Hair + makeup by Ulupono Academy, A Paul Mitchell Partner School Wardrobe by DKNY, Location provided by Hokua. Photography by Brandon Ching
optimum realty real estate sales +
management | finance | design
+
staging | summer 2008
company profile Based in Honolulu, Hawaii Optimum Realty LLC
• Only 1% hold the Certified Commercial Investment Member Designation (CCIM).
is a boutique real estate brokerage firm offering
• Only 8% hold the Certified Internet Professional
personalized client services in all aspects of
Designation (e-PRO).
real estate. Whether it is luxury, international or
What does this mean to you in your search for a realtor to represent
investment real estate, Optimum Realty LLC offers
created equal! Staying ahead of the competition, our professional
expert service in sales, management, finance and design + staging consultation to local residents as
your best interests in a real estate transaction? All realtors are NOT consultants constantly obtain extensive training and certifications. Sakara K. Blackwell, principal broker of Optimum Realty LLC, is a designated member of CIPS, e-PRO and CLHMS with Million Dollar
well as international buyers.
Guild status. She is also a member of the Hawaii Developer’s Council.
Market your property with us worldwide as our memberships in
Optimum Realty LLC goes above and beyond traditional services by
various internationally prestigious organizations such as CIPS, CCIM,
offering value added services through our property staging and design
FIABCI - The International Real Estate Federation and The Institute
services by SPACE, mortgage and finance consultation, investment
for Luxury Home Marketing give your property the global exposure it
and portfolio management and VIP client services. You are also invited
deserves. According to the National Association of Realtors, there are
to take advantage of the unique real estate tours hosted by Optimum
1,244,872 realtors in the U.S. as of April 2008. Of these realtors:
Realty LLC offering you a firsthand look at some of the most desirable
• Less than 1% hold the Certified Luxury Home Market Specialist
investment opportunities here in Hawaii and around the world.
Designation (CLHMS) and half of them received Million Dollar Guild recognition.
NO BOUNDARIES. ONLY POSSIBILITIE S.
• Only 1% hold the Certified International Specialist
the investor next door
Designation (CIPS).
Most people dream of profiting from real estate, but how many really ever take action? Don’t be surprised when you find out that your neighbor who works on his ’69 Camaro on weekends is your investor next door! Meet Kanoe Bettencourt. He has been a full time Aircraft technician for the Hawaii Air National Guard for 19 years. Island born and raised, Kanoe and his family lives in Aiea and appear to lead an average life… until you find out that this humble, small town man currently owns seven properties throughout Oahu and on the mainland! Since attending a “How to become a millionaire” seminar just four years ago, Kanoe has transformed himself from an average Joe to an inspiring real estate investor. At first these seminars just sparked his interest in real estate; however, Kanoe soon started educating himself through books and CDs. Most importantly, Kanoe took action and started buying. From the start, Kanoe realized he needed to focus seriously on his portfolio but never got around to it, until a chance meeting with Sakara Blackwell, Principal Broker of Optimum Realty at a seminar in 2005. On one of their recent deals together, Kanoe benefitted from the staging services “SPACE” offered through Optimum Realty and sold a single family investment property in Ewa in record time. “SPACE helped sell the property fast! It was a big help.” said Kanoe.
Knowing that Kanoe is looking to build his portfolio, Sakara provides him with valuable real estate networks and expertise in investment opportunities. Kanoe also studies housing markets on the rise. He utilizes a unique software program from www. HotRealEstateMarketsNow.com that collects current and historical housing appreciation data. This analysis tool gives him an indication of where each market is now and where it is headed. When asked about tips for buyers today, Kanoe simply stresses, “Don’t hesitate to buy, just go with it! Look back 30 years ago, people were waiting when houses were $100,000. When the price goes down and interest rate goes up, it’s a wash.” Our Investor’s favorites: Favorite activities: Work on his ‘69 Camaro, Basketball, Football Favorite Restaurant: Outback Steak House Favorite place to relax with your family: Sunday Dinners at home Favorite beach: Kailua Beach Best kept secret of Hawaii: The food, the variety of it.
summer south swells are here!
