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Today’s Inman News headline reads:“Existing-home sales fall to slowest pace since 2009 amid rising costs.”That may be true nationally—but not here in North Kona.While the mainland sees pullbacks, our local data paints a different picture. From January through March 2025, both home and condo sales in North Kona are up—eclipsing 2024, 2009, and even 2008 numbers.π North Kona YTD Sales (Jan 1–Mar 31):
2008: 69 Homes | 47 Condos
2009: 42 Homes | 33 Condos
2024: 104 Homes | 67 Condos
2025: 107 Homes | 82 Condos
This isn’t just a rebound—it’s sustained confidence. Buyers are still buying. Sellers are still selling. And the market is still moving.It’s a powerful reminder that real estate is local. National headlines don’t always reflect what’s happening in our neighborhoods, our communities, or right here on the Big Island.Want the real story—not the national spin? Talk to someone who’s lived and worked it.With 21 years of boots-on-the-ground experience in the North Kona market, I’ve seen every shift, surge, and slowdown (even volcano related) . Let’s talk about what’s really happening—and how it affects your next move.Aloha,Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383
LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
Mayor Kimo Alameda is holding a final Town Hall meeting: π
Tuesday, 5:30–7:00 PMπ Make‘o Pavilion at Old Airport If we want a say in Kona’s future, now is the time. Show up. Share your mana‘o. Let’s make sure the decisions made today reflect the hard lessons — and wasted money — of the past. Mahalo to Our Leaders Mahalo to Mayor Kimo Alameda, Council Member Rebecca Villegas, and 365 Hawaii Island Community Fund for pulling the community together on Saturday.It’s powerful to see leadership and respectful conversation at a time when real listening is rare.With almost all in attendance opposed to the idea, few had other solutions.(Personal note: Kuakini Highway must be widened before any one-way plan moves forward.) Why the Past Matters Today Yesterday, I had the chance to speak and remind our leaders of a history many may not know. We have a new administration, new decision-makers, and 60% more residents since the last time this failed — making it even more critical to learn from the past before repeating it: These timelines were shared with Mayor Kimo Alameda and Council Member Rebecca Villegas - but should be spoken to at the meeting Tuesday 1974 — One-Way Ali‘i Drive AttemptThe County tried making Ali‘i Drive one-way.Public outrage, traffic jams, and confusion killed the plan almost immediately. 1999 — Paid Parking at Coconut GrovePaid parking was introduced, enforced by Diamond Parking.Businesses quickly lost customers.Locals and visitors pushed back hard.Within a year and a half, the system collapsed under pressure without needing government interference. 2004 — Another One-Way PilotDepartment of Public Works launched another one-way test when Kona had about 28,500 residents.Goal: Improve pedestrian safety and deliveries.Result: Massive congestion on Kuakini Highway and side streets.Public backlash ended the project early — after spending significant taxpayer money setting it up.(Personal note: I was a prisoner in my own office. It took over an hour just to get out and back.) 2013 — Expert Warning IgnoredA new administration revisited the idea, population now at 37,800Warren Lee, Director of Public Works — a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and respected leader of major infrastructure projects across Hawai‘i — publicly warned:"Any one-way proposal must be contingent on the completion of alternate routes to absorb displaced traffic.Public health, safety, and overall traffic flow must improve — not worsen — before any change is made." 2023 — Paid Parking ReturnsPaid parking was reintroduced in Kailua Village.Same pattern: fewer visitors, frustrated residents, half-empty parking lots. 2025 — Déjà Vu?A new one-way proposal is on the table.Kona’s population has jumped 60% since the last failure — from about 28,000 to 45,000 people today. The Pattern is Crystal Clear Every time these changes were rushed without real planning, they failed — wasting time, wasting money, and hurting local businesses. π£ Show Up Tomorrow We cannot afford another repeat. Show up tomorrow. We owe it to our community — and our tax dollars — to learn from the past and plan responsibly.π Final Town Hallπ Tuesday, 5:30–7:00 PMπ Make‘o Pavilion at Old Airport ο»Ώ
