Caravan News

There were 21 new homes featured on the last Kona caravan. Listings were in all price ranges, so you can see that we have a very active market as we go into the summer. One of the new listings is in Kona Heavens, a neighborhood located mauka of Costco featuring one acre lots at a cooler elevation of around 1000 feet. The newly listed home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an office, and family room along with many upgrades. It sits on a beautifully landscaped lot full of tropical fruit trees, flowers, and pineapple plants. A huge lanai overlooks the lap pool and solar-heated spa. The home is listed at 699K.

Lots in Waikoloa Village are moving at a high rate this spring. Several lots have sold within a week or two of listing, at prices higher than we have seen recently. This seems to stem from the increased prices for land in and around Kona forcing people to look a bit farther out for affordable lots on which to build. Waikoloa is certainly a good option for many families.

Caravan News

Real estate in the 200K to 400K range is moving at an exceptional rate here in Kona. Multiple offers are being received on properties recently listed and residential homes are selling near list price, or in some cases higher as the result of lack of inventory and high demand. Condo units in some areas are faring equally well. Homes and condos in the upper ranges are selling at a more modest rate and the inventory is varied.

I have seen good values in Keauhou View Estates and Kailua View Estates this week while showing clients homes and condos. I think that these areas as well as Palisades are good subdivisions for investors or those wishing to purchase a second or family home. There is also an exceptionally good buy in Kalani Sunset at the moment. This is a single family home of about 2250 square feet, 4 beds and 3 baths, with an exceptional view of the entire Kona coastline. It is listed for 549K, which is 140K less than any other home in the neighborhood that is on the market. The home features hardwood floors that have just been refinished, new paint, and a pool and spa. The kitchen would benefit from updating with new countertops, cabinets, and appliances, but the home is very livable as it is. And that view! You have to see it to believe it!

The Kona Brewery

If you haven’t been there, you might want to visit the Kona Brewery for pizza, sandwiches, the famous micro brews, and music. We like to go on Sunday evening when the local groups perform from about 5 to 8. Last Sunday we heard the Voggy Mountain Ramblers, who perform a nice mix of country blue grass and laid back rock. The Kona Brewery also hosts groups such as the Gin Blossoms, who performed there earlier this year. The service is consistently good without being intrusive. The thing I most enjoy about the Kona Brewery, besides the pizza of course, is the relaxed outdoor seating with torchlight ambience. For a special Hawaiian treat try the barbeque chicken pizza, but substitute Kalua pork for the chicken. Yummm!

Pictures!

Coming next week will be a new page of pictures taken here on the Big Island with my new digital camera. I had to get a whole year older to get it, but I guess it’s worth it. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I enjoy taking them!

Enjoy your week, wherever you are, and remember: if the islands are calling you, be sure to call me!

Aloha,

Carole Kwiat, RS

Caravan News

The last Kona Board of Realtors Caravan took us north of Lako to preview homes and condos. It has become apparent in recent weeks that homes in the 200K -500K range are selling quickly, some lasting only a week or less on the market if they are under 400K. I think that buyers are getting into the Kona market in this price range to take advantage of the low interest rates and as a hedge against inflation. Many of these buyers are not ready to move to Hawaii yet, but are planning to use the property as a rental until the time comes when they are set to make the move. In this scenario, they are choosing investment property that they may later use as a personal residence, or in many cases, that they will use to trade up when they are ready to move. Hawaii homeowners are seeing this trend and using it to trade up to a higher priced property as well. The mortgage brokers are very busy with new purchases and refinancing of current homes. Homes in Kona Palisades and similar subdivisions are faring well in this market.

The Alii Lani Condos are also turning over at a higher rate. These condos are relatively new and provide attractive long and short term rentals. Located on the Mauka side of Alii drive, they are close to town and are fee simple. Some of the units are being sold turnkey, which is especially nice for the investor. Maintenance fees are in the neighborhood of 227 per month.

Prince Kuhio Day

As member of the royal family and Hawaii’s first delegate to the U.S. Congress, Prince Kuhio is remembered each year. Prince Kuhio Day, a state holiday, is held on March 26th, the prince’s birthday.

Spring in Kona

The seasons have definitely changed here in Kona from Winter to Spring. We are saying goodbye to the whales and the higher surf, and we will look forward to their return next winter. With the more placid sea, snorkeling is once again safer in many areas and we can’t wait to get back in the water to check out the sights. With the warmer temperatures we are seeing the appearance of afternoon clouds and upslope showers. In Kona, we water our lawns in the winter, which is our dry season, and the summer showers generally take care of the rest of the year. The plumeria are once again leafing out and fragrant blooms are scenting the air. I didn’t realize when we moved here that they lost all of their leaves each fall, so I was afraid that my plumeria were dying until I realized every plumeria in town was doing the same thing! I have a tree full of tiny mangoes and another full of tiny avocados. My neighbor has over 100 tiny pineapples! It is fascinating to see the seasonal changes – we do have them, but they are more subtle. If you are worried about missing the change of seasons when you move to Hawaii, take heart.

Enjoy your week, wherever you are, and remember: if the islands are calling you, be sure to call me!

Aloha,

Carole Kwiat, RS