Buying a Home in Hawaii Kai is a Good Long-Term Investment - 12/31/10 07:46 PM
Historical data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) (adjusted for inflation by Businessweek.com) show that in 18 of the 25 largest metro areas in the U.S., the value of homes purchased in 1990 had increased by 2010, often by double digits.   For the millions who bought during the boom and now want or need to sell, those numbers don't offer relief.  But many more have owned their homes long enough to realize a gain on their asset, just not as much as if they had sold a few years ago.Homeowners who buy for the long term have historically seen the value … (0 comments)

2010 Census Results for Hawaii - 12/23/10 12:01 PM
Census Bureau data just released shows the population of Hawaii increased 12.3% in the last 10 years to almost 1.4 million residents.  Hawaii is now the 40th most populous state, moving up past Maine and New Hampshire.  The average national growth rate per state was 9.7%.
Hawaii will still have two representatives in the US House, one for every 683,431 people.
The population grew 1.2% annually the last 10 years, more than the 0.9% of the previous ten years, 1990-2000.  The state gained 148,764 residents over the 2000 census.  Hawaii is now larger than Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Montana, Delaware, … (2 comments)

New Community Survey Data for Hawaii - 12/17/10 08:17 PM
The average Hawaii household income grew by nearly 30% from 2000 to 2009, according to new Census data released yesterday.  The increase was almost enough to keep up with inflation.  In 2009, median household income in Hawaii was $64,661 a year. According to 2000 U.S. Census Bureau data, it was $49,820 a decade ago.  The annual increase is about 2.64%. However, Honolulu's Consumer Price Index has been increasing at 2.87% a year.
The figures come from the Census Bureau's 2005-2009 American Community Survey estimates, released for the first time this week.  "The ACS (American Community Survey) represents the first time such … (0 comments)

Oahu Real Estate Market Report for November and Year-to-Date - 12/08/10 09:20 PM
Single Family Sales
In November, 245 homes sold on Oahu.  This compares to 163 in 2008, and 258 in 2009. Year-to-date, 2,742 homes have closed island-wide.  This compares to 2,540 in 2008 and 2,418 in 2009. Median Sales Price In November, median price sold was $585,000.  This compares to $600,000 in 2008, and $590,000 in 2009. Year-to-date, median price for sales has been $595,000.  This compares to $621,000 in 2008 and $580,000 in 2009. Days on Market (a good indicator of demand) In November, average Days on Market was 42.  This compares to 57 in 2008 and 44 in 2009. Year-to-date, … (0 comments)

New Hawaii Governor Calls for Unity - 12/08/10 08:41 PM
Neil Abercrombie has become Hawaii's 7th governor, and has pledged to restore confidence in state government.  Born in Buffalo, NY, the 72-year old has lived in Hawaii 51 years.  He has spent 4 decades as a legislator in the state House and Senate, City Council, and US House of Representatives.Abercrombie, a Democrat, called for a new sense of civic courage and a public conscience consistent with the message of Aloha.   He said island people understand the importance of lokahi, of working together. "Our first job is to accelerate the economic recovery, restoration of good jobs -- create good jobs, capitalize on … (0 comments)

Hawaii Kai November Home Sales - 12/03/10 10:24 PM
While the numbers of sales decreased in November for both single family and condos in Hawaii Kai, there were some bright spots.Single Family
10 homes sold, from a low of $684,500 in Koko Head Terrace, to a high of $1,500,000 in Kealaula Kai.  Six homes over a million closed in November, In 2009, 12 homes closed in November, from a low of $672,000 in Mariners Village, to a high of $1,075,000 in NaPali Haweo.  This was the lone million dollar sale.Condos16 units sold, from a low of $401,000 in Mariners Village 3, to a high of $1,350,000 in Kalele Kai, a … (0 comments)