Alex's Blog

Price Reduction - Kona Harbor View Now $699,000

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 18:27:01 -0700

This sturdy home in Kona Harborview was originally purchased as an 1100sq foot house. Over the last few years the home has been added onto resulting in what you see today – a large 2278sqft, robust, fully permitted home with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an indoor laundry room, Den and a first floor open plan great room with views that will knock your socks off!

The home also has 2 wrap around lanais. The top floor lanai is suitable for outdoor living and has a canopy affording shade from the Sun. The lower level lanai connects the master suite and the Den. Both lanais afford unblockable sweeping panoramic views of West Hawaii from Keauhou Bay to Maui!

The lower level of the home has an approx 900sqft workshop/storage room that could also be converted to living space – permits permitting.

The value in this home needs to be seen to be appreciated. Only the best quality materials were used in its construction. All plans and permits are available for Buyers inspection.

The 8758sqft lot is sloped and is designed for low maintenance. There is a patio area at the top of the lot with a small garden and a hot tub!

Kona Harborview is a quiet neighborhood located just off Palani Road at approx the 1000ft level and is close to Town, Honokohau Small Boat Harbor and the BEACH!

Address: 74-5058 Hanahanai Loop Type: Residential Style: 2 Story "Kona Harbor Views" Bedrooms: 3 "Huge Master Suite" Bathrooms: 3 Garage: Double, Attached Basement: No Size: 2,278 sq. ft. Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 8758 sq. ft. Year Built: 1979 MLS: 176768

Virtual Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=5810

Alex Davidson RS)

(808) 268-8879 (cell)

Brokered By: Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC

Hawaii Earthquake!

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 16:03:57 -0700

It was BIG! We just got our power and cable service back up (THANKS HECLO!) and we're all still high on adrenaline! It was BIG! Did I say that already. I'm used to the California quakes but these Hawaii quakes are different in that the EXPLODE - violent jolts - not the rollers you get in CA.

I have cracks in the tile in my house - but they are minor. I have some reports from friends that water pipes exploded and at least one house we know of is off its foundation.

We are being told that there were two events not a single quake followed by an aftershock - but two separate and distinct events both off the coast of the Big Island's North Kohala District.

More later...

Aloha

Alex

Fractional Ownership

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:46:32 -0700

I've been approached by a Seller to list his condo under a fractional ownership plan. This is not a new idea in Kona but it's also not one that has seen much success. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to get involved with this kind of Listing - what might the pitfalls be? What are the Title issues, Funding Issues, Home Owner Association issues? This won't be a high-end fractional plan that can be traded as part of a "club" and it's not a high-end property. The positives are that the unit has been remodeled to a decent standard and the current owner will refurnish with new everything plus he's going to add little extras such as an HDTV.

If you have any advice to offer I'd like to hear it.

Any horror stories? How about my Hawaii colleagues - have you sold/bought fractionals on other Islands?

Aloha

Your Big Island - Kailua-Kona Realtor

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 21:44:35 -0700

I am located on the Big Island of Hawaii and I serve clients in the Keauhou, Kona and Waikoloa districts. If you would like to see listings in these areas please visit my listings page.

For information on owning property in Hawaii visit my Big Island Real Estate Info page.

I also feature Virtual Tours of my listings and I have a Featured Properties page for quick access to the latest hot properties.

Prices have declined over the last few months and interest rates are holding steady at low levels.

As Winter approaches - now would be a good time to take a look at purchasing your Winter retreat on the Big Island.

If you are thinking of selling call me to find out how I can get your house Maximum Internet exposure! After all, most of our Buyers find their home on the Internet before they contact an agent.

For general information on property on the Big Island please visit my web site: www.AliiHomes.com

Mahalo
Alex Davidson R(S)

Hawaii FYI- Installment 5: BUYER'S PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FOR ISLAND OF HAWAII Part II

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 17:55:22 -0700

In Part II of the Property Disclosure we look at the impact of living on a volcanoe and the impact of living with pests - Coqui Frogs!!

