Aloha,I think I've finally caught up! Last week was exceptionally busy after coming back from being on Oahu from Wed, the 9th to Sunday the 13th. This week I'm back on track, even if the weather is so beautiful that it just begs for one to go to the beach - to swim, body surf, lay in the sun - for anything. Oh well. Even if I can't partake in all that Kauai has to offer it's still great just being in Paradise. On to your weekly condo update:Copyright 4/20/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS207502 T A 3 4-5-4-5-3-17 FS $399,000 Princeville Paniolo #202 1,058 #202 1/2210059 T A 6 4-5-4-5-27-18 FS $450,000 Hale Honu #9B 1,085 #9B 3/2210045 T A 2 4-5-4-5-27-1 FS $460,000 Hale Honu #1A 1,085 #1A 3/1.5209990 T A 3 4-5-4-5-30-19 FS $619,000 Princeville Mauna Kai #D301 1,488 #D301 3/... 04/22/2008

Aloha,I think I've finally caught up! Last week was exceptionally busy after coming back from being on Oahu from Wed, the 9th to Sunday the 13th. This week I'm back on track, even if the weather is so beautiful that it just begs for one to go to the beach - to swim, body surf, lay in the sun - for anything. Oh well. Even if I can't partake in all that Kauai has to offer it's still great just being in Paradise. On to your weekly condo update:Copyright 4/20/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS207502 T A 3 4-5-4-5-3-17 FS $399,000 Princeville Paniolo #202 1,058 #202 1/2210059 T A 6 4-5-4-5-27-18 FS $450,000 Hale Honu #9B 1,085 #9B 3/2210045 T A 2 4-5-4-5-27-1 FS $460,000 Hale Honu #1A 1,085 #1A 3/1.5209990 T A 3 4-5-4-5-30-19 FS $619,000 Princeville Mauna Kai #D301 1,488 #D301 3/... 04/22/2008

Aloha,If you read my previous blog you know I just returned from Oahu where I attended a class geared towards obtaining my Certified Residential Specialist designation. All of the CRS classes I have taken are well worth the time and money, and this class was no exception. Let me get on with the update from last week:Copyright 4/14/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS209673 T A 6 4-5-4-5-3-4 FS $385,000 Princeville Paniolo #104 1,058 #104 1/2209599 T A 7 4-5-4-15-21-31 FS $475,000 Sandpiper Village I #131 1,042 #131 2/2209956 T A 3 4-5-4-11-3-42 FS $1,298,000 Hanalei Bay Resort #L38 1,324 #L38 2/2209676 T C 7 4-5-4-11-3-54 FS $1,095,000 Hanalei Bay Resort #J22 1,324 #Apt.#7203-4 2/2 BACK ON THE MARKET208766 SH A 86 4-5-4-5-23-23 FS $165,000 Plantation At Princeville #621 1,318 ... 04/15/2008

Aloha,Here is your house update for this past week:Copyright 4/6/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS209485 SH A 2 4-5-4-15-3 FS $395,000 3979 Kamehameha Rd 10,772 sqft 3,558 5/3.5209478 RS A 5 4-5-4-16-40 FS $799,000 4130 Kekaulike Ln 10,500 sqft 1,625 3/2209601 RS A 2 4-5-4-23-55 FS $825,000 3781 Milimakani Pl 7,187 sqft 1,295 3/2208360 RS A 3 4-5-4-25-4 FS $4,200,000 5174 Hanalei Plantation 16,307 sqft 4,215 2/3 CONTINGENT SALES192103 RS C 398 4-5-4-24-5 FS $760,000 4200 Waileia Pl 9,639 sqft 1,928 3/2.5 SALES189932 RS S 393 4-5-4-18-17 FS $679,000 4725 Emmalani Dr 10,248 sqft 1,388 2/2SOLD 3/31/2008 for $620,000 (CNV) DOM 393 205270 RS S 72 4-5-4-23-53 FS $849,000 3785 Milimakani Pl 7,812 sqft 1,678 3/2SOLD 4/2/2008 for $800,000 (CASH) DOM 72 195521 RS S 269 4-5-4-15-3 FS ... 04/06/2008

