Wailea Hawaii Real Estate News & Listings Presented By RE/MAX Resort Realty

Welea St., Pahoa, HI 96778

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:04:16 GMT

Wonderful Welea: Affordable oceanfront parcel in desirable Hawaiian Beaches. There is 9,065 square feet of fairly level land for you to build a home with unlimited ocean views.

Imagine having an ocean blue as far as the eye can see and the calming lull of the ocean as the soundtrack for your life. Watching whales breach, visiting pods of dolphins playing, or sea turtle foraging for limu from your ocean front home.

Only oceanfront parcels are guaranteed unobstructed ocean views. In addition underground utilities means there are no power lines to spoil your scenic vistas. There are many upscale houses in this area that are situated to enjoy the ocean's beauty.

Welcome to one of the finest subdivisions in Puna, Hawaiian Beaches. You may be asking why buy in Hawaiian Beaches?
It's a no brainer. This area is in close proximity to water sports like snorkeling, surfing, fishing & boating. It's unique because it has Paved Roads, Private Water, Curb side Mail & Newspaper Delivery, Public Parks, a corner store, schools and access to public transportation.
Don't let this opportunity pass you buy. Come and see this property and you will want to put in your offer today: Highway 130, pass the Pahoa sign, Left on Kahakai Boulevard, Go down to oceanfront park, Left on Papio, Right on Puhi St, go Left on Welea Street, parcel is on the right between 15-2699 and 15-2705 Welea Street.

NENUE, Pahoa, HI 96778

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:04:16 GMT

Paradise Found: Parcel on South Nenue Street in Hawaiian Shores Recreation Estates. Property is 12,040 sq ft (70 ft wide X 172 ft deep) on a dead end street. It is fairly level and has not been cleared, so it is covered with trees and vegetation. Selectively clear parcel and build your dream home with shade and privacy. Lot is a about 150' above sea level and receives 118" of rain a year. It is in a lava zone 2.

Hawaiian Shores Recreation Estates is a desirable area because it has a great neighborhood feel to it. There is also paved roads, private water, home mail and newspaper delivery, high speed internet, cable, electricity, and phone.

CC&R's make this area a great place to invest and live because there are community standards in place and that are enforced.

Use of private association park comes with the ownership in this neighborhood. You have use of the pool, baseball diamond, basketball court, tennis courts, horse shoes, and playground. Association dues are only $300 per year. They even mow the shoulders of the roads.

See this land parcel and imagine your Hawaii Home: From Hilo take hwy 11 to HWY 130, make a left and head to Pahoa. Pass Pahoa Sign, make the next Left on Kahakai Boulevard, Right on Moano Street, Left on south Puni Makai Loop, right on Nenue Street lot is a little over 1/4 way down on the left look for the realtor's sign.

Manini, Pahoa, HI 96778

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 07:04:16 GMT

Manini Mania is this parcel priced for quick sale in Hawaiian Shores Recreation Estates. Property is 12,040 sq ft (70 ft wide X 172 ft deep) on a dead end street. It is fairly level and has not been cleared, so it is covered with trees and vegetation. Selectively clear parcel and build your dream home with shade and privacy. Lot is almost 200 feet above sea level and receives about 120 inches of rain a year.

People like Hawaiian Shores Recreation Estates because it has a great neighborhood feel to it. There are also paved roads, private water, home mail and newspaper delivery, high speed internet and cable, electricity, and phone.

CC&R's make this area a great place to invest and live because there are community standards in place and that are enforced. Hawaiian Shores Recreation Estates dues are $300 a year.

Use of private association park comes with the ownership in this neighborhood. You have use of the pool, baseball diamond, basketball court, tennis courts, horse shoes, and playground. Association dues are only $300 per year. They even mow the shoulders of the roads.

From Hilo take hwy 11 to 130
at HWY 130 make a left and head to Pahoa.
Pass Pahoa Sign, make the next Left on Kahakai Boulevard, Right on South Puni Makai Loop, Right on Manini Street, and the lot is 1/4 of the way down on the Left (parcel is to the right of house 15-2779 Manini Street) look for the realtor's sign.

