April 2025, BIG ISLAND, HAWAII

Aloha Friends and Family,

Q1 is in the books. With tariffs and the possibility of a trade war, there’s some uncertainty ahead. According to a study, we’re living through the third-most uncertain time in the past 40 years. (FRED Economic Policy Uncertainty and Recession) With change comes opportunity. We’re staying alert and ready for whatever unfolds.

Speaking of the unexpected, Kilauea Volcanohas been surprisingly consistent lately—putting on fiery midweek shows. Since early February, seven out of nine times it erupted on a Tuesday or Wednesday. All very short period of time. The 16th episode this week soared to 1,000 feet high. Where else can you safely witness this kind of spectacle? If you're visiting the Big Island, don’t miss it! Here's a quick 101 on Kilauea.

April 9th is the deadline to appeal your REAL PROPERTY TAX Assessment. Please contact us should you need any assistance. Here is a link for Hawaii County Real Property Tax website.

Here on the Big Island, median prices are climbing—but what’s really happening beneath the headlines? We break it down below. Look out for our Big Island Market Update in the first week of each month, followed by a newsletter at month’s end to keep you informed.

If you're on the island, drop us a line—we’d love to see you.

Mahalo,

Kona Market Update Q1 2025

Q1 2025 Snapshot

At first glance, Kailua-Kona’s Q1 2025 numbers appear impressive—particularly in the condo market. But superficial statistics can be misleading without proper context.This is a complex market—polarized and layered. Right now, the housing market is sending mixed signals.

Condo sales surged 22.4% year-over-year, and median prices rose 13.5% to $694.5K. However, inventory also jumped 130%, pending sales dropped 37.5%, and 52.9% of sold condos required price reductions—highlighting a market softened by affordability concerns and the condo insurance crisis.

In contrast, the single-family home market remains more balanced. Sales were up 2.9%, the median price increased modestly to $1.42M, and homes sold faster, with Days on Market down 21.2% to just 15 days. Notably, only 28% of sold homes saw price reductions so far in 2025—indicating stronger buyer demand and improved pricing accuracy. As we enter Q2, seasonal inventory peaks may give way to tighter supply through summer, creating a more competitive landscape.

For a deeper dive into the numbers and insights, continue reading on our blog.

Clear Cooperation Policy

The National Association of Realtors recently introduced changes to its Clear Cooperation Policy, signaling a shift toward giving sellers more control. Two notable updates:

1. Private (Office) Exclusives can now be shared one-on-one across brokerages without violating CCP.

2. MLSs can set their own timelines for pre-market listings, offering more flexibility before a home goes fully live.

While small on paper, these changes could make a difference—especially for sellers who value privacy, timing, and a tailored approach.

In our latest blog, we explain what these updates mean, how they impact Hawaii’s market, and what to expect locally.

KE TEAM

2025 IBS - Vega's biggest Builder's Convention

My recent trip to Las Vegas for the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2025 was one for the books! This was my first time in Vegas—I’m not a gambler, so it was never really on my list—but I have to admit, the city is beyond impressive. Tasha and I were completely blown away by the sheer scale of it all. It’s a city built to impress, and the architecture, the lights, and the energy, definitely delivered!

As much as I was excited about the Strip and experiencing the casinos, I was most excited about IBS 2025. It's one of the most important events in the construction and real estate world, and it was an honor for me to attend. One of my favorite parts about real estate is learning about the latest trends in home design, materials, appliances, and technology. In this way, we can constantly stay ahead as the KE Team!

Sneak Peek from KE Team

North Kona

77-6516 Alii Drive, Unit 1

3 BD 3 BA 1,950 SF $2,300,000

COMING SOON

The newest listings in Kona from the past two weeks!

The newest listings in Resorts on Big Island from the past two weeks!

Median Prices by Island

Homes | Condo

Oahu : $1,120,000 | $539,500

Maui: $1,187,000 | $675,000

Kauai: $1,325,000 | $790,000

Hawaii(Kona):$1,420,000| $694,500

source: Title Guaranty Escrow

Inflation eased slightly in early March, while the Fed kept its benchmark rate unchanged, and mortgage rates remained under 7%. Stock markets saw significant volatility, with declines followed by partial recovery. Consumer confidence dropped further across all demographics, with expectations for personal finances, jobs, and inflation also slipping (University of Michigan).

In real estate, the broader market is generally driven by interest rates (affordability), while higher-price sales track stock market trends (household wealth). Compared to last year, February’s median house and condo sales prices rose 3.7% and 3.5%, respectively. Half of the homes sold within a month, 21% closed above asking, and 32% were all-cash.

First-time buyer participation rose to 31%. New listings increased 8% from January and 4% year over year, while active listings climbed 27.5%. Existing home sales rose 7% from January but were down 5% annually. February data largely reflects winter conditions, with March typically marking the start of the spring selling season.

Feautured Listing

CAPTAIN COOK: ACTIVE

82-6115 Hawaiʻi Belt Road

0 BD 0 BA 0 SF $1,995,000

ON THE MOVE - Pending in 5 days!

Daisuke 'Kai' Ioh

RB-19352

M: 808.936.6148

Emil Knysh

RS-75490

M: 808.747.0503

contact us at: KEteam@compass.com

check out our latest blog at: KEteamHawaii.com