Elaine Schaefer (R, BIC, CRS, GRI, ABR)

Aloha,

It comes as no surprise to those of us who enjoy Hanalei Bay and the adjacent beaches on a daily basis : Dr. Beach voted Hanalei Beach as the best in the US! This is from today's Yahoo news page

------------
‘Dr. Beach' picks Hanalei Bay nation's No. 1 beach

By JAYMES SONG, Associated Press Writer Jaymes Song, Associated Press Writer

Fri May 22, 7:12 am ET

HANALEI, Hawaii - If life is a beach, Hanalei Bay must be heaven. This remote, two-mile crescent-shaped beach on Kauai where the emerald mountains meet the sparkling sea was selected No. 1 on "Dr. Beach" Stephen P. Leatherman's 2009 list of top 10 beaches, which was released Friday. Hanalei beat out other shores stretching from San Diego to Cape Cod.

"The sheer beauty of Hanalei Bay is breathtaking," said Leatherman, director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research. "It's really an idyllic setting."

Hanalei features postcard views from every angle and is untouched by the feverish development that has transformed the coastlines of other islands. It's cherished by both locals and tourists as the perfect spot to swim, surf, snorkel or simply escape and unwind.

"It's just gorgeous," said Annie Meredith, who regularly surfs in the bay. "You've got green mountains, white sand, blue ocean - that's kind of hard to beat."

The runner-up on Leatherman's list was Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Fla., followed by Coopers Beach in Southampton, N.Y., on Long Island; Coronado Beach in San Diego; Hamoa Beach in Maui, Hawaii; Main Beach in East Hampton, N.Y., on Long Island; Cape Hatteras in Outer Banks, N.C.; Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Fla.; Coast Guard Beach on Cape Cod, Mass.; and Beachwalker Park on Kiawah Island, S.C.

Leatherman based his selections on 50 criteria, including water quality and temperature, cleanliness, weather, sand, safety and facilities. And Hanalei is his personal favorite "getaway beach" in Hawaii.

"If I want to get away from it all and forget about the rest of the world, Hanalei is about the best place to go, as far as I know," he said.

Hanalei is located on Kauai's North Shore around the corner from the Napali Coast, the most stunning corner of the state. One side offers lush valleys, dramatic waterfalls and sculpted mountains with peaks that rise 4,000 feet. On the other is the Pacific, where dolphins and sea turtles can be seen.

The big attraction here is that it's not a big attraction. Unlike in the high-rise jungle of Waikiki, where thousands of glowing-pale tourists sprawl across the sand like eggs in a carton, there's plenty of breathing room in secluded Hanalei.

Newlyweds Dirk and Courtney McNealy, of Gainesville, Fla., noticed that there were only about 50 people along the entire two miles of beach on a recent weekday.

"Back in Florida, it seems there's 50 people in a 10-foot stretch," Courtney McNealy said.

The McNealys chose the so-called Garden Island for their honeymoon because they wanted a peaceful retreat.

"The water is nice. The sand is nice," Courtney McNealy said. "It's really beautiful."

Duane Kutsch, of Richland, Wash., said he enjoyed the slower pace and the space.

"It doesn't seem so big and commercial like Oahu," he said. "Oahu to me feels like Chicago, a huge city on the edge of the water. This still has a hometown feel to it."

The flight to Kauai from Honolulu takes less than a half hour. The 30-mile drive from Lihue Airport to Hanalei, however, takes nearly an hour along two-lane Kuhio Highway. The roadway eventually runs down the mountainside and crosses a one-lane bridge before entering the tiny town of Hanalei.

Egos, shoes and watches should be checked at the bridge. No one's in a hurry in this ultra-mellow community.

The village is a throwback to old Hawaii. There are sprawling plots of taro, which is used to produce poi, a staple in the Hawaiian diet. Neighborhood kids sell fresh leis on the corner. Gift shops, art galleries, surf stores and casual restaurants line the main drag.

"Most of us who live in the city are used to the hustle and bustle. This is anything but that," Leatherman said. "It's about as laid-back as you can get."

In the winter, swells and rip currents pick up in the bay and lifeguards are kept busy. Hanalei and surrounding areas have several top surf breaks. This is where three-time surfing world champion Andy Irons lives and honed his skills.

