JUDY HOWARD – Living in Waimea, Hawaii

Judy’s July Newsletter

Posted on July 8, 2022July 8, 2022 by JUDY HOWARD

The Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races are back! This is, by far, my favorite rodeo. And the horse races are SOOOO exciting. These are all ranch horses, ridden by working cowboys, and it’s great, clean, fun! July 4, 9 a.m to 1 p.m. For More Information

I put out a newsletter every month. This is my first attempt at posting it as a blog. I know it isn’t great-the newsletter is much prettier and has more information. But I’ll get better at this, or I’ll find someone to help me! My newsletter contains news about local events, real estate market activity, local businesses, a give-away, and some fun or interesting facts, accompanied by some great photos. If you’d like to receive my newsletter, please just write me at judy.howard@compass.com

Local Happenings

Hawaii Performing Arts Festival Summer Season

Runs through July 24th, and includes opera, concerts, theater camps, and more! Click here for more information.

Kona Mele music video

Free, from 4 – 8 pm on July3 at the Makaeo Pavilion, Old Kona Airport. Contact sharon.sakai@laiopua.org for more information

Red White and Brew, Pukulani Stables, Waimea, July 3, 4-7 p.m. For more information

Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races

July 4 | 9AM – 1PM

More information

4th of July Fireworks, Kailua Bay, and Parade!

More information

Oban Dance and Festival

Honoka’a Hongwanji, July 16. Free admission. Call 775-7232

Kokua Kailua Village Stroll in Downtown Kona July 17. For more information

West Hawaii County Band

Free concert

4-5 pm July 22, Hale Halawai, 75-5760 Alii Drive. westhawaiiband@gmail.com

Volcano Festival July 30-31

More information

Hilo Orchid Society show and sale

July 29-31, Edith Kanakaole Stadium, Hilo. Hours are 9-6 on the 29th, 9-5 on the 30th, and 10-2 on Sunday, July 31 Tickets for adults are $5, kids free. More information

Local businesses

Big Island Tea

Eliah and Cam have succeeded in making the most divine tea imaginable! And they’re having a tea-making workshop in August! Learn more.

Kona Stories

I love to read, and I always try to order my books through this independent book seller. Support local! More information

Honoka’a People’s Theater

Check out their schedule here:

Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

Slate Blue Doors bring higher sale price!

Zillow may not be great at valuing homes, but they have an excellent research department. They found that while black doors brought the highest boost in buyer opinions of value, not everyone liked them. Slate blue was more popular and brought higher valuations, compared to many other colors. Colors to avoid: pale pink and concrete gray!

Did you know?

* Where are all the pilots? About 33% of the airline-qualified pilots in the U.S. are age 51 – 59. 13% of the US’s airline pilots will reach retirement age within 5 years. While many pilots retired in the past 2 years, many also were lured into the private aviation field…..when one pilot transports just 6 people instead of 60, you do the math!

* If $2.2 million is the new net worth for you to be considered ‘wealthy’, to achieve this you should invest $12,861/month for 10 years to reach $2.2 million, $4,335/month for 20 years, $1,881/month for 30 years, $890 each month for 40 years and $437/month for 50 years. (CNBC)

* The reality is that on average most Americans leave their parents home around the age of 19 years old ….and live to be around 79 years old on average. That equates to a need for housing/shelter for SIXTY years – not 30 – about DOUBLE of what many commonly perceive. That’s a huge mistake. (Yes, 60 is the new 30 in more ways than just age! 😉)

The average US renter pays about $1,325/month, much more in larger towns and cities. That $1,325/month escalating at a 2% inflation rate over 60 years equals over $1.8 MILLION paid in rent…..to a landlord. That ‘rent money’ paid to a bank – instead of a landlord – is a payment that builds equity and ownership. The mortgage interest tax deduction is one of the very few substantive deductions most people have. While every buyer wishes to time markets perfectly – and yes markets and home prices do go up and down – focusing more on the long term may deliver much, much larger savings ….and gains.

* As of 2011, no single investor in the U.S. owned more than 1,000 homes. Just five companies own a collective 280,637 homes as of October 2021, adding 76,325 homes to their portfolios between March 2018 and October 2021.

– Invitation Homes: 83,512

– Progress Residential: 71,930

– American Homes for Rent: 56,077

– FirstKey Homes: 35,899

– Amherst Residential: 33,219

When/if institutional investors stop buying single family homes, we could see a spike in more affordable home options for first time home buyers…..

Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing in Hawaii County

We have a huge problem here with affordable housing. A new County law allocates revenue from a surcharge on expensive second homes to an affordable housing fund. That is expected to generate about $5M in the fiscal year starting July 1.

The County Council recently passed a bill that would allow the administration more flexibility in how those funds were used to promote affordable housing. For instance, the funds could be used to acquire distressed properties, and make them habitable, or as grants for essentials like roof repairs to keep people in their homes.

