The activity in Kailua's desirable Beachside neighborhood showed that 2012 was a busy year for real estate transactions near famed Kailua Beach. This neighborhood has homes priced at the upper end of the Kailua market with homes ranging from $1,000,000 and up to about $30 million. All Beachside properties are within a few homes' walk to Kailua Beach. The Beachside Kailua area fronts Kailua Beach (ocean or makai side of Kalaheo Ave ) and runs from Kalapawai Market back to the Kawainui Mash canal outlet (at Pinky's Bar & Grill).     Kailua Real Estate - Beachside 2012 Sold Homes   LandSqFt IntSqFt Bed/Ba Sale Price  DOM   110 N Kalaheo Ave 10,001 808 1/1 $875,000 74  110 N Kalaheo Ave A 10,000 2,089 4/3 $1,200,00 1  156C N Kalaheo Ave 2,699 1,989 3/2 $1,210,000 86  812 D N Kalaheo Ave 10,... 01/31/2013

Kailua's Keolu Hills is an older neighborhood (most homes built in the 60's era which are generally single wall construction homes) that sometimes offers lovely views of Kailua's Enchanted Lakes and the neighborhood below. It is located just a few minutes from Kailua Beach. In the past six months there have been 20 listings that have sold with the average price of $714k. To date, Kailua's median price range is just below $800k, so Keolu Hills is somewhat affordable for the area. There is a new listing that has popped up last week that is a little out of character since it is fairly new, built in 1989 and double wall construction. It is listed by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, list price $829k in above average condition. Ready to move condition with a view. Interior is 1581 sf, and ... 01/30/2013

Aikahi Park neighborhood is popular with retired military and young families who want to be in the Aikahi School district, among others. Prices generally range from about $750,000 up to $1,200,000 2012 proved it's a desirable area in Kailua with 9 sales and an average 43 days on market. Kailua Real Estate - Aihaki Park - 2012 Sold Homes   LandSqFt IntSqFt Bed/Ba Sale Price DOM 218 Aihaki Lp 8,230 1,511 3/2 $750,000 12 231 Aikahi Lp 8,250 1,820 3/2 $760,000 35 64 Kaneohe Bay Dr 15,926 1,462 3/1 $740,000 97 256 Aikane St 8,250 1,638 3/2 $825,000 9 97 Aikahi Lp 7,600 2,396 4/3 $905,000 6 242 Aikahi Lp 8,525 1,808 4/2 $962,500 35 222 & 222A Aikane St 9,377 2,173 4/3 $1,050,000 12 118 Aikahi Lp 7,558 2,053 5/3 $950,000 112 265 Aikahi Pl 8,059 2,672 6/3 $1,155,000 68 For more information on A... 01/28/2013

Lanikiai is recognized to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A long strip of sparkling white sand, endless, sunshine and the deep turquoise water make Lanikai simply irresistable. it is considered by many local residents to be the best swimming beach on Oahu. Many people kayak to the nearby popular Mokulua Twin Islands, both noted bird sanctuaries. It is also popular with boaters, surfers, paddlers, and sailers. Lanikai Beach truly lives up to its translated name of "Heavenly Sea". There is a beautiful oceanfront Lanikai Property for a cool 10 Million that just came on the market recently. I visited it yesterday for broker's open. It is listed by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. The property was built in 2011. It is a 6 bedroom, 5 1/2 bath with a spacious 6573 square ... 01/25/2013

If you are purchasing or already own Oahu real estate, chances are you may need to do some home improvements projects in the near future.  The Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA-Hawaii) Home Building & Remodeling Show 2013 might be a great place to look for ideas and inspiration for your Oahu real estate, as well as to locate some great contractors for your Oahu real estate project. The Oahu home improvement show will be held at the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall in Honolulu. The show starts Friday, January 25 from 5-9pm and goes through Saturday (10am to 9pm) and Sunday, January 27 (10am to 4pm).  Admission is $6.00 for one day, $8.00 for a 3-day pass, and $2.00 for Seniors, on Sunday. Kids 10 and under are FREE.  Coupons for $2.00 off a one day pass are in Hawaii Home & Re... 01/21/2013

Kailua only has two highrise condominiums in its community that affords its residents a fabulous view from the higher floors, Windward Passage and Meridian East. Last week Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties listed this Meridian East property and I couldn't wait to see it. I visited it on our Thursday broker's open with a client (investor). When I was in the elevator going to the unit, I  couldn't help but sing that song "Moving on up to the penthouse in the sky" :) It is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath PH that has the potential of being a 3 bedroom if you converted the office area and enclosed it since it already has a closet installed. The interior square footage is 1300 sf and has a spacious lanai of 377 sf. Listed for $625,000. The maintenance fees are surprisingly low below $500 per mo. Ammenit... 01/21/2013

JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A BRIEF UPDATE ON THIS PROPERTY THAT I BLOGGED ABOUT A FEW DAYS AGO LISTED AT $1,695,000. THERE ARE THREE TO FOUR OFFERS IN HAND. ONCE THIS SELLS, I WILL POST THE CLOSING PRICE.   JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU, IF YOU PRICE A PROPERTY AGGRESSIVELY, STAGE IT BEAUTIFULLY, AND MARKET IT CORRECTLY, IT WILL SELL IN A MATTER OF DAYS IN KAILUA!!!! IF THIS IS ANY INDICATION TO WHAT IS TO COME, 2013 IS GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR FOR REAL ESTATE. 01/15/2013

I attended Broker's Open yesterday and there was a stand out Kailua Beachside property that was immaculate! A home that is ready to move in and upgraded down to the "indoor/outdoor" carpet in the garage!! A Coldwell Banker Paciific Properties listing that is well priced at $1,695,000. I wouldn't be surprised if they got their asking price or a bit higher. This is a 3/3 with 2836 sf interior and 13,988 exterior. Gorgeous pool and waterfall in the backyard, surrounded by a lush green garden and a lava rock wall for privacy. So close to Kailua Beach! Attractive entry brings you into a gracious home w/ large open living spaces. Enjoy high ceilings, skylights, gourmet island kitchen, pretty French doors, lovely master suite w/ glamorous bath featuring a rain shower & soaking tub.  Separate o... 01/11/2013

Kailua's Lanikai is recognized to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A long strip of sparkling white sand, endless sunshine and the deep turquoise water make Lanikai simply irresistable. It is considered by many local residents to be the best swimming beach on Oahu. Many people kayak to the nearby popular Mokulua Twin Islands, both noted bird sanctuaries. It is also very popular with boaters, surfers, paddlers, and sailors. Lanikai Beach truly lives up to its translated name of "Heavenly Sea". Lanikai's median price range is considerably higher than Kailua in general. Kailua's median price range is in the upper $700,000's. In the past six months there have been 6 properties that have sold between the price ranges of 1.2-6.5 million. There are 16 remaining active listings... 01/09/2013

Aloha from Hawaii!! Coming to the conclusion of my VERY much needed vacation in Hawaii. Spent one week on Kauai, and now finishing up our one week in Oahu. The Hawaiian Islands are truly magical. I learned so much about the Aloha spirit while I was here.  Did alot of sight-seeing and checked out many different cities to get a flavor of the different parts of the islands. Kauai was a beautiful island.  Lots of wid chickens and roosters running around.  Beautiful waterfalls and beaches.  We spent New Years Eve on the beach with a spectacular fireworks display. Oahu was really nice and very interesting.  There were parts of Honolulu that made me feel like I was in downtown LA, and I was not expecting that.  Waikiki Beach was impressive.  I think my favorite city was Kailua. Headed back to ... 01/08/2013

For the last 5 years or so, President Obama has been visiting Kailua for the Holidays. Below are a few pictures of where he has stayed. The first picture is a shot from my office. This is the security set up from the canal. The house is located inside this area of houses sitting on Kailua beach. I believe he still is renting this property when he visits along with several others in the Kailuana Beachside area for his family and security staff. This stunning house is 4606 sq ft under roof, and on 24,202 square feet of land. It is a beautiful property. Before the president stayed there we called it "The Bali House" because of how it is designed and decorated. Since the president has been visiting every Christmas, we have renamed it "The Winter White House". The property sold in 2009 for $... 12/24/2012

Aloha Everyone, This is a monthly report from Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties for agents to share with their sphere. I hope that you benefit from this.It's very likely that when you hear "Home for the Holidays", you think of being with family and friends, enjoying all that this season has to offer.Home for the Holidays this year may also bring to mind the dream of buying your first home, sizing up or down to a more suitable home, or even buying an investment property. That's because this holiday season, the real estate market is as active as Santa and his elves.Virtually every statistic in the latest report from the Honolulu Board of Realtors is positive for sellers, and current mortgage interest rates and a variety of loan programs bring cheer to buyers.A snapshot of the most recent... 12/13/2012

Holiday season is here and it is almost time for the upcoming Light it up Kailua holiday tree lighting ceremony in Kailua. The giant tree at Castle Medical Center, at Kalanianaole Hwy and Kailua Road, will be strung with thousands of lights for the event.  Last year’s event featured a trolley ride, a live nativity scene, and many other festivities.This year, the festivities will start at 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, with celebrity M.C.s, Gregg Hammer (Island 98.5) and Dawn O’Brien (The FISH FM 95.5). There will be performances by the Marine Forces Pacific Band (6:15 p.m.) Vaihi (7:30 p.m.) and a special perfomrance by Barrett and Tara Awai.Event Parking will be available at the Kailua Town Center, Christ’s Church Uniting Disciples and Presyterians (1300 Kailua Road) and Faith ... 12/04/2012

