About Me

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Honolulu ホノルル, Hawaii ハワイ, United States
ALOHA! I am a full-time real estate agent at List Sotheby's International Realty in Honolulu, Hawaii. Born and raised in Japan, Hawaii resident since 1990. Background in insurance, banking and tourism for Japanese market. Focus on condos (luxury apartments) in Waikiki, Ala Moana and Kaka'ako area. With this blog, I will share upcoming development and real estate topics unique to Hawaii. Feel free to contact me! こんにちわ。 リストサザビーズインターナショナルリアルティに所属、ハワイの不動産売買をお手伝いしていますミサです。1990年よりハワイ在住。好奇心・興味旺盛な性格から、日本と違う仕組みを知りたいと、保険(生保と損保)の資格取得、その後ネット銀行では全米からの電話問い合わせに英語対応を経験(汗)。度胸がついてハワイ法廷通訳者にも登録。不動産免許は2007年に取得。不動産に限らずご質問はいつでもお気軽にどうぞ。

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Single-Family Homes on Oahu hits new high

Yesterday, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser headline caught my eyes while I was in line at the supermarket. Here's the excerpt of Honolulu Magazine article on the subject. 
The median price of an Oahu single-family home reached $700,000 for the first time in June. The mark is up 3.4 percent from the same month last year and blows past the previous record of $685,000 first reached in June 2007 and again in December 2013, according to a report released Monday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. (Honolulu Magazine article by Jaymes Song 7.7.2014)
Sky's the limit to Honolulu real estate market

So, Honolulu's real estate market for single-family homes reached a new high, and it seems continue to go upward this Summer.
Single-family homes islandwide are being snapped up quickly, staying on the market only an average of 19 days, according to the board. 
 For buyers, it is essential to be ready for a mortgage (pre-qualify), cash ($140,000 for 20%), and good eyes on new listing.  Don't forget to ask your real estate professional to set up automatic alert for your search and stay connected.

Have a great Summer!

Sunday, July 6, 2014

WARD VILLAGE - WAIEA (New Project: Selling as of JULY 2014)

WARD VILLAGE Sales Center by Howard Hughes is located 1240 Aa Moana Boulevard.
Sales Center is open during business hours, but appointment is strongly recommended.





I love IBM building, a mid-century modern design by Vladimir Ossipoff in 1962.
He was born in Russia, raised in Tokyo, Japan - that I learned on wikipedia.
Previous owner GGP was planned to demolish in 2008, but later saved by HHC.





WARD VILLAGE is currently selling 2 projects - WAIEA and ANAHA.
WAIEA is the flagship building with sophisticated water-inspired glass facade.
Total 171 residences including 10 villas, 10 penthouses and a breathtaking grand penthouse.

According to their July 2014 inventory, only 3 villas remaining (high US$4 millions ~ US$5 millions, 2,528sf ~ 3,264sf with its own carports!)



WAIEA : See Floorplans here
Price Range:US$1,700,000 ~ US$19,800,000
Floorplans Available: 1~5 bedroom (1138sf ~6,504sf*) *except Grand PH 17,521sf
Developer: Howard Hughes Corporation
Current Status: Selling
Total Units: 171

Please contact me for fact sheet & full project information for WAIEA.
Buyer's representation for Off-Island purchasers welcome.

Misa Kataoka (RA)
List Sotheby's International Realty
Direct 1-808-927-2000 (within US)
Email: hi9272000@gmail.com

Friday, April 24, 2009

"GreenSleeve"


Great find to share with all ~ "GreenSleeve"on Etsy.com and LOVE it.
It's eco-friendly, and it also identify your cup like a wine charm. Out of all cup sleeves I can find on the web, this is the most affordable and attractive option I would recommend to anyone.

Organic material (jute fiber, felt-lined), simple idea executed just right. You can customize and personalize with your artistic touch if you like, but I must say "simplicity" is the beauty. I might add tiny grommet to keep it on my key chain. I hate to see myself looking for one I left at kitchen table.

When you order your coffee, just mention "I have my own sleeve". Barista or the customer behind you will get the idea...how cool is that! It's not about trend setter, it's about influence you may have to those around you. Hope you can plant the seed in your neighborhood.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Ka Makana Lehua Series Town Homes Debut 04.25.09


Lehua Series at Ka Makana town homes will debut 04.25.09 (Saturday), and 3 new model homes will be open 10am to 5pm daily.

From the high $300,000s (FS)

* Three bedrooms, two-car garage
* Your choice of one- or two-story plans
* Hawaiian plantation style architecture
* Private fenced yard and covered lanai
* Future resort amenities will include Hoakalei Marina and a private swim club with tennis and fitness center
* Energy Star® qualified
* Hawai‘i BuiltGreen™

19 model homes at Ka Makana single family homes are from the $500K to over $1M.

For buyer representation, please contact Misa and register on your first visit.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Earth Day Inspiration

On Easter Sunday, I spent some time on YouTube, searching for Earth Day inspiration. I found Michelle Kaufmann's series of "Eco Principle" very interesting and visually appealing. YouTube has Live Green channel and SunChips has contest for the Green idea for $20K. Any sustainable idea? Check an episode or two here.