| SELLERS!
Spring is almost here! The typical Summer spike in sales activity is just around the corner so it makes sense to factor that into your Real Estate planning now. The overall economy in Hawaii is still suffering but has seen some stabilization in the Real Estate market. Activity is currently holding strong. Our Kahala office is experiencing an excellent 1st Quarter. If you're thinking of selling, it's best to have it ready to show and on the market as soon as possible. The primary pool of Buyers in today's market is generally made up of 2 categories: Buyers needing a home to live in (who don't expect to move for at least 5 years) and investors who are buying but only at "fire-sale" prices way below recent sales comps. The current interest rate has moved back down to the mid 4% to low 5% range depending on the loan program. I personally closed on a investment property at 5%, 30 year fixed rate mortgage. That is a strong incentive to invest. Be sure to have a competent mortgage broker analyze every component of your proposed loan as guidelines, ratios and regulations are changing almost every day. Owner occupancy ratios, mortgage insurance requirements, new appraisal guidlines, add-on interest rates are just a few of the changes that your Realtor or mortgage professional needs to be aware of. If you'd like the most recent Honolulu Board of Realtors' statistical analysis released March 2010, let me know. I'll email it to you. Sales prices/values have seen a drop across the islands with several outer neighborhoods on Oahu having gone down significantly but seeming to have leveled off. Available inventory has gone down considerably in both single family homes and condos since last year which is a welcome postive change for Sellers! In this difficult market it behooves you to choose a more experienced agent like myself who can consistently market your property to the maximum number of potential buyers resulting in a higher gain with the least amount of worry. You also need a Realtor who will give you the straight facts about the market today that will help you make an informed decision and not miss out on any selling opportunities. Pricing is critical now more than ever. Well priced properties are actually selling in less than a week! Click on the link in my listings to see the newest video tours. It will make you want to buy in Hawaii now! Offered to Sellers as part of my marketing plan for select properties. Waiting for a better market to sell in? Right now is probably the best time to sell unless you have several years or more to wait. Call or email me for more details. If you're planning to sell your home, this FREE service is designed to help establish your home's current market value. Simply choose Market Analysis and fill out the requested information. I will use comparable sold listings to help you calculate the fair market value of your home.
If you're thinking of selling, be sure to interview me. I am one of the very few Realtors on Oahu who showcases their property listings as featured homes on the world's biggest web site, Realtor.com. I also use full motion video tours (not to be confused with the common virtual or slide show tour) complete with Hawaiian themed music to give prospective buyers the most emotional visual display that will make them call right away about your property. I use the latest technology for your utmost security with the SENTRILOCK system. I'm able to keep close track of all access to your property. I'm happy to provide you with additional information, such as: 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange? Owner Occupant Tax Exemption? Cost of Selling? What's Most Important to YOU? Selling Hawaii Property from Off-Island? How to stage a home for the least amount of money?
I KNOW HOW TO HELP YOU SUCCEED IN TODAY'S MARKET!
BUYERS!
INTEREST RATES IN THE 4% RANGE?? Maybe not every day but it's happening! THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY!! IT'S A BUYER'S MARKET IN ALL PRICE RANGES!!! Waiting for the market to "bottom out"? How will you be able to determine when the bottom has been hit? Unfortunately, the only way to tell is when the prices start to rise again. This is great time to buy right now. Interest rates are historically low, inventory is high, and Sellers are giving incentives and negotiating the price. If you need a home to live in, this is finally your time!! Call me today to schedule a private, no obligation Buyer's Consulation. After 23 years full time helping Buyers like yourself, I can help you focus in on what will work best for you. Ask about my 3 point analysis we can use to simplify the house hunting puzzle. Automatically receive personalized MLS listings by e-mail. Early each morning I will search the local MLS and find the homes that match your criteria and notify you immediately with the latest listing information!! Simply choose Dream Home Finder and fill in the requested information. Let's discuss the best negotiating strategy for you. I have several techniques proven to, 1st, help you obtain the house you want and, 2nd, allow you to get the most favorable price & terms possible! Ask other realtors who might want to represent you: (1) Have you experienced this type of market? Or have you only seen the last up cycle in the past 5 years? (2) What kind of negotiating skills do you have that will allow me to get the best buy? Go with the proven agent, James Lewis....now with over 23 years of "Experience You Can Trust!!
THIS WEEK'S HOT PROPERTY
HALE O NAI'A, "HOUSE OF DOLPHINS"Great new price on this spacious 3 bedroom / 2 bath remodeled condo at the 'Edge of Waikiki' close to Kapiolani Park. All new kitchen with granite counters, dark oak cabinets and tiled floor. Upgraded baths, wood laminate flooring throughout, new sliding glass doors, new entry door, freshly painted throughout. Great Diamond Head, mountain & Ala Wai views. Low maintenance fee of $399. month Must see! Now priced at $499,000. FS
NEWER PROJECT ALERT
"ALLURE WAIKIKI"
This is the newest high-rise residential product in Waikiki now under construction. Call for the inside scoop! It is right across from the Waikiki Landmark on Kalakaua. 1837 Kalakaua. Allure Waikiki.com "TRUMP TOWER WAIKIKI"Offerings available in top quality Waikiki ocean-side high-rise living adjacent to large park area. Several brand new 1 & 2 bedroom units are available under original asking prices! New, never been lived in units at great prices. Call James for more info. Check out the website TRUMP WAIKIKI HOTEL.COM
Specialization
I specialize in representing my clients in the purchases and sales of all type of property in Hawaii. I keep current of all transactions in these areas, and I'm also very knowledgeable with the local schools, typical weather patterns, & the unique characteristics of the different East Oahu, Leeward, Windward, Central and North Shore neighborhoods.
In order to provide the best possible service to you, I consistantly upgrade my knowledge within the Real Estate Industry. I've completed a Certified Home Marketing Specialist (CHMS) course conducted by nationally renowned trainer, Barbara Webb. This training has furthered my skills in assisting you with "staging" the appearance of your property to maximize the sales price. This is a sure way to find the "hidden money" in your house. I'm a Graduate of the Realtor's Institute(GRI). I'm a Certified Residential Specialist(CRS). I'm also a Certified International Property Specialist(CIPS). I have my Real Estate Broker's license. That is identified by Realtor,(R) as opposed to a Realtor Associate, (RA). I've been actively selling real estate full time since Sept of 1986 with multi-million dollar in sales each year. I'm also a Team Member of the elite Preview Property Team, selling more million dollar+ properties than any other Company in the entire state of Hawaii!
Personal
Hawaii has been my home for over 37 years. My love of the ocean, Hawaii's diverse cultures, and our healthy environment is what I love about the Islands.
My passions are (besides Real Estate) SCUBA diving, golfing, surfing, deep sea fishing, snow skiing, traveling, cooking, hiking, personal fitness, wine tasting & spending time with my wife, Mollye Lewis. We acquired a Shiu Tzu dog from the local Humane Society last year and just love her!!
I'd be pleased to have the chance to communicate with you & help you with your Island Real Estate Dreams.
Call James at (808) 225-0569 today!
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