34TH AVE, Kurtistown, HI 96760

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:06:06 GMT

Whole Lot to Love on 34th Avenue in Orchid Land Estates is a large 1 acre parcel in that is conveniently close to highway and attractively priced. Looking to build a home in Hawaii in cool country comfort? This improved parcel was cleared and surveyed 3 years ago and is a perfect spot for your dream home in Hawaii. It is also in Lava Zone 3 which makes financing possible and insurance cheaper. Nearest utility pole is #7 and is across the street from property. People like Orchid land because of the large sized parcels and the close proximity to Hilo and Keaau. Property is approximately 420-450' above sea level and receives about 150 inches of rain a year; more than enough to keep your yard green and water catchment tank full. See this parcel and imagine your home: Take highway 130 towards Pahoa, pass Paradise Drive, turn Right on the next street Aulii, Right on 34th Avenue, Parcel is one third the way down on the Left.

1010 Eha St, Wailuku, HI 96793

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 07:05:29 GMT

Real Steal: Second floor unit #206 at 1010 Eha Street at Iao Parkside Phase II is a bank owned, foreclosed, REO Condo with one bedroom, one bath, 543 sq ft interior, built in 1994. Drop down attic stairs lead to additional storage space above bedroom. Covered lanai provides 151 square foot of space to relax with mountain and peek-a-boo ocean views.
Condo is perfect for tropical living with cool ceramic tile in most of the unit and easy care vinyl floor in the full bath. Real Steal has lots of storage in addition to attic space there is a pantry by the dining area and upper cabinets hung in the bedroom. Bedroom has a niche by the bathroom door with a stacking washer and dryer.
Iao Parkside is just under 100' above sea level and receives 20-30" of rainfall in an average year. Monthly Maintenance fee is $209 and covers upkeep of common areas, garbage, sewer, water, and landscaping. Residents pay for electricity and cable.
See the Real Steal that you will want to call home: Take Kahului Beach Road, Continue on to East Main Street, Right on Waena Street, Right on Eha Street, 1010 Eha is on the left, and unit is just past the middle in phase II. See virtual tour for more information and pictures

92-1534 ALIINUI DR, Kapolei, HI 96707

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:04:41 GMT

The Price is Right at unit #1404 at Ko Olina Hillside Villas; this bank owned, REO, foreclosed condo for sale in Kapolei on Oahu. This two bedroom, two and half bath fee simple condominium has 981 square feet living, 141 square foot lanai, and 236 square foot one car garage with door opener. Experience Ko Olina Resort living at a non-resort price! This town home is in excellent condition with ceramic tile floors and granite counter tops in the kitchen and baths. Bedrooms, stairs and living room have cozy carpet. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher. Ceiling fans and central air conditioning keep unit cool. The Price is Right is in a great location half a block from the swimming pool, mailboxes and guest parking. Ko Olina Resort is home to a championship 18 hole golf course, Roy's Restaurant, 4 lagoons, Kolohes Bar and Grill, Ihilani Marriot Hotel and soon to open Disney Vacations Club and many units are used as vacation rentals. Monthly maintenance fee, $412: includes up keep of common areas, sewer, water, garbage and use of the Ko Olina fitness center.
FREE 1yr Basic Home Warranty, Pre-Approval, Loan Application, Credit Report, and Appraisal with approved GMAC financing.
See the condo you would love to call Home: Take I-H1W towards HI-99W/Aiea/Pearl City, continue onto Farrington HWY HI-93W (go 2 miles), take ramp onto Aliinui Drive towards Ko Olina (.5mile) make a U-Turn, take ramp Onto Farrington HWY HI-93E towards Honolulu (go .6 mile), go right on Koio Drive (go.5 mile), turn left on Aliinui DR (go.4 mile), make a U-Turn (go .1 mile), 92-1534 Aliinui Drive Apt 1404 on the Right.

