Lava Laure Properties Hawaii Real Estate Services

New review First Island Realty - Laure McElwee, realtor

Laure McElwee — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:47:00 GMT

Check out the newest review of Laure McElwee of First Island Realty. Cynthia purchased a home in the highly desired Alii Lani Condo Complex in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. It was so nice working with her and I strive to always provide the highest customer service possible. If you are in need of real estate services in Hawaii, feel free to contact me at 808-217-0429.

Laure McElwee

First Island Realty

808-217-0429

www.lavalaure.com

lavalaure@yahoo.com

kailua Kona Ironman

Laure McElwee — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:44:00 GMT

If you are going to be on the Big Island of Hawaii on October 8, 2011, come and check out the Ironman World Championships here in Kailua Kona. 1,800 well-conditioned athletes will be competing in this grueling race. In order to successfully complete this competition, each athlete will need to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and finish with a marathon run (or 26.2 miles). What makes this particularly challenging is that Kona is getting into the hottest portion of the year. The athletes will have to run through lava-covered terrain, which can increase surface temperatures tremendously.

Volunteering at such an event can be a rewarding experience and are always needed. If you want more information, check out the website at http://ironman.com/worldchampionship#axzz1ZCblfvyy

Laure McElwee

First Island Realty

808-217-0429

www.firstislandrealty.com

First island Realty - Client review for Lava Laure

Laure McElwee — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:38:00 GMT

- Highly likely to recommend

Bought a Single Family home in 2011 in Lago Estancia, Gilbert, AZ.

Local knowledge:
Process expertise:
Responsiveness:
Negotiation skills:

Summary:

Laure was the most responsive realtor we found on the island. Others wanted us to meet them at their office and look through " their" listings. Not Laure, she took us only to places that fit our criteria, making the process efficient for us. Laure kept in touch with us all throughout the process, since we live off island. She went way beyond in helping us with a lot of local contacts to help us to continue to keep our property as a vacation rental, and we had no past experience doing this! Laure has remained in touch with us even after the closing, and is still just as quick to anwer questions now as feuding the sale process, a sign of a real estate agent with true integrity, or Laure just knows what it means to do good business! I would recommend Laure to my family and friends.

Another Happy First island Realty client - "Lava Laure"

Laure McElwee — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:38:00 GMT

- Highly likely to recommend

Bought a Single Family home in 2011 in Lago Estancia, Gilbert, AZ.

Local knowledge:
Process expertise:
Responsiveness:
Negotiation skills:

Summary:

Call me for all your real estate needs

Lava Laure"

Laure McElwee, Realtor/Broker

First Island Realty, llc.

Team "Lava Laure" for all your Real Estate needs in Hawaii

808.217.0429 Phone
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

www.LavaLaure.com

www.FirstIslandRealty.com

Emergency Homehomeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP) EXTENDED TO 7/27/2011

Laure McElwee — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 06:07:00 GMT

The U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development has launched the Emergency Homehomeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP) to assist homeowners who are at least 90 days who are at least 90 days late on their mortgage, and unemployed or working fewer hours because of the economy or medical condition with monthly payments up to $50,000

To get the worksheet and locate an EHLP agency near you, visit www.FindEHLP.org

EHLPconsumers.asp

ehlp.nw.org

EHLP was created to help homeowners who are temporarily and involuntarily unemployed or underemployed due to economic conditions or a medical condition, and are at risk of foreclosure.

Lava Laure"
Laure McElwee,Broker/Owner
First Island Realty, llc.
Team "Lava Laure" for all your Real Estate needs in Hawaii
808.217.0429 Phone
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

www.LavaLaure.com

www.FirstIslandRealty.com

Seller feedback on her experience with "Lava Laure Properties" real estate services

Laure McElwee — Fri, 27 May 2011 19:24:00 GMT

To Whom it May Concern:

Since I wasn't sure who to write about my experience as a client of Laure McElwee, I used Laure's e-mail. I feel it is important to write about Laure's client service because it was so exceptional.

Part of my business is investing and managing real estate. