Hawaii Real Estate News

Dec. 3, 2010

Recently Sold Waikiki Condos 12/3/2010

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Recently Sold Waikiki Condos

Hot Sheet Condo/Townhouse Report

CND - Closed Listings

   

CND

ML#

TMK

Address

Unit#

Building Name

Int SqFt

Living SqFt

Beds

Baths

LT

 

Sold Price (SP)

Sold Broker

Sold Date

 

 

1

1011552

126

425 Ena Rd

B/708

Kalia Inc (B)

600

600

1

1

LH

 

$75,000

CBPP05

11/19/2010

 

 

2

1008290

126

2240 Kuhio Ave

1202

Royal Kuhio

445

445

1

1

LH

 

$110,000

PLI01

12/2/2010

 

 

3

1011093

126

445 Seaside Ave

1205

Island Colony

418

302

0

1

FS

 

$130,000

KORI

11/28/2010

 

 

4

1012229

126

445 Seaside Ave

2715

Island Colony

424

308

0

1

FS

 

$156,000

SACH

11/19/2010

 

 

5

1010673

126

2509 Ala Wai Blvd

506

Pacific International Hotel

537

537

1

2

FS

 

$164,500

MARL

11/24/2010

 

 

6

1013110

126

1778 Ala Moana Blvd

3315

Discovery Bay

464

464

0

1

LH

 

$143,000

PACR

12/1/2010

 

 

7

1009294

126

445 Kaiolu St

308

Rosalei Ltd

567

477

1

1

FS

 

$176,000

LOCA

11/24/2010

 

 

8

1006084

126

1778 Ala Moana Blvd

1414

Discovery Bay

1131

1131

2

2

LH

 

$204,000

PACR

11/30/2010

 

 

9

1013023

126

201 Ohua Ave

MAUKA/603

Waikiki Banyan

649

589

1

1

LH

 

$161,000

nmls

11/29/2010

 

 

10

1007330

126

440 Olohana St

1400

Royal Garden At Waikiki

783

626

1

1

FS

 

$225,000

LEEA

11/22/2010

 

 

11

1008026

126

2425 Kuhio Ave

507

Bamboo

498

418

1

1

FS

 

$238,500

CBPP06

11/24/2010

 

 

12

1011232

126

1925 Kalakaua Ave

2007

Pavillion At Waikiki

598

546

1

1

FS

 

$296,200

LEIH

11/24/2010

 

 

13

1008156

126

201 Ohua Ave

805-1

Waikiki Banyan

600

533

1

1

FS

 

$300,000

LSSH

11/22/2010

 

 

14

1008975

126

435 Seaside Ave

1609

Seaside Towers

732

732

1

1

FS

 

$295,000

CBPP02

11/24/2010

 

 

15

1010404

126

400 Hobron Ln

702

Villa On Eaton Square

694

635

1

1

FS

 

$320,000

LOCA

11/19/2010

 

 

16

1009996

126

2345 Ala Wai Blvd

2302

Fairway Villa

711

560

1

1

FS

 

$315,000

KORI

11/24/2010

 

 

17

1011012

126

400 Hobron Ln

2708

Villa On Eaton Square

630

582

1

1

FS

 

$329,000

CBPP

11/29/2010

 

 

18

1013894

126

1777 Ala Moana Blvd

1329

Ilikai Apt Bldg

620

500

1

1

FS

 

$335,000

HWNV

12/2/2010

 

 

19

1013284

126

1777 Ala Moana Blvd

2040

Ilikai Apt Bldg

620

500

1

1

FS

 

$335,000

REEW

11/24/2010

 

 

20

1006988

126

1850 Ala Moana Blvd

1208

Palms At Waikiki

559

559

1

1

FS

 

$303,000

DOLL

12/1/2010

 

 

21

1012726

126

2121 Ala Wai Blvd

2202

2121 Ala Wai

780

682

2

1

F

 

$365,000

CHIG

11/19/2010

 

