Lavaman Keauhou Triathlon Scheduled for November 18, 2012 After competing in a hand full of sprint triathlons, I decided to sign up for the Keauhou Lavaman 2012. It's an olympic distance race consisting of a 1.5K swim followed my a 40K bike ride and a 10K run. The Lavaman Keauhou starts and finishes at beautiful Keauhou Bay and much of the race winds through the Keauhou resort area of Kailua-Kona, which is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. The race is sponsored by the Keauhou Bay Sheraton and there will be an after party with music on the beautiful grounds. Kailua-Kona has more than it's fair share of world class athletes for a sleepy little beach town. I know of a former Olympic swimmer with multiple medals, a womens masters swimmer with current world records, an Ultraman top... 04/12/2012

Kailua-Kona Hawaii Real Estate Market Update as of April 2012 The latest real estate statistics for Kona Hawaii have just been released and it shows continued signs of stability.  Year to date, as of April 1, 2012, there have been 97 Single family homes sold in the North Kona District of the Big Island. This is 3% fewer home sales than the first three months of 2011. The median sales price of homes sold in North Kona over the first quarter was $384,981 compared to $407,500 in first quarter 2011. This is a 5.53% decrease in the median sales price of single family homes. However, this weakess contrasts the increases seen in Kona Condominium and land prices.  The median sales price for condominiums in North Kona over the first three months of 2012 was $178,000. This is an increase of 6.59%... 04/03/2012

Canadians Buying Real Estate In Kailua-Kona, Hawaii - Helpful Tips Canadians have known for a long time now that Kona, Hawaii is the place to go to take a break from their cold Winter weather. The Kona Coast is the only part of the Hawaiian Islands that has it's dry season during Winter. I can't tell you how many times i've turned on the news during Winter months to see flash floods in Oahu and Kauai while we are enjoying sunny dry weather in Kona. Often, Canadians choose to buy a home or condominium in Kona as an investment that they can enjoy with family and friends for years to come. Here are a few tips for Canadian buyers to help get the process started. Canadians buying a home or condominium in Kona, Hawaii do not need a social security number, only a valid passport. Lenders in Haw... 03/29/2012

Walk To The Beach In Kona, Hawaii I often have home buyers ask about homes within walking distance to the beach in Kona. From a home buying perspective it raises a few interesting topics unique to Kailua-Kona that should be discussed with clients. First, and maybe surprisingly, homes that are walking distance to the beach (up to about 1/2 mile) do not cost much, if at all, more than homes in Kona that would require driving to the beach. This may come as a shock to people living in say, Southern California where homes in the beach walkability zone command large premiums on the value. Of course, ocean front homes are an exception.   So, why don't homes within walking distance to the beach cost more in Kona? Everyone loves to walk to the beach, right? Well, it has something to do with Mt. ... 03/20/2012

Act 48 has put a whole new spin on the foreclosure market in Hawaii, we are going to take a minute and explore the different options.  Act 48: This act was designed with all good intent, if you are an "owner occupant" and want to stay in your home, this can be God-sent for you. First of all, as a homeowner that has personally gone through the "Make Home Affordable" program that Obama enacted,       IT CAN BE A NIGHTMARE .  Act 48 was designed to help and protect you, and make the banks take a minute,  sit down, and actually take a look at the situation and see if there is a way to save your home.  A few things  1: you need to have means to make payments - (like - have a job)  2: If they start asking you for an appraisal, they have done the bait and switch (trying to get you to do a Refi... 03/10/2012

Big Shout Out for Julie Ziemelis and her Social Media Seminar !    Learn how Big Island businesses are using social media and digital marketing successfully and how you can, too! See examples of Kona businesses using Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc, learn specifically how you can show up in search, and get some individual ideas and advice,too! A portion of all proceeds and 100% of all donations from this seminar will go towards supporting Project Hawaii’s Summer Program for Homeless Keiki. Seminar is March 22nd from 12:30-1:30 at the West Hawaii Association of Realtors, 74-5620 Palani Court #106. Seminar fee is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Please RSVP by March 20th to Julie Ziemelis, Ziemelis Communications    S   julie@ziemelis.com     03/09/2012

Fannie Mae Guidelines for Foreclosure, Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure, and Short Sales, seem to have a moving goal post. Honestly I think it will lighten up even more, with the ever increasing amount of homeowners in trouble, and the amount of bailouts being given out like candy - they are eventually going to have to give the honest, hard working, American a break also.  Take a look at their brochure below and be sure to follow us Facebook    03/05/2012

  Kona Real Estate Market Update - March 2012   I just reviewed the Kona real estate market data as of March 2012 and it looks very similar to last year at this point. The North Kona District saw 56 single family homes sold in the first three months of 2012 compared to 58 homes sold during the same period in 2011. Land sales are also looking very similar to last year with 8 transactions year to date compared to 7 in 2011. There has been a slight slow down in condo sales with 44 units sold so far in 2012 compared to 50 a year ago.  The median sales price of homes sold in Kona during the first three months of 2012 is almost unchanged compared to 2011, down just 2.52%. Condo prices are are down 11.1%. I believe that we are seeing signs of the Kona real estate market stabilizing. Although, ... 03/05/2012