Hawaii Events Summer 2008:
By Taryn E. Wong, Real Estate Assistant + Avid Surfer Wake up south shore surfers from your winter slumber! Summer is here and so are the summer south swells! Storms in the southern hemisphere generate swells that create breaking waves here in Hawaii on south facing coastlines. The south shore has many surf breaks from Hawaii Kai to Sand Island. For the beginner, Canoes at Waikiki will be your best bet. Canoes is located in the heart of Waikiki near the Duke Kahanamoku statue. You can rent a longboard at the local beach rental stands right on the beach. Take a lesson or take the short paddle directly out and join the learner crowd. For intermediate surfers, I recommend Diamond Head Cliffs. After conquering Waikiki, many surfers
Friday Night Fireworks at Hilton Hawaiian Village (Fridays @ 8pm, April-September) Sunset on the Beach at Queen’s Surf: FREE movie & live music (Saturday and Sundays @ 4:30pm) The Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (OHCRA) Regatta Season (June 1 – August 2) Kapalua Food & Wine Festival at Kapalua (June 26 – 29) ArtAfterDark at Honolulu Academy of Arts www.honoluluacademy.org (last Friday of each month from 6 –9 pm) Hawaii State Farm Fair at Bishop Museum (July 26-27)
and short boarders with a mix of surfing levels. This break is more challenging than
Honolulu Family Festival at Magic Island (August 7-10, 14-17)
some Waikiki breaks, but the crowd and heaviness of the waves can be more forgiving
26th Okinawan Festival at Kapiolani Park
than some of the tougher southern breaks. If you are an expert, Ala Moana Bowls is
(August 30 – 31)
will venture out to Diamond Head. At this break you will find a mix of long boarders
your south shore paradise. Located in the Ilikai Boat Harbor, Bowls is a heavy left break that in my opinion is where some of the best waves on the south shore can be found. Infamous for its gnarly local crowds that keep most surfers away, when Bowls gets big this is where the professional surfers will be seen getting barreled. Whatever surf break you are heading to this summer be sure to know your limits and check daily surf reports. Also, protect your skin from the blazing sun with high SPF sunscreens. Be sure to watch the local news or web-updates on unusual tide changes, high wind gusts, and jelly-fish warnings. Be safe in the water and hope to see you out there!
hawaii market + trend report
FIABCI Regional Congress of the Americas and AsiaPacific: Honolulu, Hawaii (October 23-25)
reasonable time and at reasonable prices because buyers are looking for VALUE. The top ten percent have that winning combination of PRICE, CONDITION and
homes and 1037 condominiums recorded as sales in the
MARKETING. Due to tighter
MLs on Oahu. Year-over-year, this was a decline in number
lending guidelines, many of the
of sales for single family homes of 22.2% and 24% for
tied its record high at $330,000, a 3.1% increase year-over-year. Both
Leaders in Luxury 2008: Miami Beach, Florida (October 15 – 17)
the market are still moving within a
In the first quarter of 2008, there were 673 single family
was unchanged at $620,000 and the median sales price for condominium
PacRim Conference: Hilton Waikoloa Village (September 18-19)
Properties in the top ten percent of
by Sakara K. Blackwell
condominiums. However, the median sales price for single family homes
Find Optimum Realty at the following events:
qualified buyers out there are savvy, picky and have experience in purchasing real estate so they expect the home to show well and they want a good price.
homes and condos are also finding buyers faster at 55 days on market for
As of May 30, 2008 there were 2043 active single family homes and 2717
homes and 43 days on market for condos. That’s almost 20% faster
active condominiums on the market. This is a large amount to choose
than last year!
from. As of week 22, the 1-Year Treasury was at 2.09 and the 10-Year
Central Oahu had the highest quarterly absorption at 68.5% for single family homes and 64.4% for condos compared to the lowest absorption out on the North Shore at under 20%. Town was kind of in the middle at 37.4% for homes and 40.7% for condos.
Treasury was at 3.84. This is lower than it was in the second half of 2004 and the market didn’t peak until the third quarter of 2005. If you have the income, credit and assets, you are in the driver’s seat. Go out and look at homes…now is an excellent time to purchase a property if you are in the market for one.
for sale 1053 Lunaai Street, Kailua :: $820,000 (FS)
tranquility in the back yard. NEW paint, Brazilian cherry laminated floors, carpet, granite counter tops, solid maple cabinets, matching appliances. Special features include large island in kitchen, formal living, french doors, skylight in family room and jetted tub in the master. Seize the chance to own this best priced home giving you the best bang for your buck!