15-2759 KUMU ST, Pahoa, HI 96778

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:02:48 GMT

Amble over to Kumu Street and fall in love with Rambling Ranch Returns with 2,008 square feet living space and a desirable open floor plan with a separate master suite. Home has been updated with Laminate wood flooring and slate tile in the bathrooms, fresh paint, and new light fixtures.Sporting 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, this 1975 home sits on a large 15,077 sq ft parcel with lush mature landscaping and fenced backyard. Front door opens to short entry hall with a sunken living room on the left. Glass patio doors off the kitchen exit to large screened in lanai which is perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Kitchen is U-shaped with new stainless steel stove, dishwasher, microwave and fridge. Double French doors leads to master suite. As you enter, bathroom is straight ahead and bedroom with roomy closets on the left. Hallway off dining area leads to 2 bedrooms one at each end of hall and in the middle the main full bath. To the right of entry, utility room leads to garage access, storage and laundry closets, and then ends with an office with built in cabinets. The roomy 480 sq ft garage has a new Genie Garage door opener. Large circular planting bed in front yard with ohia trees, shrubs and a pond with waterfall screens home from the street. Palms and other assorted plantings add beauty and privacy to yard. This home is incredibly priced. The value for the square footage can't be beat. Home is located in Hawaiian Shores with paved roads, water, phone, cable, high speed internet, and home mail and newspaper delivery. At the top of the subdivision there is Keonepoko School and Da Store (a convenience store). This property is NOT in the section with an association with dues. See the house that you will want to call Home: Highway 130 past "Pahoa" sign, LEFT on Kahakai Boulevard, RIGHT on KUMU Street, House is on the immediate LEFT. Look for sign. For more pictures see virtual tour.

Big Island sees double digit sale increases

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Mixed signals seen in May Big Island, Kauai home sales

While purchases showed a spike, median prices fell on both islands

By Allison Schaefers

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jun 08, 2010

Big Island and Kauai home sales posted double-digit increases in May. However, median prices fell on both islands, leading real estate watchers to conclude that these markets are still short of recovery.

Single-family home sales on the Big Island increased 25.5 percent to 128 houses last month, and condominium sales rose 71 percent to 53 units, according to data released yesterday by the Hawaii Information Service. Still, more than half of Big Island single-family home buyers in May paid at least $279,500, which represented a 7 percent decrease from the year-ago $300,500. The median price paid for a condominium also dropped about 7.8 percent to $285,000 from the year-ago $309,000.

May single-family home sales on Kauai rose 80 percent to 27 houses from the year-ago 15. Condominium sales climbed last month by 38.5 percent to 18 units from the 13 recorded in May of 2009. The median price paid for a single-family home on Kauai in May dropped 30 percent to $420,000 from the year-prior $600,000. The median price of a Kauai condominium dropped by 50.3 percent to $164,000 from $330,000 in May 2009.

Compared with a dismal last year, the statistics tell an overly optimistic tale, said Phil Fudge, the principal broker at Kapaa-based Kauai Landmark Realty.

"Last year was really terrible, so a little increase makes it look really big," Fudge said.

That said, buyers continued to benefit from low prices and interest rates on the Big Island and Kauai in May. Sellers made faster sales than they had previously. However, many still had to make price or other concessions, said Val Pilaria, principal broker at Aloha Kauai Properties.

"They have to compete with distressed sales," Pilaria said.

The volume of distressed properties also brought out the bargain hunters, said Howard Dinits, a Realtor with Kihei-based RE/MAX Resort Realty who specializes in Big Island and Maui residential real estate.

"Deals have kept the sales momentum high even after the expiration of the federal tax credits," Dinits said.

CLICK HERE FOR LARGE

Compared with a dismal last year, the statistics tell an overly optimistic tale, said Phil Fudge, the principal broker at Kapaa-based Kauai Landmark Realty.

"Last year was really terrible, so a little increase makes it look really big," Fudge said.

"They have to compete with distressed sales," Pilaria said.

"Deals have kept the sales momentum high even after the expiration of the federal tax credits," Dinits said. http://www.BigIslandRealEstate.com and http://www.EasyMauiRealEstate.com

Brand New Listing House For Sale in Pahoa Hawaii 96778

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Brand New Listing

House For Sale in Pahoa Hawaii 96778

15-2759 Kumu STreet Pahoa Hawaii 96778
Hawaiian Shores Subdivision
Return of the Rambling Ranch

Want to live in Hawaii or Curious about Big Island Real Estate?
Click the link below for more information.