As of March 3 2012, here are the latest updates for Aloha Kona Realty Inc. www.KonaHomeTeam.com for all the updates  A few new listings, and a couple more sales -  Featured Listings click to view Multi Unit Duplex on Alii Drive 76-6175 ALII DRKAILUA KONA, HI $1,590,000 16 Bed16 Bath 8,000 sq ft Kanaloa at Kona Condos for sale # 2601 78-261 MANUKAI STKAILUA KONA, HI $749,000 2 Bed2 Bath 1486 sq ft Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club, 4202 78-6800 ALII DRKailua Kona, HI $579,000 2 Bed2 Bath 1170 sq ft Preview - Kona Coffee Farm, 5 acres plus home 82-1090 KILOACaptain Cook, HI $475,000 3 Bed3 Bath 2,100 sq ft Pool, Ocean Views, 5 Acres - Private 88-1651 Moana DrCaptain Cook, HI $399,000. 3 Bed2 Bath 1,612 sq ft Pualalni Estates 75-6200 PIENA PLACEKAILUA KONA, HI $329,000 4 Bed3 Bath 1300 sq... 03/03/2012

Just wanted to put the word out for a local business, not new, just new to Social Media - great reputation, great owner      INSIDE OUT AUTO DETAILING HAS EARNED THE REPUTATION OF PROVIDING ITS CUSTOMERS WITH EXCELLENT SERVICE. WHETHER YOUR CAR MAY BE A HONDA CIVIC, FORD EXPEDITION, OR MERCEDES SLR MCLAREN, WE PROVE TO CUSTOMERS TIME AND TIME AGAIN THAT YOUR CAR WILL MAKE YOU SMILE ONCE WE'RE DONE WITH IT!     To start, wheners: $3.25 each (Apple, Strawberry, Marine Squash) My Shaldan Cool Fresh Air Fresheners! Our The works package includes vacuabout our VIP treatment... starting at just $50! 3M Invisible Mask Product: Please call for Pricing will vary according to size and condition of vehicle.        02/29/2012

Aloha, Lance here with Aloha Kona Realty Inc ( www.KonaHomeTeam.com ) . With Home Sales UP $21,000,000.00 in January, it has made for some slim pickings.  GOOD news though - I just added 2 new listings below, take a look at the updates and give us a call    Featured Listings click to view Multi Unit Duplex on Alii Drive 76-6175 ALII DRKAILUA KONA, HI $1,590,000 16 Bed16 Bath 8,000 sq ft Kanaloa at Kona Condos for sale # 2601 78-261 MANUKAI STKAILUA KONA, HI $749,000 2 Bed2 Bath 1486 sq ft Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club, 4202 78-6800 ALII DRKailua Kona, HI $579,000 2 Bed2 Bath 1170 sq ft Preview - Kona Coffee Farm, 5 acres plus home 82-1090 KILOACaptain Cook, HI $475,000 3 Bed3 Bath 2,100 sq ft Pool, Ocean Views, 5 Acres - Private 88-1651 Moana DrCaptain Cook, HI $399,000. 3 Bed2 Bat... 02/24/2012

January Home Sales are in: Aloha, Lance Owens here with Aloha Kona Realty Inc. bringing you the monthly sales report.     According to the Hawaii MLS, North Kona home sales increased by 23% over 2011 And if that’s not enough good news for you – January 2012 also beat out January, 2011, 2010, 2009, and 2008. If you want to find a January with more home sales in it - you have to rewind all the way back to 2007. A couple of more interesting facts about 2012 sales 134% - that’s how much the $ amount (sales volume- money exchanging hands) went up.       7% - that’s how much the Median Price Increased  46% - sold by CASH  38% - sold in under 30 days  42% sold for under $350,000.   I just felt those were some noteworthy facts – If you follow my blog at all, you know how much I preach about no... 02/16/2012

Lance Owens (RS), Aloha Kona Realty INC.   www.KonaHomeTeam.com   Straight from the mouth of the Investor's Tips for Selling Your Property in a Short Sale To help you successfully complete a short sale: 1. Work with a licensed Real Estate Agent 2. Consider choosing an agent with experience in Short Sales 3. Work closely with your agent—keep them informed about any changes to the property 4. With your agent, decide on the list price, taking into consideration the suggested list price provided by your Bank, that is fair after considering the market in your area and the sale prices of comparable homes near yours 5. Keep your home and property clean, free of clutter and debris, and ready for a showing at all times 6. Ask your real estate agent for advice on how to maintain the home and/or p... 02/16/2012

