Kailua Beach House for Sale for $3,000,000! - Beachside Kailua Oahu Sandy Beach Frontage

Couldn’t wait to go to broker’s open today to see the new price reductions on Kailua Hawaii Beach Homes! Note: This is not my listing. But I would certainly be pleased to help a buyer purchase this Oahu Beach House.

15 Pueohala Place, now listed for $3,000,000 (a $295K reduction).

I know, it still sounds like a lot on money, but to get Kailua Beach, BEACHFRONT for $3,000,000 or under these days is rare. This Kailua Oahu Beach House is a best buy!!

15 Pueohala Place in Kailua, Oahu Beach House. Living Area. All images and data courtesy of HICentral MLS.

There have been only 3 sales for Kailua Beachfront Homes at $3M or under since 1/1/2006.

350 Dune Circle sold for $2,880,000 in October 2010. (#2 on Map, Below) This Kailua Oahu Beach House was 4BR/3BA and 2,644 sq ft on a 13,153 sq ft lot. The home was a tad bit dated and the floor plan seemed a bit cramped for its size. Also, the home was situated right next to the public beach access, making it less quiet and less private than the Pueohala home. It did have a nice large front entry space and was on Dune Circle which is a great little Kailua subdivision with Hawaii luxury homes, in the Beachside neighborhood of Kailua, with wide streets and several other well-kept Oahu beach homes and some non-beachfront homes, as well.

350 Dune Circle. Oahu Beach House in Kailua. Sold $2,880,000. 10/2010

21 Pilupu Place sold for $3,000,000 in September 2009. (#4 on Map, Below) This Kailua Oahu Beach House was 4 BR/ 4.5 BA and on a 3,008 sq ft. lot. This was a pretty funky, not so little home, with a lot of Lava Rock and a pretty much indoor/outdoor living room, in the camping out sort of way. Well, there is no really nice way to say it other than this Oahu beach house needed a complete renovation!

     
21 Pilipu Place. Oahu Beach Home in Kailua. Sold $3,000,000. 9/2009

40 Kaapuni, #1 sold for $2,800,000 in January 2006. (#3 on Map, Below) I did not actually see this Oahu beach house when on the market, but This home was 4BR/4.5BA and 2,753 sq ft on a 10, 913 sq ft CPR lot. A CPR lot is a condominum “subdivision” of land with another lot. For a full and better description of what a CPR is see my blog post on CPRs.

40 Kaapuni. Kailua Oahu Beach House in Beachside Kailua. Sold $2,800,000. 1/2006.

Map of all Sold Kailua, Beachfront Oahu Beach Houses, 2006-Present, for $3M or under.
#1 is still Active listing. From HICentral MLS.

The Oahu Beach House at 15 Pueohala Place that was recently reduced to $3,000,000 will make 4 sales of Kailua Oahu Beachfront Homes at $3,000,000 or less (unless the get an offer over asking), and I am pretty sure it will not last for too much longer.

View from Master Suite of this Oahu Beach House. 15 Pueohala Place in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii.

What does this Oahu beach house have going for it? Beach frontage, on a nice spot on Kailua Beach. For now, a relatively empty lot next door, so views from every room. (See above.) And, even if next lot is built on, toward the back side by beach, the main living space would retain all views. There is also protected and private pool area (below), not facing beach. Nicely updated. High ceilings for a very spacious feel. Move-in ready.

15 Pueohala Place in Kailua. Gorgeous, private pool area. Beachfront listed at $3,000,000. Oahu Beach House Listing courtesy of Margy Grosswendt RE Agency LLC.

15 Pueohala Place Kailua Beachfront. Dining area. Photos courtesy of HiCentral MLS.

What makes the Pueohala Kailua, Oahu Beach House a lower price than some others? … the lot size mainly, as most of the value in almost any Oahu beach house is in the lot. This lot is is 10,000 square feet. Still a healthy size, but smaller than many of the others. On the positive side, there is less space to maintain and pay taxes on. It is not brand-new remodeled (remodeled in 2007) or built (1970 build) but still looks great and has great beach frontage in Kailua.

This makes this Oahu Beach House in Beachside Kailua a “Best Buy” in my book!

Like to take a closer look? please let me know. 808-721-8088

Hawaii Kai Townhome: Great Value! Short Sale

CLOSED SALE 4/25: 532C KAWAIHAE STREET, HONOLULU, HI 96825  SHORT SALE & DISTRESSED Townhome in Kawaihae Crescent East. West Marina neighborhood of Hawaii Kai.  Listed by Yvonne Ahearn, Principal Broker of Home Shoppe Hawaii. Home Shoppe Hawaii also represented the Buyer, who got a great value at a price of  $419,000. This unit was over 1500 feet! 3 bedroom /2.5 bath + large loft space above master with window & closet. This home also has a upgraded kitchen with solid surface counters newer cabinets, stainless steel range and microwave hood, large walk-in pantry, and a newer tile floor. Wood laminate flooring in large main living area, carpt upstairs. All 3 Bedrooms and laundry are upstairs, vaulted ceilings & fans in each Bedroom. No one above or below. 2 Parking spaces, one covered, one uncovered. Maintenance fee is $533 a month. On the FHA & VA list.

