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  • A Taste Of Things for LGBT Homeowners...

    Across America RealEstate affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of people daily, and it pays to be well informed of your choices!

    Most importantly though, is the need to be understood without having to explain your situation or feeling as if your being treated differently.

    As a specialist in Gay Realty and affiliated services, I strive to deliver a service that not only finds you the home you desire but also to make the experience rewarding for you and your partner.

    I'm Jeff Adolph and I look forward to discussing your concerns, concepts, and monumental Real Estate moments as we progress on a Realtor journey across this wide land we call home…

    Click ABOUT below, for more information on Gay RealEstate USA
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March 04, 2008

Around the Nation -- Residential Real Estate Update - Hawaii

By Jeff Adolph

State-by-state

Hawaii1_2Hawaii  located on the Archipelago in the central Pacific ocean, southwest of Continental America, has an estimated population of 1,211,537 according to the most recent census.

Tourism and food exports are the main constituents of the Hawaiian economy. Hawaii has some of the highest taxes in the U.S with there being 9 income tax brackets ranging from 1.4% to 8.25%.

While Hawaii does not have a sales tax per se it does have an excise tax which it imposes on all businesses, including retail sales, commissions and rental income. Property taxes are assessed at 100% of fair market value and tax rates are per $1,000 of net assessed value.

East Honolulu

This regions represents an equal buyers and sellers market with the market trends increasing and homes sitting on the market for 60-90 days.

The median prices of homes in this area hovers around $650,000 and is up by 5% compared to that of last year's prices. Buyers are typically getting 95-100% of their asking price and repeat buyers are representing the area of greatest activity.

This area offers a stable market and population growth is the main reason for current activity with Downtown Honolulu representing a housing hot spot.

Maui

Hawaii_2Maui is considered a booming market with investors and reallocators being the main buyers in this region. Home medians are hovering around $700,000 and prices are up 20-30% compared to last year's figures.

The market in this region is a 50/50 split with buyers and sellers on equal standing. Homes are typically sitting on the market for 30 to 60 days and buyers are getting 95-100% of their asking price.

LGBT Real Estate Facts: There are approximately 2,389 same-sex couples residing in Hawaii making it the 43rd gayest American state. The gayest zip codes in this area of the United States are 96815 Diamond Head/Gold Coast - Honolulu; 96816 Waikiki/Waialse, Kahala/ Kaimuki - Honolulu; 96818 Aliammanu, Salt Lake, Foster Village - Honolulu; and 96822 Manoa/Makiki, Lower Punchbowl - Honolulu -- gaydemographics.com

Main Story Source: House Hunt (2008) Real Estate Market Trends; available online at http://www.househunt.com

Picture Source: hawaiiguide.com and hawaiipictures.com 

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October 02, 2007

First Hawaiian Bank Economist Foresees Down-turn in Economy

By Jeff Adolph

Real Estate Developments

KauaiA representative for The First Hawaiian Bank recently stated that Kauai's economy is headed for a slow down despite strong construction and tourism levels.

Leror Laney, First Hawaiian Bank economic consultant foresees the residential down turn in real estate, Super-ferry woes and banning of big-box stores as having an unknown economic impact on the region.

The ban on stores larger than 75,000 square feet has seen a rift develop between retailers and consumers.

'The irony is that something that at last promises to reduce Kauai's high cost of living is disallowed', said Laney.

Kauai's Nawiliwili Harbor is also under-developed and has limited growth capabilities that will possibly effect the Super-ferry in the coming years.

Kauai1While, real estate sales in the region are down by 4% compared to that of last year and prices have dropped 3%. It is anticipated that this decrease will level out shortly though it is not expected that the market will recover in the near future.

Source: Wu, N (2007) Kauai's Economy Headed for Slowdown; available online at http://starbulletin.com/2007/09/28/business/story02.html

Images: www.himalayanacademy.com and www.realestate-kauai.com

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July 20, 2007

Have Your Say On the LGBT Political Front - August 19th 2007

By Jeff Adolph

LGBT Politics

DebateIn a national first, the Democrats are challenging the Republicans by staging a debate that is dedicated to the LGBT community and will answer many of the issues facing Lesbians, Gays, Bi-sexual's and the Transgendered across the nation.

