Betty Sakamoto: Hello, and welcome to Betty’s Real Estate Corner, brought to you by Coldwell Banker and Roy and Betty Sakamoto. In the studio today is Roy Sakamoto.
Roy Sakamoto: Good morning.
BS: Good morning, everyone.
RS: And also with us is Jesse from Meyer Computer.
BS: Jesse’s here from Meyer Computer. He gave out the big wave, just so everybody knows. Jesse is on board today. He doesn’t have a microphone at the moment, but we could work on that one of these days and get him to kind of talk.
BS: We have a couple of our agents from Coldwell Banker who have indicated they would love to come over and do the show, but then they realize they have to talk.
BS: So I’m not sure what they were thinking, but a couple of them are really ready to come and kind of take a moment, talk about some of their listings, etc. We’re looking forward to doing that because I think everybody has a different opinion, a different location.
BS: We’ve been bringing some of the listings that the office has with us weekly and trying not to drive you crazy with all of them.
BS: But let’s say today we had a couple of different things that we thought we might talk about.
RS: You know, how long has it been since we’ve been with Coldwell Banker Island?
BS: I think it’s three years.
RS: More than that, I think.
BS: Is it five years? Four years?
RS: I think people still recognize us as Sakamoto Properties.
BS: Sakamoto Properties. Exactly.
RS: Yeah. We were 40-something years.
BS: I know. We sometimes look back at old photos or different things. Remember when you were named Realtor of the Year by the Board of Realtors. That was pretty amazing. That was really a great thing. Then you got another award for your work with Hale Makua, which, again, was a big award—and a big party. It was really a great setup. We all enjoyed doing that, really, really a lot.
RS: I still enjoy working with Hale Makua—and then the Board of Realtors, also the Realtors Association of Maui, which oversees… I’m not sure what our membership is now, but all your designated Realtors on Maui are part of the Realtors Association of Maui.
BS: And that is an amazing group to work with. We went to an open house today on the way here at Kapalua, at Pineapple Hill. Really an amazing property that went under contract, I think within 24 hours of listing.
RS: A few days, yeah.
BS: But they went ahead and did the open house so that everybody could at least see it and know what it was all about—and probably why it sold as quickly as it did.
RS: You know, it’s interesting—people are saying the market is dead, the market is down, and so forth. But here’s living proof that if it’s priced right, properties are selling—and selling quickly.
BS: Absolutely. Like Roy just said—priced right. It’s hard today. I mean, if you’re a seller, a buyer, or an agent, it’s really difficult to price something and make certain decisions about it. I think you’ve got to rethink where the market was maybe six months ago, or a little longer, if you want something to sell right away.
There are some questions going on with rentals, etc., so for a buyer, it’s a little bit confusing. But I think there’s still some great value here—and that’s not going to go away. So I think that being an owner of a property here on Maui, wherever it is… I mean, we’ve done a lot on the west side. Certainly, so many properties have been lost, but people are starting to rebuild—and that’s a huge thing by itself.
RS: Huge. Absolutely.
BS: That’s going to be exciting, don’t you think?
RS: Yeah. So, why should you deal with Coldwell Banker Island Properties?
BS: What was that?
RS: So, why should you deal with Coldwell Banker Island Properties?
BS: Oh, excellent question. Well, one is that they’re probably the largest company for agents on the island.
RS: We are. Absolutely.
BS: I believe that we are. And it’s a great assortment. I mean, like today, we had an open house—or someone else did. It wasn’t our specific open house, but everybody was there. There had to be 50 or more agents who came and went. I don’t know—it could be substantially more because we were in there the whole time.
Everybody got to kind of ask something or talk, or, you know, share a new listing or talk about an old one. In this case, it had already opened escrow.
There were a number of people who had clients interested in buying something at Kapalua, but who apparently haven’t found exactly what they need. But I think that helped everybody to take a look at what’s available, don’t you?
RS: Oh, absolutely. Coldwell Banker Island Properties—we cover all of Maui. Upcountry, if you’re looking in Kahului or Wailuku. If you’re looking in West Maui—we cover Maui pretty thoroughly. And if you’re looking, just by chance, for Big Island properties, we’ve got an office there. Kaua‘i—we’ve got an office. Oahu—we have an office. So there’s a lot of support when you’re dealing with Coldwell Banker Island Properties.
BS: Well, there’s no question about that. And we worked most of our career alone, you know, as Sakamoto Properties. We did a great job. It was really perfect. We probably would have kept it up, except we had the opportunity to figure out having an office at Kapalua.
