Is your Real Estate Agent Legitimate?

If you are selling your home, or buying a property you want the best, right?  After all you are going to trust a real estate professional with a lot of confidential information.  How do you even start to pick an agent to represent you? 

Well, there are a lot of ways to choose a pro, and I'll go over some of those tips in a later blog post.  Right now, lets concentrate on step number 1.

Determine if your agent has a valid, active real estate license in the state in which you are buying or selling.  This seems obvious doesn't it?  Unfortunately many folks think that just because they know of an agent, or have used them in the past, they are still legitimately an agent. 

In Hawaii, an easy way to find out if your agent of choice is licensed is to go to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).  The link for looking up a licencee is: http://pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app

Enter in the name of the agent(s) you are considering.  The site will show if they are active, current, valid and in good standing.  You can also search to see if there have been any complaints against the person or company.

For Real Estate Agents, there are different license codes for Brokers and Sales Agents. The screen shot above is showing my license status. In Hawaii we renew our licences every two years, the next expiration is on 12/31/2012.

You may want to keep this site handy, it also lists other licensed professionals from Appraisers, to Contractors, Dentists, Electricians and more.

Eddie!...almost

Every winter surfers from around the world wait and keep watch on the waves coming into the north shore of Oahu.  Why is everyone so interested?  Why do people pack the lookout areas of Waimea Bay Beach Park and bundle up in hoodies, blankets and sleeping bags?

Why, the Eddie, of course!

What is the Eddie?  It's the best big wave surfing contest in the world! 

Waves have to come in consistently in at 20 feet, Hawaiian. This morning some sets had faces of 30 feet, but the sets were not consistent. At least 15,000 spectators streamed into Waimea Bay Beach Park before dawn in hopes that the Eddie Aikau big wave surf contest would be a go today.  Unfortunately, it wasn't but the crowd still got to see some world class surfing.

The Eddie is named after a fearless and humble waterman who saved many lives as a lifeguard at Waimea Bay. In March 1978, Aikau paddled toward Lanai on his surfboard to seek help for his fellow crew members after the Hokulea double-hull voyaging canoe capsized in the Molokai Channel. It was the last time Aikau was seen. The crew members were rescued after a Hawaiian Airlines pilot spotted them during a flight. A massive search and rescue effort for Aikau was initiated but he was never found.

The surf event in memory of Aikau moved to Waimea Bay from Sunset Beach in 1986.

Part of the appeal of the competition is its rarity. Conditions have to be perfect and the contest has only been held eight times in the 25 years since its inception.

When you are in Hawaii and you see the bumper sticker that says, "Eddie would go!"  Now you know what it means. :)

Mahalo Honolulu Star Advertiser!\

It's Whale Watching Season!

During the winter months, humpback whales migrate from their icy Alaskan waters 3,000 miles to Hawaii.  They mate and calve in our warm tropical waters.  Swimming at speeds of 3-9 mph and it takes them three months to get here!

On a sunny summer day, the excitement builds when a whale is spotted off the coastline. It is easy to see the familiar blow and sometimes we can spot a back or tail out of the water.  If you are lucky, whales can come quite close to shore and really put on a show.

Last year, I was touring a property and a pod of whales was frolicking directly below the lanai in Moanalua Bay in Hawaii Kai. They played for about half an hour before moving out further from the shoreline.

If you want to see whales up close and personal, there are many tour operators that have watching cruises.  You can choose from small mom and pop tours, to big fancy boats with luncheon provided. It's really exciting to hear their huffing and puffing breathing, and sometimes they will swim right beside the boat.

The whales only stay until early spring, then they migrate home again with their new family members.

Hard Duty in Waikiki

It's hard duty being a Realtor in Honolulu. Part of our job is meeting new clients and sitting down to disucss their home buying or selling plans. Sometimes we meet folks in our office. Sometimes we meet in their home or if they are a buyer, where they are staying when they are on-island for only a short time while house hunting.

This afternoon we sat down by the pool at the beautiful Waikiki Sheraton to talk to a buyer.  I enjoy going to energetic Waikiki.  The photo above shows the pool, the ocean and Diamond Head in the distance. If you haven't been to the Sheraton, it's a great place to consider staying.  Besides the beautiful pool, they have fine and casual dining. There are hula lessons, an ice cream shop, tiki carving, a spa, lots of stores for shopping, and many daily activities.

Oh, and it's a pretty good place to have an al fresco meeting too!

Flood Insurance Rates May Increase January 2011

It's not something we like to think about while sitting on the beach, but if you own a home on Oahu near the water, your flood insurance rates may increase this month. You can prevent an increase, but you will have to move quickly.

