Betty Sakamoto: Aloha and welcome to Betty's real estate corner brought to you by Sakamoto Properties where prestige is our business, reputation our foundation. In the studios today we have the famed Mitch Mitchell.
Mitch Mitchell: Aloha Betty thanks for having me back, I didn't think you'd have me after what happened the last time
B: What did you do? I better go back and listen
M: I don't want to remember it
B: I love to have Mitch here and he is just saying that to be funny because he is an integral part of Sakamoto Properties. He's been with us the longest which is now probably 30 years, I don't know exactly but let's say it's been close to 30 years and we've had an unbelievable relationship at Sakamoto Properties
M: It's been great Betty. It's sad to say but I don't think anyone else will take me.
B: I hate to say this but probably the whole world is looking for you etcetera, but we got you and we're really happy. So today Mitch is here and we're going to try again to make this a real estate event. However we do want to talk about something we talked about the last show which is HALE MAKUA. And something that's going on this week which is the Hale Makua 23rd ohana luau. And I'm calling it also an Ulalena event fundraiser because we have an unbelievable show which Ulalena is putting on and it is going to be spectacular.
M: Yes everybody that joined us last year really enjoyed Ulalena so much that we're fortunate they've accepted to come back and they're changing their show around a little bit and I think it's going to be great. One of the fantastic things for those of you that live down in Kihei is that you're going to see Ulalena without having to come to Lahaina. At least if you have some house guests bring them on down and show them some of what Maui is about. I think the Ulalena show is a fantastic program for visitors.
I don't know how many times I've seen it. I know that whenever I have house guests I always try to get them down to see it so they have a little bit of our history here in the islands. It was such a wonderful show and I just have to really plug the performers of Ulalena because this is the second year that they're donating their time. This is their one day off a week, Sunday, and they're donating it for hale makua and to help care for our frail and elderly. They really seem to get what we need to do. The ohana feeling and I think which is a lot of what Maui and Hawaii is about.
B: We're talking about Sunday, this Sunday, September 25th at 530 at the Wailea Marriott. And just so you know we're going to be a little whiney about this because ticket sales are down. And I know that every charity, everything, is down this year. But we really need to get people fired up and come out to this event because it's important and any of the funds that come in right now are vital to Hale Makua. So we would really like your support. If you want tickets you can always call our office 6690070 or when Mitch gets back on I think he can give you a Hale Makua number. I'm sure you're going to be able to buy tickets at the door. But we're saying 530 Sunday September 25th and we definitely need your support.
M: Yes Betty tickets will be available at the door but you know that it's always nice to have them prior to getting there. At least they'll be in will call and it will kind of speed your entry into the ballroom. So you can call carlena at hale makua at 8719271, that's 8719271. They're $85 for adults and I believe $20 for children. And you know it's just a really spectacular show, it's got great energy, we're up and the food there at the Marriott is fantastic too. And Betty it is still kind of Hawaiian luau food but they're making me use a fork I can't use my fingers.
B: Well you're right the food really is going to be fabulous. One of the things Mitch just said a minute ago I think is really true. if you can book ahead of time if you can call ahead and get your tickets planned it surely is going to help the Marriott and their food preparation and being able to have the best of the best. It certainly isn't going to help any and we've had these events where ticket sales are so low and then all of a sudden 150 people show up at the door that you're not expecting. now fortunately because it is being held at an unbelievable venue, the Wailea Marriott, they are going to be able to figure it out no matter what happens but please call and book or if you can't come and $85 is too much just
Remember that hale makua needs the support just call and make a donation if you can't come. Anything is going to be appreciated
M: You know there's going to be two of my favorites are going to be there this year. Pig man is showing up in Kihei
B: What is pig man?
M: Well come on Betty you've seen it 23 times you know pig man.
B: I don't think so.
M: Yeah you do. Anyway he brings a lot of fun and I think people will really enjoy that. He's not been on the road; they haven't let the pig man be on the road before so this is going to be a first for you down there in Kihei.