Even when the surf is up, parts of the bay are protected by an outer reef, so people can still swim safely. However, visitors should be aware of conditions and posted signs and check with lifeguards.

"Because of the beauty, it's deceiving," said Mark McKamey, who has been a lifeguard in the area for 17 years. "It's paradise so it gives them a false sense of security."

In the summer, the waters flatten out. Locals can be seen throw-net fishing, catching opelu and akule, a Native Hawaiian tradition.

"There's a good vibe overall," said McKamey.

There are three parks within the bay: Black Pot, Hanalei Pavilion and Waioli. Several surfing schools offer two-hour sessions for $50-$60 and rent gear.

Nestled between two rivers, Hanalei is the largest bay on the island of Kauai.

Leatherman said one of his favorite views of the bay is from The St. Regis Princeville Resort, located on the bluff. The 252-room hotel reopens in October after nearly a year of renovations.

Hanalei first gained fame when the hit musical "South Pacific" was filmed here five decades ago, and it hasn't changed much. The sailors sang "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame" at the bay, while neighboring Lumahai Beach is where Mitzi Gaynor made famous "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair."

More recently, the North Shore served as the backdrop in films from "Raiders of the Lost Ark" to "Tropic Thunder," which starred part-time local resident Ben Stiller, one of many celebrities who vacation or live here.

Ranked No. 2 in 2008, Hanalei will now be retired from the Dr. Beach's list. Its selection returns the top spot to Hawaii, which has won 12 times since Leatherman started the list in 1991. Florida beaches have been named tops six times, including last year with Caladesi Island. North Carolina won once. California placed No. 4 this year with Coronado Beach but has never claimed the top spot.

___

On the Net:

Dr. Beach's Top 10: http://www.drbeach.org

___

Here are the winners going back to 1991 of Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman's annual Best Beach award. Winners are retired from later lists.

2009 - Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii

2008 - Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin, Fla.

2007 - Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks, N.C.

2006 - Fleming Beach Park, Maui, Hawaii

2005 - Fort DeSoto Park - North Beach, St. Petersburg, Fla.

2004 - Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

2003 - Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii

2002 - St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe, Fla.

2001 - Poipu Beach Park, Kauai, Hawaii

2000 - Mauna Kea Beach, Hawaii

1999 - Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

1998 - Kailua Beach Park, Oahu Hawaii

1997 - Hulopoe, Lanai, Hawaii

1996 - Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

1995 - St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Fla.

1994 - Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

1993 - Hapuna, Hawaii

1992 - Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key, Fla.

1991 - Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui, Hawaii

--------------
All I can say is: Come see for yourself!

Aloha Elaine

Elaine Schaefer (R, CRS, GRI, ABR)
Broker in Charge - Princeville Resort Office
Certified Residential Specialist
Graduate, Realtor's Institute
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Top Producer 100% Club

RE/MAX Kauai
Princeville Resort Office
POB 223632
Princeville, HI 96722
cell: 808 639 2935
home fax: 1 808 440 4552
email:soldonkauai@yahoo.com
website: www.KauaiRealEstateNow.com
blog: http://blogs.alohaliving.com/princeville-condo-sales/

......you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Aloha,

It was another beautiful week although we finally got the cold front along with the rain that's been promised since Friday. It started out sunny but quickly clouded over then the rain started blowing in off the ocean. It's fun to watch it come in- You see rhose who are walking to or from their cars in the parking lot suddenly look up and break into a sprint when they realize what they're looking at is a wall of water headed their way. Sometimes it just passes over in waves and other times it comes in and stays.

