Did you try to sell your house in Hawaii the traditional way on the MLS without any success? Did your listing agreement actually expire? Everyday -- and I literally mean everyday -- there are homes for sale on the Hawaii MLS that reach their expiration. Most have been listed for a full year -- 365 whole days! -- without resulting in a sale. While this is no doubt disappointing (and to your … [Read more...]
Asset Liquidation of Real Property
Asset Liquidation. The phrase sounds like the end of a store, like a "Going Out of Business" sale at the local hardware store where you can buy not just some toilets and tool sets on sale but the cash registers as well. The truth is, asset liquidation happens on the home front as well. Everyday in Hawaii and elsewhere there are people who find themselves in a jam and need to either walk away … [Read more...]
“I Sold My House!”
The four greatest words you sometimes hear in this business are "I sold my house." For many people affected by the crash and doldrums of the Hawaii housing market (and nationally as well, of course), selling your house isn't nearly as easy or painless as it used to be. Let's look at some of the most obvious reasons why: 1. Loss of Home Equity. Probably the most common reason today for not being … [Read more...]
Thinking About 2011 Taxes…
With the year almost over (how did that happen...), it's a great time to think about your 2011 taxes. Here are a few ideas for minimizing the taxes you'll pay when the IRS comes calling in the spring. Just be sure to 1) act quickly, and 2) consult your CPA! Are there any donations you can make? Gifts? Charitable contributions? How about transferring a house? These can get tricky from a tax … [Read more...]
Integrity is Everything
I want to talk about something here that's critical to our industry. I want to talk about Integrity. I just read the latest on a Hawaii mortgage scam case. This is troubling to all of us here in the islands. Here's someone taking advantage of our residents, our neighbors, who are already in a difficult position. It's bothersome to no end, but at the very least it sounds like the culprit will get … [Read more...]
The Hawaii Double Dip?
A couple weeks ago, a page one story on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser screamed about the stagnant Hawaii real estate market. The main premises were twofold: 1. Whatever gains the market had given at the turn of the year and into 2011 were basically wiped out 2. Instead of the rebound that was earlier anticipated, another dip appears on the horizon between now and the end of the year Needless … [Read more...]
Our Business Model Helps Sellers
In the past 10 days I've completed a couple real estate deals here on Oahu that have reinforced why I started Big Rock Investments. Was it for the money? Sure, I'd be pulling a fast one if I said otherwise - I have bills like all of us. But it's also because, like many successful businesses, we provide a service to the community. How so? Let me walk you through these two recent Hawaii real estate … [Read more...]
Helping Troubled Homeowners
Aloha, friends. I want to tell you about two homeowners that I've helped this month alone, explaining exactly how Big Rock Investments HELPS HOMEOWNERS FIND SOLUTIONS (some details have been changed for privacy issues). Homeowner #1. Let's call him Peter. Peter lives in a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom in Pearl City and runs his own business. But Peter also owns a home in Kapolei which he currently … [Read more...]
Divorce and Real Estate
The current economy and housing market in Hawaii and the mainland U.S. have placed unusual stress on families of late. This stress is proving to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for some, resulting in divorce when the pressure gets too be too much. Divorces can go either way. While some splits are amicable, there are always a percentage of divorces that prove to be…difficult. Splitting … [Read more...]
6 Biggest Homeowner Challenges for 2011
Aloha everyone. Quick post here for homeowners or those in the market. I'm curious what everyone feels is their biggest real estate challenge for 2011. There's certainly no shortage to choose from. Here's a list of the most common concerns I've heard lately from friends and acquaintances: Underwater or upside-down mortgages. Facing a foreclosure or afraid one's not too far down the road. Lots … [Read more...]