Hawaii Loa Ridge View Home in The Pointe Gated Community on Oahu

SOLD BY HOME SHOPPE HAWAII (Rep. Buyer). List price $2,298,000. Sale Price $2,125,000. This gorgeous luxury home in Hawaii Loa Ridge is immaculate and pristine. Sturdily built in 2001, with concrete and steel construction on the interior rim of The Pointe, this luxury Oahu home lies in the prestigious gated community, within the gated community of Hawaii Loa Ridge. This Hawaii Loa Ridge luxury home has almost 3500 square feet, with 3 Bedrooms and 3 full baths and 1 half bath, including a guest suite. This luxury home also has 2 wood burning fireplaces, a chef’s kitchen, a wine cellar and views, from both levels, of the Pacific Ocean.  This Hawaii Loa Ridge home for sale also boasts quality & luxury materials throughout and a thoughtful design which maximizes light, cross ventilation & comfortable indoor-outdoor style of living. This Oahu home also has preventive termite and plentiful drainage. Private and quiet on over 16,000 sq ft lot, amenities include both the Ridge Association and the Pointe Association, tennis courts, pools, recreation room, etc. Congratulations to the Buyers of this beautiful Hawaii Loa Ridge home in The Pointe Community in Honolulu, Oahu!

This Photo courtesy of HI Central MLS. Listing Kahala Assoc.

View from the large lanai. Great outdoor living space.

Master Bedroom 

Family Room

Wine Cellar

Tropical Estate in Kahala - Relaxed Oahu Luxury at its Best!

4649 Aukai Ave. Went to see it today for Brojer’s Opne. This is one of my favorite homes in Kahala. No, I take that back, this is one of my favorite homes on the entire island and that I have ever seen on any of the islands. So favorite, in fact, I think I will model some of my own future home and backyard renovations closely after this home.

Listed by Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties and priced at $5,950,000, this 1937 home, which has been completely rebuilt, is on a double sized (22,710 sq ft) lot, on the best block of one of Kahala’s most prestigious streets, only 1 short block from the beach. Featuring 5 master-suite style bedrooms and lots of indoor-outdoor space, this home spells R-E-L-A-X-A-T-I-O-N. With simple and understanded luxury, it also features 2 pools with water features and tiki torches to remind you that you are in Hawaii… Other features include a pool house, koa and teak cabinetry and built-ins, custom-painted murals, and interior rock walls. It also has special family-friendly features and oodles of closets. The home is simply paradise.

For those of you who don’t know the Kahala Area, it is a neighborhood in the Diamond Head region of Oahu, in the city of Honolulu. Kahala has a prime location in East Oahu, with flat streets, near the beach. It is close to many private schools and close enough to downtown, so that you don’t feel the full wrath of morning traffic along the Kalanianaole Highway. Kahala has the Waialae Country Club and Kahala Mall and one hotel “The Kahala.” Kahala is a very expensive and prestigious neighborhood, with prices typically starting at over $1.5M. Some of the island of Oahu’s record real estate sales have occured here.

SEE ALL THE HOMES FOR SALE IN KAHALA NOW, INCLUDING 4649 AUKAI AVE.

Qualified buyers, please call me at 808-721-8088 if you are interested in a private viewing of this property. Aloha.

Lanikai Ocean View Home with Asian Flair

The best home for sale I saw at Thursday’s Broker’s Open: 1313 Mokolea Drive in Kailua, Hawaii on Oahu.

Gorgeous and unique Kailua luxury home on Oahu … Unique, hillside setting with Japanese details throughout. Beautiful gardens and soothing waterfall. Mokulua island and ocean views from entire living area and master bedroom suite. 2980 square feet of pure charm.

Goregous Mokulua Islands views from your deck and multiple living areas. And you are less than two short blocks to white sandy beach, known around the world for its beauty.

Goregous Asian details on this hillside home. Hale Kiawe is in the perfect tropical setting in Lanikai, Kailua Oahu.

Lots of indoor /outdoor space for relaxing and entertaining.

Dining room views of the Mokulua Islands.

Master suite with extra office space (not shown). Ocean views get even better from this floor.

Soak all your cares away in the spa-like bath retreat in these beautiful Lanikai home for sale.

Guest bedroom and guest suite, study or music room at the home’s entry.

Please call me for more information or a showing 808-721-8088.

Listing courtesy of C21 Kailua Beach Realty.

Oahu Cost v. Value on Home Improvements - 2010-2011 Report

Many people looking to sell their home on Oahu are taking a renewed look at home improvements prior to putting their home on the market. Gone are the days when it was easy to sell any home, regardless of the condition. Home buyers want to see upgrades and homes that are upgraded and priced right are still in higher demand than fixers.

The Honolulu Board of REALTORS recently published a report, courtesy of the Overhead Door Corporation, and using data from Remodeling 2010-2011 Cost v Value Report, listing the Home Improvements with the greatest return on Oahu.

Topping the list in the value to cost comparison were replacing entry (222.7% return on cost) and garage doors (180.8%). Other exterior improvements such as roofing (99.4%), vinyl siding (111.2%), vinyl window replacement (111.2%) and wood decks (125.5%) were also on the Top 10 list. And, of course, minor kitchen remodel (119.8%) and bathroom remodel (108.8%) were on the Top 10 list. All of these improvements reaped a return of almost 100% or more over cost, according to the data.

Oahu Homes for Sale Analyzed Using WalkScore.com

How cool! I stumbled across a website that rates the walkability of a particular address: www.Walkscore.com

It uses an algorythm to assign points based on how close various types of amenities (e.g., grocery stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc.) are to the address. If the amenity is less than .25 miles from the address, it scores the maximum points, and the address gets less points if the desired location is further. No points are given for amenities further than one mile away.

Many homebuyers and renters are interested in finding and living in walkable neighborhoods, as boost to their own health and the health of the environment. According to Walkscore.com, studies have shown that people living in pedestrian-friendly neighborhood weigh less than those who don’t. The cost and environmental savings of walking over using a car are readily apparent, but there are also social benefits of a pedestrian friendly hood —- when you are always in a car, you miss a lot of the day to day interaction with your neighbors that you may have if walking the same distance. Walking also can help strengthen local businesses who thrive on foot traffic.

