1SG (Ret) David and Tonya Kucic

Interest Rate Reduction: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:41:17 -0500

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate

Serving our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coasties located at: Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hickam Air Force Base, Pearl Harbor, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Camp H.M. Smith, Coast Guard Station Honolulu, Barbers Point Naval Air Station and Kunia Tunnel.

For many years, those of us wearing military uniforms were protected by the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940. It was amended, changed to "The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act" and signed into law on December 19, 2003 as public law and can be found at 50 United States Code Appendix Sections 501-593.

Find out more at the Housing and Urban Development Website.

HERE IS THE REAL REASON FOR THIS POST..........

One of my Active Duty clients stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii was recently deployed to Iraq after I sold him a home in Kapolei, Hawaii a few years ago. He and I stayed in touch during his deployment and one day just prior to his redeployment back to Hawaii, he asked me about refinancing his Kapolei, Hawaii property. Once he told me what his current rate was, I put him in touch with my loan officer to see if a refinance would be in his best interest. He was qualified for a VA Streamline Refinance but his rate would have only gone down to 6.25% which was not very cost effective for him. I suggested that he check on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

His current interest rate was fixed at 6.5%, VA 30 year and it appeared that he may be protected under the Civil Relief Act. Being the good Soldier that he is, he got in touch with his bank via email and they told him he is qualified. He sent them the necessary paperwork and YOU WONT BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED! Not only did they reduce his interest rate to 6% at no cost to him but they also sent him a check for the difference in interest rate payments for the entire time he was deployed (15 months) which was in excess of several thousand dollars. His rate will remain at 6% for as long as he is in the military or until he sells, refinances etc....

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is not specific about what type of program the borrower has. I have a dual military, active duty neighbor that hired a lousy, uneducated realtor/loan officer to sell him a house. They put him in the house on an 80/20 mortgage and now his payments are going through the roof (ARM). His rate resets in 2010 and he is very nervous. Since the Relief Act does not state what type of program the borrower has, he may be entitled to the rate reduction since he was deployed.

I sure hope it works for him too.

So.......if you have any clients, friends, neighbors that were deployed after buying a home and they are currently in trouble with their mortgage, check to see if they are qualified for the program too.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act covers more than mortgage interest rate reduction. Here are a few of the most common uses:

Reduced interest rate on mortgage payments
Reduced interest rate on credit card debt
Protection from eviction if the rent is $1,200 or less
Delay of all civil court actions such as bankruptcy, foreclosure and divorce proceedings

http://www.tropiclightningrealestate.com/

David Kucic, 808-218-9338

Hawaii Real Estate Short Sales

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:49:34 -0500

David Kucic RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

If you are looking for a property in Hawaii and want to get it through a short sale, you need to do your homework.

Short sales take longer to close than normal real estate transactions because the bank is the one making the decision on the offer. As an example, I submitted an offer for one of my clients 2 weeks ago and we still have not heard back from the bank yet as to the status of the offer. When we finally find out, it will be another 30 to 45 days or more to close the transaction.

Do you want to move into the short sale purchase that you are making? Plan on taking between 45 and 90 days before you can move in (from the time you submit your offer). Some transactions will be slower and some will be faster. It all depends on the speed at which the bank works. If the home needs a lot of work, you still may not be able to move into it even after it becomes yours because of the work that needs to be done on the home.

Some banks are better than others and are very responsive. Others are very hard to get in touch with and make it very discouraging for buyers to pursue purchasing a short sale.

When thinking about a short sale, make sure you know what you are really getting into and how long it may take. Your realtor will have more information for you and can advise you on short sales.

Tropic Lightning Real Estate: What a Name!

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:36:47 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

There are small, medium and large real estate companies in Hawaii. Some have major corporate names, some are named after individuals and some have other sorts of names. I am sure there is good reason why companies choose their names.

The company that I selected to be associated with is Tropic Lightning Real Estate. Our military family knows all to well that the 25th Infantry Division from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii is nicknamed "The Tropic Lightning Division" and that is the first clue of WHO WE ARE!

Tropic Lightning Real Estate was opened just over a year ago by Ed Baumgartner, Sergeant Major, US Army, Retired. Ed and I served together on active duty together at Schofield Barracks prior to our retirement. Ed was the 25th Infantry Division Chemical Sergeant Major and I was the First Sergeant for 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division. Ed retired about 6 months prior to me and got his Hawaii real estate license shortly after retirement.

We both worked for a medium size company on the island prior to working at Tropic Lightning Real Estate. Our company has one mission: "Taking care of our military family as they pursue the dream of owning real estate in Hawaii or selling their real estate in Hawaii". We still believe in and live by the same principles that guided us through our combined 51 years of active military service: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. While it may not seem like these can be applied to Hawaii Real Estate, you can bet they are definitely a part of the Tropic Lightning Real Estate business philosphy.

