The nation’s first net-zero-energy community is slated to be built on the island of Oahu.  A net-zero-energy home is meant to consume no more energy than it creates and intended to have a low carbon imprint on its environment.  The community slated for construction on Oahu is going to be an affordable housing project.  The low cost of energy for these homes will make them even more affordable in the long run.

This groundbreaking project will be built in West Oahu in Waianae Valley.  Oahu is setting a trend by being the first to develop an affordable development which is so environmentally friendly.

Click here to read a recent article from Pacific Business Journal about the net-zero-energy community on Oahu.

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 is a great place to catch the Aloha spirit.  Sun, surf and sand permeate the soul and ease the mind, allowing the body to relax and enjoy life in a way that is unparalleled in many parts of the world.  Whether you are lucky enough to live in Kapolei full time or own a luxury vacation villa in Ko Olina Resort, spending time on the island of Oahu is certain to improve one’s quality of life.

The current buyer’s market that exists on Oahu is increasing the real estate sales volume there.  First time home buyers are able to take advantage of the tax credit, historically low mortgage rates and low home prices to get into a home for an affordable amount of money.  For those who have dreamed of owning a second home on Oahu, the timing has never been better.

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.

The commitment to keeping mortgage rates low is great news for those wanting to buy Oahu real estate.  The chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, announced this past week that due to the fragile nature of the US economy interest rates will not be increased in the near future.  Low mortgage rates are seen as instrumental in boosting real estate activity and real estate is seen as a way to lead the Country out of the recession.

Low home values, the extended and expanded tax credit and low mortgage rates have combined to create ideal buying conditions when it comes to purchasing property on Oahu.  Oahu real estate sales have been improving compared with a year ago and the ow mortgage rates will ensure that this will continue to be the case.

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 sales volume in January showed an improvement over a year ago

Oahu real estate sales volume in January showed a considerable improvement compared with January of 2009.  According to data at the Honolulu Board of Realtors there were 162 single family homes sold in January 2010 and 122 single family homes sold in 2009.  These figures show an over 30% improvement for Oahu real estate.

Condominium sales on Oahu showed an even greater improvement at an increase in sales volume of over 40%.  There were over 227 condominiums sold on Oahu in January 2010 compared with 159 in January of 2009.  The increase in sales is surely fueled by a tax credit, lower home values and historically low interest rates.  These factors have combined to create an ideal buying market when it comes to Oahu 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.

For those who live on Oahu it is no surprise that Hawaii is ranked as the happiest state in the nation

An annual list of the happiest states has Hawaii ranked as number one for 2009.  It certainly can’t be a surprise to people that Hawaii is the happiest state.  With a gorgeous natural, tropical, beauty that many save their entire lives to visit Hawaii represents a tropical oasis in the Pacific Ocean.  Hawaii is more than just a tourist destination however, it is also a place that people call home, it is a state that offers an amazing quality of life.

Hawaii offers sunshine, warmth, and an amazing outdoor playground.  Before, during or after work residents of Hawaii can take advantage of the lovely Hawaii weather and go surfing, running, hiking, biking or choose from a plethora of outdoor activities.  Hawaii lends itself to spending time outdoors and being outdoors leads to happiness for its residents.

For a complete list of the happiest states on 2009 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.

Hawaii is ranked #11 for foreclosures

Oahu foreclosures keep coming and according to RealtyTrac, Hawaii is ranked number 11 for foreclosures.  The trend has been a big increase in December foreclosures followed by a drop in January.  The drop in January, however, is not indicative of foreclosures decreasing for the year, perhaps it is merely a holiday lull.  As foreclosures hit on Oahu, however, the opportunity arises for those looking for great investments.

Real estate has been hot recently in Kapolei and the Ewa Beach area because prices are right and mortgage rates are remaining low.  Click here to read a recent article on Hawaii foreclosures in the Pacific Business Journal.

If you are interested in looking at Oahu foreclosures or other Oahu real estate contact John Riggins today.  John Riggins is a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) and has the knowledge you need to complete your Oahu real estate transaction.

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.

Real estate sales volume is picking up on Oahu, especially in Ewa and Kapolei

Low home prices, tax incentives and a desirable location have combined to create and ideal buying market in Ewa and Kapolei, and people are buying.  The last couple of months have shown a large increase in real estate sales in this area.  The high number of short sales has created an environment where people are buying and bidding for real estate deals in Kapolei and Ewa Beach on the western end of the island of Oahu.

49 homes sold in December and 32 in January, large increases compared with 2008, and over 40% of the current listings in the Ewa area are short sales.  The bargain prices are luring buyers into the market and causing competition amongst contracts.

To look at a recent article on Oahu real estate from the Pacific Business Journal, 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.

Mortgage rates remain steady, hovering at 5%, a positive for Oahu real estate

Long term mortgage rates have remained low, a positive for those considering purchasing real estate on Oahu.  For the week ending February 4th, 30 year mortgage rates were averaging 5.01%.  Encouraging news for real estate across the United States leans toward a slow but steady recovery and keeping mortgage rates stable is seen as instrumental in keeping real estate on the rebound.

If you are interested in real estate on Oahu, securing a mortgage before selecting your property can be a good idea.  An experienced Realtor like John Riggins can help you find a lender to work with before you begin your Oahu property search.  Click here for and in-depth look at the latest mortgage information.

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.

If you are relocating to Oahu choose an experienced Realtor like John Riggins to make your move a smoothe one

Relocating to Oahu can be an overwhelming and stressful experience and having someone on your side can be key in making your transition run more smoothly.  Locating a good Realtor can make you relocation more enjoyable.  Moving to Oahu, whether for a job or for a lifestyle change, is a big move and a realtor can help not just with finding a home but with the entire process.  Here is what an experienced Realtor can do for you:

• Research and resources.  A qualified real estate broker has helped many people move and knows the neighborhoods, schools, and amenities.  Using your broker’s knowledge can help cut out a great deal of your leg work.
• Settling in.  Let your Realtor know your interests and hobbies and he will point you in the right direction, making your new home feel like home faster.
• Network.  Relocating involves more than just a new home, it involves a new life.  Your realtor can help point you to the proper channels when choosing schools, doctors, activities, etc.

John Riggins is a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, where those who belong have to pass a series of stringent criteria.  John Riggins can put his experience and expertise to work for you when you are relocating to Oahu.

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.

Things are slowly improving for tourism on Oahu

Small steps forward for Oahu are being made, as tourism improves slowly but surely for the island.  While it is true that overall the recession hurt Oahu far less than many places on the mainland, the overall economy of the United States and the world has impacted tourism to Oahu and all of Hawaii.  Hotel occupancy has been improving in increments, up nearly 3% for the week ending January 23rd.

Overall room rates on Oahu are down in the 10% range, lower prices meant to attract visitors.  The lower rates appear to be working as occupancy rates continue to improve, just as lower mortgages rates and tax incentives are helping to improve Oahu real estate sales.  Slowly but surely Oahu and the rest of the country are moving forward.

Click here for an article from Pacific Business Journal about hotel occupancy in Hawaii.

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.