MLS#235634

$149,141.00

Mailing Address:
Howard Dinits RS PO BOX 2249 Kihei HI 96753
Direct Phone 808-874-0600 e-mail Howard@HowardDinits.com

http://www.BigIslandRealEstate.com

91-1050 MIKOHU ST, Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Thu, 27 May 2010 07:02:57 GMT

Affordable Gentry Living is this REO, Bank owned, Foreclosed studio unit at Palm Villas II in Ewa Beach. This desirable upstairs corner unit, built in 1991, has a 414 square foot interior that was upgraded with laminate wood flooring in the living room area and front closet. Kitchen is light and bright with laminate counter tops, cabinets and vinyl flooring. Tall window in kitchen gives great natural light. Gas stove makes cooking fast and efficient. Kitchen sink faces living area and glass patio doors to the balcony that lets in views and light. Bathroom is just off the living area with vinyl floor, cultured marble topped vanity, and a shower surround. Next to vanity is a stacking washer and dryer for your laundry convenience. Opposite wall has a long closet with mirrored doors. This condo for sale in Hawaii is on the Leeward, west side of Oahu. It is under 100' in elevation and receives approximately 18" of rain a year. This is a great place to live with no short term, vacation rentals allowed. Palm Villas is also considered Pet Friendly because they allow up to two pets (feline or canine). Sorry no rabbits or birds. Unit includes an assigned covered parking space #118. Monthly maintenance fee is approximately $158 and includes sewer and water service. Common areas are nicely landscaped on the 2 acres property. The pool is gated for safety and features a pool house and lounge chairs for residents use. See the unit you would be happy to call home: Take H1 toward HI-99W/Aiea/Pearl City, Exit #5A/Ewa onto Kunia Road and go .5 mile, continue on to Fort Weaver Road for 3-4 miles, Right on Kolowaka Drive, Left on Manawalea Street, Right on Mikohu St, building #10 is halfway down on the Left. Upstairs corner unit 10S.

Hawaii foreclosures soar 115 percent, with Maui and the Big Island seeing huge increases

Sat, 15 May 2010 22:22:00 GMT

Hawaii foreclosures soar

The rate surges 115 percent, with Maui and the Big Island seeing huge increases and Oahu faring much better

By Gene Park

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, May 13, 2010

Oahu remained well below the national rate of foreclosures in April, but the Big Island and Maui markets took large hits.

There were 1,474 Hawaii properties that received foreclosure notices last month, according to RealtyTrac, an online foreclosure marketplace.

That was a 115.5 percent increase over April 2009 foreclosure numbers.

Hawaii's April foreclosures, which equated to one in every 348 households, added up to a higher rate than the national rate of foreclosures, which was one in every 387.

Oahu fared the best, with one in every 580 homes. But Maui and the Big Island saw a high rate, with one in every 187 and one in every 179 homes, respectively. There was one foreclosure in every 313 homes on Kauai.

"I think we're just gonna see more inventory hitting every day," said Big Island and Maui Realtor Howard Dinits. "The foreclosure process takes a long time in Hawaii."

Nationwide the number of homes facing foreclosure fell 2.4 percent from a year ago in April. James Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac, said the April national numbers indicate a plateau in foreclosures, but "at a very high level that will not drop off in the near future."

The number of borrowers losing their homes is still rising. Banks seized a record 92,000 homes last month.

And there are millions more potential foreclosures ahead. Nearly 7.4 million borrowers, or 12 percent of all households with a mortgage, had missed at least one month of payments or were in foreclosure as of March, according to Lender Processing Services Inc., a mortgage data research firm.

As the economy turns around, "you will see an improvement in housing markets and in foreclosure activity," said Rick Sharga, a RealtyTrac senior vice president. "The problem is that there's such a backlog right now."

Among states, Nevada posted the highest foreclosure rate in April, with one in every 69 households receiving a foreclosure notice.

Foreclosures there were up 10 percent from March, but virtually unchanged from a year earlier. Next on the list were Arizona, Florida, California and Michigan.

Hawaii landed in 11th place. The top five neighborhoods in the state with the most foreclosures were Kailua-Kona, Kihei, Ewa Beach, Lahaina and Waikoloa.

Dinits said Waikoloa and Kihei foreclosures are due to a large number of owners who own second homes.

"It's an investment for them," Dinits said. "That's the real reason for the high numbers in those areas.

"If you gotta make a choice between your house or your vacation house, you're gonna keep your house."

Dinits said he is currently working on a foreclosure at an Ewa Beach home. He said the military community there might be experiencing transfers, routine changes in duty stations.

But David Kucic, a Realtor who specializes in Ewa Beach sales, said many of the Ewa Beach homes might be short sales, where sale prices are lower than the balance owed on the property's loan, being counted as foreclosures.

"It's not like you have 89 foreclosures," Kucic said, referring to RealtyTrac's statistics on Ewa Beach. "A property would actively be trying to sell as a short sale, but it will get reported as a foreclosure."