The website rated the Top 10 US Neighborhoods for walking. Not too many suprises here:

1. San Francisco, CA
2. New York, NY
3. Boston, MA
4. Chicago, IL
5. Philadelphia, PA
6. Seattle, WA
7. Washington D.C.
8. Long Beach, CA
9. Los Angeles, CA
10. Portland, OR

How do Oahu neighborhoods? Well, I tried a few addresses in  some Honolulu neighborhoods and Kailua neighborhoods  that I know to be fairly walkable, to see how it worked:

Waikiki scored 86/100 “Very Walkable” using the address 2465 Kuhio Street, Honolulu, HI
Kaimuki scored  91/100 “Walker’s Paradise” using the address 1043 6th Ave, Honolulu, HI
Kahala scored 48/52 “Car-Dependent” using the address 4742 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI
Kahala scored 75/100 “Very Walkable” using the address 1030 Pueo St, Honolulu, HI
Portlock/Hawaii Kai scored 66/100 “Somewhat Walkable” using the address 379 Portlock Rd, Honolulu, HI
Kuulei Tract/Kailua scored 66/100 “Somewhat Walkable” using the address 157 Kuumele St, Kailua, HI
Kuulei Tract/Kailua scored 83/100 “Very Walkable” using the address 96 S. Kainalu Dr, Kailua, HI
Keolu Hills/Kailua scored 58/100 “Somehat Walkable” using the address 1032 Kina St, Kailua, HI
Coconut Grove/Kailua scored 66/100 “Somewhat Walkable” using the address 422 Kihapai St, Kailua, HI

On Oahu, I think it really depends more upon the exact address than the neighborhood, because using various addresses in the same neighborhood will yield different results. At any rate, it is a good resource for people looking to purchase a home on Oahu or visiting somewhere they have not been before.

Happy Walking!

Hawaii Public Schools Report 2010 - From Honolulu Magazine

Honolulu Magazine’s 2010 Public Schools Report is out, in the May edition of the magazine, and I am pleased to report that several Windward Oahu public schools (public schools in Kailua and Kaneohe) did quite well, placing in the top 50 schools on Oahu.

Several Kailua public schools and Kaneohe public schools even moved up in the rankings quite a bit, since the last public schools report in 2008. Particularly, Kailua Elementary jumped from #141 to #50 on Oahu!

The Top rated Windward Schools in Kailua are Aikahi Elementary School and Enchanted Lake Elementary School. The top rated schools in Kaneohe are Heeia Elementary School and Kapunahala Elementary School.

Also in the top tier of Oahu Public Schools are Maunawili Elementary School (in Kailua), Kaneohe Elementary School, Ahuimanu Elementary School (in Kaneohe) and Kailua Elementary School.

Below is a chart of the Top Rated Oahu Public Schools in Windward Oahu, including the MLS neighborhoods that they serve, and, for comparison, the rankings from the 2008 public schools survey by Honolulu Magazine.

TOP RATED PUBLIC SCHOOLS - WINDWARD OAHU (2010)

Name of School	2010 Oahu Rank*	2008 Oahu Rank*	2010 State-wide Rank	2008 State-wide Rank	City	Honolulu Board of REALTORS MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Neighborhoods Partially or Fully in School District
(1) Aikahi Elementary	20	32	20	40	Kailua/ Kaneohe	Aikahi Park, Kalaheo Hillside, Kaimalino, Mahinui, Bay View Gardens, Kaneohe Bay, Mikiola, Country Club
(2) Enchanted Lake Elementary	26	30	28	38	Kailua	Enchanted Lake, Keolu Hills
(3) Heeia Elementary	31	71	34	95	Kaneohe	Lilipuna, Haiku Park, Alii Bluffs, Crown Terrace, Alii Shores, Haiku Knolls, Miomio, Heeia View, Haiku Plantation, Haiku Village, Kaalaae, Lulani Ocean, Windward Estates, Matson Point
(4) Maunawili Elementary	33	48	37	66	Kailua	Kukanono, Maunawili, Olomana, Pohakapu, Govt/Ag
(5) Kapunahala Elementary	36	40	41	51	Kaneohe	Halekuwila, Keapuka, Castle Hill, Keaahala, Haiku Village, Kapuna Hala
(6) Kaneohe Elementary	38	58	46	76	Kaneohe	Hale Kou, Keapuka, Pikoiloa, Crown Terrace, Heeia View, Mikiola, Kaneohe Woods, Kaneohe Heights, Crestview, Halekuwila, Kamooalii, Parkway, Puahuula, Mokulele, Mahinui, Kahanahou, Waikalua, Nohanani Terrace, Kapuna Hale, Mahalani,
(7) Ahiumanu Elementary	47	42	64	53	Kaneohe	Temple Valley, Ahuimanu Area, Woodridge, Valley Estates, Clubview, Ahuimanu Knolls, Kaalaea
(8) Kailua Elementary	50	141	71	199	Kailua	Kailua Estates, Coconut Grove, Kalama Tract, Kuulei Tract, Beachside, Kalama/Coconut, Enchanted Lake, Koolaupoku, Kawailoa,

*Does not include Hawaii public schools from Maui Country, Kauai County, Hawaii County or public charter schools.

Honolulu Public Schools in the Top 50 of Oahu Public Schools 2010
Central Oahu Public School Ranking Chart 2010
Leeward Oahu Public School Ranking Chart 2010
NorthShore Oahu Public Schools Ranking Chart 2010
All of Oahu Public School Ranking Chart (.pdf) 2010
HONOLULU MAGAZINE GUIDE TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS ON OAHU 2010

Unique Loft-Like, View Home in Kailua - New Construction~!