I'd say the market is holding steady as you'll see from the 3 closings reported in the update along wth the short sale that finally went into escrow. Here is your update for this past week:

Copyright 5/17/2009 by Hawaii Information Service

NEW LISTINGS
223902 T A 2 4-5-4-5-16-45 FS $775,000 Alii Kai At Hanalei #5301 1,086 #5301 2/2

BACK ON THE MARKET
211272 T A 365 4-5-4-5-16-35 FS $860,000 Alii Kai At Hanalei #4303 1,086 #4303 2/2

CONTINGENT SALES
204435 T C 526 4-5-4-12-10-41 FS $519,000 Emmalani Court #524 1,192 #524 2/2

SALES
222697 T S 4 4-5-3-11-1-3 FS $576,900 Villas On The Prince #3 1,737 #3 3/3
SOLD 5/15/2009 for $576,900 (CNV) DOM 4

222621 T S 26 4-5-4-12-10-12 FS $449,000 Emmalani Court #225 1,456 #225 2/2
SOLD 5/15/2009 for $440,000 (CASH) DOM 26

221272 T S 35 4-5-4-5-24-102 FS $650,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #34C 1,972 #34C 3/3
SOLD 5/14/2009 for $650,000 (CNV) DOM 35

UNDER CONTRACT
212736 T U 272 4-5-4-5-16-48 FS $945,500 Alii Kai At Hanalei #5304 1,085 #5304 2/2

EXPIRED
211258 T X 163 4-5-4-5-3-19 FS $349,900 Princeville Paniolo #204 1,058 #204 1/2

PRICE CHANGES
220078 T A 114 4-5-4-5-3-19 FS $259,000- Princeville Paniolo #204 1,058 #204 1/2
214486 T A 286 4-5-4-5-18-89 FS $349,000- Puamana #24D 1,532 #24D 2/2
214607 T A 279 4-5-4-12-9-9 FS $589,000- Pali Ke Kua #13 1,135 #13 2/2
223314 T A 29 4-5-4-6-1-44 FS $679,000- Villas Of Kamalii #44 1,825 #44 3/3

This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed.

Just one new listing this week which is Ali'i Kai 5301 listed for $775K and unfortunately purchased for $977K in 4/07! No surprise that it's a short sale. Ali'i Kai 4303 is back on the market listed at $860K after expiring. This unit was purchased for $490K in 12/03. Emmalani Court 524, a short sale listed at $519K and purchased for $700K in 7/07 finally went into escrow after 526 market days. The problem with short sales is you have no idea how long it will take to get acceptance from the lender. Typically, you can usually count on at least 2 to 4 months!

Villas on the Prince 3, a bank REO listed at $576,900 closed for that amount after only 4 days on the market. This unit was marketed extensively prior to going into foreclosure, getting as low as $695K before the bank foreclosed. This was a great buy and will certainly come back up in value over the years. Emmalani Court 225, listed for a very low $449K closed for $440K. This seller purchased in 4/93 for $397K and only made a little bit of money after all was said and done. Kudos to Brookfield for closing another of their developer units, 34C for $650K. One by one they're getting them sold. If you are looking for a new property, these units are hard to beat.

Another Ali'i Kai is in the update, this time it's 5304, listed for $945,500 which moved from contingent to under contract. We should see this one closing shortly. It was purchased for $135K in 1/87. Nice!

Paniolo 204 expired while listed at $349,900. This unit, purchased for $337,500 in 6/04 was initially listed on 5/12/08, then it went into escrow on 10/09/08 but was temporarily withdrawn on 10/22 when it apparently fell out. It never came back on the market under this MLS number and is now expiring out of the system.

Under price changes, you'll see Paniolo 204 again, but with a different listing number. When the prior listing was off the market, the seller relisted it under a new MLS number in 1/09 for $299K and has now reduced it from $279K to $259K. Quite a drop from the original list price of $349,900. It is now a short sale. Puamana 24D, purchased for $268K in 9/03 reduced from $380K to $349K. Pali Ke Kua 13, which last sold for $121K in 8/96 reduced from $609K to $589K. Villas of Kamali'i, a bank foreclosure which was purchased for $739K in 5/05 was reduced from $699,900 to $679K. Our last reduction is Pali Ke Kua 109 which is still reducing by $500 a day. Currently listed at $846,500 it was purchased for $621,400 in 12/03. On to your Princeville house update:

Copyright 5/17/2009 by Hawaii Information Service

NEW LISTINGS
224096 RS A 2 4-5-4-8-22 FS $675,000 5066 Kamamalu Lp 11,580 sqft 1,446 3/2
224144 RS A 2 4-5-4-16-65 FS $1,075,000 4465 Emmalani Dr 10,896 sqft 2,122 3/2

