Aloha, Hope everyone enjoyed a Happy Halloween and that you and your kids are not bouncing off the walls from a sugar overload. As for the market, it is STILL a good time to buy. Why do I say this now? Because buyers seem to be circling the wagons around potential purchases without ever really doing anything and I am wondering why. Everyone seems concerned about interest rates when in fact they are at historic lows. What are we waiting for? Does anyone remember when rates were at 16% to 18%? Now that was a time to wait and see if rates were coming down. Along with low interest rates, we also have fabulous pricing. Granted, pricing may come down a bit more, after all, just about every single buyer who is looking in today's market expresses concern that the market has not yet hit bottom, ... 11/03/2008

Princeville has been one of Hawaii's most exclusive resort destinations since it was created in the 70's.  The exclusive Princeville Resort Hotel sits on a bluff overlooking Hanalei Bay and that famous Hawaii landmark known as "Bali Hai".  It is such a prime location, that it has been chosen to be the site of Hawaii's first St. Regis Hotel which hopes to open by the summer of 2009. For the last month, bargain shoppers have been coming in droves to take advantage of the Liquidation Sale, where everything had to go!  You could find everything from $1800 Mirrors to used sheets and towels.  And the prices continue to drop each week, which makes it irresistible.  The first time we checked out the sale, I came away with a leather-like Princeville Resort telephone book cover for $2.00, a lacqu... 11/02/2008

Aloha, And welcome to your weekly update. The news this week, according to the October 25th Garden Island Newspaper is that Kukui'ula is laying off 20 to 24 full-time employees, which is about 25% of its staff, "due to increasingly difficult market conditions." Kukui'ula is the largest project underway in Poipu, consisting of 1,010 acres geared towards the luxury homebuyer. The developer, DMB from Scottsdale Arizona, prides themselves on building a lifestyle, not just a development. "The timeline for Kukui'ula's homes, shopping center and golf course will not be affected," according to the company president. "He described the decision as very difficult and said it was the prudent thing to do to ensure the company's ability to see the development to completion," this per the Garden Islan... 10/26/2008

Aloha Welcome to another fact filled weekly update. I'm a little late getting this one out but all the info is here for you. Let's get started: Copyright 10/19/2008 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS216836 T A 7 4-5-3-11-1-30 FS $770,000 Villas On The Prince #30 1,767 #30 3/3216775 T A 1 4-5-4-15-21-54 FS $499,000 Sandpiper Village I #217 1,173 #217 2/2.5216880 T A 6 4-5-4-12-10-24 FS $560,000 Emmalani Court #412 1,192 #412 2/2216544 T A 5 4-5-4-5-30-20 FS $599,000 Princeville Mauna Kai #D302 1,488 ##25 3/2216921 T A 5 4-5-4-5-23-3 FS $725,000 Plantation At Princeville #121 1,318 #121 3/3 CONTINGENT SALES188592 T C 683 4-5-4-5-24-63 FS $610,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #21C 1,972 #21C 2/3 EXPIRED210045 T X 179 4-5-4-5-27-1 FS $440,000 Hale Honu #1A 1,085 #1A 3/1.5212639 T ... 10/21/2008

  Location Price Sold Price List/Sale Bds Bths Living Area DOM Sold Date $/SF 3988 Aloalii Dr $1,450,000 $1,200,000 82.76% 3 3.5 2,483 28 9/12/2008 $483 4001 Aloalii Dr $1,690,000 $1,450,000 85.80% 2 3 3,461 328 7/31/2008 $419 4128 Aloalii Dr $1,725,000 $1,648,000 95.54% 3 3.5 3,054 49 3/28/2008 $540 5035 Emmalani Dr $629,500 $585,000 92.93% 3 2 1,599 338 9/30/2008 $366 4725 Emmalani Dr $679,000 $620,000 91.31% 2 2 1,388 393 3/31/2008 $447 4115 Kekuanao'a Ln $699,000 $600,250 85.87% 3 1.8 1,228 77 6/18/2008 $489 4834 Ou Pl $725,000 $675,000 93.10% 3 2.5 1,200 139 3/28/2008 $563 4120 Nalani Ln $739,000 $700,000 94.72% 3 2 1,725 148 8/22/2008 $406 4200 Waileia Pl $760,000 $760,000 100.00% 3 2.5 1,928 394 4/29/2008 $394 4130 Kekaulike Ln $799,000 $757,000 94.74% 3 2 1,625 38 6/17/2008 $466... 10/20/2008

