October 2011

Allure Waikiki: Latest Pricing for Remaining Unsold Condos

Prices are continuing to be lowered or adjusted to help sell the remaing unsold condos at Allure Waikiki. Here are current prices:

We currently have listied a brand new, never used condo for sale in Allure Waikiki, #2806, that is priced to compete with the prices shown above.

Mahalo For Reading.

 Lately the Real Estate Market has been a roller coaster ride for many people, either selling or buying. If you want to purchase (or are selling a home) in the winter months or even in the holiday month of December and enter into a transaction, it may take slightly longer for the Escrow period. It's just the nature of the beast. Title and mortgage people go away during the holidays, sometimes (gulp!) even Realtors.........

Just a Few Thoughts for Holiday Real Estate Sales:

• For Buyers, be sure you communicate with your banking institution early if you must transfer funds from one account to another. Banks sometimes close early on New Year's Eve. That last week in December is notorious for early closings for Title offices too.
• If you or

It's Aloha Friday Again: Local Ukulele Players Attempt World Record

According to KITV.com News online, "Musician Jake Shimabukuro turned up the heat on an already hot day at the Waikiki Shell."

"The ukulele phenom wasn't only performing; he was helping to break the record for the world's largest ukulele ensemble. With a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records watching, Shimabukuro started it off."

"Shimabukuro taught the crowd a musical melody; they would need to play in unison for five minutes."

"The first world record was set in Helsingborg, Sweden, where more than 1,500 people participated on Aug.20."

"“The ukulele instrument as everybody knows is commonly associated with Hawaii so only ukulele record should be in

State Plans Towering Residential Skyscraper in Kakaako Neighborhood in Honolulu

According to the "Hawaii Reporter", "A soaring residential skyscraper that would tower over Honolulu’s highest buildings has been proposed by the state for development on Pohukaina Street in Kakaako."

"The building could be as much as 650 feet high – more than 200 feet above the First Hawaiian Bank Center, which at 440 feet is the tallest structure in the Islands."

"Called 690 Pohukaina, the project would also include two smaller residential and commercial towers as well as a parking structure and a civic/community center."

"Governor Neil Abercrombie praised the proposed project, which won initial approval today from the Hawaii Community Development

With Fall comes a chill in the air and dropping temperatures.  Buyers and renters alike are moving about looking for great deals.  In St. Louis we are seeing a nice uptick in activity as clients are coming to Highrises.com seeking the perfect home for their next move.  

With a healthy inventory of lofts, condos, luxury homes and developed communities, clients have a wide selection of homes to choose from as they begin their journey.  We receive many compliments from our clients on the ease of navigation on Highrises.com and the quick response clients receive from our buyers agents once registered on the site.  

Every client who registers on Highrises.com receives a phone call and/or e-mail reply to their inquiry.  Getting to know our clients

APEC is Coming to Waikiki in a few Weeks........and access will be limited

According to the "Star Advertiser" online, "Access to the busiest streets in the Ala Moana-Waikiki region will be limited severely during next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, under federal restrictions issued this morning."

Access to the busiest streets in the Ala Moana-Waikiki region will be limited severely during next month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, under federal restrictions issued this morning.

The U.S. Secret Service released maps detailing the road closures, parking restrictions and other security measures for Waikiki and Ko Olina. The security zones also include airspace and ocean restrictions.

The public should expect

Mortgage rates stay low, buyers not biting

 By Inman News

 Mortgage rates are hovering not far above record lows set during the first week in October, but demand for purchase loans hit a low last week not seen since 1996, surveys of lenders show.

 Freddie Mac's latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaging 4.11 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending Oct. 20.

 That's virtually unchanged from 4.12 last week, and not far above the all-time low in records dating to 1971 of 3.94 percent set during the week ending Oct. 6. Rates on the popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage were at 4.21 percent this time a year ago, before climbing to a 2011 high of 5.05 percent in February.

European debt problems remained the primary focus this week, and shifts in sentiment caused a lot of volatility, but there was a lack of concrete news. The next decisions from European officials are expected to be revealed next week. The economic data released this week contained few positive surprises, but at the end of the day mortgage rates ended the week with little change.

European officials are scheduled to meet this weekend and again next week, and they hope to release a plan for a comprehensive aid package by Wednesday. Officials are divided on what steps to take to help ease debt problems in troubled nations. With large countries such as Italy and Spain experiencing debt troubles (watch these guys!), the potential cost of a bailout could be very

I sure do!  It could be that I just joined this amazing company, highrises.com which specializes in condo sales in the Portland metro area, and are in 35 markets across the nation.  Or, could it be the color of the leaves changing, cooler brisk air blowing through and a desire to bake something?  Either way, there is a definite change in the air.

We are all interested in any changes in the real estate market, of course.  Besides crazy low interest rates, and lower property prices, I do see a bit more activity happening in the condo market.  Sales are slowly climbing, according to the RMLS, the site agents list homes and condos for sale.  I will be watching for changes in the market and posting my findings here.  I will also post fun stuff too,

It's Aloha Friday Again: Visit Ala Moana Beach Park

After a prticularly hectic day of work, I decided to take a nice long walk at my favorite Beach Park, the Ala Moana Beach Park located across the street from the infamous Ala Moana Shopping Center.

This is a beautiful 76 acre park located along the south shore just west of the famous Waikiki beach area. This beach is noted for its excellent swimming, surfing, and body boarding. There are also lovely shaded picnic facilities and grassy areas perfect for family outings.

Visit the Ala Moana Beach Park website.

Mahalo For Reading.