THIS JUST IN!
Don & Sylvia Leutz, RB/ABR/GRI
REALTOR-BROKERS, Licensed in Hawaii, Nevada and
California - Graduates REALTOR® Institute.
Accredited Buyer Representatives
- Don Leutz -
Certified Residential Specialist
Century 21 All Islands
P.O. Box 223700
5-4280 Kuhio Highway
Princeville, HI 96722
Office:
(808) 240-2413
Cell:
(808) 652-9402
Email:
Leutz@Inreach.com
Kauai View is posted every quarter on this
website... if you no longer wish to receive this newsletter via email...
please write us at:
Leutz@Inreach.com
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FEATURED LISTINGS
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Kauai View
Newsletter
Spring 2010 |
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Greetings!
It's Spring in
Kauai. The Farmer's
Markets are filling
up with fresh fruit
and flowers. Spring
breakers are filling
up the beaches and
everyone is glad to
see another winter
come to an end.
Even Hawaii has a
winter... although
the subtle changes
of the seasons here
may be harder to
detect.
This Spring we
have also seen a lot
more activity in the
local real estate
market. Lots of
buyers are finally
deciding that this
may be their
opportunity to jump
in at the bottom of
the market... both
in terms of property
prices and interest
rates. And to make
it more exciting,
some buyers are
determined to
qualify for their
federal tax break
before it's too
late. You can read
more about the
federal tax credits
below. Whether you
are ready to buy or
sell...if we can
help you with
your real
estate needs this
Spring, just give us
a call!
Don & Sylvia
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KAUAI REAL
ESTATE MARKET
STATS - PICKING UP
THE PACE
The Kauai
real estate market
has picked up
considerably since
January 2010.
Year-to-Date condo
sales were up 93%
in the first quarter
of 2010 over what
they were in the
first quarter of
2009. Residential
sales have also
increased by more
than 70% so far
this year over last
year.
Most of the home and
condo sales have
been below $500,000
As in all
parts of the
country, Kauai has
been seeing an
increase in the sale
of distressed
properties, but the
vast majority of
sales are not
pre-foreclosures or
foreclosure
properties. Only
one third of the
sales are distressed
properties. REO
(Bank Owned
Properties)
accounted for 22% of
the Sales, Short
Sales
(Pre-Foreclosure)
accounted for 11% of
the sales and two
thirds (66%) of the
sales are regular
sales so far this
year. Interestingly
enough... Kauai is
right on track with
the national
averages according
to a recent National
Association of
Realtors survey.
Conventional
Home Loans continue
to be the most
popular way for
buyers to finance
their purchase in
Kauai. But Cash
purchases are more
common with Condo
buyers.
The market was
particularly strong
in the month of
March and continues
to progress so far
in April. From
April 1st
through April 15th
a total of 18 condos
and 18 homes went
into escrow. There
are now a total of
57 condos and 88
homes under contract
in Kauai. Last year
at this time there
were only 32 condos
and 39 single family
homes in escrow.
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 DON
& SYLVIA LEUTZ
EARN NAR'S SHORT
SALE & FORECLOSURE
CERTIFICATION
This March
we each completed
the course work to
earn the
nationally
recognized Short
Sales and
Foreclosure
Resource
Certification.
The National
Association of
Realtors offers
the SFR
certification to
Realtors who want
to help both
Buyers and Sellers
navigate these
complicated
transactions.
Demand for
professional
expertise has been
continuing to grow
right along with
distressed sales
growth in the real
estate market.
According
to a recent NAR
survey, nearly
one-third of all
existing homes
sold recently were
either short sales
or foreclosures.
Realtors who have
earned the SFR
certification know
how to help
Sellers maneuver
the complexities
of short sales as
well as help
Buyers pursue
short sale and
foreclosure
opportunities.
The
certification
program includes
extensive training
on how to qualify
sellers for short
sales, negotiate
with lenders,
protect buyers and
limit risk. The
Certification
allows agents
greater
opportunities to
stay current on
national and
state-specific
information as the
market for these
distressed
properties
evolves.
While our
NAR Certification
is new - we are
not new to working
in this area. In
June of 2008 we
completed the
Short Sale
Solutions training
program of
America's Home
Rescue
headquartered in
Austin, Texas. In
2008, short sales
were a new
concept. But
since then we have
seen many
advancements in
both the real
estate and
financial
industries that
are helping to
improve the
process. New
federal
regulations are
also helping owner
occupants who find
themselves facing
the necessity of a
short sale.