SALES
218263 RS S 90 4-5-4-18-22 FS $598,000 4163 Kalani Pl 9,802 sqft 1,755 2/2
SOLD 5/11/2009 for $598,000 (CNV) DOM 90

215324 RS S 227 4-5-4-9-58 FS $875,000 5345 Honoiki Rd 10,005 sqft 2,572 3/3
SOLD 5/13/2009 for $690,000 (CNV) DOM 227

EXPIRED
222510 RS X 47 4-5-4-23-76 FS $750,000 3789 Mapuana Pl 6,398 sqft 1,535 3/2.5

WITHDRAWN
210416 RS W 344 4-5-4-21-11 FS $1,175,000 3856 Kaweonui Rd 10,796 sqft 2,442 3/2.5

PRICE CHANGES
222745 RS A 47 4-5-4-23-35 FS $647,000- 3793 Moae Pl 6,386 sqft 1,651 3/2
220531 RS A 106 4-5-4-13-44 FS $949,000- 3646 Kaweonui Rd #II 10,937 sqft 2,240 3/2

This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed.

I keep saying there are good buys out there and I think this week's closings make that point. 4163 Kalani Place for $598K, a short sale, originally sold for $975K in 8/06. I showed this house several times back in the day.... Kalani is a very pleasant and quiet street and this house was nicely appointed and remodeled. Although it's only 2 bedrooms it has over 1700 sqft of living space and should have one happy buyer right now. The same can probably be said for 5345 Honoiki which was listed for $875K but closed for $690K. Sometimes you just never know what a seller will accept until you try. Honoiki, although it was built in 1973, is within walking distance to the Hanalei Bay Resort with their beautiful grounds and restaurant (when it's open again) and has a magnificent mountain view from the upstairs master bedroom. A great buy.

That's it for this week. Call or email if you have questions - before you buy or sell.

Aloha Elaine

Elaine Schaefer (R, CRS, GRI, ABR)
Broker in Charge - Princeville Resort Office
Certified Residential Specialist
Graduate, Realtor's Institute
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Top Producer 100% Club

RE/MAX Kauai
Princeville Resort Office
POB 223632
Princeville, HI 96722
cell: 808 639 2935
home fax: 1 808 440 4552
email:soldonkauai@yahoo.com
website: www.KauaiRealEstateNow.com
blog: http://blogs.alohaliving.com/princeville-condo-sales/

......you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Aloha,

Many who live on Island and most who live on the mainland have never been to PMRF, the Pacific Missile Range Facility located on the Westside of the Island. Some don't even know what it is! For those of you who are partially or totally unfamiliar with PMRF, here is a basic description from their website https://cnic.navy.mil/barkingsands/index.htm

"PMRF is the world's largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air, and space operations simultaneously. There are over 1,100 square miles of instrumented underwater range and over 42,000 square miles of controlled airspace. This makes PMRF a premier facility for supporting operations which vary from small, single-unit exercises up to largescale, multiple-unit battle group scenarios."

Although many perceive PMRF as a defensive installation it is not. The function of the base is that of testing and training. Their mission is to "Provide integrated range service in a modern, multi-threat, multi-dimensional environment that ensures the safe conduct and evaluation of training and T and E (testing and evaluation) missions."

To put it in plain English, at PMRF they do testing of new weapon systems and training on existing systems under water, on the water surface, in the air, and in space. If you're lucky, and happen to be in Kekeha on a launch day, you just might see a missile heading skyward.

This Saturday, May 16th from 9 to 3, PMRF is holding an open house for the Community. Per the April 30th Garden Island, "Capt. Aaron Cudnohufsky invites all friends and supporters of PMRF to this quality, family-oriented event that will feature numerous military aircraft, aerial targets and boat static displays as well as food and information booths.

Some of the aircraft scheduled to be on display include the C-17, P-3, H-60, C-26, S-61, CH-53 and the latest Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182. In addition to the aircraft, classic cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be on display.

A bounce house for children and music by The Starlighters are also part of the day's festivities.