Kucic said he is seeing a lot of activity in Ewa Beach, a sharp contrast to last year's slow market.

"Last year, you could find a property no problem," Kucic said. "But the competition is stiff right now.

"Even though the first-time homebuyer's tax credit is gone, there are still a lot of buyers looking for properties."

OUT OF THE HOUSE

Kailua-Kona had the most foreclosures in April, according to RealtyTrac, an online foreclosure marketplace. Below are the state's foreclosure hot spots last month:

ZIP code	Neighborhood	Foreclosures	No. per household
1. 96740	Kailua-Kona	193	83
2. 96753	Kihei	122	138
3. 96706	Ewa Beach	89	155
4. 96761	Lahaina	75	167
5. 96738	Waikoloa	73	41

Source: RealtyTrac

NO PLACE TO CALL HOME

Hawaii's monthly foreclosures over the past year, including the year-over-year percentage gain:

2010
Month	Total	Change
April	1,474	+115.5%
March	1,097	+51.5%
February	972	+81.0%
January	1,302	+286.4%
2009
Month	Total	Change
December	1,534	+207.4%
November	872	+121.9%
October	925	+134.2%
September	969	+63.1%
August	869	+158.6%
July	990	+332.3%
June	706	+426.9%
May	816	+397.6%
April	684	+216.7%
March	724	+503.3%
February	537	+275.5%
January	337	+174.0%

Source: RealtyTrac

15-0776 Paradise Ala Kai Dr, Keaau, HI 96749

Wed, 05 May 2010 07:21:27 GMT

Be enthralled by the View Master in Hawaiian Paradise Park with stunning ocean views, four bedrooms, four baths on three levels with a 2,016 sq ft interior, and 272 sq ft decking. Home sits on a 21,780 square foot lot with landscaping surrounding lava formations.Home is spread over three levels and serviced by a dumbwaiter to ease loading and unloading groceries and supplies to home. Stairs inside and outside home provide access to each level. Top floor has vaulted ceilings, a large kitchen with Jenn-Aire stove and ceramic tile floor. On demand water heater in kitchen and upstairs bath saves energy and water. Wood laminate floor looks stylish in the dining and living room area. Doorway off living area leads to a bedroom with attached bath. Second level has two generously sized bedrooms with attached baths and a laundry room. Decks partially wrap around two upper levels with stunning views of yard and ocean. Ground floor has a studio with attached bath and enclosed 2 car garage which also houses the central vacuum.Home was just refreshed with new interior paint, window screens, and new solar water heater with 2 panels. Exterior paint was also touched up. Great location is across the street from the ocean in the desirable Hawaiian Paradise Park. Watch the sunrise color the sky, whales frolic, and the ocean dance from your deck and home.TMK records show home as a two bedroom, four bath with top floor room to be an office and ground floor a workshop. Great Deal just got better: Bring a Full Price offer and Seller will give a 3% credit for closing costs and include a 1 year warranty with American Home Shield. Take Highway 130 towards Pahoa, pass 5mm, Left on Paradise Drive, drive to end, continue on to Paradise Ala Kai, home is second from end on the Left.See virtual tour for more information and pictures.

Keaau Hawaii 96749 Paradise Ala kai Hawaiian Paradise Park Big Island Real Estate

Sat, 01 May 2010 12:47:00 GMT

See Howard Dinits and his new listing in Keaau Hawaii 96749. Paradise Ala kai Hawaiian Paradise Park Howard Dinits Big Island Real Estate Agent

Top selling Big Island Realtor in Hawaii uses video and www.youtube.com to market Real Estate on the Big Island.

1353 HOAPILI ST, Lahaina, HI 96761

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:05:18 GMT

Cash is King at Hoapili Street is this REO, Bank Owned, foreclosed home in Lahaina that is just 200 feet from the Ocean. This home built in 1969 was stylishly upgraded in 2007, with a new roof, paint, flooring, kitchens and baths, and new redesigned floor plan.
According to County this home has Five bedrooms, Two baths and a 1,681 square foot interior, and sits on a 5,080 square foot parcel.
Investors with Cash? Looking for income? This home is for you as number of bedrooms, baths and kitchens differs from country records.
Looking for a single family home or buying with a loan? This may not be for you as the 1,681 sq ft of permitted living space, and part of the 1,280 square foot carport has been re-designed into 3 separate living areas.