As the old
saying goes - "In
Crisis is
Opportunity". So,
in 2009, we
introduced our new
website to help
Buyers stay up to
date on REO
opportunities
(Bank Owned
Foreclosure
Properties offered
for Sale) in
Hawaii and other
resort markets:
www.ResortMarketREO.com.
We have
helped our Buyers
to purchase REO
properties and our
Sellers negotiate
loan modifications
and make hard
decisions
regarding their
properties.
Whether you are a
buyer or seller,
we consistently
strive to bring
you knowledgeable,
thorough and
responsive real
estate
representation to
help assure you a
successful real
estate
transaction.
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LAST CHANCE FOR
TAX CREDITS!
Buyers have until
April 30th
to qualify for the
Extended Home
Buyer Tax Credit
2009/2010.
First time home
buyers must enter
into a binding
purchase contract
by April 30, 2010
and close escrow
for the purchase
by June 30, 2010
to receive up to
an $8,000 tax
credit. The
credit is $8,000
or 10% of the
home's sales price
- whichever is
smaller. This
credit is
available to
single buyers with
incomes up to
$125,000 and
married couples
with incomes up to
$225,000. The
home purchased
must be less than
$800,000. To
qualify as a
"First Time Home
Buyer", the
purchaser and
their spouse may
not have owned a
residence during
the three years
prior to the
purchase.
Current Home
Owners can qualify
for a tax credit
of up to $6,500 if
they move into the
home that they
purchase. They
must have lived in
their previous
home for a minimum
of five of the
last eight years.
Homeowners do not
have to sell their
previous home to
qualify for the
credit.
As with every good
deal - certain
restrictions
apply. So, if you
are considering
taking advantage
of this program,
be sure to check
out the links
below for all of
the details:
http://www.realtor.org/home_buyers_and_sellers/2009_first_time_home_buyer_tax_credit
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215827,00.html
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HANALEI'S
FAMOUS LANDMARK
CELEBRATES 175th
ANNIVERSARY
The Mission Hall at
the Wai'oli Hui'ia
Church is the oldest
surviving church
building on the
island of Kauai.
William and Mary
Alexander, the first
missionaries to
Hanalei, arrived by
double canoe from
the Waimea Mission
(on Kauai's West
Side) in 1834. A
pole and thatch
meeting house was
first constructed by
Hawaiians on the
Mission Hall site in
anticipation of the
arrival of the
missionaries.
Deborah Kapule, the
Queen of Kauai was
an earnest convert
and assisted in the
establishment of the
Mission. Governor
Kaikioewa of Kauai
provided the land
and also encouraged
the Mission in many
ways.
A timber frame and
plaster building was
constructed in 1841
with plaster made
from coral that was
dug at low tide from
Hanalei Bay. In
1843 the Mission
Bell was acquired
and placed in the
belfry behind the
Mission Hall. The
Mission School was
started so that
children and adults
could read the Bible
which the
missionaries
translated into the
Hawaiian language.
In 1846 Abner and
Lucy Wilcox arrived,
spending over 20
years as educational
missionaries and
developing the
school on the site
of what is now
Hanalei Elementary
School.
The famous green
shingled church
sanctuary was built
in 1912 by three
sons of Abner and
Lucy Wilcox and the
old Mission Bell was
moved to the new
belfry tower. The
Church Sanctuary and
the Mission Hall
have both survived
three hurricanes and
were most recently
restored after
sustaining
significant damage
in 1992 from
Hurricane Iniki.
Both buildings are
listed on the state
and national
registers for
historic places.
The name "Wai'oli
Hui'ia" roughly
translates to Joyful
Gathering Place by
the Water. Today
the church holds
worship services in
English and Hawaiian
languages every
Sunday morning at
10am. The Church
Choir is well known
for its repertoire
of early Hawaiian
hymns that are
included in the
Sunday morning
service.
For more information
on the Wai'oli
Hui'ia Church and
this summer's 175th
Anniversary
Celebration events,
check out their
website:
http://hanaleichurch.org |
 TAKE
A WALK ON THE
WOODS
More golfers are
returning to the
traditional style
of paying golf...
skipping the cart
and walking the
course. It is
great exercise and
a GREAT deal at
the Woods Course
that has just
reopened in
Princeville. The
Woods is 9 holes,
par 36 with total
yardages from
2,829 to 3,445
yards... and the
friendly local
corner of the
newly upgraded and
renovated St.