Visitors are advised to travel to the northern gate to enter the event. This gate is about two miles north of the main "housing" gate. The event will be taking place at the base air operations hangar and adjoining ramp and parking will be available on base, although visitors are reminded that all vehicles will be subject to search. No coolers, oversized bags, pets or outside food and beverages will be allowed."

Don't miss this great opportunity to get on base and see what PMRF is all about. Bring your swimsuit and head for the Kekaha beaches afterwards or wear your hiking clothes and drive up to Kokee for some spectacular scenery. I'll be there mid afternoon and hope to see you there.

Aloha Elaine

This is last night's sunset. As the sun reached the horizon, a stange shaped cloud appeared!

Elaine Schaefer (R, CRS, GRI, ABR)
Broker in Charge - Princeville Resort Office
Certified Residential Specialist
Graduate, Realtor's Institute
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Top Producer 100% Club

RE/MAX Kauai
Princeville Resort Office
POB 223632
Princeville, HI 96722
cell: 808 639 2935
home fax: 1 808 440 4552
email:soldonkauai@yahoo.com
website: www.KauaiRealEstateNow.com
blog: http://blogs.alohaliving.com/princeville-condo-sales/

......you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Aloha,

For the month of April 2009, there were 45 total sales, down slightly from 49 sales this month last year. Of those sales, 23 were residential, 10 were land, and 12 were condominium sales. Year to date we have 132 sales which is slightly more than half of the 216 sales year to date for 2008. The majority of the residential sales for this April were in the Koloa zone with 13 single family residences changing hands, 2 land sales and 2 condo sales. Waimea zone saw 1 residential sale, while Kawaihau zone posted 5 residential sales, and 4 land sales. Lihue had 2 residential sales, 2 condos, and 6 condos while Hanalei zone had 2 home sales, 2 land sales and 4 condo sales. The high month for overall sales in the last few years was April 06 with 187 transactions and 674 sales year to date. It dropped sharply the next year with only 100 sales in April 07 and 355 year to date at that time.

Sales volume for April 09 is $26M down from April 08 with $38M. April 07 had $99M in sales, down from April 06 which posted $116M overall. April 05 sales volume was $118M which was up from April 04 with $79M. Year to date for the period ending April 09 indicates $85M in sales volume, down from $191M for April 08 year to date. April 07 was $315M, April 06 - $456M, April 05 - $354M and April 04 - $266M. All of these figures are year to date for the given year. For the month of April 09, there was $18M in residential sales Island wide, $3.2M in land sales and $4.8 for condos.

The median sales price for April 09 for residential is $600K, up from April 08 which was at $575K. Interestingly, year to date for April 09 indicates a median residential sales price of $479K down from year to date for 08 of $655K. Land went from a median sales price of $357K in April 08 to $260K for April 09, while condos dropped substantially from $420K in April 08 to $222K for April 09. Comparing this April to the past few years you'll see that for April 07 residential the median sales price was $730K, 06 was $700K, 05 $600K and 04 was at $477K. Keep in mind that the median is simply the midpoint price and not an average. Here is the data for the April 09 $600K median price point. You'll see there were 23 residential sales with the midpoint being Alohi for $600K.

Copyright 5/11/2009 by Hawaii Information Service

Location Sold Date Sold Price

Aka Rd 4/16/2009 $120,000

2364 Liliuokalani St 4/6/2009 $369,000

4801 Lae Rd #4 4/20/2009 $379,000

Port Allen Lot #: 4/8/2009 $385,000

3296 Kanakolu St 4/29/2009 $410,000

1687 Papau St 4/22/2009 $412,000

3720 Lohe Rd 4/6/2009 $413,000

4372 Puu Kulana Pl 4/30/2009 $450,000

5855 Haaheo St 4/15/2009 $463,000

3831 Uakea Pl 4/3/2009 $500,000

2490 Kipuka St 4/13/2009 $550,000

3167 Alohi St 4/24/2009 $600,000

5931-A Kiinani Pl 4/24/2009 $600,000

5027-A Puuwai Rd #B4/24/2009 $654,000

4318 Punee Rd 4/20/2009 $655,000

1753 Kelaukia St 4/9/2009 $695,000

4922 Akai Pl 4/1/2009 $700,000

4506 Nene Rd 4/22/2009 $750,000

2432 Linaka St 4/8/2009 $800,000

Aliomanu Rd #4 4/24/2009 $925,000

3539 Moloaa Rd 4/13/2009 $1,275,000

2574 Hoonani Rd #A4/7/2009 $1,409,000

4658 Amio Rd 4/15/2009 $4,500,000

This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed.