Off-market listings — sometimes called pocket or private listings — have always carried big risks for sellers. While they’re sometimes pitched as a way to stay “private” or “in control,” the truth is simple: limiting exposure usually limits your results . Unless there’s a real need for privacy, keeping a home off the open market can cost the seller. Starting in May , Zillow — the country’s largest real estate portal — will permanently prohibit any listing that isn’t added to the MLS within 24 hours of public marketing. If a home is marketed to any buyer, it must be available to every buyer — or it won’t appear on Zillow or Trulia at all. (And yes — even those of us with a love/hate relationship with Zillow know that's where buyers are looking.) This change follows updates to NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy, now allowing MLSs to create a Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing option. Sellers get a limited window to prepare a property before full exposure — but that's it. Here’s why this matters to all of us: Homes sell for more when marketed widely . Research from Bright MLS shows MLS-listed homes sell for nearly 17% more than private sales. True privacy is rare . Trusts and LLCs already shield most owners’ identities. Keeping listings off the MLS doesn’t guarantee real anonymity. Who really benefits? In most cases, pocket listings benefit the brokerage more than the seller. When limited marketing might be appropriate: A condo owner who doesn’t want neighbors to know yet, or a family handling the sale of a loved one’s home and seeking privacy. Even then, sellers should fully understand the risks. Privacy can be respected — but full value comes from full exposure. Bottom Line: The days of quietly marketing properties outside the full marketplace are ending. As REALTORS®, it's our duty to explain the risks clearly and help sellers understand that wide exposure remains the best path to better offers and stronger terms. At LUVA Real Estate , we not only market listings locally, but nationally on sites like Zillow and Homes.com, internationally through Leverage Global Partners , and even syndicate to exclusive private portals that other brokerages can’t reach. Question for my fellow REALTORS®: π How are you advising your sellers under the new Clear Cooperation and Zillow rules?π Are you seeing more sellers push for exclusivity, or are they more open to full MLS marketing? Would love to hear how you’re handling the changes in your market! #RealEstate #HomeSellingTips #RealEstateAdvice #Zillow #NAR #RealEstateMarketing #HomeSelling #HawaiiRealEstate #BigIslandRealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #LUVARealEstate #LeverageRE ο»Ώ
So you’re getting ready to sell your home and starting to interview agents. You might hear advice about keeping your listing “exclusive” — meaning only marketed within one brokerage — instead of putting it out freely to the open market. At first, it can sound appealing. Maybe it’s pitched as a way to stay “private” or “in control” of the process.But before you make that decision, it’s important to understand what’s really at stake — because how your home is marketed can make a big difference in how much you ultimately sell for. Imagine trying to sell your car by telling just a few people at your office — no ads, no internet, no real exposure. Would you expect to get the best price? The only reason I bring up the car example is because most of us have sold a few cars over the years. It’s something we can all relate to. Selling a home is different, but similar - it’s not something people do every few years. That’s why your marketing strategy matters even more when the stakes are higher. Homes sell for more when they’re marketed to as many buyers as possible. Research from Bright MLS shows that homes listed through the MLS sell for nearly 17% more than homes sold privately or off-market. Cutting off exposure usually cuts into your bottom line. Today, there’s a growing trend of promoting “exclusive” or “private” listings within a single brokerage, limiting visibility to only that firm’s agents and clients. While marketed as a benefit, it’s important to ask: who really benefits? In high-net-worth markets like the Big Island of Hawaii, privacy is often used as a selling point. But true privacy concerns — like those involving celebrities or ultra-wealthy individuals — are rare. Most properties are already owned through trusts or LLCs that shield the owner's name. Simply keeping a listing off the MLS doesn’t achieve real anonymity. That said, there are situations where limited exposure might make sense — like when someone in a condo complex doesn’t want neighbors to know they’re moving until after they’ve left, or when a family needs to sell quietly for a parent’s estate. Those choices should come from the seller’s real needs — not from pressure or convenience for the brokerage. New NAR Guidance for Sellers The National Association of REALTORS® recently released a new consumer guide explaining the rules: MLS Listings: Homes must be submitted to the MLS within one business day after public marketing (like a yard sign or social media post). This supports fair housing and equal opportunity. Exempt Listings: Office Exclusive Exempt Listing: Property stays off the public MLS and is marketed only inside the brokerage. Delayed Marketing Exempt Listing: Property is entered into the MLS but withheld from public websites (IDX and syndication) for a set period. During that time, sellers can still privately market. Disclosure Requirements: Sellers must sign an acknowledgment that