There is a new luxury listing in Kailua that I just love! Not only for its great features, but because the price is right at $1,198,000. I came across it by almost accident, in the course of researching concrete countertops, of all things. The home is owned by General Contractor and artist, John Foley, also the founder of Concreations, a company that specializes in decorative concrete for the home - acid stained floors and custom concrete countertops.

This luxury home in Kailua is quite special, not only for its liberal use of custom concrete in almost every room of the house, but for its gorgeous ocean views. Perched high on a hilltop in the Keolu Hills area of Kailua, this home has expansive views of Kailua Bay from every lanai, and there are several of those across two levels. The downstairs of the home has 10 foot ceilings and the living room lanai doors open completely, giving the home an “inside is out” feeling of spaciousness. The downstairs living area is large and inviting with sea green acid stained floors and plenty of windows. There is a large bedroom and bath on this ground floor level, as well. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and concrete counters inlaid with sea shells and turquoise.

Upstairs, you will find 9 foot ceilings, bamboo floors and another living area large enough for a living room suite and a pool table. The master suite features views, a large lanai, and large soaking tub with separate shower, and a walk-in closet. There are two additional smaller bedrooms, for a total of 4. There are also 4 total bathrooms, which are all quite large and which features gorgeous custom concrete countertops created by the owner.

For an additional suprise, the home has a guest suite complete with wetbar/kitchen facilities. This “recreation area,” which could be compared to a small 1 bedroom apartment, even has its own separate entrance and a separate lanai with those same killer ocean views. And did I mention the home is situated perfectly to take advantage of the tradewinds, keeping things cool.  The home has custom doors and cabinetry and a suspended wire railed staircase reminiscent of a San Francisco loft home, as well as bright, modern, yet still decidedly tropical, choices in paint colors.

If you are an unrepresented buyer interested in this fine home and would like to see it, please don’t hestitate to call me at 808-721-8088. Listing courtesy of CB Pacific Properties.

Main Living Area and Front Lanai, Doorway Completely Opens for Spectacular Kailua Bay Views - Acid Stained Concrete Floors, Custom Concrete Kitchen Counters in this Kailua Luxury Home Listing on Oahu

Kailua Bay Views from Every Lanai! Luxury Home Listings Kailua - Kailua Home for Sale - Keolu Hills, Kailua

Upper Floor Living Area, Bamboo Floors 9ft Ceilings - Large Lanai and Kailua Bay Views - Luxury Homes in Kailua

Large Downstairs Bedroom in Luxury Kailua Listing for Sale. Acid-Stained Concrete Floors, High Celings, WOW!

Beachfront Kailua Home For Sale: President Obama's Rental Home on Oahu

Yesterday, at Broker’s Open House in Kailua, Oahu, I had the opportunity to view an exquisite beachfront home at Castle Point. Interestingly, it also happened to be part of the group of homes that was used by President Obama and his family for their December 2008 vacation in Kailua.

Kailua is a laid-back beach town, about 14 miles from downtown Honolulu. This Kailua Beachside Neighborhood property, formerly part of the Harold KL Castle Estate, sits on almost an acre of land in a prestigious gated community known as Castle Point. Castle Point is at the end of Kailuana Place through the also exquisite Kainalu Park Area in Kailua. The back of this Kailua estate for sale fronts the tranquil aquamarine waters of Kailua Bay and one of the best white sand beaches in the US, if not the world. Recreational activities enjoyed on Kailua Beach area include windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, swimming, and of course, suntanning. You may even frequently spot a honu or two! The front of this Beachside Neighborhood home for sale is on a quiet, wide, dead-end street, that fronts the Kaiwanui Canal, leading to the ocean.

The wood-frame Tropical Plantation style luxury home, built in 2006, is almost 5,000 sq feet under roof, with almost 2,000 square feet of open lanai, and has 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths. The entry to the home is gated and features a spacious and private front courtyard area with tropical landscape, a pool, waterfall and whirlpool. The open floor plan of this Kailua home features many rooms opening directly into the spectacular courtyard, maximizing the flow of the cool tradewinds from the ocean.

The architectural detail and finish work, including stained glass, stonework, and intricately carved wood, at this Beachside Neighborhood home are impressive, yet not pretentious. This fine home is still suitable to the relaxed beach lifestyle of Kailua. This home is listed at $8.9 Million. Qualified buyers, please call me for an appointment or for more information on this property. 808-721-8088.

Back of Beachfront, Beachside Neighborhood Kailua home, looking from Kailua Beach. 

This Castle Point home features a large Chefs kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances.

An Expansive Living/ Dining Room Area opens to Interior Courtyard Area in this fine Kailua Luxury Home.

Master Bath w/ Shower, Soaking Tub, Double Vanities, and a Multi-Million Dollar View.

Media Room and View Down Hallway With Bedrooms, Laundry, Etc. in This Comfortable Kailua Luxury Home.

Front Courtyard and Beautifully Landscaped, Private Pool Area.

Gorgeous Lanai Area in Front Courtyard

Large Lava Rock Pool Area with Waterfall in Front Courtyard.

Back Yard with Frontage Directly on Kailua Beach & Bay - Miles of White Sandy Beaches!

Listing courtesy C21 Kailua Beach Realty. Photographs used with permission.

Mililani Townhome in Beautiful Launani Valley

UPDATE: Under Contract, effective 10/3/2009.

