Honolulu, HI Real Estate News

By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
 The Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion ShowSaturday, September 23, 2023NEIL S. BLAISDELL EXHIBITION HALL12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hele mai Young at Heart Expo to watch the Annual Celebrities and Their Pets Fashion Show presented by Al Waterson. The Hawaiian Humane Society will be present at this event with dogs available for adoption!Admission to The Young at Heart Expo is free and you can enjoy Fashion Show at 12 noon on September 23, as well as the other planned activities at the expo throughout the day. Enjoy great entertainment for the whole family; all ages will love it.  Meet the Celebrities and VIP’s in person, take photos and visit the adoptable animals.The Expo will be held from 9 a.m. til 5 p.m. and the Celebrities and their pets will walk the runway on the main stage at 12 noon on ...
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
  Local Market Update  Makiki & Moili'ili Honolulu, August 2023   Single Family Homes August Year to Date 2023 / 2022 Change% 2023 / 2022 Change% Closed Sales 3 / 14  -79%  59 / 91  -35%  Median Sales Price $1.65M / $1.46075M   13%   $1.5M / $1.62M  -7%   Percent of Original List Price Received 101.1% / 101.9%  -1% 97.6% / 100.5%  -3% Median Days on Market Until Sale 21 / 14   50% 15 / 13  15% New Listings 11 / 16  29% 104 / 118  -12% Pending Sales 4 / 12  36% 74 / 100  -26% Active Inventory 33 / 25  32% ---    Condos August Year to Date 2023 / 2022 Change% 2023 / 2022 Change% Closed Sales 56 / 55  2% 335 / 541  -38%  Median Sales Price $384,500 / $410,000  -6%   $405,000 / $410,000  -1%  Percent of Original List Price Received 99.6% / 99.1%  1% 98.8% / 100.0%  -1% Median Days on Market...
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
  Local Market Update  Diamond Head & Kapahulu Honolulu, August 2023   Single Family Homes August Year to Date 2023 / 2022 Change% 2023 / 2022 Change% Closed Sales 13 / 23  -43%  85 / 145  -41%  Median Sales Price $1.2M / $1.339M  -10%   $1.360M / $1.405M  -3%  Percent of Original List Price Received 98.4% / 98.5%  0% 95.8% / 100.5%  -5% Median Days on Market Until Sale 19 / 16 19%  23 / 12  92% New Listings 20 / 23  -13% 126 / 177  -29% Pending Sales 17 / 17  0% 114 / 150  -24% Active Inventory 33 / 37  -11% ---    Condos August Year to Date 2023 / 2022 Change% 2023 / 2022 Change% Closed Sales 9 / 7  29%  47 / 71  -34%  Median Sales Price $601,000 / $660,000  -9% $790,000 / $650,000  22% Percent of Original List Price Received 99.5% / 100.0%  -1% 99.5% / 100.0%  -1%    Median Days on M...
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By Keahi Pelayo
(KU Realty)
September 24th, 2008 categories: Rants & Riffs Ewa city lights from my house. In this election season it is appropriate to talk politics.  Our nation was founded on the view that all men are created equal and should be free.  It is incumbent on every citizen to be politically involved because, believe it or not, politics and politicians affect every part of our life. The water you drink, the car you drive, the air you breath, your right to speak and yes the value of your real estate can and are impacted by those rascalsat City Hall, the State and National Governments. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE POST.
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By Keahi Pelayo
(KU Realty)
September 23rd, 2008 categories: Rants & Riffs Forbes has a great summary of the proposed $700,000,000,000 Federal Government bank bail out plan.  Below is the first of ten very clear observations. “1. Who gets to participate? The outlines of the plan call for the creation of either a branch of the Treasury Department or an independent agency to buy or take on troubled assets, with the goal of either selling them at a profit later or working them off.   CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE POST.