The leading candidates for the Democratic  nomination for presidency will actively involve themselves in this debate on August the 9th, which is being telecast by LOGO, a gay cable network. Alternatively, you may view proceedings on http://www.logoonline.com/ if you are unable to access the network.

Debate1Participants in the debate will include Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (pictured above), with the moderators being singer Melissa Etheridge and Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign's president.

If you would like to actively participate by lodging questions for the candidates to answer you may do so by logging on to LOGOonline.com as well as on HRC.org.

Source: Demorcrats to Hold Gay Debate (2007) available online at www.wweek.com

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July 19, 2007

Housing Time Capsule

By Jeff Adolph

Historically Speaking

HousingEver thought about the past in relation to housing costs and rental prices?

Think of the 1960s and 70s; peace, love, truth and freedom, hippie communes and Bob Dylan and the nostalgic ambiance will probably transport you back in time to a by-gone era.

In the 60s the United States Census Bureau estimated Santa Fe's population to be approximately 33,000. Ten years later this had risen to 41,000.

In 1964 Eli Levin also known as Jo Basiste, a painter paid $18 a month in rent for a dwelling on Cerro Gordo Road. Whereas, Jeweler, Doug Magnus paid $35 a month for his home off Canyon Road.

As Magnus said, 'there was such a sense of freedom. It was an easy place to live at that time. It was nonjudgmental and welcoming and inexpensive; unbelievably inexpensive.'

According to the US Census the median price of a home in New Mexico in the 1940s was $6,800 by 1950 this had risen to $34,500 and $52,700 by the 60s. Some 40 years later in 2000 that same median had risen to $108,100 and today sits around $519,500.

Oh for the love of a time machine...

The Bureau then summarizes the national median when it states, 'median home values for single-family homes in the United States rose from $30,600 in 1940 to $199,600 in 2000, after adjusting for inflation. Among states the District of Columbia (treated as a state) had the highest median home value from 1940 to 1950. In 1960, Hawaii became a leader and has remained there. Over the 60 year period from 1940 to 2000, the lowest median home values were generally found in southern states, such as Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.'

Housing1By comparing the statistical data of real estate in a historical sense it often becomes apparent where the best investment opportunities are, and for any investor it is vital that they do their homework before investing so they make a good return.

Source: Schneider, W (2007) Peace, Love and Freedom; available online at http://www.santafenewmexican.com and The US Census online at http://www.gov

Images: Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov

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May 21, 2007

Renewable Fuel and Hawaiian Innovation

By Jeff Adolph

Sustainable Energy

ColeConcerned advocates for renewable energy and a greener lifestyle seem to be emerging from the most unlikely of professions of late, and real estate developer David Cole is the next maven to use his position in favor of a brighter, cleaner future for all.

Mr. Cole heads Maui Land and Pineapple, a land holding and operating company, and is beginning to promote sustainable development. This means returning to the land to scout out answers to our even growing problems.

For Hawaii this is profound as the population have long since abandoned agriculture and made a run for the promotion of tourism and their real estate.

The most notable thus far in terms of renewable energy is Hawaii BioEnergy, an international consortium that is focused on alleviating Hawaii's long standing absorbent fuel costs and making the state almost energy-independent.

'As islanders, we've had to provide for our own survival for hundreds and hundreds of years,' said Mr. Cole. 'Now technology exists to turn some of our natural resources into energy from anywhere else,' he said.

EthanolHence, why BioEnergy is looking at sugar cane to manufacture Ethanol from, which according to the Department of Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association of Washington and Evidence from Brazil's experience show that ethanol produced from this source is considerably cheaper.

And, it seems Hawaii BioEnergy is not the only company looking at traveling down the Ethanol production path, others are turning their efforts to producing millions of gallons a year.

Image and Picture Source: Villano, M (2007) A Return to the Land, for Fuel; available online at http://www.goupstate.com

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April 11, 2007

Gay, Green and Baby Boom: Puna's Growth

By Jeff Adolph

Housing Market

ArtpunaPuna, Hawaii is becoming one of the fastest growing districts in the state as baby boomers, greens and members of the LGBT community flock to this sought after enclave.