Aloha,Finally, this week there are a few new low listing prices along with some good price reductions, leading me to believe there are some motivated sellers still out there that are not clinging to the mantra of "I know this is a buyer's market...but"... (which is a topic for a later blog.) Here is your condo up date for this week:Copyright 4/6/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS209244 T A 6 4-5-3-6-22-63 FS $1,089,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #63 1,901 #63 2/2.5209209 T A 6 4-5-4-15-21-32 FS $399,000 Sandpiper Village I #132 1,042 #132 2/2 BACK ON THE MARKET202473 T A 165 4-5-3-6-22-27 FS $1,899,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #27 2,864 #27 3/3.5209209 T A 6 4-5-4-15-21-32 FS $399,000 Sandpiper Village I #132 1,042 #132 2/2199453 T A 158 4-5-4-12-10-19 FS $670,000 Emmalani Court... 04/06/2008

Check out this GREAT deal in Princeville... chances are it will not last long! Sandpiper unit 216 is a three bedroom (2 bedrooms + loft), 2.5 bath condo offered at $399,000. The last sale of a similar unit was $460,000. Totally rent-able as it is, these units are advertised at $1400 on the A side and $850 on the B side (Owner pays utilities) ~ oh, did i mention this unit has a lock-out?!? For personal living, unit 216 needs some TLC ~ fresh carpet, fresh paint, and new appliances would do it some good ~ but by my estimation based on past unit upgrades... this could be upgraded in a deluxe manner from $30,000. The complex is well maintained with beautiful manicured landscaping, one of the largest swimming pools in Princeville, BBQ area and Jacuzzi. Maintenance fees are $475 per month and... 03/30/2008

Aloha,We've had another week of spectacular weather just to my liking. Not too hot with bright blue skies. If you've been wondering about our temperatures during the winter months, this winter has been very mild. In the past, on occasion the temps have gone down into the low 60's at night. I can even recall a few times when it went as low as 59! This is not the norm and when it happens, you will find me in my seldom used sweatpants and sweatshirt. During the day the temps are in the high 70's to low 80's. Perfect for hinking, enjoying the beach, water sports and whatever else you want to do. Our temps don't get that high during the summer either making it ideal weather all year round.The market seems to have dropped off a bit leading up to and after Easter. Still some people looking out... 03/30/2008

Sandpiper 216 just came on the market at $399! This is an upstairs interior unit which faces the courtyard and the pool. Although you do get a little bit of pool noise, the on-site management at Sandpiper is excellent and they do an great job of keeping things quiet after hours. This unit was previously listed for 545 days from 9/05 to 3/07, starting at $589K and gradually reducing to $489K over the life of the listing. Today's list price tells me this seller really wants to sell. Here are the other units on the market:Copyright 3/27/2008 by Hawaii Information Service209158 T A 0 4-5-4-15-21-53 FS $399,000 Sandpiper Village I #216 1,173 #216 3/2.5206436 T A 59 4-5-4-15-21-7 FS $419,000 Sandpiper Village I #107 1,042 #107 2/2198214 T A 242 4-5-4-15-21-15 FS $429,000 Sandpiper Village I #... 03/27/2008

Happy Easter,....and what a glorious day it is! To me, the perfect day is one with bright blue skies, a few puffy white clouds, and cooling trades- and that is just what we have today. The combination of warm sun and cool tradewinds keeps your body temperature just perfect. I hope all of you are enjoying your Easter Sunday in a similarily enjoyable fashion. Here is your weekly update:Copyright 3/23/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS208656 T A 3 4-5-4-5-39-7 LH $475,000 Cliffs At Princeville #1107 917 #1107 1/2208333 T A 5 4-5-4-5-30-6 FS $499,000 Princeville Mauna Kai #F6 1,400 ##5 3/2209061 T A 1 4-5-4-12-2-6 FS $524,000 Hale Moi #106 1,033 #106 2/2208668 T A 3 4-5-4-12-5-28 LH $635,000 Pali Ke Kua Incr I, ii, iii #210C 1,127 #210C 2/2208230 T A 7 4-5-4-5-18-82 FS $644,900 ... 03/24/2008

