This week I was showing a property with some soft wood flooring that seemed to be cracking and bubbling as we walked on it. The more we stepped, the softer it felt. We weren't sure if it was moisture or termites, but we knew there was a problem. The home inspector noted that he thought there was termite damage in the flooring.
So what would you do? Would you buy a house with a potential termite problem?
Step 1 - Get the contractor who worked on the floors to come take a look and see what he thought and try to get him to open up the flooring so that a termite inspector could see the actual damage.
When the contractor started pushing on one of the open cracks, 2 littls termites came out, which answered our question immediately. Then he proceeded to open up the flooring as shown.
Step 2 - call the exterminator. The termites inspector did find the colony of termites, and examined the entire property for evidence of any other activity. He also found the location from which he believes that entered the house. In this case they came in the concrete. While termites are usually thought of as bugs that like wood, they are just as capable of coming in through the gaps in the concrete.
Step 3 - the very next day, the exterminator treated the property with a liquid/foam product that kills the termite colonies.
Step 4- Pull out the damaged flooring. In this case we decided to have all the flooring upstairs pulled out. Better safe than sorry. As it turns out, a couple of the other softer spots were not termite eaten, and one spot that we thought would be destroyed was actually not all that bad. It didn't matter, because all the floors would be replaced with new wood laminate.
Step 5- Buy the warranty. The exterminator said that their treatment of the termites carries a 1yr warranty. On top of that, after 3-6 months they can come back and examine the house and warranty the entire property for any new damage from that day on. It costs around $300-$400 a year, worth every penny.
So would you buy a house with termites? As long as it is properly treated, repaired, and warrantied, you can feel confident about saying, Yes!
Via Star : Hawaii will get $75 million from the President Obama's "Race to the Top" school reform grant competition.
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Hawaii made big improvements in its Race to the Top application from round one and has shown its commitment to education by ending teacher furloughs.
"Despite the furlough days, Hawaii has a real chance to take student achievement to a different level," he said. "Hawaii absolutely put its best foot forward."
In a statement, Hawaii schools superintendent said, "Race to the Top has served as a rallying call to boldly transform public education and schools across our nation. Today, the federal government invested $75 million in Hawaii over the next four years and secured its investment with the unwavering commitment of our educators and stakeholders to execute Hawaii's blueprint for education reform."
Hawaii's Race to the Top application includes plans to turn around poor-performing schools, improve teacher effectiveness, better prepare high school graduates for colleges or careers and make other sweeping reforms.
Incredible ocean and mountain view, 6 bedrooms, over 4000sqft, this $1.2mil house in Hawaii Kai has everything. The detached studio is larger than most condos, and has a nice private lanai. Speaking of which, the main house has 2 massive wrap around lanais with ocean views.
The seller had 3 offers in just a few days on the market, and my lucky clients are now in escrow to close next month.
This picture from the living room shows just a bit of the great view out the front of the house.
With a huge lot set up in the back of Hahaione Valley, this house has privacy, cool breezes, and usually, an evening rain.
This may be the best deal I have seen all year. Listed at $875,000, this 2400 sqft in Honolulu has the kind of size that will usually cost well over $1 million, sometimes as much as $2-3 million just a few blocks away.
My lucky young clients are now in escrow for this beautiful 10yr old condo, which is larger than most homes in the area. Check out this massive living room with city and ocean views!
With a 2 car attached garage, this massive newish condo right in the heart of town feels more like a house than many houses do, and even has over 600sqft of open lanai space, bringing the total square footage to over 3000!
If the size were not enough, it even has this great kitchen with stone counters and beautiful tile floors.
This condo is in the Makiki area (though technically it's Punchbowl neighborhood according to MLS), which means it's just a couple minutes to downtown Honolulu, and an easy drive out West toward Aiea.
Congrats to my very happy clients who will be closing in just a few weeks!
Via the Star Bulletin (and thanks to Keahi Pelayo)
Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is hosting public meetings to change the State Land use rules. The revisions have some environmental organizations concerned. Others, like me, are concerned because whenever the government makes changes, they usually do so to someone else's harm.
The shoreline setback, a line past which no structures or coastal alterations are allowed, would be increased to 40 feet from the certified shoreline, plus 70 times the average annual coastal erosion rate. The city and University of Hawaii is working on establishing that rate.
Hopefully the rules won't become more restrictive and difficult for owners to obey.
Here are sine proposed GROUND RULES The state is proposing a number of changes and additions to rules in its administration of conservation lands, last updated in 1994:
» The shoreline setback line would be established based on a distance from the certified shoreline of 40 feet, plus 70 times the average annual coastal erosion rate. Shoreline setbacks were not defined in the old rules.
» Some land management activities on conservation land would be allowed without permits. These would include routine weed control, clearing of understory, planting of rare plants, fence maintenance and clearing sand and silt from stream mouths, canals or drainage pipes.
» A number of fees would increase. These would be for board permit applications (from a maximum of $2,000 to $2,500), public hearing fees ($250 to $500), departmental permit applications ($50 to $250) and temporary variance applications ($100 to $250).