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In Part I of this series, I suggested you make a checklist of what's important to you about the neighborhood where you live, so you can rank pluses and minuses when you look at homes in different locations.  Hawaii Kai offers you such diversity of prices, amenities, and styles, that you will be like a "kid in a candy store" if you haven't narrowed down your wants & needs before starting to look. Here are some ideas from my years of showing prospective buyers around Hawaii Kai: 1.  Schools: Hawaii Kai has public high school and elementary school, and middle school is not far away on the highway toward Honolulu.  If you prefer private school, you should check the distance and commute. 2.  Crime rate:  Hawaii Kai prides itself on being neighborly and having great community spirit.  But che...
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September 22nd, 2008 categories: Rants & Riffs North Shore of Maui from the Hawaii Super Ferry With fuel prices rising and the National economy having it’s challenges, Hawaii tourism has been off for a number of reasons.  One of the reasons was this year’s closure of Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines and the resultant reduction in airline seat capacity.  If fewer people can come to Hawaii, then there will be fewer people for hotel rooms, retailers and real estate.  I am happy to report that a recent Honolulu Star Bulletin article shows that 3 airlines have made plans to add seat capacity. This will be good for our economy and for Honolulu real estate.  The article reads… CLIC HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE POST.
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
The world can be a frightful place and circumstances can cast even the most successful businesses and people into a downward spiral. It sometimes seems that one horrible situation follows another pulling it's unwitting participants downward into the dark abyss of hopelessness as one catastrophe piles upon another; fueled by negativity.   I was recently asked by a newly hired business associate to organize and redesign his office. The firm that hired him had been beset by a number of unfortunate and untimely circumstances. The fateful events began with the unexpected passing of it's principle broker, followed by the illnesses and retirement of several of it's employees. The succession of death and illness quickly contributed to the unraveling of a once vibrant and successful business. Al...
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By Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, (RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
(Liberty Homes)
Back in the late 1960's my family would have 'Special Family Sunday's. We'd either do a family dinner with my aunt, uncle and cousins or we'd do a picnic or something. One of our 'relaxation' excursions would lead us to the Moanalua Gardens. After a hearty homemade fried chicken and potato salad lunch we'd all spread out under a tree on our mats or blankets. Looking through the branches up to the blue skies with a tropical cool breeze fluttering across my face I would daydream about whatever 10 year old kids dream of. The shade from the huge umbrella shaped tree was no doubt the reason for the cool air and proved to assist in the relaxation on a Sunday afternoon. Tidbits of History regarding Moanalua Gardens and Park: This umbrella shaped canopy tree is known as the Hitachi Tree (monke...
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By Barbara Abe
(East Oahu Realty)
98 condos have sold in the last 6 months in Hawaii Kai, compared to 154 in the same period last year. Here's a breakdown by complex: Colony at the Peninsula - 6 sales - $525,000 to $710,000Commodore - 3 sales - $450,000 to $479,000Esplanade - 7 sales - $380,000 to $675,000Gateway Peninsula - 1 sale - $687,000Heritage House - 3 sales - $369,900 to $469,000Kaimala Marina - 2 sales - $245,300 (FA) and $507,000Kalele Kai - 6 sales - $634,500 to $855,000Kaluanui - 1 sale - $513,000Kawaihae Crescent (East and West) - 4 sales - $454,850 to $480,000Koko Isle - 3 sales - $565,000 to $720,000Kuapa Isle - 8 sales - $600,000 to $805,000Lalea - 5 sales - $380,000 to $565,000Marina Palms - 2 sales - $449,000 and $521,000Mariners Village 2 - 1 sale - $500,000Mariners Village 3 - 8 sales - $399,000 to ...
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
Ms. Noelani Kalipi, of First Wind, LLC. will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 7th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention on October 1, 2008 at 9:00 am. Kalipi will discuss how our community can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels with the hopes of achieving energy independence. As fuel costs and shipping costs rise, Hawaii's need to incorporate sustainable resource measures is more important then ever. Don't miss this opportunity to find out how wind energy can help meet Hawaii's energy needs.  For additional information, contact 800.709.2642 or visit www.hawaiiancouncil.org.     