 

22

1005085

126

201 Ohua Ave

MAKAI/1808

Waikiki Banyan

600

533

1

1

FS

 

$340,000

HSTL

11/22/2010

 

 

23

1005211

126

201 Ohua Ave

MAKAI/2108

Waikiki Banyan

600

533

1

1

FS

 

$340,000

CBPP

11/23/2010

 

 

24

1005735

126

1676 Ala Moana Blvd

107

Harbor View Plaza

851

801

2

1

FS

 

$370,000

LEIH

11/24/2010

 

 

25

1009388

126

411 Hobron Ln

3311

Chateau Waikiki

600

552

1

1

FS

 

$380,000

LOCA

11/17/2010

 

 

26

1012981

126

311 Ohua Ave

305

Leisure Heritage

994

900

2

2

FS

 

$390,000

CBPP

11/24/2010

 

 

27

1005395

126

229 Paoakalani Ave

2710

Waikiki Sunset

601

534

1

1

FS

 

$395,000

MAPV

12/2/2010

 

 

28

1008273

126

2140 Kuhio Ave

2204

Four Paddle

608

553

1

1

FS

 

$410,000

COOK

11/23/2010

 

 

29

1012329

126

1645 Ala Wai Blvd

1105

Marina Towers

1120

1000

2

1

FS

 

$440,000

CUSO

11/24/2010

 

 

30

1013412

126

2600 Pualani Wy

3104

Diamond Head Vista

758

625

1

1

FS

 

$503,000

LSSH

11/19/2010

 

 

31

1011481

126

2470 Kalakaua Ave

2301

Waikiki Beach Tower

1310

1150

2

2

FS

 

$1,175,000

CNTA

11/30/2010

 

 

32

2916081

126

2470 Kalakaua Ave

2103

Waikiki Beach Tower

1196

1025

2

2

FS

 

$1,350,000

MAPV

12/1/2010

 

 

 


Posted in Waikiki Condos
Dec. 1, 2010

Stigmatized Oahu Real Estate

Selling a home on Oahu can be difficult enough without the added concerns of notoriety, sex scandal, ghosts, or murder. Stigmatized or "psychologically impacted" houses are normally fine in every physical feature and amenity, but have some characteristic that makes them unappealing for emotional reasons.

 

Real estate becomes stigmatized for a variety of reasons. If a murder took place in a home or someone committed suicide in it, this can certainly decrease the interest of a buyer. Sometimes a stigmatized property actually benefits from the 'ick' factor by capitalizing on the infamy of the situation.

 

There are different categories of real estate stigma. For instance, if a property belonged to a drug dealer or other criminal types, then the property will suffer from the stigma of the criminal actions that occurred at that location. One issue that could come up in the case of a drug dealer's home is that a drug addict could show up at the door of the new homeowner. Disclosing a stigmatization that results from criminal activity is required.

 

Murders and suicides are required to be disclosed, but this doesn't always scare away potential buyers. After all, the home of Lizzie Borden was purchased and turned into a successful Bed & Breakfast business. Capitalizing on the horrific is one way to overcome this stigma.

 

Public stigma happens when the property becomes famous (or infamous). For example, if the exterior of a home is used in a popular television show, it can generate enough traffic as to be disrupting to the homeowner. Notoriety brought on by murder, drugs, sex scandals, etc., all fall into this category. This type of stigma must always be disclosed.

 

Claims of paranormal activity from haunting or sightings are not always required to be disclosed because it does not actually fall under the category of public stigma. Also, unless the house is in Amityville, it is not likely that a large sector of the population even knows about the events.

 

For many years, it was legal to sell a home without disclosing any of the issues or disturbances a home experienced. Allowing a prospective buyer to know the grimy details of a property could mean the home sells for less money than it is appraised for, or maybe does not sell at all. Most states now require what is called "Stigmatized Property Disclosure". Some states say that while disclosure is not required, if the buyer or their agent asks for that information specifically. The best rule of thumb is to be honest about the events that have occurred on the property, even if the sale is lost.