BUYER'S PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FOR ISLAND OF HAWAII

PART II

1. Volcanoes:   The Island of Hawaii has several active and presently inactive volcanoes. Accordingly, there are times when air quality is affected by volcanic emissions known as "vog." Vog may affect persons with respiratory problems and may also affect water catchment systems if precautions are not taken. Buyers should contact the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, for information about recommended precautions as well as other professionals. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, has classified various "hazard zones" for lava flows. The locations of such hazard zones may affect the availability, limits and cost of property and/or liability insurance. Other effects of volcanic activity that may occur include lava tubes and periodic earthquakes.

2. Lava Zone 2 (HOVE):   Buyers are advised that Hawaiian Ocean View Estates (H.O.V.E.) is located in Eruption Hazard “Zone 2”. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, has classified various "hazard zones" for lava flows. The locations of such hazard zones may affect the availability, limits and cost of property and/or liability insurance. Other effects of volcanic activity that may occur include lava tubes and periodic earthquakes.

3. Wastewater Disposal:   Many properties in Hawaii have individual cesspools and/or septic systems as the method of wastewater disposal. The State of Hawaii, Department of Health and the County of Hawaii may require upgrades from cesspools to septic tanks or connection of new systems in certain situations. New regulations require septic or sewage treatment systems in most new homes. Buyers should contact the State of Hawaii, Department of Health, for information about requirements related to waste disposal for any property.

4. SSSP Service:   Buyers are aware that the property is, or may be, serviced by the Hawaii Electric Light Company Special Subdivision Project Provision (SSSP) Program. Buyers should contact the electric company to determine when service will be available, and what the costs will be.

5. Coqui Frogs:   Coqui Frogs, or Caribbean Tree Frogs, have been expanding into various areas of the Big Island. Because tree frogs are nocturnal, Buyers and their Realtors will not hear any chirping sounds that are associated with frogs during the daytime hours. During the Inspection Period, C-51 of the DROA, Buyers are advised to visit the subject property in the evening to determine the level of frog infestation, and frog chirping, and whether it is acceptable to Buyer. Buyers should be aware that the level of noise may vary, depending upon such factors as weather, temperature, time of night, increase or decrease in level of infestation, and other variables. In addition, the success or failure of any government eradication program may also affect the level of the chirping as well.

6. Catchment Water Systems:   Some properties may be located in water catchment areas. County water is not available in some areas. Catchment water systems are dependent on rainfall, and trucked-in water is commonly used in these areas. Buyers are cautioned to use building materials that are free of heavy metals. When purchasing an existing residence with water catchment, Buyers are advised to test the water supply and plumbing, and any building materials used for construction of a catchment system for contaminants. You are strongly advised to seek the opinion of a water catchment company to obtain a professional opinion of the water catchment systems located on the subject property.

7. Road Maintenance (HOVE):   Buyers are advised that H.O.V.E. has a Road Maintenance Association that maintains and services the private roads in this subdivision, and charges a mandatory annual fee.

8. Agricultural Disclosure:   The Land Use Commission of the State of Hawaii has determined that any buildings located on certain lands designated by the State Land Use Commission with a Land Use Classification of “Agricultural” must be related to some kind of agricultural activity or use. The County of Hawaii as the enforcement and permitting agency for improvements built within the Agricultural Land Use Classification requires that a Farm Dwelling Agreement be obtained from the Planning Department.

Hawaii FYI - Installment 4: BUYER'S PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FOR ISLAND OF HAWAII - PART I

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:51:36 -0700

What do Buyers need to know before purchsing property in Hawaii? Here's part one of the answer - the Property Disclosure.

BUYER'S PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FOR ISLAND OF HAWAII - PART I

1. Aircraft Noise and Fly-Overs: Buyers are advised that some areas in Hawaii are subject to fly-overs by various aircraft, including, among others, commercial, military and D.E.A. (Drug Enforcement Agency) aircraft. Buyers should contact appropriate federal, state, or county government agencies for further information on this Issue.

