Hilo-Kaumana Home Sales

Hawaii’s Time to Shine!

Tracey — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:26:00 +0000

I am so proud of our University of Hawaii Warrior football team. Being a local girl born and raised in Hawaii I cannot tell you what a win like this means to our entire state. It’s as if FINALLY the rest of the nation has to take a good hard look at what we are made of and show us the respect that we are so deserving. This time in Hawaii’s history will always be remembered, how as a state we all stood together, in unity as one, from Kauai to our Big Island, to honor and support our team. And what a feeling it was!

Our amazing quarterback Colt Brennan said it best,”It’s not just a football team that’s going to the BCS, it’s the whole state of Hawaii.”

Congratulations Warriors on a PERFECT season!
Tracey R. Kauahi, REALTOR (S), ABR
Accredited Buyer’s Representative

RE/MAX Properties
88 Kanoelehua Ave. ste#A-105
Hilo, HI 96720
ph. (808) 935-9800 x106
cell. (808) 937-5413
fax. (808) 935-9819
Toll Free: 1-866-935-9800 x106
Email: Tracey@KauahiRealty.com
Website: BigIsleHome.com

Rare Kaumana Ohana Homes!

Tracey — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 01:07:59 +0000

As we all come out of our Thanksgiving turkey dinner/weekend comas….Look no further, Investors! Large families! Extended families! This is the one for you! Check out MLS#201979. Beautiful, unspoiled Kaumana City. A great neighborhood, not too big, not too small. CC&R’s, and active Community Association, cool-country out of the city, but just a short 10-15 minute drive into Hilo. Utilities include: High speed internet, cable, paved roads, mail delivery, telephone, electric, and catchment water. Kaumana City, your next perfect home location in East Hawaii! Need I say more? call me for more details on this special place today for homes and land listings and see why so may people have made Kaumana City their HOME.

Tracey R. Kauahi, REALTOR (S), ABR
Accredited Buyer’s Representative

Why use an Accredited Buyer’s Representative? Hmmmmmm…..

Tracey — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:24:44 +0000

Let’s see, where shall I start? Real estate consumers still don’t fully understand the importance of having Buyer Representation. I am an Accredited Buyer’s Representative. I will evaluate your specific needs and wants, assist you in the determination of what you can afford, show you properties based on those figures, assist you in viewing all prospective properties, research all prospective properties for problems or issues that may be related to the subject property, advise you on formulating an offer based on my findings, present the offer to the listing agent, negotiate the best sales price on behalf of you, my buyer-client, review and explain all legal documents and proceedures, and most importantly, FULLY represent you throughout the whole transaction and follow through with you from beginning to end while always keeping your best interests in mind. Need I say more? I would be honored to help you in your next real estate purchase.

Tracey R. Kauahi, REALTOR (S), ABR
Accredited Buyer’s Representative

Hilo Market Not That Bad…REALLY

Tracey — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:59:23 +0000

One of the most frustrating things in my business right now is the fact that so many people, especially our mainland friends, think our market here on the Big Island is as depressed as the place they’re living now. It’s not. Yes, we are in what I believe is a “sub-cycle” or a market correction if you will to the boom of 04-05. There ARE great deals to be made in real estate here but offering 75-100k below asking price for a moderate single-family, fairly priced home here is just ridiculous, yet is happening! (this is based on my own personal experience.)

What happens is the buyer/s not only lose out on a great potential home where a good compromise on pricing could happen, but they run the risk of “offending” the seller and all negotiations and counter-offers are off. People…East Hawaii is just about the best deal in Real Estate Hawaii has left to offer, AND is still affordable, beautiful, etc. etc. I could go on and on.. But let’s be realistic, Hilo’ans are not just going to GIVE it away like a Christmas present Let’s work together!

A little elbow grease, makes for top dollar sale!

Tracey — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:14:10 +0000

Every seller wants to get top dollar from their Hawaii real estate sale, so here are a few small profit friendly improvements you can make to your Hawaii home or condo before you put it on the market.

