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。

Friday, December 21, 2007

Allure Waikiki




Here's the excerpt from Sales Office of Allure Waikiki (ground breaking January 2008):
"... 35-story upscale community with 1, 2 & 3 bedroom residences featuring gourmet kitchens with all Viking appliances, master suites, generous walk-in closets, floor to ceiling windows & much more. A grand lanai with 18' ceilings & a lush park will be major focal points in Allure Waikiki along with a spacious recreation terrace with pool & spa and 24 hr security access..."

909 Kapiolani completed late August still has remaining inventory from the developer, as well as 10+ resale units on MLS. Keola La'i in Kakaako, Watermark in Waikiki, Capitol Place and Pinnacle in Downtown... The success is depend on the timeline against this uncertain market into 2008.

Market analysis is everywhere, but one thing to keep it mind: Real estate is Local.
Just as national weather forecast has nothing to do with our local weather, we have to keep our eyes to specific local market to learn where it goes...

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Where the market go in 2008?

Mystery photo answer: Hokua at 1288 at Ala Moana (gym shown below)

As it was built and sold by the developer beginning part of 2006, 2-year mark to qualify for home exemption status may prompt many owners to take advantage of this highly appreciated property.


Many of us are wondering where this crazy real estate market will go and when is a good time to buy and/or sell... I don't have a crystal ball nor dare to tell you my speculation.

Only I can see from what I know or able to observe every day is that market is correcting itself to the healthy stage, no matter how long it takes or some surgery needed. It is a detox session that we all need to take its course to absorb and swallow.

For some, it is a harsh reality by facing adjustable interest rate to reset, short sale and possibly foreclosure. Others face selling at a loss, but able to secure the replacement property taking advantage of buyer's market to make it reasonable or wash (against those loss suffered by sale), but I believe many many homeowners are just holding its own roof nice and sound.

I do believe even homeowners who bought at the peak of the market will be handsomely rewarded if only they are seeing your home as "home", not as investment or equity drainage.
All fads has its own time, they all come and gone. They may call this "bubble", but you don't need to "pop" your property if you have a good down payment, good low interest rate on mortgage (historically low), good job and income, and good and realistic approach to real estate.

Some analyst says this market will have "U" shape recovery, rather than "V", it will take a few year to get the toxic (lending industry included) out, getting lean and healthy. Some said even "L" shape, rather longer recovery period. So, for those who are wondering, my advise is to think long term and treat with any financial decision you would make... don't gamble more than you can afford to lose, and have either exit plan or cash reserve, or both.

Have a wonderful Holiday season and wishing 2008 will be a great year to you all!

Check my website: http://www.gothawaiihome.com/ I have a link for Inman News for daily news.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Metro living in paradise

November 29 Mystery Photo - Name the condo!
( November 15 mystery photo Answer: Bird-eye view of 1350 Ala Moana swimming pool.)

Kakaako-Ala Moana is probably most appreciated area in Honolulu in recent years, adding luxury condos for those "Live-Work-Play" without driving around. Victoria Ward Centre continue to expand... Shopping, dining, theatre, or just stroll around, jogging and swimming Ala Moana Beach Park... Whole Foods market will be completing soon.
Next mystery photo is another swimming pool overlooking Ala Moana Beach Park and palm trees. Paradise living at its best!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Mystery Photo -Name the Condo!

Starting next week, I would like to visit weekly with major condo buildings in Waikiki/Ala Moana/Kakaako at random order.
This photo is no brainer to many of you... you see street intersection as a hint to the location.
CLUE: this is one of the prestigeous building by Ala Moana Center, and still yet one of the unobstructed Ocean view units. Sorry, no pet...

Friday, November 9, 2007

Magical Kaikea Estate


Hawaii Kai Estate sold at $15.9 Million -the most priciest real estate sold this year so far, according to Honolulu Advertiser today (11/9/07).

Here's another estate I recently visit in Kailua. In true sense of old Hawaii and timeless architecture, this estate of over 2 acres rests on beautiful Kailua Beach.

Certainly this estate calls for the most discerned buyer who truly appreciate old Hawaiiana, cherishing the nature and island lifestyle.
Offered at $23.7 Million, may break the record soon... experience of yesteryear is "priceless".
(Listing by Tracy P. Allen, Coldwell Bankder Pacific Properties)

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Welcome to my blog "Got Hawaii Home?"

I'm a late bloomer... After all those years, my communications are mainly and solely by emails.
I'm still on my way to text messaging (dah!) and haven't have made anything posted on YouTube or MySpace. So, bear with me if my blog goes slower than you can read. This is a baby step, and it takes tender and loving care.

I am focusing on Hawaii's real estate topics, simply because I am a realtor and this is my business. Not only that, I want to share as much as I hear/read/learn to others who love to live here in Hawaii (regardless where you are now) and own piece of paradise.

Particularly in Real Estate business, I know things are constantly changing... Market condition,
mortgage interest rate, new development, legal matters relating and affecting real estate industry. It is never enough to keep updated. So, this is one way for me to force myself keep up with all what's happening in Honolulu Real Estate Market.

My other intention is also for you to link to my website "www.gothawaiihome.com",
hopefully it will not a disappointment or wasting your time.
If you have any suggestions, let me know.