Tropic Lightning Real Estate operates on low overhead and there is never any pressure to make sales. We are not salesmen at Tropic Lightning Real Estate. A salesman is someone that will sell you something that you may not want. We will only assist you in finding something that you do want.

We are equal opportunity and are happy to service any civilian clients that are not associated with the military. Many of our satisfied clients are civilians that have no affiliation with the military but are extremely glad that they found this small company providing such great service.

For all of your Hawaii real estate needs, visit us on the web at www.davidkucic.com.

Living and Golfing in Ewa Beach, Hawaii By 1SG (Ret) David Kucic

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:59:26 -0600

By: David Kucic, Real Estate Agent
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

"I recommend Ewa Beach because I live and beleive in Ewa Beach"

Each day that I wake up in my home located in Ewa Beach, Hawaii I realize that I am lucky not only to live in Ewa Beach but also because I live in Hawaii.

My family and I are firm beleivers in real estate in Ewa Beach and always introduce this growing area to all of our clients. The majority of our clients are military and they understand value, quality and potential for future growth. Our civilian clients are equally well informed about the same.

If you are a golfer like I am then you will also love living in Ewa Beach! Since we are in the warm, dry and sunny area of the island of Oahu, there is an attraction to have a lot of golf courses right here in Ewa Beach.

A list of our golf courses located in Ewa Beach:

1) Hawaii Prince Golf Club home of the Hawaii State Open.

2) Coral Creek Golf Course

3) New Ewa Beach Golf Course (no website)

4) Barbers Point Military Golf Course (civilians welcome if accompanied by a military ID card holder)

5) Westloch Golf Course (operated by the city and county of Honolulu)

6) Ewa Villages Golf Course (operated by the city and county of Honolulu)

7) Hoakalei Country Club and Resort (under construction. Designed by Ernie Els).

Just a bit further to the North on Ft Weaver Road is Royal Kunia Country Club which has fantastic views of Pearl Harbor. Mark Rolfing featured this course on his "Golf Hawaii" television show on the Golf Channel.

Next door to Ewa Beach in the city of Kapolei you will find Ko'olina Golf Club that just hosted the LPGA's Fields Open and also Kapolei Golf Course.

When you are ready to start searching for real estate in Hawaii and you want a location with Maximum Golf opportunity, check out my city, Ewa Beach!

www.davidkucic.com

mailto:david@davidkucic.com

(808) 218-9338

Ewa Beach, Hawaii and Ft. Weaver Road Report by David Kucic (1SG, Ret)

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:44:39 -0600

By: David Kucic, Real Estate Agent
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

VIDEO NUMBER 2 SHOT FROM THE INTERSECTION OF FT. WEAVER ROAD AND KOLOWAKA DR.

As a resident of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, I know what it is like to live here and to deal with our "terrible traffic". I decided to go out this morning and shoot some video footage of our "terrible traffic" so you can see for yourself that it really IS NOT AS BAD AS MANY LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE.

Why are there a lot of vehicles going in and out of Ewa Beach each day? Because all of these residents that live here know what it is like to get a quality newer house in a very affordable area, near beaches and shopping, most with central air conditioning on the dry side of the island (where it doesnt rain much) and all they have to do is deal with a little bit of traffic.

This first clip was shot on March 5, 2008 at 7:00 am. It shows the traffic on Ft. Weaver Road going out of Ewa Beach.

1SG (Ret) Kucic Video Clip of Ewa Beach Traffic

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:20:00 -0600

By: David Kucic, Real Estate Agent
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

This first clip was shot on March 5, 2008 at 7:00 am. It shows the traffic on Ft. Weaver Road going out of Ewa Beach.

For all of your Hawaii Real Estate needs, call David Kucic at (808) 218-9338, email me at david@davidkucic.com or visit me on the web at www.davidkucic.com

Living In Ewa Beach by 1SG (Ret) David Kucic

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:22:01 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Retired)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

"WE LIVE IN EWA BEACH, HAWAII ON THE ISLAND OF OAHU AND LOVE THIS CITY. WE COULD LIVE ANYWHERE ON THE ISLAND IF WE WANTED TO BUT WE WILL STAY IN EWA BEACH. THIS IS A GREAT COMMUNITY AND HAS PLENTY OF POTENTIAL FOR THE FUTURE". (David Kucic, Hawaii Real Estate Agent, Top Producer, Ranked in the top 4% of ALL HAWAII REAL ESTATE AGENTS FOR 2005-2007, ALOHA AINA AWARD NOMINEE 2006, 2007, First Sergeant, United States Army, Retired).