We were able to get together with Coldwell Banker, and we made an agreement with Maui Land and Pineapple at that time. It’s really a spectacular office. Great location, right on Office Road and across from the golf course. Makes it easy if we want to sneak out for a few holes. That’s been really pretty spectacular.
But Kapalua has everything. I mean, they still have tennis courts, they’ve got pickleball courts, they’ve got everything—absolutely great walking areas.
RS: You’ve got two five-star hotels—the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, and the Montage, Kapalua Bay. Speaking of the Ritz-Carlton, we were just at a huge event on Saturday—the Celebration of the Arts. It’s an annual luau. It’s a fantastic weekend.
And after the luau in the lobby, they had the Makaha Sons entertaining—which was absolutely fantastic. For those of you, Hawaiian music aficionados, the Makaha Sons are top-class entertainment, and they did one heck of a job.
BS: They really did. It was spectacular—nothing could have been better for that day. And for the number of people who were there to be able to appreciate it, it was really, really fabulous.
RS: The luau was fun, and the food was great.
BS: The food was really great. We may have eaten a little more than we needed, but it was…
RS: There were a couple of things you weren’t real sure of.
BS: Well, that is….
RS: Opihi.
BS: I did grow up in Buffalo, New York.
RS: Yeah.
BS: They don’t have a lot of these things. But I do love sashimi.
RS: There was some Opihi.
BS: I’m just not so sure about that. What else did I not maybe eat?
RS: I don’t know. There were a couple of dishes.
BS: I’m sure there was something. But it’s all great fun, really.
RS: Oh—the squid luau.
BS: Oh yeah. I could maybe skip that. Not that I have to skip it, but I like to eat a lot of other things. So I can’t eat everything. I think it’s better if I stick with what I know now.
RS: The food was great, the entertainment was great, and it’s a great cause. This year was special—it was the last show for Clifford, our friend Clifford Nae‘ole, who is kind of retiring. Clifford, you’ve done a hell of a job, and good luck to you in whatever you decide to pursue going forward.
BS: The luau itself wasn’t the regular one they do every week at the Ritz-Carlton.
RS: No.
BS: No. It was more of what I would call something we all appreciated—more than just going to the one that’s staged and perfect and spectacular. This one was, in its own way, the best luau of all time.
RS: Oh, fantastic.
BS: Yeah.
RS: You know, we’re spoiled. We also have the Old Lahaina Luau, downtown Lahaina. That’s a fantastic show, too.
BS: Yeah. Anyone who hasn’t seen that should at least see it once. It is really one of the best luaus of all time and worth going to with your family. I think you can call them and talk to them, depending on how many are in your party, etc., but it is expensive. Still, I think it’s worth every penny.
RS: Well, they have kamaʻāina rates, too.
BS: They do have kamaʻāina rates.
RS: As well as the Ritz-Carlton.
BS: You know, the Ritz-Carlton event the other night was, I think, worth everything we did.
RS: Yeah. Totally, absolutely.
BS: Really, really meaningful for everybody.
RS: Totally. Again, it was a Friday, Saturday, Sunday event at the Ritz-Carlton. So we’re looking forward to next year’s Celebration of the Arts.
BS: Hmm. And that was—I mean, that’s what they called it—Celebration of the Arts. There were so many items for sale that were really worth having. We kind of wandered through and found a few things that really intrigued us—or that we ended up getting. But really, everything was worth being there, talking to people, and meeting the various artists, etc.
RS: It starts off Friday morning, real early at sunrise, with the cleansing. We didn’t do it this year, but they have native Hawaiian practitioners there on the ocean, and the public is invited. You’re invited to go into the water and basically have a spiritual cleansing—Hawaiian style. And that starts off the Celebration of the Arts weekend.
BS: Everybody should think about going to it. I mean, I’m not sure it’s for everyone, but I think just going down there and seeing what happens gives you that moment of cleansing—even if you aren’t going in the water. It was cold that morning.
RS: It was. But I know people who did do it—friends of ours from Canada did it.
BS: Yes! They really loved it. They loved being in there, loved being a part of everything. And I think, again, that’s major by itself.
RS: That’s what makes Hawai‘i. That’s why people from all over the world are interested in buying property here on Maui. Maui is special. You know the phrase Maui nō ka ‘oi—it’s not to be taken lightly.
BS: Maui is the best.
RS: Absolutely.
BS: Maui is the best. I think just saying that—and remembering Maui nō ka ‘oi—does matter to everybody. Everyone who comes here wants to be a part of everything that’s happening.
