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