Here is some handy information:

The National Flood Insurance Program's new digital Flood Insurance Rate Map for Oahu will become effective on January 19, 2011.  Areas that are affected by the change include Hawaii Kai, Ala Moana-Kakaako, Ewa Beach and Makaha.

Oahu property owners are encouraged to purchase flood insurance at current rates before the change is implemented.  For more details, read FEMA's news release  HERE. Also, visit the official National Flood Insurance Program website at http://www.floodsmart.gov/

P.S. If you live in a condo, check with your AOAO.

 

Honolulu Winter Day

Aloha! This afternoon is a pretty winter Honolulu day.  The sun is out, the temperature is 76 degrees and there are light trade winds and puffy scattered clouds.

After the recent week of rain, even the side of Koko Crater is turning emerald green.

January is a great off-season time to spend a few days in Hawaii. The hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, the weather is mild and the surf temperature is around 76 degrees. Our tourism statistics prove that a lot of people come here to enjoy the island.  In December our visitor arrivals were up 7%, in November visitor spending jumped 30%.

A quick check of the Honolulu MLS today shows that there are 1,861 condos for sale and 1,218 single family homes available. Prices range from less than $100,000 all the way up to multi-million dollar properties.

If you want to dream a little about what it is like to own a home in Hawaii, go to: http://www.coastalhawaii.com/. It's a news aggregate that is loaded with real estate news and information.

Hawaii 5 Oh!

Wow! After a weekend of non-stop football it was a pleasure to relax in the family room and turn on our favorite new show, Hawaii 5-0.

Even the cats seem interested in the adventures of McGarrett. We love to identify the locations around the island where the show has been filmed.  It's always a kick to see Danno and Steve speeding around the island with the background scenery whizzing by.  Did you know that the speed limit on our H-1 freeway is 40-50mph?  On the two lane roads where most of the TV action takes place the speed limit is only 25.  It's fun to see the actors pretending to drive so fast.

Years ago, when cars had real bumpers, I used to see this bumper sticker a lot, it said, "Slow Down, This Ain't the Mainland!"  Guess 5-0 cops are exempted, even if it is pretend.

If you are considering buying a home in Honolulu our office has the Kahala home of Daniel Dae Kim listed for sale.  It is a 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3,354 sf home one block from the beach.

  Here is a photo taken of the tropical morning sunrise glow from the pool area. The home is priced at $2,430,000.000  Way to go Chin Ho!

Ouch! Health Care Hurts Real Estate!

Ouch! Beginning January 1, 2013, a new 3.8 percent tax on some investment income will take effect.  This new tax was passed by Congress in 2010 with the intent of generating an estimated $210 billion to help fund President Barack Obama’s health care and Medicare overhaul plans. 

And you thought health care would be free?  Consider this:

If you live in something other that a tent on the beach, this plan may impact you.  Do you rent? The landlord may adjust your rent UP to compensate for more taxes (ie: hidden costs) that they may have to pay. 

Do you own property? Do you receive interest, dividends or rents? 

The new tax will affect some real estate transactions, it is important for to clearly understand the tax and how it could impact you when you sell your property. It’s a very complicated tax.  See your tax professional for advice.  If you would like to have the National Association of Realtors brochure, please e-mail me, and I'll send you a copy with a broad explanation of the tax with examples.

This tax takes effect in 2013. Do you remember how fast 2010 went by?  Well, this new tax is only 24 months away. Don't be caught unprepared....do your homework and decide what will be best for you with your unique tax situation. 

 Don't say I didn't warn ya!

Kudomatsu

The kudomatsu is a nice New Year's tradition that we received from Japan. Around town you will notice these arrangements on many doorsteps.  The message that they bring is explained below.

This photo is of the Kudomatsu in our office Lobby-magnificant!

The kudomatsu or "gate-pine" is an arrangement of pine, bamboo, and sometimes plum blossom. The arrangement is placed on either side of the front entrance to the house to ward off evil dominance and invoke fertility, growth, and the power to resist adversity and old age. The pine represents strength, longivity and youthful optimism. The bamboo, which is straight and unbending, symbolizes resilience, uprightness, rapid growth and finial piety; it leans with the wind, but does not break.

Something's Fishy about the New Year in Honolulu.

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!  Happy New Year!

Sashimi lovers unite!  It's a holiday tradition in Hawaii to have ahi on New Years Day!  Ahi is the Hawaiian name for yellowfin tuna, and it is ono'licious!

Because of the snow blanketing the mainland, shipping routes were clogged, and the best ahi stayed on island.  We have an ample supply of delicious ahi for the New Year, and shoppers were flocking to the grocery stores and fish markets.

Many folks planned ahead and had the opportunity to choose from their choice of sashimi grade premium ahi, sold by the pound.  Others decided that some spicy ahi poke would be just right.

