The Residential Suites at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua

We are now offering a spectacular one-bedroom suite on the seventh floor, lobby level, of the newly renovated and whole ownership Ritz-Carlton Kapalua on Maui. This suite (#1701) enjoys views of the ocean, golf course and mountains! click here to view the listing on our brokerage website.

More information is available at http://livingkapalua.com/

(login: kapalua, password: owners - you can see the actual view under "spectacular views")

NO UNITS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. Of the 107 suites that were offered for sale, all one-bedrooms were sold and the remaining two-bedrooms have been retained by the developer. The oceanfront penthouse also sold at $6.4M.

PRICES HAVE ALREADY INCREASED 5%. After the priority selection event and before opening to the public, the developer raised all prices 5%. Units were sold at the new prices. If units fall out, they will not be offered again immediately. The developer will retain the units until a future phase two launch and I've been told that it will be at a minimum 10% price increase.

THE HOTEL IS BOOKED FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. The rack rate for these units is $600/night (I am not sure what the averagebooked rate is yet). That is very strong performance for this asset class.

Contact me at Ritz@OptimumWorld.com for more information.

The Desaachi Building has been SOLD

We've sold our office building on Queen Street in Kakaako...and now we've moved out. We will definitely stay in 96813 or 96814. I am looking to purchase a street legal golf cart so our office definitely has to be within range...

(photo by Miss Desaachi)

Fed slashes rate to 2.25 percent

By Holden Lewis • Bankrate.com

Now that the Federal Reserve has cut rates again, this question comes up: What good will it do?

The central bank's rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee cut the target for the federal funds rate by three-quarters of a percentage point, to 2.25 percent.

The prime rate will fall three-quarters of a percentage point, also, to 5.25 percent. Variable-rate credit cards and home equity lines of credit are pegged to the prime rate, so they will drop, too. The goal is to encourage consumers to borrow and spend more to revive the economy. more...

Honolulu - Housing Predictor's #1 Buyers Market for 2008

They are the exceptions to the rule. All of the Hottest 10 Buyers Housing Markets forecast in 2008 have regional economies that are healthy and have strong potential for being exceptionally prosperous through the end of the year, despite a national recessionary economy.

As one of the nation’s top recreation and resort markets, Honolulu, Hawaii has seen housing and condo prices rise, despite slumping markets on the mainland. Fueled by regulatory changes in Japan monetary policy, the Hawaiian market should see an infusion of investors purchasing condos and homes during the year. As a result Honolulu is Housing Predictor’s #1 Hottest Buyers Market in 2008. more...

Real Estate Market 2008 Forecast
1. Honolulu, HI 6.8%
2. Salem, OR 6.5%
3. Maui, HI 5.6%
4. Bismarck, ND 5.6%
5. Sun Valley, ID 5.1%
6. Biloxi, MS 5.1%
7. Austin, TX 4.8%
8. Grand Junction, CO 4.5%
9. Spokane, WA 4.2%
10. San Antonio , TX 3.9%

JUST LISTED....and already in escrow

1718 Akaakoa Street in Kaopa

Kailua, Hawaii on the Island of Oahu

Offered at $795,000

http://OptimumRealtyLLC.com/1718Akaakoa

It's no suprise this fully remodeled cul-de-sac home on a perimeter lot overlooking preservation land went straight into escrow. We received five offers within the first week on market.

2051 Laukahi Street in Wailae Iki V

Honolulu, Hawaii on the Island of Oahu

Offered at $1,595,000

http://OptimumRealtyLLC.com/2051Laukahi

This newly designed home in a secured and gated community offers Koko Head and Ocean views. The new owners will enjoy the custom tile, travertine and granite finishes. The gourmet kitchen features all stainless steel appliances including a Viking gas range. We received an offer on this property in less than a week as well.

BOTTOM LINE...If properties are in good condition, show well and are priced well, they sell. Contact our team by email at Sell@OptimumWorld.com for a complimentary consultation or Sakara Blackwell direct at +1.808.542.4333

Home Sweet Home

We are back in Honolulu (since last week) and back to blogging. If you follow us, you probably know that I try to post when we are away but really I barely have time between meetings, tours, dinners and taking care of my team virtually that it never happens. I think I really really tried once and was able to get a "Day 1 - Bangkok" post in but that was the last one for that trip.

The good news is that I like to back-post. So...I am working on organizing my 1100+ photos from Vail, Dallas and Panama. Subscribe to the blog and you will receive an email update of my posts...or check back soon for some killer photos and stories.

In the meantime...you have to see our friend Michael's photos here

Pet Specialist has a Puppy

"Maggie" is only 6 weeks old. She will have her first set of shots early next week and I will be at Petland Kahala on Sunday March 23rd looking for a good home. "Maggie" is a little shy, but her spunkiness comes out when she plays with her mommy Macie and her brother Spencer.

For more details contact Taryn@OptimumWorld.com .