Real Estate Information

Oahu Real Estate Looking Forward in 2010

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

by John Riggins

What will happen with Oahu real estate in 2010 is unknown, yet certainly 2009 is a year that most are looking forward to putting in the past. The first time home buyer tax credit helped kick start real estate sales on Oahu ion the latter half of the year, but the lack of true demand pushed home prices lower and helped make buying more affordable than the Hawaiian islands have seen in recent years.

During the first half of 2010 the homebuyer tax credit will continue to help lure buyers off of the sidelines and into home ownership on Oahu. Home prices are likely to drop some more, interest rates have probably seen their lows.

Oahu real estate will slowly and steadily unfold, what 2010 will bring is yet to be seen but data has shown improvement in sales numbers and hopefully the pattern will continue.

Oahu Real Estate: Using the Tax Credit

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

by John Riggins

The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit has been extended and expanded, providing an excellent opportunity for people to buy Oahu real estate. The tax credit has been extended until April 30, 2010 and homes must be closed by July 1, 2010. The gist of the tax credit is:

First time home buyers are eligible for a credit of up to $8,000.
Current home owners who have been in a home for at least five years are also eligible, they are entitled for a credit of up to $6,500.
There are income limits for the tax credit. For individuals the income limit is $125,000 and for married couples the income limit is $250,000. Individuals who make between $125,000 and $145,000, and married couples who make between $225,000 and $245,000 are entitled to a partial credit.
The tax credit is for the purchase of a primary residence.

The extended and expanded tax credit offers great incentive for people purchasing real estate on Oahu. Contact John Riggins today for information on Oahu real estate.

Federal Funds Making a Difference in Hawaii

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

by John Riggins

Over 1400 jobs have been created in Hawaii from federal stimulus money, good news for Hawaii and good news that the money is being put in the right place. The majority of the jobs that have been created in Hawaii have been state jobs. Money is also being used to stop job losses in Hawaii’s government, helping with budget cuts.

Much of the money earmarked for Hawaii is expected to create jobs indirectly, through projects like roads, highways and bridges, housing improvements and affordable housing. On Oahu the rail transit system will create a number of jobs when it gets underway.

All in all the federal funds being used in Hawaii are making a difference, positive news in a shaky economy.

Kapolei is Hawaiian Living on Oahu

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

by John Riggins

Kapolei is known as the second city on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Honolulu being the first city. Kapolei is a booming place, one which has grown significantly over the past few years and one that is projected to grow well into the future. Kapolei offers the best of what Hawaii has to offer, an amazing lifestyle, employment options, shopping and fabulous dining.

Kapolei has attracted some large national stores in the past few years, including Costco, Target, Ross and Sports Authority. All of which were attracted to Kapolei because of its growth and its future potential.

Kapolei is Hawaiian living. For more information on real estate in Kapolei contact John Riggins today. John Riggins has the experience and knowledge necessary to make your Kapolei real estate search educated and informed

Real Estate Reports for Oahu Show Positive Improvement

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

by John Riggins

The latest report on real estate on Oahu by the Honolulu Board of Realtors is positive, very positive. The report shows a marked improvement in real estate sales on Oahu were up over 45% in November, compared with November of 2008. That is a huge improvement that has many believing that the bottom has already arrived.

While the improvement in Oahu real estate sales is evident many are still cautious. The fear of the tax credit expiring is believed to have inspired many off of the sidelines and into Oahu real estate. The tax credit has been extended and expanded and will most likely continue to help real estate sales.

Mortgage rates are still hovering at historical lows and it is a great time to purchase real estate in Kapolei, as well as elsewhere on Oahu.

Lower Home Prices on Oahu

Monday, December 07, 2009

by John Riggins

Lower Home Prices on Oahu

November 19th, 2009 John Riggins Posted in Oahu real estate |

It's a great time to invest in Oahu real estate

Listing prices for Oahu real estate are approximately 10% lower than they were 6 months ago

Sales volume may be improving but home prices are down on Oahu. Data from the last 6 months, available to see on Trulia.com, shows that home prices in Honolulu have been reduced 10%. Great news for buyers, sobering news for sellers. A recent article in the Star Bulletin quotes John Riggins as stating “It’s imperative in this market that sellers price their homes competitively.” According to John Riggins, “There weren’t any Oahu neighborhoods that saw price increases last year and only a very few have begun to show increases in the last few months. Most sellers are still going to have to list their homes below the last comparable sales in their neighborhood.”

For a house to sell on Oahu, it not only has to look better than the next house for sale but it also has to be priced better. The tax credit extension and expansion may have more people looking but those that want to sell their Oahu real estate and trade up are going to have to price their homes competitively if they want to sell.

