Following a 2 year trend now, Kona home sales jumped an astounding 66% for February 2011 over February 2010. And if your thinking like a lot people are -"well 2010 wasn't a great year to begin with" Think again - 2010 sales were up 40% over 2009. I keep telling people - if your house is priced right - its going to sell - and sell fast! In the last 2 weeks I have lost 2 sales to multiple offers coming in on properties, offering over asking price - and still not high enough to win the bid! The big key to that equation is - They were Priced Right! Sure there are a lot of overpriced dogs out there that make the market look like its in a slump still, but get an agent that knows his area - and you'll find the right deals. The quickest way is to just sign up for my MLS automated notifier - you... 03/03/2011

Your Kailau Kona Specialist for Luxury Homes 75-5608 HIENALOLI-KAHULUI RD KAILUA KONA, HI, HI Gated Luxery Subdivision, Tennis Courts 3BR/2BA Single Family House $679,000 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 2,002 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 16,973 sqft HOA/Maint $200 per month DescriptionThis home was designed by renowned architect �Lucky Bennett� with special attention paid to the Panoramic - Coastline and Ocean Views. Lucky really knows how to bring the outside � in, all you need to do is push open the wall of glass doors and extend your living area onto the Lanai. With Custom Cabinets and Granite matching throughout this home, there seems to be no detail overlooked. The Master Bath will truly make her feel like a Queen, whether soaking in the J... 03/03/2011

2011 Condo sales for the Big Island of Hawaii - I just did a report on the what the largest share of the sales were - $100,000 - $200,000 range, but after posting it I noticed some interesting facts. Link to the previous blog: http://konalance.activerain.com/post/2159216/what-is-selling-in-hawaii-condos-for-kailua-kona- Of the 21 that sold - 14 were CASH (2/3 if you dont have your calculator handy) Who bought them - If I hadn't looked,  my guess would have been - Canadians - and I would have missed the mark by a mile ! Buyers: Kailua Kona - 3 Honolulu - 2 California - 5 Arizona - 2 Whashington - 1 Alaska - 1 Colorado - 1 Canadians - 0 (all-though  6 of the sales do not have addresses on the buyers yet) OK - Californians, take a look at these deals - I have 3 Ocean Front Condos, in resor... 02/26/2011

Had a good question on one of my blogs the other day - I thought the answer deserved a blog of its own. You ever get those questions, and you really feel like you just know the answer without looking - well I'm glad I looked before putting my foot in my mouth. We have had 45 sales, year to date, in the Kailua Kona area of the big island. SO what price range is selling? 0 - 100k = 7 100k - 200k = 21 200k - 300k = 11 300k - 400k = 2 400k - 500k = 1 500k - 600k = 0 600k - 700k = 1 700k - 800k = 0 800k - 900k = 1 900k - 1,000,000 = 1 over $1,000,000 = 0 So here is a list of the most popular catagory $100,000 - $200,000  Search criteria: TMK Taxkey 3-7. MLS Property Type Condo. MLS Price from 100,000 to 200,000. MLS Sold Date since 1/1/2011 MLS DATA   MLS # Tp Sub Own St DOM    Taxkey Tnr Pr... 02/26/2011

78-6800 ALII DR, #4202 KAILUA KONA, HI, HI Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club, Ocean front gated resort community - vacation rental approved 2BR/2BA Condo $579,000 Year Built 1979 Sq Footage 1,188 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $1,041 per month DescriptionDramatic Ocean, and Kailua Bay views from this second floor unit. Turn key furnished. Easy maintenance tile floors with carpet in bedrooms. Kitchen totally redone with elegant cabinets and granite countertops. New cabinets and tile in both bathrooms. Complex amenities include * Vacation Rentals are approved - this one is in rental pool * Gated Community * 3 Tennis Courts * Swimming Pool * Gathering area * Mature Landscaping * Archaeological Sites on property ? and pro... 02/18/2011

Alii Heights is one of Kona's newest neighborhoods.  Located midway between Kailua Kona and Keauhou Alii Heights is all about the views.  The developer took a break from building during the recession but once they saw homes start to sell again then resumed construction. They are nearing the end on several homes. I was able to preview one the other day (mls 239359) priced at $689,900  and, well, the view was outstanding.  Unobstructed panoramic views of the Kona Coast from the great room, kitchen, Master suite and bath.  Front row for fireworks and cruise ship arrivals too.  The developer in addition to the fit and finish warranty is offering a buyer credit of $20,000K purchasing incentive for the time being.  This is a great deal. Homes in Alii Heights are priced between $481,552 (mls ... 02/12/2011

My apologies - but my old link was bad - so i had to RePost this I just put $80.00 worth of fuel in my truck, shook my head when I got in and checked the level - a little over half a tank. Im thinking, man whats this world coming to - $80.00 doesn't even get me to 3/4 of a tank. So I went and posted it my Facebook page, and got a little dose of reality. almost all of my family are in the Midwest, St Louis area and I had some very interesting remarks. 1. At least your not pumping it in the middle of an Icestorm (made me realize I wouldnt mind paying $5.09 - as long as I was warm) 2. You live on island - how far do have to drive anyway (got me thinking, he's right) 3. Looks like were both getting a snow job - (comment from Cleveland) boy did he hit that one on the head! 4. Lance, dear hea... 02/05/2011

