January 3, 2012 - Interview with Kailua Kona Realtor Lance Owens (RS) Aloha Kona Realty Inc. Ok we all know 2011 was a good year for Real Estate Recovery in Hawaii, but every now and then I like to break it down and see who is buying - what? And it always surprises me, along with many of my readers. So I took November 2011 Condo sales, 17 sales, to see who is paying the taxes on it - basically the new owner. (December wouldn't be updated yet) Sales Ranged from - $53,500 for a 372 sqft studio - leasehold property To a $1,175,000.00 for 2/2 1,800 sqft, Fee Simple property How many guessed Foreign investors? How many guessed Mainland Investors?How many guessed Owner occupied? Well if you guessed Mainland investors - you win! California leads the pack with 4 buyers listing a California address. Hawaii cones in 2nd with 3 buyers.Washington State comes in 3rd with 2 buyers.Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, Kansas and Minnesota, each brought in 1 buyer.And we had 1 Foreign buyer - Canada. If you get a chance take a look at "Home Sales - who is buying what for November 2011" Be sure to look for the upcoming forecast for 2012, and a look back at 2011 sales.