Regis Makai
Course.
Would you believe
that Kauai
residents can walk
the Woods Course
for just $10!
Non-Residents can
walk for $30...
which is still a
pretty good deal.
If you are just
too tired or not
up to the walk, go
ahead and get the
cart for just $10
more!
These rates will
surely not last
forever... but for
now it is a great
deal that you
won't want to miss
if you are here on
the North Shore.
For more info on
the new Makai St.
Regis course,
check out their
website at:
http://www.makaigolf.com/index.php
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Don & Sylvia Leutz
Hawaii Realtor
Brokers
808-652-9402
Email: Leutz@Inreach.com
Resort
Market Specialists
Licensed in
Hawaii, California
and Hawaii
Accredited Buyer
Representatives (ABR)
Graduates REALTOR
Institute (GRI)
Resort and Second
Home Property
Specialists (RSPS)
E-Pro Certified
(E-Pro)
Members,
Institute for
Luxury Home
Marketing
Don is a Certified
Residential
Specialist (CRS)
Short Sale &
Foreclosure Resource
(SFR)
Century 21 All
Islands
5-4280 Kuhio
Highway, G4
Princeville
Shopping Center
P.O. Box 223145
Princeville, HI
96722
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 We
can't remind you
enough to visit
our website...
www.KauaiHomesandMore.com.
It has a lot of
interesting
information about
Kauai Real Estate
- plus on our Real
Estate Page you
can do your own
personal property
search to see
current listings
on all parts of
Kauai in all
different price
ranges.
We can also
easily set you up
for our
complimentary
email notification
service for new
listings in your
price range. Just
drop us a line at
Leutz@Inreach.comor
give us a call at
808-652-9402.
Aloha until
next time...
Don & Sylvia
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Kauai Properties
from
$225,000 to
$3,199,000 |
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NATIONAL
OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND!
APRIL 10th AND 11th
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Don & Sylvia's
Princeville Open House
Greetings!
We are celebrating National Open
House Weekend by holding our
Princeville listings open!
Can't make it? That's OK, we've
created a "virtual" open house
just for you...
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Don & Sylvia Leutz
Hawaii Realtor Brokers (R)
Century 21 All Islands
5-4280 Kuhio
Highway
Princeville, HI 96722
808-652-9402
Email:
Don is a Certified
Residential Specialist
Accredited Buyer
Representatives
Resort
and Second Home Property
Specialists
Certified by the National
Association of Realtors
for Short Sale and
Foreclosures
E-Pro Certified for
electronic marketing and
communications
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Open Houses for Saturday &
Sunday
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 Alii
Kai II - 8H
Ocean View - Second Home
and Vacation Rental
MLS#: 230124
Sales Price:
$679,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1,037
Description:
Updated ocean view condo with
marble countertops, travertine
floors, top of the line
fixtures and stainless steel
appliances. Selling fully
furnished with beautiful
Hawaiian decor.
Email us for a link to the
Vacation Rental Website and
rental history information.
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 Alii
Kai I - 4-102
Ocean Bluff - Second Home
and Vacation Rental
MLS#: 210757
Sales Price:
$888,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1,086
Description:
Outstanding ocean views from
this prime bluff location
condo. Quiet complex that is
popular with second home
owners and vacation visitors.
Easily accessible ground floor
location. Email us for a link
to the Vacation Rental Website
and rental history
information.
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 Alii
Kai I - 4-104
Ocean Bluff - Second Home
and Vacation Rental
MLS#: 212982
Sales Price:
$875,000
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2
Sq.ft: 1,086
Description:
The ocean views just don't get
any better! This bright and
airy end unit condo has two
bedrooms two baths. It is open
to balmy trade winds and a
spectacular ocean view on two
sides! Email us for a link to
the Vacation Rental Website
and rental history
information.
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 4136
Aloalii Drive
Dream Golf Course Lot on
prestigious Queen Emma's Bluff
MLS#: 224000
Sales Price:
$654,000
Sq.ft:#
16,422
Description:
Build your dream home in
Princeville's only gated
single family home residential
neighborhood. This level lot
has mature trees, underground
utilities and sunset views.
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Spring is the traditional time
to start shopping for a new
home. But this year, you may
want to get an early start.