As I was tending to my Garden this morning - I thought - why not share my secret to success. This is going to sound so easy, you're going to be scratching your head - saying - Why Didn't I Think of That?  I found this out -  back in 1984 and it has been working flawlessly ever since. Here - take a look - You start with the usual, I like mine in containers, so I  load them up with some rich Organic soil, mix in a little Organic Chicken Manure. Hooked up those drip feeder hoses, set the timer to go off at 6:00am for 20 minutes Kind of like the Infomercial for that cooker - I set it, and forget it ! A few weeks later - presto - nice fresh Organic Salad There is nothing better than making my Son his lunch, and walking out to the garden, and peeling off a fresh, living,  lettuce leaf,  for t... 02/05/2011

Aloha, Lance here with www.WestHawaiiCondos.combringing you the January 2011 Sale's Statistics Report for Kailua Kona and surrounding areas, straight in from the Hawaii MLS system. January 2011 - Number of condos sold:    UP  23% over 2010 sales January 2011 - Sales Volume:    DOWN over 42% - this one surprised me, I am going to look into these numbers further (2010 $11,178,300 and 2011 is $6,401,900) January 2011 - Median Price: DOWN 17.4% (2010 $254,250 - 2011 $210,000) For the entire report click on the link below, look of r"Market Report" tab to your left - you'll figure it out from there. www.WestHawaiiCondos.com Here is a peak at one of our ocean front listings, currently in the Vacation Rental Pool and booked most of the time   Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club, 4202Ocean Front,... 02/04/2011

I just put $80.00 worth of fuel in my truck, shook my head when I got in and checked the level - a little over half a tank. Im thinking, man whats this world coming to - $80.00 doesn't even get me to 3/4 of a tank. So I went and posted it my Facebook page, and got a little dose of reality. almost all of my family are in the Midwest, St Louis area and I had some very interesting remarks. 1. At least your not pumping it in the middle of an Icestorm (made me realize I wouldnt mind paying $5.09 - as long as I was warm) 2. You live on island - how far do have to drive anyway (got me thinking, he's right) 3. Looks like were both getting a snow job - (comment from Cleveland) boy did he hit that one on the head! 4. Lance, dear heart, precious .. read my mind LOL!!! (I guess she didn't have muc... 02/03/2011

We are gearing up for 2011 and specializing in Condo sales, see our listings below and then sign up for the Hawaii MLS updates   Featured Listings click to view Kanaloa at Kona - unit 2002 78-261 Manukai StreetKAILUA KONA, HI $795,000 2 Bed2 Bath 1486 sq ft Kanaloa at Kona Condos for sale # 2601 78-261 MANUKAI STKAILUA KONA, HI $749,000 2 Bed2 Bath 1486 sq ft Single Family Home 755608 Hienaloli-Kahului RdKailua Kona, HI $699,000 3 Bed2 Bath 2002 sq ft Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club, 4202 78-6800 ALII DRKailua Kona, HI $579,000 2 Bed2 Bath 1170 sq ft Self Sustainability - Green Living 18-7965 N. KULANI RDMountain View, HI $569,000 4 Bed3 Bath 1776 sq ft Kona Real Estate 76-206 Kealoha stKailua Kona, HI $439,000.00 3 Bed2 1/2 Bath 1212 sq ft Your Stealing this home at that PRICE 76640... 01/23/2011

The interior designer hired to create a model home at Hali'ipua Villas, the newest condo development at Hualalai Resort happens to be a client, friend and frequent resource for my other clients. Last week I got a sneak preview as he put on the finishing touches (followed by lunch at the Four Seasons, of course). Hali'ipua is the newest condo project at Hualalai Resort; model home has a fresh look and $2+ million price tag All the Hali'ipua Villas have 3 bedrooms on the entry-level floor surrounding a courtyard with doors opening to an indoor space probably best used as a media room.  The upstairs is reserved for the more active living spaces: great room opening to lanai with built-in grill and big ocean views; kitchen, dining room, and a little nook behind the kitchen that could work as... 01/19/2011

Specializing in luxury Kailua Kona Condos, Real Estate for Sale, Ocean Front, Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club 78-6800 ALII DR, #4202 KAILUA KONA, HI, HI Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club, Ocean front gated resort community - vacation rental approved 2BR/2BA Condo $579,000 Year Built 1979 Sq Footage 1,188 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $1,041 per month DescriptionDramatic Ocean, and Kailua Bay views from this second floor unit. Turn key furnished. Easy maintenance tile floors with carpet in bedrooms. Kitchen totally redone with elegant cabinets and granite countertops. New cabinets and tile in both bathrooms. Complex amenities include * Vacation Rentals are approved - this one is in rental pool * Gated Community * 3 ... 01/17/2011

