Watch Out for Scary WebSites!

If you aren’t familiar with Zillow  (it may be better if you aren’t!)  Zillow is an automated real estate marketing website that presumes to offer listings & home values all across the country.

But here are two recent examples of nice people being hammered when they believed information from  ”God-Zillow”

One Seller believes in GodZillow so much that they kept they selling price so high (probably 40% over market value)—the home was almost never even shown….much less sold. He is not in step with the real market.

The next example is a good friend of mine bought their home about 5 years ago at over $700,000…Today GodZillow now says its only worth $250,000. This is a drastically low & faulty valuation that adds ill-founded stress to their family financial picture.

Values are down from 2006 peaks —Yes, of course—but C’mon Zillow—did you get exposed to strange radiation that warped your automated system?

Both of these valuations are amazingly misleading to trusting families..and I cringe to think how many people are planning their lives based on this quasi-”information”.

So, Please be careful playing with scary websites, Kids…

We at Hawaii Green Realty are delighted to represent the sale of the Hawi Plantation House.

Early December 2011 price reduced by $228,000 down to $2,448,000. This beautiful property just received approval to operate as a Bed & Breakfast business.

Absolutely the premier plantation-era home in North Hawaii. Extensive renovations make this classic property an incredible discovery in the heart of historic Hawi in North Kohala.  The modern kitchen and tastefully remodeled bedrooms say “understated elegance”—a great workout room, guest cottage, new game room and tennis court make this incredible property your own destination resort. With 7 bedrooms, 7 baths and a total of 22 rooms in all, it is perfect for an extra large family home or vacation rental business. Beautifully landscaped 2.27 acres with newly refinished swimming pool.

For virtual tour & vacation rental info, check out the Hawi Plantation House website at: http://www.hawiplantationhouse.com/index.html

Also click here for video

You enter on a long private driveway past flourishing palms and colorful plantings. The main residence was designed by Kohala architect John Wallace and features a spacious great room upstairs with superb views and three bedrooms on the lower floor. Oak floors and exquisite ohia posts accent the open beam design. The open-design kitchen has granite breakfast bar and built-in wine racks. In the shady garden, the wood-fired hot tub has a great ocean/Maui view.

Next you visit the Guest House/Barn with upstairs loft and a very nice outdoor shower and shaded lanai. There is an additional 320 square foot storage cabin for farm supplies.

Finally, you walk to the 2,400 sq ft additional dwelling on the west end of the property. Originally intended for the
in-laws, this home is about 65% complete and ready for doors/windows and finish work. This home overlooks open farm/grazing lands and has expansive views of the ocean and Maui island.

Advanced structural design of all buildings was engineered for superior performance in event of earthquake or tropical storms.

You save thousands of dollars each year with the photovoltaic energy system that provides power to the home. The free-standing energy building also has garage space for a mower/tractor. In addition to county water, the property is served by the Kohala Ditch agricultural water system providing affordable irrigation water.

On the property there are 18 types of bamboo, 20+ coconut palms, 20 papaya trees, 5 monkeypods and a citrus orchard with new irrigation system.

Offered at $1,250,000   Give me a call at 808-987-2365

Click Here for Video

As the world challenges each of us with rapid changes, it may be our deepest visions for the future and confidence in those visions that become the fuel to make it through tough times.

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost.

That is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

Henry David Thoreau

There are some very cool new projects on the horizon that are sparking new thinking about making our island community more self-sufficient as to energy, food supply and jobs. It’s all about adapting to

changing economic times…

Garden Masters: Teaching advanced gardening skills (with special attention to Seniors)

Hawaii At Work: A community-based jobs program to install gardens and renovate homes.

Hawaii Power Project: Helping homeowners save money by using abundant natural energy.

FarmSmart Hawaii:  Helping local farms to produce and sell more of what they grow

Affordable Hawaii Homes:  Economical small living units built with healthy building materials

& energy-smart design. You add more units as your family grows.

Give me a call to learn more about the projects and how you might want to get involved.

“You’re always getting a perfect match to what you predominantly give your attention to. But you’ve got to make the best of it. You’ve got to think slightly different from where you are if you are going to improve where you are. You can’t keep taking score of where your business is or your relationship is or your body is without continuing to create it as it is. To make improvement, you’ve got to reach for a different thought.”

Esther Hicks-Abraham

Here’ a thought Diet:    Wine & Dementia Risk.
Moderate wine drinkers are 23% less likely to develop dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. Resveratrol, found in fairly high levels in wine, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that decreases the stickiness of blood platelets and helps blood vessels remain open and flexible. It also inhibits enzymes that can stimulate cancer cell growth and suppress immune response. (Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center)
                                                           

So Honey…be sure to take your medicine…

Then when Hawaiian Electric quoted us over $250,000 to run electrical power down to our homesite, it was the beginning of my days living “off-grid”—using solar photovoltaic panels to generate all the power we need. Such systems are so common now, we invite everyone to explore how the power of Hawaii’s spectacular elements of sun & wind can add clean power to your life.