Time is running out on the
federal tax credits for
first-time and repeat home
buyers. First-time buyers who
enter a binding contract by
April 30 and close escrow
before July 1 - and meet the
income limits - are eligible
for the full $8,000 credit
(maximum, or 10% of the sales
price, whichever is less) on
their federal tax returns.
The first time home buyer
credit applies to homes
purchased for $800,000 or
less, and does not require
repayment if the buyer lives
in the residence for three or
more years.
Existing homeowners may be
eligible for a tax credit (10%
of the purchase price, not to
exceed $6,500). To be
eligible for this credit,
homeowners must have lived in
their current home for five
consecutive years out of the
last eight years and must
enter a contract to purchase a
new or existing home by April
30, 2010 and close escrow by
July 1, 2010. Existing
homeowners do not need to sell
their current home to qualify
for this credit!
We are currently seeing the
lowest interest rates of our
adult lives. Most financial
experts agree that the
interest rates will be going
up later this year. There are
many great deals coming on the
market here on Kauai. The
best deals attract offers
right away. So why
wait? This might be just
be the perfect time for you
to make the move or to invest
in your dream home in Kauai...
and we are here to help! Just
give us a call.
Aloha,
Don & Sylvia
Don & Sylvia Leutz
Century 21 All Islands
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Kauai View
Newsletter
Feb 27, 2010 - Tsunami Day Edition
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Dear
Sylvia,
If have been waiting for more news on how
the tsunami impacted Kauai - this special
edition of
Kauai View Newsletter is for you.
By now you have probably heard that the
tsunami predicted to hit the
Hawaiian Islands has passed us by,
with fortunately no damage. But you might
be wondering what it was like to be here
watching and waiting.
The day started early at 6AM as we woke
to the sound of the Tsunami Siren
Warning. As residents, we were somewhat
familiar with the sound of the siren as
it is tested every first Wednesday of
the month at 11:45am. However, we have
never heard it go off at any other time
before. After a minute or two that it
took to wake up, we thought it might be
a good idea to check the radio, just in
case. It wasn't long before the "Jawaiian"
music was interrupted by the
official honking of the radio station's
Emergency Alert System announcement
that a big earthquake had occurred and
that
Hawaii had been issued an
official
Tsunami Warning. The tsunami was
predicted to travel through the island
chain, starting at 11:05am in Hilo and
continuing to Kauai's Nawiliwili Harbor
by 11:45am.
Shortly after 6:30am, we received a
recorded telephone call that also told
us of the Tsunami Warning. The phone
call was repeated at 7:30am. This is a
service of Kauai County to all listed
phone numbers on the island. Residents
can also register their cell phone
numbers and unlisted phone numbers at
the county's website. Then, the Siren
went off again at 7AM, 8AM, 9AM, 10AM,
and 11AM.
We live in
Princeville on
Kauai's North Shore which has an
elevation of approximately 250 feet
above sea level. As the morning
progressed we heard varying predictions
of the Tsunami having possible heights
of from 3 to 6 to 12 feet. While
we live safely above the warning
areas, the wheels were in motion to
evacuate everyone from
Hanalei to the end of the road.
Soon Princeville began to fill up with
the addition of our
North Shore neighbors who were
being evacuated from the lower
elevations. There were boats, and
surfboards, coolers and campers and
everyone set up to wait and watch from
the safety of our Princeville bluffs.
You could not have planned a more
orderly or perfect drill - only this was
the real thing. Our state and local
emergency officials worked all through
the night and until the threat had
safely passed. The
local radio stations provided
non-stop coverage to advise residents of
road conditions and other official local
information. The television stations
had live web-cams at strategic points on
all of the islands waiting to record the
big event. We saw the first
ever "vertical" evacuation of
Waikiki, where residents of the
resort hotels were relocated to the
floors above the third level. As we
watched the Hilo web-cam at 11:05am,
there was little to indicate that
anything was happening. We waited
another twenty minutes before heading
out the door to see what we could see
for ourselves from the vista point near
the
St. Regis Hotel in Princeville.
Today was one of those picture perfect
North Shore days where the weather was
clear and warm and the surf was calm.
The tide was low and the visibility
was crystal clear, both in the water
and in the air. We waited on the
bluff for over an hour, talking to
friends, watching the water and
waiting. We were actually relieved to
not see anything at all unusual,
except for the Coast Guard plane that
kept flying by. We are told that we
did actually have a tsunami on Kauai,
but that it only measured about one
foot. Later today one of the
television stations put together a
time lapse series of photos of Hilo
Harbor that actually showed the ocean
ebb and flow.