they are waiving MLS/public marketing benefits. Local Variations: Rules vary by MLS and state law. The Bottom Line Sellers deserve full, honest advice about the financial impact of their marketing decisions. For most, full exposure through the MLS is the best way to achieve the highest price and strongest terms . Limited marketing may make sense in very specific, seller-driven situations — but it should never be used to create an advantage for a brokerage. As REALTORS®, it’s our duty to put the client’s interests first. Always. For More Information: To read the full consumer guide from the National Association of REALTORS®, click here to view it directly. @nardotrealtor π Contact Information If you’re preparing to sell, I encourage you to bring this conversation into any interviews you have with agents. Choosing the right marketing strategy upfront can make a real difference in your results. I’d be honored to be one of the professionals you consider when the time comes . Feel free to call, text, or email me any time: π (808) 936-8383 | βοΈ Lance@KonaHomeTeam.com | π www.KonaHomeTeam.com Home Selling Tips, Real Estate Marketing, MLS Rules, Exclusive Listings, Office Exclusive, Delayed Marketing, Big Island Real Estate, Hawaii Homes for Sale, Real Estate Advice, NAR Consumer Guide, Seller Representation, Home Selling Strategy Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383 LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
Does this sound familiar? Today, parking woes are once again a hot topic in Kailua-Kona. But this isn’t the first time the community has rallied over parking issues. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a major controversy erupted when Coconut Grove Marketplace, located along Ali'i Drive in downtown Kona, introduced paid parking in a town where free parking had been the norm. The reaction from the community was swift, passionate, and deeply memorable. Paid Parking Arrives in Downtown Kona Coconut Grove Marketplace, originally developed around 1998 by Anekona LLC, opened with new shops and restaurants along Ali'i Drive. By 1999-2001, management had hired Diamond Parking Services, a private company, to oversee parking enforcement. For the first time in recent memory, drivers had to pay to park in the heart of Kailua Village. The rates, while modest by big city standards, shocked locals who were used to free parking. Diamond Parking strictly enforced the new parking rules. Failure to pay could result in fines around $40–50, often issued via private "tickets" that looked official but were really invoices. Community Backlash The response was immediate and overwhelmingly negative. Residents, businesses, and visitors all pushed back. Letters to the editor of West Hawaii Today and testimony at public meetings captured the outrage. Business owners publicly warned that paid parking could drive customers away and severely hurt the downtown economy (West Hawaii Today, 2001). Visitors also voiced their frustrations. One tourist recounted, "I watched a number of tourists drive in, read the parking sign, talk among themselves, and drive right back out" (West Hawaii Today, 2001). Others shared stories of getting hit with $45 fines after simply grabbing a quick meal or shopping for souvenirs, with one letter noting, "Diamond Parking is issuing tickets to hundreds of cars without proper signage or clear warnings" (West Hawaii Today, 2001). Local businesses saw an immediate downturn. Many owners reported fewer locals shopping and more negative feedback from visitors. Some residents simply chose not to visit downtown anymore, saying parking stress ruined the easygoing spirit that had made Kona special. Outcome By 2002, after roughly a year or two of community pressure, the paid parking at Coconut Grove Marketplace was quietly discontinued. The pay stations were removed, enforcement signs came down, and parking once again became free. It was a clear win for community advocacy and a reminder that in a place like Kona, changes that affect locals and visitors alike need broad public support. Reflection Today, as Kona again grapples with parking challenges, it's worth remembering that these issues are not new. The Coconut Grove incident from 1999–2002 serves as an important historical lesson in balancing development needs with community values — and the importance of listening to the people who call Kona home. At the same time, we should recognize that property rights and free markets often correct themselves over time. When businesses listen to their customers — and when the community stays engaged — the system finds a way to balance access, fairness, and private ownership. Just as it did more than 20 years ago. Sources: This article is based on historical online information, public records, news archives, and community recollections. Specific quotes referenced from West Hawaii Today archives, 2001. If you have corrections or additional details to share, please reach out and let us know. We welcome your input to keep our local history accurate. Aloha and Mahalo.