Of course, it's not New Years unless we have fireworks too, lots...

....and lots...and lots of fireworks!

As for Walt and I, we're all set, and ready for 2011!

Happy New Years everyone!

Your question of the day: Do you have a favorite New Year's day tradition?

It's Swell at Sunset Beach!

Aloha Everyone,

Surfing is one of the biggest activities all year around on Oahu. But in the winter time everyone keeps one eye out for the surf reports from the north shore area.  Storm conditions can whip up some gigantic waves that only the bravest surfers want to tackle. If big surf is reported, locals try to get a very, very early morning start to beat the traffic.  The two lane road quickly clogs up with traffic because it seems everyone on the island wants to see the surf.

Todays surf report is below, nothing to gigantic, but still plenty challenging.

WNW swell down a bit from its peak yesterday but some nice surf still rolling in. Most spots are in the shoulder to head high range with some larger sets. Light easterly winds will make select locations offshore and other spots sideshore. Watch for Sunset to have great rights early in the day before the wind messes it up.

WEATHER:

Partly sunny. Isolated showers in the morning, then scattered showers in the afternoon. Highs 77 to 84. East winds around 10 mph until mid morning becoming light. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Mahalo to Kekoa for this surf report!

Currently there are 121 oceanfront properties listed for sale on Oahu. If you are interested in searching the multiple listing service for properties please go to:  http://www.coastalhawaii.com/

The question of the day: Would you rather have an oceanfront home or a home on a hill with an ocean view?

Obama party stays in private home taxed at $300.00 annually.

    

 The absentee owner of a multimillion-dollar home being used by President Barack Obama's visiting entourage gets one of the biggest residential property tax breaks on Oahu.

Kevin Comcowich, the Houston investment executive who purchased the nearly 5,000-square-foot home for $9 million in January 2008, was charged $300 in property taxes this year....snip...

Comcowich got the huge break because he was granted a 10-year property tax exemption by the city for his historic residence, built in the 1940s by Harold Castle, a key figure in the development of Kailua. The exemption is designed to encourage the preservation of historic homes.

Like last year, friends of the president are using the Comcowich home while they are vacationing here. Obama and his family are staying in a home next door.

Those who get full exemptions on Oahu pay only $300 annually in property taxes — regardless of the value of the residence. The flat rate, raised from $100 last year, is believed to be one of the most generous property tax breaks for historic homes in the country.

Critics of the program cite the Comcowich case as the latest and, with the president's visit, highest-profile example of the program's unfairness.

They say the exemptions disproportionately benefit the rich and provide an excessive break, without taking into account the value of the homes, how much is spent on maintenance, whether the owners live there.

 To read the full story click here:  http://tinyurl.com/2ebbey2

The question of the day:  Should a historic home owned by an individual for their private use, and the use of their guests be given this tax exemption?

Post your comments below.

Presidential Sweet

The President is in town. He and his family are staying in an Oahu community called Kailua.  The specific location is Beachside. Beachside home prices range from 6 million to 14 million dollars.

This sure beats the snow in Washington DC, doesn't it?

The question of the day: Does it matter where the President of the United States of America is on any given day, considering our digital age communication?

Mele Kalikimaka!

Enjoy the day Hawaiian Style!

Question of the day: What is your favorite Christmas Day Tradition?

A Postcard from Santa

Mahalo Ron Martin for sharing:

A Little Humor is Good for the Soul 

Why does Santa's sled get such good mileage?

Because it has long-distance runners on each side.

Why does Scrooge love Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Because every buck is dear to him.

Merry Christmas

She's on Santa's Naughty List!

 A California woman who promised investors up to 20 percent returns on their money has pleaded guilty in a nearly $7 million real estate and small business Ponzi scheme.

Guadalupe Valencia pleaded guilty Monday to six federal fraud charges claiming she bilked more than 150 victims who invested in her Downey-based Real Estate & Loan Consultants and R.E. Equity Group investment pools.

The 46-year-old West Covina woman, who was immediately taken into custody, faces 86 years in federal prison and fines totaling $1.5 million when she’s sentenced May 23.

From 2001 to 2009, prosecutors say Valencia promised investors high rates of interest from 8 percent to 20 percent in as little as 45 days.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!  Always check with your accountant, attorney, real estate professional and other professionals before giving any money over to someone who professes to help you "get rich quick" or "solve your mortgage problems" if you pay upfront, or sign over your property deed to them.

It's up to you to report misbehavior of this type to your local regulatory board.  It's easy, forms are online and you can remain anonymous.  Working together we can get folks like Ms. Valencia on Santa's naughty list for a long, long time.

Your question of the day: Have you ever been promised something too good to be true?

