Greetings!
We hope that this new year finds you healthy, happy and spending your time in a place that you love, surrounded by good friends and family. It is a time to look back and to look forward at the possibilities ahead. Looking back, we are proud of the accomplishments we have already made in the industry as Accredited Buyer Representatives and Graduates of the Realtor Institute. We resolved to continue to improve our skills in 2007 and we are proud of what we were able to accomplish (see below).
In 2008, we will continue to strive to provide the highest level of professional service for all of our clients. Please let us know if you, or a friend or family member, are ready to purchase or sell a resort property this year in Hawaii, California or Nevada. We look forwrad to helping you make your dreams of living the resort lifestyle come true!
Aloha,
Don & Sylvia |
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| The Whales are Back! |
 It's whale watching season again in Hawaii. Every year two thirds of the Pacific Humpback whale population migrates from their Alaska feeding grounds to spend the winter season in Hawaii's warm tropical waters. These magnificent Humpbacks can weigh up to 40 tons and reach 50 feet in length. The average life span of a whale is between 30 and 40 years old. Scientists estimate tht between 4,000 and 5,000 whales migrate to Hawaii each year, crossing 3,000 miles of ocean to reach their destination. You can see whales from almost any shoreline, but the Kilauea Lighthouse is our favorite spot. Situated on Kauai's northern most shore and high above the ocean, you are nearly surrounded by water. There are volunteers to help point out the latest sightings and binoculars and telescopes you can borrow. The entry fee is $5 per person for everyone over 16 years old. Or you can use your National Park Golden Eagle Pass. Kilauea Point is open from 10am to 4pm daily, so we recommend arriving before 3pm to get the most from your visit. Local charter boating companies also offer up-close and personal whale watching trips, but remember this is the winter season and you could be in for a bumpy ride. If you are spending enough time in Kauai, you might want to explore the many opportunities to volunteer. Whether you participate in the annual whale count or as a trained docent, there are many ways you can donate your time and energy to helping to protect these incredible marine mammals. The Kauai Volunteer Programs Coordinator for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is Jean Souza. You can contact her by phone at 808-246-2860 or email jean.souza@noaa.gov. The Kilauea Point Natural History Association supports local education, community and research projects and runs the lighthouse gift shop. For more information on the Association, check out their website at www.kilaueapoint.org. For more information about the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, you can use this link to check out their website: CLICK HERE |
| Kauai's Top Home Sales in 2007 |
#1 - Anini Vista Drive $9,000,000
#2 - Pali Moana at Seacliff $7,800,000
Makanano Place at Seacliff Estates
#3 at $7,000,000 and #6 at $6,000,000
#4 Kalihi Quarry in Kilauea $6,500,000
#5 Kaumaulii Highway Waimea $6,100,000
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| Kauai Resort Property Year in Review |
 It has been a challenging year, but we held our own in Kauai's resort markets of Princeville and Poipu. Here is how 2007 compared to 2006, according to MLS statistics:
RESORT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Homes Sold in 2006: 81
Homes Sold in 2007: 77 (Down 5 Homes)
Average Price in 2006: $1,363,490
Average Price in 2007: $1,184,998 (Down 13%)
Average Days on Market in 2006: 105
Average Days on Market in 2007: 174 (Up 69 days)
RESORT CONDO PROPERTIES
Condos sold in 2006: 191
Condos sold in 2007: 186 (Down 5 Condos)
Average Price in 2006: $712,631
Average Price in 2007: $897,888 (Up 26%)
Average Days on Market in 2006: 80
Average Days on Market in 2007: 135 (Up 55 days)
TOTAL RESORT PROPERTY SALES IN 2006: $246,555,202
TOTAL RESORT PROPERTY SALES IN 2007: $258,251,960
TOTAL SALES VOLUME UP 5%!
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Here is a look at what we have been able to accomplish in 2007. Don spend time this last year serving on the Board of Directors of the Villas of Kamali'i and Alii Kai II in Princeville. In the winter of 2007, Don become a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), the highest professional designation awarded to those in residential real estate.
In the Spring, we both attended courses in Truckee, California with other Resort Real Estate professionals from throughout California, Nevada and Hawaii. We received the "Resort and Second Home Property Specialist" designation from the National Association of Realtors and came away with new ideas, new contacts and a new appreciation of how lucky we are to work in this incredible environment.
As you may already know, we began our real estate careers in the Lake Tahoe area and are licensed in California and Nevada as well as Hawaii. Both Lake Tahoe and Kauai are premier resort areas with a deep appreciation for the natural environment, outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment and the best things in life. We have found that these assets are highly prized by visitors, residents and part-time resident. We believe that the value of these beautiful places will only continue to appreciate in the future.
As we have seen the quality and value of premier resort properties continue to rise, we were determined to continue to improve our skills to better meet the needs of this discerning market. In November, we traveled to Coral Gables, Florida where we completed training for the Institute of Luxury Home Market. The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing is a professional membership organization for real estate agents who work with upscale properties and clientele. As a member, we now have acess to valuable resources, contacts and training to better serve the high end market.
As we look forward to 2008, we see predictions of lower interest rates and increasing demand for premier real estate in resort areas. If you have any questions about resort real estate properties, please give us a call. And be sure to check out our website: www.KauaiHomesandMore.com where you can do your own search for properties.
Sincerely,
Don & Sylvia Leutz
Realtor Brokers
Century 21 All Islands
PS: Let us know if you would also like to receive our Tahoe area newsletter "Tahoe View". |
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| Resort Lifestyle Property Specialists |
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Also licensed in California
and Nevada serving clients in the Lake Tahoe Area
Accredited Buyer Representatives (ABR)
Graduates of the Realtor Institute (GRI)
Members, Luxury Home Marketing Institute
Resort and Second Home Property Specialists
DON IS A CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST (CRS)
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| Email us for Information on any resort property in Hawaii |
OUR FEATURED LISTINGS
ALII KAI IN PRINCEVILLE
Relax on the Lanai and watch the whales, birds, cruise ships and the world go by from this beautiful Alii Kai Condo. You can also enjoy the ocean views from the living room, dining area, kitchen and both bedrooms. There are two bedrooms and two baths. This Princeville condo is currently a successful vacation rental, but it could also be your own personal retreat from it all. For more photographs and a virtual tour, check out the Real Estate Page on our Website at:
MLS#174619
$937,500
VILLAS OF KAMALI'I
IN PRINCEVILLE
This luxury townhome is a golfer's dream overlooking the 4th tee of the Makai Woods Golf Course and just steps away from the club house, putting green, swimming pool and tennis courts. Villas of Kamali'i is one of only three private gated communities in Princeville and has its own pool and spa. This spacioius town house has three bedrooms and three baths and an enclosed one car garage. Although nearly new, it has been upgraded with Travertine tile flooring, built-in Koa Cabinets, slab granite counters. Plus the elegant furnishings are included.
For more photographs and a virtual tour, check out the Real Estate Page on our Website at:
MLS#193435
$997,000
MORE FUN FACTS
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The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Timeshare is slated to Open in April 2008.
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The nation's largest coffee plantation is on Kauai! The Kauai Coffee Company harvested more than 2.3 million pounds of coffee this year, and best of all, they offer free samples at their visitor center near Kalaheo.
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Honolulu had the highest rate of home price appreciation in the nation, rising 14.79% over the last year.
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The highest priced home sale in U.S. history is reportedly in the works. The Colorado Ranch formerly owned by Malcolm Forbes is said to be in escrow. The asking price is $175 million! In addition to a lovely home, the property includes more than 1,000 acres.
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