8 Things to Know Before Buying a Vacation Rental Condo in Kailua-Kona, HIKailua-Kona has become a very popular place for second home/ vacation rental condo purchases. The weather is perfect year round so there really isn't an off season. The right condo will have very high occupancy rates all year. Buyers should know a few things before starting their search. 1. On the Big island, condominiums rented for less than a 30 day period need to have an STVR (short term vacation rental) permit. The application can be found at the Hawaii County Planning Department web site .2. The condo has to have the proper zoning and CC&R's that do not restrict rentals for a period of less than 30 days.3. Location matters. The condo will have higher occupancy rates if it's in a location that offers ocean view... 09/30/2021

Aloha, Lance Owens (RS) here with LUVA Real Estate bringing you our monthly sales report. Talk about some crazy numbers, let's start with......"Absorption Rate": The term absorption rate refers to a metric used in the real estate market to evaluate the rate at which available homes are sold in a specific market during a given time period. It is calculated by dividing the number of homes sold in the allotted time period by the total number of available homesWith that said, it is generally understood that anything under 15% is a buyers market, anything above 20% is a sellers market. Lets roll back a few years, and we are going to skip 2020. Back in 2018 our absorption rate was 14%, so it slightly favored buyers, FF to 2019 and it hovered around 20%, so it was slightly leaning towards bein... 07/08/2021

When we think of Hawaii, we often associate it with the beach, the sun, and a relaxing vibe that come with living life in a tropical paradise. It’s the place that comes to mind when we think of getting away from our everyday responsibilities and the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s also where we feel we can be free to not just relax but to simply exist.Indeed, isn’t it pleasant to think that there’s always that one place we can retreat to when we want to slow down, disconnect, and recharge? Well, you can stop dreaming and start living your vision by buying a property on Maui; enjoying every minute as you spend your waking hours mesmerized by the island scenery at your doorstep in beautiful Lanikeha.Full Article Here: Build Your Dream Hawaii Home in Kaanapali’s Lanikeha 07/02/2021

Aloha, Lance Owens (RS) here with KonaHomeTeam (luva llc). I go over this topic when training agents, or educating my clients, (both buyers and sellers) - some get it, some don't, and let's face it, if there was one perfect way to negotiate, we would all be doing it!What is an escalation clause you ask?Escalation clauses: This is a clause in the offer that states if a competing bona fide offer is made on the property, the buyer’s offer will automatically increase by a certain dollar amount over the competing offer up to a maximumReason #1: You just tipped your hat as to how high you are willing to go in a negotiation - that's not a very good start. I liken it to playing a game of poker, but you are the only one at the table that is placing a bet, with all your cards laid - face up! (can... 05/19/2021

Aloha, Lance Owens (RS) bringing you the latest in Real Estate News, and I can tell you first hand, ITS NOT HAPPENING! In our local market (West Hawaii), SFH sales were up 63% over last October, but more important than that, 36% of them sold for cash (see below about walking away from equity) but lets go ahead and take a look at what the "Experts" are also saying: There seems to be some concern that the 2020 economic downturn will lead to another foreclosure crisis like the one we experienced after the housing crash a little over a decade ago. However, there’s one major difference this time: a robust forbearance program.During the housing crash of 2006-2008, many felt homeowners should be forced to pay their mortgages despite the economic hardships they were experiencing. There was no e... 11/18/2020

We are excited to announce the Fall release of our valuable "Buyers Guide" ! Like we even have a "Fall" in Hawaii ! Just know that this new guide is up to date with current market conditions, how covid is affecting things like mortgage rates, home prices, and so much more. Also see what the experts are forecasting for the future. Just click the guide below, you don't have to register or give any personal information, but we do encourage you to sign up for our MLS Concierge Service and get Listing Updates sent to you instantly.  09/22/2020

I keep hearing from buyers on the fence….. “Its 2005 all over again” or “this bubble is ready to BURST !"  even better "I'm waiting for the rush of foreclosures in 2021 …  Aloha, Lance Owens (RS) with LUVA Real Estate bringing you the latest in real estate news and I wanted to point out a few differences. Those of you that have been following my blog over my 16 year career know that I have been a full time Realtor here in Kailua-Kona Hawaii since 2004, the 2018 President of West Hawaii Realtor Association of Realtors , I currently serve on the Hawaii State Board of Realtors, and the 2020/21 RPAC Trustee for WHAR, so when I reference what happened in 05,06,07….. this is not something I read on the Internet, found in a book, or heard at the water cooler. I lived it, I worked it, and I ca... 09/18/2020