B: We're not talking about Pac-man?
M: No, not Pac-man, pig man. And also I believe his name is Alfred who does the nose flute. He's actually going to be doing some entertaining with the nose flute prior to the show going on. I know he's a favorite of everybody too. So it's going to be kind of exciting we're also going to have a silent auction with some wonderful things to pick up. Remember you have these different things and Christmas
Is coming so you can buy Christmas presents now
B: Oh great I can do my Christmas shopping there. I'm in for that.
M: You usually do Betty. And you end up giving the gift certificates away.
B: Yeah that is true. So is there anything else you can think of that we can tell everyone other than to repeat a hundred times that it's this Sunday September 25th at 530. Mitch do you know actually what time the entertainment starts for if someone knows that they're going to be running a little late. It starts at 530 and I'm sure there's cocktails, etcetera
M: Yes there's going to be a cash bar there. I believe the show starts at 6oclock because it's like several vignettes they're going to do and of course you're going to have to listen to me again. I'm the MC.
B: He is the master of ceremonies, master of ceremonies.
M: Well that is part of what I get to do.
B: Hey Mitch, quick question 530 is when the doors open and you say the show starts at 6 how is the food happening? When is the food happening?
M: Oh, we'll figure it out.
B: No but I mean for people to have an idea for when to arrive. I think that we should have a plan so that if someone is arriving late. But I would think food is before the show.
M: I would probably think so. But Betty you caught me, I was not prepared for that, I don't have the schedule from it. Actually, I pick it up this afternoon.
B: So 530 the doors open and following that I'm sure there's the food. And I think last time while we were still eating the first vignette, or the first Ulalena group were up and entertaining so that it didn't become an overnight event which things sometimes do. This is an unbelievable event you're going to love every minute if you can get there.
M: And being Sunday night I'm pretty sure we'll be finished at about 8 o'clock. So you still have time to get home and get the kids to be and kind of wind down before the busy week starts.
B: What was the under a certain age price? It was $85 and then-
M: I believe it's under 11 is $20.
B: Okay, so it does work. Okay so it does work, it's not a perfect event with kids but I think that when you go to Ulalena kids are fascinated with it so I think that it can work. And I know that our grandkids have loved Ulalena and we've seen it a couple times. And Mitch is right we've all seen it easily 20 times because we keep doing it again and again and again and again.
M: And remember Betty this is the 23rd hale Makua ohana luau
B: Here's an interesting thing that I don't know if it's okay if I say this because we're being honored at that event. Sakamoto Properties is going to be honored at that event but I think I can say it because the people that are truly being honored are my husband Roy Sakamoto and Mitch Mitchell. And they've had a commitment to hale Makua for probably thirty plus years and I could figure the date out but you know when Roy's mom was there and we all spent a lot of time because she was a resident of Hale Makua and unfortunately suffered from Alzheimer's. And since Roy and Mitch got involved there is an Alzheimer's wing at hale Makua which would have been really great for her. But we made a dedication to it when we were there and we learned everything that they do. So in particular Roy Sakamoto and Mitch Mitchell are being honored together with Sakamoto properties because all of us have done our best to make a commitment but both of them are at meetings there almost once a week there's constant events or something happening. And they have truly committed a major part of their lives. I've said this a couple of times when people think of realtors and what they're doing there are so many real estate brokers who are involved in the community and really care about what it is that they champion and in our case it's hale Makua. And thank you Mitch and you'll be the mc so you can really do some honoring.
M: Well I don't know about that you know the real honor for me betty is being able to give something back to our community and hale Makua is luckily you know I found hale Makua through you and Roy and you know it's honoring our frail and elderly has really been great. And one of the greatest feelings for me is the generosity that my friends and clients have had in helping me raise money for hale Makua. So you know the real star is hale Makua and of course the employees and staff of hale Makua. Without the employees and staff there would be no hale Makua so they're the ones that really need to be honored. Roy and I are just honored that we were able to find a need and be able to help.