Our solar system grew a little over time…from 6 panels (170 watts each) and a 3,000 watt inverter to a 10-panel system that now seems just right for our needs.

While we do have a energy-saving refrigerator, all of our other appliances are standard household units with the EnergyStar rating assures that they are energy-efficient. Power saving appliances are now pretty standard in the marketplace—so they do not have to cost any more than their energy-hungry ancestors.

We were able to bring in county water and telephone/high speed internet lines. It’s all pretty civilized.

And when the power goes out in the rest of Kohala, we enjoy the luxury of light, music and movies.

“But isn’t it a big headache to live off the power grid?”

Not really…The main difference might be that we had to learn about caring for our solar system.

Because our off-grid system uses large batteries to store the solar panel energy, it requires 30 minutes each month to be sure the batteries have the distilled water they need to work best.

How important is this? Well about 3 years ago, I got busy and didn’t check my batteries for several months. As the batteries heat up and gain electrical charge, the water inside can cook off and run low. My batteries were ruined—and it was an expensive lesson.

For sure, there is a learning curve—but these systems are so well designed and supported,

you can even set up scheduled service to maintain your system.

 “But isn’t it super expensive to set up an off-grid system?”

For me, it was an easy decision to go off-grid since running power company lines was so expensive. But when you think about your cost of power over several years…the numbers look very good.

First of all, electricity here on the Big Island is about 43¢ per kilowatt/hour—the USA average is 10.9¢.

Since our power costs 4 times the national average, solar pays for itself faster than most anywhere in the country. Also, tax credits for solar systems take a big bite out of the cost of purchase. Finally, you enjoy the feeling of satisfaction as you harvest the clean power of sun and wind and gain a more intimate relationship with this amazing island.

“Walking my talk…”   The next step for me? It was to explore how to shift my real estate business to help families enjoy the benefits of a more energy-smart and healthy-home lifestyle. So this was the spark for Hawaii Green Realty.  We offer all real estate services for conventional homes and land—but also specialize in helping people who want a greener future—from remodeling existing homes to building new.

Our growing network of professionals includes solar/wind contractors, green architects, builders & remodeling experts, energy raters and indoor air quality consultants…to name a few.

So even if you live in a neighborhood, there are systems that can save you money while you enjoy more energy independence. Yes, there are a few things to learn…but this is a small price to pay for stepping into your own power.

Back to Work

“Copy The Empire State Building”  by Bill Clinton

(This came from comments made by former President Bill Clinton on 14 Ways To Put America Back to Work)

“Just look at the Empire State Building—I can see it from my office window. Our climate-change people worked on their retrofit project. They cleared off a whole floor for a small factory to change the heating and air conditioning, put in new lighting and insulation, and cut energy-efficient glass for the windows. Johnson Controls, the energy-service company overseeing the project, guaranteed the building owners their electricity usage would go down 38 percent—a massive saving, which will enable the costs of the retrofits to be recovered through lower utility bills in less than five years. Meanwhile, the project created hundreds of jobs and cut greenhouse-gas emissions substantially. We could put a million people to work retrofitting buildings all over America.”

So how might we create jobs by renovating & improving the energy performance of homes & buildings here in Hawaii?

And here is an interesting item:

    80% of the homes & buildings we’ll be using

    in the year 2050 are already built today.

This means that there is gigantic opportunity for renovating existing structures to be more energy-efficient and healthier to live in.

   Have you got a future career in the green zone?

Homes of the future: 10 predictions for 2050                from upmystreet ©

Find out how our homes could look in 2050

Integrated work stations, moveable walls, micro-energy generation, soundwave showers, robotic domestic help….Will these all be in a home near you by 2050?

By looking at the projected impact of environmental, social and demographic changes – and getting some insight from the experts – here are some likely trends that may shape the homes and housebuilding of the future.

1. Pre Built homes (on a much larger scale)

Pre-built properties may come on strong in order to support an increased demand for homes and tougher government standards—and will cut average build times from 40 weeks to 16 weeks.

Think modern and stylish rather than clunky & unattractive—with flexible open-plan layouts, with high ceilings and large windows, which give them a light, airy and contemporary feel.

2. Eco-homes

Around the world, builders have pledged to build millions of new homes by 2020, and to make many of these carbon-neutral within the next 10 years. From sourcing sustainable materials for housebuilding to eco-friendly features such as loft insulation and double glazing as standard, homes by 2050 will be far greener. Expect to see roof gardens, solar energy panels to heat homes and waste water recycling facilities.

Eco-towns, fully sustainable and environmentally friendly communities, may also become more commonplace.

3. Fewer square feet

Projections show continual population growth through 2050 – creating more demand for housing in less space. This will undoubtedly mean smaller homes with less square feet per person.  Particularly in big cities, fewer homes will have gardens. With space at a premium, our homes will have more devices to optimise what space we have. Folding beds, tables and chairs, window boxes rather than gardens, and clever energy-saving methods will be the norm.

4. Grey power

With life expectancy rising, an aging population will make it more important for home designs to accommodate an older generation of homeowners. This means homes in 2050 could include wider stairs for stairlifts, downstairs bathrooms, ramps and other age-friendly features as standard.

