A New Kolea Short Sale Listing

The release to the MLS of a short sale listing on Kolea 2E (MLS 617907) was not a total surprise. Those in the know have been watching for an eventual foreclosure on this distressed property, but the $800,000 listing price was shockingly low and has prompted many clients to email or phone me. There are no photos online and no showings allowed. Hereʻs the inside scoop.

Although this shot was taken from Kolea 1C (MLS 616384), Kolea 2E likely has a similar ocean view.

Background on the Kolea 2E Short Sale

When I say this has been on the radar for some time, here is the story. Purchased from the developer, it sold for $1,561,000 in 2005. It was then listed immediately for $2,399,000 and repeatedly listed without a sale until 2009, when it failed to sell as a short sale, asking price $1,260,000.

At that point, the sellers stopped paying the mortgage and their homeowner dues. Eventually the Kolea Association of Apartment Owners foreclosed for unpaid dues, and it is currently rented by them to a long term tenant. Hence the no access, no photos, no showings.

All Kolea condos have upscale finishes and appliances, and the built-in summer kitchen on the lanai. This photo is of another 2nd floor six-plex villa, Kolea 13E (MLS 613726)

What Will Kolea 2E Sell For?

When I reported on Kolea at Waikoloa Beach Resort back in March, my main observation was that three of the four condos sold or in escrow were the largest floorplan, i.e. second or third floor in the six-plex buildings, with 2,174 sqft, three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a garage. That means we have comps that the bankʻs appraiser will use in deciding what price they will accept as a short sale.

Will the short sale succeed and Kolea 2E really sell for only $800,000? Does not seem likely when the two most recent sales of similar units are Kolea 10B for $1,550,000 and Kolea 8E for $1,775,000! Both of those units were sold furnished, but even subtracting a generous $100,000 for used furnishings, and another generous $100,000 for location premium, the market price for a second floor, three bed/3.5 bath villa, unfurnished, with Hilton-side view, should be $1,350,000 or above.

Not to mention that in a short sale, someone will have to cover the Associationʻs lien, and the amount of back dues is reported in the mid six-figures. Note that if the unit goes to foreclosure, state statute limits the amount the association will recover, but that is not true in a short sale.

Koleaʻs monthly dues are the highest in Waikoloa Beach Resort due to the low density and direct walking access to the beach at Anaehoʻomalu Bay.

By the way, according to the listing agent, the accepted offer that has been submitted is above asking price.

So if you have been looking for a deal at Kolea, this is probably not it. But with the uncertainty in the air—short sale comps, eruptive activity, overall real estate and economic market cycles—you might find sellers willing to look at offers they would not have considered a year or two ago. And with resort zoning, the Countyʻs proposed limits to vacation rentals do not affect your ability to rent your Kolea condo.

I have been selling Kolea since I worked for the developer a dozen years ago. Let me know if I can assist you in buying or selling your beachfront Kolea condo.