Upstairs rear unit has views of West Maui Mountains and deck has a peek a boo ocean view to remind you how close you are to the water.
See it to believe it, then buy it: Take highway 30 to Lahaina, Left on Kapunakea, Right on Hoapili, home is towards the end on the Left. Occupied. Drive by, but please do not disturb.
See virtual tour for more information and pictures.

Marketing Hawaii Real Estate on YouTube

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Marketing the YouTube way

Island businesses say the online sensation is cost-effective and works

By Gene Park

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 21, 2010

About two years ago a local woman did a YouTube search for "Hawaiian," as she was curious about what would pop up.

She ended up watching a video tour from Big Island Realtor Howard Dinits on a property he was selling at Hawaiian Shores in Pahoa. She grabbed her husband and went to see the house.

"Without ever calling me," Dinits said, recalling the sale. "It was the only house they looked at, and they eventually got it. That's what opened my eyes."

It's not like Dinits isn't Internet-savvy. Earlier in his life he sold glass art through his Web site. He was just surprised at how a random search for something unrelated led to business for him.

Local businesses large and small are betting on YouTube's purveyance, as well as the permanence of its presence, to strengthen their marketing arm.

It's a cheap bet, since the outlet is free. Its cost-effectiveness is one reason why the Hawaii Medical Service Association canceled its "HMSA Now" channel on digital cable last year.

"But not everybody has digital cable; it's not available in all areas," said HMSA spokeswoman Laura Lott. "Then we thought, Where do we go? When we want to look something up or have a health question, we go to the Web."

The channel offers health advice and information on insurance policies, as well as archived commercial spots. Lott said turnaround for producing videos has become easier since the company is able to upload on its own time.

"It's a simpler, shorter work flow and more cost-effective," she said.

For Dinits it was a small investment that has gone a long way. He's bought a camera that can shoot in high definition, with solar-charged batteries. "What's that investment there? Like $200?"

Dinits' video channel features footage of him giving virtual tours of properties he sells. Sometimes the channel more closely resembles a vlog, or video blog, with many personal asides, or footage of musicians he enjoys. Most times he visits the neighborhood of the property he is selling, visiting nearby shopping centers and attractions.

"They get to know me, they get to know the real estate, they get to know the area," Dinits said. "It's a way of people to get to know who they're doing business with."

Dinits said he no longer advertises in traditional media, outside of one local real estate guide.

"With the old way of giving information, you made the consumer call you, and that's how you got your lead," Dinits said. "I say give them everything. Give them all the information, show them the map, show them the Google locations. They'll call you because you're the one who gave them all that information."

Luxury real estate company Kahala Associates launched its YouTube channel earlier this month. The channel is regularly updated within a day or two of a new listing. The videos are also tagged with keywords so they would show up on search engines.

"It's pushed distribution of our listings in a huge, powerful way," said Chuck Garrett, Kahala Associates' business development director.

The firm hired a video vendor in Wisconsin to put together presentations for online. That way Kahala's 25 associates didn't need to waste time training to develop voice acting or film skills.

"We haven't had to become experts in how to make YouTube videos, because we're busy selling houses," he said. "We don't have to write the script, we don't have to buy a video camera."

The only initial hiccup of the outsourcing was mispronunciations of certain properties. But that problem was solved by using Forvo.com, an audio pronunciation guide to which people can contribute clips.

"'Kaaawa' was a tough one for them," Garrett said.

The firm still does print ads, trying to be "much leaner and smarter" in its advertising costs.

Farmers Insurance Hawaii, formerly AIG, still saturates traditional media with advertising with its popular commercials. The ads' popularity was part of the reason why the insurer started its own YouTube channel in 2007.

"Especially the one with the mailbox, and the argument, and the grandparents, some of the older ones," said Farmers e-marketing manager John Tapper. "People still talk about them, and asked to be able to see them."

Although the insurer started a new channel under its changed name, it decided to keep its AIG YouTube account active as an archive for its older commercial spots. Both channels have grown to highlight its community service work, including food drives, and the firm's TV spots for traffic safety.

"We're able to improve engagement and build trust," Tapper said. "It's an easy medium for people to look at that's nonthreatening, and be able to say we're part of the community."

Farmers spokeswoman Wenli Lin said the channel only informs the company's larger social media platform, being able to refer to videos on its Twitter and Facebook accounts.