That's your update for this month. For a full accounting of the monthly statistics, click here to go to my website where I post them every month. Until then, happy buying and selling in Paradise. By the way, the weather has been magnificent! Here is the view from my lanai. Not a cloud in sight; just blue ocean and blue skies.

Aloha Elaine

Elaine Schaefer (R, CRS, GRI, ABR)
Broker in Charge - Princeville Resort Office
Certified Residential Specialist
Graduate, Realtor's Institute
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Top Producer 100% Club

RE/MAX Kauai
Princeville Resort Office
POB 223632
Princeville, HI 96722
cell: 808 639 2935
home fax: 1 808 440 4552
email:soldonkauai@yahoo.com
website: www.KauaiRealEstateNow.com
blog: http://blogs.alohaliving.com/princeville-condo-sales/

......you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!

Aloha,

Happy Mother's Day to all of our wonderful mothers. My mom passed away many years ago but I'm lucky to have a friend or two who is always ready to step in and "mother me" now and then. We all need that sometimes, no matter how old we get. We've seen a little bit of movement this week with a couple of sales and one unit going into escrow. I had several showings which is always a good sign. Here is your update for this past week:

Copyright 5/10/2009 by Hawaii Information Service

NEW LISTINGS
223649 T A 7 4-5-4-5-13-13 FS $475,000 Kamahana #13 2,073 #13 3/2
223620 T A 7 4-5-4-5-18-47 FS $599,000 Puamana #13C 1,532 #13C 2/2

BACK ON THE MARKET
210757 T A 369 4-5-4-5-16-26 FS $888,000 Alii Kai At Hanalei #4102 1,086 #4102 2/2
216008 T A 226 4-5-4-12-11-47 FS $1,295,000 Puu Poa #405 1,800 #405 2/2

CONTINGENT SALES
210999 T C 356 4-5-4-12-10-42 FS $499,000 Emmalani Court #525 1,456 #525 2/2

SALES
221489 T S 22 4-5-4-5-16-13 FS $495,000 Alii Kai At Hanalei #2201 1,086 #2201 2/2
SOLD 5/6/2009 for $420,000 (CASH) DOM 22

223690 T S 0 4-5-4-5-24-99 FS $640,000 Nihilani At Princeville Resort #33C 1,972 #33C 2/3
SOLD 5/8/2009 for $640,000 (CNV) DOM 0

EXPIRED
217510 T X 181 4-5-4-11-3-95 FS $569,000 Hanalei Bay Resort #P13 867 #1105/6 1/2

WITHDRAWN
210822 T W 308 4-5-4-5-13-28 FS $325,000 Kamahana #28 1,145 #28 2/2
208801 T W 404 4-5-4-11-3-84 FS $398,500 Hanalei Bay Resort #N22 867 #N22 1/2
213212 T W 219 4-5-4-12-3-13 FS $895,000 Hanalei Bay Villas #13 1,244 #13 2/2.5

PRICE CHANGES
220199 T A 109 4-5-4-5-13-4 FS $289,900- Kamahana #4 1,145 #4 2/2
223999 T A 183 4-5-4-11-3-95 FS $569,000+ Hanalei Bay Resort #P13 867 #1105/6 1/2
222926 T A 32 4-5-4-5-24-66 FS $599,000- Nihilani At Princeville Resort #22C 1,874 #22C 3/2.5
218310 T A 111 4-5-4-12-5-9 FS $850,400- Pali Ke Kua Incr I, ii, iii #109A 717 #109A 1/1
211272 T A 359 4-5-4-5-16-35 FS $860,000- Alii Kai At Hanalei #4303 1,086 #4303 2/2

This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed.

