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        <title>Highrises.com Condo Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/author/douglas-fischer/</link>
        <description>The Highrises.com Condo Blog has news and reviews about the condo market in cities across the country.  Check back often as our blog is updated regularly.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/new-43-story-condo-planned-for-kakaako.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/new-43-story-condo-planned-for-kakaako.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>New 43-Story Condo Planned for Kakaako</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
New 43-Story Condo Planned for Kakaako


According to "Honolulu Magazine" online, "By now you've heard that Kewalo Development, a subsidiary of A&amp;B Properties Inc., has unveiled its plans for a 43-story, upscale residential condo between the Hawaiki and Koolani buildings. It looks nice, but what's going to make it different from the other towers in the area?


In keeping with the trend to go green, A&amp;B is incorporating a variety of energy-efficient technologies, including:




A heat recovery system to centrally heat hot water for all residences as well as the pool


LED lighting in the common areas


Lighting systems in the common areas to enable use as needed


Dual air conditioning controls in two- and three-bedroom residences


Low-emissivity, dual-paned windows




As the plans progress, the design team will continue to seek alternate means of reducing energy and water use.


One of the selling points is its walkability—the average Walkscore of condos in this area is 80—but they are featuring a lot of athletic/recreational amenities in the building, as well: A recreation deck with pool, spa, barbeques, private cabanas and lawn area; a club room with a full kitchen; a fitness center with separate weight and yoga rooms; a multi-purpose room; and a private movie theater. There will also be two guest suites for visitors, which is new and unusual for any condos here.


The tower, named Waihonua, will include 345 one-, two- and three-bedroom units that will start at $400,000, $565,000 and $720,000, fee simple. There will also be seven penthouse units."


Read the rest of the story.




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:55:49 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/my-favorite-honolulu-neighborhoods-punchbowl.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/my-favorite-honolulu-neighborhoods-punchbowl.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>My Favorite Honolulu Neighborhoods: Punchbowl</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
My Favorite Honolulu Neighborhoods: Punchbowl


The Punchbowl neighborhood may well be best known for the infamous military cemetery that’s located in the center of a large volcano mountain. Considered on of the largest cemeteries in America, views from this area are spectacular including the large valley below, the beautiful surrounding mountain range and the Ocean.


Most homes in this area are single family homes, moderately priced with residents enjoying being close to downtown Honolulu, Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana.


Technically, there are two areas: Punchbow Area and Punchbowl Lower.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:38:48 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/my-favorite-honolulu-neighborhoods-old-pali.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/my-favorite-honolulu-neighborhoods-old-pali.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>My Favorite Honolulu Neighborhoods:  Old Pali</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
My Favorite Honolulu Neighborhoods: Old Pali


The neighborhood of Old Pali in Honolulu consists of roughly 280 homes and is more or less defined by its proximity to the Old Pali Highway, one of the most direct routes from Honolulu to Kailua Town and the windward side of the island. This neighborhood is popular, since it is an easy commute into downtown Honolulu.


The Pali Highway is not only an incredible drive, but near the summit, you’ll find the Pali Lookout, where the views are absolutely magnificent.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:04:50 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/my-favorite-honolulu-neighborhoods-manoa.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/my-favorite-honolulu-neighborhoods-manoa.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>My Favorite Honolulu Neighborhoods: Manoa</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
My Favorite Honolulu Neighborhoods: Manoa


Manoa Valley, home to the University of Hawaii, is a gorgeous lush green suburban neighborhood in the heart of Honolulu, close to downtown Honolulu and Ala Moana. One of the nicest areas near town, the area offers lots of charm, has a bit of a tropical feel, as well as above average rains, due to it’s higher elevation.


Manoa homes are typically older, some with classic, tudor or Victorian architecture and many are on larger lots with huge trees and lush mountain views. A few homes on the upper edges of the valley, on the hillsides, have lovely city and ocean views.


Technically, there are three areas of Manoa, Manoa Area, Manoa – Lower and Moanoa – Upper.


See Current Home Listings in the Honolulu Neighborhood of Manoa




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:07:46 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/allure-waikiki-condos-renovations-completed.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/allure-waikiki-condos-renovations-completed.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>Allure Waikiki Condos - Renovations Completed</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Allure Waikiki Condos - Renovations Completed


According to "Honolulu" magazine, "The Allure unveiled the latest multi-million dollar renovations to their luxury condo on the edge of Waikiki last night, with modern, unique touches you won't see anywhere else in Hawaii."


"The most stunning upgrade, which was done at the request of current residents, is the newly designed lobby area. It was previously a huge expanse of space, but so cavernous and impersonal that residents didn't spend time there. The new "cubes" help to section off parts of the lobby to create intimate spaces for working or lounging"


Read the rest of the story and view more photos.