"And it's the way things are going to be," she said.

http://www.BigIslandRealEstate.com

http://www.EasyMauiRealEstate.com

Home, condo sales up on Big Island

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:03:00 GMT

http://www.BigIslandRealEstate.com

Home, condo sales up on Kauai and Big Island

By Allison Schaefers

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 06, 2010

Sales of single-family homes and condominiums on Kauai and the Big Island posted triple and double-digit increases last month as buyers pursued bargains.

Prices were mostly lower.

While Oahu's housing market experienced a double-digit rise in single-family home sales and the median price last month, the neighbor islands still have farther to go, said Howard Dinits, a Realtor with RE/MAX Resort Realty in Waimea whose specialty is Maui and the Big Island.

"Oahu has already stabilized, but the outer islands still have no jobs and that hurts," he said. "Furlough Fridays have hurt, too."

In January, 31 single-family homes changed hands on Kauai, which represented a 210 percent increase from the prior year's sales. Likewise, condominium sales doubled to 14, a 100 percent rise last month.

Despite the run-up in Kauai sales, home prices continued to drop last month. More than half of the Kauai buyers in January paid at least $375,000 for a house, which represented a nearly 20 percent decline. Likewise, the median price paid for a Kauai condominium fell 19.5 percent to $204,500.

More Canadians than ever are looking for Kauai properties, said Phil Fudge, principal broker at Kapaa-based Kauai Landmark Realty.

"We had about five Canadian buyers come through in the last month," Fudge said. "Their economy isn't as sluggish as ours, and their dollar is in a good position."

It was a similar story on the Big Island, which saw single-family home sales increase nearly 69 percent to 86 and condominium sales rise nearly 63 percent to 26.

The median price paid for a single-family home on the Big Island fell about 9 percent to $239,250; however, the median condominium price increased about 21 percent to $245,000.

Bargain hunters from Oahu, Alaska, the U.S. West Coast and Canada are eyeing the neighbor islands, Dinits said.

"They like the low prices and the chance to get away from the cold," he said.

Local buyers also are capitalizing on low prices, favorable interest rates and the tax credits that are available to qualifying first-time buyers and owner-occupants, he said.

"Our volume is up. I've closed nine sales on the Big Island and Maui this year," Dinits said. "But I wouldn't say that prices are appreciating yet."

Big Island buyers are getting more serious, said Paula Beamer, a Realtor with Clark Realty's Waimea office.

"Some of them feel we are at the bottom," she said. "Getting a loan is a little tricky, but if you can get one, some of the prices are back to 2004 levels."

There are plenty of lookers in Kauai's market but fewer investor-buyers, Fudge said. "Our tourism has been down, and they want to see potential renters," he said.

http://www.BigIslandRealEstate.com

How Much Rain Does The Big Island Get?

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:00:00 GMT

how much rain does the Big Island Get?
what is the temerature in Hawaii?
Big Isand Weather Report.

Rainfall and temperature at specified locations

Annually, Hawaii County: 2001-2005

Annual Rain Fall Big Island Hawaii
Temperature For Hawaii, Big Island, Hilo. Pahoa Temps. Big Island Weather
Hawaii Weather. Sunny Weather. Rainy Weather. 11 of 13 Climate Zones in Hawaii and the Big Island.Annual Rain Fall Big Island HawaiiAnnual Rain Fall Big Island HawaiiTemperature For Hawaii, Big Island, Hilo. Pahoa Temps. Big Island Weather Hawaii Weather. Sunny Weather. Rainy Weather. 11 of 13 Climate Zones in Hawaii and the Big Island.Annual Rain Fall Big Island Hawaii

for more info regarding Big Island Real Estate or Foreclosure listings in Hawaii go to

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Home sales on Big Island and Kauai rose in October

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:18:00 GMT

Home sales on Big Island and Kauai rose in October

Falling prices and homebuyer credits draw bargain hunters locally and abroad

By Allison Schaefers

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 06, 2009

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Home sales picked up on the Big Island and Kauai in October, according to a recent report from Hawaii Information Service.

Single-family home sales rose 48 percent on the Big Island and 39 percent on Kauai, said the report, which was released yesterday. Likewise, condominium sales rose about 21 percent on the Big Island and nearly 78 percent on Kauai; however, the percentages are somewhat skewed by the small size of these markets.