2. Availability of Utilities: Buyers are advised to check with local providers of electric, water, gas, telephone and cable services and other utility services to determine the cost (including installation charges, when applicable) and availability of desired services to the property. Utility service, and the necessary easements, may be limited or unavailable in some areas.

3. Limitations of Land Use: Many restrictions exist to limit the use of real property in the State of Hawaii including but not limited to: federal laws, state and county laws and regulations (for example county zoning ordinances), private restrictions (for example, restrictions in a deed, a condominium declaration or subdivision declaration). Buyer should contact the appropriate federal, state or county authorities and review any applicable private restrictions to determine if the use buyer intends for the property is permitted.

4. Permits and Non-Conformity: The County of Hawaii governs the issuance and administration of permits for all property improvements. Buyers are advised to check with the appropriate county department(s) to ascertain that all improvements on a property are "legal" (permitted and approved). If not, the subject improvements may be subject to fine and/or removal. Buyers are also advised that some existing buildings may be non-conforming to current governmental codes or requirements, or that the use of such buildings is non-conforming. This means that current zoning or governmental requirements, although legal when constructed, or when its use began, may not permit a structure or its use. This may cause problems with respect to rebuilding, enlargement, repair, or use of the structures, and may also affect financing and resale of the property. Buyers should check with the County of Hawaii and professionals regarding these issues.

5. Real Property Taxes: Methods of assessing real property in the County of Hawaii are complex. Tax rates and assessments differ according to the zoning and use of property, exemptions that pertain to specific homeowners (age, for example), dedications (agriculture use, for example), and other criteria. The fact that taxes are currently set at a certain rate or amount for a specific piece of property does not guarantee that the taxes will remain the same when the new owner purchases the property. The County of Hawaii also has a mechanism known as "roll-back" taxes that may make a purchaser liable for additional taxes if the use/dedications/zoning are changed after purchase. Buyers are advised to contact the County of Hawaii, Real Property Tax Office, for information in this regard as well as tax professionals (for example, accountants, lawyers). Buyers should be certain to ascertain if there are any exemptions or deductions that affect the property. If this property is to be your primary home, file your home exemptions form with the property tax office as soon as you close escrow in order to reduce your property tax.

2 Bed/ 2 Bath Condo in Kona: Alii Lani $374,000 Big Island of Hawaii

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:38:12 -0700

PRICED RIGHT! $374,000 Interest Rates are Down - Prices are Down - BUY NOW!

2 bedroom 2 bath ground floor corner unit in excellent condition with walkout tiled lanai. Fans in the 2-bedrooms, livingroom and dining area. Recently tiled bathrooms. Shows extremely well. Very Very Clean. Owner occupied. Must See Unit to appreciate. End unit located close to one on the complex's two pools, spa & B-B-Q facilities.

The well appointed kitchen features a large pantry and newer appliances, lots of cupboards and tile countertops. There’s plenty of closet and storage space throughout too. This unit comes with two parking stalls.

Partially furnished: 2 beds, sofa, dining table, bar stools, and teak lanai table with six chairs included in the sale.

HOA: $272/Month

For more information please visit our web site.

Alex Davidson R(S) cell(808) 268-8879

Great Family Home in Komohana Kai - Big Island of Hawaii

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 17:57:41 -0700

This large well maintained home in Komohana Kai features an open, bright and airy floor plan. All public rooms and the Master Suite face the Ocean and large lanai which is perfect for indoor/outdoor living. Exceptional open kitchen and large entertainment area. Home features lots of tile for easy care. Garden is well maintained and has room for a pool. Oversized garage with work area, room for expansion with separate entry. Also, extra parking for a boat.

Listed at $895,000

Alex Davidson R(S)

For more information please visit: www.AliiHomes.com

Exceptional Big Island Farm Overlooking Kealakekua Bay

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 11:43:23 -0700

Offered at 1,900,000

KAMA'AINA COFFEE AND MACNUT ESTATE ABOVE HONAUNAU on the Big Island of Hawaii with spectacular views of Kealakekua and the South Kona Coast from the 1,400 ft. elevation.

