Aloha from Chiaki Yamada with KW-Big Island. Though February is a short month, I hope it is filled with lots of love and sweet surprises.

We had snow on atop both Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa for a few days to give us a few cool evenings and mornings on our island. Kilauea Volcano has been on and off, creating some changes in our sky with the presence of Vog and enhancing the end of each day with colorful pink and purple sunsets.

As for the current Real Estate market, I feel it is the slowest winter in the last 6 years. Real Estate hyped activity at the end of last year, after the U.S. election, did not last long. The market defied expectations as prices increased despite the higher interest rates, and growing and renewed inflation concerns. Therefore, more than ever, Buyers seems to be in a "holding status," which equals low buying activity. This is enhanced because Hawai’i’s real estate is largely a resort market. The slow market in what is supposed to be the busiest time of the year is why we are seeing so many price reductions. Right now, if the property is on the market for a while without many showings, corrective pricing is a key to selling your property this year. It is important to be in ahead of the market, rather than chasing the market in the pricing.

For Kona's Residential Market, due to relatively limited inventory, statistically the market is maintaining its median price, yet in some neighborhoods we have started to see some price drops. Since last month, the inventory increased by 12%, yet Pending Ratio decreased by 10%. This means that Buying activities weakened while the inventory increased this month.

Here is the information on the Kona Residential Market (Active Listings, Under Contract, Pending Ratio and Market Insight) as of 2/14/2025. The Market varies depending on the price range. Overall, the Residential Market is holding in a "Neutral" Market.

Aloha from Chiaki Yamada with KW-Big Island. May this year be a steppingstone for each of you towards greater happiness, success, and fulfillment.

We are embracing the high season for all the businesses on our island. Many people have been visiting, both before and during the holiday season, and now snowbirds are arriving on our island for their long stays, avoiding the cold winter weather in their home state. As a result, we are seeing more traffic around Kona and out on the Kohala Coast.

As for the current Real Estate market, we had very busy December, a result of more Buyers and more inventory coming on Market. The height of the Real Estate Market season is just starting with the arrival of the snowbirds. If you are thinking of selling your property, please do not miss this opportunity; activity is heightened and buying motivation is stronger than other seasons.

For Kona's Residential Market, due to relatively limited inventory, the market is maintaining its median price or even increasing in some popular and more affordable neighborhoods. Both inventory and buying activities increased 7% compared to 2 months ago. Pending ratio remain the steady as 47% which is "Neutal" yet the Market varies depends on the price range. The average sold price in the last 30 days is 95% of the listing price and properties are averaging 82 days on the Market for those sold in last 30 days.

Here is the information on the Kona Residential Market (Active Listings, Under Contract, Pending Ratio and Market Insight) as of 1/15/2025. Now the $1M ~ $2M market has changed to "Seller's Market", Buying activities increased the most in this price rage.