The draw card being the areas low real estate prices and isolation aspects that some revere rather than revel in.

The median price for homes in this locality has tripled with an average increase of 27% being realized for the single family home and up to 60% for parcels of land.

Yet, the area is still deemed as one of the best in terms of value.

Art1bThis has seen custom built homes become prevalent and the Puna economy grow as a result, but the growth has its drawbacks with some finding this once very rural enclave becoming too overcrowded.

Jim Crow is once such resident, a semi retired housing constructor; Jim, moved to Puna to escape the crowded streets and lifestyle of Washington but has now found that it has followed him to Hawaii. Therefore, he is selling up and finding an alternative slice of serenity elsewhere.

As Crow said, 'I want to live in a more rural place. Puna has become too crowded.'

Puna like Hawaii in general did experience a downfall in the real estate market like much of the nation but its long term forecast is very strong. Of the 176 listings that the Honolulu Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service has 89 of these are from Puna. Overall Puna's investment potential is extremely promising and still relatively cheap.

Source and Images: Schaefers, A (2007) The Big Island District is the Fastest Growing in the State, but not all Residents are Welcoming the Boom; available online at http://www.starbulletin.com/2007/04/08/business/story01.html

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November 17, 2006

Which State? Most Expensive Vs. Least In Terms of Housing Affordability

By Jeff Adolph

State Housing Comparisons

J0400631_2No doubt you often wonder just which state is more affordable in terms of housing costs, and we are not just talking median prices. I am referring to the rental market and home ownership, with taxes, insurance, utilities and mortgage payments falling under the housing cost umbrella.

According to the Census Bureau who collected housing data in 2005 the comparisons are staggering and when the authorities estimate that 'household incomes' are behind in terms of inflation, it comes as no surprise why some families are loosing sight of the 'American Dream' of homeownership. Especially, if they are trying to purchase their first and break into the market.

Hopefully, the data below will assist you in deciding which state could be for you...

Housing Costs

Most Expensive - New Jersey: Monthly cost of $1,938

Least Expensive - West Virginia: Monthly cost $ 797

Rental Costs

Most Expensive - Hawaii: $995 Monthly

Least Expensive - North Dakota: $479 Monthly

Median Value

J0428513Most Expensive - California: $477,700

Least Expensive - Mississippi: $82,700


City Home Expense

Most Expensive - San Francisco: Median price of $726,700

Least Expensive - Detroit: Median price of $88,300

Highest Increase in Median Home Value

San Diego - In 5 years (2000-2005) $247,000 - $567,000 and increase of $320,000

Source: U.S Census Bureau (2006) People and Households: available online at http://www.census.gov/

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September 27, 2006

Kauai's Economy Strong and Growing

By Jeff Adolph

Real Estate Trends

Housing07eleeleaerial_1A long line of construction projects are scheduled for years to come, tourists spending has escalated and Kauai's economy looks so bright that the community may just have to permanently wear shades.

Leroy Laney, economics consultant for First Hawaiian Bank, was the bearer of good news at the Bank's 32nd. annual business outlook forum, and as he stated, '2006 will be the state's and Kauai's 10th. straight year of growth.

However one of the draw backs is the growth has created a shortage of labor as Kauai's unemployment rate sits at just 2.5 %.

Housing prices in the region rose by 28% in 2005 on top of a 37% increase in 2004  and according to Laney this has forced some workers off of the Garden Isle. As he added, 'it's often the households with younger children that are hit the hardest by the lack of home affordability.'

Though, the real estate market in this region is now changing to follow the nation wide trend of cooling, but this does not seem to have put a dampener on building by any means.

The 1,500 unit Kukuiula development near Poipu is underway and the tropical fruit facility will open next year. 

SignaturepicMoreover, Hawaii is not only a gay friendly state that sports many gay tourist cruises, scenic stop-overs and businesses but also is one of the many favored travel destinations of the GLBT community globally, and with its growing economy it is sure to continue being a draw card long into the future.

Source: Finnegan, T (2006) Kauai's Economy Roaring Away: available online at http://www.starbulletin.com

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Have you been to Hawaii, what did you think of the housing?

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