The day after Christmas and all is hustling and bustling in the shopping centers with the 'day after' returns and sales and the use of all those gift cards. I'm reflecting (before I hit the stores lol) on my day yesterday and how the beauty of the Ko'o'lau Mountains took my breath away...if only for a moment. And a pull off to the side to see Kaneohe Bay, the harbor and the mountains on the other side of the bay....and even for a drizzle here and there.....the beauty of the bay was astounding. Going back through the tunnels on the H-3 freeway to head home I had a moment of clarity. Don't take life, family and business forgranted and cherish all you have each and every day.  From here to there....take not forgranted .... for we know not what lies on the other side.     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... 12/26/2009

  There is very little red tape involved in getting a va loan in Oahu, Hawaii.  VA loans often require no down payment. Other than the certificate of eligibility and the Va appraisal getting a Va loan in Oahu, Hawaii is just like applying for any other loan program. There five easy steps to getting a va loan in Oahu, Hawaii   Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for a va loan in Oahu, Hawaii Apply to a Mortgage Lender for a va loan in Oahu, Hawaii. Find a Realtor who knows how to structure a VA purchase offer. Locate a property and make an offer Close the va loan in Oahu, Hawaii and move in     There are several advantages for those with a va loan in Oahu, Hawaii. . Usually requires no down payment for a va loan in Oahu, Hawaii . 100% financing available for loan amounts up to $783,75... 07/30/2009

I never am the guy that wants to share bad news or focus on a negative.  After saying that the lending arena is getting worse. Take the VA loan for instance. Lenders are guaranteed that the VA will pay them 25% should a borrower default. One would think it would be a pretty safe bet for a Lender to give money to a qualified Military member as they have job security. In addition the Lender will get at least 25% of their money back. In the not too distant past Lending money to service member's that had a 580 mid score and a 70% Dti back end ratio was common place because the lender was looking at the above mentioned factors. 2years ago I closed a loan for a client that  had a recent bankruptcy, unstable employment history and not a dime in reserve. Today you couldn't look at a Bk unless i... 07/09/2009

One of the most frequent objections I hear to not wanting home ownership is " I'm only going to be here three years" Lets examine that just a little. Firstly If they are  an E-5 they are going to be throwing away about $60,000 just in BAH. In addition there is no tax write off. Most people forget that a huge advantage of home ownership is to fight uncle Sam. I recently heard someone tell me that they don't want to own because its too expensive to pay for utilities.  Folks base housing is not free. I have heard alot of objections in the face of fear, but the one objection that reads loudest is " I am only going to be here three years." There our two fears going on in the mind at this time. 1. will I be able to get renter's and 2. my Bah could potentially be alot less at my next station. ... 07/07/2009

Haiku Stairs (or otherwise known as the "stairway to heaven") is located on the Kaneohe side of Oahu and now closed to hikers. The stairs were riginally used to access longwire radio antennaes high above Haiku Valley and stretch about 1/2 mile long and over 4,000 steps.     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com    05/20/2009

Hello everyone! Here's a new listing I got in Kaneohe.  These 1 bedroom units seldom become available.  I sold one last year for $290,000.  This one is $270,000!Rarely available 1 bed unit Puu Iki! This ground floor unit is turnkey & ready to move right in. Newer refrigerator, range hood & tiled floor throughout, washer/dryer in unit. Low maint. fee & property taxes! On the makai side of Kamehameha Hwy & surrounded lush grounds of Puu Alii, it's peaceful, yet walking distance to shops, restaurants, etc. Won't last long... 03/15/2009

November was a pretty good month for surf on Oahu.  In the winter we get more waves on the famous North Shore (20 feet and higher) and the West and East shores.  In Honolulu (town) the surf is smaller during winter. We had the chance to surf at a break located within Kaneohe Marine Corps Base on a Saturday in November.  You can't just drive in there, you gotta know someone with access if you're not military. The surf break is called North Beach.  We took one look at the waves and were ready to go.  The sets had five to six foot faces and was a fun day!  Here's a photo of one of the smaller waves.  It was overcast and the photo came out dark. Then, the tricky part.  Getting back to shore.  Sounds simple, right?  Not at North Beach.  There's lots of reef and rocks.  We paddled back in and... 12/05/2008

The Kaneohe communities (zip code of 96744 and some connecting neighborhoods) have seen changes in the real estate market.  Single Family homes sales have softened. Average sales prices of single family homes year to date are up slightly.  In the month of September we saw a slight dip that was mostly attributed to an increase in sales volume of lower priced homes.  Sales volume saw a bump in September, but year to date is still down form the 2007 levels.  Inventory levels are high with more than a years worth of inventory.  If current conditions continue buyers will find sellers may be a little more negotiable. Condo and townhouse prices are a little rosier.  Inventory level has climbed to over a years worth in the Kaneohe area.   Prices although year to date have seen stable, but with ... 10/03/2008

I just got a new listing in Puu Alii in Kaneohe.  It's a cute little complex called Puu Iki adjacent to Puu Alii and Lilipuna.  Unlike the Lilipuna, there is ample guest parking.  What I'm excited about this listing is that it is a 1 bedroom, which seldom becomes available.  The parking stall is right in front of the unit, #1 which is not only great but hard to forget :) The seller recently installed laminate flooring, tile and completely painted the place.  It's also within walking distance to shops, restaurants & Windward Mall.  The last Kaneohe 1 bedroom at Haiku Point just closed at $317,000 and we're priced at $290,000.  Hurry! Won't last long... 07/10/2008