The Mayor vetoed it! Go figure!

Affordable Housing in LA County

The Los Angeles city council last week unanimously approved returning a proposal to increase the transfer-tax rate on the sale of LA residential and commercial properties of $5 – $10 million to 4%, while those valued at $10 million or more would be charged a 5.5% rate, both up from the current 0.45% rate. The money would go toward new housing units and services like down-payment assistance and eviction prevention.

Are 3D printed homes part of the solution?

The first community of 3D printed, recycled plastic homes’ will be built in California.

Featured Listing

28-241 Stable Camp Road, Honomu, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, $500,000. https://www.compass.com/app/listing/28-241-stable-camp-road-honomu-hi-96728/1066052133148392041

Waimea is Delightfully Cool and Green

Posted on June 19, 2021May 27, 2022 by JUDY HOWARD

Imagine waking up to cool, crisp air and Mauna Kea views. Waimea is delightfully cool and green. The temperatures at my place range between the low 50’s (on some nights) and the high 70’s at this time of year. They will rise a bit as the summer progresses, but I don’t expect to see highs above 85, and the nights should remain cool. There are cooler places on the Big Island, but none as conveniently located, with schools, a hospital, a theater, and two observatory headquarters in town, not to mention the amazing beaches along the Kohala Coast.

We’re getting a bit more rain at my place than last month-2” so far this month-but when it gets drizzly my daughter, who is not a fan, just heads for the beach-about a half hour away. I’m happy to have the rain. The plants and the ducks love it. The altitude (about 2800’) and rain are what keep Waimea delightfully cool and green!

Here’s a 40 acre listing in West Waikoekoe, which is very close to where I live and should have the same weather:

Here’s a lovely home, on 1.5+ acres, about 5 minutes from town, but with similar weather:

Nohomalu Place, Waimea Home Just Listed- Big Island, Hawaii

This place has a whole house dehumidifier, which keeps it warm and dry even during extended rainy periods.

Generally, our weather changes pretty frequently. Sometimes we’ll have sunny skies, interrupted by brief downpours, and then more sun. Some days will be overcast and cool. Others sunny and much warmer. But you can count on change, and if it isn’t coming fast enough, you don’t have to travel far to find completely different weather!

For more about living in Waimea, please visit my blog: http://www.livinginwaimea.com

A Great Time to Sell, But Tough on Buyers!

Posted on March 8, 2021March 9, 2021 by JUDY HOWARD

Waikoekoe Mud Lane Honokaa — In Escrow: Mud Lane, Honokaa, Listed at $1.2M

In the current Waimea area market, it is a great time to sell, but tough on buyers. There is low inventory to choose from and buyers must prepare before seeking property. Because of the low inventory, sellers are getting what they ask for, as long as it’s within reason. Buyers are having a very tough time finding anything, and they are paying top dollar if they are lucky enough to secure a property.

Just How Ruthless is the Hawaii Buyer’s Market?

Property in Escrow: Waiaka Place, Waimea, Hawaii

Some buyers are having a hard time understanding just how tough the current Hawaii real estate market is. This is not a time to put in a low offer, “just to see”. Study the market for just a little while and you will learn that properties are selling very quickly, for list or above.

I have not yet received an offer where a large earnest money deposit would be forfeited to the seller if the deal fell through, but I’m not going to be surprised to see that term.

At this point, if you must sell a home in order to buy a new home (a home sale contingency), you should be prepared to put up a large deposit and be willing to forfeit it should your existing home not sell.

I have sellers who just rejected an offer from a buyer who indicated he was willing to pay far more than the list price but included a home sale contingency. The sellers were able to reject it because another very strong offer had been submitted even before the property was listed on the MLS.

In a Market Tough on Buyers, Prepare!

Buyers who can’t afford to buy a property while still owning another property should be looking into bridge loans. They should also know their budget and share the information with their agent. If financing is needed, arrange it before looking at properties since there won’t be time to obtain it after choosing a property. The sellers will likely go with someone who is paying cash or submits a pre-qualification letter with their offer, so it is best to remove every possible contingency from an offers. They should be prepared to pay list or above.

Truthfully, bargain hunters need to sit this market out. The market is likely to soften a bit as interest rates rise, and cash may once again justify a slightly lower contract price.

Property Under Contract: Naalehu, Hawaii Judy S. Howard Corcoran Profile

For questions and inquiries, give me a call or email me at Judy@livinginwaimea.com. To learn more about me and my background, read more or watch my introduction video here.

Judy Howard, Esq.
REALTOR® | RB-23241 808.885.5588
Judy@livinginwaimea.com www.livinginwaimea.com

Finding The Christmas Spirit Despite COVID, Holidays in Waimea

Posted on December 17, 2020January 22, 2021 by JUDY HOWARD

There are some differences this Christmas in Waimea, COVID-style. It is quieter, but still quite festive and lovely. There are many more people out and about than there were on last Memorial Day weekend, but we are nowhere close to the pre-COVID level of activity.