5. Water-saving devices

Expect waste water recycling systems to clean used water and rainwater harvesting systems in homes to capture and use rainwater. Scientists are also working on the idea of harnessing soundwave technology to replace water in cleaning – so watch for soundwave washing machines and showers.

6. Extra weather protection

Some scientists predict that by 2050, climate change could make weather patterns even more extreme. Homes and communities alike will have to cope with this shift. It certainly means homes will have better insulation, more design focus on passive heating/cooling and stricter building standards for extreme weather.

7. ‘The New Town’

Homes in the future may sit within smaller suburban communities. The increased tendency to work from home, for people to grow their own food and even keep animals in their suburban gardens, has reduced the need for a relationship with the big city center. People living in the “new town” can find most of what they need within walking distance.”

8. Robots and artificial intelligence

It might sound like sci-fi, but robots and artificial intelligence may well play a part in our homes by 2050. This could include semi-intelligent appliances that re-order shopping and supplies online, and household machines that assist with cleaning and home maintenance.

9. Moveable walls

With space at a premium, our homes will need to become increasingly flexible and multi-functional. Moveable walls – the next generation of open plan living – change the function of a room by making it smaller, bigger, or a completely different shape according to your requirements. Hmmm…possibilities.

10. Micro-energy generation

There’s already an increased emphasis on homeowners making their properties more energy efficient.

By 2050, that will probably extend to most homes generating all the energy they need.

Solar panels, wind turbines, combined heat and power systems and small-scale hydro-electric systems be more widely used to power new homes. Affordable systems for existing properties will also be a major business as homes become more energy self-sufficient.

Tuesday Lunch With Forrest

Someone once suggested “Never Eat Alone” because there are so many cool people around to spend time with and get better acquainted.

Wanna have lunch in Hawi on a Tuesday? We have more and more great places to eat in Kohala…Let’s go check ‘em out. Email me:  Forrest@HawaiiGreenRealty.com. Or give me a call at 987-2365.

Go Check Out Star Light in Hawi

Some stars shine even during the day. I stopped into to see Denise at Star Light in Hawi the other day…and it was like stepping into a peaceful oasis. These are challenging times for so many people—it seems we all might enjoy new ways to stay positive and spark our creativity. As I work on sharing the goals of greener living here in Hawaii, I asked Denise what stone or crystal might add focus to my plans.

“Malachite is a stone of transformation assisting you in changing situations.” Sounded good to me—I’ve added it to my planning process.

So when you wonder what gift might fit the occasion…go chat with Denise. Star Light has many exquisite  pendants, earrings, crystals and minerals hand-picked from over 19 countries.

Visitors say “It’s one of the best collections we have ever seen and it feels so peaceful in here.”  Check out Star Light open 10-5:30 daily. Call 884-5444 or 443-6136.

Another one our Kohala stars….

“Hey Forrest…How’s the Market?”

 What will the financial markets & the reduced debt rating of the United States mean for our real estate market?

For our neighbors who are under pressure to sell their property, it may only make buyers even more hesitant than they already seem to be.

For those looking to finally buy a home here, the timing may be the best in decades.

And I often say, the “market” in general may not tell us much about the value of a specific home or land parcel. If a neighboring property is in foreclosure or going on market as a short sale, what does that say about property you want to buy or sell? It takes some careful thinking to give a good answer.

At Hawaii Green Realty, our goal is to do 3 things:

1/ Advise & consult with you about the property and neighborhood you are working with;

2/ Negotiate for you—this is vital to getting you the best financial outcome; and

3/ Oversee the details of the transaction all the way through close of escrow.

So when your friends, loved ones and neighbors have questions about buying or selling here on the

Big Island, call me right away to be sure they get the best advice…  Forrest 987-2365.

New Idea:   The Kohala Power Project

What if you and your neighbors had the chance to add photovoltaic solar panels to your property and virtually eliminate your monthly power bill? How much would that save you over a year’s period?

And how much might it save over 5+ years with the uncertain energy costs in Hawaii?

Say we arranged the purchase of 100 solar systems at a time and formed the team to install & maintain them—then did the next 100 and so on. What do you think? Would you go green if the price was right?

   ”Cool Idea…I think… But how is it to live Off Grid?”

“Empower Yourself”

—-Living With Solar & Wind Energy Power by Forrest

About 8 years ago, I finally found the Hawaii land I had always dreamed of….it is secluded and quiet with great views–

and right here in beautiful North Kohala. The problem was that it was an empty cow pasture with no roads, no electricity,

no phone, no county water.

 “Polishing my diamond in the rough…”

Then when Hawaiian Electric quoted us over $250,000 to run electrical power down to our homesite, it was the beginning of my days living “off-grid”—using solar photovoltaic panels to generate all the power we need. Such systems are so common now, we invite anyone to explore how the power of Hawaii’s spectacular elements of sun & wind can add clean power to your life.

