Kona Kohala Blog

While the rest of the country languishes in a declining market, Hawaii continues to be a good place to own property.  On the mainland, 9% price drops are being reported while in Norht Kona, our median price is down just over 1% for Single Family Residences (SFR's) and condos are down less than 1%.  We're actually seeing median price increases in South Kohala.

The number of sales continues to decline just like the mainland but the value is holding it's own.  Today, there are condos in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area that can be purchased in the mid $500's and with a good deposit, will give you a positive cash flow at the end of each month.

Interest rates have gone up for the last three weeks in a row so don't wait too long.  Bond yields have to go up to lure investors back into the bond market which means interest rates will go up, too.  Most investors are holding onto their cash, like the banks, or putting it into real estate.  Now's a good time to beat the crowds and buy before interest rates get out of control.  aloha

In the last week I've seen two headlines, one for a lack of funds available for expanding the hospital presence in North Kona and South Kohala and the other about a funds shortage for an outreach program for senior citizens.

I realized that I'd never seen a headline addressing a shortage of funds for raises for our legislators or tight funds regarding elected officials health programs.

Why is it the financial shortages always seem to be with funding for "we the people" and never for those who serve us?  Will we ever see meaningful health care reform as long as senators and congressmen have 100% coverage for life?  Do you think they will ever feel the need to act on these issues until they are without?

Perhaps when some of those people "on the hill" lose a home or health care or teachers in their school districts the rest of us will see them move to do what is right.  When their retirement plan is in danger of disappearing because of faulty investing they may see the need for more oversight.  When those who represent us face the trials we face maybe then will we get the representation we deserve.

I'll never forget John Kerry telling the nation that when he's elected president there will be the same health care coverage for all people that members of the house and senate enjoy.  He wasn't elected so we'll never know but doesn't it seem like he may have still taken some steps towards that kind of help even if only as a senior member of the United States senate?