May in Honolulu

Nathalie's Newsflash

“From what I've seen, it isn't so much the act of asking that paralyzes us-it's what lies beneath: the fear of being vulnerable, the fear of rejection, the fear of looking needy or weak. The fear of being seen as a burdensome member of the community instead of a productive one.
It points, fundamentally, to our separation from one another.”
-Amanda F Palmer

April showers are said to bring May flowers. I can't remember a rainier April, so I'm fully expecting to be overwhelmed by the flowers in May! My mom loves flowers, and so on this month where we historically celebrate the women who have mothered us in our lives, I look forward to showering her with beauty in floral form. 

May is also nationally recognized as both Military Appreciation and Mental Health Awareness month, so what better time to do a check-in? I recently saw a social media post and it was a great reminder that sometimes where I feel exhausted and overwhelmed, the remedy can be as simple as drinking some water, getting away from whatever screen I've been staring at, or enjoying a brief 10 minute walk around the block. What are some other ways we can tend to ourselves and ensure thriving versus just surviving? 

Real Estate in the News

The housing market is confusing top real-estate forecasters, and no one agrees if home prices are going to fall or climb this year

Top forecasters are divided on the housing market outlook for 2023.
Zillow economists expect home prices to rise over the next year, while those at Moody's see the opposite.
Here's how top real-estate forecasters expect home prices to change this year.

The housing market has sent mixed signals lately, and that's left the real-estate forecasters torn on what comes next for home prices.
In fact, home prices are falling and rising concurrently, depending on where you look, with declines in the West and gains in the South and East.

Where the housing market goes from here largely depends on the Fed's trajectory on interest rates, which influence mortgage rates. Last month's financial turmoil that began with Silicon Valley Bank has led analysts to forecast that a pause or cut in rate hikes could be looming.

Here's how top firms expect home prices to move in 2023:

Read more at Markets Insider

Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Throughout May

AAPI Heritage Month is in May to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the US on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the trans-continental railroad on May 10, 1869, as most workers were Chinese immigrants. 
Join the Hub May 13th in supporting local AAPI owned small businesses at their Kakaako location!

Learn more here

Memorial Day

Regardless of our opinions on politics or war, it's important to honor the souls died defending our right to have and voice those opinions. In honor of their memory, the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Ceremony has returned for the first time since 2019 to commemorate their sacrifice and share our hope for peace. Reserve your lantern beginning May 15th.

Click here to learn more

Music & Memories Benefit Concert

Come listen to beautiful music and support the Alzheimer Association of Hawai'i this month at the Hawai'i Theater! Featuring the Mahaka Sons as headliners, as well as Kawika Kahiapo, Bobby Moderow, Jr., and more! 
May 24th, 7pm  

Get tickets here

Honolulu Real Estate Stats

O‘ahu Home Sales Slow in April While Days on Market Improves from Last Month
Single-family home and condo sales volume, median prices, new listings dip compared to 2022.

April single-family home and condo sales on O‘ahu slipped 43.0% and 37.5%, respectively, year-over-year, but only 11.9% and 5.4% since last month. Despite fewer sales, properties that sold in April spent less time on the market than one month ago. The median days on market for condos was 20 days in April compared to 24 days in March and 24 days for single-family homes compared to a 36-day median in March.

Our April Monthly Statistics Report shows:

Single-family home sales in the $800,000 to $999,999 price range continued to see the highest sales volume, accounting for nearly one-third of sales in April.

Most condos sold in the $300,000 to $399,999 price range, accounting for 18.3% of sales in April. However, nearly all price points experienced a drop in condo sales from a year ago.

The single-family home median sales price for April 2023 was $999,995, down 9.5%. The condo market ended April with a median sales price of $500,000, representing a 2.0% decrease from the $510,000 median the same time last year.

Approximately 41% of single-family home sales and 44% of condo sales received full asking price or more.

Although both markets continued to see more active inventory than a year ago, inventory levels have not increased this year, weakening slightly from month to month.

Here is more detail about the O'ahu market in general, but please reach out to me if you want more specific information about a region or neighborhood.
Interested in a bridge loan or keeping an eye on the latest mortgage rates? Compare local lender rates throughout Hawai'i here, compiled by the Honolulu Board of Realtors and updated weekly.

Read More from the Honolulu Board of Realtors

Champion Lifestyle & Local Tips

Pro Tips for Container Gardening in All Climates

Beautifully designed containers can thrive in challenging environments if you know these tricks of the trade.

“The jewelry of the garden.” That’s what Northwest garden designer Christina Salwitz calls beautifully designed and well-placed containers. Like jewelry, containers allow you to change the plants each year or with the seasons to suit your fancy. “They add personality,” she says. “If you craft a great entry to your home with welcoming, interesting, and creative containers—that says a lot about who you are.”

Learn more at The American Gardener

Honolulu Botanical Gardens

Interested in checking out the different botanical gardens peppered throughout O'ahu?Check out what spring classes are available at the different county botanical gardens this spring, and be sure to get on their email list to register for summer classes as soon as they are available.

Learn more here

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, one of the most spectacular natural resources in Hawaii, is reaping the benefits of over a decade of moves to re-establish its pristine marine ecosystem. Only open to the public Wed-Sun, the bay looks so much better thanks to restricting access. 
Come see for yourself!

Reserve your spot here

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!

This month, why not treat yourself to some beautiful flowers in whatever form makes you happy! Real or fabricated, cut or potted, I love the beauty and magic that plants bring into my life. Whether a local or international delivery  or pickup, give the gift of flowers to someone you love (especially yourself)

Activate flower power here

Fresh Local Listings

Kahala-Waialae

1487 Hiikala Place, #35

3 BD   3 BA   1678 SF   $1,475,000

Kaneohe

45-458 Pua Inia Street

4 BD   2 BA   2076 SF   $1,295,000

Kalama Valley

1115 Kahului Street

3 BD   3 BA   2797 SF   $1,650,000

Royal Kunia

94-1176 Kapehu Street

3 BD   2 BA   1152 SF   $915,000

Ala Moana

1388 Ala Moana Boulevard, Unit 2303

2 BD   2 BA   1614 SF   $5,288,000

Mahalo for reading and subscribing! How can I help you achieve your real estate goals?

Reach out to chat!

Nathalie Champion

GRI, MRP, e-Pro, PSA, CLHMS
RB-23526
nathalie@nathaliechampion.com
(808) 859-0027
COMPASS RB-23206

Rotary E-Club of Hawaii - Immediate Past President
Honolulu Board of Realtors - Diversity Committee Chair

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.