Bigger Island Newsletter / MARCH 2022

Aloha & Welcome!

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones well.

My March newsletter contains statistics on February home sales and other real estate news and resources. I share a few magical paintings by talented local artist Cindy Coats.

I'm in the University of Hawaii Master Gardener program, so if you have gardening questions or pest problems (other than real estate agents hounding you to sell your home), get in touch. If I don't know the answer I'll find someone who does. This month I've included articles on how to store your vegetable seeds and some home remedies for insect and fungus control.

The Big Island real estate market remains extraordinarily competitive with low inventory and high demand. Desirable homes are often under contract in a matter of days. It's been many months since I wrote an offer on a home that did not have multiple offers. It's a great time to sell if you're in the market.

If you know someone who might want to receive this newsletter, please forward this email to them and they can subscribe. If you'd rather not receive this monthly newsletter please unsubscribe below.

Sending Aloha your way. Have a wonderful March!

Lisa

Cosmo in the Jungle by Cindy Coats

Cindy's most beloved painting of her dog Cosmo as he peers through foliage staring down a gecko. See her original paintings and limited edition giclees at her gallery at the corner of Alii Drive and Palani Road or visit her online at The Cindy Coats Gallery.

Rod Stewart the Rooster by Cindy Coats

Electric Octopus by Cindy Coats

~ Real Estate News & Resources ~

Recent Home Buying & Selling Trends

A few trends from the 2021 real estate market...

Buyers typically purchased their homes for 100% of asking price, with 29% purchasing over list price
Convenience to family and friends was the second-most important factor influencing neighborhood choice after neighborhood quality
Convenience to jobs and affordability was less important
For 41% of buyers, the ﬁrst step they took was looking online while 19% of buyers immediately contacted a real estate agent
87% of buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent
Commonly cited reasons for selling a home were the desire to move closer to friends and family, to find a larger residence and/or to move to a more desirable neighborhood
Significantly fewer sellers offered incentives to attract buyers
90% of home sellers worked with a real estate agent to sell their home

For more info see the 2021 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Staking or survey? What's the difference?

In a staking the surveyor verifies the boundary corners and marks them clearly but no map is provided. In a survey, boundary corners are verified but the surveyor also prepares a map showing structures. In the more detailed survey, encroachments are visible. Cash buyers can choose between staking and survey but lenders usually require a survey.

Untitled (1240 × 924 px) (840 × 924 px) (640 × 924 px) (600 × 924 px) (570 × 924 px)

Recent Kailua-Kona Home Sales

February 2022 home sale stats reflect high demand for Big Island real estate!

Congratulations on Buying or Selling Your Hawaii Home!

Looking for a home?

Search for available properties using my app! Click Here

~ Local Volunteer Opportunities ~

Volunteer with the Hawaii Island Humane Society!

Hawaii Island Humane Society is a non-profit animal welfare organization that offers lifesaving programs and community outreach services. You can help prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation and enhance the bond between humans and animals. HIHS has a shelter in Keaau and an Animal Community Center in Kona.

Volunteer with People for Active Transportation!

People for Active Transportation works to connect people and places with safe, convenient bikeways and walkways on Hawaii Island. PATH hosts community running, walking and rolling events each year. Volunteering is a great way to get out, get active and connect with your community!

~ Gardening Resources ~

Got Insects or Fungus in the Garden?

Having problems with aphids, mealybugs or whiteflies? Struggling with powdery mildew? Check out these home remedies for soft-bodied insects and fungus.