Our solar system grew a little over time…from 6 panels (each producing 170 watts) with a 3,000 watt inverter and now to a 10-panel system that now seems just right for our needs.   (moreà)

While we do have a energy-saving refrigerator, all of our other appliances are standard household units that carry the EnergyStar rating that assures they are energy-efficient. Power saving appliances are now the standard out in the marketplace—so they do not have to cost any more than their energy-hungry ancestors.

We were able to bring in county water and telephone/high speed internet lines. It’s all pretty civilized.

And when the power goes out in the rest of Kohala, we enjoy the luxury of light, music and movies.

“But isn’t it a big headache to live off the power grid?”

Not really…The main difference might be that we had to learn about caring for our solar system.

Because our off-grid system uses large batteries to store the solar panel energy, it requires 30 minutes each month to be sure the batteries have the distilled water they need to work best.

How important is this? Well about 3 years ago, I got busy and didn’t check my batteries for several months. As the batteries heat up and gain electrical charge, the water inside can cook off and run low. My batteries were ruined—and it was an expensive lesson.

For sure, there is a learning curve—but these systems are so well designed and supported by professionals, you can even have service scheduled to sure your system is well maintained.

“But isn’t it super expensive to set up an off-grid system?”

For me, it was an easy decision to go off-grid since running power company lines was going to be so expensive. But when you think about the cost of power over several years…the numbers look very good.

First of all, power here on the Big Island is about 43¢ per kilowatt/hour—the USA average is 10.9¢

Our power cost is 4 times the national average. So solar pays for itself faster than most anywhere in the country. Also, tax credits for solar systems are really substantial and take a big bite out of the cost of purchase. Finally, you enjoy the feeling of satisfaction as you harvest the clean power of sun and wind and gain a more intimate relationship with this amazing island.

“Walking my talk…”   The next step for me? It was to explore how to shift my real estate business to help families enjoy the benefits of a more energy-smart and healthy-home lifestyle. So this was the spark for Hawaii Green Realty.

We offer all real estate services for conventional homes and land—but also specialize in helping people who want greener homes and land—from remodeling existing homes to building new. Our growing network of professionals includes solar/wind contractors, green architects, building & remodeling experts, energy raters and indoor air quality consultants…to name a few.

So even if you live in a neighborhood, there are systems that can get you started saving money and enjoying more energy independence. Yes, there are a few things to learn…but this is a small price to pay for stepping into your own power.

Building Our Community: One Man At A Time by Forrest Arnold 

“Why Would I Join A Men’s Group?”

Back in 2002, my friend Clark had said “Just trust me and go to the New Warrior weekend adventure”. After attending seminars and workshops for so many years, I thought “I don’t need another training”…Come on, no more self-help solutions. I’m doing pretty well already. I don’t have time.

But I had heard good things about the New Warrior Adventure Training; from men I respected. And here it was showing up again…

So you might ask “Why would I want to join a men’s group? Isn’t it all about drumming?”

Men come to the men’s work for a variety of reasons…

Some just want to improve themselves and become the best man they can be in their lives. Others are facing a crossroads or a time of crisis. One man was having trouble in his marriage. Another feels trapped in his work— he wants to earn more money doing something he cares about. Still another would like more male friends and more fun and laughter and depth in his friendships.

When things get tough, many men just withdraw—they go into their cave and become moody, angry or act out in violent ways. They may have been raised with rules like: “Be strong. Don’t feel. And for sure, don’t cry.” It’s tough to shake off those old rules that often go unexamined for our whole lives.

And in a fast-paced world with an uncertain economy and the future uncertain, where does a man have the chance to work on his real learning edge and to set a positive and healthy life course? Not by old rules, but with his own chosen values.

(more on Page 3)

What Is A Living Trust?

And Why Would You Need One?     by Judy Rogers

A living trust offers important tax and asset protection advantages that are worth knowing about. Here are some reasons for creating a Living Trust…

TAXES:     “If I hold property or stock in joint tenancy and my spouse dies,     do I have to pay Capital Gains Tax on the sale?”

Yes – unless the property or stock is held in a Living Trust, the tax will be based upon half of the increase in value of the property since the time of purchase.

“ But what about estate taxes, does it make any difference there?”

Yes – a Living Trust effectively doubles the Federal Estate Tax Exemption on the death of the second spouse resulting in substantial estate taxes

(More on next page) à

(This article is not intended to offer legal or estate planning advice—

Readers are advised to consult your own professional advisors to decide what actions may be best for your situation)

May The Forrest Be With You                                                                      Pg 2. July 2011

Living Trusts (continued)

PROBATE:   “If my estate is settled using a Will, can I be sure it (and my affairs) will be private

and that no one can challenge it?”

No!  A Will requires probate and Probate Court Proceedings are public and contestable.  A Living Trust is a private document.  The size and distribution of your estate remains confidential.

Your wishes are carried out and, furthermore, Living Trusts are extremely difficult to challenge.

In addition, probate fees are based on the entire value of the estate, without deducting debts or mortgages. There are substantial fees that apply to mortgaged property owned in another state.