The public and many residents of Oahu are very, very misinformed about life in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. It is unfortunate that there is so much mis-information going on because Ewa Beach is by far one of the best places to live on the island of Oahu.

I understand it is not for everyone. Ewa Beach is a growing community. There are newer shopping centers that have either been built or are in the planning stages of being built. Safeway grocery store will soon break ground in Ewa Beach and bring approximately 25-50 additional shops with them in a strip mall on the corner of Fort Weaver road and Keaunui Drive.

What you can find with real estate in Ewa Beach:

New or newer construction, central air conditioning is standard in all newer townhomes and single family homes, larger interiors (more sf per $), the lot sizes are bigger per $ and MOST IMPORTANTLY, you get a lot of home for your money (if that is something important to you). Homes that may cost 800k to 2 million dollars on many other parts of the island may be found in Ewa Beach for 500k to 1.2 million. These homes can be found in the Ewa by Gentry Communities and the Ocean Pointe Community.

Ewa Beach has PLENTY OF SUNSHINE! If you moved to Hawaii to enjoy warm weather and sunshine, then the Leeward Coast (Ewa Beach) is a great place to live. If it gets too hot then go inside your house and turn on the central AC!!!

For those consumers that have been thinking about living in Ewa Beach, I am going to elaborate on the biggest complaint about Ewa Beach which is the TRAFFIC ON FORT WEAVER ROAD. Is it REALLY that bad?

It depends on your definition of "bad". From Schofield Barracks, Hawaii to the intersection of Geiger Road and Fort Weaver Road will take approximately 25-35 minutes during heavy traffic in the afternoon and evening. Travelling out of Ewa Beach in the morning will take you approximately 25-35 minutes to get to Schofield Barracks if you travel during the heavy traffic time.

Traveling at other times during the day will allow you the same drive as described above but you can cut 5-15 minutes off your commute.

Is it worth the extra 5-15 minutes to deal with some traffic? Thats up to you but I say YES!

For all of your Hawaii real estate needs, contact the Team from Tropic Lightning Real Estate (808) 218-9338 or stop by and visit us on the web at www.TropicLightningRealEstate.com

Pearl City, Hawaii Home For Sale in Pacific Palisades Neighborhood

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:18:09 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Retired)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

Home For Sale in Pearl City, Hawaii

$625,500

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Interior living space: 1,794 sf and a lot size of 7,196 sf. Not included in these numbers is an additional 660 sf "basement" and 600 sf carport. There is enough paved parking for at least 10 vehicles on the property.

Not many homes come on the market in Pacific Palisades. The neighborhood is well established and most homeowners plan on staying for a long time.

As luck would have it, I have a client that retired from the United States Navy and now it is time for him and his family to move back to the mainland. The owners will accept veterans eligibility under the Hawaii VA Home Loan Guaranty.

For your personal showing of this home, contact me anytime via email or telephone.

The picture below shows the exterior view of the "basement". The basement is not located underground but is located on the lower level of the home. This room is approximately 660 sf.

Great views of Pearl City and Pearl Harbor can be seen from the backyard and several of the rooms in the house.

The kitchen, eat in kitchen area, living room and dining room are all located in a large "great room". The dining room cannot be seen in this photo.

For all of your Hawaii real estate needs, contact the number one team on the island!

www.davidkucic.com, www.tropiclightningrealestate.com

mailto:david@davidkucic.com

phone 808-218-9338

Hawaii Subprime Mortgage Delinquency and Comparison 3rd Quarter 2007

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:16:05 -0600

David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

Are you interested in Hawaii Real Estate but remain "sitting on the fence" until you wait a while longer to "see whats gonna happen?"

Below are the statistics that were presented the other day by Paul Brewbaker, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for the Bank of Hawaii as he spoke to us at the Leeward Regional Group meeting in Hawaii on February 20th. This is the second time I have gone to see Paul Brewbaker speak about Hawaii Real Estate trends in the past several weeks. He is one hell of an interesting speaker.

This list is not all inclusive and I do not have the information as to where the other states rank.

Number 1 starts with the state that has the MOST DELINQUENCIES. You may expect this from Mississippi as the wonderful people in that state were unfortunate to have had Hurricane Katrina which is probably why they are at the #1 spot. Michigan is also up there too because of automobile manufacturing plants closing in that state.

