Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Hawaii Kai and Oahu July Real Estate Statistics

Oahu Single Family

Sales stayed flat for the month and over the last 2 years. Number of sales for July this year was 268, last year 266, 2008 - 268.

Year-to-date, the sales were higher than both of the last 2 years. Number of sales for the year was 1,747, for last year 1,377, and in 2008 - 1,670.

Median Sales Price also stayed almost flat for the last 3 years for July. Median price in July this year was $605,000, in 2009 $595,000, and in 2008 $620,000.

Year-to-date, median sales price is up from 2009, but not yet back to the levels of 2008. For the year, median price is $585,000, for 2009 $575,000, and for 2008 $625,000.

Days on Market show significant improvement, both for the month and year-to-date. For July, average DOM was 39, in 2009 - 45, and 2008 - 53.

Year-to-date, average DOM improved to 32 this year, down from 52 in 2009, and 50 in 2008.

Inventory of homes is also showing a steady and healthy decrease. At the end of July, there were 1,577 homes for sale on the island, in 2009 - 1,929, and in 2008 - 2,406.

These numbers equate to 6.3 months' supply this year, 9.6 months last year, and 9.5 in 2008.

Oahu Condos

Sales dropped from June and 2008. Number of sales for July this year was 320, last year 343, and 2008 - 471.

Year-t0-date, sales showed a healthy jump over last year. Number of sales for the year was 2,338, for last year, 1,718, and 2008 - 2,631. So condo sales are still below 2008 levels.

Median Sales Price for condos is below 2008, but recovering. Median price in July this year was $299,000, in 2009 $307,250, and in 2008 $332,750.

Year-to-date, the median price is slightly below the last 2 years. For the year, median sales price is $304,000, in 2009 $305,000, and in 2008 $330,000.

Days on Market dropped for condos also, both month-month and year-to-date. For July, average DOM was 36, in 2009 - 56, and in 2008 - 29.

Year-to-date, average DOM was 32 this year, down from 55 in 2009, and 39 in 2008.

Inventory of condos is also showing a steady decrease. At the end of July, there were 2,046 units for sale on the island, in 2009 - 2,479, and in 2008 - 3,017.

These numbers equate to 6.0 months' supply this year, 9.3 months last year, and 7.7 in 2008.

Hawaii Kai Real Estate Statistics

Single Family

July 2010 vs July 2009

New Listings - 40 vs 28
Closed Sales - 20 vs 19
Median Sales Price - $810,000 vs $799,000
DOM - 37 vs 31
Inventory of homes - 94 vs 119

Year to Date 2010 vs 2009

New Listings - 217 vs 199
Closed Sales - 103 vs 91
Median Sales Price - $812,500 vs $757,500
DOM - 25 vs 49

Condos

July 2010 vs July 2009

New Listings - 18 vs 23
Closed Sales - 25 vs 18
Median Sales Price - $559,000 vs $526,000
DOM - 28 to 81
Inventory of units - 44 vs 68

Year to Date 2010 vs 2009

New Listings 168 vs 166
Closed Sales - 125 vs 93
Median Sales Price - $525,000 vs $475,000
DOM - 18 vs 78

If you would like the full reports, just let me know and I can email them in .pdf format. The numbers through July look very encouraging, both for Oahu and Hawaii Kai homes. Don't wait until prices start rising again significantly to look for your Hawaii Kai property.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
http://www.movetohawaiikai.com/
http://www.barbarashawaii.com/
www.activerain.com/blogs/abeb

Friday, August 6, 2010

Why You Should Buy Now in Hawaii Kai

Recent government reports indicate the economy is starting to stabilize and the real estate market along with it. In Hawaii, at least in Hawaii Kai, our home prices seem to be inching up, even while rates stay at historic lows. Put together, this means a great time to buy.

As reported by RISMedia, here are some specific reasons why you should consider purchasing a home now in Hawaii Kai.

1. Low mortgage rates can absorb some fluctuations in the recovering housing market. When rates go up, buyers will realize equity with their initial investment.
2. More houses are in move-in condition. We have our share of foreclosures, where sellers have walked away and the bank stepped in with only minimal repairs. But other sellers, even in short sale situations, have kept their houses in good shape in order to compete. And they are motivated to sell.
3. Inventory remains high. In Hawaii Kai, there are waterfront and view homes on the market priced at unbelievable figures. You can make your dream - of a 2nd home or permanent residence in our Hawaii Paradise - come true for a lot less than a couple of years ago.
4. Appraisals are becoming aligned with the Hawaii housing market. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines, so appraisers have more flexibility to arrive at values which reflect the current Hawaii Kai real estate market. This gives an accepted contract a higher chance of achieving a successful close.
5. There are financing programs available. Contact me for ideas on state and federal assistance for buying your new Hawaii Kai home.