This Isn’t About Politics—It’s About Experience In the early 1980s, I wasn’t just working on motorcycles—I was racing them. I lived and breathed motorcycles. As a mechanic for Kawasaki and Harley-Davidson dealerships on Oahu and in Las Vegas, I saw both sides of an industry in crisis. Harley was struggling, while Japanese bikes dominated the market and the track. Then, in 1983, everything changed.
The real estate industry has seen plenty of discussion surrounding recent changes in National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) policies. Misinterpretations of these changes, particularly about written buyer agreements and compensation adjustments, have caused confusion. Let’s set the record straight: you can adjust the compensation terms in a buyer agreement, provided it’s done transparently and within the guidelines set by the NAR settlement and state law. What the Settlement Really Says At its core, the NAR settlement emphasizes clarity, transparency, and mutual agreement in all written buyer agreements. Here's what you need to know: Amendments Are Allowed Written buyer agreements are like any other contract. If both the REALTOR® and the client agree to modify the terms, the agreement can be amended. This flexibility ensures the arrangement serves the best interests of both parties as circumstances evolve. Specific Compensation Terms Are Required The settlement mandates that compensation terms in buyer agreements must be explicit and not open-ended. For example, terms like "whatever the seller is offering" are no longer acceptable. Compensation must be clearly defined and understood by both parties from the outset. Prohibited Adjustments Amendments cannot be made simply to match whatever compensation the seller is offering. The intent behind the change must align with the original principles of the agreement, ensuring fairness and transparency. Real-World Scenarios for Adjusting Compensation There are many valid reasons why a REALTOR® might see the need to amend the compensation outlined in a buyer agreement. For example: For Sale by Owner (FSBO): When working with a FSBO property, the REALTOR® often takes on additional responsibilities, such as managing disclosures, contracts, and other tasks typically handled by the seller's agent. Limited-Service Listings: If the property is listed by a limited-service agent, the REALTOR® may be required to take on more of the workload, including tasks outside their usual scope. Switching to Land Purchases: A buyer might decide to shift from searching for a home to purchasing a much cheaper piece of land. This change can require more effort to identify and evaluate suitable properties. Short Sales: Transactions involving short sales are often more complex, requiring additional time, expertise, and negotiation. Expanded Search Areas: A buyer might get priced out of one area, such as Kona, and decide to look in a different, more affordable location, such as Hilo. This adjustment could mean more time spent traveling and managing the transaction across different markets. These are just a few examples, but there are countless other scenarios where the REALTOR®’s workload or responsibilities increase, justifying a change in compensation. Transparency Is Key The settlement highlights that transparency is in everyone’s best interest. Any amendments to a buyer agreement must be fully disclosed and agreed upon by both the buyer and the agent. This approach not only aligns with ethical practices but also fosters trust in the client-agent relationship. Addressing the Misunderstandings Some in the industry have misunderstood these changes, incorrectly believing that amendments to buyer agreements are restricted or prohibited. This misconception stems from a lack of clarity about the settlement’s requirements. The truth is that adjustments are perfectly permissible, as long as they are made transparently and in compliance with state laws and the settlement’s terms. Why This Matters Written buyer agreements are designed to bring clarity to real estate transactions. By defining compensation and services upfront, both buyers and agents can avoid surprises and potential conflicts. And when circumstances require adjustments, having the flexibility to amend these agreements ensures they remain relevant and fair. The Takeaway The updated NAR policies are not about restricting REALTORS® but rather about creating a more transparent and professional environment. You can amend your written buyer agreements, including compensation terms, as long as you and your client mutually agree and follow the rules. This clarity benefits everyone involved—building trust, ensuring fairness, and upholding the integrity of the real estate profession.If you're a REALTOR® navigating these changes, embrace the flexibility that written buyer agreements provide. And if you're a client, know that your relationship with your agent is built on mutual understanding and transparency. By working together and adhering to these principles, both buyers and REALTORS® can enjoy a smoother, more transparent real estate process. NAR Settlement: Get the Facts ο»Ώ
