Posts: 25
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Joined: Feb 2006
Nullzero
I used Harry Pritikin's newletter to see what happens to puna's real estate. Daily MLS updates by email. Don't have to do your own searches. I used Hawaii information before too, but I'm just too lazy.
In the emails I can just skim through new on the market, back on the market, sales for all different kinds of properties all on one page. I would not necessarily use him as a buyer's agent, because I would use somebody who is specialized in Puna. Well I'm sure you can figure that one out.
To sign up:
http://www.konarealestateagent.com/newsletter.htm
Footnote: I don't really know Harry, but his service gave me great insight in the market.
michael
http://www.punaguide.com
Posts: 8
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Joined: May 2006
Been reading up on the forums about any inconviences or problems with living in Puna.
So far I hear about the
*Bugs
*Loud Frogs
*Water Catchment
*Crime
Out of all those following things crime seems to be the one that stands out.
I dont want to worry about my house getting stripped and items stolen if the house was not occupied for months at a time. Can anyone give some insight on the crime in the area, has it improved and do you see it getting any better in the future?
Thanks
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
*Bugs: they are part of life in the tropics
*Loud Frogs: their voice is music to my ears
*Water Catchment: cleaner than tap water
*Crime: crime here is nothing compared to crime on the mainland.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185
Edited by - John S. Rabi on 05/12/2006 18:04:41
Posts: 2,149
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Joined: Feb 2006
Depending on where you buy/build you might or might not have a lot of problems being away for extended periods. Some areas have effective Neighborhood Watches and other, less organized areas have close neighbors who watch out for each other. Isolation and solitude are great, but around here they exponentially increase your burglary risk.
Some folks who are away for a long time use housesitters, and there are people who do that to acquire housing for no cost. Some do it in exchange for a place to stay, and others expect nominal pay, especially if garden, pet, and/or livestock care are part of the deal.
I hope this helps. Good luck. Jerry
Posts: 8
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Joined: May 2006
being watching the prices last week and they seem to be dropping alot 2-3 weeks ago I was looking at 1 acre lots for 80-100k now there is lots selling in HPP for as low as 50k. I believe the intrest rates and recent decline in the stock market seem to be have dropped the prices.
Posts: 25
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Joined: Feb 2006
Nullzero,
you sometimes have to be careful not to compare apples and oranges. The properties that you compare might be totally different in terms of location, power, phone, neighborhood etc.
Maybe the property for $50K is a must sell, because the owner has personal or financial problems. He is therefore willing to offer for a low price to get a sale more quickly.
But nonetheless property offers on the market offer an advantage for buyers in terms of leverage. When there are people with really low prices, you can use their prices in negotiations with other sellers that sell their property for much more. You might be able to use the leverage to get the property for 5K-15K under the asking price.
michael
http://www.punaguide.com
Remember this is a good time for buyers. Use the leverage!
Edited by - miketat on 05/14/2006 00:35:25
Posts: 1,051
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I'm not sure how you can say there has been a decline in the stock market since it is very near it's all time high:
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=%5EDJI&t=my
There was a correction last Friday but that happened after days of steady advances which is normal.
The stock market is actually doing very well.
quote:
being watching the prices last week and they seem to be dropping alot 2-3 weeks ago I was looking at 1 acre lots for 80-100k now there is lots selling in HPP for as low as 50k. I believe the intrest rates and recent decline in the stock market seem to be have dropped the prices.
___________________________
Chinese curse "May you live in interesting times".
Posts: 2,149
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Aloha all, again. All this talk about the stock market and the real estate market make me recall one of my economics prof's axioms. "Timing markets is usually not the best path. Steady stock investment over time and real estate purchases based on practical need pay off better in the long run."
Relating that to this thread, if you are not a speculator and need or want property in Hawaii, make the best deal you can when you are ready and able to take the plunge and you will be fine. Choose carefully an area you feel comfortable with and live there a good long time, and your investment will have intrinsic worth. I enjoy my home far too much to worry if I got the best possible deal or bought at the best possible time. Just MHO.
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Im intrested in buying possibly between september and december. I will be intrested in a lot closer to Hilo. HPP standed out as a good area. Power, Cable, and Telephone in the area are desired but cable isnt needed. This is for a long term investment vacation/retirement home. My parents as well showed intrest in Puna area and might be heading down there with me this decemeber to look for a lot as well. I figure I will have about 40k-50k in cash to put down. Even though its a couple months away I would like to ask more questions and possibly arrange something when the time gets closer.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Michael is correct, be careful what you compare. The properties you see listed for lesser amount are probably not that desirable than the others. Just to give you an example, you can see lots listed in the high $10Ks in Nanawale Estates but you can see new lots coming on the market at much higher prices and two lots just sold for $39K and $35K in the same subdivision. The prime properties didn't lose much value and are still sold fairly quickly.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185