Location, location, location! This beautiful Mililani Townhome is just what you or your buyer is looking for. In the lush, wooded Launani Valley, this condominium home is close to Wheeler Air Force Station, Schofield Barracks, Mililani Technical Park and Oceanic Time-Warner offices. This immaculately kept 2 bedroom, 2 full bath, 1056 sq ft. home is located on the parking level (no stairs up or down) of the Terraces at Launani Valley. In Building P, this is in the quiet, back side of the complex, with frontage on preservation land. This home has a 126 sq ft lanai and two parking spaces, one covered. Additional amenities of these lovely condominiums include a pool, whirlpool, community club house, recreation area with BBQ grills. There is also a playground for the kids. Nearby is the picturesque recreation areas of the Launani Valley Park, with another playground, tennis courts and hiking/walking trails. Good, EZ access to H-2, as well, for easy commute to downtown Honolulu.

Built in 1995, this townhome features high-ceilings, wall to wall carpet and a large kitchen (with eat-in area), as well as a large living/dining area, with a ceramic tiled, covered lanai large enough for a table and chairs. Walk through double doors off the living area to your master retreat, complete with access to the lanai, a separate dressing area with closet, and a large full master bath with double vanity, and extra storage. The second bedroom overlooks a garden area and there is another full bath. Ceiling fans and designer paint add to the charm of this lovely Mililani home.

$343,000 Fee Simple. Perfect home for First Time Homebuyers Looking to Utilize their Tax Credit by purchasing (closing escrow) before December 1, 2009. First Open House, Sunday September 13, 2009, 2pm-5pm. For showings, please call Yvonne Jaramillo Ahearn at 808-721-8088. www.HomeShoppeHawaii.com.

Front of Building P, Front Doors Entry Area - Terraces at Launani Valley, Mililani Townhomes.

Spacious Living Area, Open Floor Plan w/ Dining Area - Double Doors Lead to Large Master Suite.

Lovely Mauka Views from the Large Tiled Lanai.

Newer Kitchen, with all the Amenities, including an Eat-in Breakfast Nook.

Bedroom of Large Master Suite with Separate Dressing Area and Large Full Master Bath.

Large Master Bath, with Tub/Shower Combination, Double Vanity & Extra Storage.

Good sized 2d Bedroom for Office, Guest Room or Child’s Bedroom.

Large Guest Bathroom with Tub/Shower Combo.

Playground for Kids and BBQ Grill, Nearby, at the End of this Unit’s Row of Buildings.

Pool and Recreation Area, See Whirlpool to the Right of Pool. Club House, Recreation Room to Back.

Oahu Property Taxes Higher for 2009-2010, But Still Low Compared to Mainland

Not that it was unexpected, but property taxes went up in Honolulu County, Hawaii (i.e., island of Oahu) for the 2009-2010 year. (For other counties, see link below). Property taxes did not go up for residential real estate in the County of Honolulu for 2010-2011, however. See below.

The Honolulu County 2008-2009 rate for residential improved property was previously $3.27 per $1000 and went up to $3.42 per $1000 for the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.

Nevertheless, unless something drastic has happened everywhere else in the country, Hawaii property taxes in all counties are still among the lowest in the country. See, for comparison, Tax Foundation Data for State Property Taxes by County for 2005-2007.

Real property taxes in Honolulu County (Oahu) are determined by taking the total tax assessed value of the property and deducting any exemptions, then multiplying by the tax rate above. The total tax assessed value (Assd Val Total) is the sum of the value of the assessed value for land (Assd Val Land) and the assessed value for the improvements to the property, e.g, home, garage, pool, patios, fences, etc. (Assd Val Imprv).

To determine the approximate taxes for a property they were purchasing, a prospective homebuyer would look at the MLS Full Report, provided by their REALTOR for a particular property and see, for example, the following:

Assd Val Land: $969,000	Tax Year: 2008	Elem School:
Assd Val Imprv: $247,900	Mon Taxes: $305	Middle School:
Assd Val Total: $1,216,90	Home Exemp: 80000

Here, you see the tax value of both the land and the improvements, and the total which is used to calculate the property tax. In the MLS Property Reports, the applicable exemption is in the section Home Exemp. The section, Mon Taxes is an approximate statementof the monthly taxes paid for the Tax Year specified. 

The standard exemption for an owner-occupied home is $80,000, which you see in the example above. If the owner is over age 65 the exemption goes up to $120,000

There are other exemptions for low-income older property owners, agricultural properties, and for historic properties, etc. The complete details regarding Home Exemptions for Honolulu County can be found here.

One important thing for homebuyers/homewoners to note —- You do not AUTOMATICALLY receive the homeowners exemption. You must file the appropriate form with the City and County of Honolulu to get the exemption or your exemption will be zero. Your REALTOR should provide you with information about this and/or a form when you purchase your home so that you can receive the exemption. If you miss the deadline of September 30, you cannot get the exemption retrocatively.

Now, you can file or update your Home Exemption Online (in addition to bringing it to a Satellite City Hall or mailing it in).

Property Taxes for State of Hawaii - Includes Honolulu County (Oahu), Maui County, Kauai County, and Hawaii County (Big Island of Hawaii).