Carpet- Most older homes and condos in Hawaii have carpeting. If any of the carpet in your home is showing wear, replace it with an inexpensive shade of tan. You want colors to be as neutral as possible for resale.

Wallpaper- Don’t be offended if your agent suggest replacing any wallpaper with a nice fresh coat of paint. It’s not that buyer’s don’t like your surfboards and hibiscus Aloha wallpaper, it’s just a better idea to go with a more neutral look that appeals to more buyers. Wallpaper can be very inexpensively removed by steaming. A fresh coat of paint will improve buyer’s perceptions of the age and cleanliness of your home.

Hit the Bases- Freshen up trim and base boards around your house with a nice coat of white. It makes a world of difference in how clean your house looks. Also, freshen up the paint on the kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Look UP!- Potential buyers spend time looking at your ceiling, checking for water damage, and other structural problems. You want the ceiling to look fresh and clean, so roll a quick coat of a matching color on the ceiling to make the house look as good as new.

Hide The Body & Surf Boards- If your house is cluttered with items, beach mats, snorkel or diving gear, or other Hawaii-centric sports gear, do your best to remove it from the house during showings. Stick that stuff in the trunk of your car while the house is on the market, or even consider getting a small storage space. You want the house to look spacious, and like there is plenty of storage. These piles of gear clutter up the space, and make it look smaller.

Another big thing? Smell….I can’t tell you how many buyer-clients I have shown homes to and if the first thing that hits them when they walk in the door is a foul, musty, or moldy smell?, We’re out of there..and fast! So do whatever you have to do to get your home smelling fresh and clean again, air it out, Febreze your furniture, clean your carpets, etc.

And always remember, it’s just like you’re meeting someone for the first time, first impressions make all the difference in whether you get an offer or not.

Is this your First Home Purchase?

Tracey — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 01:16:30 +0000

Before you get swept up in the excitement of looking for your first house in a market where there is enough inventory to give you ample choices, take a minute to remember a few first timer tips.

Check Out the Neighborhood
Drive the neighborhood, and see how many properties are currently for sale. Have your agent look up DOM (or in realtor speak: Days on Market) and how different the current asking price is from what it was at first listed. If the neighborhood is selling at a slow pace, sellers may be willing to negotiate for a lower asking price, or sellers may be willing to pay all closing costs.

Look At The House You’re Buying as the House You’re Selling
A two car garage, new air conditioning units, and landscaping may not be a big deal to you when you’re house hunting, but consider what it will be like if you need to quickly sell the property once you’ve bought in. Always look at the house you’re buying as the future house you’ll be selling.

401(k) As a Down Payment
Many 401(k) policies allow for a loan up to 50% of the account, or up to $50,000. If you’re not in the 22% of first-time home buyers who are gifted their down payment, borrowing from a 401(k) can be an effective strategy. It won’t get you a tax write-off, but you’ll be repaying interest yourself as a lender. The risk is that if you lose your job or switch jobs you have to pay back the down payment loan within 60 days or pay taxes and penalties.

Home Owners’ Associations
If you thought landlords were restrictive, wait until you live under the jurisdiction of a tough HOA. Read the fine print on the scope of the HOA’s power and what they can prevent you from doing, whether that’s repainting your house or building a fence.

Sincerely,

Tracey R. Kauahi, REALTOR (S), ABR
Accredited Buyer’s Representative

Contact Me, I love first Time Home-buyers!

Tracey — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:25:36 +0000

Please call me for more info, I love first time home-buyers!

Sincerely,

Tracey R. Kauahi, REALTOR (S), ABR
Accredited Buyer’s Representative

Aloha!

Tracey — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 01:44:20 +0000

Aloha and welcome to my new blog, part of the Aloha Living Blog Network. I look forward to sharing with you both a professional and personal perspective on real estate in this area. Stay tuned!