Hawaii County's Bill 121 aimed to regulate short-term vacation rentals, also known as transient accommodation rentals (TARs). The proposed legislation sought to establish clear guidelines for owner-hosted, operator-hosted, and un-hosted rentals, as well as for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Its objectives included improving safety, ensuring consistent operational standards, and addressing concerns about housing availability and the broader impact of TARs on our island communities.While the bill had good intentions, it sparked considerable opposition from residents and stakeholders alike. Many expressed concerns that it could infringe on private property rights and harm the local economy. Nearly every council meeting on the matter drew strong pushback, with community members voicing their concerns and engaging in extensive discussions.Here’s a quick update on where the bill stands now. A heartfelt Mahalo goes out to the West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® and the Hawaii Island Association of REALTORS® for their collaborative efforts in educating both the community and council members about the unintended consequences this bill could have had.Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383
LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
We all have that one friend who likes to brag—whether it’s about how much money they make, how big their home is, or how impressive their achievements are. The Ironman race in Kona can feel a bit like that friend. Every year, the event proudly claims to inject millions into the local economy. However, data paints a different picture, and a closer look at the numbers suggests those claims may be somewhat overstated. Overview of Visitor Data (Past 10 Years) Below is an analysis of visitor data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, covering visitor days, arrivals, and expenditures over the past decade. Seasonal Trends Expenditures: Higher visitor spending occurs during winter months (e.g., December, January, February). December 2018: $228 million in visitor expenditures January 2019: $253 million in visitor expenditures Summer Peaks: July and August also see increased visitor numbers, aligning with vacation seasons. July 2019: 173,899 total visitor days, $221 million in expenditures August 2018: 157,544 visitor days, $167 million in expenditures October’s Position October tends to fall between summer and winter highs: October 2018: 857,946 visitor days, $170.4 million in expenditures October 2019: 931,498 visitor days, $176.9 million in expenditures Other months, like December and July, regularly outperform October. A Key Discovery 2020 and 2021 were the only years in over four decades when the Ironman World Championship wasn’t held in Hawaii. In 2020 , Hawaii’s tourism shut down due to the pandemic, with no tourism spending data reported. In 2021 , without the Ironman race, October offers a unique benchmark—and it outperformed both its neighboring months in revenue, a rare occurrence seen only four other times over the past decade : 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. ο»Ώ Visitor Data for 2021: September 2021: 733,439 visitor days, $136 million revenue October 2021: 824,203 visitor days, $161 million revenue (outperformed both neighboring months) November 2021: 1,003,095 visitor days, $157 million revenue This insight suggests that October can thrive without Ironman, raising questions about the race's actual economic impact.
Bill refers to them as ADU's to help with financing and understanding of what an O'hana is.
Maui is on the verge of significant changes with a proposal to phase out thousands of short-term vacation rentals in an effort to address the island’s housing crisis. This move aims to prioritize long-term housing for residents and alleviate the pressures on the local housing market. You can read the full article on these developments here . Secure Your Investment with Confidence In light of these upcoming changes, the listing at 2481 Kaanapali Pkwy #964 stands out as a secure and versatile investment. This property is not included in the proposed regulations, ensuring your investment remains unaffected by the new short-term rental policies.