If nothing else, take a look at what you can buy for the price you can afford - then you can decide if now is the right time for you to purchase in Hawaii Kai. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at what is available.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
www.activerain.com/blogs/abeb

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Wine Tasting Coming to Roy's Hawaii Kai Aug. 11


On Wednesday, August 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m, Roy's Restaurant presents an evening with seventeen leading wineries from across the country at the flagship Roy's Hawaii Kai.

Held last year for the first time, and a great success, Roy's has decided to make the event an annual affair. The wine tasting, which is normally only open to industry professionals, will feature more than 90 labels. This is a rare opportunity for wine enthusiasts to experience some really great American labels.

Chefs from Roy's will create pupus. As reported by Honolulu Magazine, suggested menu selections include Frying Dragon Ahi Tartare, Hiramasa Poisson Cru, Grilled Szechuan Spiced Baby Back Pork Ribs, Kulana Beef, Shiso Pesto Scallops, Balsamic Marinated Lamb Tenderloin, Yuzu Pesto Shrimp Scampi Forks, Lup Cheong Dynamite Stuffed Oysters, Truffle Hamakua Mushroom Risotto Cakes, Duck & Foie Gras Sliders, Wild Boar Sausage, Crispy Chicken Potstickers, Lobster & Waimanalo Corn Pudding, Hot Iron Seared Misoyaki Butterfish and Cheese & Paté.

Participating wineries include:
Plumpjack Winery (Napa Valley)
Cade Winery (Napa Valley)
Domaine Serene (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
Duckhorn Wine Co.
Duckhorn Vineyards (Napa Valley)
Paraduxx (Napa Valley)
Goldeneye (Anderson Valley)
Miner Family Vineyards (Napa Valley)
Handley Cellars (Anderson Valley)
Selby Winery (Sonoma County)
Robert Biale Vineyards (Napa Valley)
Jeriko Estate & San Greal Winery (Mendocino County)
Bonny Doon Vineyard (“Earth”)
Paradigm (Napa Valley)
Truchard Vineyards (Carneros/Napa Valley)
MacRostie Winery & Vineyards (Sonoma County)
John Anthony (Napa Valley))
JaM Cellars (Napa Valley)
Landmark Vineyards (Sonoma Valley)
Rombauer
Vino del Sol

Price per person is $65, including tax and gratuity. The evening promises to be a memorable event for wine connisseurs and casual tasters alike. Call Roy’s Hawaii Kai at 808-396-7697 or e-mail honolulu@roysrestaurant.com for reservations.

As readers of this blog know, Roy's started in Hawaii Kai, and is one of our best-known restaurants. We have others though - plan on spending some evenings trying our eateries and looking at real estate while you are enjoying our Hawaii Kai lifestyle.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
www.activerain.com/blogs/abeb

Help Literacy in Hawaii Kai

An Oahu literacy group is conducting a get-out-the-vote campaign in hopes that Hawaii can once again win a national contest and get thousands of free books for needy children.

First Book Oahu is directing people to the First Book-Cheerios Trivia Challenge at http://booksforkids.firstbook.org/jonscieszka/index.php. For each correct answer, the participant gets one "vote" for the state of his or her choice. The five states with the most votes will get 20,000 books to distribute in their state. (Hint - make the web site a favorite on your desktop and click it every day.)

Local residents and supporters made Hawaii the national winner of 50,000 new books for needy children last year.

This year, First Book and Cheerios have teamed up with best-selling children's author Jon Scieszka to distribute 100,000 new books to kids in need across the country.

Scieszka is also the founder of Guys Read, a nonprofit organization dedicated to motivating boys to read by connecting them with materials they will want to read, in ways they like to read, according to the First Book website.

The books will be distributed through community-based programs serving children in need. To be eligible, at least 80% of the children the programs serve must be from low-income families, and the programs must sign up with First Book at its online registration page, http://booksforkids.firstbook.org/register.

The contest runs through Aug. 31, 2010. Urge families and children you know to take the Trivia Challenge so Hawaii can again be the national winner.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
http://www.barbarashawaii.com/
http://www.movetohawaiikai.com/
www.activerain.com/blogs/abeb

(resource - StarAdvertiser)

Friday, July 23, 2010

Hawaii Kai is Finish Line for Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard Champtionships


This Sunday, July 25, will be the 2010 Molokai 2 Oahu Paddleboard competition, felt by most in the sport to be the World Champioship of Paddleboard Racing. The event has become the single most iconic event in the paddling community.