1. Mississippi
2. Michigan
3. Georgia
4. Missouri
5. Tennessee
10. Louisiana
27. Virginia
28. District of Columbia
30. New Jersey
31. California
38. New York
40. Arizona
42. Colorado
46. Washington
47. Utah
48. Wyoming
49. Oregon

50. HAWAII ********* Maybe this will give you a little shove off that fence!

Facts and figures are deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

For all of your Hawaii Real Estate needs, visit your Hawaii Real Estate Experts at:

www.TropicLightningRealEstate.com or www.DavidKucic.com

Great Day in Hawaii For A Grateful Client, A Great Agent and Hawaii Golf

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:40:13 -0600

David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

I had a closing today for a client that is one of the nicest people on the planet. We closed on her vacation/investment dream home at the Ko'olina Resort Communtiy of "Kai Lani" located in Kapolei. The property is a fantastic ocean front condo and one of the few places on the resort where you can truly have "ocean front". She was choked up and almost in tears when I called her this morning to let her know that the transaction recorded and now belonged to her. She will fly in on Saturday to start enjoying her new Hawaii getaway.

The agent on the other end of the transaction was AWESOME! She is extremely professional, courteous and diligent in her work. Her name is Rachel Dowell and she works for Armstrong Properties LTD. Isn't it wonderful to work with a TRUE professional on the other end of a transaction?

The condo is located just across the street from the 12th hole at the Ko'olina Golf course where the Fields Open is currently taking place. This is an LPGA event and draws the top women golfers from around the world.

After I gathered the keys and garage remotes for the property, I walked across the street to watch a few groups play through. For all of you golf nuts out there, I couldnt have picked a better time to make that decision because the first two groups that came through consisted of Morgan Pressel and Annika Sorenstam in the first group and Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer in the second group. Only true golf fans would know why those were great groups to watch!

My beautiful wife Tonya Kucic is volunteering again at the tournament. She is located at the 11th tee box and took this picture with Morgan Pressel yesterday during the Pro-Am.

Kai Lani Condos at the Ko'olina Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii.

The Great Aloha Run, Honolulu, Hawaii Feb 18, 2008

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:03:01 -0600

By: David Kucic RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate

TROPIC LIGHTNING REAL ESTATE AGENTS OF HAWAII COMPETE IN 8.15 MILE GREAT ALOHA RUN

Each year, Honolulu Hawaii hosts the Great Aloha Run; a 8.15 mile race from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium.

This year, there were 13,742 entrants in all different categories from expert runners, to young children to racers in wheelchairs. Some of the major participants are our military comrades from Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Pearl Harbor, Hickam Air Force Base, Tripler Army Medical Center, Camp H.M. Smith and several others across the island. As a retired Military family ourselves, we are right at home in the company of all of our fine Soldiers, Sailors, Arimen and Marines.

Tonya and I decided to represent Tropic Lightning Real Estate this year during the race. We arrived at Aloha Stadium where we boarded a shuttle bus that would take us to the starting line. After sitting around and stretching for 1.5 hours while waiting for the race to start, we began to run at approximately 7:15. The Mayor of Honolulu, Muffi Hanneman, was at the starting line and waved to everyone as they set out on the 8.15 mile journey.

Tonya and I finished at 1 hour 51 minutes which equates to a 13:40 per mile pace. That put us in finishing as number 6,921 and 6,925 out of 13,742 total competitors. The weather was perfect for the duration of the race and crossing the line inside Aloha Stadium is a great accomplishment. We look forward to competing again next year and representing Tropic Lightning Real Estate.

If you know anyone that ran in the race and you want to check out how they finished, the complete results can be found at this link:

www.greataloharun.com/results/2008/complete

For all of your Hawaii real estate needs, contact David and Tonya Kucic, Tropic Lightning Real Estate at (808) 218-9338 or visit us on the web at www.TropicLightningRealEstate.com

Ocean, Coastline and Mountain View Hawaii Home for Sale

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:43:16 -0600

Offered by: David Kucic RA                                                      Tonya Hokulani Kucic RA
                 CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD                    Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
                 First Sergeant, USA (Retired)
                 Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

Offered At: $485,000

The Leeward Coast of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful coastlines on the island with miles and miles of white sandy beaches, great waves and sunshine on the Leeward Coast of Oahu.

Our City Administration is currently in the process of spending a lot of time, man hours and money by restoring these beaches so they will be available for all to use and enjoy.

The ever changing, growing and dynamic city of Kapolei, Hawaii which is under major development is located on the Leeward Coast.

This beautiful home for sale is on a premium lot with unbelieveable ocean, coastline and mountain views. Listed at $485,000 this home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 car garage and 1,584 sf of interior living space. With a monthly maintenance fee of $262 which covers sewer, water and hazard insurance, this is certainly one of the best values on the island of Oahu. This property is approved by the VA for a VA Home Loan Purchase.