B: You're right the employees over the years at any event you'll see that the employees are there and they're helping and this is not time and a half or double time or even being paid. When the employees are there at these events helping they are helping because they really care about what they've done and what it does for our community. So Mitch do you think it's time that we again try and do a little real estate?
M: I think we need to do some real estate. You know Napili point Betty is a wonderful property, we've talked about it several times. And you and I have just put one of our listings in escrow there, direct oceanfront. And one of the things that I think speaks for that property is the purchasers actually already own a unit there and they have for many years. And they love the property so much.
B: The association? Or the purchasers? Oh the purchasers of the unit you're talking about, okay I got it.
M: Sorry. And one of the owners of another unit there enjoys it so much and thinks it's such a great investment that they came in and purchased another unit, a two bedroom. So now they have a one bedroom and a two bedroom so you know I think it really says something when the people that want to buy something that's on the market already own there and they love it and understand it. And it's one of those Hawaiian feeling properties that's run on the water. They've got great managers there and staff that help you take care of everything. They have a rental program there. And it's right on the bay. And every time I'm there there's huge numbers of large turtles out there and in the winter when the surf comes in it's really a pretty spectacular place. The more I'm out there showing these listings that I have I realize that you know that's one of the things I moved here to Maui for was you know the feel of the ocean, the views, and just the whole comfortable feeling. And that's what Napili point has. And we've got some great one bedrooms and we've got some great two bedrooms. And they all have fantastic views.
B: Everything really is direct oceanfront. We call certain ones there a little more direct but everything sits directly on the ocean and everything is just a little short skip to Napili bay which is one of the finest ocean beaches in the world not just in Hawaii. So really if you're looking for an unbelievable beach Napili bay is it. And purchasing these units at Napili point is really going to make a lot of sense for you for all of these reasons Mitch is saying. And you'll love it so come on over. You can call Mitch on his cell phone at 8705548. Call our office anytime Sakamoto properties at 6690070. I'm Betty Sakamoto and again call my office at 6690070. So Napili point, shall we?
M: No I think another great place to invest are the golf villas in Kapalua.
B: Absolutely, I'm with you on that Mitch.
M: There are a good number of golf villas up there. We happened to have one listed that's been completely renovated with new granite and tile, fantastic ocean views looking out towards lanai, Molokai, and the channel, and continuous sunsets.
B: That one is 680,000.
M: 680 is the asking price. It's a beautiful unit, one bedroom, two bath and has a real nice comfortable feel. All brand new furniture
B: From latitudes
M: And Dean has a one bedroom one and a half bath in the 27 building and I have the 2 bedroom 2 bath in the 25 building. It has fantastic views of the ocean right on the golf course there at Kapalua. It's just something special.
B: The 2 bedroom 2 bath is actually listed not that far in price from the 1 bedroom which is in building 18 so the 2 bedroom I think at some point you're probably going to do more upgrading to it but it's extremely livable, it's in great shape. It's in a rental program, it does great for rentals. And for today's market I believe it is priced In a range with some of the one bedrooms but the one bedroom happens to be one that had a total complete complete remodel renovation with everything you could ever think of, electric, plumbing, new flat screen TVs, original artwork from local galleries. But the 2 bedroom again for the right person, huge huge value. And really worth taking a look at.
M: You know I think you guys probably talked about this in the last show when Casey was here but Casey's got a great listing down there in the bay villas. 30G345 and its 2 bedroom 3 bath I think it's listed at a million 850 right now. It's like 15 feet away from the cliff. And in the winter I remember previous owners there I'd be having coffee with them and the surf coming in the mist would just cover the screens. It's really definitely direct oceanfront. And I think that's a really good price right now.