 Are you tired of "fat cats" who take more than they give back? Maybe it's time to find out why Exit Realty is better and growing at 77%!  With International Residuals paid beyond death, no other Real Estate company can offer more than Exit Realty.  Learn how to sponsor and receive single level residuals equal to 10% of the gross commissions the agents you sponsored make on ALL OF THEIR FUTURE SALES!  This helps to receive something in between your own closings thereby correcting the cash flow problems Realtors have to deal with.  If you decide to retire or go inactive, your sponsoring residuals will continue to be paid out at 7% and if you should pass away, your beneficiary shall continue receiving 5% for as long as the sponsored agents are producing.  You can sponsor as many agents as... 12/17/2007

According to the Honolulu Board of Realtors Monthly Statistical Report for November 2007 (year to date), the average median price of a single family home is $645,000 and $325,000 for condos.  The average listing price is $699,000 and $347,300.  Even though the sales volume has dropped slightly, the average price sold has still increased.  With the current inventory and number of listings sold, it is estimated there are 7.4 months of inventory remaining for SFH and 5.8 months of inventory remaining for condo.  What does this mean?  It's a great time to SELL!  Our local market has been stable with positive economic growth fueling the prices to continue to increase at single digit rates even though the over all demand has slowed down.  The unique thing about our market is that it is also a... 12/14/2007

The Kaneohe communities (zip code of 96744 and some connecting neighborhoods) have seen changes in the real estate market.The below figures include both fee simple and leasehold properties.  These are only the totals and average sale prices.Single Family homes sales have softened. Average sales prices of single family homes have seen some dropping, while sales volume has increased. Inventory levels have decreased to a little over 5 months worth.  This is compared to over 8 months worth of inventory earlier in the year.Condo and townhouse sales are another story.  Inventory is relatively low and prices have continued to climb.  Sales volume was a little slower earlier in the year; has picked up to similar levels as 2006.Currently Active for Sale (as of 11/29/07):  185 Single Family Homes... 11/29/2007

Breathtaking! The Ko'olau Mountain Range is not a "normal" mountain range. The western half that is seen is what is left of the Ko'olau Volcano that was destroyed in Prehistoric times. What happened was the eastern half and much of the summit caldera (feature formed during volcanic activity) slid into the Pacific Ocean.These fragments were cast 100 miles over the northeast part of the ocean floor. History says the eruption first took place on the ocean floor 2.5 million years ago. It kept growing in elevation (which you see here to the left) and currently stands over 3,000 feet above sea level. Scientists believe that this dormant volcano will one day come to life again.The map below shows the monstrosity of the Ko'olau Mountains (to the right and all in green) which is the length of ou... 10/21/2007

The Kaneohe communities (zip code of 96744 and some connecting neighborhoods) have seen changes in the real estate market.  Single Family homes sales have softened. Average sales prices of single family homes have seen some dropping; not so good news for sellers.  Buyers will find more selection with nearly 8 months worth of inventory; they will also find sellers that may be a little more negotiable.Condo and townhouse sales are another story.  Inventory is relatively low and prices have continued to climb.  Sales volume is still remaining strong.  This may be a dynamic of buyers moving to condos and townhouses as they got priced out of the single family home market.   Currently (May 7, 2007) under the "Active for Sale Category" there are:  119 Single Family Homes  62 Condos/ Townhouses... 06/09/2007

The Kaneohe communities (zip code of 96744) real estate market has had a small increase in sales activity over 2006 for the sale time period, there has been a some drops in average sales prices.  The one bright spot was in March the average sales prices of condos went up.  Interest rates are still low and there is a good selection of inventory making it a good market for buyers.  Sellers may need to be somewhat negotiable with the amount of units for sale especially in the single family homes.Currently under the "Active for Sale Category" there are:  113 Single Family Homes   32 Condos/ TownhousesCurrently in Escrow: 37 Single Family Homes  12 Condos/ TownhousesFor the Month of March 2007        Single Family Homes Number of Sales Average Sales PriceArea20072006% Change 20072006% Change... 04/23/2007

Below is a list of condos and townhouses in the Kapolei area that are pet friendly.This is an important question for families with pets.  Also if you are relocating to Hawaii, this issue of animal quarantine comes up.  If you are relocating to Hawaii do your self and your pet a favor and check out the Dept. of Agriculture website for animal quarantine information:  http://www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htmCondominium CP = Cooperative PH = Public Housing PHE = Public Housing for the Elderly R = Rental TH = TownhouseBoard App'd = Board is required to approve the petRN = Reasonable Number* = Small dogs under 25 pounds+ = No dogs over 50 pounds** = No large parrot-type birds BuildingAddressBldg. TypeLimitDogs CatsBirds RabbitsBoard App'd?AHUIMANI GARDENS47-360 HUI IWA ST 96744 C 1 YES  Y... 04/08/2007

Kaneohe (tax map keys 144 thru 147)Single family homes sold has slowed some, but prices have steadily climbed.  January single family home sales started the year a little bit slow, while condos and townhouses were off to a good clip.The below figures include both fee simple and leasehold properties.  These are only the totals and averages. Here are number of single family homes sold in the Kaneohe and the surrounding areas:2007:                                                                                       Average Sales Price:Today                                     124 homes active for saleToday                                       38 homes in escrowJanuary 2007                             14 homes sold                       7/1/06 through 12/31/06:         126 homes sold     ... 02/12/2007