Not surprisingly Kailua Kona Home sales have increased for 2 years now, December was no let down, with an increase of almost 13% - that's pretty good - considering that Dec 2009 was up 121% - that's not a typo - 121% - over Dec 2008. According to the local newspaper retailers have reported a 15% - 20%  increase in December 2010 sales over 2009 (don't put a lot of weight into that report - this is the same newspaper reporting home sales are in a slump- and they interviewed the only Realtor in Kona - that hadn't sold a home here - period) Anyways - great news Kona Sellers: Be happy, Buyers are here buying Buyers: Unprecedented deals - interest rates that Ive never seen in my lifetime, and pricing that is nearing 2001 levels - or better in some cases - dont know if you seen my blog about a... 01/07/2011

Hard to believe - but its true. I went back into the public records and looked at previous sales. Here take a look for yourself 12/30/2010: Sells for $64,900 3/25/2010: Wells Fargo forecloses on it at $210,000 6/28/2006: Sells for $235,000 7/17/1979: Sells for $65,000 3/30/1979: Sells for $54,500 Incredible - the story some of these foreclosures tell. This unit was dated - but it wasnt a mess, concrete building in great shape, close to everything - incredible bargain This is what explains the 2010 sales increase of 84% on Condos in Kona! If your looking for someone that knows the market, really knows the market, someone that closed over 20 transactions on the Big Island in 2010, someone that is a full time Realtor - please give me a call Aloha and Mahalo     01/04/2011

Were not talking about a 1 month bump, or a little bubble along the way, this is 2010s track record for the year! Just about every single month in 2010,  exceeded the previous year  - looking at December 2010 sales - it was up 61% over Dec. 2009 - which by the way itself, was up 75% from Dec 2008 I think things are looking good for both sides - Sellers:    Buyers are here buying Buyers:    We are still back at an average of 2001 - 2002 pricing - great deals to be had. And interest rates - you don't need me telling you about interest rates - they are incredible right now! For the full report please visit my website and look for the - Market Reports - tab to the left. Here, I will make it easier - just click on the link below http://www.konahometeam.com/bin/web/real_estate/AR153261/DOCUME... 01/04/2011

Kailua Kona Real Estate is well into its recovery period! Take a look at the December sales statistics. December 2010 outsold Dec 2009 by an astounding 61% ! And don't think 2009 must have been a bad year, because 2009 outsold 2008 by 75% - ok your probably thinking what I am thinking - well 2008 must have been a bad year - hold on - let me go back and check ................  Ok I am back - 2008 was down, from 2007, by 20% - not really that bad - bottom line is you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see the writing on the wall, 75% increase, 61% increase - were moving, and its a trend, not a bubble For all your condo needs please give me a call 1-808-936-8383 Lance Owens BTW - AIR Temp today 82, water temp 79, sunny, light breeze   01/04/2011

    World Class Kona Sport Fishing, Whale Watching or Snorkling, Kona Sea Adventures is your Kailua Kona (Big Island of Hawaii) Connection!   If world class Kona sport fishing, is on your list of 'to dos' while on the Big Island, you are certainly at the right place. Kona Sea Adventures, owned and operated by Captain Ryan Brunner, is an all inclusive, world class charter operation that offers sport fishing, whale watching and snorkeling along the beautiful Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii.   Captain Ryan Brunner grew up in the warm, crystal clear blue seas of Kona and has many ohana (family) on the island. Although his experiences include navigating the wild rivers of Illiamna Alaska, guiding at a sport fishing lodge, Kona is home. Captain Ryan is beyond his years with many talent... 12/30/2010

No I'm not pulling your leg - I Woke up to a beautiful site this morning, Mauna Kea, on the Big Island of Hawaii, covered in snow! A lot of people don't realize that Mauna Kea is the Tallest mountain in the world, and it sits right next to the Largest mountain in the world - Mauna Loa. (don't confuse those with the highest - Mt Everest) Needles to say, we have our fair share of snow each year. We typically head up at least once during the snow season, bring the kids, the boogey boards, and slide down the mountain - its a blast. The cool thing its only about an hour drive from the sunny beaches of Waikoloa and Kailua Kona, where you go thaw out and wash all that funny white stuff off of your boogie boards. There has even been a few years that we have loaded up the truck with snow, brough... 12/11/2010

Kind of exciting, I am sitting here in a tropical rain storm, under a flash flood watch, and decided to check the Mauna Kea Webcams - its starting to SNOW. A lot of people do not realize how much snow the big island gets - but we get a decent amount. The cool thing about it - its about an hour drive, and we can turn right back around and head to the beach - another reason - Lucky We Live Hawaii - (famous Hawaii phraze) So everytime you get that goofy feeling that you miss a White Christmas, or snow, or cold - just drive up to Mauna Kea and get a reality check - I usually last about an Hour - then I realize why I dont like the cold, Deal of the Day - Ocean Front Townhouse $299,000 Here is a link to the cams http://www.konahometeam.com/bin/web/real_estate?acnt=AR153261&ZKEY=&action=ACTIVA... 12/10/2010