Beauty of Hawaii

Welcome to Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu is the historic, economic, governmental, and central part of Honolulu. It can be subdivided into four neighborhoods – the Capitol District, the Central Business District, Chinatown and the Waterfront. Located within the State Capitol District are federal, state, and city governmental buildings most notably the Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu Hale (city hall), and Iolani Palace. The State Capitol Building opened in 1969 and is considered a unique work of architecture. The cone-shaped chambers represent Hawaii’s volcanoes while the building columns are reminiscent of palm trees.

Iolani Palace is the only royal palace on American soil. It had served as the royal residence for Hawaii’s last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Today, guided tours are available at Iolani Palace. Across the street from Iolani Palace is the King Kamehameha Statute, which fronts Honolulu’s old judicial building. The statue pays tribute to Hawaii’s warrior king and stands eight feet six inches high. Every June 11 on Kamehameha Day, which is a state holiday, the statue is adorned with beautiful floral leis, some as long as 18 feet in length.

Are you planning to buy or sell a house? Please feel free to contact me or visit my website.

We Praise, Not Mourn

Today is a very special day. We commemorate and remember the people who stood and fought for freedom.  Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

                The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

                Memorial Day used to be held on May 30 regardless, and was moved to the last Monday in May in 1968 to create a three-day annual weekend. Interestingly there are those who oppose the weekend idea and advocate its return to a fixed date, including the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW). In the Eighties Hawaiian Senator Daniel Inouye, himself a WWII veteran, introduced a legislation (unsuccessful) to return to the original date. The idea is that if Memorial Day was not simply a long weekend holiday for going to the beach and grilling, more Americans might actually realize that it has a deeper and much more somber meaning.

               

                To the members of the United States Armed Services, past and present, thank you for your service. Salute and Respect for you!

At Home with Our Favorite X-Men Characters

At Home with Our Favorite X-Men Characters

Wondering what the X-Men superheroes are up to when they’re not off fighting crime or saving the world from destruction? While they may have mutant powers like super strength, telepathy and shape shifting, we like to think that they’re not all that different from the rest of us. And like thousands of other buyers entering the market, the mutants of X-Men deserve their very own safe haven that they can come home to after an exhausting day of work…or in their case, battling the Apocalypse.

As the official real estate partner of X-Men: Apocalypse, we thought it would be fun to tour the globfind the perfect real-world homes for these larger than life characters with very unique buyer needs. And lucky for you, these homes are for sale so you too can live like a superhero.

Planning to Invest in Real Estate? Planning to Buy or Sell House? Please Feel Free to visit our website.

New Homeowners Can Build Equity from Year One

New Homeowners Can Build Equity from Year One

If you bought real estate on Oahu in 2015, you might be surprised to hear your property has likely appreciated already — significantly in some cases. Indeed, in February, the median sales price of a single-family home is up 8% from February 2015, and condo prices are up 16.1% during the same time period.

It is this upside to the local housing market that attracts new buyers when they can realize equity gains so quickly after closing.

“Hawaii real estate is unique in that we are on an island and only 8% of our island is used for residential real estate,” says Kalama Kim, principal broker at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. “This lack of buildable land causes for low supply forcing prices up as demand for homes rise.”

With supply and demand driving local housing prices, we are always keeping an eye on inventory levels, which remain low. Data reflecting months of remaining inventory (MRI) — a stat that measures how long the active listings will last at the current rate of sales — reveals inventory levels are low in both the single-family and condo segments. Single-family MRI is at 2.7 months and condos MRI is at 2.9 months — well below a balance market historically characterized by 6 months of supply figures indicating a healthy market for both buyers and sellers. Less than 6 months indicates there is not enough inventory to meet demand.

Sales of Single Family Homes and Condos | February 2016Source: Honolulu Board of REALTORS^®, compiled from MLS data

  

Island housing stats show a 19.4% bump in the number sales that closed in February, compared to February 2015 figures — 240 single-family homes sold in February, compared to 201 a year ago. The number of condos that closed in February was up 11.7%, from 290 in February a year ago to 324 last month.

Median Sales Price of Single Family Homes and Condos | February 2016Source: Honolulu Board of REALTORS^®, compiled from MLS data

The median price of a single-family home in February was $700,000, jumping up 8.0% from the same time last year. Only two months into 2016, the year-to-date MSP of a single-family home is already up 7.5% over 2015, from $665,000 for the first two months in 2015 to $715,000 by March 1.

The MSP of a condo on Oahu was $378,444, up 16.1% from the $326,000 mark hit last February. In 2015, year-to-date MSP after the first two months was $350,000, and this year’s two-month MSP is at $375,000 — on track for a record year.

“Listings are still generating multiple offers in the price points where the demand is highest — including the $400,000 to $800,000 (single-family homes) and $200,000 to $500,000 (condo/townhomes),” says Kim.