At 2pm, the Tsunami Warning was lifted
and everyone was allowed to return
home. Even the beaches were opened
again, although officials warned that
there could still be unusual tidal
activity for the remainder of the
day.
It was a day we will always remember -
and another one of those days when we
can count our many blessings.
We hope you enjoy some of our photos
below. We love our new camera, but
are still learning how to use it. The
date and time is unfortunately 12
hours off! 2/26/10 at 23:55 is really
2/27/10 at 11:55am, etc! Sorry about
that!
Aloha,
Don & Sylvia
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The tide is low as we arrive... 
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The sea is very calm... 
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The
suspense builds... (note the webcam
broadcast!)
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The
sea as we arrived at 11:54am...
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30 minutes later...at
12:26pm. We think this might have been it
- but we may never really know!
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Kauai View
Newsletter
January 2010
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While the mainland continues to experience the challenges of
winter weather...
Kauai has been fortunate to have been enjoying an amazing
mild weather pattern with cool nights, warm days and very little
of our traditional winter rains. It is not surprising to see
the increase in the number of visitors trying to get away from
the rain and snow on the mainland. The beaches and the
restaurants here are crowded. As are the roads. But as they
say here in
Hawaii... "no worries." Just take your time and enjoy
the extra photo opportunities along the way. When you get home,
and see the ice storms and mud slides on the news, the
"stresses" of island living pale in comparison.
So far, 2010 has been a busy year for us with two beautiful new
listings to showcase... a beautifully upgraded Princeville Ocean
View Condo priced at $699,000... and a fabulous Ocean View
Estate overlooking Papaa Bay priced at $3,199.000. Check out
the "Featured Listings" links below to see all of the beautiful
photographs and information.
As we start a new year... and a new decade... we wish you all
the best - good health, good friends and much happiness! And as
you will see below, you might be even happier if you come over
and join those of us who are fortunate to live in the State of
Hawaii! When you are ready to make the big move just give us a
call!
Aloha,
Don & Sylvia
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Makai Golf Course Reopens!
The Lakes & Oceans Nines are Open!
The Lakes and Oceans Nines of the Makai Golf Course celebrated
a very low profile reopening on Saturday, January 16th.
Opening week play has been limited to tee off times from
8:30am to 11am daily, with special introductory rates of $120
for Princeville Resort guests, $100 for Princeville property
owners, and $60 for Kamaaina (Hawaii Driver's License
Required). Standard rates will be $200 per round, $160 per
round after 1:00pm.
Meanwhile, the grounds keepers are continuing to work on
establishing the new turf grass called Seashore Paspalum. The
new grass requires less fertilizer and can be treated with
salt for weeds. Because the new grass requires fewer
chemicals, it goes along with today's green trend to help the
environment. Other improvements include the addition of new
G-3 white silica sand for the bunkers, refurbished cart paths
and upgrading of the practice facility. The nine hole Woods
Course section of the Makai will not be reopened until later
in the Spring.
The old Makai Golf Club House has been torn down. A small
temporary clubhouse has been built to serve the needs of
golfers while plans take shape for a new future clubhouse with
possible fitness club and restaurant. The tennis courts are
also receiving a face lift, but are not yet ready for play.
The new Makai Course is managed by Troon Golf a leader in
upscale golf course management, development and marketing.
The company is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with
international offices in Hong Kong, Australia, Switzerland and
Dubai. Troon Golf manages golf courses in 26 countries and 31
states in the United States. Check them out at:
http://www.makaigolf.com/index.php
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The Pirates are
Coming!
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
The
4th installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean
will be filed in part on Kauai this summer. Governor Linda
Lingle announced that the Walt Disney Pictures film starring
Johnny Depp will be filmed on the islands of Kauai and Oahu.
We willl all be watching, as rumor has it that the pirate
ships will be coming ashore in Hanalei Bay this summer.
The
governor's office says the film is expected to generate $85
million in direct and indirect spending in Hawaii, creating a
much needed shot in the arm for Hawaii's economy. The film
entitled "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is due
to be released in the summer of 2011, the same time that a new
Disney resort is scheduled to open at Koolina on Oahu.
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Sunshine States are the Happiest!
