Oahu Real Estate News & Market Trends 

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings, local spots, and new project construction. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Our blog posts are straight forward and we won't sugar coat anything as we feel you ought to hear what you need to know and not what you want to hear. As always, please reach out if you have any questions at all. We would love to talk with you!

March 5, 2016

New Project Announcement | Ilikai in Waikiki | Second Floor Unit Sales | Happening Now!

Ilikai

Ilikai

The Ilikai was the first hotel-resort condominium developed in Hawaii and is one of the most original and iconic landmarks of Waikiki. The Ilikai was also featured in the original and re-modernized Hawaii 5-0 TV series. This release is the most comprehensive renovation and sales of original developer units since the Ilikai was constructed in 1964. This is the largest offering of Ilikai units for purchase since the initial release in the 1960’s and will be the last opportunity to ever purchase an original developer unit.

​This is a fantastic opportunity to own a condotel unit on the 2nd floor of the iconic Ilikai Waikiki (Top floor retrofitted developer units are all sold). These units are completely retrofitted and include new kitchens, bathrooms and designer furnishings.  Located near world-class beaches, shopping and restaurants, these units feature views of the new amenity deck, Ala Moana Boulevard, and the Ilikai Courtyard. To tour these units contact us today!

 

 

Posted in New Projects
Dec. 17, 2015

New Project Announcement | Introducing Ke Kilohana | Reserved Housing Project in Ward Village Kakaako

Ke Kilohana in Ward Village

Located in the heart of Honolulu, alongside a vast collection of retail, dining and entertainment, and conveniently located just a few blocks from downtown Honolulu and Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ward Village welcomes you to Ke Kilohana – an upcoming 43-story, 424-unit condominium high-rise featuring 49 market residences and 375 residences reserved for qualified local Hawaii residents coming soon to Kaka'ako. Reserved housing sales will require applicants to meet certain income and asset criteria and will be required to live in the unit for 2 or 5 years (depending on the unit). All sales will go through a lottery.

June 16, 2015

New Project Announcement | Introducing Keauhou Place in Kakaako

Style and Convenience in the Heart of Kakaako | Keauhou Place Coming Soon!

Keauhou Place Building Rendering

Introducing Keauhou Place developed by Stanford Carr. Keauhou Place will be a Locations LLC project and will have a mix of both reserved housing and market units. There will be a low rise townhome area down below that owners may use for residential and business' the tower will not be able to be used as a business. Down below there plans to be a mix used commercial retail component and an amenity deck that will have pools, a gym, cabanas, bbq areas, a zen garden, and movie theater room. There will be a mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units. For more information and how to apply, please call, text, or email me for more information. 

Keauhou Place Unit Rendering

Nov. 14, 2014

Do you know how much home you can afford?

"Affordability" isn't just about the list price of a home

Effects on Interest Rates

When looking to buy a home, many people focus on price -- and in today’s competitive market, there’s no doubt prices are moving up. But one of the most important items a buyer should consider is the monthly payments and not necessarily the cost of the home. This is the definition of affordability.

 Interest rates are low right now. A lower interest rate will mean a lower monthly payment. But how big of a difference does something like two percent make? A lot of renters are asking themselves if they can afford to own a home, but a more important question to ask is: What can I afford to pay each month? 

 

Our example below uses a home priced at $400,000. If your interest rate is 4.5%, you'll pay almost $500 less per month than if your rate was 6.5%. That's nearly $6,000 a year in savings.

You can see the difference that only two percent makes. Not only will your monthly payments be much lower, but you may also be able to afford more of a home than you think

Posted in Market Updates
Sept. 6, 2014

Considering Solar For Your Home in Hawaii?

If you are considering a Photovoltaic System for your home, here are 7 Questions you ABSOLUTELY need to ask!

Solar Electricity is definitely a good thing, you're saving money, you're going green, and it's better for the environment. But there are some complexities. Below are some things you absolutely need to consider when buying a solar system or a home with a solar photovoltaic system that is already installed.

Electric Costs

The Difference Between Leasing and Owning Your Solar PV System

Ownership: The homeowner pays outright for the solar photovoltaic (PV) system with cash or a loan. They are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the system. You will receive a bill from the electric company, but the bill is dramatically lower because you are generating most, if not all, of your own electricity. 

Leasing: The solar leasing company owns the PV system, and assumes the cost of maintenance and repairs. "It's essentially a utility company on top of your roof," and you are paying to use the hardware and the service. 

A popular option offered when leasing PV is no money down (although this isn't the only option). This is a fantastic benefit for those who cannot pay upfront costs that range from $15,000 - $25,000 (after rebates and incentives). A typical lease lasts around 10-20 years depending on your contract. At the end of the lease, options may include, renewing, purchasing the system, or having it removed. 

"Leasing" can also be associated with "Power Purchase Agreement" or PPA, "Solar Lease", or "power share agreements." Homeowners may have the following options to think about when leasing:

  • Paying for the use of a solar PV system
  • Paying a fixed rate for the electricity that's generated each month
  • Paying for a rate for the electricity that may rise or vary on an annual basis

BE SURE TO READ THE DETAILS of the agreement, as they can vary widely depending on the solar company.  

I'm buying a home with a solar PV system installed and owned. What should I know?

When you but a home with PV that is owned, that ownership is transferable. Make sure you ask the seller for proof of ownership documents and that the system if fully permitted. 

You should also request a building permit package and a copy of the contract from the PV installer so that you do not inherit the costs of unpermitted systems or improper installation. 

If you are a seller looking to install PV panels on your home, demand that the contractor get a permit. Your life and property are not worth the minor cost savings!

I'm buying a home with a solar PV system installed and leased. What should I know?

Make sure to ask for documentation from the leasing company with the exact terms of the lease. If you don't understand the terms you will want to call the leasing company directly with your questions. While an agent should be able to get information for you, they are not experts on these documents. Disclosure is critical, so you know exactly what you're getting into when you buy a home with leased PV. When it comes to leasing, you need to know what the contracts say

7 Solar Questions To Ask

 

April 1, 2013

Free First-Time Homebuyer Seminars - April Dates

Plant a seed and grow your dream of home-ownership into a reality this spring. Owning your first home is an investment in your future that you can make today. With our step-by-step process, buying your first home is easier than most people think.

Join us for a FREE First-Time Homebuyer Seminar. Find out:

  • the steps you need to take when buying your first home
  • how much you can afford
  • the tax benefits of homeownership

There are no obligations, only helpful advice and education. The next seminar dates are:

  • Tuesday, April 23rd | Pearl Country Club | 6pm – 8pm | Check in at 5:30pm
  • Saturday, April 27th | Diamond Head Office | 10am - noon | Check in at 9:30am

Free education, free food, and the freedom to ask whatever question you want!

Contact Me to Register

Posted in Market Updates