The first new listing has been on the market several times before. Kamahana 13, currently listed for $475K, and purchased in 10/05 for $640K was previously listed from 5/06 to 9/07, starting at $719K and reducing to $686K. It was relisted in 12/07 for $686K and came off the market in 12/08 while listed at $499K. At least this seller is aware of the market and is pricing in the hopes of selling. Next up is Puamana 13C, purchased for $589K in 11/05 and listed for $599K. Compared to the others it seems a little high - these are the other Puamanas listed at this time:

Copyright 5/10/2009 by Hawaii Information Service

214486 T A 279 4-5-4-5-18-89 FS $380,000 Puamana #24D 1,532 #24D 2/2
223148 T A 11 4-5-4-5-18-71 FS $382,750 Puamana #20A 1,532 #20A 2/2
221307 T A 75 4-5-4-5-18-86 FS $385,000 Puamana #24A 1,312 #24A 2/2
206918 T A 655 4-5-4-5-18-91 FS $385,000 Puamana #25B 1,532 #25B 2/2
222149 T A 59 4-5-4-5-18-1 FS $410,000 Puamana #1A 1,312 #1A 2/2
221962 T A 62 4-5-4-5-18-30 FS $416,900 Puamana #8C 1,532 #8C 2/2
218778 T A 156 4-5-4-5-18-60 FS $435,000 Puamana #17A 1,312 #17A 2/2
219363 T A 135 4-5-4-5-18-68 FS $449,000 Puamana #19B 1,660 #19B 3/2
216508 T A 213 4-5-4-5-18-38 FS $499,500 Puamana #11A 1,312 #11A 2/2
217229 T A 193 4-5-4-5-18-6 FS $549,000 Puamana #2B 1,532 #2B 2/2
191813 T A 810 4-5-4-5-18-21 FS $579,000 Puamana #6B 1,732 #6B 3/2
223620 T A 7 4-5-4-5-18-47 FS $599,000 Puamana #13C 1,532 #13C 2/2

This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed.

Ali'i Kai 4102 is back on the market still listed at $888K after expiring with 369 days on the market. It was purchased in 6/00 for $261K. Pu'u Po'a 405, purchased for $430K in 1/00 is back on the market after going into escrow on 1/16. It's always unfortunate to have a property off the market for several months only to have the escrow be cancelled for whatever reason and find yourself back on the market. This unit is listed at $1.295M.

Emmalani Court 525 finally found a buyer with 356 days on the market. Purchased in 1/03 for $400K, this unit started out at $675K in 5/08, reduced to $499K in 4/09 and went into escrow on 5/9. I'm happy to report that Ali'i Kai 2201, which was my listing, went into escrow in only 22 days and closed on 5/6 at $420K. This unit was purchased in 12/98 for $137,500. Another developer's Nihilani unit closed escrow; unit 33C which was listed for $640K, closing for the same amount. Get them while you can-the developer is selling out one by one!

Hanalei Bay Resort 1105/06 expired after 181 days listed at $569K. It was previously listed from 11/08 to 5/09 for $569K with no takers. Several units were withdrawn starting with Kamahana 28, listed for $325K and purchased for $599K in 4/06. This was a short sale. Hanalei Bay Resort N22 was also withdrawn while listed at $389,500. This unit sold for $469,900 in 1/06. Also withdrawing is Hanalei Bay Villas 13, listed for $895K and purchased for $235K in 5/99. Unfortunately, the MLS only shows loans on the properties when they were purchased - not any refinancing. I often wonder why some of these units are not reduced to sell as it appears, in this case as in others, there is more than ample equity to do so. But - you never know if the equity was already taken out or what the needs of the seller are.

Moving right along to our favorite: Price reductions. They start with Kamahana 4, which sold for $499K in 9/05 and was taken by the bank in 2/09 then reduced from $328,900 to $289,900. Now that's getting down there! If you're looking for a 2 bedroom 2 bath condo this might do it for you. Hanalei Bay Resort 1105/06 which shows as expiring as of 5/3 listed at $569K, apparently came back on the market on 5/8 at $565K and was immediately increased to the prior price. Just a correction on that one - not really an increase although it appears that a correction in the opposite direction might be more helpful in getting it sold. Nihilani 22C, a resale originally purchased for $848,956 on 11/06 reduced from $620K to $599K as a short sale. This Makani unit is beautifully upgraded and gives the developer's 15B Makani listed at $648K a run for it's money. 22C is in a less desirable location if you don't like noise as it faces onto the main road in Princeville (Ka Haku) but if you like views, and a little traffic noise doesn't bother you, then this might be the one to consider. As you might expect, it is a short sale.