Ewa Beach, Hawaii Home For Sale: Single Family $345,000

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 12:17:04 -0600

Single family home for sale in the Lombard Way community of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Located just a short walk from award winning Holomua Elementary School. Listed at $345,000 with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,094 interior square feet of living space and a 2 car garage. Monthly maintenace fee which includes sewer, water and hazard insurance is currently $306 per month. These homes are all scheduled to have an exterior painting done within the next 12 months. Great Starter Home in Hawaii. Military Always welcome and this home is approved by the VA for a VA Home Purchase.

Hawaii Real Estate Future: Market Condition and Prediction

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:07:25 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Retired)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
Military Relocation Expert and VA Loan Homebuying Specialist

HAWAII REAL ESTATE MARKET PREDICTION AS OF FEBRUARY 7, 2008

Consumers always ask me what I think the future of the Hawaii Real Estate Market is. My response never changes when I tell them that I don't know for sure and neither does anyone else. It is just like trying to predict anything else in life only a heck of a lot more complicated.

So does anyone know what the future of the Hawaii Real Estate Market is? No. But.........we are pretty lucky to have a man named Paul Brewbaker that can give us a darn good idea. Yesterday I was invited to the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu to listen to Paul Brewbaker talk about the subject of Hawaii Real Estate.

Paul Brewbaker is the Senior Vice President and Chief Economist with Bank of Hawaii. Bank of Hawaii was voted the best managed large bank in 2007 so this was not some clown speaking. When Paul Brewbaker speaks, people listen. He is pretty damn funny too and incorporates some excellent humor into his presentations. Paul Brewbaker received his bachelor degree in economics from Stanford University and his Doctorates Degree in economics from the University of Hawaii.

What Paul does is studies trends and statistics in a way that you could never imagine. He ties all of the economic indicators together to come up with awesome easy to read and understand charts and graphs. It is a hell of a lot more complicated than what I am explaining but I am breaking it down so everyone can understand it just like he did for us. His charts and graphs showed what happened in the past with the Hawaii Real Estate Market, what is happening now and what a statistical prediction is for the future. Thats why I went to listen.

Here is my recollection of a few points that Paul made during his presentation which were the most important to me. I beleive that these points highlight my feelings and excitement for anyone wanting to purchase real estate in Hawaii over the next several years:

The Hawaii Real Estate Market may hit its low point sometime this year (2008) between March and June.
After that time, Hawaii Home Prices are expected to gradually increase as personal income increases so that the two will stay in line with eachother. This trend will continue until approximately 2012.
Prices are predicted to start increasing in 2013.
We do not have a lot of sub-prime problems in Hawaii. This is not because there were not sub-prime loans given out but for some unexplained reason, HAWAII RESIDENTS PAY BACK THEIR LOANS!
Hawaii is number 51 out of 52 states for defaults of loans. The only state that has a lower amount of defaults is Alaska.
Hawaii has a huge presence of Military with the bases at Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Ft. Shafter, Pearl Harbor, Hickam Air Force Base, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Camp H.M. Smith and Tripler Army Medical Center to name a few. Across the nation, 4% of the Gross Domestic Product is from Military Spending. In Hawaii, the percentage is much larger at 8%.
China will play a major roll in the future of Hawaii Real Estate because the value of their currency is gaining strength. They may not be purchasing Hawaii Real Estate as individual investors but they may be looking at large purchases of land, buildings and businesses.
During our last buying frenzy in Hawaii, it was people from California and a lot of baby boomers that were purchasing in Hawaii.
Another country that may be purchasing Hawaii real estate on a larger scale is Korea. They have increased (tripled) the amount of money that the Korean nationals can invest abroad.

If you are sitting on the fence post trying to figure out if it is a good time to jump in to the Hawaii Real Estate Market then you may want to make your move sooner rather than later. With excellent interest rates, a large inventory of homes and low prices what else could you be waiting for?

For all of your Hawaii Real Estate needs, professional advice and responsive service, visit Team Kucic on the web at:

www.davidkucic.com

www.TropicLightningRealEstate.com

Ewa Beach, Hawaii Single Family Home For Sale 2,060 SF, 4br, 3ba

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:29:16 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
Military Relocation Expert and VA Specialist

Listed Appropriately at $640,000. MLS#2801732

For your personal showing, contact David Kucic at (808) 218-9338 or email: david@davidkucic.com

Looking for a nice large home in a great neighborhood? The Sonoma neighborhood in Ewa Beach, Hawaii may be just the place. This community boasts 3 models of homes including the Alderbrook, Kenwood and the Santa Rosa.

