Michael Zimmerman just listed apartment 403 at the Anga-Roa condominium for sale.    

 
Anga-Roa
1545 Nehoa Street #403
Honolulu, HI 96822    

MLS #1200525   

Don’t miss this opportunity.  

• One bedroom, one bath
• One assigned parking space
• Living area approximately 730 sq. ft.
• Owner occupancy 47.5% (Dec 2011)

Please contact Michael Zimmerman if you have specific questions about this home.    

 

 
This information is provided as a courtesy, is not a warranty and should be independently investigated by Buyers.  This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Michael Zimmerman just listed apartment 802 at Ocean Vista for sale.    

 
Ocean Vista
3033 Ala Ilima Street #802
Honolulu, HI 96818    

MLS #1200265    

Don’t miss this opportunity.  

• Two bedrooms, two baths
• One assigned parking space
• Living area approximately 1012 sq. ft.
• Owner occupancy 76% (Sep 2011)

Please contact Michael Zimmerman if you have specific questions about this home.    

 

 
This information is provided as a courtesy, is not a warranty and should be independently investigated by Buyers.  This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

NOTE:  The Waihonua developer demanded I remove all links to the Waihonua web site.  Apparently they believe the general public is not able to distinguish between the developer’s web site and my blog.  While I don’t share this belief, I have complied with their demand.

I read a recent article in the Pacific Business News.  Here are the highlights:

Eight years ago, Alexander & Baldwin (A&B) was the first developer in Hawaii to get started on a high-rise condominium project just in time to take advantage of an upswing in the residential real estate market.  Hokua at 1288 Ala Moana Blvd. quickly sold out and was the first of nearly a dozen condo towers to sprout up around Honolulu during the last economic boom.

A&B announced plans to develop another condo tower in Kakaako, just as the local economy is starting to recover from a recession and prolonged downturn.  Waihonua at Kewalo is a 43-story tower planned for a 1.73-acre lot located between Hawaiki Tower and Koolani.  The building will have 345 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that will be priced starting at $400,000, $565,000 and $720,000.  There will be seven penthouse units as well.  The architects are Design Partners Inc. of Honolulu and Pappageorge Haymes of Chicago, with interior design by Honolulu-based Philpotts & Associates.

The building is referred to as an “upscale” project because of the finishes in the apartments, but not as upscale as Hokua, whose apartments are more spacious and have better, unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean.  A&B believes the project will appeal to a broad market, from first-time buyers to people looking to downsize from single-family homes.  The project also includes a 73-unit affordable rental for seniors that will be located about a block away and is being developed by the Pacific Housing Assistance Corp.

The sales office will open to start pre-sales in a few weeks and construction is projected to start by the end of 2012.

If you’re interested in a Waihonua at Kewalo purchase, please contact Michael Zimmerman.

]]> http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/12/03/new-honolulu-condo-planned-waihonua-at-kewalo/feed/ 0 http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/11/20/appraisals-may-derail-your-home-sale/ http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/11/20/appraisals-may-derail-your-home-sale/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 10:20:35 +0000 Michael Zimmerman http://michael-zimmerman.com/?p=5312 Continue reading Appraisals May Derail Your Home Sale]]>

I read an article about how home appraisals are causing more and more home sales to fail.  Here are the high points:

In the past, appraisals rarely disrupted a home sale, but housing experts say new requirements and a difficult housing market are doing just that.  In 2011, 33% of realtors reported appraisals resulted in buyers and sellers delaying or canceling contracts or renegotiating a lower sales price.  That’s up from just 10% in years prior to 2009.

Lenders are requiring more rigorous home appraisals.  Appraisers determine home values by reviewing comparable sale prices in recent months.  During the housing boom a few years ago, appraisers cited as few as three recently sold homes in their report.  Today, lenders often require at least six comparable sales.  To meet that number, appraisers may use homes that are less similar and may be short sales or foreclosures, though they try to account for what these properties would have sold for if they weren’t distressed sales.

An appraisal helps ensure the buyer isn’t overpaying.  If the appraised value comes in below the agreed contract price, the lender will usually offer a smaller mortgage.  Typical solutions include having the buyer pay the difference out of pocket, lowering the sale price to meet the appraised value or adjusting the price somewhere in the middle.

Below are ways to avoid appraisal complications.

Sellers
Before putting the home on the market, research what similar homes nearby are selling for by looking at online listings, visiting open houses and speaking with real estate agents.  Sellers can also pay for their own home appraisal to get a sense of their home’s value.  The cost of an appraisal varies, but typically ranges from $400 to $600.