Posted in Oahu
Nov. 30, 2010

Things to Consider When Buying a Two Story Home on Oahu

For many out there, they say that they will only go about and buy a home on Oahu that is only one story. We are there with them on that one. However, there are some who are really considering buying a two story home. There are the benefits as well as the negatives about buying this.

 

One of the things one needs to consider is a fire. They need the ladders to ensure that people on the top floors can get out. Some people just don't want to have to deal with this as some have the master bedroom on the bottom floor and the kids bedrooms on the top floor. This is something that needs to be considered.

 

The next thing is that there are many who suffer from arthritis. There are some people who have medical conditions which might keep a person from being able to go up and down stairs as they were once able to. For this reason, a two story home might not be the best bet for a person like yourself.

 

Window cleaning might not be the best bet as well. Some people are real sticklers for clean windows. Trying to clean the windows on the top floor is something that many just aren't ready to deal with. Then, the thought of climbing the steps to do housework all the time is something else that they really aren't too fond of.

 

Sometimes, people don't like two story homes just for the pure fact that at times, the heat doesn't always make it to the second floor like it should. It might seem a little bit drafty upstairs. Therefore, they might freeze during the winter. Then, during the summers, it might be extremely hot. This is something that some have to be mindful of as well. If they do buy a two story home, then they might go about and try to get central air or something more.

 

It's also a hazard as one carries laundry and hauls furniture up and down the stairs. There are many who fall and hurt themselves. When they fall and hurt themselves, this can lead to a serious injury. Therefore, some just don't want to have to deal with that and this rings true especially for those who live alone as this can be dangerous if they fall as they carry things. However, there are some who like two story homes and, despite all these things they still say a two story home is the best thing for them.

Posted in Oahu
Nov. 29, 2010

Tips for Showing Your Oahu Real Estate

When you are trying to sell your Oahu real estate, you have no doubt already been through the ordeal of having people to come in and look at the home. But if you find that the potential buyers just do not seem to be noticing your home, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind when your house is being shown.

 

First and foremost, do not be home for the showing. This may sound as if it is the exact opposite of what you should do. However, those who are not there at the house during the showing time, usually sell the house faster. Why is this? Because when the seller is home, the buyer does not feel that they have the place to look in the closets, and whatnot because it is the seller's house. You need to allow the buyer to go through the house without feeling as if they are intruding so that they can actually get the feel of the home.

 

Secondly, contrary to popular belief do not spray heavily scented air freshener throughout the house. First off, the smell usually alerts the buyers that you are trying to cover something up and in a buyers mind this could be something serious as mildew or mold. Secondly, there are many people who are very sensitive to certain smells. The last thing that you want to do is send people running and sneezing from your house. If you are just trying to make the house smell more homey, try backing cookies a bit before the buyers arrive. This is not a smell that offends most people and does give all the feeling that you are trying to give.

 

For those that have pets, have them out of the home during the showing. Many people are scared of pets, as well as those that are allergic. You do not want them to run away because of this. If you must have the pet there, see if you place it outside while the potential buyers are looking so that the pet will not bother them.

 

Make sure that the house is tidy. Little things like making a bed or putting the dishes in the dishwasher and not in the sink are the things that could make a difference. You basically want the home to appear as if it is a model home, not someplace that people are living. This may require a lot of work on your part, but it is worth it if you can find a buyer quicker than other people.

Posted in Oahu
Nov. 28, 2010

Advice for Buyers of Hawaii Real Estate

When buyers are looking for their perfect Hawaii home, there are many things that they need to be aware of. First, the agent is there to guide you, however, do not expect them to tell you everything up front. They are working off of commissions, so they are wanting to get you into a house. Therefore, it is up to you to look for those things that may signal that there is a huge problem with the house.