This listing is of the Santa Rosa model. Listed below are some of the home and neighborhood features:

4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. One bedroom and bathroom are located on the first floor.
2,060 sf of interior living space
6,589 sf corner lot
Central Air Conditioning
Separate living room and upstairs Ohana room (family room)
Professional Landscaping
Ceramic tile and carpet
2 water lava rock water features
Backyard retreat with tropical foliage and flagstone patio
Washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave included
Direct TV and HDTV ready with 2 satellite dishes mounted
Landscape lighting
Garage shelving to help organize your belongings
VERY wide street with no parking restrictions (except the normal Hawaii state law such as no parking in front of fire hydrants).
Great neighborhood! Everyone around takes great pride of ownership in their homes.
Located in the Holomua Elementary School district which is one of the top rated public schools in the state
Within walking distance to community swimming pool, Holomua Elementary School, Foodland, Longs Drugs, Blockbuster, Starbucks, American Savings Bank, Subway, Genkhi Sushi, TCBY and more!

New Listing in Kapolei (Makakilo), Hawaii Priced Extremely Aggressive to SELL

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:31:16 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
Hawaii Military Relocation Expert and VA Specialist

Listing Price: $488,888.

Are you one of those people that are interested in Hawaii Real Estate and you have been looking for "A GOOD REAL ESTATE DEAL?" Or maybe you have been searching Hawaii Real Estate for Foreclosures or Short Sales in order to find that property that is priced below comps. In any case, this listing could be what you are looking for. The owner wants it SOLD ASAP and the comps have it valued between over 500k. This home is VA approved so Active Duty Military in Hawaii, Reservists, National Guard, Veterans and any other Military in Hawaii are welcome.

THIS HOME IS NEW ON THE MARKET AND PRICED TO SELL AND IS NOT A FORECLOSURE OR SHORT SALE.

VERY EASY TO SEE. CALL DAVID KUCIC AT (808) 218-9338 or email: david@davidkucic.com

SPECTACULAR UNOBSTRUCTED OCEAN AND COASTLINE VIEWS AND BACKS TO CONSERVATION LAND.

This home is in excellent condition and almost never lived in. It features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with 1,529 interior square feet, split AC in all bedrooms and living room, 2 car garage and a driveway long enough for 2 additional cars, ceramic tile flooring in the kitchen, bathrooms and entryway, sliding glass shower doors, dual vanity sinks in the master bathroom, walk in closet with closet system for organization and usefullness, washer, dryer, refrigerator, range, microwave hood, dishwasher, garbage disposal, security system and upgraded carpet.

The Turtle Bay Championship, Oahu, Hawaii

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:41:35 -0600

The Turtle Bay Championship in Hawaii.

If you have ever worked a tournament before, you know that most of the workers are all volunteers. On Oahu, a very large part of the volunteers are either Active Duty Military or Retired Military serving in Hawaii.

The B.O.S.S. Program from Schofield Barracks (Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers) provides the transportation around the course and many of our other veterans are scattered around the course as marshalls, gallery control, spotters, parking lot and a plethora of other positions. The Servicemembers love to get away and spend time doing volunteer work.

Tonya and I volunteer at the tournament which is a lot of fun. Yesterday, Tonya was able to stop a few players and take some pictures which I wanted to share. For you golfers out there, these should be some pretty familiar faces.

The first picture is of Ben Crenshaw and Tonya Kucic. This was specifically taken for Jay McGillicuddy.

Hale Irwin and Tonya Kucic

Tom Kite and Tonya Kucic

Lee Trevino and Tonya Kucic

While Tonya had her work out on the course, I was one of the volunteers that picked the players up from the Honolulu International Airport and drove them 45 minutes across the island to the Turtle Bay Resort. You will never beleive what we talked about during the drive.......REAL ESTATE IN HAWAII of course. The subject cant help to be brought up as we drove through the city, country and beachfront home areas.

It's very nice to live in Hawaii and be able to see some great professional tournaments each year.

All of the professional tours come to our island of Oahu to play: The regular PGA Tour, The Champions Tour and the LPGA Tour.

Aloha!

Kapolei: The Second City on Oahu, Hawaii

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 01:09:28 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Retired)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu is the major business hub of Oahu. Traffic is terrible going into Honolulu during rush hour traffic in the morning and coming back out of Honolulu in the evening. Everyone that lives or visits Oahu knows we have severe traffic problems across the island.

So what is being done to alleviate some of the congestion? We are building the "Second City" of Kapolei which is located in West Oahu. The master plan for West Oahu and Kapolei is AWESOME! The goal is to develop a city that people can live, work and play in.

This area is very attractive to Military buyers because the housing is relatively affordable compared with almost everywhere else on the island.

