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Howdy,
IM interested in purchasing lot in Puna area, due to my limited funds (25k-30k ) I have narrowed my search to 3 subdivisions, Royal Hawaiian Estates, Glenwood Gardens, and Aloha Estates.
Which area would offer the biggest bang for the buck? The least amount of crime? Least amount Junk houses & shacks? Does it rain too much in these areas? I plan to visit area in next couple months for vacation, & to purchase lot.
IM open to Ainaloa, Tiki Gardens, Nanawale also, but from what I have read on internet it sounds like upper Puna is more suitable for me due to heat
I don’t plan to move there for 5 years, just want to get a foothold in while lots are still affordable.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Thanks!
Scott in AZ
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Aloha Scott, of those three, I would pick Royal Hawaiian, the roads are improved and it is very lush - giant tree ferns and thick moss, surreal, (hobbit country). Also closest to Volcano Village. Note that many of the lots there are flags, in case that's an issue. Some of the lots farther back in Aloha estates and Glenwood gardens are on "paper roads" i.e. they've never even been bulldozed- no access. all three have spotty utilities. They are all pretty wet. You might also look in Eden Roc Estates, it's almost the same elevation and it's all 1 acre lots, for about your price range.
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Thanks for your response Leilaniguy,
IM leaning towards Royal Hawaiian Estates, because of roads & what I read about Volcano Village area. The Flag lots don't bother me to much, I would want one of the smaller
front lots verses a rear flag lot, there are still a few .2 acre lots listed for under 30k. I would also consider Glenwood or Aloha Estates only if I could be near front of subdivision, still available for 20k to 25k.
If you look at satellite image of Glenwood or Aloha Estates, the roads get harder to see about half way down the subdivision. Which brings me to another subject, this Internet is just amazing !!
I can look at satellite photos, topography maps (to figure elevation), browse the MLS from 2000 miles away. When I find property on Hilo Brokers site, I click on link that takes me to County website that tells me when property last sold & for how much, with plat maps you can zoom in & out!! A Realtor in Kona (who I have never spoken to) e-mails me New listings/Sold Data/Price changes daily, IM sure it's all automated, I doubt he even had to enter my e-mail address. And then ther are cool web sites like this one, where you can get honest, unbiased information from people that live in area, I think that's so cool.
Sometimes I think we forget that just 8 or 9 years ago none of this was available, God what do the next 8 or 9 years have in store for us?? I have to wonder how much of the recent Puna Land Rush can be attributed to free flow of information on Internet. Anyway, Leilaniguy
Thanks for the advise on Eden Roc Estates, I hadn't paid much attention to Eden Roc because most are listed in 40k- 60k range, but now I see there are a few in the low 30's.
Any thoughts on the state of Puna real estate market? is the mania over, will prices drop, stabilize, or keep going crazy?
I appreciate your input
Thanks
Scott in AZ
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I too am an Eden Roc fan. However, EVERY LITTLE AREA has its own personality so you want to get here and really look at things. Neighbors can make or break your spot, and road situations are changing constantly so keep in mind that you aren't coming really soon and roads get built a little further out every year.
Check listings that interest you and don't take anyone's word about an area till you have seen it.
good luck.
Pam,
Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!
I want to be the kind of woman that, when my feet
hit the floor each morning, the devil says
"Oh Crap, She's up!"
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Aloha Scott,Oh yeah the ether is amazing, it's what brought me back here 6 years ago. I lived here in Puna twice before now, once in the late 80's and again in the early 90's, a hippie pirate dreamer. Something always dragged me back to "America". In late 1998 I got my first PC and started surfing, after a few months I came acrosss a Hawaii real estate site and bought 2 lots in Nanawale online before I even came here, for $1600 each! Ah, back in the day! As for todays market, there are a lot of reductions and time payment deals going on, so it looks like it may be cooling off.(so remember cash talks).
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Your biggest appreciation will be on lots in RHE and Nanawale Estates. The first two blocks in from the highway in RHE and anything close to the entrance in NE will really make you smile!
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
Typically Tropical Properties, LLC
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185
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I have to agree with John Rabi on his assessment, although personally I prefer the areas in Nanawale away from the community center since they are less populated and currently have less coqui. I live in the back part of Nanawale (near Pahoa Road) and love it. The community association is getting very active and doing a lot to support Nanawale, Just ask Liz at the longhouse and she'll tell you EVERYTHING you could ever want to know about what they are doing -- she's very proud of it and rightfully so.
John Dirgo, RA, ABR, e-PRO
RE/MAX Properties
808-987-9243 cell
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I am looking at buying a lot in Nanawale and I went on their website to view the latest news and events and found that it hasn't been updated in three years. For having an active community association,I found this a little bit strange and now I am somewhat concerned. Is Nanawale really a up and coming community as it is being advertised by various realty agents or should I look elsewhere. If so what other subdivisions have strong community associations and community pride that have lots priced below the stratosphere.? Thanks
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I have friends that live in Nanawale towards the back unpopulated area and they say there is still alot of crime (theft) going on.
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Thanks Lee for the heads up. The lot I was looking at is on Kahoolawe and Flower Road which appears to be in the center of the subdivision. Planning on moving there in 5 years. If anyone else who is reading this forum lives at or is familiar with this subdivision, I would really appreciate your input. This is a major expense for me and my family and would really like to make the right decision as to where to retire at. Just visiting and looking at the area doesn't sum up what is really happening. Is anyone familiar with Tiki Gardens? Also on my list of lots to buy. Mahalo
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