Kuapapa at Hoakalei is comprised of 4 collections (price ranges)  that all have customizable floor plans in variable price ranges.

Loulu-  the Loulu collection of charming seaside-style cottages have 4 plans that start in the $600's. Residence 25.10, 25.20, 25.30 and 25.40 range from 1628-1864 sq ft. They  include three or four bedrooms, and an available main floor master suite.

Naio- The Naio collection is in the same vein as the Loulu collection, with a bit more space and more refined interior finishes. There are 4 plans that start in the mid $700's. Residences 45.10, 45.20, 45.30 and 45.40 range from 1,997 to 2,381 and have four to five bedrooms and up to three full baths.

 

Koa Lifestyle series- The Koa collection features 2 floor plans, both with attached 2-car garages. This collection starts in the mid $900's and has between 2545 sq ft (65.10 plan) and 2612 sq ft (65.20plan), and both have 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. These 2 home plans have a free flowing, open 'great room' layout. 

Koa Premier Series- This is the top of the line series in Kuapapa-Hoakalei. It consists of 5 plans that start in the mid $900's and go up to $1.1M+.  Residences 60.10, 60.20, 60.30, 60.40 and 60.50 are between 2123 sq ft and 3552 sq ft, with 3, 4 and 5 bedrooms, and 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 bathrooms. They tout large open, great room layouts, with opulent master retreat and bathrooms. They also, all have attached 2 and 3 car garages. 

With home ownership in Hoakalei, you get privileged access to the new Wai Kai Hale Club and the planned neighborhood pool and spa. The Wai Kai lagoon, when finished, will be the largest manmade body of water in Hawai'i. The Wai Kai Lagoon is envisioned to be the centerpiece of the resort district and they hope to make this neighborhood a one stop shop for finicky "2nd home" and "resort home" buyers on the west side of Oahu. 
There will be a neighborhood pool/spa and playgrounds. The Wai Kai Hale Club will be on the shore of the lagoon, there you can gather with friends, BBQ or launch your kayaks, paddle boards, and surf boards. The Hoakalei Resort, designed by Haseko Development, Inc., is a 726 acre master planned destination community and currently includes an 18-hole Ernie Els designed champion golf course.

Call Team Aloha Tony, for independent and personal representation and assistance in finding the new home of your dreams at Kuapapa, Ka Makana, and Kipuka at Hoakalei, today.

-Chelsea Pferschy RS# 76072

(808) 754-6000

Check out our new Ocean Pointe listing in Ewa Beach! This immaculate 5 bed, 3 bath shows like a model home and has over 2700 sf interior living space. Upgrades include plantation-style shutters and built-in desks and closets. 

Built in 2006, this Ocean Pointe home is located just a mile away from the brand new Laulani Village Shopping Center, where you'll find Safeway, Ross, Petco, Walgreen's, Panda Express, Starbucks and other great shops.

The kitchen has a wide open feel with stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom is spacious and features two walk-in closets. 

The house is not located on a busy, main road (like some homes in Ewa Beach), so no need to worry about heavy traffic passing by your home. It takes less than a minute to get from the house onto Kapolei Parkway, which provides convenient transit between Ewa Beach and Kapolei. 

And this is a huge plus: directly across the street is a grassy neighborhood park, so the view from this home will not be obstructed by future construction close-by. The house also comes with a gas BBQ range out back. 2-car garage with a covered, gated carport for a 3rd vehicle. 

This is the park located directly across the street from the house.

Sometimes when you think of real estate on Oahu, you may think....Honolulu, big city, traffic, high rise buildings galore, etc. (Or maybe you're thinking grass huts and splitting open coconuts for breakfast. By the way, if this is you, then you REALLY need to visit Oahu!) But there is a special place that is sometimes overlooked by many people when thinking about real estate ....Kaneohe!

  Maybe you're ready to call Kaneohe YOUR home?

-Chelsea Pferschy RS#76072

The median sales price for single family homes started off this year just under 630k in January. It hit a year high this summer at 700k in June. Last month it, dipped again to 650k. 

2014 Median Sales Prices on Oahu SFH

Year Low: January ($629,500)
Year High: June ($700,000)
Last Month: August ($650,000)  

What accounts for the dip? A slight drop in real estate activity after the busy summer months is to be expected. Buyers with families typically aim to get settled into a new home before the school year starts. In the last three years, median prices on single family homes took a dip in autumn before rising again in the winter. This trend can be seen in the chart below:

Median Sales Prices on Single Family Homes (Oahu)

In two out of the last three years, the median price in the winter exceeded the previous summer high. While we can't say with certainty that the median prices this December will be higher than $700k, it's a safe bet to say that it will be higher than last August's $650k. 

In spite of the slight drop last month, median year-to-date sales (January-August) are up 4.1% from last year.   

“August was an interesting month for the Oahu housing market,” said Julie Meier, president of the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. “This remains a very healthy market, as evidenced by the fact that the average single-family home was on the block for only 15 days before being sold. Also noteworthy is the fact that inventory of both single-family homes and condos is climbing, which will help the market meet demand.”