 

Secondly, do not take the seller's word. Yes, this may seem as if you are being paranoid. But, the number of people that report that they purchased a house because the previous home owner ensured that there were no problems are often surprised to find costly problems that they have to deal with. Instead, be your own detective, look for problems. Scope out everything as if it is under a high powered microscope in order to ensure that the house is all that people are claiming that it is.

 

It is also important that as the buyer, you have some idea of what you are willing to spend. This is so that you make sure that you do not get in over your head. If the real estate agent tries to push you to afford something more expensive, respectfully decline and move on to what you can afford. Too many times, buyers get caught up in the beauty of the home, only to find that it is out of their price range, and then they still end up getting it, only to struggle down the road.

 

You should also do some searching on your own before you head to the Hawaii real estate office. Why? That way you have a good idea of what it available, and what these houses are going for. This will help to lessen the shock if there is one to be had. Plus, it will give you a few ideas of where you would like to start and shows the real estate agent that you mean business. You should also consider going into the real estate office with your pre-approval loan amount, this will make the process go much faster and could be used a strong negotiation tool.

 

Buyers do not have to feel as if they are defenseless in the home finding and buying process. In fact, they hold more power than they realize. The most important thing is to do what you want to do. Do not let anyone talk you into something that you do not feel one hundred percent comfortable in doing.

Posted in Hawaii
Nov. 27, 2010

Things to Do Before Listing your Hawaii Home

When a person decides to list their home in Hawaii, there are things that they should really do to prepare it for those who wish to buy it. This will help a person when they list their home. This will make it more appealing and so much more for those who are looking to buy a home. What are some of those things? 

 

The first thing is that some people think that they are ready to sell their home. However, when they go to put it in the listings, they then find that they aren't ready to sell and in many times, they back out. They find that they don't have to sell. People should know why they are selling so that when they list it, there's no going back.

 

The next thing is that they should know where they are going to live. For some of them, it means they are in the market to buy a new home. Others might be moving a loved one to a nursing home. There are still many other options, but one has to have a back up plan.

 

Cleaning the home and getting it ready for showings, this means they are ready to list it. This also means that they need to do repairs on it as well as many other things as people will be walking through it and seeing if this is the house for them. Some people out there might actually do well with home staging their home to make it more appealing.

 

It is always advisable that one goes and gets the lending before they go about to buy a new home. It is also wise to sell the current home before they go about and buy a new home. This way they have the money and are good if unexpected expenses comes up. This is something that many people don't stop to think about this.

 

When one does these things they are prepared to list their home. However, they also need to do their homework. This means that they have to look at how much the prices are for the homes in their area. They need to consider other things as well which will help one to figure how much they should ask for their home for future buyers.

Posted in Hawaii
Nov. 26, 2010

Huge Profits from Hawaii Real Estate Foreclosures: Myth or Reality

People are always on the lookout for ways and means by which they can earn lots of money and it is even more worthwhile if this is ensured without additional effort. There are numerous people who believe that the only way to a speedier income is by means of wise investment in houses which have been through the procedure of foreclosure. There are promotions which reiterate the actuality that there are foreclosed residences which are to be found within your vicinity and this can be availed at a small purchase value. Moreover, we also get to know of homeowners who are willing to sell their homes at whatever price they can, just so that the process is hastened. This brings us to the question as to whether it is possible to earn huge profits from Home foreclosures, as to whether this is in essence, a myth or reality.

 

Home Foreclosure is essentially a method by means of which houses are taken from the buyers by people who happen to possess the requisite liens which are necessitated against the mentioned premises. A majority of the lenders support this procedure on occasions when it is ascertained that the buyers have not completed any of their mortgage payments and this has occurred for an extensive phase. Bear in mind that the lenders are just doing their job, as they would prefer to have the funds rather than the house. This leads to numerous foreclosed houses, which are then availed at auctions as it affords the lenders the perfect chance to recover their initial investment.