If a couple owns property in four states, four Probates would be required.  Even with a Will, assets can be frozen in Probate Court for six months to two years or more.  A Living Trust allows these same assets to be distributed within days to those you care about…

CONSERVATORSHIP:  “If I become incapacitated, can one of my children automatically manage my affairs?

If you become incapacitated, Probate Court will appoint a Conservator to manage your property.  Your Estate will be required to pay court fees and costs for the Conservatorship each year.

With a Living Trust, your Trustee can manage your property if you are unable to and there are no court fees or involvement.

CONTROL OF ASSETS:  “Why not just ‘gift’ my property to my heirs and eliminate probate that way?”

By making a gift, you may eliminate Probate but you’ve also lost ownership and control of property that you may need for your support.  A Living Trust allows you to retain control of your property and, upon your death, control when and how much your beneficiary(s) receive.

JOINT TENANCY:    “If I put my property in Joint Tenancy, can I avoid probate?”

Yes.  However, whoever is on title with you in Joint Tenancy has the power to interfere with your decision to refinance or sell.  As an owner, if they go through a divorce, their spouse may claim an interest in the property.  If they owe taxes, the tax collector may take your property to satisfy their obligation.  If they’re liable in a lawsuit, your property may be sold to pay the judgment.

SPECIAL NEEDS: “I have a child with ‘special needs’.  Does a Living Trust help me in that situation?”

A disabled heir generally loses government assistance payments upon receiving an inheritance.

A Living Trust can authorize your successor trustee to make special distributions for a disabled heir while still preserving their Government Benefits and eliminating ALL probate fees and costs.

For more information on living trusts, please contact Judy Rogers at 808-430-5689 & email rogersjudy11@gmail.com

Jim Channon hosts Dr. Jean Houston in Hawi

Dr. Jean Houston, scholar, philosopher and researcher in human capacities, is one of the foremost visionary thinkers and doers of our time.
Jean has worked intensively in 40 cultures and 100 countries helping to enhance and deepen their own uniqueness while they become part of the global community.

And Jean is a long-time friend of Hawi’s own inspired futurist, Jim Channon and paid him a visit this last week at his Kohala eco-homestead for an extended conversation about the changing world we live in.

It was a delight to share some the time with Jean & Jim and to video part of their conversation to share with others. Watch for it on YouTube.

Wow—Kohala attracts the coolest people!

Tuesday Lunch With Forrest

Someone once suggested “Never Eat Alone” because there are so many cool people around to spend time with and get better acquainted. Wanna have lunch in Hawi on a Tuesday? We have more and more great places to eat in Kohala…Let’s go check ‘em out. Email me:  Forrest@HawaiiGreenRealty.com.

You might ask “Why Green Real Estate?” “Why should I go green?”

Green real estate goes by several names (high-performance, energy efficient, Healthy Home) and is one of the fastest growing segments of the national real estate market. And for several good reasons…

1/ Families are looking for homes that are more healthy & comfortable to live in.

2/ Buyers also want to save money on rising and unpredictable energy costs.

3/ Green Homes sell faster: Sellers find that their properties sell more quickly if they have green design elements.

4/ Higher ReSale Value: Green properties have become mainstream & will generally have higher resale values than conventional construction.

5/ Finally, properties that save on energy & natural resources offer the pride of ownership that comes from doing the right thing for yourself and for the planet.

Communities around the world are finding that green planning has other great benefits—and can even create closer friendships with neighbors and a sense of deeper caring for the land they live on. That’s keeping Kohala, Kohala.

The ManKind Project (continued from Pg 1)

A Valuable, Proven Training Program

The New Warrior Adventure Training is a program of the non-profit ManKind Project that has trained over 40,000 men in the last 23 years.  This has been a diverse mix of men from all walks of life, of every age from young adult to elder, from many nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Corporate executives, house painters, the college-educated and the street-smart come to find a deeper understanding of themselves as men. All men are welcome of any age, religion, or race.

The New Warrior Training is about becoming a “new kind of warrior” — not one dedicated to violence and domination but instead to developing lives of integrity, accountability, and connection to feeling. Our trainings challenge men to develop their abilities as leaders, partners, fathers, and elders in order to offer their deepest gifts in service to the world.

The ManKind Project of Hawaii is based in Kohala on the Big Island and on Maui. About three years ago, we began with a circle of 5 men on Big Island that had completed the New Warrior Training Adventure.  Now we have over 240 men across the state of Hawaii that done the weekend.

And believe me, this is not about weak men with too much time on their hands—

it’s about men who want to grow and be better husbands, fathers, brothers and world citizens.

Feel free to call me at 808-987-2365to talk more about what you’ve read here.

“Hey Forrest…How’s the Market?”

It’s a great question—and I it hear almost every day…and each day I look at the changes in confidence and decision-making process people go through about buying or selling their real estate.

The “market” in general may not tell us much about the value of a specific home or land parcel. If a neighboring property is in foreclosure or going on market as a short sale, what does that say about property you want to buy or sell.

So more than ever it’s important to have help from someone who is in the market everyday & can do 3 things:

1/ Advise & consult with you; 2/ Negotiate on your behalf; and 3/ Oversee the details of the transaction all the way through close of escrow.

