Posted on Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A rise in outdoor living space is the primary addition in Kailua Kona home remodels. The need for patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens rose from 47 percent to 64 percent, based on data from the American Institute of Architects. Also highly ranked are pools, tennis courts, and gazebos.

In today's marketplace, several homebuyers are leaning towards single-story homes with open floor plans. Baby boomers, entering their retirement years, would like easier mobility with wider hallways and less steps. Young homebuyers would like open homes with less boundaries and structure. Will you be putting in a new patio to your Kailua Kona home any time soon?
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Posted on Monday, December 28, 2009
There is some competition for buyers in the Kailua Kona condo market . To set your condo above the others and to guarantee a quicker sale, there are a lot of things you can do. First, the price must be right. Check out the local market and surrounding neighborhood and price your condo off that. More brokers mean more exposure so invite many brokers over for an open house.

Generate an individual "resource list" for possible buyers. Families are often searching for nearby schools or day-care centers while empty nesters are thinking about fine dining or museums. Major points of interest need to be bathrooms and the kitchen. Putting money towards enhancements here will pay off big time. Rewards, such as a few months free cable or grocery store gift certificate, are a great way to bring in buyers.
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Posted on Saturday, December 26, 2009
A lot of the time, it is a breeze buying a piece of Kailua Kona real estate . You finish up with a great home in the area you have always dreamed of. Unfortunately, it is often too late when you come to find that your neighbors are an issue.

Neighborly conflict often become excessive and might lead to one party moving away. It's wise to shower a disagreeable neighbor with kindness; you are more likely to recieve an answer to your grievances.

If you worry they in violation of any laws, be sure you do your research to figure out just what the local codes and regulations are. That way, if they don't address your interests, you can bring the city in.

A mediator can generally settle any arguments and the courts and police should only be called in as a last resource. You will be able to get along with your neighbor if you have an open mind.
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Posted on Saturday, December 26, 2009
Many high rises throughout the country are going green, literally. Green roofs are being installed in Chicago, and maybe one day in Kailua Kona. These aren't roofs constructed from solar panels or renewable materials. From poppies to lettuce, here you will be able to plant everything.

Potted plants have trimed rooftops for years but this new type of roofing, complete with a special drainage system, allows plants to physically root. There are various benefits to green roofing. Most importantly, cooling needs will be reduced by up to 25 percent, diminishing the greenhouse effect. Plants can absorb the heat generated from concrete and blacktop.

A flat, black roof is not as tasteful than a rooftop garden. Whether you grow grass, flowers, or brush, you will have a spot to stop and smell the roses. Keep a lookout for Kailua Kona homes going green. For now, green roofing will be found only in the big city.
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Posted on Thursday, December 24, 2009
There are plenty of things you can do in your Kailua Kona home to reduce the electricity bill. For starters, you can switch to compact fluorescent bulbs in lamps that are on for over two hours a day. Fluorescent bulbs will work 10-20 times longer than ordinary bulbs and are 6-8 times more efficient.

Devices such as coffee makers or oscillating fans can be unplugged when they are not being used. Even if they aren't on, they will continue to use up some power. Use an energy efficient microwave or toaster over while heating up smaller foods that do not need to be pre-heated.

When you are through with using your computer, change it off or onto "standby" mode. You might be able to lower the cost of operating a computer by 85 percent simply by using a laptop rather than a desktop. Set your fridge to 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit and don't open the door often or for long periods of time.

Finally, only use the dryer for full loads, when you can, line dry, and use cold water for washing. By starting with these small steps, you will be able to lower your carbon dioxide emissions and save money on your monthly bills.
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Posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Upgrades, such as a brand new dining room or deck, can add value to your Kailua Kona home . When the time comes to resell, certain renovations could end up costing you.

Putting in a swimming pool is crucial in the hot, dry regions. The thought of pool upkeep is enough to turn buyers away in most of the cooler regions. Families with young children will think twice about buying a house with a pool. The new game room is great, but you probably didn't consider how it looks from the exterior. A home will not sell when an addition is poorly designed and doesn't fit the rest of the house.

Be wary when following design fads. Certain aspects will date a home, just like wood paneling. Be smart and think ahead when personalizing your Kailua Kona home.
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Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2009
Applications for Kailua Kona home mortgages rose 2 percent in mid-September, according to Reuters. Applications are at their peak level since last April. There are two factors that lead to this rise.

The first is a decline in interest rates by the Federal Reserve. With a lower interest rate, even more homeowners are urged to refinance. An excess of homes on the market is the second element. A surplus of homes will drive prices down.
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Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009
The primary addition in Kailua Kona home remodels is an increase in outdoor living space. The demand for patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens jumped from 47 percent to 64 percent, based on the American Institute of Architects. Also highly ranked are pools, tennis courts, and gazebos.

Single-story homes with open floor plans are what a large number of consumers are leaning towards. Baby boomers, now reaching their retirement years, want easier mobility with expanded hallways and fewer steps. Open homes with far less boundaries are what younger homebuyers want. Will you be adding a basketball court to your Kailua Kona home in the near future?
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Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009
The walls of even the best Kailua Kona homes sometimes seem to be they are paper thin. When you have obnoxious neighbors, rush hour traffic, or deafening music a tranquil evening can quickly become a big headache. The Minneapolis region will be the first to put foward noise controlled homes.