7.59 FEE SIMPLE ACRES of lush gardens, tropical fruit and macadamia trees in a park-like environment. There is great potential to produce award-winning ORGANIC Kona coffee - farm records have been kept for organic certification.

The Bali Style 3/2 main home is recently renovated with many upgrades and spacious decks for indoor/outdoor living and dining.

Nearby is the Bungalow which can be used as an office, excercise room, art studio, sleeping area or all four!

The Manager's or Guest House is built over the work rooms and storage area and is also entirely refurbished with a spacious deck and more outstanding views of the coast.

The original coffee shack is well shaded, has great views and is a perfect place for an afteroon of reading or a quick nap.

Set the current in the flow pool to your desired speed and enjoy a wonderful workout. Everyone in the Ohana will want to shower in the hot and cold outdoor shower nearby.

At the top of the property is an enormous lava tube that was used as a Civil Defense Shelter for Honaunau School back in Territorial days.

This very special estate is 20 minutes from Keauhou and will be just a few minutes from Hokulia when the close to completion by-pass road opens.

Honaunau Valley is well known for its many spiritual retreats. You'll be minutes from Kealakekua Bay, Ke'ei and Puuhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge and Two-Step) for premier scuba, snorkling and kayaking in year-round warm tropical ocean water.

There is very little fee simple land available in the Honaunau Valley - this is at about 1,400 feet elevation for the best temperatures year round.

Take a Virtual Tour.

View complete details at my web site.

Alex Davidson R(S)

New Listing! Big Island Home in Kona Orchards

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:43:22 -0700

New listing in Kona Orchards with great views of the Pacific Ocean, a pool and plenty of room to grow!

Listed at $1,399,000

Fabulous coastal and ocean views from this home of quality construction in desirable Kona Orchards. This home shows pride of ownership. Must see to appreciate. Living room, family room and all three bedrooms open to the spacious lanais with views across the pool to the ocean.

Perfect for family living and entertaining. Extra high open-beam white washed cathedral ceilings with ceiling fans enhances the open feeling of the home.

Some of the many quality touches include marble and hardwood floors, granite kitchen counters, a fabulous marble and glass master bath with jacuzzi tub, and large walk in closet. Approx half acre terraced lot has room for orchard. Private and quiet location yet just minutes to town.

Click here to view our Postlet for this property.

For more information visit our web site.

Mahalo

Alex Davidson R(S)

www.AliiHomes.com

EXCITING OCEAN FRONT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:46:11 -0700

I have an Ocean Front Home on the Big Island of Hawaii for sale for $1,685,000. This is an excellent opportunity for investors looking to own property in Hawaii. You could buy this house and rent it out as an income generating vacation rental and use it personally for a couple of weeks or a couple of months a year. This is currently the lowest priced ocean front home in Kona on Alii Drive - infact - there are smaller lots for sale with no structure on them for the same price or more!

The home sits on an 8500sqft lot directly on the ocean. It has 2 master suites and 1 additional bedroom and bathroom. The open plan kitchen, dining room and family room has cathedral ceilings and faces the amazing ocean view. The lanai has just been resurfaced, is partially covered and is located directly off the family room.

Call today for more information on how I can help you purchse this home and potentially generate income. Or why not gather a few of your friends together and buy this property on an shared ownership basis.

Property Features

  — High/Vaulted ceiling

  — Tile floor

  — Family room

  — Living room

  — Dining room

  — Dishwasher

  — Refrigerator

  — Microwave

  — Granite countertop

  — Washer

  — Dryer

  — Laundry area - inside

  — Balcony, Deck, or Patio

Other Special Features

  — Ocean Front Location

  — Close to White Sands Beach

  — Located on Kahaluu Bay

View the listing brochure

Alex Davidson R(S) (808)-268-8879 (c)

alex@aliihomes.com

Big Island Home for Sale! $760,000

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:38:02 -0700

This sturdy home in Kona Harbor View was originally purchased as an 1100sq foot house. Over the last few years the home has been added onto resulting in what you see today – a large 2278sqft, robust, fully permitted home with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, an indoor laundry room, den and a first floor open plan great room with views that will knock your socks off!