VERDANT VIEWS FROM THIS REDESIGNED MAUNAWILI HOME: Be captivated by the verdant views of Mt. Olomana and the Ko’olau Mountains upon entering the flagstone lanai leading you to this redesigned three-bedroom, two-bath home plus bonus room that can be used as a den, artist studio or 4th bedroom. This home sits on a perimeter lot boarding agricultural land offering privacy and
• Three-bedroom, two-bath + bonus room • 1812sf of interior living area • 8,218sf of land, Zoned R-7.5, Perimeter lot • Year Built: 1966, ReDesigned: 2055 • Property Tax: $ 175/month, $2150/year • MLS 2813226 www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/1053Lunaai
1447 Kewalo Street #905, Makiki :: $335,000 (FS) PANORAMIC PENTHOUSE VIEWS AT ODE RANCHO: This huge 800sf one-bedroom with unique design of two baths has breathtaking 180 degree ocean and mountain views from Diamond to Punchbowl with the best cross ventilation in town! 80sf covered lanai. Unit offer bamboo floors, new paint, new ceiling fans and fixtures. Assigned storage and washer/dryer on each floor. Secured, automatic entry with one assigned parking. This property qualifies for our POWER BUYER PROGRAM. www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/OdeRancho905
51-636 Kamehameha Hwy #2/216, Ka’a’awa :: $299,995 (FS) WELCOME TO HAWAII: Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Koolau Mountains, this fully furnished turn-key unit in Makaua Village is priced to sell! Recent upgrades include paint, maple cabinets, tile countertop, appliances and ceiling fans. Enjoy your mornings out on the 101sf private lanai surrounded by tropical landscaping. Amenities include Pool, Rec Area, BBQ, Scenic Lookout, washer + dryer in unit, Pet Friendly with no weight limit on dogs and assigned parking. Make an offer today and own a piece of paradise. This property qualifies for our POWER BUYER PROGRAM. www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/MakauaVillage
for lease 1177 Queen Street #1008 :: $4495/Month Want to live in ultimate luxury without paying the ultimate mortgage? This highly desired 08 unit is the largest 2/2 suite in luxurious Ko’olani with 2 side-by-side parking. Enjoy breathtaking white water ocean views from all rooms. High end amenities include saline pool, spa, tennis, golf, fitness center, theater, billiard room, business center, party room. Pet friendly allowing one cat or dog up to 25 lbs. Available fully furnished + turn-key for $5995/month. www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/Koolani1008
sold
The Desaachi Building, Kaka’ako :: Sold: $850,000 (LH) DYNAMIC LOCATION at QUEEN/KAMAKEE: Across from Office Depot/Nordstrom Rack. Property is ideal for owner-use. Industrial use includes auto repair, veterinarian, music/film studio, wholesale distribution, design showroom, catering kitchen and more. www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/ TheDesaachiBuilding
1718 Akaakoa Street, Kailua :: Sold: $820,000 (FS) SOLD AT ABOVE ASKING IN ONLY 11 DAYS! FULLY REMODELED ON RIM LOT OVERLOOKING PRESERVATION LAND IN KAOPA: Quiet cul-de-sac location is prime with easy access to Pali Highway. Owners have gone all out with remodel...laminate flooring, crown moulding, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, stainless appliances, the list goes on. Den can be converted back to 4th bedroom. Lanai enclosed for family room and 1/2 bath + storage. www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/1718Akaakoa
2051 Laukahi Street, Waialae-Iki :: Sold: $1,575,000 (FS) THIS HOME SPEND ONLY 13 DAYS ON THE MARKET AND CLOSED AT 98.7% OF OFFERING PRICE: Gated community with tennis courts, park and 24/7 security. No detail has been overlooked in this stunning remodel. Ocean views from large master suite w/walk-in closet and jetted tub. Prime level lot with patio for entertaining. Open gourmet kitchen with built-in dining, center island, stainless appliances, Viking GAS range, walk-in pantry. Soaring ceilings and more... www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/ 2051Laukahi