My friend Ken Stokes, from the Kauaian Institue, will be on the radio at  Noon hosting the Friday talk show on KKCR normally honcho’d by Keone Kealoha and Andrea Brower of Malama Kauai.Click here or on the KKCR graphic to listen live Keone and Andrea are at the Bioneers conference in San Rafael, and will be calling in to report on the opening days’ plenary roster of inspiring speakers. That’s the air attack bit. On the ground,Ken is  down for the consultants’ briefing on the County’s “energy sustainability plan” RFP, and hopes to be part of a team to get this contract. Nothing is more important than Kauai anticipating ‘peak oil’ and forging contingency plans for supply disruptions. The ’see’ bit is from Pacific Business News, where  Janis Magin quotes  Ken in a piece on ‘greenwashing’ i... 10/19/2008

You've heard about fractionals right? No?  Well, you must live in an urban area with mostly full time residents. If you live in a ski area in Colorado or British Columbia, you've probably heard about fractionals. Hawaii law defines a fractional as ownership for a minimum of sixty days, to be delineated from the concept/product known as timeshare.In this buyer's market, seller's have long been desiring to do something different that makes their offering unique. Well, a fractional allows a seller to sell their property in six segments, each 60 days long. It's a great approach to "lifestyle living", meaning, only own the time you are going to use. If you live in Nebraska and want to spend January and February in warm, tropical Kauai, then you only need to purchase those two months of owner... 10/14/2008

Aloha, It's that time of the week AGAIN. Time for your weekly update. Maybe this week seems shorter because I was on Oahu Tues through Thursday afternoon. As expected, there were no crowds at the restaurants, the movie theatre or at Ala Moana Shopping Center. Hopefully, as we get closer in to the holidays (which will undoubtedly get here before you know it) all that will change. I always enjoy a run over to Oahu - for me it's actually very relaxing. I never rent a car, choosing instead to either take the City Bus or a limo (depending on how much time I have to get to my destination) to my Ocean Front hotel, the Hawaii Prince. All the rooms in the Prince overlook the ocean which is why I like it so much plus they usually have Kama'aina rates if you call early enough. The location is idea... 10/13/2008

How do we answer the question: "What is my property worth now?" Global financial events over the last ten days have changed faster than "greased lightening" making any pronouncement on current values of Kauai Real Estate even more difficult to project. As you know, many would-be sellers over the last year have simply stood "pat" awaiting the down-turn of sales to cycle through with hopes of a return to earlier price points. The question, of course,  was always how long this would take.  With the new wave of changes in the global economy last week, any notion of a return to such levels in the "foreseeable" future have essentially vanished. Meanwhile, other sellers have now completely abandoned the idea of "breaking even" and just want to free up cash by liquidating their asset at any pr... 10/12/2008

Wednesday is the day reserved for Caravan's in Princeville. There is a caravan usually two times a month on the North Shore and one of them is for Princeville itself. This week's Wednesday caravan featured a nice assortment of homes and condos as usual. Here is the niced home and the nicest condo i found. These are both beautiful offerings. Queen Emma's Bluff - This street is located on the east end of the main Princeville neighborhood and runs along the Prince Golf Course ( Hawaii's #1-rated golf course) and towards the ocean bluff, hence part of the name. This home was built in the 90's but remodeled and upgraded in the last couple of years. Here are a few snapshots taken from my iPhone that show the views out your back door.                       View of Mt. Namahana looking south fr... 10/11/2008