The home also has 2 wrap around lanais. The top floor lanai is suitable for outdoor living and has a canopy affording shade from the Sun. The lower level lanai connects the master suite and the den.

Both lanais afford unblockable sweeping panoramic views of West Hawaii from Keauhou Bay to Maui!

The lower level of the home has an approx 900sqft workshop/storage room.

The value in this home needs to be seen to be appreciated. Only the best quality materials were used in its construction. All plans and permits are available for Buyers inspection.

The 8758sqft lot is sloped and is designed for low maintenance. There is a patio area at the top of the lot with a small garden and a hot tub!

Kona Harbor View is a quiet neighborhood located just off Palani Road at approx the 1000ft level and is close to Town, Honokohau Small Boat Harbor and the BEACH!

Take the Virtual Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=5810

Visit My Web Site for More Information: www.AliiHomes.com

Kona Sea Ridge - 3bed/2bath Condo $499,000

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 14:33:16 -0700

TURNKEY FURNISHED 3 bedroom 2 bathroom ground floor unit In desirable Kona Sea Ridge with landscaped lanai conveniently located within walking distance to Town. This unit features air conditioning in the living room and master bedroom, a walk-in shower in the master bath and a large kitchen with granite counters and tiled floors. Comes with 2 parking stalls. Kona Sea Ridge amenities include a large pool, a spa and a fitness center.

See full details here: www.AliiHomes.com

Take a virtual tour of this great Kona Condo

Big Island Median Sales Prices Drop 14%

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 20:29:10 -0700

Here are a couple of interesting articles about the Hawaii market.

http://starbulletin.com/2006/09/08/business/story01.html

http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2006/09/04/daily47.html?surround=lfn

Aloha

A Reminder from Madame Pele!

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 22:38:29 -0700

We just had an earthquake! Yup - we do get earthquakes in Hawaii. This one occurred at 17:26 and as far as I can tell it was felt here in Kona and all the way up to Waikoloa. Don't know the magnitude or location as yet. The last one we had here in Kona was centered in the Ocean just off Kailua Bay. Did you know that we have a Volcanic Activity Disclosure for Vog and Lava here on the Big Island. I'll talk about this in one of my future Hawaii FYI articles.

Aloha

But do they really work?

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 12:43:22 -0700

I, like a lot of Realtors, have reciprocal links at the foot of my website. But do they work? I get more leads from Open House signs and from ActiveRain than from anything else. So, should I nuke the endless list of graphics and links to directories that I have on my home page? I wonder what the 'Rainers" think?

I'm listed on a few Hawaii specific sites such as Hawaii Search and Best Places Hawaii because I think if someone is really interested in visiting Hawaii, they'll be more interested in looking a sites that are focused on Hawaii than some indiscriminate "Realtor Directory". To boost traffic to my site I added a super-clix feed - but I think I may need to nuke that too.

Hmmmm.

Hawaii FYI - Installment 2: Units of Land

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 22:59:02 -0700

The Great Mahele

The mahele was the Hawaiian land redistribution act proposed by King Kamehameha III in the 1830s and enacted in 1848. This was part of a sweeping set of modernizing social changes following the death of Kamehameha the Great, including the drafting of a constitution and a bill of rights. Although not directly redistributing land, it called for the establishment of an arbitration committee to iron out disputes.

The mahele abolished the practice of ahupua‘a. This was an informal division of the islands into sectors, controlled by chiefs extending from the mountain to the ocean. Boundaries of sectors were usually undemarcated determined by geographical features such as ridgelines; each sector was agriculturally self-sufficient due to the varied ecosystems contained within.

About 3 million acres of land went to the crown, and one million acres to chiefs and the government.

The most noted provision of the great mahele was the kuleana act (1850); under this provision, about 30,000 acres of land were set aside for distribution by the committee to 10,000 commoners. Eventually most of this land found its way into the hands of foreigners.

