Decline in Real Estate

[Lee DeJongh]

I deleted this because it really was off topic.

Edited by - lee dejongh on 08/17/2006 10:53:47

[Bill]

I guess I have to jump into the middle of this; there is so much I can't agree with.

I started out in the early '60s, a young couple with a baby, making $375.00 a month working 5 1/2 days a week. Dirt poor. Being young and independent, we wouldn't accept help from any of our reletives, who could easily afford to. We rented in the poor section of town, because that was all we could afford. Went to school at night.

We eventually were able to purchase a fixer upper house, and worked weekends to upgrade it. Everything we owned was 2nd hand, and when it broke, we learned how to fix it.

Over time the promotions came...mainly due to our work ethic, and we slowley upgraded our homes. We did what we had to do, including spending a 21 year stint in Alaska, far away from family and friends.

It has all paid off. were here now, living the dream. Were not different from a lot of people, but when I look around with the younger generations, I don't see a lot of the drive and frugal attitudes that worked for us, and as a result, have a tough time being sympathetic.

The "poor me" attitudes don't cut it, especially when I see very poor immigrants come to our country, work like dogs, save, and over time become successful. No new cars, boats, jet skis, 4 wheelers and other extravances for them, just a frugal attitude and hard work.

We made a profit on every home we ever sold; sometimes a lot sometimes a little, but it has always been one of the best investments we have ever made. It takes committment and sacrifice.

Ok , its off my chest.

Aloha

[John S. Rabi]

The average house price in the USA is around $210K. You can buy a nice lot for $20K in Nanawale Estates (or$50K in HPP/Leilani Estates) and you can have a contractor build a 3BD/2BA HPM home on it for $170K. That's $190K, below the national average. Move your butts young people and don't complain if your credit is bad and you can't qualify. There is 100% financing available, you don't need downpayment. Your monthly payment will be $1,200.00. If you can't afford that than you can't afford a house anywhere in the USA.

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 08/17/2006 09:02:32

[Kapohocat]

how long you stay on big island?

You here when sugar cane ended and da economy died? When most da plantation workers was out of a job in a few months time?

You here when a good wage was $9 at da hotel in Hilo? wait, it still is $9.

You here when 99% of the union construction workers on da Hilo side where out of work and if there was work they traveled to West side hour more twice a day?

You tell your capenter that he overcharge and he should only make $15 an hour, even if he has $10K of tools and 25 years experience he bring to da job site?

You happy that auntie should sell you her lot cheap so she could pay for her da kine to go to UH and have a good education?

Just curious....

[Jody]

I have to agree with Bill and John.

We are a young family with 2 kids living on one income. We live paycheck to paycheck (sometimes barely) yet from the outside it would appear that we have money. We don't. What we do have is the ability to make wise, informed decisions. Back in 1999 when we realized that paying rent was like throwing money away we bought a house. Our mortgage was less than the rent we paid. We made wise financial decisions, i.e, if it wasn't necessary for our survival we didn't buy it. It's amazing what little you need to survive on when it comes down to it. We now own another home and just sold our first for almost 4x what we paid. Why? Because we worked hard and sacrificed until the time was right. That was our choice. Just like it's a person's choice to rent instead of buy or to spend hard earned money on ridiculous items or save thier money. It's also a choice to continue having kids when you can't afford 1. There are plenty of programs out there for those who need help, it is their choice to seek it. It's a person's choice to work at a low-paying job or not work at all. You have to start somewhere.

If you want something bad enough you work your okole off to get it.

Just my 2 cents.

Jody



Edited by - Jody on 08/17/2006 09:28:44

[Carolann R]

Right On, Jody! Good 'ol elbow grease never hurt anyone.


Carrie

"The opportunities to reach into the lives of others in an inspiring way arise in countless ways every single day..." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

http://www.hellophoenix.com/art

[John S. Rabi]

Cat,I have been living here for 16 years, but that's not the point. I think I can top your posting. I defected from a communist country in 1980 and moved to the US with two empty suitcases and without speaking the language. (OH, btw, that was during the Carter administration with bad economy.) With my BA and MBA I worked two low-end jobs (waiter and limo driver) and tried to learn the language fast to survive the hard times. Two years later I got a job at a Fortune 500 Company and bought my first condo in NY. If I could do it anyone can. Unfortunately, for many people it is easier to complain.

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 08/17/2006 09:30:41

[Lee DeJongh]

I deleted this because it did not add significantly to the discussion.

Edited by - lee dejongh on 08/17/2006 10:52:35

[Aaron S]

It appears construction is slowing down from
the peak in 2005 on the Big island.

http://www.buildingindustryhawaii.com/80...island.asp

[Isa]

Kapohocat, mahalo for local truth. Those who are ignorant of the facts have no idea how little opportunity there was for a very long time here.