RS: Yeah. Maui is the best by far. Even on a morning like today—where, thanks to the Big Island for sharing their vibe—we’ve got kind of a foggy atmosphere. But it’s still awesome.
BS: That’s true. When we woke up, usually we could see both outer islands, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. But today, Moloka‘i was gone.
RS: It was.
BS: Yeah. You could maybe see one tiny peek somewhere, but it was hard to even get a look at it. And the same with Lāna‘i—it almost disappeared.
RS: But that brings us back to the early formation of the islands—and we’re still growing. The Big Island is still growing. A few hundred miles off the Big Island’s shores, there’s another island forming underwater right now.
BS: Really?
RS: Lōʻihi.
BS: What is it called?
RS: Lōʻihi.
BS: Lohei?
RS: Lōʻihi.
BS: I better not try to say it again.
RS: Yeah, but okay, it’s growing. That molten lava is coming up and settling—it’s gradually getting higher and higher. I’m not sure when it’s going to break the surface—maybe 500 years from now. I don’t know.
BS: Do we really think that long?
RS: It might be.
BS: Wow.
RS: But you know, it’s coming.
BS: I knew it was growing, but I was thinking it was way faster than that. I thought we’d be seeing that soon.
RS: No. Madam Pele does it on her own time.
BS: Oh, she does?
RS: Yeah.
BS: Well, my time was a little bit different. I was expecting that sooner. Well, not 500 years. It’s going to be hard to live that long.
RS: Buffalo Betty.
BS: Buffalo Betty—always in a hurry. But that’s okay.
RS: It’s okay.
BS: It’s okay. I can’t help it. Sometimes I’m in a big hurry all the time, and then maybe I’m a little bit too slow on some stuff. But Roy is the classic Hawaiian person who doesn’t love being hurried.
RS: Yeah.
BS: And yet you’re out, everywhere, ready to show property anytime.
RS: Yeah. Speaking of which, we’ve got some listings, too.
BS: We do. We’re thinking about it. One of the things that really is—well, you know, we really got off on why to work with a Realtor. Why Coldwell Banker. But I think again, we did mention there are strategic locations for Coldwell Banker. You’re going to be able to find an agent that’s fairly close to you.
If they’re not close to you, they’re going to be happy to come to you. And if it’s something that’s out of their wheelhouse, so to speak, they’re going to refer you to someone else. And I think that’s always worthwhile. And if you’re not comfortable with who you’re talking to—check with someone else.
I mean, check with another office. If there’s a particular property you’re interested in, go down and see if there’s someone available there. But I think, mostly, find an agent first—and then start looking at properties. I think that pays off in the long run. Don’t you?
RS: Oh, absolutely. There are several advantages to dealing with a company like ours—Coldwell Banker Island Properties. Our office is in Kapalua, and if you walked into our office and said, “I’m interested in looking at property up in Kula,” we can refer you to an agent who specializes in Kula. You need somebody who’s in that market day in and day out.
By the same token, someone might walk into our upcountry office and say, “Hey, I’m interested in something in Kapalua or Kā‘anapali.” Then they refer that person to our office. So that’s a big advantage of dealing with Coldwell Banker Island Properties.
BS: There are a number of different offices where people are present on a daily basis. The Kapalua office is open pretty much seven days a week from 8 to 5—maybe 8:30 to 5.
RS: 8:30 to 6:30 or 7:00.
BS: Something like that. Actually, you’re right—it is later now. And a lot of people stop by. If they’re having dinner in the area and get there a little early, they’ll run by and sit and talk to you. And again, you’ve got someone there who will—let’s say—talk story with you.
They’ll talk to you. They’ll fill you in about real estate. They’ll talk to you about the area, about what’s available. Sometimes it’ll be an agent from Upcountry who’s just there for the day, filling in some time. But again, they’re going to know everything that’s going on at Kapalua.
RS: Oh, absolutely. And just as you said—come on by, talk story. Whether you’re buying or selling, come on by. There’s no commitment, no strings attached. But come, get whatever information you’re looking for, and you can move forward and make an intelligent decision.
BS: I think, you know, years ago, I met some people at our office, and we chatted for a while, etc., and I gave them my card. And then later—like years later—they walked in carrying that card. The husband said it had been in their refrigerator all those years, and he would always laugh when they looked at it.
But they did come in, and they ended up buying two different properties over a short period of time. They remembered. They remembered that I took time with them, talked to them, referred them to places to eat, and suggested things they should do. They had twin boys with them—they were really an amazing couple.