Pali Kei Kua 109A continues to reduce by $500 a day while Ali'i Kai 4303, purchased for $490K in 12/03 reduced from $875K to $860K. That's your condo updat for this week. Now on to your Princeville home update:

Copyright 5/10/2009 by Hawaii Information Service

NEW LISTINGS
223822 RS A 6 4-5-4-13-6 FS $679,000 3695 Kaweonui Rd 11,121 sqft 2,492 4/2

BACK ON THE MARKET
220705 RS A 97 4-5-4-19-19 FS $825,900 5086 Napo'okala Cir 15,326 sqft 2,206 3/3
214181 RS A 273 4-5-4-24-12 FS $1,295,000 4246 Waileia Pl 11,741 sqft 3,006 4/3

UNDER CONTRACT
219148 RS U 144 4-5-4-15-16 FS $588,900 3834 Haulani Pl 11,020 sqft 2,048 3/3

EXPIRED
211122 RS X 361 4-5-4-13-37 FS $1,975,000 3584 Kaweonui Rd 14,685 sqft 3,500 4/3.5

WITHDRAWN
215193 RS W 255 4-5-4-23-8 FS $674,000 4838 Ou Pl 8,104 sqft 1,213 3/1.5

TEMPORARILY WITHDRAWN
223132 RS T 23 4-5-4-16-71 FS $799,000 4381 Emmalani Dr 12,127 sqft 1,170 2/2

PRICE CHANGES
223366 RS A 23 4-5-4-15-1 FS $524,900- 3995 Kamehameha Rd 10,244 sqft 2,117 3/2
213870 RS A 290 4-5-4-6-12 FS $565,000- 4154 Lei O Papa Rd 11,369 sqft 1,544 2/2
212844 RS A 323 4-5-4-22-5 FS $639,000- 4077 Cr Pauahi Pl/nalani 10,270 sqft 2,169 4/2
220705 RS A 97 4-5-4-19-19 FS $825,900- 5086 Napo'okala Cir 15,326 sqft 2,206 3/3
218518 RS A 150 4-5-4-23-71 FS $849,000- 3784 Mapuana Pl 9,985 sqft 1,857 3/2.5
220531 RS A 99 4-5-4-13-44 FS $960,000- 3646 Kaweonui Rd #II 10,937 sqft 2,240 3/2

This information has been supplied by third parties and has not been independently verified by Hawaii Information Service and is, therefore, not guaranteed.

I haven't seen the new listing on Kaweonui for $679K lately but if I was in the market for a home, I might have my agent take me to see it. I used to live off of Kaweonui and know it to be a very nice, quiet street. This home sold for $1.015M in 11/06 and appears to have been quit claimed to the bank as of 3/09. Not really sure though at this point. I've been in this home in the past while it was listed from 5/08 to 7/08 for $1.4M. During this time it reduced to $1.160M. It was listed again from 7/08 to 12/08 as a possible short sale for $899K. My vague recollection of this home is that the floor plan did not flow whatsoever. Maybe I'll take a refresher look this week if time permits.

That's it for now. Hope your day was filled with either giving or receiving flowers, balloons, candy and all other good things. When it comes to buying or selling call or email to get the facts before you make a move. That's why I'm here.

Aloha Elaine

A fragrant plumeria for you!

Elaine Schaefer (R, CRS, GRI, ABR)
Broker in Charge - Princeville Resort Office
Certified Residential Specialist
Graduate, Realtor's Institute
Accredited Buyer's Representative
Top Producer 100% Club

RE/MAX Kauai
Princeville Resort Office
POB 223632
Princeville, HI 96722
cell: 808 639 2935
home fax: 1 808 440 4552
email:soldonkauai@yahoo.com
website: www.KauaiRealEstateNow.com
blog: http://blogs.alohaliving.com/princeville-condo-sales/

......you can have your own piece of paradise
ask me how!