Although Oahu home prices are still on the rise, the savvy buyer may find an advantage during the autumn dip. 

We are excited to list this beautifully remodeled, ocean-view home in Aina Haina, East Honolulu. Aina Haina is one of the most coveted areas on the island for its proximity to both downtown Honolulu and South Shore beach living. This 4 bedroom, 3 bath corner lot offers 2,414 sf living space and was completely renovated this year. Some newly renovated houses can feel too fancy to be lived in comfortably, but that's not the case with this gorgeous Aina Haina property. The sophistication of this house is impossible to miss, while the choices in aesthetics make it warm enough to feel like home.

The wood tones of the cabinets compliment the flooring help to create an open and inviting kitchen. Other new features include granite countertops and brand new stainless steel appliances.

 Spectacular ocean view from main living space!

New roof, new windows and doors, and new landscaping all around this corner lot. 

Grassy, flat backyard is great for kids and pets. 

See 44 more pics: http://www.alohatony.com/manauwea/

A newer home in Coconut Grove is a rare find. Remodeled in 2007, this 2100+ sf Kailua property is just a short bike ride to the beach (a huge selling point for the buyer). Duplexes can share a lot of wall space with the neighboring unit, but this home is only minimally attached at a storage shed between garages. 

This was a great deal for our clients considering the amount of interior living space in Kailua's Coconut Grove. The property also has a covered two-car garage and a lush, spacious backyard with tropical foliage. We're happy to have helped our clients find and purchase their new Kailua home.

A variety of tropical palms on both sides of the property greet you upon arrival. The common wall is on the storage shed to the right of the garage (no shared walls in living space).  

Beautifully maintained backyard, a perfect setting for a Sunday morning brunch or entertaining dinner guests.  

The unit's interior space is displayed in this shot of the comfy family room.

Newer homes are a rare find in Kailua's Coconut Grove! The paint job and flooring give this bedroom a warm, clean feel. 

While there are several great neighborhoods on Oahu, some are simply more well-known than others. What that means to buyers and sellers is that certain prime locations go virtually unnoticed. 

One of these such neighborhoods is Kaimuki. Situated near two luxury areas, Diamond Head and Kahala, Kaimuki is just a ten-minute drive to Waikiki and fifteen minutes from downtown Honolulu. 

Recent data suggests that sellers have been recognizing value in Kaimuki that many buyers have not. Those who do buy in Kaimuki end up with an overlooked, high-value gem. 

The average listing price in Kaimuki as of April 2014 is the highest it's been in 3 years at $1,087,714. The average sale price, however has DROPPED since the beginning of the year from $921,333 in January to $825,900 in April - a difference of nearly $100,000. Buyers end up paying less even though sellers are initially listing higher. This is encouraging news for buyers. 

But this diamond-in-the-rough neighborhood may not remain a secret for much longer. On average, in 2011, Kaimuki buyers were able to close below list price 10 months out of the year. In 2012, average closings below list occurred in just 8 out of 12 months. Then in 2013, it dropped to 5 (Feb-May and October). As of April this year, it's down to 2. This demonstrates a consistent decline in closings below list price over the last three years. 

More buyers are paying full price or higher for Kaimuki homes with each passing year. In other words, more buyers are realizing the value of property in Kaimuki. Interested yet?

Here are some other reasons to love Kaimuki:

Great places to eat. New, award-winning restaurants include Town, where they garnish their dishes with herbs grown onsite, and Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar, where you can get a Maui Cattle Co. burger with bacon jam. (yes, bacon made into a jam and spread onto the beef patty). Longer-standing establishments include Big City Diner and Happy Days Chinese Restaurant, famous for their dim sum. Also, visit Coffee Talk for home-made pastries, omelettes, and of course, coffee.

Waialae Ave. has character. Most main streets in Hawaii have their own distinct feel. Depending on where you are on the island the streets can feel suburban in newer, planned developments, or touristy the closer you get to Waikiki. Waialae Avenue is lined with old buildings rented out by new businesses and restaurants. In other words, it has a unique old school/new school vibe. Also, all the lanes have been repaved this month.

Less than a ten minute drive to 1) the University of Hawaii 2) great shopping at Kahala Mall, complete with Macy's, Banana Republic, Apple Store, movie theater and more. 3) Diamond Head for leisurely hiking or legendary South Shore surf. 

As a Kaimuki resident for the last three years, I've developed a fondness for this town. It's old school, yet hip. Busy, yet laid back. Established, yet approachable. Upscale, yet attainable and generally fun to be around. In spite of its paradoxes, what you see is what you get in Kaimuki. It's an honest town, tried and true. At least, that's the way I see it. And in time, that's the way I'd like people to see me.

SOLD: 958 Ocean View Dr. this past January for $50,000 under list price for $1,100,000. Less than 2 months on the market.

SOLD: 732 7th Ave. for $40,000 over original list price in January for $865,000. Just 1 month and 2 days on the market.

