapolei is a well built, sprawling and desirable family community? Whatever the reason is, Kapolei is becoming so popular that developers are lining up to continue to build shopping malls, restaurants, golf course, and of course, more homes.

Other cities on Oahu include:

  • Aiea
  • Diamond Head
  • Haleiwa
  • Hawaii Kai
  • Kahala
  • Kailua
  • Kaneohe
  • Lanikai
  • Mililani
  • Pearl City

Oahu Real Estate is in full swing. Don’t miss the bus. Take some time to explore your options and before you know it you will have found the perfect single-family home, townhouse or condo for you and your family.

Posted in Oahu
June 4, 2012

Ocean View Condo in Ko’Olina

Ko’Olina is known for its amazing condos and laid-back living style. Gold courses and beautiful scenery surround the area. Perhaps the nicest set of condos though are the ones that are part of the Kai Lani building. It doesn’t get much better than this in Ko’Olina, as this current available unit comes with amazing amenities and best of all; an ocean view.

$725,000 - 921001 Aliinui Dr Unit 17D Kapolei, HI 96707

                                             MLS# 1203570

Buying a property with an ocean view can be expensive. However, at Kai Lani you can accomplish this dream without having to pay millions of dollars. This amazing and large 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo has an abundance of upgrades and comes with an unobstructed ocean view. This means that you can enjoy an amazing ocean view every day without having to worry about anything getting in the way.

As stated above, the unit has a ton of upgrades, all of which were made to enhance the living space inside the condo. Some of the upgrades include security lighting, C/A purification system, a custom built in wall bed, an in home office, plantation shutters, Palm ceiling fans, crown Molding, and surround sound wiring. Other upgrades have been made, but these are some of the more popular ones. The unit is also eligible for VA financing, and is being sold as a short sale.

The unit is inside the Kai Lani area, and provides any prospective buyer the opportunity to opportunity to live in amazing condo that has great ocean views and plenty of living space. All this, as well as a great price, makes this condo unit in Kai Lani a must see for anyone who is looking for a great condo at an affordable price.

Take this opportunity to view this listing and many more listings in the Ko’Olina area. This is definitely a must see.

View more Ko’Olina properties today!

Posted in Ko Olina