So when your friends, loved ones and neighbors are thinking about buying or selling, call me right away to introduce us so they get the best advice…  Forrest 987-2365.

Hey! Three New Listings in Kohala – Ask me for details

Nearly 12 acres near Kapanaia…secluded in paradise

Ainakea family house with big palms

And if a neighbor, friend or co-worker would like more info on all the Kohala properties available, feel free to introduce me to them so they get the latest info and email links to photos.

Benefits of a Green Home

(Jan Anderson is an EcoBroker & Associate Broker at Long Realty Company in Tucson, Arizona)

New green homes are built to have less impact on the environment, provide health and comfort benefits, and to be more cost-efficient to own. They do this through carefully managing site development, reducing the use of non-renewable materials, energy-efficient building practices, water-efficiency measures, and insuring a healthy indoor environment.

Existing homes can be modified to obtain greater energy and water efficiencies and improve indoor air quality and can also be remodeled using renewable materials.

Environmental Impact:

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Guide to Effective Environmental Choices, standard homes’ household operations through heating, cooling, hot water, and appliances contribute over 30% of our greenhouse gases and over 20% of common air pollution. Green homes reduce this by 15-40%.

Because of water conservation features like use of grey water, low-flow bath fixtures, and drought-tolerant landscaping they use significantly less water than standard homes.

Green homes use fewer resources during construction or remodeling.  Recycled materials are common for carpets and floor tiles.  Rapidly renewable materials like bamboo replace wood.

Contribution to Healthy Living:

Green homes do not use materials with formaldehyde to build cabinets.  They also use low toxin-emitting paints and finishes.  These measures and others reduce unhealthy indoor air toxins that can cause serious health problems.  Special ventilation systems and thermostat controls bring in air from outside producing cleaner air and a uniform, comfortable temperature throughout the home.

Cost Efficiencies:

Reduced energy and water consumption provide monthly cost savings while better building techniques insure a higher quality home requiring fewer repairs.  The resale value of the home is greater as well and demand for green homes is forecasted to rise.  (Check out Jan’s website at http://janderson.longrealty.com/ )

Here’s something pretty cool…

You may notice the shingles on the upper portion of the roof—they are actually solar photovoltaic collectors converting sunlight into electricity without a great impact on appearance. This is just one example of many advances being made in renewable energy technology.

New Idea:   The Kohala Power Project

What if you and your neighbors had the chance to add photovoltaic solar panels to your property and virtually eliminate your monthly power bill? How much would that save you over a year’s period?

And how much might it save over 5+ years with the uncertain energy costs in Hawaii?

Say we arranged the purchase of 100 solar systems at a time and formed the team to install & maintain them—then did the next 100 and so on. What do you think? Would you go green if the price was right?

“May The Forrest Be With You…”

Hawaii Green Realty, LLC

P.O. Box 474

Hawi, Hawaii  96719

808-987-2365

www.HawaiiGreenRealty.com

Forrest Arnold (PB)

Free Reports & Information — Call me at 808-987-2365

We can help you with any property on the market in Hawaii…

(__)  What is My Home or Land Worth Right Now?

(__)    Tell me what’s on the market now

(__)    How Sellers Price Their Homes

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Here’s the Summary: Using the links below you can view photos of sold properties. Let’s discuss how your property’s location and features might compare to properties now on market. Just give me a call about your home or land– 987-2365.

Homes Below $400,000: Kohala homes priced below $400,000 have sold quite well in 2010 with

13 sold in the last 6 months. That’s about the same sales rate as in all of 2010 when 23 sold.

There are now 14 on the market so the “inventory” might last about 6 months.

Prices stable or rising. Here are some good examples (click links for photos/info)

Homes Above $400,000: Homes priced above $400,000 are slower to sell with 6 sold in the last

6 months—and 15 sold in all of 2010. Prices still falling depending on seller motivation.

Here are some good examples (click links for photos/info)

Land Below $400,000: Smaller parcels of Kohala land are fairly rare below $400,000—so only 4 sold in the last 6 months—7 in all of 2010. So for families who want to go green or build their dream home in Kohala, there’s more competition amongst buyers for land. Prices are stable or rising.

Examples below (click links for photos/info)

Land Above $400,000: With so much 20-acre agricultural zoning in Kohala, sellers of these parcels must discount their price to sell. Only 2 such parcels over $400,000 sold since Nov 1, 2010

6 in all of 2010. With 39 such parcels now on market, Buyers have lots of choices.

Price depends on seller motivation. Examples below (click links for photos/info)

Market Info:

So, a lot depends on the type of property you might like to find & how motivated or pressured a particular seller might be.

For Sellers, being as bold about as you can be is the name of the game right now.

Three Factors have to line up:

1/ The property needs to be unique & attractive

2/ It must be well priced — and the seller cooperative & flexible

3/ You’ve gotta be lucky & well marketed

Let’s talk it over— Forrest Arnold (PB)  808-987-2365

Grand Green Homes Tour – A Great Success
On May 1, Hawaii Green Realty co-sponsored the first annual Kona-Kohala Grand Green Homes Tour along with Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce and West Hawaii Mediation Center. In Kohala, Waimea and Kona, the Grand Green Homes Tour visitors toured homes that feature numerous sustainable features, providing an education on building, landscaping and decorating ideas that are more earth friendly. Four homes were offered on the tour in each of the three West Hawaii regions and were visited by scores of interested families.

