This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home has lots of storage space and is situated on a generously sized 10,000sf lot allowing plenty of room for expansion to the main home or possibly adding an ADU (Buyer to confirm with County).  There is a separate room just off the kitchen that can be used as an office space.  There are beautiful hardwood floors and tile throughout.  The kitchen has been completely renovated with granite slab countertops, stainless steel appliances (including a gas stove), a copper sink, and Kraftmaid wood cabinets.  Both bathrooms have been upgraded throughout including granite countertop vanities.

Other recent upgrades include a contrasting color paint scheme, French doors, and A/C in the guest bedroom and office space.  The backyard is not only spacious but completely enclosed featuring high quality, low maintenance vinyl fencing.  The spacious carport accommodates two vehicles and all your toys… kayaks, bicycles, surfboards, and more!

This home is ideally located – close to beaches, restaurants and shopping, and just minutes from the Wailua Golf Course and Lihue.

Just as expected, the April statistics show residential, condominium, and vacant land sales are all up when you consider sales island wide, year to date, when compared with 2012. However, some areas of the island are doing much better than others, and some areas still show a decrease when comparing 2013 year to date sales with last year.  When you look at just the month of April 2013 compared to the month of April 2012, all areas of the island showed dramatic increases.  The largest jump island wide was in vacant land sales!

Residential Sales

Year to date island wide residential sales are up approximately 15% compared to this same time last year.  There have been 145 residential sales so far this year, compared with 126 last year. Year to date sales volume shows a slight increase.  There were approx. $96.8m in sales so far this year compared with approx. $96m in 2012; an increase of just under 1%.  The median sales price has increased 10.06% to $495,000 year to date compared with $449,750 in 2012.

Condo Sales  

The number of condos sold island wide has increased when compared to 2012.  There have been 104 condos sold year to date compared with 97 sold last year; an increase of 7.22%.  The sales volume for condos also increased. There was approx. $35.7m in sales last year compared with approx. $59m in sales so far this year; an increase of 62.53%.  As I mentioned last month, the large increase in sales volume was due to the sale of the 21 acre land parcel in Poipu where the Royal Palms condominiums were to be built.  The parcel closed in mid February for $13m. Although the property is currently a large vacant land parcel with nothing built on it, it was sold as condos because it is entitled for 165 separate condo units and could have been sold as separate condominium units. If you take that sale out of the equation, condo sales volume had a year to date increase of $9.3m, which is just over 26%. The median sales price for condos also increased to $323,750 from $290,000 in 2012; an 11.64% increase. However, this figure is also influenced by the $13m sale mentioned above.

Vacant Land

Wow…people are buying land!  The number of vacant land parcels sold year to date increased dramatically compared with 2012 thanks to all the closings that occured in April.  There were 26 vacant land parcels sold in April alone making the year to date total 56 sales compared to 35 at this time last year; an increase of 60%.  Sales volume for vacant land increased nearly 45%.  There were approx. $14.1m in sales in 2012 compared with approx. $20.5m so far this year.  The median sales price increased 4.81% from $260,000 to $272,500.  Nearly half of all the vacant land parcels sold in April were on the south shore (Koloa Region).

Market Statistics by Area

The above summary is a look at the market statistics year to date, island wide.  If you’d like to know how the market performed in a specific area of the island for a specific time period just let me know.  I’d be happy to speak with you anytime or I can email you a summary.

Looking ahead…there are currently 127 residential properties, 81 condominiums, and 59 land parcels in escrow.

Residential Sales

Year to date island wide residential sales are down approximately 7% compared to this same time last year.  There have been 90 residential sales so far this year, compared with 97 last year. Year to date sales volume has also decreased.  There were approx. $60m in sales so far this year compared with approx. $68m in 2012; a decrease of just under 12%.  The median sales price has increased 7.63% to $483,250 year to date compared with $449,000 in 2012.

Condo Sales

The number of condos sold island wide is also down slightly compared to 2012.  There have been 60 condos sold year to date compared with 64 sold last year; a decrease of 6.25%.  While the number of condo sales was down, the sales volume for condos increased. There was approx. $23.6m in sales last year compared with approx. $39.5m in sales so far this year; an increase of just over 67%.  As I mentioned last month, the large increase in sales volume was due to the sale of the 21 acre land parcel in Poipu where the Royal Palms condominiums were to be built.  The parcel closed in mid February for $13m. Although the property is currently a large vacant land parcel with nothing built on it, it was sold as condos because it is entitled for 165 separate condo units and could have been sold as separate condominium units. The median sales price for condos has increased to $297,500 from $287,500 in 2012; a 3.48% increase.

Vacant Land

The number of vacant land parcels sold year to date continues to increase compared to 2012.  There have been 30 sales this year compared to 25 at this time last year; an increase of 20%.  Sales volume for vacant land has increased 14%.  There were approx. $10.4m in sales in 2012 compared with approx. $11.8m so far this year.  The median sales price increased 6.48% from $270,000 to $287,500.

South Shore (Koloa Region) Sales

Sales in the Koloa region have increased in all areas; residential, condos, and vacant land sales are all up. Year to date residential sales are up 19%, condo sales are up 50%, and vacant land sales are up 62.50%.  Many of the recent land sales this quarter on the south shore took place in the Poipu Beach Estates subdivision.  There have been nine sales in PBE so far this year and another four are in escrow.  There were only five closed sales in PBE the entire year of 2012.  Sales volume and the median sales prices for residential, condos, and vacant land have also increased in the Koloa region.

While the number of residential and condo sales are down just slightly island wide compared to this time in 2012, I believe with the increased amount of buying activity we are seeing those statistics will soon reflect an increase island wide in the months ahead.   According to MLS, there are currently 134 residential properties, 87 condominiums, and 57 land parcels in escrow.

The above is a look at the market statistics island wide.  If you’d like to know how the market performed in a specific area of the island just let me know.  I’d be happy to email you a summary.

Residential Sales  

Year to date island wide residential sales are down approximately 18% compared to this same time last year.  There have been 53 residential sales so far this year, compared with 65 last year. Year to date sales volume has also decreased.  There were approx. $37.2m in sales so far this year compared with approx. $43.4m in 2012; a decrease of just over 14%.  The median sales price has increased 15.06% to $489,000 year to date compared with $425,000 in 2012.

Condo Sales  

The number of condos sold island wide is also down compared to 2012.  There have been 35 condos sold year to date compared with 41 sold last year; a decrease of 14.63%.  While the number of condo sales was down, the sales volume for condos increased. There was approx. $15.5m in sales last year compared with approx. $27.5m in sales so far this year; an increase of nearly 80%.  The large increase in sales volume was due to the sale of the 21 acre land parcel in Poipu where the Royal Palms condominiums were to be built.  The parcel closed in mid February for $13m. Although the property is currently a large vacant land parcel with nothing built on it, it was sold as condos because it is entitled for 165 separate condo units and could have been sold as separate condominium units. The median sales price for condos decreased to $240,000 from $290,000 in 2012; a 17.24% decrease.

Vacant Land

The number of vacant land parcels sold year to date increased compared to 2012.  There have been 18 sales this year compared to 14 at this time last year; an increase of 28.57%.  Sales volume for vacant land increased 62.71%.  There were approx. $5m in sales in 2012 compared with approx. $8.1m so far this year.  The median sales price increased 27.39% from $261,000 to $332,500.

Many of the closings that occurred in February were from properties that were already in escrow at the end of 2012 or early January 2013. The number of properties going into escrow since the beginning of the year is on the rise and as a result I suspect the market statistics over the next few months will reflect an increase in closed sales as well.  According to MLS, there are currently 140 residential properties, 96 condominiums, and 56 land parcels in escrow.  Stay tuned!

The above is a look at the market statistics island wide.  If you’d like to know how the market performed in a specific area of the island just let me know.  I’d be happy to email you a summary.