Buyers
When buyers make an offer, they may include a contingency clause in their contract that guarantees they’ll receive their initial down payment back if the appraised value is below the agreed purchase contract price.  If the appraisal comes in below the agreed price, buyers have several options.  If they’re no longer interested in the home, they can walk away (if they have an appropriate contingency clause).  If they still intend to buy the house and they can prove the report excluded similar, nearby properties or had some other issue, they can appeal or ask their lender for a second appraisal.  If those strategies don’t work, the buyer and the seller can work out an agreement on their own.

If you have questions, please contact Michael Zimmerman.

]]> http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/11/20/appraisals-may-derail-your-home-sale/feed/ 0 http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/07/30/virtual-tours-for-real-estate/ http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/07/30/virtual-tours-for-real-estate/#comments Sat, 30 Jul 2011 10:30:01 +0000 Michael Zimmerman http://michael-zimmerman.com/?p=5010 Continue reading Virtual Tours for Real Estate]]>

The following article was kindly contributed by Catherine Pitts, Vice President, 360 Island Tours.

There is no question the importance of photos for your property listing, people are visual creatures, much of their stimulation comes from non-verbal communication, and businesses of all types rely on visual communication to engage potential consumers. 

A great photo garnished with a soothing beat has become main stream for Realtors to show case their properties.  And a good photo can bring a property to the front of the running.  Where as a poorly taken photo can completely fool the viewer into thinking the property is not quality they are interested in.

A good Virtual Tour can simulate the environment to make it seem real.  Allowing the viewer to become virtually immersed inside of them, as if they were standing right in the middle of the scene!  The fast advancement of technology has and continues, to produce some amazing features that can be added to a virtual tour.  Flash, Audio, Embedded Video…all of these features can make a Virtual Tour seem real, much like a Video Tour.

The difference between a 360 Spherical Panoramic Virtual Tour and a Panoramic Video Tour is the feature of navigation.  A video is static to how it was recorded and produced.  But a Panoramic Virtual Tour, uses a series of shots taken from a single vantage point, that have been “stitched together”, with software to give it the immersive appearance, allowing the user to control the movement, direction and speed.  Navigating through hotspots, they get to choose where they want to see next, and can easily revisit a room or area.  And they have the ability to look at all of the features the property has to offer at a speed they are comfortable with, giving them complete control of their experience. 

When I browse Real Estate sites, I am one of three things:
1) Disheartened by the poor photos and lack of photos
2) Enticed by the quality photos, curious about the listing and wishing I could see more without the hassle of contacting the agent and waiting for a reply.
3) Satisfied with a virtual tour and either excited to contact the agent, or excited to look for another property.

From the first moment I ever came across a Virtual Tour I was awed by them.

And I saw the importance they hold for Real Estate (and businesses).

They Hide nothing!  The viewer does not have to guess if you are only showing them the “good” photos, Interactive 360 Panoramic Virtual Tours allow the visitor to navigate the property and see each room for what it really is.

They are convenient!  Allowing the visitor to view the property 24/7 and also to share the property with those who may be big decision makers in their purchase choice.  Open Houses that can be a hassle for the busy potential buyer, or trying to explain details to those who will give important feedback in their choice can be eliminated through the use of a Virtual Tour.

They are interactive!  An interactive listing or site holds the visitors attention, making a longer lasting impression.

Vision becomes Envision!  A Virtual Tour creates a scene for the viewer, in which they are able to get a sense of the dimensions of a certain listing, making it easier for them to “see themselves” in your property.  Navigating around rooms, the viewer has a better opportunity to visualize their furniture, their art, their life in the Virtually Showcased listing.

The information age has provided some very amazing tools for both companies and consumers alike.

Catherine Pitts
Vice President
360 Island Tours

Michael Zimmerman just sold Harbor Square apartment 1005.

Sold for $384,900 Fee Simple

Harbor Square
700 Richards Street #1005
Honolulu, HI 96813
MLS #1014962

A little TLC will transform this apartment into the home you want.  Desirable location just steps away from Aloha Tower, Restaurant Row, Iolani Palace, State Capitol, Macy’s, Long’s, the downtown business district and neighboring historic Downtown/Chinatown.  The apartment is on the cool and quiet side of the desirable Harbor Tower.

Don’t miss your unique opportunity to own this two bedroom condominium.

• Large windows and natural light brighten each room
• Plenty of in-home storage
• Exterior storage locker
• Convenient access to public transportation
• Living area approximately 1031 sq. ft.
• Lanai approximately 149 sq. ft.
• One covered, assigned parking stall

This information is provided as a courtesy, is not a warranty and should be independently investigated by Buyers.  This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Are you looking for your very own high floor condo with a spectacular view?  Contact Michael Zimmerman or visit my web site to perform your own specific Honolulu condo search.