leased 1177 Queen Street #608 :: $5,495/month PET-FRIENDLY/FURNISHED/TURN-KEY: Largest 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit in Ko’olani offers in/outdoor living with 245sf private courtyard surrounded by red ginger garden. Includes ALL utilities (water, gas, electric, internet, basic cable), housekeeping, VIP Concierge services. Walk to beach/park, Restaurants, Movies, Shops. Minutes to Downtown, Waikiki, Airport. Fitness Center,Business Center, Party Room, Theatre, Pool Table, & Dog Park. www.OptimumRealtyLLC.com/Koolani608
adventures of mr. and mrs. blackwell After selling and moving out
While the boys played football, we girls read magazines and laughed at
of The Desaachi Building,
the boys. At some point we decided to go snorkeling and swam towards
we needed a little R&R. So
the tide pools and reef on the opposite side of the bay…then we saw some
we rounded up two of our
crazy lady running up and down the beach screaming DOLPHINS! We
best friends for our annual
raced back to the other side of the bay where we found multiple pods of
interisland trip. Last year we
10-20 spinner dolphins. Manele Bay is amazing as the water is crystal
went to Maui and stayed at
clear and about 20-30ft with a sandy bottom. It felt like we were in a giant
my cousins’ beach house in
aquarium. The dolphins swam below us and around us, coming so close
Makena. This year we decided
that they would brush our skin. A few times I came up to clear my mask
on Lana’i. Surprisingly, I
and found them jumping in the air and spinning, hence their name.
have never been to Lana’i and it was a first for everyone else as well. I love discovery trips!
It was amazing. After lunch: I have to say it’s really tough to top swimming with the
There are three hotels on Lana’i...the Four Seasons at Manele Bay, The
dolphins so we decided to relax by the pool after lunch. I am really into
Lodge at Koele and The Hotel Lana’i. We were booked at Manele Bay.
pools. Personally I find it more relaxing than the beach. I like to find the
When you arrive at the airport on Lanai, the Four Seasons is there to
perfect lounger based on direction, amount of sun and proximity to the
pick you up. There is a one-time $35pp fee for this but well worth it as it
pool. Hilton prefers to stay submerged all day.
includes free shuttles between the two resorts and Lanai City.
Dinnertime: We took the shuttle up to the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele
We arrived at Manele Bay and in true Four Seasons fashion we were
for dinner. It is about a 20 minute windy ride in the pitch dark. Once you
greeted with leis and cold hand towels, details that I personally love. Our
arrive, you feel like you are in another world. It is so different from Manele
rooms were next to each other and offered huge lanais with a gorgeous
Bay. The dinner wasn’t the greatest as they almost killed our friend that is
ocean view and drying rack for your swimsuit and surf shorts. As we
allergic to garlic but the setting was devine.
unpacked, there was a knock on the door. The General Manager had sent us two bottles of champagne! That definitely set the tone.
After Dinner: Manele Bay has an awesome gameroom with pool, shuffleboard, foosball and a killer dessert menu! When we arrived there
Considering there is not much to do on Lanai but relax, we certainly found
live music and the band was really good. They ended their set shortly after
many things to do over the weekend. I’ll break it up according to meals as I
we arrived but we made our own noise playing shuffleboard challenge, one
always base my getaways around food.
of our favorite games.
Before Breakfast: We took a morning hike to Sweetheart Point, on the
I would definitely go back to
opposite end of the beach at Manele Bay. It is an easy hike and takes only
Lanai but I think I would stay
about 45 minutes. In the morning at low tide is the best time to check out
at the Lodge at Koele next
the tide pools. Sunset is the best light for photos.
time. I would love to try clay
After breakfast and up until lunch: We hung out at the beach below the hotel. Four Seasons will set-up chairs, bring you water and fruits, spray you with Evian and provide you with snorkel gear and sunscreen.
1050 Bishop Street #402 Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96813 Tel/Fax: +1.888.ASSET.80 Direct Tel: +1.808.542.4333 Summer08@OptimumWorld.com
shooting, a round of golf and croquet on the lawn. A hui hou Lana’i!