“Buyers should keep in contact with their real estate agent and loan officer to react quickly when they find the right home to purchase and to lock in to the right interest rate as we expect interest rates to rise,” he says. “To make your purchase offer more appealing, it is important to strengthen an offer when competing with other offers. This may include shorter time periods for inspections or clauses whereby the buyer will be making up any appraisal-value shortfall.”

Planning to Invest in Real Estate? Planning to Buy or Sell House? Please Feel Free to visit our website.

Let’s GO Green!

Save Green by Going Green

Saving money can be tough. It seems as soon as you get it, bam, it flies right out of your pocket. Bills, entertainment, food… all of these things cost money and there never seems to be enough of it. By going green, however, you can help the environment while also putting a little greener back in your pocket.

Here are 10 quick and easy ways to greenify your life:

If you’re not at home, why have the heat on? In the winter months, turn your thermostat down to a reasonable temperature of 68 degrees F when you’re home and 55 degrees F at night and when you’re out. It also might help to upgrade to a programmable thermostat as well.

Turn your computer off. When your computer is in sleep mode, it is still using power. Turning your monitor and computer completely off will save power and saving power means you’re saving money.

If you can, carpool. Carpooling is one of the best ways to save money on gas and maintenance on your vehicle.

Can’t start your day without a cup-o-Joe? Try bringing your own mug to a coffee shop. Some coffee shops will give you a discount for bringing your own cup.

Installing water saving toilets and showerheads are great ways to save water and saving water means saving money.

Use VOC-free paints when painting the walls in your home. This is not only environmentally friendly, but also fiscally friendly.

If you’re getting rid of stuff or need new stuff, join Freecycle to find the things you need or get rid of the things you don’t. One man’s discarded lamp is another man’s treasure!

Change the light bulbs in your home to energy efficient CFL or LED bulbs, which last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Get regular tune-ups and maintenance on your vehicle. The better your car runs, the longer it will last and the more money it will save you in the future.

Use online bill pay options. Paying bills electronically saves a lot of paper and you won’t have to buy stamps as often.

Going green doesn’t have to be a sacrifice, instead, think of it as a way of rewarding the environment for all it does for you and in return, you’ll appreciate all of the money you can save.

Planning to Invest in Real Estate? Planning to Buy or Sell House? Please Feel Free to visit our website. 

Welcome to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters

Inside the X-Mansion, Home of the X-Men

Welcome to Xavier’s School forGifted Youngsters, sometimes referred to as the X-Mansion. The 24+ bedroom estate is a utopian upstate paradise that represents the pinnacle of luxury and awesomeness for both humans and X-Men. Complete with an automated, state-of-the-art training facility and fully retractable basketball court, this super home is truly something one must see to believe.

“Home is where the heart is, and my heart finds the mansion’s tranquil settings and decor very calming for my inner beast. Plus, you can hide a supersonic jet under the basketball court.” —Hank McCoy

Originally built in the 1700’s by Dutch settlers, this sprawling multi-acre parcel is located roughly 40 miles outside of New York City near its own private waterfront – Breakstone Lake. In its near 300 years of service, this estate has been the primary residence for New York’s elite society, as well as the students of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters – an exclusive private academy run by renowned geneticist, Professor Charles Xavier.

“This home has been in my family for ten generations. And it speaks to me. Literally. I hear its thoughts.” —Charles Xavier

During its conversion from a great house to an educational institution, the property has experienced multiple upgrades to maintain its top-of-the-line security and in-home technology systems, including multiple backup generators, a one-of-a-kind electronic communications hub that can broadcast an array of global newsfeeds, and a fully retractable regulation-sized basketball court that conceals a private underground jet hangar.

“I could run around this place for literally seconds and not see every bit of it; it’s that big.” —Peter Maximoff

Featuring three lavish stories, in addition to a main basement and two sub-basements, this property is built to survive even the most catastrophic apocalypse. Complete with its own gourmet kitchen, with adjoining Butler’s pantry and climate-controlled wine cellar, you have everything you need to entertain the crème de la crème of the cultured elite. There’s even a picturesque attic greenhouse that boasts an assortment of rare and exotic plants from around the world.

A fully automated, state-of-the-art training facility incorporates the latest in custom martial arts, self-defense, combat survival programs, in addition to its own luxury health spa. Along with its world-class medical bay and treatment facility, conveniently located in the basement, you’re fully prepared to treat everything from sprained ankles and plasma burns, to unexpected lightning strikes and animal bites.

Two of the property’s most uniquely desirable features are its underground R&D lab, complete with a fully-functioning power amplification device, for mind control and telepathy, as well as its in-ground Olympic sized pool.

“This place is so rad that, the first time I saw it, I couldn’t believe my eyes!” —Scott Summers

The summer is coming up. A lot of people that in my network want to know the value of their homes, which is helpful information for you.
Would you like to know how much your house worth? Feel free to contact us or visit our website (http://hawaiielle.aahouse.com/en/) for more.