"I had three closings in one day in October," said Howard Dinits, a Realtor with RE/MAX Resort Realty in Wailea, who specializes in Big Island and Maui sales. "I haven't seen activity like that for three years."

Dinits said sales are up because prices have fallen.

"I recently sold a 1,270-square-foot home for $130,000 in Hawaiian Shores Recreation Estates on the Big Island," he said. "The same house would have sold for $265,000 in 2005."

Dinits said bargain hunters are coming from Oahu and Maui, California, Oregon, Alaska and Canada.

The $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit, combined with the price drop, also has lured buyers who could not afford to participate during the last cycle, he said.

"There are houses selling for $70,000," Dinits said.

The median price paid for a single-family home fell 13 percent on Kauai to $446,500 and nearly 6 percent to $282,500 on the Big Island. But while the median condominium price rose 26 percent to $357,000 on the Big Island, Kauai's median condominium price fell 24 percent to $395,000.

Home sales picked up on the Big Island and Kauai in October, according to a recent report from Hawaii Information Service.

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Dinits said sales are up because prices have fallen.

"I recently sold a 1,270-square-foot home for $130,000 in Hawaiian Shores Recreation Estates on the Big Island," he said. "The same house would have sold for $265,000 in 2005."

Dinits said bargain hunters are coming from Oahu and Maui, California, Oregon, Alaska and Canada.

The $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit, combined with the price drop, also has lured buyers who could not afford to participate during the last cycle, he said.

"There are houses selling for $70,000," Dinits said.

Home sales on Big Island and Kauai rose in October

http://www.bigislandrealestate.com

Why are ther so many Foreclosures on the Big Island

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Why are ther so many Foreclosures on the Big Island? Especially in Hilo and Puna Areas

Predatory Lending: Loans approved for borrowers who do not have the necessary financial resources to meet the obligations of the debt; along with, the lenders’ failure to provide sufficient information regarding future adjustments of the interest rates (i.e. Adjustable Rate Mortgage - ARM). Do not confuse predatory lending with aggressive lending.

Declining Prices: 25% of all homes are now worth less than the loan amount and are referred to as being “upside down.” In this scenario, if homeowners are having difficulty making payments, many choose to “walk away” from the property and the mortgage allowing foreclosure to take place. Unfortunately, foreclosed properties are typically sold at “below market” prices which further contributes pricing reductions.

Unemployment: Because the real estate market is directly tied to the job market, the rise in unemployment has had an adverse effect on the market. New jobs are needed to create the need for new homes. It has been estimated that it will take 1.2 new jobs to create the need for one more house.

Increased Debt: The amount of credit card and installment loan debt in this country has been continually increasing for a number of years, as have the interest rates on those loan instruments.

Increase in Home Inventory: The National Association of REALTORS® estimates that six-months of inventory creates a neutral market, meaning that there is an equal number of buyers and sellers which causes the price of real estate to remain static. In this case we have moe than a 6 month supply, so the prices have dropped.

Looking to get a good deal on a Foreclosure in Hawaii?

go to http://www.hawaiiforeclosure.info/

Howard Dinits RS
RE/MAX Resort Realty
808-874-0600

Obama Signs Homebuyer Tax Credit Expansion Into Law

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:19:00 GMT

Obama Signs Homebuyer Tax Credit Expansion Into Law
President Obama today signed legislation to extend and expand the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit that had been set to expire at the end of the month. These tax credit changes are included in the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009, which also extends unemployment benefits to people who have been jobless for more than one year.

The new legislation extends the deadline for the first-time homebuyer tax credit to include home purchase contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30, 2010. The tax credit was also expanded to include a new $6,500 credit for owners of existing homes who are purchasing a new principal residence — if they have lived in their current residence for at least five consecutive years of the past eight years.

Homebuyers looking to take advantage of either tax credit are subject to income eligibility limits of $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for married couples, up from the limits of $75,000 and $150,000 included in the previous law. The home purchased must cost less than $800,000 to qualify the homebuyer for the tax credit. And to help guard against fraud, buyers are required to attach documentation of the home purchase to their tax return.

After signing the bill into law this morning, President Obama said "the rebound in the housing market was one of the big factors that contributed to the growth of the economy last quarter, and brought hundreds of thousands of families into the housing market. We want to give even more families the chance to own their own home."

NAR economists estimate that the current tax credit has contributed approximately $22 billion to the general economy, and that approximately 2 million people will take advantage of the tax credit this year.