Hawaii Ranked #2
A survey of 1.3 million
people across the country by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention concludes that people who live in sunny states like
Hawaii, Florida and Louisiana are the happiest Americans.
The Top 5
Happiest States:
1. Louisiana
2. Hawaii
3. Florida
4. Tennessee
5. Arizona
The
researchers concluded that quality of life issues like climate,
low crime rates, air quality and schools have a positive impact
on how people rate their personal happiness. We would have
thought that a good healthy dose of Vitamin D sunshine accounted
for all those happy people... but then again...California ranked
#46 in the survey so there goes that theory! And the least
happiest state in the survey was New York.
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Kauai's 2009 Top 10
Residential Sales
#1 - $28,000,000 - The Tara Estate
174 acres on Papaa Bay... the setting
for the Harrison Ford movie "Six Days and Seven Nights." The
estate comes with a main house, two guest bungalows and a
caretaker's cottage.
# 2 - $13,500,000 - Another new Hollywood Hangout?
This estate home sits on 7.05 bluff top lacres overlooking
Secret Beach in the Kilauea area.
#3 - $13,000,000 - Room to Roam
This 4BR/4.5BA home sits on 55.43
acres in the Kilauea Farms area.
#4 - $10,100,000 Hanalei Bay Beachfront
This 4BR/3BA home is right on the white
sands of Hanalei Bay.
#5 - 10,000,000 - North Shore
Retreat
4BR/3BA home on 8.29 beachfront acres
in Haena.
#6 - $4,500,000 - Lawai Oceanfront
4BR/4BA oceanfront home in the Poipu
Area near the Spouting Horn.
#7 $3,650,000 Hanalei Bay Beachfront
Picturesque 2BR/1.5BA Beachfront home
on Hanalei Bay.
#8 $3,500,000 North Shore
Beachfront
2BR/2BA Beachfront Cottage in Haena.
#9 $3,100,000 Seacliff Estates
4BR/3.5BA home on 7.92 acres in the
gated community of Seacliff Estates in Kilauea.
#10 $2,500,000 Kalihiwai Ridge
4BR/3BA home on 3 acres on Kalihiwai
Ridge on Kauai's North Shore.
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Predicting the Bottom of Kauai's Real Estate Market
Everyone wants to buy at the bottom of the
market... the only trouble is that you really don't know for
sure when the bottom was reached until prices begin to rise
again. Hindsight as they say is 20-20! Kauai is a small
island, so it is especially difficult to predict the future
based on the statistics of the past. But still, we are
beginning to see the early signs of a market turnaround here.
The Median Price for all of Kauai Single
Family Homes dropped in 2009 to $470,000 which is below the
Median Price of a Single Family Home in 2004 when it was
$499,000.
The Median Price for all of Kauai
Condominiums dropped in 2009 to $330,000 which is also below
the Median Price of a Condominium in 2004 when it was
$375,000.
Median Prices actually rose in 2009 for
Poipu area Condos to $524,450 from $518,500 in 2008.
The number of sales in 2009 of Single
Family Homes rose 26.32% on Kauai's West Side and 21.82% on
the South Shore.
While you are watching the market, be
sure to keep an eye on interest rates. Many experts say that
interest rates will not remain at their current low levels for
very much longer.
2010 will offer some great deals for
those who have a long term view. New home buyers and
repeat move-up buyers can both take advantage of Federal Tax
Credits, if they purchase a home between now and April 30,
2010. The tax credit does not have to be repaid, but buyers
must maintain the new home as their principal residence for at
least three years. That's like being paid to live in
paradise!
We do know that the best deals go
quickly. So, if you would like us to keep you up to date with
new listing notifications and new opportunities, just give us
a call.
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Our Featured Listings -
Kalalea Vista Estate -
This premier 1.66 acre ocean bluff estate
is located at the end of a private cul-de-sac high above Papaa
Bay on Kauai's northeast coast. Panoramic views of the ocean and
the Kalalea mountains are enjoyed from the home and numerous
outside entertainment areas. Close to the beach access trail.
Alii Kai 8H
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This updated ocean view condo is currently a second home and
successful vacation rental. You will feel like you are in a
Hawaiian tree house in this second floor condo that overlooks
the ocean, swaying palm trees, morning rainbows and evening
sunsets. Custom upgrades include marble countertops, travertine
floors, top-of-the-line fixtures and stainless steel appliances.