 

This leads us to the query as to whether huge profits can really be earned as a result of home foreclosures, and as to whether this is in essence a myth or actuality.

 

Bear in mind that the auctions are linked with colossal rivalry. After all, when you are in an auction pertaining to real estate, there would be other people who would bid for the same property, often people who would wish to economize by saving as much as they can. A contest in these cases can be quite brutal.

 

During such auctions, it is expected that you would be required to pay the entire amount instantaneously. In case you do not possess liquid currency in six figures, this might not really be your cup of tea. Also, in a majority of the cases, it is ascertained ultimately that the property which is acquired is dented. It is also not possible to entirely scrutinize the dent or the property in advance. This is something you should be conscious of.

 

There could also be linked problems as far as the titles are concerned, as it might not be feasible to procure lucid titles as far as the property is concerned.

 

This is the actuality as far as earning substantial revenue from Hawaii real estate foreclosures are concerned, Always bear in mind that along with this proposition there are linked perils, as well as being deemed as a pricey, prolonged occupation.

Posted in Hawaii
Nov. 25, 2010

Information about Hawaii Landlord Insurance

Landlord insurance provides landlords with compensation for any lost income that they may endure due to certain damages that prevent them from performing rent collection. Insurance for landlords is a very unique type of insurance contract. It is created for landlords who own single structures that hold a maximum of four families. It provides them with different protection options that are not offered within the policies of standard homeowners. Properties that are constructed to hold at least four families are usually placed within the category of apartment buildings and they require a commercial policy. Landlords should consult their options with an insurance broker because the specific requirements might change from state to state.

 

Regarding coverage a landlord's policy will provide coverage to the structure against any damage done to the building. It will usually be set up the same way that a policy is constructed for a standard homeowner. The policy of the landlord will provide coverage for appliances, furniture, and any other items that they provide to the tenants to use. If the building becomes victim to damage that prevents the landlord for collecting rent during the time that the damage occurs than the policy will provide the landlord with money to compensate for the lost income. Landlord insurance policies also provide individuals with legal liability protection for certain injuries that may occur and also against landlord-tenant issues.

 

Landlord insurance policies are very useful, but they do have certain limitations. A landlord's policy will not provide coverage to their tenants' personal property. Because a landlord policy only provides coverage for the items that the landlord provides for his or her tenants to use their contents coverage will be smaller than what is found within a standard homeowner policy. Any personal property that is owned by the tenant has to be insured separately with a renters' insurance policy or another contract that is similar.

 

Insurance policies for landlords will offer a minimum of 2 different protection options that are not offered within standard homeowner policies. The first protection option is for lost income. The lost income will be replaced for the landlord for a maximum of one year. The second protection option that is provided in landlord insurance policies is for legal liability. This option will provide the landlord with protection against any legal battles that take place with the tenants.

 

When compared to the policies available to standard Hawaii homeowners, landlord insurance policies may cost around the same amount of money or may be a bit more expensive. The higher charge for a landlord policy can be attributed to the loss of income option as well as the legal protection option. It is advised that landlords discuss what their specific plans are for their property with an insurance professional so that they may construct the best policy to appropriately fit their needs.

Posted in Hawaii
Nov. 25, 2010

What to buy? - A new Hawaii Home or Older One

As soon as you have decided that you wish to purchase a house, an initial judgment which is integral is whether you should procure a new home or settle for an older home. Both the alternatives have their benefits and it is hard to say as to whether this choice would be compatible as per your individual resolution. There are times during which you could be mesmerized by the gleaming new, energy-saving electrical devices, the enormous rooms in the house, along with the stunning master suite which is being proffered within a new home. On other occasions, you could be equally captivated by the allure, the awning of trees which just captivatingly swathes the sluggish environs, in addition to the ever-increasing worth which is associated with an accessible home which you were desirous of procuring for quite sometime.

 

There are certain aspects which must be taken into consideration as you wonder whether you should purchase a new house or if you should settle on an older home.