B: That's an exciting one. You know one of the things we could also talk a little bit about not knowing of course who's listening today but you know there's a lot of people out there that should be looking to buy a home right now on Maui. A lot of us that live here you know there's so many of you that could afford to buy a home today and it might be time that you call us and Mitch is a perfect one or you can call me. I mean again, Mitch 8705548. And let us fill you in on what it'll take to buy a home you know how we can get you qualified before you look at the first home and then realize that what you need to do is get out and really look at enough homes that you realize that maybe there isn't a perfect home. You know you can't keep on a search for a perfect place because when it becomes your home it will be perfect. But I think you need to take some time and do that because I think in another year or so it's going to be too late again and you're going to be saying if only I invested then. So I think we should all be, don't you Mitch, anyone that's looking to buy a home should be taking a long hard look today.
M: Absolutely. We've had some friends that have just called me to get some recommendations of lenders to talk to and banks and so forth cause they're ready to buy but they don't know if they can at the moment, they don't know where they can so they're talking to the lenders and they're trying to figure things out at least it'll give them an idea of where to start looking.
B: Yeah the lender knows. It's kind of like we always say that we want to start with one thing and typically that is come in sit down with us talk to us give us a feeling of what you want to do. I'm assuming most people are going to end up with a mortgage. We can direct you. We may even just say to you who's your bank? You go in sit down with your banker because he knows your whole story go over everything that you have everything that you've done he can run a credit report immediately and you'll know pretty quickly with the amount of cash you have for a down payment what it is that you can afford to do and then you just won't be out there running around looking at properties that you can't afford. You can get in to something that works. We'll have you talk to your financial advisor or your CPA, someone that can help you with how you write things off. And why you can afford a payment that's substantially larger than your rent because of what you will write off. So I think the time is now because it's going to be over, you know recessions fortunately don't last and this one won't last either so let's get a good look at things. Mitch what do you think?
M: I think it's great. You know a great place to start is your bank. The person who you deal with all the time, they know you. And then you know get a second or third opinion. So you know as we know those several opinions often help us get a truer picture. And once you're there then you don't have to worry about going after something then being disappointed. You'll know where we can start and what we can do and I think it's a perfect item there's some great buys out there and we need to kind of move on it instead of just thinking.
B: And between us, between your real estate broker and the lender it can also give you the perfect idea of how much house you should get and also answer the question should you buy as much house you can afford or should you buy a little less knowing what is taken over these years. So for instance maybe you don't need a four or five bedroom home you know maybe a 3 bedroom smaller home that you get into and eventually upgrade. Because we've seen a lot of people who have gone and they've tried to stretch themselves too far get hurt in the event that there is another recession or the recession continues longer. So again you need your banker. Whoever your banker is or a mortgage company and we can really direct you in making that happen.
M: You know one of those things a lot of people feel they need to have extra bedrooms that are going to visit and grandchildren or whatever. You know they may come for 2 weeks a rear. And I say well look you know it's fairly inexpensive to rent something for 2 weeks and of course they can spend all the time with you at your home and you and they have a little break by going somewhere else and therefore your mortgage is less. You know I have that 3 bedroom 3 bath house and I certainly don't need all those bedrooms but I had to buy it for that 2 car garage. And I only have one car but whatever.
B: Well you did have 2 cars for a long time so I think those are great statements. Plus you know we all know the world of futons. You know you can put someone in there so in trying to be careful you don't buy more house than you need or more house than you can afford if there's some sort of a change in your life. We're going to be quickly be winding down again. We just hit the 2 minute time oops we're at 1 minute so I guess we will be closing down. We'll be coming back up with Danny Couch in a minute. I'm dying to be there at this Sunday at 530 at the Wailea Marriott because I want to see who pig man is. Oh pig man I do know who pig man is. Okay so it is time for you to come and see pig man. Anyone that's seen Ulalena 20 times ought to know who pig man is. Oh my gosh this is going to be so fun. And the nose flute guy, again it is unbelievable what he can do with that nose flute don't you think Mitch.
M: Well he is a star.
B: He is a star. So I guess we will be pretty fast be saying again aloha. Check in here with Danny Couch and aloha Mitch.
M: Aloha Betty and aloha all you out there. Looking forward to seeing you at the Wailea Marriott for Ulalena. Call Carlena at 8719271.
B: Perfect. See you again on the airwaves. |
