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Cash is king these days

I have to share with you that I thrive in competitive environments. I always put my best foot forward when representing either buyers or sellers, but this market is truly favoring cash. In talking to peers and submitting strong offers on behalf of buyers who are utilizing conventional loans it is clear to see that cash is reflecting more and more at the closing table. I don’t discourage my buyers who are utilizing conventional loans as they still have chances of making a deal happen, but I also talk to them about setting realistic expectations and being ready to embrace the offer responses. The housing market in North Kona is seeing a major downturn, with residential property sales down 57% from last year. On the other hand, the median is at $1,188,888 million ( up 20% from last year’s data)

Condo sales are up this month by 10% if we compare them to last year’s data, and some complexes are super hot where multiple offers are being presented.

So what to do?

If you are a seller and your home is experiencing slow activity, keep a close eye on your pricing strategy. Pricing your property properly and at market value will take you to your next goals. To discuss strategy in detail, feel free to give me a ring and I will gladly prepare a report and provide you guidance.

If you are a buyer utilizing conventional financing, ride the incoming waves. Interest rates may be on the raise again in the near future so save as much cash as possible to reflect a higher downpayment.

If you are cash – your chances of getting the property that you want are very high.

So to summarize, the housing market has seen a significant shift in recent months. As prices are still up and sales volume continues to decline it seems that there will be more changes happening soon. Stay tunned…

Check out these closings from South Kohala to North Kona March 28th-29th (the majority reflecting cash closings)

# of Sales on The Big Island of Hawaii – March 2023

137

Residential

183

Vacant Land

41

Condos
News and Economy

March Updates

County of Hawai'i

County expected to grant $7.5 million to 13 nonprofits for housing, homelessness on Big Island

Department of Transportation

If you received your Hawaii driver’s license or state identification card in the mail in February, your card might have an error.

The state Department of Transportation announced in a press release Monday that it discovered an error on licenses and ID cards. The “Hawaii” text in the top left corner was misprinted due to hardware used by the state’s license vendor. The misprinted cards show “Hawaii” in plain sans-serif typeface instead of a script typeface.

Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant

A plan to renovate the decrepit Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant is now a two-part project.

Shark Attack

A man in his 60s was attacked this March while swimming in Anaehoomalu Bay in South Kohala. Please be careful out there!

Business

A kamaaina company that claims to be the biggest seller of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts has collided at the Legislature with local macadamia producers over whether Hawaii-branded products containing foreign macadamias should say so. The story continues to develop...

Social Issues

Changes to a bill providing additional support for the state's ʻOhana Zone pilot program could help create more transitional housing for homeless individuals.

Kona Community Hospital Needs Our Support

The pharmacy at Kona Community Hospital needs an additional $2.3 million from the state Legislature to comply with federal regulations or risk closure, potentially affecting over 500 chemotherapy patients.

Be careful with this company

A Beverly Hills-based developer has plans to build a 324-acre, luxury oceanfront property in the rural South Kona district of the Big Island of Hawai'i and it’s setting the local community on edge.
Called "the Kona Estates at Opihihale" (https://investinkona.com) the luxury resort would include 60 homes with villas or large houses. It would also have a 40-villa luxury lodge where prospective residents could stay. The developer is actively soliciting investors with a minimum investment of $100,000. - Please do your research as this company does not have county or state land use approvals. Applications have not been filed as well. Please contact the county for more details

Interest Rates

The national average 30-year fixed mortgage APR is 7.32%, up 15 basis points over the last week. according to bankrate.com

Small Business Owners of Kailua Kona

I had the pleasure of featuring all of these amazing small business owners of Kailua Kona! Click on the video to see the post.

Made with Love❤️

Property Highlight

73-1181 Mahilani Dr

Beautiful property in Kona Highlands

Purchase Price: $1,250,000

Welcome to the ULTIMATE Rental in Kailua Kona featuring expansive ocean views! This unique property is a dream come true for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty and convenience of living in paradise with added long-term rental income potential.❤️

Property Highlight

Here is a video that highlights

73-1181 Mahilani Dr

Top 5 favorite things about this property

If you need more information about this property, please feel free to send me an email directly ❤️ Buyers due diligence package available upon request.

Willie's Hot Chicken

Have you been to Willie's Hot Chicken I had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Wilson, owner and operator of Willies Hot Chicken 🐓❤️🔥 His restaurant serves the most delicious and juicy chicken in Kona. He and his team have perfected the crispy fried chicken recipe! This business owner brings so much passion and hard work to our local community 💎 Mahalo Alan!

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Letters, Principal Doctrines, and Vatican Sayings❤️

Maly RomeroReal Estate Consultant