BASIC HAWAIIAN WORDS & PHRASES

A Hui Hou – Until we meet again	Kane – man
‘Aina – land	Kahuna – priest, minister or expert any any profession
Ali’i – royalty	Kapuna – grandparent, elder, respected older person
Aloha – hello, goodbye, love	Keiki – child
Aloha nui loa – with very much love	Kokua - help
E Komo Mai – welcome	Kumu – teacher
Hale – house	Mahalo – thank you
Hana - work	Makua- parent
Hana Hou – encore, do it again, repeat, once more	Malihini – stranger, tourist, foreigner
Haole – white person, Caucasian	Mele Kalikimaka - Merry Christmas
Hapa - mixed race	No Ka Oi – the best, none better
Hau’oli Makahiki - Happy New Year	O’hana - family
Hau’oli La Hanau - Happy Birthday	Ono – delicious
Honu – sea turtle	Pau – done, finished, over with
Lana’i – porch, patio or balcony	Pau Hana – end of the work day, work is done, happy hour
Lei – necklace made of flowers, leaves, nuts and/or shells, used in welcoming or honoring people	Pupus – hor d’oevres, appetizers
Lokahi -unity	Tutu – grandparent
Luau – Hawaiian feast, party	Wahine - woman
Kai – the sea	Wikiwiki - speedy, quick
Kama’aina – (of the land) born & raised in Hawaii, having lived here a long time, a Hawaii resident

HAWAIIAN GEOGRAPHY & REAL ESTATE TERMS

Many of these words are used as (or as parts of) place names, street names, housing developments, etc. Learn these and you will always know where you are going!

Aku – directional, away (from me)

Akau – North

Awaawa – valley

‘Aina – the earth or land (that feeds)

Ala – road or path, often used in street names, such as “Ala Moana”

Caldera – A geographic feature formed by the collapse of land following a volcanic eruption (actually, not a Hawaiian word, comes from a Spanish word)

Ewa – used as a direction, to the West or Leeward side of the island of Oahu (i.e., toward Ewa Beach)

Haku’aina – landlord, landowner

Halau – school, meeting house

Hale – house or building

Hanauma – curved bay

Hawai’i – the 50^th State of the US, comprised of a chain of 7 islands; also, the largest island of the Hawaiian island chain, also known as “the Big Island”

Helu – number

Hema – South

Hikina – East

Honolulu – the capital of and most populated city in the State of Hawaii, located on the island of Oahu

Iki – small

Kahakai - beach

Kahawai – stream

Kai - sea

Kailua (Town) – city on Oahu, meaning “two seas,” not to be confused with Kailua-Kona, the city named Kailua in the Kona region of the Big Island (Hawai’i).

Kama’aina – local person, native, resident of Hawai’i

Kaua’i – The Eastern-most island of the Hawaiian island chain, known as the Garden Isle

Koko – used as a direction, to the East or Windward side of the island of Oahu (i.e., toward the Kokohead Crater)

Komohana – West

Kona – Leeward

Ko’olau – Windward, the name of shield volcano that formed the Ko’olau Mountain Range on O’ahu

Lani – heaven

Lana’i – porch, balcony or veranda - one of the Hawaiian Islands

Lua – restroom; crater

Lumi kuke – kitchen

Makai – toward the sea

Makani – wind

Mauka – toward the mountains

Malahini – visitor, tourist, foreigner

Mauna – mountain

Moana – ocean

Moku - island

Nani – beautiful

Nui – big or large

‘Ohana – a separate living unit, attached to or on the property of another home, usually for extended family.

O’ahu – the State of Hawaii’s most populated island, known as the Gathering Place, second from the left in the Hawaiian island chain

Pa’a’aina – landholder

Pali – cliff or cliffs

Pohaku – rock

Pu’u – hill

Wai – fresh water, river

Wai’ele - waterfall

Wakea – sky

Ua – Rain

Hawaii Realtors Now Exempted From Distressed Property Law

Great news for Hawaii REALTORS that handle distressed properties and for homeowners in the unfortunate situation of being behind in their payments and facing the risk of foreclosure! As of Wednesday May 20, Realtors are exempted from many of the provisions of the Mortgage Rescue Fraud Prevention Act of 2008. This is an enormous benefit to distressed homeowners who can now rely on the help of their real estate agent working with their lender to help them sell their home prior to foreclosure.

The Mortgage Rescue Fraud Prevention Act is a law enacted to help protect homeowners that are behind on their mortgage payments from unscrupulous people that attempt to take advantage of the homeowner’s predicament by purchasing the home for less than it is worth or otherwise stealing the equity in the home.

The law defines a Distressed Property as one in which the homeowner is at least 60 days deliquent on his/her payments, or at least 90 days delinquent in the payment of taxes, association fees or other encumbrances, or meeting other similar criteria. It provides that a person doing certain tasks for the homeowner must enter into a Distressed Property Agreement with the homeowner and that that person would be considered a Distressed Property Consultant. The tasks covered include things such as helping to postpone foreclosure, negotiating with the homeowner’s lender or other creditors, helping protect the homeowner’s credit, and other tasks that help the homeowner and which, sometimes, may be handled by a realtor knowledgable in these areas.

The original Hawaii law was modeled after several other similar state laws. However, one of the main differences was that realtors were exempted from the law in other states. So, since Governor Lingle has now signed Act 66 of 2009 into law, Hawaii has now realized that including realtors within the definition of Distressed Property Consultants was not helping homeowners, but rather, hurting them, and has corrected these problems. While realtors still may not purchase a Distressed Property that they represented, during or within 365 days after their listing agreement has expired/is terminated, they may still do what it takes to really help the homeowner try to avoid foreclosure via negotiations with creditors and/or selling the property.

If you are behind or may become behind on your payments and are looking at selling, even if you owe more on your home than it is currently worth (a short sale), please do not hestiate to contact me. I will do what I can to help.

Aloha~ Yvonne 808-721-8088

Kailua Golf Course Home on Mid-Pac Golf Course for Sale

NEW KAILUA GOLF COURSE HOME FOR SALE: 463 IANA STREET - Open Sun 2-5pm

yvonne@homeshoppehawaii.com 808-721-8088 for showings.