» Standard conditions for permits would include a rule prohibiting hampering religious practices of native Hawaiians on conservation land. The conditions would also prohibit artificial light from pointing toward the ocean. All exterior lighting must be shielded to "protect the night sky."
» Rules would specify that only people with property interest, residency on the land or anyone directly affected by a permit can appeal. Rules now state that "any person" can appeal to the department.
80% of Hawaii hotel rooms were full last week as tourism continued to grow stronger.
The room occupancy rate was 5.3 percent higher than a year ago. Oahu had the highest occupancy rate at 87.8 percent.
Hotel room rates have rebounded slightly, increasing by 3 percent compared to last year to an average of $191.97 per night. Oahu saw room rates climb an average of 4 percent to $161.53.
Good news for our local economy and for job seekers. Strong tourism in Hawaii = strong Hawaii real estate market.
Congress just passed H.R. 5981, giving FHA (Federal Housing Administration) the authority to adjust its annual mortgage insurance premium. All FHA loan borrowers pay a monthly insurance premium on top of their mortgage payment, as a way to insure these low down payment loans. Currently an FHA loan allows you to buy a house with 3.5% down.
A recent bulletin issued by David H. Stevens, Assistant Secretary for Housing/Federal Housing Commissioner, said that FHA would lower its upfront mortgage insurance premium from 2.25% down to 1% AND increase the annual premium from .55% by an additional .85-.90%.
So while the up front cost is low, this is a HUGE INCREASE in monthly payment and severely decreases a borrowers purchasing power. Getting your FHA casenumber prior to the September 7 deadline will assure you the current fee structure.
Here's a comparison based on a $500,000 loan amount.
* Upfront MI premium reduced from $11,250 to $5,000 * Monthly MI jumps from $229.17 to $604.17 * DHHL (Dept of Hawaiian Home Lands) programs remain the same.
Good job Federal Gov't. Way to hurt the little guys again.
Recently it seems that there have been new farmer's markets popping up around Oahu every few months. Just a couple years ago, the only one I knew about was a small one in Hawaii Kai of just a few fruit stands.
Kailua has one on Thursdays, Diamond Head has one at Kapiolani Comm College on Saturdays, and there is even a small one at Kalani high school now. I'm sure there are a dozen others around Oahu.
Last week we visited the new and improved Hawaii Kai farmer's market that now meets at Kaiser high school on Saturday mornings. I was surprised to find that even though it's not huge, it has everything we wanted. Fresh vegetables at majorly discounted prices, plenty of good fruit, made to order food from several great vendors, plus a bunch of other nice stands that had coffee, flowers, spices, dried fish, face painting for kids, and other goodies.
Here are some beautiful locally grown tomatoes for about $1.50 /lbs.
And here we see some locally grown bananas. Nothing shipped in from South America is sold here. If you buy bananas at Foodland, chances are they've flown around the world first.
And some fresh baked breads for your enjoyment - from a local bakery. Free samples of course!
My wife's favorite treat at any farmer's market - fresh made kettle corn! This stuff was delicious and kept my whole family occupied while we walked around. $5 for a BIG bag. Delicious!
And the best deal on vegetables in Hawaii. $10 for a giant box of fresh veggies! Bok choy, choy sum, daikon, green onion, spinach, beets, raddish, and lettuce. This box would cost you at least $25 if you bought it at Foodland, and you couldn't buy it there, because they hardly sell any locally grown stuff!
Hawaii Kai farmer's market - definitely worth a visit!
I just did a simple search of all available homes in Hawaii Kai under $950,000 with no other criteria. There are only 24. Most are in need of a total renovation. This is insane. If you are reading this and you own a home in Hawaii Kai, please SELL IT NOW!
I have a buyer for you if it's under $1.1 million. I'm serious. PLEASE!
I just need a nice condition home over 1600ft anywhere in Hawaii Kai. Anyone!?
Our first
mind boggling luxury Hawaii Home is this 2.35 acre mountaintop estate onOahuwith a total roofed area of over
17,000 sq ft.This is like owning your
own five star resort with 360 degree ocean and mountain views.Sweeping views ofDiamond Headand the ocean beyond, this property
sits at an elevation of approximately 1,350 feet above sea level.
It's the
highest residentially-zoned point of land in southeasternOahu- with panoramic views toMolokai,Lanai, andMaui.On a clear day you can even see the snow-capped
summit ofMauna
Keaon theBigIslandfrom this room, which feels kind of like the bridge of a ship.Amenities include two swimming pools with waterfalls, water slide, spa
with fire pit, rock landscaping, and two fish ponds.
#9 – $13.8 Million Ocean front with
8200 square feet of living space
It looks
like a resort, but this architectural masterpiece by award-winning architect
Jeff Long can be your private residence if you've got the money.It has 5 bedrooms, 5 ½ baths, and half an
acre on the ocean for just under $14 million.
You can see
whales jumping from your back yard, while swimming in your luxury pool and
enjoying the sunset views.Check out the
amazing ocean view from the living room.That'sDiamond
Headin
the distance! This property can host parties of up to 250 guests!
#8 – $11.8 Million estate on Lanikai
beach. The best beach inHawaii?
