Since Hella Rothwell was so kind as to find a way to fit a visit with me in Lanai into her holiday plans, the least I could do was offer to treat her to lunch at the Views at Manale Golf. After all, she flew from Honolulu, and I hopped the Maui Ferry to Lanai from Lahania to meet up at the Four Seasons in Manele Bay. This is one of my favorite Four Seasons hotels in a gorgeous remote setting that makes you feel gloriously alive.As we strolled down the ancient volcanic beds rising above the sea that overlooks Sweetheart Rock, my phone rang. It was an obscure agent asking me questions about a short sale she struggled with. She couldn't get her story out in a coherent sentence, and expected to discuss her entire strategy with me right then and there.I was willing to answer one question, ju... 01/11/2017

This afternoon I fly to Honolulu from Lanai to start the 2nd part of my 5-part winter vacation in the islands, and I feel very fortunate to bring the memories of the orchid greenhouse with me. Imagine entering a greenhouse filled with exotic flowers and not a soul in sight. Far as you can see, green velvet rolling lawns, a pergola perched high on a hill, a gentle mist dampens your face, and turkeys frolick chasing each other. It was very quiet, just the sound of a breeze blowing through the tree tops and raindrops slowly streaking the greenhouse windows like the legs formed by swirling a robust cabernet. Pots after pots of orchids, a color explosion, each unique and speaking to you. You can see a bunch of photographs and read more about my visit to the orchid greenhouse in my personal b... 12/15/2014

Wandering about Dole Park yesterday in Lanai City, Hawaii, a guy interrupted me while I was deploying resonators on a recently captured portal. He looked friendly enough and harmless as he approached, but that's how you get stabbed to death in the middle of a park in broad daylight, heh, heh. He launched into a story about how he is working his way through some kind of educational deal and was looking for support. I reached into my camera bag to hand him a $20 bill because I'm a soft touch. Before I could pull out the money, he opened a box to show me his wares. He was selling stained glass pieces secured to cardboard. I like pink, and he had a pink angel, not that I am particularly fond of angels, I prefer fairies instead. But a pink angel is OK. That cost twenty bucks. I thought that ... 12/14/2014

I suppose you could chalk up my attitude to being grumpy but aren't you tired of businesses asking for your opinion, about what you think? They want to improve their service at your expense. I don't like being followed around, having to disclose my location to every Tom, Dick and Harry when I use an App, and being marketed to like a big ol' pile of faceless money. This is why I like the islands. The solitude. OK, when I play Ingress, Google knows exactly where I am, and although I don't like it, it's a tradeoff for the game. There are times tradeoffs are worth it but most often they are not. I don't like surveys from emails or questionnaires or anything that continues to bug and poke and prod me after the sale is over. I don't think I'm alone with this attitude. You can read more in my ... 12/13/2014

I read a comment this morning that basically said if you don't do things the way I would do them, then you are lazy. See, this is the thing, everybody has their own opinion or at least they probably should, and whatever works for a person is what works for them. One agent's laziness is another agent's efficiency. You don't have to follow the crowd and handle your business the same way as everybody else. You can break out, be a maverick. As long as you are not breaking laws or violating the Code of Ethics and you're successful at what you do, who is to say you are not doing things right? Nobody has that right. There is no specific right way to be successful. Just follow the Golden Rule and do the best you can with what you've got. Be kind to other people. Put your client's interests firs... 12/12/2014

The island of Lanai starts a new chapter with Oracle's Larry Ellison at the helm It's no secret anymore, the deal has closed, and Lanai has a new owner.   There's plenty of talk about Lanai being sold by David H. Murdock who had acqcuired the Hawaiian island in 1985.  The new owner is billionaire Larry Ellison of Oracle fame, said to be worth around $36 billion.  Ellison will own 98 percent of the island's 141 square miles.  Lanai is part of Maui County, in the state of Hawaii. The price is rumored to be above $500,000,000 and closer to $600,000,000. It's not so much the actual real estate, but more about the company and the assets involved since the island was turned into a destination resort.  Included in the sale are: The Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay The Four Seasons Resor... 06/29/2012

Foreclosure Tuesday 8/3/2010 The following properties have been foreclosed upon by their respective lien holders. 444 Lanai Ave Lanai City, HI. 96763 for the sum of $349,301.86 582 Kainalu Place Wailuku, HI 96793 for the sum of $421,383.73 If you have any questions what so ever on Maui foreclosures, call me directly and I have the inside scoop as I attend the auction everyday.   08/03/2010

 Lana'i Island, Maui County On our recent trip to the island of Lana'i, I was able to see some properties for sale, and get an overview of the real estate market there.  Basically, there are some really great homes and condos, but they are not cheap, compared to the Maui market.  Most of the listings on Lanai are brand new developments, and they are from one developer.  The impression they would like to create is that homeownership on Lana'i is for the privileged few.  If you can afford one of their exclusive residences, you will be able to enjoy all the amenities including championship golf, spa treatments and world-class dining. There are really only 2 communities on Lana'i, Lana'i City and Manele. Both locations boast a Four Seasons Hotel and an award winning golf course. They are ab... 10/02/2007