Aloha, Lance Owens (RB) with LUVA Real Estate.Over the past two years, significant demographic and economic shifts have occurred, influencing various aspects of the real estate market. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the combination of 7 million new-born babies, 3 million marriages, 1.5 million divorces, and 7 million people turning 65 has created dynamic changes in housing needs and availability. These life events often necessitate changes in living situations, such as upgrading to a larger home, downsizing, or relocating. Additionally, with 4 million deaths, the turnover of properties through inheritance or sale by estates further adds to the housing market dynamics.Moreover, the economic landscape has seen substantial movement with 6 million net new jobs and an astounding 50 million job switches. These job changes often lead to geographic mobility, driving demand for housing in different regions. The National Association of REALTORS® suggests that these cumulative factors will gradually weaken the "lock-in effect" where homeowners delay selling their properties. As these demographic and economic shifts continue to unfold, we can expect a more fluid and responsive real estate market, accommodating the evolving needs and circumstances of individuals and families across the country.Additionally, current high mortgage interest rates have made many homeowners reluctant to sell, as they are locked into lower rates from previous years. This "rate lock" phenomenon means that sellers are hesitant to trade their existing low-rate mortgages for new ones at higher rates, contributing to a decrease in the number of homes available on the marketβ (HomeLight)ββ (Freddie Mac - We Make Home Possible)β.Another factor influencing sellers' decisions is the impact of capital gains taxes on the sale of their homes. When homeowners sell their property, they may be subject to capital gains taxes if the profit from the sale exceeds certain thresholds. This potential tax burden can deter sellers from putting their homes on the market, particularly if they anticipate significant gainsβ (Freddie Mac - We Make Home Possible)β.In short, life goes on, and the longer we wait to make a decision, the more life changes. Please give me a call if you are ready to make that change.Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383 LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
Aloha! It's Lance Owens from LUVA Real Estate, bringing you some exciting updates on real estate trends. Now, I know reviewing a 143-page report on buyer and seller trends might sound like a real snooze fest, but trust me, there are some gems hidden in there!So, let's talk about page 39, one of the superstars of this report. I mean, seriously, it's like finding a golden pineapple in a field of coconuts! This chart is a treasure trove of valuable information that caught my eye, and it's got a lesson for all of us.You see, it's all about understanding age groups and their preferences when it comes to buying a home. We need to think about what our fellow age-groupers like and consider those factors when making our own decisions. And hey, if you're about to level up to the next age group, don't forget to peek at their trends too. You never know what kind of cool stuff you might discover!Now, let's dive in and talk about the third reason on that chart: "Convenience to Job." Apparently, it's a big deal for folks in their mid to late 20s, but not so much for those in their late 50s. Why the difference, you ask? Well, here's a thought: if you're approaching retirement, maybe you'd be willing to endure a slightly longer commute for a better living space. After all, you've only got a few more years before you can kick back and sip mai-tai's on the beach!But here's the real kicker: the factors that really stood out to me were the ones with the biggest gaps in percentages across different age groups. Let's take the example of "access to bike paths." The percentages stay pretty consistent until you hit your mid-70s, and then BAM! There's a massive shift. It's like going from riding a bike to riding a golf cart. It just goes to show how our preferences change as we age, and it's something we should all be aware of.So, here's what I want you to do: grab a piece of paper and create your own list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. And when you're done, don't hesitate to give me a ring! With nearly two decades of experience right here in West Hawaii on the Big Island, I've got the inside scoop to help you find a place that fits your needs like a palm tree on an Aloha shirt. Mahalo, and I can't wait to hear from you!Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383 LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
Some Highlights
Since inflation is increasing the cost of goods and services, it may make sense to look for an energy-efficient home.
Energy prices have increased over the last year, so look for energy-efficient features in your home search.
If you’re looking to buy a home this year, let’s connect so you have a partner to help you consider which features are most important to you.
Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383
LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
If you’ve been considering selling your home, you may be wondering which home improvements you should tackle to increase your home’s value before it goes on the market. While there are many home renovations that can add appeal to your home, it’s important to know which projects will increase your property value and which won’t.That’s why Redfin has reached out to real estate professionals like me to help you determine which home improvement projects are worth your investment. Check out my insight on 12 Home Renovations That Don’t Add Value (and What to Do Instead).Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383
LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
Hey, forget about picturing yourself lounging on a Hawaiian beach - we're talking "Vacation NODE" here (not MODE). You know, that thing that nobody seems to be able to explain. Well, it's the latest proposal from the Hawaii County Council Members and honestly, it's got me shaking in my slippahs (flip-flops) .I mean, have you ever been to a parade and seen the clowns throwing candy to the kids? That's basically what's happening as this draft gets added to the new TAR bill (which, by the way, is on its 4th draft and hasn't been released yet). They're saying not to worry about losing your "hosted rental" status - just get it designated as a "vacation node." But let's be real, rezoning your property can take years and it's not a common occurrence. Plus, you might be giving up current property rights for something you'll never actually get.Oh, and don't forget the "ke anuenue ma luna o ke kukui" (*) , even if you do manage to get your property rezoned, the Director or Council can just take it away at any time. Yikes! I'll share the full section of the draft with you below, but let's just say I'm not feeling too optimistic about this whole "vacation node" thing. Please, take 2 minutes and reach out to your local council members and ask them to stop this nonsense.Hawaii County Council DirectoryHere is the actual draft section:“Division 7. Vacation Nodes.Section 25-6-70. Purpose.The purpose of a vacation node is to provide a mechanism to designate a particular area as a suitable location for transient accommodation rentals in areas not included in section25-4-16(a). Creation of this vacation node designation is intended to spare transient accommodation rental operators from the requirement that they file for a nonconforming use certificate.Section 25-6-71. Criteria for establishing a vacation node.(a) A vacation node may be granted if the following criteria are satisfied:(1) The proposed amendment is consistent with the State land use boundary urban designation;(2) The parcel or parcels affected are suitable for designation as a vacation node and the designation will not conflict with any existing uses or designations;(3) The proposed vacation node designation will not place a substantial burden that would compromise the use of existing public infrastructure or services; and(4) The proposed designation will not negatively impact surrounding residents or the environment in the form of noise, light, air, soil, or water pollution.(b) Preference for designating an area as a vacation node shall be given to areas that:(1) Are underserved by hotel and resort facilities and do not have undeveloped and appropriately zoned properties within a fifteen mile radius;(2) Where one-third of the transient accommodation rentals do not conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which they are located;(3) Are proximate to outdoor or commercial recreational facilities, such as: beaches; County and National Parks; golf courses; event venues; and similar facilities.Section 25-6-72. Who may initiate establishment of a vacation node.Requests to establish a vacation node may be initiated by the director, council, or a property owner or their designee.Section 25-6-73. Request initiated by the director.(1) The director shall submit the proposal to the commission with the director’s recommendations, and justifications for the director’s recommendations for the commission’s review and recommendation.(2) The commission shall conduct and complete at least one public hearing on the proposal within sixty days from the date of receipt of the proposal from the director. Notice of the hearing by publication shall be provided by the commission in accordance with section25-2-5.(3) The commission shall transmit the director’s proposal together with its recommendations through the mayor to the council within thirty days from the close of the hearing. The commission shall recommend approval in whole or in part, with or without modifications, or rejection of such proposal.(4) In the event that the commission fails to act on the proposal within the thirty day period from the close of the hearing, such inaction shall be considered to be an unfavorable recommendation by the commission. The amendment shall then be submitted through the mayor to the council with such unfavorable recommendation.Section 25-6-74. Request initiated by the council.Council initiated process.