 Aloha and Happy St. Patrick's Day!I not much of a beef eater but could not pass up some excellent corned beef and cabbage at a weekend St. Paddy's day party. Hope all of you enjoyed the weekend with something green. (perhaps a green beer?) The weather has been holding steady, with occasional evening and early morning sprinkles and bright sunshine and tradewinds all day long. I should add that I've been down in the Lihue area the past few days, housesitting for a friend in the Villas of Puali in Puhi. After being a North Shore resident for the past 17 years, I am delighting in the fact that Macys, Walmart, Costco, the Cinema and Duke's restaurant are just minutes away. Why Duke's? Have you been to their downstairs restaurant / bar area? I think that's one of the nicest casual dining are... 03/17/2008

Real estate agents always talk "price" first and foremost, but sometimes it really is just a matter of timing. Case in point: Puamana 22C listed for $419K went into escrow the other day with only 16 days on the market. The thing about it is, this unit was previously listed from 5/07 to 10/07 during which time it went from a start price of $510K down to a low of $410K - less than what it was listed for this time. At one point, the seller was even willing to pay $7K of closing costs, yet the unit languished and the seller finally withdrew it. Apparently, the timing was just not right the first time around. Speaking of timing, you have another chance at a great buy, one that I cannot believe is back on the market. I've commented many times about Nihilani 21C. This is a single level, upstai... 03/13/2008

Aloha,I hope you are not somewhere reading this where the weather is undesirable, as I have to report that we have had yet another stellar week. Today the ocean was so invitingly flat (can you tell I am not a surfer?) it looked like a bathtub. It was bright and sunny with high clouds, just enough to keep a pleasant coolness in the air. My friend and I were over looking at used kayaks at the local kayak rental shop in Hanalei. This was just after we had a seared Ahi sandwich on ciabatta bread by the Hanalei River, sitting at an outside table at the Hanalei Dolphin Restaurant. While Jack was talking to the rental owner, I chatted with a young girl from Texas as her parents came walking up. All she kept repeating to her mom and dad was "she lives here..." like it was the most unbelievable ... 03/09/2008

Princeville Hotel to close for 7 months After several years of rumors, press releases, and delays, the Princeville Resort announced this week that beginning Sept. 19, 2008, they will be closing during renovations to re-brand the hotel as The St. Regis Resort, part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts luxury series. Pool view from the St. Regis Monarch in California The marble lobby of the Princeville Hotel, which is expected to be replaced with Hawaiian hardwoods. Princeville managment cited recent economic conditions as having prompted the hotels decision to close rather than stay open during the renovations. The renovation will completely transform the 252-room hotel, including a redesign of the guest rooms, renovated public areas like the lobby and swimming pool and addition of an on-sit... 03/02/2008

Aloha,And warm tropical wishes to you.  We've been having great weather which always brings out the buyers.  Hopefully it will continue so we can get some of the good values SOLD!  Here is your Princeville house update for this week: Copyright 3/1/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS206819 RS A 5 4-5-4-8-4 FS $999,000 3921 Punahele Rd 11,872 sqft 1,556 3/2208122 RS A 2 4-5-4-7-19 FS $1,225,000 3928 Punahele Rd 9,999 sqft 1,694 3/2206045 RS A 4 4-5-4-21-18 FS $1,250,000 4922 Akai Pl 10,879 sqft 3,064 3/2.5207373 RS A 6 4-5-4-10-5 FS $1,495,000 4126 Liholiho Rd 9,969 sqft 2,439 3/2.5 BACK ON THE MARKET200239 RS A 190 4-5-3-12-12 FS $1,795,000 3985 Aloalii Dr 8,554 sqft 3,340 2/3188351 RS A 422 4-5-4-17-2 FS $1,128,000 4959 Emmalani Dr 10,875 sqft 2,682 4/4.5 CONTINGENT SALES1979... 03/01/2008