Copyright, Tomas del Amo. Used with permission.   12/04/2012

Most people only know of one type of real estate ownership; fee simple, also known as freehold.  There are a handful of states that have another form of ownership known as leasehold. The difference in these two types of land tenure is very different and affects the value of the real estate.  It is important to know the difference, especially if you're buying real estate in a leasehold state (i.e. Hawaii, New York, Florida).  What is the difference between leasehold and fee simple? FEE SIMPLE:  Fee simple ownership is probably the most familiar form of ownership to buyers of residential real estate. Depending on where you are from, you may not know of any other way to own real estate.  Fee simple is sometimes called fee simple absolute because it is the most complete form of ownership.  ... 12/04/2012

Getting the right type of real estate home loan is an important part of the home buying process. I have put together some very basic information regarding the types of real estate home loans that are common in the market today:Fixed-rate mortgages: Fixed rate mortgages are mortgages where the interest rate stays the same for the entire term of the loan. The advantage to a fixed rate mortgage is that if you lock a relatively low rate, your payment won’t go up when rates do.Adjustable-Rate Mortgages: With an adjustable rate mortgage, the rate of the loan can change throughout the term of the loan. The rate of the loan is based on adding points to a fixed base.Hybrid loans: A hybrid loan combines a fixed period along with an adjustable component. Usually these loans are fixed for a period... 11/30/2012

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties has a great property on the market in Kailua's Kalama Tract area. It is a 4/2 with 2216 interior and 10,000 sf exterior. It has a bonus family room and a 2nd kitchen which comes in handy for extended family. It is listed for $1,179,000 which is a great price for the area. Charming island style home in desirable Kalama Tract neighborhood, located one block from beautiful Kailua Beach. Great floor plan with large spacious kitchen with granite countertops, separate family room and dining area with polished concrete floors. New house wiring & meter installed in 2012. Large landscaped backyard and cool breezes from the covered patio. Automatic sprinkler system. The Kalama Tract area is conveniently located very close to Kailua Beach. So these properties are... 11/28/2012

I WANTED TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON MY RECENT ARTICLE ON THIS PROPERTY. A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH PROPERTY THAT WAS BASICALLY A BARE BONES PROPERTY WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO SCOOP IT UP AND CREATE THEIR OWN LITTLE PALACE. COLDWELL BANKER PACIFIC PROPERTIES AGENT PRICED IT JUST UNDER MARKET VALUE, RECEIVED 18 OFFERS AND NOW HAS REVEILED ITS SALES PRICE FOR 46K MORE THAN ASKING. FOR BUYERS: IF YOU INTEND TO BE IN THE GAME OF PURCHASING, IT IS A JUNGLE OUT THERE. THIS IS WHY YOU NEED A GOOD AGENT TO REPRESENT YOU. FOR SELLERS: WE NEED MORE LISTINGS LIKE THIS. THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN INVENTORY!! Single Family ML#: 1211507 Sold   List: $599,000 Sold: $645,000 FS - Fee Simple TMK: 1-4-2-042-036-0000 Addr: 583 Ulukanu St City: Kailua HI Zip: 96734 Regn: Kailua Neighborhood: OLOMANA Roofd Liv Ar: 1,840 ... 11/20/2012

  I have been working these clients searching for a property since early July. A super nice couple who is newly married that relocated back to Hawaii. The wife works in the coast guard and the husband is a retired vet. So they wanted to take advantage of their veteran benefits to purchase a house. This is usually easy to find a property under normal circustances, however being that we are in a seller's market here in Kailua, it was a battle to land a house for them. Over a four month period, they fallen out of escrow due to a "cloud on title" with the first house, and placed offers on 3 other properties with disappointing results due to a multiple offer situation on two of the properties. The challenge with VA clients is that usually, these people are coming in with minimal money down, ... 11/13/2012

Happy Veteran's Day to all those who have served!  There may be no other state in the United States where the military culture is more a part of life than in Hawaii.  This may come as a suprise to some, but anyone who has lived here, on Oahu, knows that the military is an integral part of the community and the island economy is dependent upon it.  Military service members and their dependents make up roughly 1/8 to 1/10 of the entire population of the State of Hawaii.  On Oahu, where there are numerous military bases, the percentage of the military population is even higher. On Friday, I attended a Military Appreciation Day celebration and mass at St. Anthony School in Kailua.  This Military Appreciation Day Celebration was made even more special because my husband, who is currently ser... 11/11/2012