A search of MLS this week shows there are 898 active listings island wide.  312 residential listings, 269 condominiums, and 317 land parcels. Prices range tremendously.  Prices for the residential listings range from $230,000 – $25 million.  Prices for the condominium listings range from $49,500 – $2,200,000, and prices for land parcels range from $69,000 – $60 million.

A comparison of what you can buy on the low end versus the high end ranges just as widely as the prices. $230,000 will buy you a three bedroom, one and a half bathroom fixer upper built in 1973 on Kauai’s west side.  $25 million will buy you a 102 acre aesthetic masterpiece steeped in historic mystique known as “Valley House” located on Kauai’s east side.

If home maintenance doesn’t appeal to you, a condominium could be the perfect solution.  For only $49,500 you can purchase a 320 square foot, fee simple, studio condominium unit located in an oceanfront/beachfront development called Kauai Beach Resort.  If a studio unit isn’t large enough, for $2.2 million you can buy a luxury condominium with incredible ocean views that feels more like a home than a condo located in the resort town of Poipu.  If you’re looking for land, you can purchase a sliver of land in Hanalei just 838 square feet which is about the size of two garages, or purchase as much as 218 acres on Kauai’s sunny south shore.

As you can see, Kauai’s real estate offerings vary and so do the prices.  There really is something for everyone’s taste and budget.  The above is an example of the extreme low and extreme high, but there are a lot of properties that fall right in-between.  If you’d like a list of available properties within a certain price range, just let me know and I can email you a list today!

A residential listing on Kauai for $230,000

$25 million will buy you a historic 102 acre property known as Valley House

We toured a charming two bedroom, one bathroom home located on the Hanapepe Cliffside priced at $395,000.  Recently upgraded throughout with granite countertops, new stainless steel appliances, refaced cabinetry, new tile flooring, and a new roof, this home is “like new” and would make a great starter home!  There is also a single car garage and a fenced yard.

The new listing we visited in Kekaha Gardens is a great value where you will find a lot of bang for your buck.  Priced at only $349,000 this two level, 1,664 square foot home has five bedrooms and three and a half baths and is like having two homes in one.  There are two separate living areas, two kitchens (one on each level), two electric meters, and two water heaters. There is ample parking and lots of storage.  The upper level has a spacious lanai perfect for viewing the sunset. It’s no surprise this property already went into escrow, but back-up offers are welcomed.

My favorite listing on the caravan was a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home located one block from the ocean on a canal with beautiful ocean and mountain views.  The home is immaculate inside and out with carefully selected improvements that exceed the normal standard for homes in this price range.  Upgrades abound from bamboo and tile flooring to the tinted windows, attic fan, and ten panel solar photovoltaic system that is sure to help keep the home cool and the utility bills low. There is also a 16′x 16′ free standing storage shed to hold all your beach gear and more.

Our caravan ended with a delicious luncheon at a large, two level home in Waimea’s Kikiaola subdivision priced at $649,000. At nearly 2,600 square feet, this four bedroom, three and a half bath home is freshly painted throughout and move in ready.  There is a separate living area, wet bar, bedroom, and bathroom on the lower level that is perfect for guests or extended family. Other stand out features include a central vacuum system, solar hot water heater, 900 square foot garage/workshop area, high end appliances/upgraded kitchen, and several fruit trees.

Mahalo to Title Guaranty Escrow Services and American Savings Bank for sponsoring this month’s West Side caravan!   If you’d like more information on any of these properties, please call 808-635-1490 or email Kymry@Kymry.com.

Large Waimea home with huge garage/workshop

Residential Sales

In the month of January there were 28 residential sales island wide.  This is a slight decrease of 6.67% compared to January 2012 when there were 30 sales.  Sales volume, however, has increased compared to 2012.  There were approx. $20.3m in sales so far this year compared with approx. $17.5m in 2012; an increase of just over 16%.  The median sales price increased 11.18% to $447,500 year to date compared with $402,500 in 2012.