Princeville is a wonderful place to live, relax, play, and enjoy the nature of Kauai. In this buyer's market there are now quite a few options for owning a condominium under 450,000. Several of the condo complexes, specifically Sandpiper, Paniolo and Hale Moi allow for a lockout, where an investor can actually have TWO RENTALS for the price of one condo. This usally means an "A" side where there is a one bedroom apartment with full kitchen, and a "B"side that is generally a studio apartment. The studio "B" side has a full bedroom, a bath, and some form of makeshift kitchen with a hot plate, microwave, etc. Here is the current list of condos under 450,000. This is an area of the market that is affordable, has a good selection of loans, and perhaps the only properties on the North Shore t... 10/07/2008

The The Princeville North Shore resort has been quite resilient through the market changes of the last couple of years.Ocean bluff homes here in Princeville are still priced over $3 Million and the median home price is still above a million. There are, however, some folks who bought properties at the top of the market and pulled their equity out before the market corrected. That's the situation with most of the condos in this short list of auction and foreclosure properties. I've compiled this short list and the list of the lender in case any of you have an interest in pursuing it further. For instance, the unit at Mauna Kai, 5A is still showing up in our MLS for $369,000 when it shows the loan amount to be $469,000. This is a large condo,over 1500 sq. ft. for that type of investment. B... 10/07/2008

Aloha, It was another quiet, although very beautiful week. I took advantage of the good weather yesterday and hiked into Hanakapi'ai Beach and then continued back to Hanakapi'ai Falls. I don't recommend the additional 2 miles back to the falls for the casual hiker but if you love a challenge and don't mind mud and climbing up and down rocks, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful falls with a large swimmable pool at the base. You have to overlook the fact that it's pretty much freezing cold - but enough on this. I'll talk about my hike later this week and include pictures. For now, here is your weekly update: Copyright 10/5/2008 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS216340 T A 2 4-5-4-5-23-41 FS $580,000 Plantation At Princeville #1111 1,153 #1111 2/2210042 T A 3 4-5-4-5-23-24 FS $729... 10/05/2008

This week, there have been some price changes (down) and a new listing at 2998 Aloalii Drive to add to "Homes For Sale at Princeville, Kauai's Queen Emma's Bluffs." These homes possess some of the most commanding views of the three most prime Princeville vistas: Ocean (nearly every home has some ocean view), Golf Course (every home site fronts the golf course), and Mountain: (Extremely dramatic views of Hii Manu, Namolokama and Mamalahoa.)       REMAX KAUAI Property Search 10/04/2008

Last Six Months Princeville Homes List to Sold Sold Date Price Sold Price Reduction List to Sell % Location MLS # 9/12/2008 $1,450,000 $1,200,000 $250,000 82.76% 3988 Aloalii Dr 212113 7/31/2008 $1,690,000 $1,450,000 $240,000 85.80% 4001 Aloalii Dr 195550 9/30/2008 $629,500 $585,000 $44,500 92.93% 5035 Emmalani Dr 200833 6/18/2008 $699,000 $600,250 $98,750 85.87% 4115 Kekuanao'a Ln 207318 8/22/2008 $739,000 $700,000 $39,000 94.72% 4120 Nalani Ln 207210 4/29/2008 $760,000 $760,000 $0 100.00% 4200 Waileia Pl 192103 6/17/2008 $799,000 $757,000 $42,000 94.74% 4130 Kekaulike Ln 209478 4/2/2008 $849,000 $800,000 $49,000 94.23% 3785 Milimakani Pl 205270 5/15/2008 $895,000 $850,000 $45,000 94.97% 5070 Kamamalu Lp 208282 4/11/2008 $975,000 $975,000 $0 100.00% 5170 Napookala Cir 207321 5/15/2008... 10/02/2008

Aloha, It's not often that I get the chance to really play "tourist" (something I really like to do, by the way...) but this last Saturday was an exception. I'd recently won a guided tour up the Wailua River to "Secret Falls" at the Kilauea School's Fundraiser Silent Auction, donated by Wailua River Guides in Kapaa. I took my tour, purchased a second one, and in short order my friend and I were happily paddling our kayak up the river with Grant, our awesome guide, and two other couples from the Mainland. Kayaking the river is great fun with beautiful views all the way to where the hike begins. Our fearless leader was an endless source of information, giving us historical information on the sacredness of the area. He showed us terraced areas along the trails where the Ali'i, Queens and t... 10/01/2008