AVAILABLE NOW: 4042 Maunaloa Ave. 4 bedroom, 3 bath, listed at $858,000

  As I begin this, I would like to remind my readers that I'm referring mainly to the island of Oahu.
-Insulation/HVAC The first difference would be that homes are not made to withstand low temperatures like on the mainland. The lowest temperature I've heard about happening here was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The lowest temperature that I've actually felt while living here in my nearly 3 years, is about 70, and let me tell you, that's cold when you're used to 78-83 degrees everyday. With that being said, there is no reason to insulate a home here. There are also very few homes with central HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems. You would only see this in a newer home/subdivision and/or a condominium complex with limited air ventilation. I have yet to see, or hear of a furnace.... Most homeowners rely on the trade winds to cool their homes. Although, you will see window unit AC's and built in AC units in some homes' main living areas. At first they seem tacky looking, but you get used to them.

-Garage/parking Parking is a serious business here! The cost of land is high and that includes the cost of land for parking lots. Parking spaces are small and its difficult to find spaces in high traffic areas.  With the weather being as beautiful as it is here in Hawaii, there is not a huge need for completely enclosed garages. You will find some middle-high end homes with carports instead of fully enclosed garages, and this is normal here. Honestly, most high end properties will (and should) have fully enclosed spaces in order to maximize full equity potential, but don't be surprised when you pull up to a $700K home that doesn't have a garage. However, this could be a great opportunity for a buyer to make some immediate equity by converting a carport into a garage!

-Laundry Laundry rooms....well, Ok, let me specify...the area that you conduct your laundry duties. Lets face it, square footage is expensive here in Hawaii, so we want to make the most of it. With the weather (again....the weather. This is a recurring theme. We're proud of our beautiful weather.) being as wonderful as it is here, it only makes sense to maximize your living space by putting your washer and dryer.....well, anywhere! I've seen W&D's outside right up next to the house, in the carport/garage area, in the kitchen (just like in Europe....Hmmmm, fancy!), and even in bathrooms. Needless to say, your lucky if you find a home with the laundry facilities shoved into a closet!

-Quality of products used and single wall construction. With our slightly humid air and bright sunshine, you will find that some products just don't hold up around here. i.e. metals, wood, darker colored carpets, etc. There is also a premium price on certain products in regards to shipping and storage, so you will find that laminate flooring and plastic replace some finishing's. Not only that, but the price to build and renovate are high, so these make affordable choices. Some homes are constructed with what is called "single wall construction". They are constructed with only a single exterior wall. The original purpose of single wall construction was to save on costs because most building material had to be shipped in from the mainland. It was also originally made from cedar and/or redwood which help deter termites.

-Year round buying season. Here we go with the weather again....But seriously, its never 'too cold to move'! You always have ready, willing and able buyers waiting for new inventory to pop up on the market. I wouldn't suggest putting your home up for sale 2 weeks before Christmas, but I also wouldn't tell you that you couldn't sell it either!  You really cant go wrong when deciding to sell your home.

-International buyers.... Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures, which makes it an amazing place to raise a family, and/or retire. There are so many different restaurants, shops and grocery stores that cater to many cultures because of this. And a lot of times, tourists become buyers. People from all over the world love our sandy beaches and green mountain tops, so why not be a part of the Aloha spirit and call Hawaii home?

-Land tenure: Fee Simple and Leasehold.  Maybe you've heard your mom say, "There are 7 Japanese guys who own all the land in Hawaii." Well, this is simply NOT true! It may have been that a few billionaires owned big plots of lands many years ago, but now on most real estate transactions, you will be the owner of both the real property and the improvements on it. And this is called Fee simple ownership.

However, there is an ownership opportunity called leasehold ownership. This is when you own the improvements on the land, but you LEASE the land itself from the land owner. Its a similar theory to owning an office building, but paying a lease on the land. Its not a bad thing, it can actually be a great thing for a buyer! Most times when a home or condo is for sale as leasehold, it is much less expensive than what the comparable properties would be for a fee simple ownership. This gives buyers more buying power. If you're considering using a conventional loan (or any type of loan), there are certain rules about how long the lease has to be. Your loan officer can help you with these details. But remember that you will have a mortgage AND a land lease payment and any other monthly/yearly fees on your property if you own it in leasehold. Leasehold tenure is not for everyone, but it has many benefits for some people.

 -Happy city, USA. Honolulu is listed in many surveys as being one of the happiest places to live. A few of the reason's why are: The multi-cultural community feel, good healthcare rates and healthy lifestyles, and the beauty and the ability to enjoy the outdoors year round. The sense of Aloha is everywhere and the more you give, the more you will receive.

   In spite of some of these differences, good and bad, I have to say its AMAZING to be able to see the ocean daily, the bright clear blue sky and spot double rainbow's out your window during a rain shower. And when I see the beautiful jagged peaks of the Ko'olau's, I still pinch myself and say, "WOO HOO, I live here!!!"

-Chelsea Pferschy, RS#76072