When I was growing up, I would help out at my Uncle's real estate company. Uncle Sonny's speciality was association property management. In addition, he also did residential property management and sales too.
Uncle Sonny had a team of people who specialized in niche tasks. One person who always fascinated me was the employee who sat at the front desk. At the beginning of every month, people would be lined up outside the front door to drop off their maintenance fee or rent payments.
I would collect, organize, and open all the envelopes. I would then deliver them to the next two employees who sat in the back of the office. One person processed the maintenance fee payments and the other person would process the rent payments.
When Uncle Sonny had a client who wanted to buy or a sell a home, he would bring out this huge binder. This was the MLS. We would flip through the pages to see what was for sale and what sold. When he found the comps, he would fax or mail his client a copy.
If Uncle's client wanted to submit an offer, Uncle's assist would write up a purchase contract on the typewriter. When the offer was drafted, Uncle would drive to his client so he/she could sign it. He would then take the carbon copy and he would deliver the offer to the listing agent. For all you Gen Z-ers who follow this blog, I bet you are Googling "typewriter" and "carbon copy."
Technology has advanced a lot since then -- thank goodness. In addition, COVID-19 has reshaped how we buy and sell real estate. With companies allowing employees to work remotely anywhere in the world, I can see people planting roots in Hawaii. I have helped and I am currently helping people who fit this category. Interestingly, these clients work in the big technology industry. To some extent, out of state buyers might view Hawaii as a safe place.
Buying a home might be the largest purchase of your life. It is best for you to see the home yourself. However, I have been on many transactions when my clients have purchased (and sold) remotely.
UPCOMING LISTING
46-078 Emepela Place #C207 Kaneohe HI, 96744 • Windward Estates • $515,000 (Fee Simple) • 2-bed/2-bath/2-parking • MLS: 202028714 • Listed By Ryan Oda (R), RB-23073 and Greg Anrdrasick (R), RB-20840 of Forward Realty (RB-19423).
Greg and I are planning to list this 2-bed/2-bath/2-parking property. It's a split-level town home that features over 1,200 living SF. The unit has three lanais, ample storage, and vaulted ceilings. The maintenance breaks down to less than 60 cents per living square foot. There's onsite resident manager and amenities ranging from pool, jacuzzi, and sauna, private garden, to a walking path. This unit has the space and feel of a single family residence, but at a fraction of the price. Contact us for more information.
RAMBLINGS
November 2020 Housing Stats
According to the Honolulu Board of Realtors, “The number of single-family homes and condos sold above the original asking price skyrocketed 210.2% and 79.2%, respectively, compared to this time last year. Sales in both markets continue to move quickly, with single-family homes and condos spending a median of 10 and 16 days on the market, respectively.”
Koa Ridge
Malina at Koa Ridge are affordable townhomes at Koa Ridge. Starting prices are in the $400,000 range. Due to COVID-19, Koa Ridge is offering virtual presentations. Let me know if you are interested.
- Roda