Like a light dimmer, home owners are able to manage the level of noise comming into their house by turning a masking system up or down. Outside noise is suppressed by the walls and ceiling, offers an additional level of control. Sound controlled housing is beginning in condos. Kailua Kona homes could be next.
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Posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009
There is a new trend in buying Kailua Kona real estate . The majority of new homeowners are young, single women. In fact, from 2001 and 2005 there was a 6 percent rise in female homeowners.

Affordability, a closeness to entertainment and nightlife, and safe neighborhoods are what the majority of young singles are searching for. Recent immigrants and minorities account for even more of the buying market. Some are purchasing condos to build equity so that they can purchase a larger home down the line. Finally, retirees and empty-nesters are downsizing and migrating to active adult communities. They are done with huge houses and would rather live in smaller homes, near friends and entertainment.
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Posted on Sunday, December 13, 2009
Relocating to an urban Kailua Kona home has become a recent trend for a lot of homebuyers. Over the past several year, cities such as Chicago, IL, Miami, FL, San Diego, CA and even Kailua Kona have witnessed gigantic downtown advancements. Deserted warehouses, older hotels, and seedy apartment structures are being converted into contemporary condominiums, apartments, and commercial space. Energetic downtown areas, with a bustling nightlife, culture, and diversity, are a destination for young singles, couples, professionals, and baby boomers alike.
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Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009
Summer is almost here and Kailua Kona homeowners are getting ready. Come summertime, barbeques and time by the pool are obligatory and some spend time in their yard. A garden abundant in pests isn't quite as tantalizing as a garden abundant in summer squash. Use products found in your home rather than rough chemicals which can cause cancer.

Mixing dishwashing soap and water into a spray bottle is a great way to destroy bothersome aphids. Simply mist the leaves and stems of contaminated plants every couple of days and the aphids should be gone. You can even try this on slugs. Spray noxious spots with a saltwater mixture to eliminate mites. Chili powder and water are a great way to fight ants and caterpillars.

If everything else fails, try using the food chain. Ladybugs consume aphids, scales, and mites and praying mantis eat all sorts of bugs. Spiders, wasps, and bees can be scary, but are really a natural part of the food chain and can get rid of unwelcome bugs. Using alternative products on your garden is good for you and your Kailua Kona home .
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Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009
Despite a slight drop in conventional Kailua Kona apartment rentals, student housing remains steady. The average growth rate for every type of student housing has gone up by 7 percent, according to a recent report. Properties with three or more bedrooms have seen the greatest increase, from 9 percent to 13 percent.

A lease remains by the unit, not the bed, and the majority of leases run the usual 12-months. Kailua Kona homeowners renting to students might find this news beneficial.
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Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Are you searching for ways to improve your Kailua Kona home ? Stay away from Martha Stewart Magazine and design shows. Instead, look at a model home. For design hints, new amenities, or to see how a home stacks up, a few homeowners are visiting model homes.

It is often tough to determine who is interested and who is not, however homebuilders can see the difference. These looky-loos provide an understanding as to what homeowners are looking for and builders turn to them for help. Everything, from the doors to appliances in a model home, is scrutinized by a possible buyer. Kailua Kona homeowners and builders can actually learn a lot from each other.
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Posted on Sunday, December 06, 2009
Your cat or dog is a part of the family; it's not merely another pet. Luckily, several agents involved in Kailua Kona real estate are accepting this. At times, a family will take their pets with them to an agent's office and to all of the homes they view. A family should feel just as content as a pet in a new home.

To make sure Fido has a secure place to live, so many Kailua Kona real estate agents will go the extra mile. For instance, one agent contacted a "invisible dog fence" company when a "real" fence wasn't allowed.

In a closing gift basket, most agents will even enclose pet treats or a Petco gift card. Others sponsor animals in the names of former clients or give money to resuce shelters. Agents have become more pet-centric since many homeowners also own animals.
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Posted on Friday, December 04, 2009
In order to sell their Kailua Kona home , about half of all seniors use the Internet. Seniors ages 50-64, the "younger" seniors, are more likely to use the Internet than their counterparts, "older" seniors, aged 65 or older. A larger amount surf the Internet to find a certain real estate agent, research similar prices, use an online appraisal, or find out about particular neighborhoods. Over 80 percent of seniors remain within their home state while a good deal move 50 miles away or less. The most favored states for seniors to move to are Florida, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and New Mexico.
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Posted on Wednesday, December 02, 2009
More than 50 percent of home improvements were made to get Kailua Kona homes ready to sell, based on a new study. Most of work, just about 61 percent of it, is being done before the property hits the market.

Most of the work consists of replacing floors, with either ceramic, hardwood, or quarry tile. A fairly economical way to touch up a room is by painting, which makes up 22 percent of work done. Electrical work, landscaping, and other exterior improvements are each at about 9 percent.

Increasing the value of a house to make it more modern is the number one purpose for this work. Houses stay on the market for an extened period of time as the market slows down. To ensure their homes sell quickly, sellers will do what they can now.
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Kim Grogan
Asset Real Estate & Management, Inc.R(S)
808-557-5877
808-326-2309
westhawaiiland@aol.com


Margaret Reynolds R(S)
Asset Real Estate & Management, Inc.
808-960-8945 Direct
808-334-0899 Fax
Margaret@aloha.net


Click Here for our Kailua Kona Website
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