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
  Great news for those of you who enjoy Hawaiian music. The nominees of the 2008 Best Hawaiian Music Album Category at the GRAMMY Awards will be performing along  with the featured performers on the Treasures of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar compilation at the opening night gala of the 7th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention on Sept. 30th 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Hawaiian Convention Center. Featured performers will include: Keola Beamer, Raiatea Helm, Cyril Pahinui, and Tia Carrere,  For more info call 800.709.2642 or visit www.hawaiiancouncil.org.  
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The neighborhood or community you choose to call "Home" can make a huge difference in your quality of life.  Hawaii Kai is a special place on the island of Oahu.  Built around Maunalua Bay, the emphasis of the community is on enjoying the water: water sports, water views, waterfront real estate. Within Hawaii Kai are many diverse neighborhoods, which vary not just by price, but by amenities (parks, tennis, boat docks), views (none to 270 degree panoramic ocean views), style and age (new to 1960's), and location (proximity to schools, shopping).  Nothing in Hawaii Kai is far from schools or shopping or the water, but each neighborhood is unique.  Visit the Neighborhoods Page on my web site to request free Reports on all or some of the possibilities (no obligation). Finding a community an...
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By Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, (RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
(Liberty Homes)
A year ago my PC was ready for a clean wipe and reload BUT I wouldn't give my PC up for my husband to do it because I was TOO BUSY BLOGGING. WORKING. Two weeks ago my PC started to get a couple of quirks and we knew it was time to have a new one built. (I'd been just upgrading for the past two years) YAY! A wonderful business work station was built for me by PDC Systems two weeks ago and my husband (who works for PDC) brought it home and installed the rest. My new system is choice for what I need in a nice business machine (and my husband laughs because I'm writing about this and he's sitting there with a high end gaming machine he built. I told him his machine doesn't make us money... lol) and will definitely keep me happy for the next couple of years. So my business (blogging) machine...
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By Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, (RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
(Liberty Homes)
So, you say you want to be evironmentally aware? Well, there ARE water efficient toilets to conserve on water as well as cut down on the flushing noise. If there's one thing I am is a light sleeper and with a toilet flushing in the middle of the night is not what I call a good nights sleep. Especially when the darn thing keeps filling up with water slowly until the last part gives a gushing sound that it's finally done. That was the case with my last toilet. We decided to finish our bathroom with ceramic tile flooring and a water efficient toilet. Wow! I never dreamed I would 'get off' on a toilet before. But I am adamant on making my little townhouse an environmentally friendly place with energy efficient appliances down to this water saving toilet. This one is an American Standard Cha...
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By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
Just 1 day after my previous post on Diamond Head Luxury homes, 3239 Noela St., which was asking $12.6 Million went into escrow! It was also over an acre & sold for $9 million back in 2000.  It would also have to be one of the trophy properties in Diamond Head at the end of a culdesac & also the highest priced listing in Diamond Head- as of now.... 3239 Noela St.
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
Get Down and Boogie Oogie Oogie Board! World famous Waikiki has many outdoor attractions to indulge in from surfing to shopping, sunbathing to snorkeling. One of Honolulu's premier boogie boarding breaks is located in Waikiki, at the Kuhio Beach Park pier just before Kapiolani Park.   The Pier at Kuhio Beach Park, Waikiki Although, Oahu has some famous boogie boarding breaks like Sandy's, Makapu'u, and Pipeline to name few, these breaks can be very dangerous especially to tourists who are unfamiliar with the powerful rip tides and wave action that can pound Oahu's shoreline.   A view of Waikiki from the Pier The surf break at the pier at Kuhio Beach Park breaks slightly offshore to the left and right of the pier with a wide based pyramidal wave. Sandy's and Pipeline break on shore with ...