WOW! Is what you will say when you see the views from this expansive 2200 sq ft home situated right on the Mid-Pac Golf Course in Kailua. On a 10,000 square foot lot, this breezy 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath retreat also has an office, den, laundry room, and enlarged Master Suite with dressing room. And the chef in your family will love that the kitchen has a gas stove! Catch a sneak preview of this great home at my OPEN HOUSE 2-5 this Sunday, May 28th!

Please note: This is a short sale and we have just done a 100K price reduction, to sell it quick! The bank has already approved the price of 850K with another offer, so buyers will not have long to wait for approval, at this price. This home’s tax assessed value is over $1.2M. Act fast before it’s gone.

This home is on Iana Street in the much desired Iana Corridor section of Enchanted Lake. If you are not familiar with this street, it is a long cul-de-sac, very quiet and private. Most homes are either waterfront backing to the Kaelepulu Stream or with Golf Course frontage, like this one, backing to the Mid-Pac Golf Course in Lanikai. This area is closer to the ocean and the large open section of the Kaelepulu Stream. Here, the ocean is a straight shot less than a mile over the golf course, so this area takes advantage of the amazing, cooling island tradewinds.

Watch the President play golf from your backyard!

Professionally landscaped yard, with sprinkler system and landscape lighting.

Back view of the home. Relax under this shady tree in this huge yard, sized for a pool and more!

Another view of the beautifully landscaped yard that opens wide up to the Mid-Pac Golf Course allowing for amazing, expansive views!

The Den/Music Lounge opens up to this brick patio area on the large side yard. The perfect place for grilling or margaritas! The other side yard has space large enough for a boat!

Beautiful Mid-Pac Golf Course views from your family room.

More views of the golf course from the Den/Music room. This home also has a separate dining area and an office.

Spacious kitchen with bay window for plants and wood flooring. Lots of other storage too that is not seen in this photo. Off the kitchen is a separate laundry/utility room and an office.

Spacious formal living room, opens to kitchen, dining and family room.

As a bonus, both the living room and family room have lots of built-in cabinetry and shelving.

The master suite in this home includes a large partially remodeled master bath, a large dressing room with double closets and a large master bedroom.

For showings please call Yvonne at 808-721-8088 - Aloha!

Hawaii Legislature Overturns Special Requirements for Remodeling 50 Year Old Homes

Many Hawaii homeowners and realtors were dismayed last year when we heard about the new requirement for remodeling or tearing down properties 50 or more years old. Under this law, Act 228 of the 2008 Legislative Session, owners wishing to tear down or remodel such a structure, had to provide photographs of their property to the State Historic Preservation Division prior to being issued a building permit. There was no distinction made as to the condition or stuctural integrity of the building, or any other factor, other than age. On the East side of Oahu, this affected many, many people, as most homes here are at or rapidly approaching the age that would be covered under the law.

As you can imagine, many problems and criticisms arose from the law, including imposing an unfair burden on homeowners in getting and paying for these pictures and, of course, further delays in getting permits. This law was not meant to create a bottleneck, or even prevent destruction of historical properties, but rather just a way to preserve history through pictures. However, it made an already cumbersome permit process a bit more cumbersome.

Governor Lingle, has apparently agreed with the critics of Act 228, and effective April 14, 2009, repealed this law. She stated,” Act 228 further impeded the issuance of building permits at a time when we should be doing all we can to facilitate construction activity in order to stimulate the economy and create jobs.” Thank you, Governor Lingle, but I have to wonder — why do some of these laws get passed in the first place?

Law Affecting Remodel & Tear-Down of Historic & Older Homes

Many Hawaii homeowners and realtors were dismayed last year when we heard about the new requirement for remodeling or tearing down properties 50 or more years old. Under this law, Act 228 of the 2008 Legislative Session, owners wishing to tear down or remodel such a structure, had to provide photographs of their property to the State Historic Preservation Division prior to being issued a building permit. There was no distinction made as to the condition or stuctural integrity of the building, or any other factor, other than age. On the East side of Oahu, this affected many, many people, as most homes here are at or rapidly approaching the age that would be covered under the law.

As you can imagine, many problems and criticisms arose from the law, including imposing an unfair burden on homeowners in getting and paying for these pictures and, of course, further delays in getting permits. This law was not meant to create a bottleneck, or even prevent destruction of historical properties, but rather just a way to preserve history through pictures. However, it made an already cumbersome permit process a bit more cumbersome.

Governor Lingle, has apparently agreed with the critics of Act 228, and effective April 14, 2009, repealed this law. She stated,” Act 228 further impeded the issuance of building permits at a time when we should be doing all we can to facilitate construction activity in order to stimulate the economy and create jobs.” Thank you, Governor Lingle, but I have to wonder — why do some of these laws get passed in the first place?

Kailua Home for Sale: Fun and Funky Tropical Paradise in Kailua

Thursdays are the days for Oahu Realtors Broker’s Open in Kailua. I try to get out every week, so I can get a jump on the best deals for my clients who are looking to buy Oahu real esate and to keep up to date with the Oahu real estate on the market. 

My favorite Oahu home for sale for this week is located just a few homes from famed Kailua Beach and has deeded beach access. What makes this home unique and my favorite this week are three things: (1) a HUGE lot, almost 13,000 sq ft - there is plenty of room for a pool and lots of grass, great kids yard or wonderful if you like to do a lot of entertaining (2) tropical, fun, bamboo/tiki style decor - well, this is not for everyone, but it certainly works well in this location, and (3) an open & breezy floorplan - many of the rooms open to the outside. Great for truly indoor/outdoor lifestyle like we have here in Kailua. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It is very unique in its use of bamboo on the walls and ceilings. I have never seen anything quite like it.

