Understanding the Hawaii Condo Insurance Crisis In recent months, condo projects in Hawaii have faced skyrocketing insurance premiums, with some seeing increases of up to 400%. These hikes can lead to special assessments and significant increases in monthly maintenance fees for condo owners, as master insurance typically makes up about 30% of the budget. The […]
The Hawaiian islands are known for their unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and the spirit of Aloha. This spirit has a new symbol recently recognized officially: the Shaka gesture. This simple hand signal, made by extending the thumb and pinky finger while curling the other three fingers, has long been a quintessential part of […]
On March 15, 2024, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reached a settlement agreement with plaintiffs that could potentially end ongoing litigation regarding broker commissions. The $418M antitrust settlement took effect on August 17, 2024, and the final approval hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024. It’s important to note that consumers will continue to […]
Aloha, I have safely returned to the Big Island. Japan was quite hot! Before diving into the market trends… here is a brief overview of last weekend’s U.S. economic activities. Economic Activities At the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on July 30, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell announced that the policy rate would remain at 5.25-5.5%, […]
What are the determining factors of mortgage interest rate? We often hear that the mortgage rate is linked to yields of long term bonds and inflation. Here is the basics. Federal Reserve (FED) Rate: The FED sets the short-term interest rates for banks. When the FED rate goes up, borrowing money becomes more expensive for […]
While Emil and I have handled many transactions involving financing, we admit there are lots we do not know about financing. That is why we rely on experts like Todd Parsons and Origin Point to guide our clients to successful closing. Here is “Mortgage Myths” Series #2 with help from Todd. Below are some common […]
Recently, Governor Josh Green signed SB2919 into law, a significant move that impacts how vacation rentals are regulated across the state. What is SB2919? SB2919 is a new law that gives individual counties in Hawaii the authority to regulate vacation rentals. This means each county can now create and enforce its own rules and regulations […]
Aloha, At KE Team, we strive to keep our clients and friends informed about the Big Island market. Each month, we publish our data flipbook, featuring valuable insights such as Historical Median Price, Activity by Price Ranges, Active/Pending Ratio, and Inventory. We specialize in the west side of the Big Island. Key Metrics Summary for […]
If you’re looking to experience a unique slice of Big Island life, a visit to Kona Joe Coffee Farm is a must. Located in the heart of Kona, this family-owned farm offers an exceptional coffee experience unlike any other. Owners Dr. Joe and Deepa bring their passion for coffee to life through innovative farming techniques […]