 Aloha,It sure seems to me that real estate activity has suddenly picked up - at least for this past two weeks. I know I've been busy showing property as have several other agents in our office, plus I've had several showing requests which is a welcome change of pace. Perhaps the outstanding weather we've been having is making it hard for our visitors to go home without a piece of real estate to call their own. On to the news of the week- your condo update!Copyright 3/1/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS207580 T A 5 4-5-3-11-1-20 FS $975,000 Villas On The Prince #20 1,767 #20 3/3207945 T A 4 4-5-4-5-18-81 FS $419,000 Puamana #22C 1,790 #22C 2/2208089 T A 2 4-5-4-5-24-43 FS $650,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #15A 1,406 #15A 2/2207652 T A 3 4-5-4-5-24-25 FS $659,200 Nihil... 03/01/2008

Aloha, Here's your Princeville House update for this week:Copyright 2/24/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceNEW LISTINGS207583 RS A 6 4-5-4-8-47 FS $3,275,000 5045 Kapiolani Lp 16,502 sqft 4,226 5/4.5 UNDER CONTRACT204442 RS U 51 4-5-4-16-21 FS $1,239,000 4070 Kaa'humanu Pl 10,536 sqft 2,334 3/3 PRICE CHANGES206607 RS A 791 4-5-4-19-19 FS $1,045,000- 5086 Napo'okala Cir 15,326 sqft 2,206 3/3205193 RS A 60 4-5-4-14-31 FS $1,695,000- 3885 Kamehameha Rd 12,127 sqft 2,372 4/3 This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed. The new listing at 5045 Kapiolani Loop is not all that new, having been previously listed from 3/07 to 1/08 at $3.475M at which time it was withdrawn from the marke... 02/24/2008

I knew it just couldn't last forever.. I mean the weather was so stunningly picture perfect every day last week I just had to go to the beach yesterday. I've been working all week at my home office where I can look out and see the ocean from my condo as well as any activity on the bluff in front of my place. Recently, I've had some "long term" neighbors who are here for a month in the timeshare downstairs. Almost every day as I sat typing away on the computer, when I looked out towards the ocean there they were, sitting in the sun, having pulled their lanai chairs off the lanai and onto the grass so they could bask in the sun for yet another few hours...that's why I say I just HAD to go to the beach and soak up some of that sun myself.  So, on to our update for this week:Copyright 2/24/... 02/24/2008

I alway wonder when sellers raise their price or come back on the market at a higher price when they can't sell their property. The logic there simply escapes me, unless perhaps the seller feels the market is moving upward and it's time to move up with it. If this is the case, I must say, the upward surge has escaped me. What I think, simply stated, is this: there is simply too much inventory on the market which, along with all the mainland bad press, is keeping pricing down and buyers away. After all, why hurry over to buy something that has been on the market for the last 6 months and has been on steadily reduced? Buyers are a pretty sophisticated demanding bunch these days. And why shouldn't they be? There's a lot of information to be had for the asking, information to help them make... 02/22/2008

 Aloha,Welcome back from a long holiday weekend. I know I'm late with this week's update but it was a very busy weekend for me....and yes, I just had to go to the beach for a couple of hours yesterday. You would have done the same if you were here; it was such a spectacular day. We've had several days in a row now that were simply outstanding - truly how you envision the weather to be in "paradise." I worked through the weekend and finally found my way to Kalihiwai Beach where there was a private patch of sand just waiting for me. The surf was just high enough to entertain visitors and locals alike as they jumped in the waves while also lulling people like myself to sleep who were settled comfortably on the sand nodding off to the sound of the gently crashing waves. It's what I now refe... 02/19/2008

 The news today is that what I believe to be the firse resale Ka'iulani went into escrow after 307 days on the market. This unit is priced at $1,685,000; down considerably from the original $2,150,000 it was listed for in 4/07. Unfortunately, this unit was purchased for $1,861,490 in 3/07, which will probably net the seller a nice tax deduction for 08. These are all the Ka'iulanis currently listed and in escrow/under contract:Copyright 2/12/2008 by Hawaii Information ServiceListed207166 T A 5 4-5-3-6-22-59 FS $995,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #59 1,892 #59 2/2.5206788 T A 5 4-5-3-6-22-70 FS $995,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #70 1,781 #70 2/2.5206220 T A 8 4-5-3-6-22-67 FS $1,095,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville #67 1,901 #67 2/2.5207194 T A 4 4-5-3-6-22-72 FS $1,295,000 Kaiulani Of Princeville... 02/12/2008