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Kauai life & real estate during Covid-19.

By Julie A. Black

Real Estate Broker/Owner with KAUAI DREAMS REALTY Kauai Real Property Specialist RB-14203

May 14, 2020 01:43 PM

Kauai life & real estate during Covid-19.

Let’s face it, if you live on Kauai during this crazy Pandemic time, you are lucky. With no new cases on Kauai in a month and no current active cases most of us are no longer deathly scared of the virus but are still wisely taking precautions.

We are able to swim, surf, walk our dogs, and go outside. Additionally, traffic jams have disappeared, and Kauai marine life is recovering. However, on the dark side it is estimated that Kauai’s unemployment is 50% and trying to file for unemployment can be a full-time job.

So far Kauai real estate has had an escrow dropout rate has been anywhere from 20-50% for agents according to an informal poll I was taking. The good news is that on primary home purchases there is a lot less competition for buyers to deal with. Prices are no longer skyrocketing but it is still to early to tell of Covid-19’s effect on the vacation rental/sales market.

The vacation rental & tourist market has taken a huge hit. TVRs and other non-essential hotels are not allowed to be opened for short term vacation rentals. We are starting to hear a hint of reopening talk slated for the end of summer. However, until there is a definite testing plan in place at the airports, opening Kauai and Hawaii up to possibly infected travelers probably won’t happen. Timing of tourism and vacation rentals opening up on Kauai will go hand in hand with a definite screening process and procedures. Screening processes and procedures should be one of our State’s top priorities.

With a delay in opening up Kauai for tourism, there will be a softening of the sales of vacation rentals. The softening will be short termed as Kauai will still be seen as a very desirable place to visit and live.

it’s been a confusing time for Kauai Realtors as well as the general public during these past couple months of executive orders, emergency rules and Proclamations. We are here to help you through the maze of Kauai real estate during this time.

Hawaii Property Management Questions & Answers:

Do my tenants have to pay rent during the Pandemic?
Yes, they are still obligated to pay rent but if they can't communicate with your tenants. Send them to organizations such as Catholic Charities and Kauai Economic Opportunity to get help with rental payments.

Are the provisions of the landlord code still in effect?
Yes, so far the code has not been suspended by and Proclamation or order.

Hookena 204, Puhi. This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome has been remodeled and is ready to move into. 2 car garage and fenced back yard. $549,900. MLS# 638790. Click link to see more photos.

Sales person Kela Caspillo RS-75011 & myself wearing our masks while getting our exercise at Anahola Beach. This was taken on her due date. As of today I am a grandma of a 2 week+ baby boy.

CHECK KAUAI'S COVID-19 NUMBERS

Stay healthy & stay safe. Sending Aloha your way.

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John Juarez

The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA

ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Congratulations on your new grandson, Julie A. Black! We have two granddaughters and miss them dearly since they live several states away from us. Normally, we would visit them or they would visit us, but not now during this pandemic.

We stayed at the Sheraton Kauai Resort for a week in January and enjoyed it. We have visited Kauai and other islands numerous times and are looking forward to our next visit...whenever that may be.

Jul 30, 2020 11:47 AM

Roy Kelley

Gaithersburg, MD

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I was looking for your current posts. I hope all is going well for you.

Take care and be safe.

Jan 20, 2021 05:28 AM

Kauai life & real estate during Covid-19.

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Julie A. Black

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