For more information about Kapolei Real Estate please contact John Riggins, Certified Distressed Property Expert. Click here for access to the Oahu MLS and all available listings in the Kapolei area.

Ko'Olina Offers Golf and More

Monday, December 07, 2009

by John Riggins

Ko’Olina Offers Golf and More

November 13th, 2009 John Riggins Posted in KO OLINA RESORT, Ko Olina real estate, oahu |

Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the Ko'Olina Golf Club on the island of Oahu

As the northern states start preparing for winter golf enthusiasts may be mourning the end of a season. The good news is that there are many places where the golf season never ends one favorite being the Ko’Olina Golf Club on Oahu. The Ko’Olina Golf Club offers a wonderful golf course which has hosted a variety of golf tournaments, including the LPGA. Playing golf is always more enjoyable in a beautiful setting and this Oahu location offers a stunning landscape filled with lush gardens and ocean views.

For families who like to vacation together but not necessarily all play golf together the Ko’Olina Resort has many amenities to enjoy. From stunning beaches to shopping this Oahu resort has something for everyone.

For more information about Kapolei Real Estate please contact John Riggins, Certified Distressed Property Expert. Click here for access to the Oahu MLS and all available listings in the Kapolei area.

Business Support Oahu Rail Project

Monday, December 07, 2009

by John Riggins

Businesses Support Oahu Rail Project

November 11th, 2009 John Riggins Posted in HAWAII NEWS, oahu |

The rail project on Oahu is supported by Hawaiian businesses

The Oahu rail project is supported by businesses across the state of Hawaii. The rail project is expected to reduce congestion and therefore create more traffic for businesses. The most congested traffic in the state of Hawaii is on the stretch of roadway between Kapolei and Honolulu. The rail project on Oahu will allow people to avoid driving, therefore reducing traffic and making their own commute much more tolerable. Easing congestion is seen as a way to boost commerce on the island of Oahu.

Another benefit of the Oahu rail project is job creation. This project could not come at a better time, when unemployment levels are rising. The rail project will help boost the overall economy on Oahu.

For more information on the rail project click here.

For more information about Kapolei Real Estate please contact John Riggins, Certified Distressed Property Expert. Click here for access to the Oahu MLS and all available listings in the Kapolei area.

Oahu Real Estate to Benefit From Expanded Tax Credit

Monday, December 07, 2009

by John Riggins

Oahu Real Estate to Benefit From Expanded Tax Credit

November 9th, 2009 John Riggins Posted in Oahu real estate, oahu |

The newly expanded tax credit is great for Oahu real estate

The newly extended and expanded tax credit is sure to benefit real estate on Oahu. There is no doubt that the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit helped to boost real estate sales on Oahu. The expanded version of the tax credit now includes current home owners that have owned their home for at least five years. What does this mean for Oahu real estate owners? If someone has owned in a home on Oahu for at least 5 years and they want to trade up and buy a bigger home they can get up to a $6,500 credit at closing.

The tax credit has been extended into 2010. Any properties need to be a primary residence and have to be under contract by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30 2010. The credit is available for real estate valued at up to $800,000 and the income restrictions are $125,000 for an individual and $225,000 for a couple.

If you would like to purchase a home for the first time on Oahu or trade up, contact John Riggins today.

For more information about Kapolei Real Estate please contact John Riggins, Certified Distressed Property Expert. Click here for access to the Oahu MLS and all available listings in the Kapolei area.

Oahu Real Estate: Seek Experience for Distressed Properties.

Monday, December 07, 2009

by John Riggins

Oahu Real Estate: Seek Experience for Distressed Properties

November 7th, 2009 John Riggins Posted in Oahu foreclosures, Oahu real estate, oahu |

Using a CDPE can help make purchasing foreclosure property on Oahu successful

Short sale and foreclosure properties, prevalent on Oahu, are also known as distressed properties. While unfortunate for the home owner, distressed properties can off great opportunities for the Oahu real estate investor, sometimes that is. A potential buyer is much better served buying distressed property with and experienced broker, a broker who has a knowledge of distressed property sales. CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) is a classification for such brokers. NAR (National Association of Realtors) has also come up with a new classification, SFR (Short Sale & Foreclosure Certification Program). In either classification the real estate broker is trained to handle short sale, foreclosure and REO transactions, which are much more complex and time consuming than traditional real estate transactions.

If you are looking to purchase distressed property on Oahu contact John Riggins today. John Riggins is an experienced CDPE who can help make your real estate

For more information about Kapolei Real Estate please contact John Riggins, Certified Distressed Property Expert. Click here for access to the Oahu MLS and all available listings in the Kapolei area.