Luxury Market on the GO

A Closer Look: New Trends and Top Cities in Top Luxury Markets

Sky rises at sky-high prices. This vertical trend is one of a few that are emerging in today’s luxury market, according to the latest Luxury Market Report published by Coldwell Banker Previews International®/NRT. The report outlines real estate trends and market activity in top luxury cities across the United States and abroad.

The Spring 2016 edition of the Luxury Market Report provides a closer look to what wealthy buyers are looking for in their next home – along with statistics on American cities and zip codes that produce the highest number of active home listings and closed home sales.

Here is a snapshot of what’s inside the Spring 2016 Luxury Market Report.

America’s top cities and ZIP codes for luxury home listings and sales – The list of Top 20 U.S. Cities for Luxury Home Listings and Sales points to a more stable pace of growth this year. Signs of change, for example, are originating from highly heated markets like Miami and San Francisco and emerging luxury hotspots like Austin.

Luxury hotbeds in Hawaii – Honolulu and Lahaina both appear in the Luxury Market Report. Lahaina ranks in the Top 20 for $1M+ Luxury Listings by Zip Code while Honolulu appears in the Top 20 for all price points in the Luxury Listings by City.

Hot markets based on average-list-price to average-sale-price ratio – A new component to the data this year — average-list-price to average-sale-price ratio (ALP/ASP) — drills more deeply into identifying cities that may be hot sellers’ or buyers’ markets.

Trends in high-end vertical living – What do sky garages, drone landing pads and pet wellness centers have in common? They’re part of the creative amenity and lifestyle packages now being offered by developers of luxury high rises in cities like New York, Miami and Chicago to attract discriminating buyers.

Market activity in Greenwich, New York and London – Prime buying opportunities abound in some of Greenwich’s most prestigious addresses; Central Park views make New York’s most-wanted list, while discerning buyers in London look beyond the city’s top luxury addresses for more value.

Luxury Spotlight: Honolulu,Hawaii

The tropical city of Honolulu, also described as the epicenter of Hawaii, is known for its international business, military defense, and being host to the infusion of Pacific culture, cuisine, and traditions.

Millions of tourists come to Honolulu every year to relish in the tropical shores of Waikiki, visit the historic landmarks, experience world-class shopping and partake in the flourishing arts and culture scene.

Honolulu has ranked high on world livability rankings, topped Gallup and Healthways report on overall happiness of residents across the United States, and is also known as being one of the safest cities in the country.

It’s no wonder that so many people want to live in Honolulu. But living in this city does come with a hefty price tag – especially in the luxury home arena.

The tropical city ranked in the top 20 of the Luxury Market Report’s U.S. Cities with the Highest Number of Active Luxury Home listings in the $1M+, $5M+ and $10M+ price points.

The lively city of Honolulu is truly a remarkable place to live in.

Home is where our story begins… And yes it is true

A home is much more than a shelter; it’s a place where one feels the most comfortable, where memories are created and where traditions are shared. There are many words we can use to describe it, but one hits the nail on the head: Home is “awesome.”

And while each person’s home is unique in its own way, we can all agree that our home is a very important part in what makes us who we are. No matter where our life’s path takes us, we will never forget the place that holds our fondest memories.

Since Coldwell Banker helps families move in from one home to another, we understand how important home is to each individual, and why families take their time in finding the perfect fit to start creating those precious memories.

With this in mind, Coldwell Banker is embarking on its most authentic campaign yet: “This is Home. This is Where Awesomeness Happens.” Instead of casting calls and staged sets, we asked you – our friends, family and clients – to pick up your cameras and show us your meaning of home. We received a wide array of heartwarming responses, from infectious baby belly laughs to the hilarious antics of our four-legged family members, which celebrate home as we know it best – through the eyes of everyday life.

In order to achieve our goal of sharing these moments that can only happen at home in the most awesome way possible, we are once again asking for your help. You can review three potential songs that could be the theme for an upcoming ad called “This is Home.”  

Are you planning to buy or sell a house? Plan to invest? Please feel free to contact us we can definitely help. Visit our website  for more. 

Why is Investing in Honolulu is an Awesome Idea?

Why it's an awesome Idea to Invest in Honolulu? 

Honolulu Named One of the Healthiest Housing Markets!

Are you planning to Invest? The number of sales successfully closed in December was up significantly in both the single-family and condo segments. There were 424 condos that closed last month — up 8.7% from December 2014. And 297 single-family homes closed, a 4.6% increase from last year’s number of 284. Oahu housing prices hit a record high in 2015, hitting the $700,000 mark for the first time (annual, median) for single-family homes. The local market’s stability has received high marks from Freddie Mac and conditions are expected to remain strong in 2016.

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