07-06-2006, 09:46 PM
Thanks for the opinions. We bought in HPP on Fourth St. Marj and I saw many areas that we liked. Our specific reasons to buy there was that it seemed a "safe" choice, The microclimate there is somewhat drier and warmer than elsewhere, (important to us with our arthritis), the roads were decent and it has some community spirit even tho it is HUGE. Lava zone 3 was important.
No matter what people say the lava will flow again...repeatedly... Each of us are concerned for only a 10 -30 year window and of course anytime, anyone can move. But where the lava flows is somewhat predictable.
Leilani is beautiful and great efforts have been spent to make it a classy subdivision. But it is lava zone 1 and that is a BIG problem. Values in the long run are going to be depressed there. Still, when we actually move to the BI I would not hesitate to buy there if, the price is right, and depending on current volcano activity. Many believe that as long as the current eruption continues, Leilani is safe. My effective lifespan is 20 years so I can take a chance for that long.
Mauna Loa however is a bigger problem in my mind but it should not affect Puna.
The areas up the mountain are beautiful but too cold for us.
As far as realtors go, John Dirgo helped us and I have been happy. I think you have to accept BI on its own terms including the people. My experience with John was unlike any experience here on the mainland with realtors but not in a bad way. It was just a bit more passive and no high pressure. That suited us fine but perhaps some want more handholding and direction . I don't know.
No matter what people say the lava will flow again...repeatedly... Each of us are concerned for only a 10 -30 year window and of course anytime, anyone can move. But where the lava flows is somewhat predictable.
Leilani is beautiful and great efforts have been spent to make it a classy subdivision. But it is lava zone 1 and that is a BIG problem. Values in the long run are going to be depressed there. Still, when we actually move to the BI I would not hesitate to buy there if, the price is right, and depending on current volcano activity. Many believe that as long as the current eruption continues, Leilani is safe. My effective lifespan is 20 years so I can take a chance for that long.
Mauna Loa however is a bigger problem in my mind but it should not affect Puna.
The areas up the mountain are beautiful but too cold for us.
As far as realtors go, John Dirgo helped us and I have been happy. I think you have to accept BI on its own terms including the people. My experience with John was unlike any experience here on the mainland with realtors but not in a bad way. It was just a bit more passive and no high pressure. That suited us fine but perhaps some want more handholding and direction . I don't know.