Church Row, quiet this year without the Christmas tree sale

We’ve always hustled over to Church Row in Waimea the day after Thanksgiving to buy our trees. (If you don’t get there pretty early, you may be disappointed.).

This year, the Chong family did not set up their tree stand. Rumor has it that because of the travel restrictions, and the relatively poor quality and limited number of trees available in Oregon, they decided it was not worth the effort of flying over to select trees.

I know of people who bought their trees at Costco in Kona, but were very disappointed in the quality. I followed a friend’s advice and drove into Kuhio Village, which is a Hawaiian homes land subdivision in Waimea, and found quite a lovely collection of trees. Not only that, but I bumped into a dear old friend and was able to catch up with her.

Sign showing direction to Christmas tree sale — Another Great Christmas Tree Place!

No Christmas Parade this year. Usually, on the first Saturday of December, many of the truckers in the area decorate their semis, and smaller trucks, with lights, and pull floats through the center of town at dusk. Kids and their parents line the street, and collect a ton of candy thrown by the people on the floats. Families stake out their spots pretty early in the morning, and by evening it is standing room only. There are sidewalk sales at the shopping centers, and the town is a little too packed for my liking. But folks have fun.

Even without the events, big and small, that usually mark the season, the town feels festive. The pop up store with locally produced crafts seems to be doing a good business. They’ve got some lovely things in there. The shopping centers are decorated, and Christmas music is playing all over.

There are more tourists and returning college kids in town, which can be nerve-wracking while we’re all facing the possibility of infection, but they are almost universally abiding by our mask rule and their joy at being here is infectious!

People seem jollier than they’ve been in a while, and the weather has cooperated with some chilly nights, a little snow on Mauna Kea, and some sparkling clear, warm days.

Christmas in Waimea, COVID-style, is turning out to be quite lovely! Here’s a great source for more on the history of Christmas celebrations in Waimea.

How To Get the Healthcare You Need in Hawaii: 3 Tips to Consider Before You Move

Posted on December 15, 2020January 22, 2021 by JUDY HOWARD

blue and silver stetoscope — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Do you require frequent medical visits, specialists, and accessible treatment options? Before moving to Hawaii it is helpful to know your options and prepare for what’s covered by your insurance, what requires inter-Island travel, and alternative healthcare options.

Medical facilities and insurance coverage can be limited depending on where you live and waiting times vary depending on what care you need. There is a doctor shortage on the Big Island, and in Hawaii generally, and when it comes to specialist care (dermatologist, podiatrist, rheumatologist, neurologist, Mohs surgeon, etc.) it is common to drive long distances, fly to Oahu for care that’s covered by insurance, or to pay cash for services on the Big Island.

Why Pay “Out-Of-Pocket”?

While cash pay sounds scary, so is paying a high insurance premium that doesn’t cover services you need. With rising insurance premiums, consider progressive ways healthcare clinics provide efficient and quality care with cash pay models. So, where do you start?

First, know that there are wonderful traveling nurses, doctors, physician assistants, and specialists on the Island that provide excellent care. Some offer partial insurance reimbursement plans, yearly membership benefits, and virtual visits.

Some residents opt-out of traditional insurance and use catastrophic insurance with high deductibles and pay cash for specialized care. If you need traditional insurance coverage, start looking online here to check your options based on income.

Last Things to Consider

Do you require frequent checkups? Dental care, specialized visits, and will you live closer to Waimea, Kona, Waikoloa, or Hilo? Look into clinics nearby and what insurance or plans they take. In Hilo, one of my personal favorites is Mahinakealo Dermatology (because when you live in Hawaii, you need a Dermatology clinic). Marne Carmichael Walsh PA-C provides the most detailed and patient-focused care in the Hilo community. While Mahinakealo Dermatology offers reasonable cash pay options and reimbursements now, the office will take HMSA, HMAA, and UHA at the start of 2021.

In Kona, Elite Smiles Dental has a discount program for individuals and families with a small yearly fee. In Waimea, Iris Integrative Health has successfully created an affordable subscription healthcare model clinic utilizing western and naturopathic medicine.

There are three main hospitals in Hawaii: North Hawaii Community Hospital Queens Medical Center in Waimea, the Kona Community Hospital down South, and The Hilo Medical Center on the Eastside of the Island. Urgent care clinics are also commonly used for quick care and family medicine concerns.

There are many factors involved, so be prepared to make shifts as you consider life on the Big Island. Many local residents are happy with the healthcare quality on Island, but it is best to know your options and avoid the frustration of having insurance that not all offices take because it is “out of network.” So, is there a clinic or doctor you go to on the Big Island? There are many more to mention, so be sure to share in the comments.

Contact me Here to learn more about available listings and information about life on the Big Island of Hawaii.