Archive for March, 2009

Cleaning Your Wood Deck Is Easy

Sunday, March 29th, 2009 Posted in Home Care | Comments Off

Many homes on Oahu feature decks that enable owners to enjoy the great outdoors, entertain friends and family or just relax in the sunshine with a good book.  Decks require ... Read more..

Look for These Things Before You Hire a Honolulu Home Inspector

Thursday, March 26th, 2009 Posted in Buyers, Real Estate | Comments Off

Are you considering the purchase of a home in foreclosure or one in distress?  It's very likely that these homes have deferred maintenance and you must protect yourself.  After all, ... Read more..

Honolulu Leasehold Property Explained

Monday, March 23rd, 2009 Posted in Real Estate | Comments Off

Leasehold in Simple Terms You own a home or interest in a condominium on land owned by someone else (the fee holder).  The land owner earns income from monthly lease rent ... Read more..

March 2009 Hawaiki Tower Condominium Market Report Honolulu

Friday, March 20th, 2009 Posted in Hawaiki Tower, Market Reports | Comments Off

Summary If you've been complaining about high maintenance fees in your condo or buildings you've been considering, Hawaiki Tower may be just what you're looking for.  As I explained in my 2009 Honolulu ... Read more..

Main Points of the Obama Foreclosure-Prevention Initiative

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009 Posted in Mortgage Issues, Real Estate | Comments Off

Here are tentative key points of President Obama's foreclosure-prevention plan: Loan terms may be modified by reducing payments for distressed borrowers Refinancing is intended to help owners who are current on payments, but have little or no ... Read more..

2009 Honolulu Condominium Maintenance Fee Comparison

Saturday, March 14th, 2009 Posted in Condo Living | Comments Off

Many condo associations raised maintenance fees in 2009 to keep up with rising costs.  As I wrote in my 2008 Honolulu Maintenance Fee Comparison, an association's largest cost components typically include electricity, employee ... Read more..

$8,000 Tax Credit For Home Buyers

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 Posted in Buyers, Real Estate | Comments Off

Congress enacted legislation providing a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers** to stimulate the economy and revive the housing market. According to the National Association of Home ... Read more..

Home Improvements that Provide the Highest Returns

Sunday, March 8th, 2009 Posted in Home Care, Real Estate | Comments Off

Every home requires maintenance or repair over time, and if you are selling your home, you're probably interested in suggestions as to how to get the best return on your money.  ... Read more..

March 2009 Hokua at 1288 Ala Moana Condominium Market Report Honolulu

Thursday, March 5th, 2009 Posted in Hokua At 1288 Ala Moana, Market Reports | Comments Off

Summary Despite a weak economy, apartment sales continue at Hokua.  In the last six months, the average sale price has exceeded $2.2 million and five of the eight sales were cash purchases.  Tough economic ... Read more..

Install New Carpet to Preserve Your Home Value

Monday, March 2nd, 2009 Posted in Home Care, Sellers | Comments Off

Replacing worn or stained carpet is a great way to increase your home's appeal during the selling process.  Before you begin, it's important to know what is available and what will ... Read more..