The big news to me is that there are so many energy-smart homes already built in our community—and it gives people in the community strong examples to follow as they make small changes or bigger changes over time.

Healthy-home & energy-saving improvements have become mainstream many other parts of the world—with Hawaii’s very high energy costs—they make more financial sense than almost any other US state. have much better return-on-investment here because of Hawaii’s.

Did you know that our Big Island electricity costs 4-times the national average?  Across the country, electricity costs and average of 10.9¢ per kilowatt-hour— ours is 43¢.

It means that a Big Island solar electric system pays for itself 4 times faster!

“But Forrest, How Can I Afford Solar?”

The New Home Efficiency Financing Program

On April 21, 2011, the US Dept of Energy & U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) unveiled on April 21 a list of 18 lenders offering low-cost loans to homeowners to make energy-saving improvements to their homes. These new “PowerSaver” loans, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, will offer homeowners up to $25,000 to make energy efficient improvements of their choice. Applicants can use the loans for the installation of insulation, duct sealing, replacement doors and windows, HVAC systems, water heaters, solar panels, and geothermal systems. Sounds like progress!

Launched! à Green Source Advisors

How do you know who to hire when it comes to making improvements to your home? Or to step into a new & more energy-smart, sustainable lifestyle—from home design to home food production? We have launched Green Source Advisors as a green business referral network & website. Suppliers of solar & wind systems, green home remodelers, builders and architects, permaculture designers, etc etc are being invited to join a carefully selected circle that can advise families on the best steps they might take toward green.

If you know someone you would recommend, please let us know at forrest@HawaiiGreenRealty.com

Cool Fact: How much of our electricity is generated from renewable sources?

Americans used renewable energy sources — water (hydroelectric), wood, biofuels, wind, organic waste, geothermal, and sun — to meet about 8% of our total energy needs in 2009. I wonder what it is now?

May The Forrest Be With You                                                                      Pg 2. May 2011

“Community Harvest Hawaii Project” Awarded Island Innovation Grant

Community Harvest Hawaii takes an age-old idea in Hawaiian culture—that of preparing and sharing food together— and creates a process that makes use of food that is currently going to waste in our community.

North Kohala’s Community Harvest Hawaii project was one of five projects chosen from more than 180 applicants for an Island Innovation Fund Grant. The Island Innovation Fund was established in 2010 as through generous support from Pam and Pierre Omidyar, the founder and chairman of eBay.

During a monthly “Community Harvest” day, community members are invited to bring their abundance from home- lemons, limes, tangerines, avocados, mangos, banana, etc.- to the Kohala Intergenerational Center to be processed and preserved by freezing, canning, pickling, smoking, fermenting and dehydrating.

The community will then enjoy a feast, everyone gets to take food home, and raw fruit and processed food will be distributed into the community through the Food Basket and the Senior Nutrition Program.  Local harvest teams will also be available to harvest fruit for kupuna or other community members who would like assistance with harvesting and are willing to share their excess with the community.

Community Harvest Hawaii is a partnership between the North Kohala Eat Locally Grown Campaign,

Ka Hana No‘eau &  Ho‘ea Agricultural Park, with support from the North Kohala Community Resource Center. The goals of the Community Harvest Hawaii project are to:

• Increase the health of communities by distributing fresh, local food.

• Increase the skill level in the community with regards to food preparation and food preservation techniques (smoke, pickle, can, freeze, ferment, and dehydrate).

• Strengthen the community through cooperative food preparation in a fun, multi-ethnic, learning environment.

• Examine the potential for economic opportunity through development of value-added products.

The first Community Harvest Hawaii will be on Saturday, June 25^th, with produce drop off on the afternoon of Friday, June 24^th. To donate fruit or participate in the project in any way– please call Andrea Dean at 960-3727.

Who Remembers the Works Progress Administration?

In early of  1935, US President Franklin Roosevelt created the Works Progress Administration,  the New Deal’s largest and most ambitious agency. During its run, which ended in 1943 and cost about $11 billion, the WPA employed 8.5 million out-of-work people on 1.4 million individual projects; it built 651,000 miles of roads, streets & highways; constructed or repaired 124,000 bridges, 125,000 public buildings, more than 8,000 parks, and nearly 900 airport runways. The projects had to provide a real and lasting contribution, and could not take business away from private companies.  Maybe it’s time to crank up the WPA again—and focus our labors and resources on energy independence, building a greener economy and

learning some new simple-living skills.

May The Forrest Be With You                                                                   Pg 3. May 2011

Solar Heats UP…

At the May 5, 2011 PhotoVoltaic America conference in Philadelphia, the buzz was that the US is expected to be the hottest solar market in the next year, as global demand levels off. Bloomberg News released a story that installation cost of solar should reach $1.45/watt by 2020, half its current price. Since Hawaii’s energy costs are many times the national average, doesn’t it make sense to add solar panels to your current home or new property?

