20 Jan, 2013 | Author: | Comments Off
North Kohala is popular among buyers looking for a rural lifestyle, an agriculture opportunity and/or a small town atmosphere located in paradise with some of the most beautiful and quiet beaches in Hawaii. Here you can still own a horse or goat, grow your own produce or find a fixer upper to turn into your island showcase property and enjoy a beautiful pacific ocean view. North Kohala offers both gated and non-gated communities.
2012 North Kohala Homes Sales
If you are wondering how the North Kohala homes prices faired in 2012, the Kohala real estate market saw about the same number of home sales as 2011, with an approximate total of 32 properties sold (excluding the lower Kohala areas). Out of the 32 properties sold, there were 12 distressed sales as opposed to 13 in 2011, 14 homes which sold for under $300,000, 8 homes which sold under $200,000, and 7 homes sold over $300,000 and below $500,000. There was one sale over $1,000,000, which was a distressed sale originally listed in 2009 for $17 million in 2009, and sold to an investor group as a REO for $1,195,000.
Many first time home buyers were able to enter the market place as a result of affordable prices as well as investors, who played a major role in buying fixer uppers and rehabbing them. Overall North Kohala home prices stabilized in 2012. Vacant land sales increased from 11 in 2011 to 17 during 2012.
Kohala Ranch Homes
Taking a look specifically at the popular Kohala Ranch home sales for 2012, sales break down in the following manner:
- Heathers – There were 6 distressed REO sales ranging in price around $625,000 with 2 homes under contract listed at $1,497,000 and $1,650,000, respectively.
- Summit – No sales during 2012
- Meadows – 2 sales ranging in price between $550,000 – $940,000
The average sales price for a Kohala Ranch home is hovering around $1 million. It is becoming more difficult to find homes listed under $1,000,000 right now. If you are looking to purchase, you can still find some good buys, but don’t expect a large distressed inventory of REO’s to choose from like the past few years offered.
For those buyers/investors who are considering buying a home, second home or investment property here in Kohala, you will find overall Kohala offers affordable prices in all price ranges appealing to a variety of home buyers/investors. Its quaint rural atmosphere and rich Hawaiian culture are just some of the many reasons why Kohala real estate is so desirable.
Article contributed by Gary Allalouf from www.myhawaiirealestateonline.com/big-island-real-estate/kohala-coast/
Category Hawaii, real estate |
04 Nov, 2012 | Author: | Comments Off
The moku o Maui or the island of Maui is quite a popular place these days. It’s the island of choice for savvy travelers who prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the mainland and prefer something less urban than Oahu. Especially popular with Californians who love the cool trade winds, gorgeous sunsets and casual atmosphere and warm crystal clear ocean. Many who look for a more permanent attachment to Hawaii seek a special vacation home or condo that will be their respite from the winter months while providing a bit of an investment as well. Maui offers a grand variety for the real estate buyer or investor. As with any real estate purchase choosing the perfect location requires a bit of insight and mana’o or knowledge to make any Maui purchase the best one possible.
The Valley Isle has several districts. Each area is distinctly unique in atmosphere and characteristics. The Wailuku area is by far at the heart of the island, this district stretches from the north shore to the south shore and includes small towns of Wailuku, Kahului, Maalaea, Kihei and Wailea. Along with being a collection of older neighborhoods, small business and light industrial areas, Wailuku is the county seat of Maui with numerous state, county and federal offices. Neighboring Kahului is the more modern counterpart. Home of Maui’s largest airport and only commercial harbor, Kahului is also a collection of big box stores, neighborhoods, schools, small business and light industrial area along with shopping malls, parks and beaches. The southern end of this district includes the beachside community of Kihei. Kihei offers the highest concentration of budget vacation rentals, shopping centers and residential areas and beautiful white sand beaches that line the length of Kihei Road. The upscale resort area of Wailea neighbors Kihei to the south. Those entering Wailea will be greeted with tree-lined streets, landscaped gardens and upscale resorts that have names like Four Seasons, Fairmont and Waldorf Astoria. Also in Wailea is a huge collection of upscale vacation condos that line the fairways of the resort golf course.
The district of Makawao is certainly one of the more varied on the island. This district spans from the north shore communities of Paia and Haiku to the upcountry towns of Makawao, Kula and Pukalani. It continues down the southern flank of Haleakala to the Makena area. Paia is one of the more bustling areas on the island. The former plantation town attracts multitudes of tourists who lunch explore the shop lined streets or slice though the tiny town while heading out along the Hana Highway. The area also attracts droves of windsurfers and wave riders who enjoy the spectacular ocean conditions at beaches with names like Hookipa, Baldwin and Peahi. There are many small beach cottages and older homes in the area that are popular to vacationers. The upslope communities in Makawao are the most unexpectedly beautiful. Most offer stunning central Maui and sunset views. The higher elevations bring cool crisp mornings and days of sun filtered through the clouds that are formed at the summit of Haleakala. The homes vary from developments of new construction to large rambling ranches and farms. The Makena area is remote, sunny and warm where one can find oceanfront homes owned by the rich and famous.
The Hana area is by far the most remote and untouched on the island. The towns of Hana, Kipahulu and Kaupo are small tight knit communities that are accessible by a two-lane highway that stretches a narrow and winding 55 scenic drive from Paia. Those who live in the small towns of Hana, Kipahulu and Kaupo thrive on the close-knit country atmosphere and enjoy farming and ranching. The area is an abundance of rainforests, beaches, cliffs and waterfalls that make visiting Hana an unforgettable experience, but make living in Hana not necessarily for everyone. Homes in this district are traditional homes with a few larger estates. Damp conditions reign along with remoteness and spotty services and occasional bride washouts are par for the course.
Lastly is the district of Lahaina. This is the district that made Maui famous. Resorts, beautiful beaches and sunny conditions have not only attracted the likes of Ritz Carlton, Westin and others, but offer home buyers the best of both worlds. Numerous upscale developments, along with more modest oceanfront condos and even a good selection of affordable townhomes make Lahaina a good starting point for real estate shopping. The district also has wonderful restaurants, historic sites and even a small airport.
Many call Maui marvelous and this is certainly the truth, Casual atmosphere with an abundance of natural beauty and all the conveniences. What more does one need?
Contributed by Paul Adams of Hawaiis.com on Maui
Category Hawaii, real estate |
