At Poipu beach park recently, where my grandkids were playing - an ancient sea turtle was resting on the beach. A very unusual sight. We often have monk seals, moms and babies, who find Poipu Beach a wonderful place to have a rest (just like us!). Local volunteers will rope off the area with yellow warning tape and post signs to educate visitors as to their need to not be disturbed. If monk seals don't get their rest on the beach, they won't be able to survive in the water.
Since my move to Kauai in 2000, I've seen many, many monk seals on the beach - but never a Honu (turtle), especially of this size.
Many times tourists are unaware of the seals (or in this case, turtle's) need for rest and will come too close, or make noise to get a good "shot". I saw a woman cross the yellow tape and go really close to take pictures. Concerned about the turtle's protection, I went to talk to her and found out she's volunteering with DLNR. Her digital photos were emailed immediately to an expert as they were trying to determine if this great-grandma turtle needed help. She said they estimated her age at about 90 years old. There was a crack in her shell, which sometimes is "fixed" with superglue.
I hate to admit it, but I felt a lot of similarities with this great-grandma. Sometimes I wish I could just use some bondo to fix my cracks, too. A little rest on the beach does wonders for this grandma!
To share with you the beauty of Poipu beach on a typical Sunday afternoon, following is my YouTube video of the beach and this special honu:
This week, I previewed a home with my buyers that was screaming "adopt me"!! It wasn't right for my clients, but could be a great opportunity for new owners at the right price. It was like leaving the Shelter after seeing a cute dog or cat that you just want to take home with you. This home is crying for new owners.
Located on the rim of the Wailua River, this property has direct and expansive views of Secret Falls, along with the Wailua River valley and mountain ranges beyond:
Located on Haaheo Street, which borders the rim, this home is at the end of the cul-de-sac. Although there are neighbors close by, the location of the home on the rim is such that you only see the valley, waterfalls, and mountains from your main living area. The swimming pool is in the "front" of the lot (closer to the street).
A luxury home in it's day, it's been vacant for some time and there are upgrades and deferred maintenance needed. The concrete fence around the pool is functional, but detracts from the visual appeal (and value). The home has tremendous potential for the right buyer - and of course, at the right price. The listing agent shared that the owners had passed away, and the family was getting more motivated to sell and mentioned an anticipated price reduction. Unfortunately, that meant going from $999,000 to $935,000 - which is still way above today's market. A recent sale in the neighborhood was for $805,000 (all cash) without the pool and not the tremendous views. That home was in better condition, but not as nice views.
That sale was also before the "Bailout" and the recent economic downturn. We are in the slow season of the market, and buyers are facing what the press calls global economic uncertainties. In today's market, trying to find high quality homes where the sellers are realistic about today's prices is indeed a challenge. Add to that, trying to find a seller who even has room to negotiate without going into a short sale situation and the inventory narrows considerably. This home appears to have all the makings of a great opportunity -except the Sellers are unrealistic about the price and perhaps need to be educated with an offer.
Click Here for Full Listing Data for MLS 213044 and photos.
Here's a brief video of the views from the oversized lanai (you'll hear my grandson's voice in the background):
Kauai real estate offers so much diversity. This week I hosted a Luxury Homes Caravan in the Wailua Homesteads area. We had a great turn-out and lots of fun, with a "search for the haunted house". To reach Wailua Homesteads, you turn mauka, or towards the mountains, off the highway at the old Coco Palms, which truly looks haunted in it's run down state (but that's another story).
We had trick-or-treating at each house, and prize drawings for everyone who put together their "haunted house" (a puzzle, with pieces at each property). And no, that's not me in the witch's costume!
To Sell your home in today's market (or any market) it's important that your agent reaches out and promotes your property to the other realtors who are active in your area. The Broker's Caravans here on Kauai are a good way to do that, in combintation with email blasts, updates, etc. Making it fun just adds to the attraction, but this is really about getting market exposure for our clients' properties.
You're welcome to join us - here's a map with details of the homes, and Virtual Tours of the HawaiiLife properties:
CommunityWalk Map - Wailua Luxury Homes Broker Caravan - Wed 10/29
Wailua Rim Custom Home
Equestrian Estate
Panoramic Mountain Views
If you're on island, please come by this afternoon and check out this unique, custom built 4 bedroom home in Princeville - 3998 Alo Alii Drive. Turn right at the first street past the fountain and follow the signs into Queen Emmas (the gated street on your left). It brand new, with three master suites, two that open to the golf course. Upstairs living area has golf course and mountain views. No detail spared!
Click here for VIRTUAL TOUR.
Check out this week's Kauai Real Estate Broker's Caravan of Princeville properties...
What stood out for me were several townhome offerings:
If you like Puu Poa, be sure to contact me for information about a "pocket listing" in that complex coming online soon at around $1.3M, the lowest price in recent years!
For some candid shots of realtors in action, check out this gorgeous Puu Poa condo as we enjoy our lunch:
Slippers at the door
Living area opens to oceanfront lanai
View in front of Puu Poa
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Aloha! Please visit my home site for detailed info about properties and life on Kaua'i. My commitment is to listen, and assist you with your dreams & goals. I cover the entire island of Kauai.
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