As of right now, many people from West Oahu, Kapolei and Ewa Beach must drive in to Honolulu each day which adds hours of sitting in miserable traffic congestion or waking up early in the morning to get on a bus. In either case, it is no fun!

Some of the projects that are currently under construction or will soon be under construction in Kapolei include:

80 Million Dollars of public roads (groundbreaking has already begun). The roads are expected to be completed by 2010 and will form the urban core of Kapolei.
11 other road projects to include the widening of Ft. Weaver road (construction has begun), Kapolei Parkway extension (two legs complete and two more legs still left to go) and Makakilo Drive extension which should link up with the new H1 interchange.
Costco and Target
New interchanges with the H1 Freeway
Walt Disney Resort at Ko'olina
Government Offices to include the Kapolei Courthouse
University of Hawaii West Oahu Campus
A new golf course
Parks
Bikeways, walking trails,
Affordable housing and executive homes

If you are interested in the next great place to invest in Hawaii, you should be SERIOUSLY considering the city of Kapolei, Ewa Beach and West Oahu.

The other areas of the island have already been built out. There is very little space to build anywhere else on the island.

So come to the Second City and get your piece of Hawaii!

www.davidkucic.com

www.hawaiipcs.com

www.tropiclightningrealestate.com

How I Made It Into The Top 4% of Hawaii Real Estate Agents

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:05:28 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate

This is my recipe for success:

ITEM NUMBER 1

Start with the greatest wife on the planet. She has been by my side for 20 years of my 22 year military career. Prior to that time, she spent her life as a child of a career Army Infantry NCO for 19 years. Tonya and I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary in February. She has held our family together through my 3 deployments to Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. She has endured countless non-combat deployments where she has taken care of the house, bills, autos, kids, work etc.....and she continues to do all of the above and more in our real estate business. Did I mention that she is an unbelieveable cook and could probably have her own tv cooking show if she desired? Great mother, volunteer, great neighbor, friend to many and the list goes on.

Without her support there would be no success for me.

Thanks Tonya. You are the greatest!

ITEM NUMBER 2

Two of the best kids that any parent could hope to have. They are respectful, intelligent and caring. Without them, I would not be motivated to be successful. I am proud of you guys and you know I would do anything for you.

Thats it. The foundation is laid with a great family and that allows me to do my job. All of the rest falls into place on its own.

Makakilo, Hawaii: 2 BR, 2 BA Condo for Rent/The Second City of Kapolei

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:53:46 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
Military Relocation Experts and VA Specialists

Your Hawaii Military Relocation Team continues to take care of Soldiers and their families as we have always done.

With the recent departure of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Stryker Brigade) of the 25th ID to Iraq, many Soldiers and other servicemembers have properties that are available for rent. Since they know the true value of purchasing real estate in Hawaii is to hold onto it long term, they have decided to use their properties as rentals.

If you are interested in a showing or would like more information please call any of these former career Soldiers or email us anytime.

David Kucic, 1SG, USA (Ret) (808) 218-9338; mailto:david@davidkucic.com

Ed Baumgartner, SGM, USA (Ret) (808) 722-4345; mailto:baumgartj003@hawaii.rr.com

John Baumgartner, SGM, USA (Ret) (808) 561-5687; mailto: jbaumgartner@hawaii.rr.com

Makakilo (Kapolei), Hawaii Real Estate for Rent

Makakilo sits just up the hill from Oahu, Hawaii's Second City of Kapolei. This 2 br, 2 ful bathroom, ground floor condo with a large yard has a beautiful, unobstructed ocean view. The home has 2 assisgned parking stalls and has brand new laminate flooring and a warm, colorful paint scheme.

Listed for rent at $2,000 per month.

www.davidkucic.com
mailto:david@davidkucic.com

3 Br, 2 Full Bathroom Condo For Rent in Mililani, Hawaii/Minutes to Schofield Barracks

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:48:08 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
Military Relocation Experts and VA Specialists

Your Hawaii Military Relocation Team continues to take care of Soldiers and their families as we have always done.

If you are interested in a showing or would like more information please call any of these former career Soldiers or email us anytime.

David Kucic, 1SG, USA (Ret) (808) 218-9338; mailto:david@davidkucic.com

Ed Baumgartner, SGM, USA (Ret) (808) 722-4345; mailto:baumgartj003@hawaii.rr.com

John Baumgartner, SGM, USA (Ret) (808) 561-5687; mailto: jbaumgartner@hawaii.rr.com

Mililani Hawaii Real Estate for Rent

The "Ridge at Launani Valley" is minutes from Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. This ground floor condo has freshly painted walls, stainless steel appliances, ceiling fans, air conditioning and 2 parking stalls directly in front of the unit. One parking stall is covered and one is uncovered. The master bedroom and full bathroom are located on the opposite side of the unit from the other 2 bedrooms which provides needed privacy.

