Sip and Learn!

If you were able to join us (or watched the recap) on our last Real Estate Wine’d Down, I’m sure you’d agree it was excellent!

As always, Ryan Kadota helped us explore the nuances of the Team Nakanishi wine selection of the week. Who knew there could be so much to know about Rose’. Len Pagan from Academy Mortgage again joined us to update us on lender changes. Rates are still historically lower than low! When COVID first “arrived”, lenders became more conservative. As things get back to normal, credit score requirements are trending back down. High risk borrowers can expect to pay higher points. With inter-island travel opening, local buyers have a short window of time to enjoy lower competition for existing inventory. Inventory is very tight, so speak to your lender and get ready. 

Setting the Stage

Stager extraordinaire, Suzy Sternlicht of Team Nakanishi explained how much staging enhances a listing. Not all staging efforts are equal. Some do partial staging while others do virtual staging, but it’s standing in a room and feeling how it “lives” that enhances any showing. Suzy and the team do complete staging. She has a great eye. I can’t say enough about the job our stagers do. Thanks Team! 

What Bugs Me

Who knew bugs would be such an exciting topic! After 30 years in this business, I thought I knew all there is to know about East Hawai`i critters. Will Lee of Will Kills Termites and Pests taught us a thing or two for sure! We basically have two types of termites: drywood and ground (Formosan). Drywood termites are commonly found in trim and cabinets. They are softer woods, often untreated or brought in when installed. While drywood termites have droppings, ground termites do not. Swarms in the afternoon are normally drywood termites, while the 8 p.m, swarms are ground termites. Swarms don’t mean you have termites, but they are in the area and looking for a home. Will also talked about rats, birds, and important preventive measures. But you’ll need to watch the recap to learn more. Let us know if you want the link. 

While it will take a while before we transition back to a normal real estate showing pattern, it’s interesting to note that we are very busy. Danny Krause, our buyer’s agent, is also licensed in California. He shared a 9 page document outlining showing requirements in that state. Both buyer and seller must review and agree in writing to comply with the directives. We don’t expect these types of control measures in Hawai`i, but we’re constantly reminded that things are not business as usual. There are showing protocols we are supposed to follow.

Join Us!

This week’s Wine’d Down promises to be equally educational. Thanks to Kealohanui Browning for assisting me with the recap each week. If you wish to join us this coming Monday (15th) at 3 p.m., just email me or Ash for an invite. Be sure to stop by Kadota Liquors so you can enjoy this week’s selection as we sip and learn! (P.S. Thanks in advance for your vote for Nakanishi as the “Best of East Hawaii”.)