Lanikai is
home to celebrities and professional athletes, and boasts one ofHawaii's best beaches.This half acre, 7 bedroom estate has some of
the best sandy beach in the entire State ofHawaii.
Built in
2002 and recently reinvented by architect Peter Vincent in 2009, this property
has Ohia wood floors, a separate guest house, and best of all, this amazing
view of the Mokulua islands just offLanikaiBeach.Paddle your kayak right up to your back door and enjoy the white sand
beaches that Lanikai real estate offers. Check out this amazing white sand beach!
#7 – $15 MillionKailuaBeach Estate
This 2008Kailuaproperty has 8 bedrooms, 8 ½
bathrooms, 7600 square feet of living space, a separate guest house, 8 car
garage, and over 100 feet of sandy beach frontage.There
is more granite and travertine in this house than in most stone quarries, since
every surface is fitted with the most luxurious materials available today.The 8 bathrooms have each have over $10,000
worth of travertine!
The kitchen and great room pictured here feature a 25 foot ceiling with hand made beams, custom lighting, and this dining table made from Ohia wood, found nowhere else in the world except on the Big Island of Hawaii.
#6 –$9.6 Million North Shore Surf Estate
Not many surfers have this kind of money, but
if you do, you can live beach front and enjoy famous nearby surf spots likeSunsetBeach, Velzyland, and just a few minutes
away, The Banzai Pipeline. Surrounded by sand & sea, this 4 year old property sits on
its own point, close to many of the world's most famous surf spots.Built to withstand time, you are greeted with soaring
25foot ceilings & a masterful marine-grade stainless steel staircase.This
4100 square foot home isn't huge, has five bedrooms-all w in suite baths &
oceanfront balconies. The great room overlooks the pool and cabana, and the private
access toThreeTablesWhiteSandBeach.
#5 – $80 Million Kaiser Estate with
private boat harbor!
You've probably
heard the name Kaiser, as in the private health insurance giant, and this giant
5.5 acre ocean front property was once part of the historic Henry Kaiser Estate.Developed by the industrialist himself, this
property is located in the prestigious Portlock neighborhood ofEast Oahu. Commanding spectacular vistas ofMaunaluaBayandDiamond Head, the setting is both tropical and
grand and includes a private boat harbor!For $80 million, you get 2 massive homes and 2 tennis courts as part of this ocean front
retreat.
#4 – How about aPrivateIslandfor $9.75 million?
That's
right, a private island inHawaii!Ok, so it's actually more like a peninsula, since there is technically a
road connecting it to the mainislandofOahu, but it's the only property on
this private multi acre peninsula slash island, complete with a beach, a pool, and a 360 degree
ocean view.For just under $10 million, you
can own this private piece of paradise and share it with absolutely nobody!
#3 – $24 Million Presidential Estate
This
beachfront estate has been visited by President George HW Bush, Jackie
Kennedy Onassis, and others with Presidential ties. With over an acre of beach frontage inDiamond Head, a pool and tennis court, and yes,
room for a helicopter to land in the back yard, this property is ultra
luxury!When it comes to Hawaii Luxury
Properties, the Presidents know best!
#2- $13 Mil. Brand New Beachfront, People Watching for President Obama
Looking for
good neighbors?How about this $12.9
million brand newBaliresort style property next door to President Obama's winter home?With over 26,000 sqft of land onKailuabeach, this property is located on
one ofHawaii's most desirable stretches of white sand with over 100 feet
of sandy frontage.
The house features
about 8000 square feet of covered space, including a wine room and a pool
cabana, which is situated close enough to the sand to watch for passing US
Presidents.Or you can relax in the 1500
square foot master bedroom with unrivaled ocean views. Check out this amazing great room with ocean and island views!
#1 - President Obama's Winter White
House, a mere $7 million.
Speaking of
President Obama, his beautiful vacation rental sold for $6.9 million
earlier this month. We hope the new owners will still rent it the world leader, because thisluxurious Kailuabeach front property has hosted
President Obama for his past two Christmas vacations.These pictures (which I took) show the
amazing great room and kitchen, and the view out to the beach from the living
area.
With about
28,000 square feet of land at the end of beautifulKailuabeach, this property has a great
view of the entire beach and Lanikai point in the distance.
There are 5
bedrooms and 5 ½ baths in this 6000 foot house, which also features and amazing
custom lava rock pool, spa, and pool cabana with an outdoor kitchen.Here's a
shot of the room where the President's two daughters sleep.I'm sure they sleep well with the gentle
sound of waves nearby, and of course the Secret Service standing guard!
This week I was showing a property with some soft wood flooring that seemed to be cracking and bubbling as we walked on it. The more we stepped, the softer it felt. We weren't sure if it was moisture or termites, but we knew there was a problem. The home inspector noted that he thought there was termite damage in the flooring. 
Incredible ocean and mountain view, 6 bedrooms, over 4000sqft, this $1.2mil house in Hawaii Kai has everything. The detached studio is larger than most condos, and has a nice private lanai. Speaking of which, the main house has 2 massive wrap around lanais with ocean views. 