(1) The council shall refer any council-initiated proposal to establish a vacation node to the director and the commission with requests for their respective comments and recommendations thereon, prior to the first reading of any such amendment.(2) The director and the commission shall each submit comments and recommendations on the proposed amendment to the council within one hundred twenty days from the date that the amendment is transmitted by the council.(3) Within the one hundred twenty day review period:(A) The director shall submit comments and any recommendations to both the commission and the council;(B) The commission shall hold at least one public hearing on the proposed amendment;(C) The commission shall transmit the proposed amendment together with its recommendation thereon through the mayor to the council. The commission shall recommend approval in whole or in part, with or without modifications, or rejection of such amendment.(4) If the commission fails to act on the amendment within the one hundred twenty day review period, such inaction shall be considered to be an unfavorable recommendation by the commission. The amendment shall then be submitted through the mayor to the council with such unfavorable recommendation.Section 25-6-75. Request initiated by a property owner.(a) A property owner or their designee, may apply to establish a vacation node on a form prescribed by the director. The application shall be accompanied by:(1) A filing fee of $500;(2) A description of the vacation node in sufficient detail to determine its precise location;(3) Maps and a plot plan of the vacation node, drawn to scale;(4) A statement of the reasons for granting the request;(5) A list of elements of the general plan and community development plan that are relevant to establishment of the proposed vacation node; and(6) Other supportive information, and any other information necessary to a proper determination relative to the request.(b) Upon receipt of a properly filed and completed application, the director shall have one hundred twenty days to take one of the following actions:(1) Reject the application to establish a vacation node; or(2) Initiate the process to establish a vacation node.(c) If the director rejects an application to establish a vacation node pursuant to subsection (b), the applicant may submit a request to the council to initiate an application to establish a vacation node on the applicant’s behalf.(d) If the council declines the applicant’s request to initiate an application on the applicant’s behalf pursuant to subsection (c), the applicant may not submit the same or a substantially similar application for consideration within one year following such denial, unless the applicant submits significant new data or additional reasons that the director determines to be a sufficient basis to consider a new application.Section 25-6-76. Action on a proposal to establish a vacation node.(a) Within ninety days following the close of the public hearing or public hearings as the case may be, or within such longer period as agreed to by the director, the commission shall transmit its recommendations regarding the application to the council. The commission’s recommendations shall be accompanied by a statement of factual findings supporting the decision.(b) In considering any proposal to establish a vacation node, the council may issue its approval subject to conditions on the applicant for the vacation node. The conditions imposed by the council shall bear a reasonable relationship to the purpose on the vacation node project designation.Section 25-6-77. Revocation of a vacation node.Revocation of a vacation node can be initiated at any time by the planning director or the council.SECTION 6. Sections 25-1-5, 25-5-3(a)(13); 25-5-22(a)(15); 25-5-32(a)(18);25-5-42(a)(24); 25-5-92(a)(32); 25-5-102(a)(35); 25-5-112(a)(52); and 25-5-122(a)(45), Hawai‘i County Code, are amended by substituting the word “transient accommodation rental”, or similar term, wherever the word, “short-term vacation rental”, or similar term, appears, as the context requires.SECTION 7. Material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New material is underscored. In printing this ordinance, the brackets, bracketed and stricken material, and underscoring need not be included.SECTION 8. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any taxpayer or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are severable.(*) "the rainbow above the candlenut tree" or you may know it better as the icing on the cake.#TAR #STVR #VacationNode #Vacation #Node #hawaii #BigIsland #news Lance Owens RB-24133 808.936.8383 LUVA Real Estate | 75-240 Nani Kailua #8, Kailua Kona, HI 96740 REALTOR® / BROKER-IN-CHARGE • Residential homes, Condos, Land, Agricultural/ Equestrian/Large Acreage Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (HAR) 2025 President | 2023/24 State RPAC Chair 2023 HARLA Graduate National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2023-25 Director | 2024-25 RPAC Participation Council | Safety Advisory Committee | Region 13 Leadership NAR Designations AWHD (At Home With Diversity) | PSA ( Pricing Strategy Advisor) West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® (WHAR) 2023 REALTOR® of the Year | 2018/2022 Preside