Both Stand Up Paddling and Paddleboarding champions from around the world will compete to test their athletic ability against the 32-mile crossing of the Ka'iwi Channel. At its deepest point, the channel is over 2300 feet deep and creates a funnel effect that shoots billions of gallons of seawater between the islands each hour. This venturi effect, combined with trade winds blowing roughly in the same direction, creates seas that can range anywhere from 8 feet to 15 feet on a average day, and upwards of 20 feet on an extreme day.

Because of the danger the Ka'iwi presents, each athlete is required to have an escort boat and support crew to accompany them across the channel. The first stand up paddleboard and prone paddleboard athletes across the channel will be crowned a World Champion, and the finish line is the Hawaii Kai beach park in Maunalua Bay.
The course begins at the north shore of Molokai and ends on the south shore of Oahu. It is the ultimate test of endurance – no engines or sails, just a paddler and the propulsion power of his/her arms. Top paddlers can ride swells for 100s of yards, and must navigate across open ocean at the same time. The record crossing time is 4:45:03, set by Jamie Mitchell in 2004.

Visit Molokai2Oahu.com for videos and photos of this exciting race. (Photo above courtesy of this web site.)

This is an exciting event. The Hawaii Kai community always supports the racers and residents are there in large numbers to cheer the finishers. If you live on Oahu, come out and join us. If you don't - but would like to live in Hawaii Kai - call or email me and let's discuss how you can be part of our Hawaii Kai lifestyle.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
http://activerain.com/blogs/abeb

Saturday, July 17, 2010

How to Downsize in Hawaii Kai

Buying a home in Hawaii Kai is not always easy to afford, and you may have to downsize in order to enjoy our Hawaii Kai lifestyle. Many of us realize only after we have bought the big house and stuffed the closets with clothing and the garage with toys that we have too much stuff and too many financial obligations. Unwinding ourselves from these habits can be challenging. Here are some ideas.

1. Make incremental changes. Look around and ask yourself what you can get rid of without regretting your decision. If you are keeping something for just sentimental reasons, and you don't use it, it can probably be given away or recycled.

2. Think about what you want, not what you’re supposed to want. Justify the decision to you, not the world, if you are selling a larger home for a smaller one. The Joneses will probably follow you.

3. Save your money. You won't make much interest right now, but you will make more than if you spent it.

4. Fewer fixed expenses equals more freedom. Just ask the sellers who got out from under a mortgage they couldn't afford or someone who has finally paid off a large credit card debt.

Hawaii Kai offers homes and prices for everyone, but that waterfront estate on Maunalua Bay may only be for some buyers. Call or email me and let's find what you can afford. Remember, rates are still at historic lows and prices and inventory still support a buyer's market. You can enjoy the Hawaii Kai lifestyle!

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
www.barbarashawaii.com

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Hawaii Kai Vets Offer Low-cost Microchips for Pets

Veterinarians on Oahu are partnering with the Hawaiian Humane Society to offer low cost microchipping of pets. Throughout August, participating vets from Waianae to Hawaii Kai will offer the service for just $5.

A microchip typically costs $25. Participating veterinarians are waiving the cost of the doctor's visit so that dogs and cats can receive the microchip implant at a substantial discount.

Sponsored by the Hawaiian Humane Society, which provides the microchips to islandwide clinics, the August promotion aims to reduce the number of lost pets in the community.

Participating Microchip Madness veterinary clinics are as follows:

Aina Haina Pet Hospital
Animal Clinic of Honolulu
Animal Hospital of Hawaii
Animal House Veterinary Center
Blue Cross Animal Hospital
Cat-Bird Vet Mobile Hospital
Feather and Fur Animal Clinic
Haiku Veterinary Clinic
Island Veterinary Clinic
Kailua Animal Clinic
Kalihi Pet Clinic
Kapalama Pet Hospital
King Street Pet Hospital
Kokua Pet Clinic
Makai Animal Clinic
Newtown Veterinary Clinic
Ohana Veterinary Clinic
The Cat Clinic
The Pet Doctor
VCA University Animal Hospital
Wahiawa Animal Hospital
Waianae Veterinary Clinic
Waipahu-Leeward Veterinary Clinic

Contact me with your questions about relocating to Hawaii Kai with your pets.

Barbara Abe, Realtor
808-226-2537
barbara@barbarashawaii.com
www.barbarashawaii.com
www.movetohawaiikai.com
http://activerain.com/blogs/abeb

(resource: KHON2.com)