RS: It’s scary to buy property in an area you’re not totally familiar with. So you need to deal with a professional. I know when we look at properties outside of Hawai‘i, we always deal with a Realtor and depend on that Realtor for guidance and advice. And again—whether you’re buying or selling—come see us.
We can point you in the right direction. You can reach me, Roy, at 808-870-7060, and Betty at—
BS: 808-870-7062. And we’re pretty easy to reach. If we don’t answer right away, leave us a message—and unless it’s really late, we’ll call you back pretty quickly.
RS: Yeah, absolutely. And look at our website too, which gives you access to all the listings in the Maui Real Estate Association. Go to SakamotoProperties.com—still a remnant from our old days at Sakamoto Properties. But thanks to Meyer Computer, we still have the website. So go to SakamotoProperties.com—that’ll give you access to every listing on Maui. Actually, all of Maui County—Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i as well.
BS: It’s an amazing Realtors Association website. It has everything you can imagine, and it’s worth learning how to surf around it. Figure out what’s there, save it on your computer. Whether you’re on SakamotoProperties.com or ColdwellBanker.com, you’ll get into…
RS: It’s IslandProperties.com.
BS: That’s right, I think you’re right.
RS: Yeah.
BS: Coldwell Banker. But anyway, you’ll get into these sites and find everything. The Sakamoto Properties website is one of the best around, so it really is worth taking a good, hard look at it—and save it. It changes quickly as new listings come on or go off, but it really is worth keeping an eye on.
RS: No question. Absolutely.
BS: No question.
RS: Oh, and you’re dealing with experts in the area—whether it’s Kapalua, Kā‘anapali, or again, South Maui, Kīhei, Wailea, and so forth. We can point you in the right direction.
BS: Is there anything new going on these days with Hale Makua that can be talked about?
RS: There’s a lot brewing with Hale Makua. A big plan is going to be announced in the very, very near future. So stay tuned—we’ll announce it here on the show, too. But there are a lot of exciting things ready to happen with Hale Makua.
BS: Hale Makua—which is kind of loosely translated as “House of the Frail and Elderly”—that’s how I’ve always understood it. Everything they do is for the community. It’s about taking care of our frail and elderly. The more you learn, the better. That’s another website worth checking out.
RS: Yeah—HaleMakua.org is the website for Hale Makua. It’s a nonprofit organization based in Maui. And there’s some great synergy around the expansion plans. So again, stay tuned. Some very big news is coming soon.
BS: That’ll be really exciting for everybody here—especially for those of us who are getting older. And it does seem to be happening. Right in front of us.
RS: This pertains to health care on Maui—a huge upgrade in health care on Maui and, really, for the whole state. So, big stuff is happening.
BS: I think it really matters. I’ve been here for basically 50 years, and Roy was born and raised here. So there’s a point where you just don’t ever want to leave. For me, there’s no other place. I grew up in Buffalo, New York. I lived in Chicago for a while before moving here, but this is my home.
If I go away on a trip, I can’t wait to get back. I swear—if I’m gone for 48 hours, I’m calling Roy trying to figure out how to get home faster.
RS: It’s Maui no ka ‘oi.
BS: It’s Maui no ka ‘oi.
RS: Totally. That’s something that really grows on you. Again, whether you’re visiting or living here—you’re in the best spot in the world.
BS: And with the best people. If you need something on Maui—whether you need to stop on the road or whatever it is—if you turn and talk to the person next to you, the odds are pretty good they’ll be happy to talk to you. They’ll spend a little time, ask a few questions, and help you if you need it. That’s what Maui is like.
RS: One of the great expressions here, now that we’re getting older—when people start calling us “Uncle” and “Auntie.”
BS: Yes! That’s pretty special.
RS: Very endearing.
BS: It really is. I remember the first time someone called me “Auntie,” and I kind of smiled—but I also thought, “Well… I’m not quite ready for that.”
RS: But it’s very endearing.
BS: Yeah. So endearing. I don’t even know what to call it. We’ve now passed the two-minute warning—maybe even the one-minute warning. Well, this has been a great day, and I’m happy we got to be here. We didn’t do much with our list of properties—
RS: No, but again—SakamotoProperties.com gives you access to all the listings on Maui.
BS: And we do have listings everywhere. We’ve got a ton of Kapalua listings, lots in Kā‘anapali, and really all over the island. So, aloha.
RS: And here comes Danny—
BS: Here’s Danny Couch, coming right back on.
RS: We love Hawai‘i.
BS: I love Hawaii.