Homes’ solar panels often boost values

An April 2011 study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that solar boosts the resale value of homes, both new and old. Not surprising. So here on Big Island, photovoltaic systems add even more value to a home because of the cash saved on Hawaii’s high-and-rising electricity costs.

“Hey Forrest…How’s the Market?”

This is surely a Frequently Asked Question. And I tell them “It’s good…and it depends.”

Right now, a few things add up to an Affordability Factor:

1/ Prices are down to a 5+ year low

2/ There are more properties on the market to choose from

3/ Loan rates are lower than in many years

4/ Some Sellers are even providing the loan for their Buyer

5/ With talk about the changing value of the dollar—real estate might be a stable place to invest

Will prices go down further? There is no alarm bell that goes off or flag that raises when we reach the low point in the market. But the factors above make this a great time to own Hawaii real estate—especially in a place as desirable as North Hawaii.

So when your friends, loved ones and neighbors are thinking about buying or selling, call me right away to introduce us so they get the best advice…  Forrest 987-2365

Hawaii Green Realty Selecting the Kohala Non-Profits for our Circle of Giving

For each month of the year ahead, Hawaii Green Realty donates a portion of each real estate sale to a North Kohala community non-profit. For May, a donation is being made to Kohala Aikikai Aikido Club in Kapaau. As the final selections are made, organizations that benefit Kohala will be selected.

Candidates include:
–Kohala Coqui Frog Coalition                            –Kohala Montessori School

–Kohala Lions’ Club                                          –Hawi Farmers Market

–Kohala Coalistion Against Drugs                      –Sustainable Kohala

–Hula Halau of Kumu Raylene Lancaster                      –Community Emergency Readiness Team

A Few Tips For Your Friends or Neighbors Searching for a home:

Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing.
Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs—then get prequalified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford.

Think long term. Are you looking for a starter house with plans to move up in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
Insist on a home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.

(More tips next month…)

“May The Forrest Be With You…”

Forrest Arnold (PB)

808-987-2365

Hawaii Green Realty, LLC

P.O. Box 474

Hawi, Hawaii  96719

www.HawaiiGreenRealty.com

5 Tips for Success in the Garden from Laura Fisher Kaiser

Carefully plan and plot your garden to add value to your home and make the most of your time and money. Walk your land, consult people who know the area, test the soil and make a budget. You’ll save your back, your budget, and get better results.

Tip #1: Get to know your land

Before shelling out money for new plants, look at what’s done well in past gardens. Ask, “Is this plant doing its job? Adding beauty? Providing shade? Producing food we want to eat?”.

Tip #2: Become sun savvy

Even experienced gardeners make mistakes. They plant shade-loving plants in full sun or sun-loving plants in partial shade. Before planting anything in your garden, compare the amount of sunlight your landscaping needs

Tip #3: Become water wise

Over-watering plants can kill your landscaping and budget. To avoid death by water, know how much and when your greens need to drink: most sales tags should have watering directions.

Tip # 4: Mulch much

Spreading a few inches of mulch in landscaping beds protects your plants and shrubs from drying out, and makes beds look tidy and uniform. Mulch also keeps down weeds and moderates soil temperature.

Tip #5: Avoid invaders

Some ivies, bushes, grasses, and vines will fill in your garden quickly, and just as quickly take over your landscaping. They are billed as “fast growers” or “aggressives,” but often that’s code for non-native plants that take over the landscape and crowd out locals by stealing nutrients, light, and water.

This newsletter is intended for entertainment purposes only.  Credit is given to the authors of various articles that are reprinted when the original author is known.  Any omission of credit to an author is purely unintentional and should not be construed as plagiarism or literary theft.

Copyright 2011 Forrest Arnold (PB), Hawaii Green Realty, LLC.  This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical, legal, financial or tax advice.  Any and all decision and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a qualified physician, attorney, financial advisor and/or CPA.  We cannot be held responsible for actions you may take without proper medical, financial, legal or tax advice.

Is It The Best Time for 1st Time HomeBuyers?

Some would say “Yes” with the low interest rates & lower home prices.

Our friends at Bank of Hawaii are offering a free seminar series — and it looks pretty good.

Pathways to Homeownership for First-Time Homebuyers

FREE Seminar – Open to anyone

Your friends, family, co-workers and even the news media are still saying that now is the time to buy a home, especially if you’ve never owned one before. The availability of homes on the market and low mortgage rates could make this the right time for you to buy your first home. Where do you start? How much can you afford? What do all those strange words that only get used during a real estate transaction mean?

This Pathways to Homeownership seminar should help you answer those questions and more. While this seminar is designed for first time home buyers, this may also be a good refresher for those who haven’t been through the home buying process in awhile.

For more information about this free seminar, go online to boh.com/seminars or call 1-888-643-3888, press “0” and ask about the Smart Money Seminars.

So when you think about buying a home, seminars like these can give you real peace of mind.