Photos of Life in Hawaii

Aloha!

Christmas Greetings!  Even in laid back Hawaii we don't miss out on the hectic pace of Christmas. Fitting in work, shopping, holiday parties, and full parking lots into an already full schedule can add to the stress of everyday living.

So this week I took a few snapshots to share.

1.  It rained, and rained and rained!  Question:  "What do tourists do when it rains?"  Answer:  "Enjoy the beach!" 

2.  What do locals do when it rains?

Make a warm, comforting meal.  It's a rare occasion that we choose to turn on the oven and heat up the house.  Having daytime temperatures hovering around 70 degrees gives us a chance to prepare our favorite winter time comfort food.  The lasagna looks good doesn't it?

3.  It's a good time to cuddle. 

The kittys can't curl up by the fireplace, but they can cuddle together near cool glass top table.

4.  Then, it was off to discover exactly where that Christmas music was coming from!

5. 

And we all thought back to last week when we went to Blowhole to look for the whales.

  6.  We didn't see any whales, so instead, we enjoyed the scenery overlooking Sandy Beach


The question of the day is, " What is your favorite photo? " 

All Real Estate is Local

"All Real Estate is Local"  is a phrase that we often hear when we listen to experts. Last week we attended a session hosted by Realtor.com. Realtor.com is the largest search engine for finding listed property all across the nation.

At this time of year a lot of people are looking at property in Honolulu. Even though it rained today, the temperature was 72 degrees. I got to wear my jeans instead of shorts!

Maybe some of you are thinking,  "72 degrees looks pretty good right now."

So what's it like to buy a home in Honolulu?  What can you expect?  There is something for everyone, condos, high rise towers, and single family homes.  Some have ocean views, some are on secluded treed lots that give you a lot of privacy, some are on on the marina in Hawaii Kai, and some are oceanfront.

If you are getting a mortgage, it usually takes about 45-60 days to complete the loan process and close escrow. Other items to consider are: a home inspection, termite inspection report, homeowner documentation, survey, Home Warranty Programs, Governmental disclosures such as mold, or "Megan's Law", encroachments, insurance, oceanfront issues, etc. Of course, you will want to discuss these and many other issues with your Realtor before signing on the dotted line for your dream home.

Last Thursday, we viewed an oceanfront property for an out of town buyer that is interested in moving to Honolulu.

Here is a picture that I snapped with my cell phone from the lanai.

If you think you are interested in a place in Paradise, Honolulu, Hawaii...a good place to start your search is http://www.realtor.com/.  Happy house hunting!

Your question of the day...can you guess on what part of the island this condo is located?

  

Boat Parade!

Every December in Hawaii Kai, we have a boat parade on the marina.  It's a festive event, and you can participate even if you don't own a boat.  The shindig starts around 5:45 pm at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center. 

The boats are decorated with dazzling holiday lights and creative themes.  They wind their way through the water and pass in front of the judges at the Towne Center to win several prizes, including best in show.

At dusk boats line up and slowly weave their way around the marina. It gets dark quickly and the decorations start to sparkle.

There are many places to relax and enjoy the parade.Free parking and wonderful views of the parade are available at Hawaii Kai's major shopping centers.  These are the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, The Koko Marina Center and The Hawaii Kai Town Center.

One of the best places to relax is at the Blu Water Grill. Be sure to make a reservation well ahead of time, as this is a popular spot to have dinner and view the parade.

After the parade we headed home, and enjoyed the many lighted decorations on the homes and condos in the area.

Our neighbor decorated his palm tree and even added a snowman and red and green blinking lights around the lawn....it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hawaii Kai...Hawaiian style. 

 

Pearl Candy Jewelry

This morning Walt and I went to the Ko'olina resort to look at a property that is being prepared to go on the market. We always welcome the opportunity to go to Ko'olina because it is such a pretty place. There is a beautiful, manicured golf course, the grounds are stunning and there are four pristine oceanside lagoons for sunning and swimming.

Leaving, we saw an art festival set up besides the Marriott and sharing the same parking lot as the Paradise Cove Luau.  Those white tents were beckoning, and we decided to stop and have a look.  To our surprise our friends were exhibiting their handmade bracelets.

Lynn's Bracelets are soooooo pretty!  She makes them completely by hand using gemstones, pearls, crystals and coral.  The base and clasp are sterling silver.  Hawaii by Night, Forever Neutral, Red Hot and Love Amethyst are just some of the popular styles that she sells. 

Her bracelets, other jewelry and art are also available in Waikiki.

 Check out Lynn's website: http://www.pearlcandyjewelry.com/ if you are in need of some bling with class. Tell her Arla sent you and you'll be sure to get VIP treatment.