AHUPUAA

A division of land within the Hawaiian Islands, next in size to the district. Although often mentioned as the "unit" of land, the ahupuaa was not a measure of an area, as is the acre, for the ahupuaa varies in size. It is generally a large parcel of land extending from the sea to the mountain and bounded by natural features, such as gulches, streams or ridges. The ideal ahupuaa extended from the mountain to the sea, thereby enabling the chief and his followers to obtain fishes and seaweed from the ocean, raise taro and bananas in the lowlands, and to take forest products from the mountains. Many of the smaller ahupuaa were divided into smaller units of land called "ili".

KULEANA

The small area of an ahupuaa or ili which the tenants or common people had improved or cultivated and used for their own purposes, and to which they substantiated their claims and perfected their right, securing from the Land Commission an award of title in fee simple. Today, it generally refers to a tract of land within a larger tract of land.

Sellers FYI

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 22:37:16 -0700

Pricing Your Home

Pricing is probably the most critical task you'll face when selling your home. Sellers naturally want to get the best price and the best terms for their home for the time that it is on the market. However, determining your home's worth isn't always a straightforward process. And, there are pitfalls. Price it too high and you'll get no offers and your house will languish on the market for weeks losing its "freshness". Price it too low and you'll lose money. Ultimately, the best price for your home is the amount that a buyer is willing to pay at the time you're selling. An experience, trained Realtor will be able to help you gage your home's value.

While several factors influence the pricing of a home, the most common and reliable method is the comparative market approach (CMA). Get a CMA! This is a report that provides a suggested sales price based on the prevailing market. Your Realtor can provide a CMA - FREE! A CMA is not an Appraisal. In a CMA, your Realtor examines recent sales in your neighborhood of properties matching your house's age, square footage and features. Active listings (other homes for sale) are scrutinized. These listings are your competition. An examination should also be made of withdrawn and expired listings. Very often these listings didn't sell because of pricing issues and you can profit from these lessons. Based on this accumulated data, your Realtor will arrive at what he believes is a fair and reasonable price.

Other Considerations in Pricing

Location - If the home is located in a noisy, busy neighborhood it may not be attractive and, therefore, will command a lower price. Is it in a desirable location? Is the property close to transportation and other amenities such as schools, shopping centers, post offices, etc?

Needs of the Seller - Is there pressure to sell quickly? Is the sale contingent on another sale?

Tenure - Is the property leasehold or fee simple? Generally, leasehold properties sell for less than fee simple properties.

Condition - Does the house have "curb appeal"? Is it new? Does it look fresh or run down? Does it have attractive features?

Other factors - These include the prevailing interest rates, the economy, the crime rate, employment and timing.

Remember, when pricing your home you must be emotionally detached. The market doesn't care how much you originally paid for your house. Nor does it card about time and cost that you put into improving it. In slow markets especially, you must be prepared to price your property in keeping with the market forces.

There is a danger in overpricing you home with the intent to establish a "strong negotiating" position. Qualifying buyers who would otherwise consider your property will disqualify it automatically based on its unreasonably high price.

What Can You Do?

Work closely with your Realtor. Ask questions. Consider his/her advice. This person is a trained professional Your Realtors knowledge of this market along with his/her negotiation skills, experience and "street smarts" will serve you well.

Make your house more attractive. This doesn't mean you have to launch major renovations. Look at your house through the eyes of a prospective buyer: Does the lawn need to be mowed? Should clutter be removed? Would the front door benefit from a little paint?

Go on a field trip. Visit other open houses in you area to get a feel for the market. Compare your home to these offerings.

Research. Scan the real estate section of the Sunday newspaper for any new houses for sale in your area.