$679,000
Link for More
Information
Alii Kai 4-104 - The
ocean views just don't get any better than from this 2 bedroom
two bath condo! This bright and airy end unit is open to balmy
trade winds and a spectacular view on two sides! This quiet
complex is a favorite with second home owners and vacationers.
Alii Kai 4-102 - This vacation condo sits on
a prime ocean bluff on Kauai's North Shore in Hawaii. There
is a beautiful ocean view from the living room and both
bedrooms. Easy ground floor location. Currently in a
vacation rental program.
Queen Emma's Bluff - Gated Neighborhood
Build your future dream home in Princeville's only gated single
family home residential neighborhood - Queen Emma's Bluff. This
spacious 16,422 sq. ft. home site is one of the largest parcels
on this exclusive street and offers panoramic sunset, mountain
and golf course views. The building site is level and has
access to underground utilities and Princeville's private water
and sewer systems. This is one of the few lots in Princeville
large enough to accommodate a spacious single story home and a
pool.
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Don & Sylvia Leutz
Hawaii Realtor Brokers
Century 21 All Islands
5-4280 Kuhio Highway
Princeville Shopping Center
P.O. Box 223145
Princeville, HI 96722
808-652-9402
Specializing in
Resort Market Properties - Licensed in Hawaii, California and
Nevada
Accredited Buyer Representatives (ABR)
Graduates REALTOR Institute (GRI)
Resort and Second Home Property Specialists (RSPS)
Members of the Luxury Home Marketing Institute
Internet Marketing Certified (e-PRO)
Don is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
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Featured Links:
Kauai Map |
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Hanalei Bay Ranked #1 by "Dr. Beach"!
May 25, 2009
Hanalei Bay takes the #1 spot in the 19th Annual Top 10
Beaches ranking produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P.
Leatherman, Director of Florida International University's
Laboratory for Coastal Research.
"Hanalei Bay on the garden island of Kauai is my favorite getaway
beach in Hawaii," noted Leatherman, an international expert on
beaches and coastal processes. "The clear emerald waters are
perfect for swimming during the tranquil summer months, but only
swim at the lifeguarded areas when the surf picks up during the
wintertime as powerful rip currents are sometimes present. The
laid-back little village of Hanalei is a good place for
refreshments and casual dining, but accommodations are scarce so
plan ahead."
Hanalei Bay is a spectacular white crescent-shaped sand beach that
is considered by many residents and visitors alike to be the most
beautiful beach setting in Hawaii. The two-mile long strand is
lined by palm trees with a backdrop of waterfalls and mountain
peaks that range up to 4,000 feet high. One of the best views of
the beach is from the former Princeville Hotel, due to reopen in
the fall as Hawaii's first St. Regis.
As "Dr. Beach", Leatherman has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches
since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, which
include water and sand quality as well as safety, facilities and
environmental management. What makes Leatherman's selections unique
is his knowledge as a Ph.D. coastal scientist with more than 30
years of scientific experience studying storm impacts, erosion and
ways to improve beach health and safety.
For more information:
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Looking for a Dream Home in Hanalei?
To view all the current MLS listings on Kauai's North Shore,
just follow this link to our website and search for properties
in the "Hanalei" District. Please note that "Hanalei District"
is the entire North Shore from Kilauea to Haena.
Email or give us a call to discuss your needs and interests at
808-652-9402. We can email you detailed listings plus photos of
all of the current listings in your area of interest and/or price
range, and if you like, we can arrange to have new listings
automatically emailed to you when they first come on the market.
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St. Regis Princeville Resort Announces
Only Five Months to Opening Day!
Grand Opening - October 1, 2009
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Kauai View Newsletter
Spring 2009 |
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Kauai's Top 10 Home Sales
2008
#1 - 5302 Weke Road, Hanalei
5,234 square feet - 5BR/4BA
Sold: $10,500,000
#2 - 5-8320 Kuhio Highway, Haena
4,400 square feet - 6BR/6BA
Sold: $7,750,000
#3 - 4432 Lawai Beach Road, Lawai
2,341 square feet - 3BR/2BA
Sold: $5,650,000
#4 - 1831 Pee Road #A, Poipu
7,057 sq. ft - 11BR/11.5BA
Sold: $5,400,000
#5 - 7356 Alealea Road, Wainiha
3,260 square feet - 4BR/4.5BA
Sold: $5,000,000
#6 - 5494 Weke Road, Hanalei
2,568 square Feet - 3BR/3.5BA
Sold: $4,200,000
#7 - 3565 Kaweonui Road, Princeville
2,614 square feet - 4BR/4.5BA
Sold: $3675,000
#8 - 2268 Kanio Street, Lihue
3,603 square feet - 3BR/3.5BA
Sold: $2,875,000
#9 - 4287 Anini Road, Anini Beach
2,064 square feet - 4BR/3BA
Sold: $2,600,000
#10 - 05-5895 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei
2,998 square feet - 4BR/4.5BA
Sold: $2,740,000
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Just the "Stats" Ma'am!