 Aloha , this Lance Owens (RS) with LUVA Real Estate bringing you the latest in real estate news .For months now the vast majority of Americans have been asking the same question: When will the economy turn around? Many experts have been saying the housing market will lead the way to a recovery, and today we’re seeing signs of that coming to light. With record-low mortgage rates driving high demand from potential buyers, homes are being purchased at an accelerating pace, and it’s keeping the housing market and the economy moving.Here’s a look at what a few of the experts have to say about today’s astonishing recovery. In more than one instance, it’s being noted as truly remarkable.Ali Wolf, Chief Economist, Meyers Research"The housing recovery has been nothing short of remarkable...The ... 07/21/2020

Serenity awaits you on this lush 22.13 acre lot with breathtaking sunrises above the quaint town of Wailea. Gently sloping pastures with forested areas await the gentleman rancher or farmer or a family ready to enjoy a self-sustaining life on the Hamakua Coast. The North West boundary of the property is defined by the year round flowing Ka'ahakini Stream.A rock wall, with custom gate invites you to a circular driveway and ready to build on house pad. A 2000 sq ft warehouse with high ceilings is accessed via 2 garage doors or man door and accented with native Ohia posts and decorative rock walls. The warehouse has county water and plumbed for a shower, water closet, lavatory and utility sink. Cesspool inspection forms are attached. An exterior carport is deep enough to house a 27' traile... 06/22/2020

 SOME HIGHLIGHTS Taking a moment to reflect upon what we’ve heard from historical leaders can teach us a lot about getting through the many challenges we face today. We're all eager for the day when every American can safely return to work. That day is coming. Timing is everything. Patience is essential. Our courage, strength, and unparalleled resilience will get us there. “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination, and unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” – Harry S. TrumanDM me if you have questions about how everything happening right now impacts our local housing market and your position within it. #covid19 #wordstoliveby #inspiration #mindovermatter #motivation #mindset #inspiredaily #dreamhome #homesweethome #realestatetips #realestates... 05/08/2020

Just about a year ago we saw the County of Hawaii implement a vacation rental bill to attempt to address many of the growing issues the vacation rental industry on the Big Island of Hawaii has seen.  Through the first few months it was a learning process for everyone.  Glitches had to be worked out in the application process while thousands of applications were coming in.  Within that process we also found out that many of the "zones" were becoming an issue.  A portion of Waikoloa Beach Rosort was actually not zoned a part of  Waikoloa Beach Resort and a part of Mauna Kea Resort was actually not zoned to be a part of Mauna Kea Resort.After close to a year I am wondering if more issues got made than what existed prior or if things are getting addressed.  I still see home being built in n... 03/31/2020

North Kohala is a beautiful tropical area located at the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to the two small towns of Hawi and Kapa’au. Hawi is most famous for being the bicycle turnaround point for the annual Ironman World Championship held each October, and its charming downtown area contains many small shops, and restaurants, including the famous Bamboo Restaurant. Hawi is also the 2nd office location of Hawaii Luxury Real Estate. The other small town, Kapa’au also contains a downtown area with small shops and cafes and is home to the original King Kamehama I Statue.  A little farther south down the coast is where the gated, upscale communities of Kohala Ranch, Kohala By-the-Sea and Kohala Waterfront are located.North Kohala contains miles of pastoral, undeveloped l... 03/17/2020

The Kohala Coast is a beautiful area located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island received its name as to differentiate it between the State of Hawaii and the Island of Hawaii. Kohala is split into two areas, North Kohala and South Kohala, with North Kohala covering the more rural northern end of the island, including the small towns of Hawi and Kapaau, and the Kohala Ranch communities farther south.South Kohala, which begins just south of Kohala Ranch,covers the major, world class resorts of Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach Resorts, the small town of Waikoloa Village, located 6 miles inland from the resorts, and Waimea, the beautiful town in the interior Waimea Valley. You can find market updates for many of these areas by visiting the Market Update Pag... 02/25/2020