 

Bear in mind that the older houses proffer additional amenities which are a boon for the probable buyers, and this is inclusive of:

 

There are numerous people, who are captivated by the urbanized localities as it imparts a feeling that you are an integral part of a society. Added to that is the full-grown landscaping in addition to the trees and you would feel that you are an integral part of this community.

 

If you wish to acquire a prevalent house, ensure that you have adequately scrutinized the operational condition of the arrangement. You could also avail the services of a proficient home inspector who would be able to assess the house. Bear in mind that when the home apparatus gets older, it would necessitate patch up as well as substitution, and this is an aspect which could be revealed in a buying value.

 

It is also an actuality that when you purchase a prevalent house, you are not required to be anxious about acquiring additional stuff, which includes blinds which are a must for the window, a protection arrangement, or else a scenic back yard. In a majority of the urbanized centers, newer homes may possess comparatively lesser terra firma. This is primarily on account of the modification which is to be found within the land-use blueprint.

 

Prevalent homes are more often than not to be found in the vicinity of big, more expedient metro hub areas as compared with far-flung suburbs. This might or might not be to your advantage when you wish to procure a new house. Moreover, in a majority of the cases, buyers might have a preference for an older house, which is situated at a place which is appropriate for them, and which proffers the chance to be restructured This would mean that the prevalent home is to be used as a foundation so as to construct a distinctive house, as per your requirement. .

 

It is thus up to you to decide as to whether you wish to purchase a new Hawaii home or to acquire a prevalent one. Do take these factors into consideration as you are making up your mind. 

Posted in Hawaii
Nov. 24, 2010

Hawaii - "An Incubator for Technology"

It is easy to imagine sun, sand and surf, and the resort sides of the islands, but Hawaii is becoming what has been referred to as an incubator for technology. This can mean an influx of people seeking homes and/or rentals as they arrive for new jobs and new opportunities.  

The United States Naval Facilities Engineering Command recently awarded $4.4 million to a study by Lockheed Martin for involving ocean thermal currents. The conversion facility is located off of the coast of Hawaii. This is a pilot plant devoted to the study of cleaner power with the ocean as the source.  

Many Hawaiian homes are shoreline communities. This includes military bases. All could be utilizing clean energy long before many of us have the chance stateside. Military bases could begin clean energy operations, and the amount of energy they use on a daily basis is astounding. 

The average electric bill in a home in Hawaii, runs between $100 and $150 a day. Much depends, of course on usage, but even as an average that could be reduced and it becomes an advantage to the renter, homeowner, the retiree, and even the person who comes to work for Lockheed Martin. Not that Hawaiians want an influx of people, but it is an advantage for the people who live and work there.  

Electric Cars 

Another part of the study involves electric cars. The technology is here. The technology has been around for a long time. It is just a matter of mindset, or weaning people away from gasoline and big engines. Now is the time.  

Hawaii might be the benchmark for this technology. Imagine islands with the pristine air that Hawaii enjoyed hundreds of years ago! Not that it isn't pristine today, but it is a step toward improvement.  

Tourists will rent electric cars to visit the acres of state parks. They will no longer pollute the roads to and from and perhaps even around and through. The sites remain preserved as they should be and have been for millenniums. Traffic jams on the few highways will not be as polluting. And the list goes on.  

Hawaii is like a wonder of the world. There are very few places like it, and it should remain that way. That fact that it could become a breadbasket of technological breakthroughs that saves us and the planet isn't that unusual when you think about it.  

Throughout Hawaii's history, people have ventured to the islands. The recent decades bring more and more arriving. The islands hold onto their 25,000 acres within 53 state parks. If they didn't, everywhere you look would be "boxes on the hillside," as the old folk song goes. We learned a lot from Hawaii. There's even more to learn. It is just a matter of time and continuing effort, like the project that's just begun, when it comes to studying ocean currents and how they can turn into clean energy and power. The best, and the rest is yet to come.

Posted in Hawaii