Hawaii FYI - Installment 1: Deeds

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Sat, 02 Sep 2006 22:26:05 -0700

Hawaii FYI is a series of articles explaining Hawaii Real Estate for potential clients. Installment One: Deeds

General Warranty Deed

With this deed, the grantor (Seller) warrants that he has good clear title and guarantees the title against defects occurring BEFORE the grantor obtained title or arising during the grantor's ownership. The Warranty Deed contains certain covenants and promises. These include:
Covenant of seisin - guarantees that the grantor actually owns and possesses the land and had the right to convey it.
Covenant against encumbrances - guarantees that the property is free from any encumbrances except those specifically mentioned and excluded from the warranty.
Covenant of quiet enjoyment - guarantees that the grantee (Buyer) will not be evicted in any way in his possession of the property by someone claiming superior title to the property.
Covenant of further assurance - the grantor promises to do whatever is necessary - obtain or deliver other instruments needed to make the title good.
Warranty Forever - the grantor will warrant forever the title to the property and absolutely guarantee title and possession. If broken, the grantee - Buyer - may recover damages from the grantor - Seller.

Special or Limited Warranty Deed

This deed does not have the warranties found in the General Warranty deed. The grantor limited his liability to defects arising AFTER he acquires title to the property - not against defects arising BEFORE he acquired title to the property.

Quitclaim Deed

This deed provides the least protection. The grantor warrants nothing. The grantor conveys all right, title and interest in the land, IF ANY, to the grantee.

Commissioner's Deed in Foreclosure

The grantor is an appointed officer of the court (Commissioner) in an action to foreclose on the mortgage of an owner's property. This deed has no covenants, no warranties. It conveys only the title that the mortgagor had at the time the mortgage was made.

Gift Deed

With this deed, the consideration is "love and affection". However, since any covenants that may be contained in the deed are not supported by a valuable consideration (monies paid as full value for the property), the grantee cannot enforce those covenants against the grantor.

I'm Curious - Attracting the Buyer

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:06:55 -0700

This is more of a cry for help from Seasoned Professionals than it is a commentary. Living and working on the Big Island of Hawaii we obviously see a lot of tourist traffic. Question is - how to get infront of a prospect who is comming over to the Islands on vacation and who may want to see property. Our tourisim industry rocks! Occupancy rates are high and all the seats on the flights over here are full. Perhaps some of you folks who live in vacation spots, retirement spots or areas of the country where folks buy vacation or second homes can offer some advice on where/how to best spend marketing dollars. I'm a rookie, funds are kinda low, so I'm looking for a huge return on a small investment! Possible?

Mahalo Nui Loa

For Sale!

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 21:41:53 -0700

Checkout my Postlets. I use http://www.postlets.com/ to build listings that then get syndicated to a bunch of real estate sites including Google, Livedeal, OOdle. But the neatest thing is that the postlets system generates HTML for you that you can then cut and paste into sites that process html such as Craigslist and Backpage! I posted a condo on Backpage in Mineapolis this morning and withing the hour I had a call from a prospective client! Here's a link to my postlets.

www.postlets.com/galleries/gallery.php?showme=AliiHomes

Appologies for the exuberance!

Latest Market Statistics for the Aloha State

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 19:42:23 -0700

Aloha From the Big Island

Alex Davidson (Reba Mae Silva Realty, LLC) — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 19:33:19 -0700

I'll be using this blog to educate readers on the goings on in the Kailua-Kona real estate market. For starters - Kaila-Kona (known also a Kona) is located on the dry and sunny west side of the Big Island Of Hawaii. You can fly directly to Kona from the US West Coast or via Honolulu from all parts of the USA and the World.

Come visit! You'll love it. Better still - come buy a second home or a vacation home on our Big Island. Seriously - now is the time to consider purchasing a home on the Island. Prices of vactant lots, single family homes and condos are slipping (that's Realtor speak for "crashing") so there are bargains to be had - some now - some on the horizon towards the end of the year - so START LOOKING NOW!

And - call me - I'd love to represent you and to show you our amazing Island.

Give me a call at (808) 268-8879 or visit my website at http://www.aliihomes.com/ to search the MLS and to view current listings. I've also posted many helpfull reports and information on how to buy real estate in Hawaii.

Mahalo Nui Loa - A Hui Hou!

Alex Davidson R(S)