]]> http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/07/24/just-sold-harbor-square-two-bedroom-condo/feed/ 0 http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/06/25/just-sold-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo/ http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/06/25/just-sold-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo/#comments Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:25:03 +0000 Michael Zimmerman http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/06/25/just-sold-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo/ Continue reading Just Sold: Kinau Lanais One Bedroom Condo]]>

Michael Zimmerman just sold Kinau Lanais apartment 1405.

Sold for $265,000 Fee Simple

 
Kinau Lanais
775 Kinalau Place #1405
Honolulu, HI 96813
MLS #1104014    

• One bedroom, one bath
• One covered, assigned parking space
• Living area approximately 520 sq. ft.
• Lanai approximately 169 sq. ft.   

 

This information is provided as a courtesy, is not a warranty and should be independently investigated by Buyers.  This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

Are you looking for your very own high floor condo with a spectacular view?  Contact Michael Zimmerman or visit my web site to perform your own specific Honolulu home search.

]]> http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/06/25/just-sold-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo/feed/ 0 http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/15/open-house-parkglen-at-waikele-two-bedroom-townhome/ http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/15/open-house-parkglen-at-waikele-two-bedroom-townhome/#comments Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:15:18 +0000 Michael Zimmerman http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/15/open-house-parkglen-at-waikele-two-bedroom-townhome/ Continue reading Open House: Parkglen at Waikele Two Bedroom Townhome]]>

Michael Zimmerman will conduct an open house at Parkglen at Waikele apartment M204 on Sunday, April 17, 2011.  The hours will be 2-4pm, so please stop by and take a close look at this beautiful townhome.  

Parkglen at Waikele
94-618 Lumiaina Street #M204
Waipahu, HI 96797    

MLS #1103890    

Key features:    

• Two bedrooms, two baths
• Two assigned parking spaces
• Laminate floors
• Washer and dryer in the apartment
• Convenient access to shopping outlets, the freeway and military bases
• Living area approximately 830 sq. ft.
• Lanai approximately 92 sq. ft.

Please contact Michael Zimmerman if you have specific questions about this home.    

 

]]> http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/15/open-house-parkglen-at-waikele-two-bedroom-townhome/feed/ 0 http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/06/honolulu-real-estate-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo-for-sale/ http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/06/honolulu-real-estate-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo-for-sale/#comments Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:06:27 +0000 Michael Zimmerman http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/06/honolulu-real-estate-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo-for-sale/ Continue reading Honolulu Real Estate: Kinau Lanais One Bedroom Condo For Sale]]>

Michael Zimmerman just listed apartment 1405 at Kinau Lanais for sale.    

 
Kinau Lanais
775 Kinalau Place #1405
Honolulu, HI 96813    

MLS #1104014    

Don’t miss this opportunity.  

• One bedroom, one bath
• One covered, assigned parking space
• Living area approximately 520 sq. ft.
• Lanai approximately 169 sq. ft.

Please contact Michael Zimmerman if you have specific questions about this home.    

]]> http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/06/honolulu-real-estate-kinau-lanais-one-bedroom-condo-for-sale/feed/ 0 http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/04/honolulu-real-estate-parkglen-at-waikele-two-bedroom-townhome-for-sale/ http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/04/honolulu-real-estate-parkglen-at-waikele-two-bedroom-townhome-for-sale/#comments Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:04:52 +0000 Michael Zimmerman http://michael-zimmerman.com/2011/04/04/honolulu-real-estate-parkglen-at-waikele-two-bedroom-townhome-for-sale/ Continue reading Honolulu Real Estate: Parkglen at Waikele Two Bedroom Townhome For Sale]]>

Michael Zimmerman just listed apartment M204 at Parkglen at Waikele for sale.  

Parkglen at Waikele
94-618 Lumiaina Street #M204
Waipahu, HI 96797  

MLS #1103890  

Come home and relax in your quiet, private second floor apartment.  This well maintained home has the washer & dryer in the apartment and two parking spaces close by.  Conveniently located near school, restaurants, outlets and freeway access.  Just a short drive to Schofield, Wheeler and Pearl Harbor military bases.  

Don’t miss this two bedroom townhome!  

• Two bedrooms, two baths
• Two assigned parking spaces
• Convenient access to shopping outlets, the freeway and military bases
• Living area approximately 830 sq. ft.
• Lanai approximately 92 sq. ft.

Please contact Michael Zimmerman if you have specific questions about this home.  

 

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