Listed for rent at $2,400 per month.

www.davidkucic.com
mailto:david@davidkucic.com

Mililani, Hawaii 2 BR Condo For Rent/Minutes from Schofield Barracks and Wheeler AAF

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:33:23 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
Military Relocation Experts and VA Specialists

Your Hawaii Military Relocation Team continues to take care of Soldiers and their families as we have always done.

If you are interested in a showing or would like more information please call any of these former career Soldiers or email us anytime.

David Kucic, 1SG, USA (Ret) (808) 218-9338; mailto:david@davidkucic.com

Ed Baumgartner, SGM, USA (Ret) (808) 722-4345; mailto:baumgartj003@hawaii.rr.com

John Baumgartner, SGM, USA (Ret) (808) 561-5687; mailto: jbaumgartner@hawaii.rr.com

Mililani Hawaii Real Estate for Rent

This 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, 797 sf condo is located minutes from Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield. This is a ground floor unit with 2 assigned parking stalls and has a small, private, fenced lanai.

Priced at $2.100 per month.

www.davidkucic.com
mailto:david@davidkucic.com

Golfing in Hawaii: Kapalua, Maui, Waialae, Oahu and Poipu Bay, Kauai

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 01:47:19 -0600

By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

PGA Golf Hawaii: the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui and Waialae CC Honolulu, Oahu

The beginning of the 2008 PGA golf season is approaching within the next week when the Mercedes Benz Championship is played at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui. The tournament will be held January 4-7 2008.

The following week, the PGA Tour moves over to Oahu where they will play the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club January 11-14, 2008. History was made at last years Sony Open when amateur Tadd Fujikawa made the cut in the professional event.

Living in Hawaii and playing golf in Hawaii is a daily treat. Whether you are actually golfing or just along in the golf cart for the ride, Hawaii golf courses boast some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

I recently took a short golf vacation for a few days with my son and went over to the island of Kauai (20 minute flight from Oahu) where we played 2 rounds of golf at Poipu Bay Golf Course which was the previous home to PGA Tours Grand Slam of Golf. We also snuck in a 3^rd round at Puakea Golf Course which is a very nice public course.

A few photos of Poipu Bay Golf Course.......I don't need to put descriptions as the pictures speak for themselves.

www.davidkucic.com

mailto:david@davidkucic.com

Tropic Lightning Real Estate: Oahu, Hawaii

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:48:20 -0600

By: David Kucic RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii

Schofield Barracks, Hawaii is home to the 25th Infantry Division. The nickname of the Divsion is the "Tropic Lightning Division."

This was the inspiration for the name Tropic Lightning Real Estate.

The real estate agents of Tropic Lightning Real Estate are all connected to the military in one way or another. We are either retired military, active duty or a spouse.

Don't let our name fool you! Even though our name is attached to Schofield Barracks, we work extensively with all branches of the armed forces and have clients at Hickam AFB, Pearl Harbor, Camp H.M. Smith, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe and Wheeler Army Airfield to name a few.

The goal of Tropic Lightning Real Estate is simple: To provide excellent service that you would demand from a professional. We bring over 100 years of military experience into the business as real estate agents. With that comes exactly what you would expect: Dedicated service, professionalism, responsiveness and absolute loyalty.

When your time comes to consider purchasing Hawaii real estate, turn to your Military Family of professionals at Tropic Lightning Real Estate.

www.davidkucic.com
www.hawaiipcs.com
mailto:david@davidkucic.com

Hawaii 2008 Real Property Tax for Honolulu County

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 23:22:25 -0600

By: David Kucic RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate

The 2008 Real Property Assessment Notices for Honolulu County home owners were mailed out this week.

This information pertains only to the taxes for single family homes, condominiums and townhouses in Honolulu County, Hawaii. Honolulu County is the entire island of Oahu.

Hawaii real estate has seen a slight decline just like the rest of the United States but at a much lower and slower rate of decline. This bit of a decline is good news for homeowners who plan on keeping their homes rather than selling them.

For 2007, the Tax rate for Hawaii single family homes, condominiums and townhouses was taxed at $3.29 per every $1,000 of assessed value.

For 2008 on many of the areas on Oahu, the assessed value decreased because of the overall decrease in the price of Hawaii Real Estate. As long as the tax rate of $3.29 remains the same in 2008, homeowners who's assessed values went down will see a decrease in their property taxes.

I am counting on our government leaders to keep the tax rate the same.