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By Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089, Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info
(Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers)
ING DIRECT is opening a Café in Waikiki soon. Have you heard about ingdirect.com?  It's an online banking and lending business that offers "not your ordinary mortgage".  They do residential loans and refinancing, without loan origination fees or points. NO fees NO minimums NO catches Their business model consists of a coffee shop atmosphere, where consumers can sit and have a cup of coffee while doing their banking.  ING DIRECT is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware with innovative ING DIRECT Cafés in multiple locations across the U.S. where you can experience what Electric Orange is all about!  They have Cafés for their stores.... LA, Chicago, New York, St. Cloud. I talked with a customer service rep today who told me they are opening a Cafe in Waikiki this month.  I think this will...
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By Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, (RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
(Liberty Homes)
Yeah, who wants to talk about the dirt and the scum of the earth? I do! I do! Ah...our beautiful Hawaiian paradise and THE environmentally aware residents who keep it that way. Opala (oh pah la) means garbage in Hawaiian. So, of course we take care of our opala. The City & County of Honolulu's Department of Environmental Services, Refuse Division manages the collection, disposal and recycling operations take care of our 'solid waste' with a waste management system. We may have a great trash man and system but it's up to each individual to KNOW how to dispose or recyle the garbage they create in a responsible manner. Do you all know when your trash pick up days are? Do you know when the bulky item pickup comes to your area to pick up unwanted couches, appliances and so forth? Do you kno...
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By Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, (RA) AHWD CRS ePRO OAHU HAWAII REAL ESTATE
(Liberty Homes)
   With Jazz on Wednesday nights and a live local band every Friday night this is the added pleasures of dining at Tsukiji's Fish Market & Restaurant. We went a little early on Saturday to stand in line (we were first) and by time the doors opened 15 minutes later the line was snaking around the side of another restaurant! Known for it's lunch and dinner buffet Tsukiji's Fish Market & Restaurant is huge! My husband, Gary, didn't even sit down....just headed off to the sushi bar! I headed down to the Yakitori Bar and then down to the tempura and udon section. Loaded with plates piled highwe sat down with my clients for an hour and a half of .....eating and great conversation. (okay...we were cutting up and laughing out loud.....my mom surely would have called me boisterous lol) And afte...
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September 2nd, 2008 categories: Rants & Riffs The current Federal capital gains tax rate reaches a maximum of 15%. Add this to the State of Hawaii’s capital gain rate and the combined rate becomes 22.25%. Tax professionals have told me that this is a 70-year low! George Bush lowered it from the 28% Federal rate (a total of 35.25% combined) under Bill Clinton. I know what you are thinking, “Why is Keahi going here?” Here is the answer. A funny thing happened to me this week as I watched coverage of the Democratic Convention. As I watched George Bush get blamed for everything from acne to global warming, I decided to start looking into the policies of each presidential candidate to determine, in my own way, how Obama and McCain might affect Honolulu real estate and our country. You may fi...
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By David Buck, Realtor-Broker
(Harcourts Island Real Estate)
There's no question the market is "slower" than it has been.  However one segment that has recently picked up steam over the past week is high end real estate in Diamond Head.  On Thursday, August 28th, 3063 Diamond Head Road sold for $9.5 Million Cash! Just two days prior, 3944 Noela Place, which is asking $8.2 million went into escrow.  On top of that 3692 Diamond Head Circle closed for $9.7 Million on July 28th... Keep in mind, these are all "Trophy" properties, however only the Diamond Head Road sale had a sliver of the property that went down to the water.  As a whole, these are all non-oceanfront... Amazing! In my opinion, some better ones are still on market! I've been in all 3 of the homes mentioned.  If you're looking for your own "Trophy" property, you know who to call :) 3063...
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August 29th, 2008 categories: Rants & Riffs Sir John Templeton died on July 8, 2008. For the uninitiated, he was arguably one of the greatest stock investors of all time. According to the New York Times, “The flagship Templeton Growth Fund reported a 14.5 percent average annual return from 1954 to 1992; a $10,000 investment, with dividends reinvested, would have grown to $2 million.” Let’s assume he know something about risk. CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE.
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