Aloha, We are having our version of Indian summer - or maybe I should call it Polynesian summer because it has been another exquisite week. As I sit typing looking out onto the ocean, it is as smooth as glass and ever so inviting. I have work to do though (darn) - plus I had a great weekend playing tourist and did the "Kayak the Wailua River to Secret Falls tour" which I will tell you about in an email later this week. Great fun and highly recommended. On to your update: Copyright 9/29/2008 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS216338 T A 4 4-5-4-5-3-13 FS $385,000 Princeville Paniolo #113 1,058 #113 1/2216359 T A 3 4-5-4-5-24-68 FS $667,500 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #23B 1,406 #23B 2/2214678 T A 5 4-5-4-12-5-31 FS $1,195,000 Pali Ke Kua Incr I, ii, iii #213B 904 #213B 2/221600... 09/29/2008

Aloha, Here's to another beautiful week. I probably sound like a broken record but you really should be here to experience this stunning weather. It's been a rather dry summer which seems to be continuing as we had into Fall. All too soon the winter swells will be here along with the Humpback whales. Both are a sight to behold. Real estate wise, it's still pretty quiet with the only real activity being new listings and reductions. Here is your update for this week: Copyright 9/21/2008 by Hawaii Information Service NEW LISTINGS215664 T A 3 4-5-4-12-3-9 FS $899,000 Hanalei Bay Villas #9 1,244 #9 2/2.5215880 T A 4 4-5-4-5-16-33 FS $919,000 Alii Kai At Hanalei #4301 1,086 #4301 2/2215878 T A 5 4-5-4-5-16-31 FS $949,000 Alii Kai At Hanalei #4203 1,086 #4203 2/2215754 T A 5 4-5-4-5-39-193 FS ... 09/22/2008

  Unit Price Bed rooms Bath rooms Living Area Days on Market Maint. Fees Taxes $/SF  #27B $539,900 3 2.5 1,567 79 520 $4,528 $344.54  #21B $579,000 2 2 1,400 221 392 $329 $413.57  #3B $588,300 2 2.5 1,567 132 518 $4,111 $375.43  #8B $598,300 2 2.5 1,567 140 518 $3,486 $381.81  #9A $610,000 2 2 1,406 208 480 $2,941 $433.85  #11A $610,000 2 2 1,406 139 480 $1,821 $433.85  #21C $610,000 2 3 1,972 656 652 $5,698 $309.33  #33B $630,000 2 2 1,406 139 480 $4,062 $448.08  #10B $643,300 2 2.5 1,567 208 518 $2,029 $410.53  #13A $648,000 3 2.5 1,874 80 620 $5,415 $345.78  #14C $649,000 3 2.5 1,874 88 620 $5,415 $346.32  #29C $649,000 3 2.5 1,874 371 529 $5,415 $346.32  #7B $669,900 2 2 1,476 129 480 $1,732 $453.86  #5A $699,000 3 2.5 1,874 96 508 $4,917 $373.00  #20A $699,000 3 2.5 1,874 61 620 $5... 09/22/2008

  Princeville Homes In Escrow     Taxkey Days on Market Price Living Area Land Area Bedrooms Bathrooms   Location     4-5-4-16-6 359 $629,500 1,599 10,500 sqft 3 2.00   5035 Emmalani     4-5-4-15-6 378 $689,000 1,272 11,515 sqft 3 2.00   3881 Albert Rd     4-5-4-15-16 426 $769,900 2,048 11,020 sqft 3 3.00   3834 Haulani Pl     4-5-4-13-54 196 $839,000 1,578 11,539 sqft 3 2.00   3646 Keoniana     4-5-4-14-31 267 $1,075,000 2,372 12,127 sqft 4 3.00   3885 Kamehameha   REMAX KAUAI Property Search 09/21/2008