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:36:13 -0800</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/its-aloha-friday-again-waikikis-international-market-place-going-upscale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/its-aloha-friday-again-waikikis-international-market-place-going-upscale.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>It's Aloha Friday Again: Waikiki's International Market Place going upscale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It's Aloha Friday Again: Waikiki's International Market Place going upscale


According to Pacific Business News, "It looks like Waikiki’s International Market Place will be going upscale with a three-level open air retail center."


"Queen Emma Land Co.’s preliminary plans for the redevelopment of the International Market Place is estimated to cost between $250 million and $300 million, marking what will be a major capital infusion into the iconic shopping mecca that sits in the heart of Hawaii’s main tourist hub."


Read the rest of the article.


 




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:47:02 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/kakaako-condo-project-would-include-hawaiis-tallest-building.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/kakaako-condo-project-would-include-hawaiis-tallest-building.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>Kakaako Condo Project would Include Hawaii’s Tallest Building</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Kakaako Condo Project would Include Hawaii’s Tallest Building


According to "Pacific Business News" online, "The state plans to issue a request for proposals in January for a developer to build two residential towers in Honolulu’s Kakaako neighborhood, one of which would be the tallest building in Hawaii.


The plans for 690 Pohukaina call for one tower with 300 affordable for-sale units and a second tower with 500 market-priced units. The second tower would be 650 feet high, nearly 250 feet taller than the First Hawaiian Center.


The project is slated for a parcel at 690 Pohukaina St., adjacent to developer Stanford Carr’s planned Halekauwila Place project, which is scheduled to break ground next year on 204 affordable rentals.


The Halekauwila Place project’s design has been integrated into the 690 Pohukaina conceptual plan since the two projects abut each other, said Anthony Ching, executive director of the Hawaii Community Development Authority, the state agency that has jurisdiction over and administers zoning regulations for the Kakaako district.


The increased height for the market-priced residential tower — Honolulu has a 400-foot height limit — would come out of the rules for transit-oriented development, which are being revised to increase density in anticipation of Honolulu’s rail transit project, Ching said.


The agency estimates that the project will mean $500 million for the state economy over seven years and create 500 construction jobs and 1,000 more indirect jobs."


Read the rest of the story. 




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:04:25 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/oahu-local-real-estate-market-updates-for-october-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/oahu-local-real-estate-market-updates-for-october-2011.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>Oahu Local Real Estate Market Updates for October 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Oahu Local Real Estate Market Updates for October 2011








Contents of the Local Market Updates Report include:


 




SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ANDCONDOMINIUMS - FOR 21 AREAS


New Listings


Closed Sales


Median Sales Price


Pct. of Original List Price Received


Days on Market Until Sold


Current Inventory










 


View the Oahu Local Market Updates Report for October 2011 Now.




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:53:54 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/the-cove-waikiki-waikiki-condo-project-is-set-to-rise.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/the-cove-waikiki-waikiki-condo-project-is-set-to-rise.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>The Cove Waikiki: Waikiki condo project is set to rise</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Cove Waikiki: Waikiki condo project is set to rise


According to the "Star Advertiser" Honolulu newspaper, "Long-delayed plans for new, low-rise residential condominium units are to come to fruition in March with groundbreaking for The Cove Waikiki on Kaioo Drive, off Hobron Lane.


Plans call for 117 one- and two-bedroom units in three five-story buildings on the 1.6-acre site, with fee-simple prices starting at $350,000.




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:21:45 -0800</pubDate>
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        <item>
            <guid>http://www.highrises.com/blog/hawaii-state-foreclosures-down-66-under-new-state-law.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.highrises.com/blog/hawaii-state-foreclosures-down-66-under-new-state-law.html</link>
            <author>douglasfischer@earthlink.net (Douglas Fischer)</author>
            <title>Hawaii State Foreclosures Down 66% Under New State Law</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Hawaii State Foreclosures Down 66% Under New State Law


According to the "Star Advertiser" Honolullu newspaper, "A 6-month-old Hawaii law continued to constrain the flow of foreclosures statewide in October, as a relative trickle of cases were initiated mainly through Circuit Court instead of a nonjudicial process through which most cases had been pouring prior to the law's enactment.


Real estate research firm RealtyTrac counted 427 Hawaii foreclosure filings last month, which was 66 percent fewer than 1,271 filings in October 2010.


Last month's count was the highest since the new law took effect May 5, but not by much. There were 414 cases in September, 413 in August, 390 in July and 344 in June.


The law initially prohibited lenders from proceeding with nonjudicial foreclosure against owner-occupants until a mediation program was available to borrowers. That program launched Oct. 3, but lenders as of Wednesday had yet to use the new nonjudicial process administered by the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.


The new nonjudicial procedure forces lenders to participate in a mediation program with qualified borrowers if borrowers so choose. Qualified borrowers are mainly homeowners who have resided in their homes for a minimum 200 days. Excluded from mediation are foreclosures brought by homeowner associations or brought against investors."


Read the rest of the article.




Mahalo For Reading.


 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:12:11 -0800</pubDate>
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