Steven M. Starnes's (stevestarnes) Blog

The fruits are large with pyramidal spines on the shell. The size can range from 2 to 10 pounds for most cultivars.  Durian is an acquired taste for most who grew up outside of tropical southeast Asia.  You just have to get past the smell the first time.  I leave the fruit outside on the lanai un...

Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) is one of my favorite flowering trees. The 4 inch long yellow flowers are highly fragrant and are reported to be used as one of the scents in Chanel Number 5 perfume.  Its scent is quite unique and unlike anything else that I've experienced.  On warm sunny afternoons...

Data from Hawaii Information Service for the period 1/1/2009 to 10/14/2009 Residential Sales: 16 sold. Average Sale Price: $191,243 Median Sale Price: $206,500 Average Day on Market: 93 Average Sale Price/List Price: 96.1% Average Home Price at the market peak (7/2005 to 6/2006): $237,112 Land Sa...

  Leilani Residential: Number of Sales: 14 Lowest Sale Price: $115,000 Highest Sale Price: $310,000 Average: $186,150 Median: $190,000 Average Day On Market: 165 Average Sale/List Price: 91.8% Average Residential Sale Price during the market peak (7/2005 to 6/2006) : $302,028 Land: Number of Sale...

Located at the corner of Hibiscus and Lehua St. in Nanwale Estates.  Corner lot is 9026 sq. ft. and the adjacent lot is 8844 sq. ft.  Both lots are larger than the typical lot (8040 sq.ft.).  Electric poles are about 400 ft. away.  Located in quiet area with few existing houes.  Seller will consi...

Fairly level forested lot at approximately 2200 ft. elevation. About 20 miles from Hilo and convenient to the Volcano National Park. Seller financing is possible with adequate down payment. Driving Directions from Hilo: Hwy. 11 toward Volcano. Turn Right on Lehuanani (paved). Turn left on Rd. 3 (...

 Data summary is for 1/1/2009 to 9/23/2009: Number of Home Sales: 96,   Average Sale Price: $312,067      Median Sale Price: $288,500   Average Sale Price/List Price: 94.2%    Average Days on Market: 116 At the market peak in 2006 there were a total of 304 home sales with an Average sale price of...

Stemmadenia is a genera of shrubs and small trees native to trees native to the new world tropics (ie. Southern Mexico to South America).  The species that I grow has 3 inch white fragrant flowers and glossy deep green leaves. Plants begin to bloom at 3 to 4 ft. tall when approximately 2.5 years ...

It is a good time to invest in property on the east side of the Big Island. Just compare the difference in sale prices at the market peak (late 2005/early 2006) and this year.  Orchidland Estates Land Sales: Number of Sales: 16 Median Sale Price for 2009: $37,500.00 Average Sale Price: $40,093 L...

Well maintained home in excellent condition. White tile counter-tops in the kitchen. Tile and laminate flooring throughout the home. Owners painted much of the interior within the past year. Window coverings (blinds and drapes) stay with the house. Concrete walkway surrounds the house. Gargage wa...