Barbara Abe, Your Hawaii Kai Realtor

Top Pet-Friendly Hotels on the Mainland

Barbara Abe — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 15:21:00 GMT

TripAdvisor.com has released the results of its latest survey of US travelers and pets, rating the best places to stay with your best friends. 61% of pet owners traveled with their pets last year, 33% often took them, and 5% always did. For amenities in the pet-friendly lodgings, 44% cite designated green space for walking the pets as the most important feature of the hotel, and 16% look for on-site kennels or pet day care. Read the full article at RISMedia.com . Here are the winners: Hermitage Hotel,...(read more)

New Senior Section in my Hawaii Kai Web Site

Barbara Abe — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:34:00 GMT

Be sure and check out the senior page on my web site, for resource links and information about what's going on here on Oahu in senior housing. One new development underway for Seniors is 15 Craigside, in Honolulu, and Hale KaLae will also attract seniors who have been living in single family homes. Call or email me with your questions on possibly selling your Hawaii Kai home and moving into a more structured environment. Barbara Abe 808-226-2537 barbara@barbarashawaii.com www.movetohawaiikai.co...(read more)

Fannie May Survey Shows Shift in Attitude toward Housing

Barbara Abe — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:24:00 GMT

Fannie Mae’s latest national housing survey finds that Americans are more confident about the stability of home prices than they were at the beginning of 2010, even though they lack confidence in the strength of the economy, 78% of respondents believe housing prices will hold steady or increase over the next twelve months, up from 73% in January 2010; but almost two-thirds still believe the economy is on the wrong track, virtually unchanged (61%) from the beginning of last year. Doug Duncan,...(read more)

Koko Head Elementary Saved for Now

Barbara Abe — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:13:00 GMT

The Department of Education has approved a plan to redraw Hawaii Kai attendance boundaries to boost enrollment at Koko Head Elementary by about 150 students. The DOE had proposed closing either Koko Head or Kamiloiki. After public opposition to closing either of the high-performing schools, the DOE suggested redrawing the boundaries instead. The students will be taken from the Aina Haina Elementary district, which is near capacity at 650 students. Students who live in Kuliouou will attend Koko Head,...(read more)

New Guides Available on Hawaii Kai, Oahu, Hawaii

Barbara Abe — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:16:00 GMT

I've just finished and posted 2 new guides for your reference. Read about the Greening of Oahu - the state's efforts to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Read about Retiring on Oahu - is it for You? with good links to the state resources and questions you need to consider. Visit my page for Guides and Reports to request a complete relocation package, or the 2 ones - and complete February market statistics. Let me know if there is other information you feel would be helpful I can add to...(read more)

New MLS Search Offered

Barbara Abe — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 03:00:00 GMT

As our busy real estate season approaches, I decided it was time to offer a more comprehensive search engine on my site. Be sure and try out the new MLS Search functions, where you can now save searches, set up various searches by filters, receive email notifications of new listings, and more. Here's the Search Page link . I'd like your feedback, so I can make any changes necessary so the search works for you, the user. Barbara Abe 808-226-2537 barbara@barbarashawaii.com...(read more)

February 2011 Real Estate Market Report for Oahu

Barbara Abe — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:01:00 GMT

The real estate market on Oahu posted very positive numbers for the month of February. Closed Sales, all properties, increased 13.1% Closed Sales, single family homes, increased 2.3% Closed Sales, condos, increased 20.9% Single Family Market Overview, February 2010 to February, 2011 Closed Sales rose 2.3%, from 177 to 181 Days on Market increased 52.6%, from 38 to 58 Median Sales Price decreased 1%, from $575,500 to $570,000 Average Sales Price increased 2%, from $685,249 to $699,034 Housing Affordability...(read more)

Hawaii Kai Real Estate Market Report for February, 2011

Barbara Abe — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 02:39:00 GMT

Both Single Family and Condo sales in Hawaii Kai were slow in February, with 7 home sales and 14 condos closed. This compares to 2010 with 7 home sales and 6 condo closings. Single Family The 7 sales ranged from $684,000 for a 3/1.5 in Koko Head Terrace to $1,600,000 for a 4/3.5 on a 10,613 SF lot in Kamehame Ridge. There were 2 sales in Koko Head Terrace, and three of more than $1,000,000. These million-dollar sales were in NaPali Haweo, Spinnaker, and Kamehame Ridge. Condos The low sale was a FA...(read more)