Mauna Kea Resort is a beautiful 1,839 acre resort located on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This Kohala Coast resort contains two world class hotels, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. These hotels are located along some of the most pristine white sand beaches in all of Hawaii. The luxurious homes located in Mauna Kea Resort are second to none, with everything from private oceanfront homes to condos with sweeping ocean views.  The Mauna Kea Resort also offers its residents access to two Championship Golf Courses, the Seaside Tennis Club, a Fitness Center, and the Mauna Kea Spa. Some of the many restaurants include Number 3, the Hua Tree Lanai, the Copper Bar Cafe, Clambake and the Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar. View all homes for sale in the Mauna Kea... 02/18/2020

Waikoloa Village is a charming community located 6 miles inland from the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This lovely community covers over 19 square miles and is a mixture of condominiums and single-family homes.  Waikoloa Village offers its residents wonderful amenities such as an 18-hole golf course, a community swimming pool and tennis courts.  Also, within Waikoloa Village is the Waikoloa Highlands Shopping Center, which contains many shops and restaurants, including the Waikoloa Village Market, Island Lava Java and Pueo’s Osteria Italian restaurant. With its proximity to the world-famous resorts and beaches on the Kohala Coast, Waikoloa Village makes an affordable alternative for the savvy buyer looking for their Hawaiian Dream Home. View all homes for sale in Waikoloa Vill... 02/11/2020

The Kohala Coast is a magnificent area located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Big Island received that name as to differentiate it between the State of Hawaii and the Island of Hawaii. Kohala is split into two areas, North Kohala and South Kohala, with North Kohala covering the more rural northern end of the island, that includes the two small towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, as well as the Kohala Ranch communities at the southern end. South Kohala, which begins just south of Kohala Ranch, covers the major, world class resorts of Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach Resorts, the small town of Waikoloa Village, located 6 miles inland from the resorts and Waimea, the beautiful town in the interior Waimea Valley. You can find market updates for many of these areas by visi... 01/28/2020

The Kohala Coast is the majestic area located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The name Big Island came about as to distinguish it from the State of Hawaii. Kohala is split into two areas, North Kohala and South Kohala, with North Kohala covering the northern, more rural end of the island, which includes the small towns of Hawi and Kapa’au, as well as the Kohala Ranch neighborhoods a little farther south. South Kohala covers the world class resorts of Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani and Waikoloa Beach Resorts', the small town of Waikoloa Village, located 6 miles inland from the resorts, and Waimea, the beautiful town in the interior Waimea Valley. You can find market updates for many of these areas by visiting the Market Update Page on my website.  The sales volume in all market seg... 01/21/2020

Waikoloa Beach Resort is a beautiful resort located on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This world famous Kohala Coast resort contains everything to make your Hawaiian experience complete. Waikoloa Beach Resort is home to the Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.  here is also great shopping at the Queen’s Marketplace and the King’s Shops, and great restaurants like Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, the Macaroni Grill and the Lava Lava Beach Club. Waikoloa Beach Resort also contains two world class golf courses, the Beach Course and the King’s Course, and of course, the spectacular white sand beaches are also close by.  View all homes for sale in the Waikoloa Beach Resort.  Instantly find out the value of your Waikoloa Beach Resort home. Disc... 01/14/2020

Mauna Lani is a beautiful resort located on the West Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This Kohala Coast resort covers over 3,200 acres and contains 15 separate neighborhoods. From private oceanfront homes to secluded condos, there is something for every discerning buyer.  The Mauna Lani Resort offers its residents two Championship Golf Courses, the Mauna Lani Beach Club, and a Spa and Fitness Center. Also, within the resort are two luxury hotels, the Auberge Resort, Mauna Lani (currently closed for renovations) and the Fairmont Orchid Hotel. Both hotels offer a wide variety of activities and dining options. The Shops at Mauna Lani also provide plenty of restaurant choices, such as Tommy Bahamas’ and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. This open-air mall also consists of a selection of shops tha... 01/07/2020

North Kohala is the majestic area located at the northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is home to the two small towns of Hawi and Kapa’au. Hawi is most famous for being the bicycle turnaround point for the annual Ironman World Championship held each October, and its charming downtown area contains many small shops, and restaurants, including the famous Bamboo Restaurant. Hawi is also the 2nd office location of Hawaii Luxury Real Estate. The other small town, Kapaa’u also contains a downtown area with small shops and cafes and is home to the original King Kamehama I Statue.  A little farther south down the coast is where the gated, upscale communities of Kohala Ranch, Kohala By-the-Sea and Kohala Waterfront are located.North Kohala contains miles of pastoral, undeveloped land, as ... 12/31/2019