Here are some photos.

Back of this Kailua Home from the Huge backyard.

Remodeled Kitchen - Travertine Floors Throughout. Nice glass mosaic tile backsplash.

Living Area of Kailua Home for Sale. Wonderful, open floor plan. Note the liberal use of bamboo on the ceilings.

Dining Area, looking into remodeled kitchen.

Master bedroom, enhanced with unique bamboo garden wall, flows out to the spacious backyard.

A better look at the Master Bedroom’s Bamboo Wall Decor - these photos really don’t do it justice. There is a rock garden at the bottom that you can’t see, and the background for the bamboo is a woven material. A faux bamboo forest.

This is what I call the TIKI Bedroom - You can’t really see it, but the tikis flanking each side of the daybed light up from the inside. Note the elephant bamboo wainscoting behind the bed, and on the rest of the walls.

ROOM WITH A VIEW - Besides the intricate bamboo and thatch ceiling, and wainscoting, this room features a wall mural that looks a lot like Kailua Beach. This room also opens out to the gorgeous backyard.

Here is a look at the giant backyard. The home also has a 3 car garage and 4th bedroom. The yard faces the street and home is back on a private lane.

Funky, Fresh, Tropical - Is it for you? Please contact me if this property appeals to you and you would like to see this in person, Aloha - 808-721-8088. Listing courtesy of C21 All Islands.

Conveyance Tax Increase for Sellers of Luxury Homes on Oahu

UPDATE: The Governor Did Sign This Into Law.
____________________________________________

Yesterday, the Hawaii Legislature passed House Bill 1741 which (among many other things) aims to increase the conveyance taxes on the seller for the sale of properties priced at $2 Million and more. If Governor Lingle signs this bill, conveyance taxes will go from the current tiered structure, for owner-occupied homes, ranging from 10 cents to 30 cents per 100 dollars in purchase price:

OLD
10 cents per $100 - Property Price $0-$599,999 (15 cents for non-owner occupied)
20 cents per $100 - Property Price $600,000 - $999,999 (25 cents for non-owner occupied)
30 cents per $100 - Property Price $1M and up (35 cents for non-owner occupied)

to a new structure, that raises taxes to 50 cents to a dollar per $100, for owner-occupied purchases fo homes priced at $2M or more, and 60 cents to $1.25 for purchasers of these homes living elsewhere.

NEW
10 cents per $100 - Property Price $0-$599,999 (15 cents for non-owner occupied)
20 cents per $100 - Property Price $600,000 - $999,999 (25 cents for non-owner occupied)
30 cents per $100 - Property Price $1M - $1,999,999 (40 cents for non-owner occupied)
50 cents per $100 - Property Price $2 M - $3,999,999(60 cents for non-owner occupied)
70 cents per $100 - Property Price $4 M - $5,999,999(85 cents for non-owner occupied)
90 cents per $100 - Property Price $6 M - $9,999,999($1.10 for non-owner occupied)
$1 per $100 - Property Price $10 M and up ($1.25 cents for non-owner occupied)

So, for a $2 Million owner-occupied home the conveyance tax would increase $6,000 to $10,000, or 67%. For a non-ower occupied home of $2M the tax would increase from $7,000 to $12,000, or 71%.

For a $10 Million owner-occupied home the tax would increase from $30,000 to $100,000, or 233%. For a non-ower occupied home of $10M the tax would increase from $35,000 to $125,000, or 257%.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2009/Bills/HB1741_sd1_.pdf

You may ask, why is the SELLER responsible for more taxes when the BUYER is an investor? Good question - that is a factor that Sellers may wish to consider and possibly, negotiate with an investor/buyer in a transaction.

Stay tuned to hear what happens.

Kailua Magazine 2009 Edition - Get it Before it's Gone!

One of the things I look forward to the most with my annual subscription to Honolulu Magazine is the Kailua edition that comes out every April.

Last year, I was fortunate enough to be interviewed for the magazine’s article, “Wanted: Kailua” by Catherine Toth, on Kailua real estate. They even featured a home that I sold and my clients in the article.

This year, the Kailua section featured the history of three very different Kailua families and 13 fun new things to do in Kailua. In the article “Kailua Generations,” by Jenny Quill told stories of the Kanentake, Rodrigues-Pope and Peters families of Kailua. I found intriguing the historic photos, including a 1952 picture of Mount Olomana, and wonder what it must have been like here, in the “old days.”

In the article on new things to do in Kailua, the writer, Ashley Hamershock, featured several new restaurants, merchants and activity providers, under the headings drink, eat, move and shop. I have tried several of the new places first-hand and found them to be quite good. In particular, Bob’s Pizzeria, Crepes No Ka Oi, and Kailua Town Pub and Grill, all casual eateries, with pretty good prices. Of the merchants, I’d recommend Little Sprouts, the new Eco-boutique for kids, featuring green clothing and products, and the Sweet Paradise Chocolatier, with delicious and beautiful chocolate treats, even some handpainted tropical delights.

The last Kailua article in the magazine was my favorite, however, because it so distinctly depicts much of my experience living in Kailua. Entitled “New Year’s Day,” the writer, Rachel Ross, describes what makes Kailua so special. Stranded o New Year’s Day with a flat tire, she hangs out for a while at the historical Kalapawai Market, just Mauka of the kitesurfing part of Kailua Beach, while the owner rides his bike home to get a pump to help fix her tire. She people watches (looking for Obama), interacts, and lives, even if for a brief moment in a “small town meets cosmopolitan” experience, which I completely understood. This is this specific location where I have my coffee almost every morning, so perhaps gives part an explanation of why I am so in love with Kailua.