Home Sellers More Successful with a Realtor than without

Barbara Abe — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:43:00 GMT

A survey just released by HomeGain.com, of 1,000 homeowners, which asked if they used a realtor or sold by owner (FSBO), showed 83% used a realtor. Of those, 59% were successful, vs only 39% of FSBOs, which is a 50% higher closing rate for sellers who used a professional realtor. 81% of those who did use a Realtor to try and sell said they would again in the future, and 88% who actually sold their homes using a Realtor said they would use a professional next time. Of the FSBOs, 71% who were able...(read more)

Groundbreaking Starts Honolulu Rail

Barbara Abe — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:06:00 GMT

Tuesday, Feb. 22, the formal groundbreaking will begin the long-awaited Honolulu Rail system. projected to cost $5.5 billion. Sen Inoye has said he will do all he can to secure federal funding to help the project. The city's High Capacity Transit Corridor Project was listed under "pending full funding grant agreements" and was budgeted for $250 million of $1.55 billion sought by the city. Honolulu's rail is the second-largest item in Obama's list of pending full-funding agreements....(read more)

Oahu January Real Estate Statistics

Barbara Abe — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:07:00 GMT

The numbers were very positive in January for Oahu real estate sales, compared to January, 2010: +10.2% change in closed sales all properties; +11.2% change in closed sales single family; +9.5% change in closed sales condos. Single Family (as compared with January, 2010) Pending sales increased 21.2% Closed sales increased 11.2% (179 ro 199) Days on Marked decreased 11.6% (43 to 38) Average Sales Price increased 2.8% to $700,055 Median Sales Price decreased 4.2% to $570,000 Housing Affordability...(read more)

Hawaii Kai Market Activity January, 2011

Barbara Abe — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:33:00 GMT

7 homes sold in January in Hawaii Kai, ranging from $695,000 for a Cottages unit in the Peninsula, to $5,750,000 for a stunning view home on Poipu in Triangle. The Cottages unit was a 3/2 built in 2002, seling in only 5 days on market. The Poipu home was very large, 6500 SF interior with outside living area of an additional 1,537 SF. Built in 2010, it had 6 bedrooms, 5 full/2 half baths, pool, on a land area of almost ½ acre. It sold in 145 days on market. Three sales in January were over...(read more)

Hawaii Kai Elementary Schools

Barbara Abe — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 17:42:00 GMT

After initially intending to close either Kamiloiki or Koko Head Elementary schools, the School Board has proposed to change the Hawaii Kai attendance areas in order to boost enrollment at the 2 schools. The idea won widespread support at a public meeting of the Board of Education. The plan would redraw boundaries that determine which school a student attends based on home address. Aina Haina Elementary's enrollment would drop by about 150 students, who would be "redistricted" to one...(read more)

Cheaper to Rent or Buy in Honolulu?

Barbara Abe — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 03:12:00 GMT

Trulia.com's latest Buy vs Rent report states that in 72% of the 50 largest US cities, it is more affordable to buy than to rent a 2-bedroom home. In only 4 of the major cities, New York, Seattle, Kansas City, and San Francisco, is it more expensive to buy. Honolulu ranked #18 on the list, with a rent:::buy atio of 13. According to Jenny Quill, in HonoluluMagazine.com's Real Estate blog , "The ratio is determined by comparing the median list price with the median rent..Trulia determined...(read more)

Home Sales in US Surge in December

Barbara Abe — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:16:00 GMT

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales rose sharply in December, and sales increased for the fifth time in the past six months. Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 12.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.28 million in December from an upwardly revised 4.70 million in November, but remain 2.9% below the 5.44 million pace in December 2009. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist,...(read more)

F/246-1441 Kaumualii St in Kalihi is Sold!

Barbara Abe — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:31:00 GMT

Kalihi, Honolulu - The single story at F/246-1441 Kaumualii St has been sold.