Condo Sales

There were 14 condos sold in January compared to 21 sold in January 2012; a decrease of 33.33%.  While the number of condo sales was down, like residential sales, the sales volume for condos increased. There was approx. $7m in sales for January last year compared with approx. $8.4m in sales in January 2013; an increase of 20.44%.  The median sales price also increased to $335,500 from $270,000 in 2012; a 24.26% increase.

Vacant Land

The number of vacant land parcels sold last month decreased compared to 2012.  There were five parcels sold in January compared to eight at this time last year; a decrease of 37.50%.  Sales volume for vacant land increased 14.81%.  There were approx. $2.7m in sales in January 2012 compared with approx. $3.1m so far this year.  The median sales price increased a whopping 92.59% from $234,950 to $452,5000.

Most of the closings that took place in January were from properties that were already in escrow at the end of 2012.  If you talk to any real estate agent on Kauai, I think you’d find an overwhelming consensus that it feels like sales activity has really picked up since the beginning of the year.  Properties seem to be going into escrow at a faster pace and inventory is lessening.  It will be interesting to see how the statistics for the first quarter of 2013 compare to last year and if the feeling of increased activity is not just a feeling, but a fact.

The above is a look at the market statistics island wide.  If you’d like to know how the market performed in a specific area of the island just let me know.  I’d be happy to email you a summary!

Centrally located in Lihue, this generously sized home site provides wide golf course frontage, and is ideally positioned on the second fairway of the spectacular Puakea Golf Course. The superior location provides magnificent mountain views of the Mount Hau`upu mountain range and ocean views if you were to build a two level home. The property is construction ready with all underground utilities in place up to the property edge.

Located within walking distance to Costco, Home Depot, YMCA, Kukui Grove Shopping Center, K-mart, Kukui Grove Cinema, area schools, and just a short drive to area beaches…Pikake is a wonderful place to call home!

This single level home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two split air conditioning systems, a separate and very spacious dining room, and a two car garage. The main living area surrounds an open courtyard visible through french doors, which provide just the right amount of natural light. The patio just off the dining room that could be used for outdoor entertaining and it’s easy to envision a tropical orchid garden. The kitchen has modern hardwood cabinetry, granite countertops, stone tile accents, and a stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher.

The large bathrooms also have modern hardwood cabinetry, along with solid surface countertops. The master bathroom feels like a spa from the jacuzzi tub with glass block surround and neutral stone tile accents, to the double sinks and spacious vanity areas. There is a separate shower and a ceiling fan for additional airflow. In the master bedroom you’ll find a generously sized walk-in closet. The contrasting, neutral colored paint scheme compliment the ceramic tile and bamboo flooring found throughout.

You simply can not beat the amenities at Poipu Kai! This home allows you full access to the tennis club, pool, jacuzzi, wide open greenbelt areas, and pedestrian pathways. Also included are private trash pick-up, 24-hour resort patrol services, private sewer system, and cable TV including HBO.

From your doorstep you’re a short walk to Shipwreck Beach and the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa, which has several restaurants, lounges, & shops. Take the pedestrian pathway the opposite direction and you’ll find yourself at beautiful Poipu Beach where there are more restaurants, shops, and resorts. this resort home can be your full time or part time island residence or a vacation home you rent out.

For a private showing or more information contact Kymry today!

Live the resort life in Poipu Kai

Modern and updated throughout

This scenario is something many agents and buyers will be able to relate to.  I know a large percentage of my clients are searching for that perfect vacation property on the beautiful Garden Isle that they can someday retire to.  For those prospective buyers out there who have been carefully watching the market waiting for the right time to buy, the right time could be now.  There is less inventory, especially in the Visitor Destination Areas (VDA) like Poipu and Princeville and properties seem to be going into escrow more quickly in recent weeks.  A search of MLS shows there are presently 24 properties in escrow within the VDA zone of Poipu and 22 properties in escrow in Princeville.

If you would like to be notified when the new episode of House Hunters will air, contact Kymry at Kymry@Kymry.com and she will let you know once the air date has been scheduled.

Kymry with her clients Peter and Claudia who will be featured on the upcoming episode of House Hunters

Taping a portion of the show in Poipu