Bayview Estates - Kona Neighborhood Video Tour Bayview Estates is one of Kailua-Kona's Premier neighborhoods. Located in the Keauhou area of Kailua-Kona, this gated upscale development features custom built single family homes and vacant lots, many with panoramic Kona coastline views.   I really like Bayview Estates, the setting is beautiful, from the landscaped streets to the terraced lots that maximize the ocean views, it is a well designed upscale neighborhood. Monthly maintenance fees are just over $200 which is very reasonable. Most of the lots are 15,000 to 18,000 square feet with building pads and in many cases, rock walls.  The neighborhood CC&R's have guidelines regarding construction and landscape design to ensure that quality homes are built. Kailua-Kona's Bayview Estates is ... 01/27/2012

Peaman 2012 Race Calendar is Set Kona residents and visitors looking for a fun way to get out and exercise have plenty of choices. If you want to mix in some friendly competition, try the Peaman races. Named after founder and chief organizer Sean "Peaman" Pagett, these free races are for all age groups and levels of fitness. The events usually consist of either a sprint triathlon, biathlon or run and they start at the Kailua Pier. The distances are always manageable with swims ranging from 1/4 mile to 3/4 mile, runs are usually 2 to 3 miles and bike distances are normally less than 15 miles. Some of the races feature themes and it's not uncommon to see someone competing in a zany outfit. I really enjoy the Peaman races, everyone is friendly and out to have fun first and compete second. ... 01/17/2012

Do you ever wonder who is buying what, and with what? CASH? FHA? CONVENTIONAL? USDA? VA?  Well - I do, so I took a look at recent sales in Kailua Kona, Hawaii, just to see what the reports say.  You have to wonder, with all this bailout money going to the banks - there's got to be tons of buyer's - getting great loans - RIGHT?   THINK AGAIN - The bailout money is going to pay down the banks bad debts, pay off the bonuses, but they sure aren't loaning money like they should be. I can name several recent deals where the buyers had excellent credit - high 700s, low 800s, 30% cash down, and they were put through the wringer - 70, 80 + days to "close" - come on? I know the banks are doing lots of refi's, but thats not getting the economy moving? Dont get me wrong, I'm all for the refi's - b... 01/03/2012

January 3, 2012 - Interview with Kailua Kona Realtor Lance Owens (RS) Aloha Kona Realty Inc.  Ok we all know 2011 was a good year for Real Estate Recovery in Hawaii, but every now and then I like to break it down and see who is buying - what? And it always surprises me, along with many of my readers.  So I took November 2011 Condo sales, 17 sales,  to see who is paying the taxes on it - basically the new owner. (December wouldn't be updated yet)  Sales Ranged from -  $53,500 for a 372 sqft studio - leasehold property    To a $1,175,000.00 for 2/2 1,800 sqft, Fee Simple property    How many guessed Foreign investors?  How many guessed Mainland Investors? How many guessed Owner occupied?  Well if you guessed Mainland investors - you win!  California leads the pack with 4 buyers listing a ... 01/03/2012

Just putting the word out - Our short sale success rate is phenomenal! Take a LOOK  Were closing them out, with no participation from seller (no money out of your pocket - just walk away). WE negotiate everything - including the HOA, the PMI insurance companies, 2nd liens, 3rd liens, we have even closed investor owned short sales with as little as - zero - participation from the seller. Currently accepting short sale listings in  Keauhou Estates Bayview Estates Hualalai Colony  Pualani Estates Lokahi Makai Alii Cove - we need a few in here - please call asap if you have a unit you want to sell  Alii Lani - need a few here also. We are accepting select other areas also - Please call if you need assistance - 808-936-8383   Take a look at today's closing, seller (investor) paid $730,000 in... 12/29/2011

Kailua Kona Home Sales,  Year To Date sales are up 10.69 percent. If you follow my blogs, you know how I preach about not reading to much into the monthly numbers  (October up 33% - November down 3% - December tracking up 30%) and concentrate more on the larger picture - YTD numbers. Lets rewind a little bit, 2010 Home sales, were up 31% over 2009 - speaking of 2009, it was up 18% over 2008.  2008 - we don't even want to talk about 2008 - OK, I mentioned the year, so here it is - 2008 was DOWN <39%>  2007 - Down <-16%>  Enough with the down numbers, lets focus on the NOW numbers, with 3 years running, of consistent increases, I think we can safely say - recovery is here. Another funny question I get a lot of, but what about prices? You know what, prices are, what prices are. You know w... 12/03/2011

Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Today is a good day, we just closed on a tremendous home, listed at $843,500.00 , sold for $824,500.00 with only being on the market for 19 days. Its a good feeling when you feel like you hit this one right on the head, or that noise a baseball bat makes when you hit the perfect pitch - better yet, the sound a golf club makes when you hit that sweet spot. Speaking of that, maybe I deserve the afternoon off  I wanted to say thank you to my clients that believed in me, my family that put up with me, and the buyers agent that helped me keep it all together. It feels like an Academy Award speech, but THANK YOU all.  A lot of hard work went into pricing this home, built in 1968, major renovations and additions, in 1990, more in 2010, many a "discussion" over neighborhood... 12/02/2011