What the Numbers say about the Kauai Real Estate
Market
They say that you can get statistics to say anything you
want them to... well no matter how you sort the stats... it
has been a down year in real estate - even here on Kauai.
But all in all, Kauai has been holding its own in terms of
value. It is still what we call a "Buyer's Market" because
the actual number of sales of Single Family Homes decreased
by 30% in 2008 over the number of homes sold in 2007. The
number of Condominiums that sold in 2008 was down 43% over
the number of condos sold in 2007.
Prices have been remarkable stable on average. The Median
Sales Price of a Single Family Home sold on Kauai in 2007
was $650,000. In 2008, that figure dropped by 5.38% to a
Median Sales Price of $615,000. The Median Price of a
Condominium dropped from $565,000 in 2007 to $545,000 in
2008.
But when you are looking for a property... these statistics
really don't mean a thing.
For example - if you were shopping for a home on Kauai this
month you might think it would be wise to calculate
the current Median Price. To do that you would review
the most recent Home Sales from January 1st to January 22nd,
and you would find that the Median Price is over $6.6
Million Dollars! That's because the lowest priced home sale
was a 3BR/1.5BA 1,104 square foot home in the Kapaa area
that sold for $329,000. The highest priced home that has
sold so far this year is a 5,743 square foot home on 55.43
acres in the Kilauea North Shore area for $13,000,000!
You could say that here on Kauai we have a real estate
market that offers the best of both worlds! Of the Single
Family Homes on Kauai currently under contract or in escrow
as of January 22nd:
10 are priced under $500,000
9 are priced from $500,000 to $1M
3 are priced over $1,000,000
People purchasing Kauai homes are generally purchasing for
their own use and enjoyment. We have also seen some
investors who are looking for income producing full time or
vacation rentals. Both kinds of buyers are motivated by
today's lower prices combined with historically low interest
rates.
There are currently 566 homes for sale on Kauai - and only
283 homes sold in all of 2008. As long as we continue to
have that amount of inventory, prices are going to continue
to be negotiable.
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Mokulele Airlines
Now Serving Kauai
There is now a new choice for Inter Island Air Travel...
Mokulele Airlines. The small commuter airline is based in
Maui and has been offering service between Mauai, Oahu,
Moloka'i, Lana'i and Kailua-Kona.
With the arrival of the new year, Mokulele began also
serving Lihue, Kauai with direct daily flights to Honolulu
and Kailua-Kona.
Current, fares from Lihue to Kona are priced from $89 each
way. Flights from Lihue to Honolulu are priced from $38
each way.
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Hanalei: A Kauai River Town New Book
Released
 If
you love the North Shore town of Hanalei, you are going to
want to check out this brand new book by local author,
Daniel Harrington.
The author lives in Hanalei and has filled his book with
local history, maps, photographs and stories.
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"Souper Bowl Sunday"
Kauai Style Celebration
Sunday, February 1st - you can take a break from football
for a Souper Lunch to benefit the Kauai Food Bank.
For a $25 donation, diners will receive a hand-made
ceramic bowl created by the Clayworks Gallery at Kilohana
Plantation. And best of all, the bowl will be filled with
a special soup created for the day by the culinary staff
at Gaylord's Restaurant.
You can enjoy your soup at the outdoor gathering area, or
take it "To-Go" and enjoy it when you're watching the
Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals face off at
Super Bowl XLIII.
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 Don
& Sylvia Leutz
Hawaii Realtor Brokers
Century 21 All Islands
5-4280 Kuhio Highway
Princeville Shopping Center
P.O. Box 223145
Princeville, HI 96722
808-652-9402
Specializing in Resort Market Properties - Licensed in
Hawaii, California and Nevada
Accredited Buyer Representatives (ABR)
Graduates REALTOR Institute (GRI)
Resort and Second Home Property Specialists (RSPS)
Don is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
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