Property information

Real Estate Sales Numbers for 2010, Hawaii Kai

Barbara Abe — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 22:32:00 GMT

The Hawaii Kai real estate market continues to become stronger, with gradually rising prices and numbers of sales, while days on market decrease. Single Family December, 2010 19 sales Low price $585,000 in Kalama Valley and Koko Head Terrace, days on market 17 and 83. High price $2,200,000 in Portlock, days on market 26. 9 sales over $1,000,000. December, 2009 18 sales Low price $630,000 in Koko Head Terrace, days on market 10. High price $1,425,000 in NaPali Haweo, days on market 79. 3 sales over...(read more)

2011 Housing Predictions

Barbara Abe — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 17:42:00 GMT

Will housing values increase in 2011? Fortune.com offers both a bullish and a bearish prediction. The bulls say : Affordability is at its highest level. Billionaire Warren Buffet is among those who believe this is a sign the slump is about to end. Buffet writes: "Prices will remain far below 'bubble' levels, of course, but for every seller (or lender) hurt by this there will be a buyer who benefits." The bears say : It’s not over yet. Housing is still overpriced and inventories...(read more)

New Tax Law has Homeowner Benefits

Barbara Abe — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 15:42:00 GMT

Two of the most home owner-friendly provisions of the new tax law are: Deductions for private mortgage insurance : The agreement extends through 2011 a provision allowing home owners to deduct mortgage insurance premiums. To qualify for the full deduction, homeowners must have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less. Taxpayers with AGI of $100,000 to $109,000 can claim a partial deduction. Borrowers can’t deduct mortgage premiums on home loans that closed before 2007. Tax credits for energy-efficient...(read more)

Honolulu Housing Market Better than Mainland

Barbara Abe — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 00:46:00 GMT

According to Clear Capital's monthly Home Data Index (HDI) Market Report, an increasing number of local markets dropped into double dip territory. "It's encouraging that the immediate and dramatic decline in prices that we observed since mid August appears to be softening," said Dr. Alex Villacorta, Senior Statistician, Clear Capital. "But any optimism should be tempered by the fact that November's numbers show continued significant downward pressure for home prices. Nationally,...(read more)

Oahu Real Estate Market Activity, November & Year-to-DAte, 2010

Barbara Abe — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 01:41:00 GMT

Single Family Sales In November , 245 homes sold on Oahu. This compares to 163 in 2008, and 258 in 2009. Year-to-date , 2,742 homes have closed island-wide. This compares to 2,540 in 2008 and 2,418 in 2009. Median Sales Price In November , median price sold was $585,000. This compares to $600,000 in 2008, and $590,000 in 2009. Year-to-date , median price for sales has been $595,000. This compares to $621,000 in 2008 and $580,000 in 2009. Days on Market (a good indicator of demand) In November , average...(read more)

Hawaii Kai November Home Sales

Barbara Abe — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 02:50:00 GMT

Please visit my web site market page for detailed numbers of the last 6 months, but here are highlights for November real estate activity in Hawaii Kai. Single Family 10 sales, ranging from $684,500 for a 3 bedroom/2 bath home in Koko Head Terrace , of 1,136 SF, on a 6,226 SF lot. built 1970, and only 4 days on market. The high sale was $1,500,000 for a waterfront home in Kealaula Kai , of 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths, 1,600 SF living area, 8,347 SF lot, built 1986, and only 1 day on market (which means...(read more)

Multifamily Housing Predicted to Lead Market in 2011

Barbara Abe — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:18:00 GMT

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said he anticipates a rise in household formation from an improving economy next year, which will increase demand for housing, both ownership and rental. "Multifamily housing is the one commercial sector that has held on relatively well in the past year, and can expect the best performance in 2011," he added. "Apartment rents could rise by 1 to 2 percent in 2011, after having fallen in 2009 and no growth in 2010," Yun said. "This rent rise...(read more)

Holiday Pet Travel - Can you Enjoy your Hawaiian Holidays with your Pet?

Barbara Abe — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:44:00 GMT

PetRelocation.com released the results of its first annual Holiday Pet Travel Survey of more than 7,000 pet owners worldwide, finding that 63% of pet owners say they travel at least 50 miles (80 kilometers) with their pets during the holidays. Of pet owners who travel with pets, 71% choose to travel within their state of residence during the holidays. 28% travel out of the state, and 85% of those who travel with pets for the holidays said that their pets influence the distance of how far they’ll...(read more)

October Home Prices Holding in Many Metro Areas

Barbara Abe — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:48:00 GMT

According to the latest survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), fully half of metropolitan areas tracked in the third quarter continued to show modest home price increases from a year ago, despite a sharp decline in home sales after the deadline for the home buyer tax credit. In the third quarter, 77 out of 155 metropolitan statistical areas1 (MSAs) had higher median existing single-family home prices in comparison with the third quarter of 2009, including 11 with double-digit increases;...(read more)