Best Buys at Kohala Ranch

There are a few homes for sale at Kohala Ranch that currently scream “deal.” My picks include two in the lower Heathers section of the Ranch, and one in the Meadows.

From this infinity-edge pool, the illusion is one of nothing between your home (MLS# 236111) and the oceanfront

Many people prefer the elevation of the Heathers, which is perfect for the buyer accustomed to the Kohala Coast resort climate. The trade-off is that this was the first section of Kohala Ranch to be developed, and many of the homes reflect style choices popular in the early 90’s that can look and feel dated today.

A newly constructed home with beautiful finishes, swimming pool, and unobstructed ocean views should fly off the shelf…and my first pick on Pupu Place only had one design flaw that turned off prospective buyers. The main house has 2 bedrooms and 2-1/2 bathrooms; the third bedroom shared a roof with the garage (and was occupied by the owner’s parrots).

Imagine my surprise to discover when I showed last week, that the owner (who is a contractor) had remedied this with a separate, new 2-car garage. The only thing that makes this an even better deal is today’s price reduction to $1,349,000 (that’s down $141,000).

Classic Kohala Ranch Heathers home (MLS# 243939) has good bones and is value priced

My other best buy in the Heathers just came on the market last week, and with 4 days on market took a $100,000 price reduction based upon early feedback. That’s an indication of a seller who is serious about selling.

Like many of the vintage Kohala Ranch Heathers homes, it has almost a Mediterranean feel with its stucco exterior, courtyard, arched windows, and mature landscaping. The buyer with a bit of vision will understand just how easily key updates can be made within a budget that still makes this 4 bed/3.5 bath 3,147 sq. ft. home a best buy.

Best buy in Kohala Ranch Meadows (MLS# 232138) has green mountain as well as ocean views

My third pick also just had a $100,000 price reduction. Now listed at only $679,000 for 2,200 sq. ft. on 3 acres, this house has character. The plaster interior and built-in fireplace are reminiscent of Santa Fe…if only the climate in New Mexico allowed for a year-round swimming pool!

The Meadows section of Kohala Ranch is cooler and windier than the Heathers, but offers super views of green pu’u and a quick shot to Waimea town out the upper gate if you want to enjoy the farmer’s market, Kahilu Theatre performances, or dinner at any of the fine restaurants. The house has been vacant for some time and still shows perfectly, demonstrating its appeal as an easy-care property for the part-time Big Island resident.

Residential sales activity at Kohala Ranch was a bit slower in the first quarter of 2011 than the rapid pace we saw in the same period of 2010. Only three homes have closed: two in the Heathers for $1,290,000 and $1,925,000; and one in the Meadows sold for $1,400,000.

All of these were solid sales of quality homes with super views and finishes. No homes are in escrow at the moment. In comparison, the first 4 months of 2010 saw six sales…double this year. Partly, that is because last year’s nine sales cleared out a lot of inventory of homes for sale at Kohala Ranch. We are still showing Kohala Ranch homes regularly to qualified buyers, and with realistic sellers reducing their prices, the “hunting” season may have just begun at the Ranch.