Update: Villages at Mauna Lani Best Buys

My partner, Pam Deery, wrote just 6 weeks ago about the four best values at Villages at Mauna Lani. Since then, we found a buyer for the #1 pick, Villages 301, which was a REO (foreclosure) property; the larger Maile floor plan, it closed for $725,000. Her #4 pick, Villages 309, offered for $899,000 with its high-end furnishings, is now in escrow.

Here is our amended list of Villages at Mauna Lani picks.

This Villages unit features upgrades such as the ceiling treatment shown in the photo

Villages 407: Maile Floor Plan, Short Sale

The price on Villages 407 (MLS# 246202) was just reduced from $899,000 to $769,000…incredible considering the sellers paid $1,650,000 in 2004. It is, of course, a short sale subject to lender approval, but based upon the comps like Villages 301, the list price is now in line with what a buyer would expect to pay. Appraisers can’t give much value to the developer upgrades in this one, but you as a buyer might want them!

Very few Villages at Mauna Lani homes have any ocean view; the REO Villages 612 does!

Villages 612: Maile Floor Plan, REO (Bank-Owned)

I’m surprised that Villages 612 (MLS# 250751) has not sold; I’ve shown it a zillion times and often encountered other agents coming and going at the same time. It is a REO (bank-owned after foreclosure) in decent condition with a peek-a-boo ocean view from the lanai (which is a rare commodity at the Villages), priced at $729,000, not far from our sold comp.

The only thing I can think of is that it has a tile-throughout upgrade and the previous owners chose the darker option with the green granite countertops in kitchen and bath. If this is your concern, I can recommend some awesome interior designers who will make your furnishings pop against this palette. It shows much better than the photos online, let me know if you’d like me to send better ones before making an offer.

Villages 304 has a “lawn” next to its large lanai for a feeling of privacy

Villages 304: Lehua Floor Plan – No Bank Approval Needed!

If you prefer not to deal with a short sale or foreclosure, the least expensive Villages at Mauna Lani condo for sale is Pam’s remaining pick, Villages 304 (MLS# 245885), offered for $775,000. While still 3 bedrooms, this is the “smaller” (2,174 sq. ft.) Lehua floor plan.

Some buyers prefer this floor plan as it has one of its bedrooms on the ground floor and fewer stairs to navigate over all; the price includes furnishings. Similar non-distressed units sold last year consistently in the $750,000 range. The only question is whether the current sellers will hold out and force prices to trend up slightly.

A hui hou,
Beth Thoma Robinson, R(B)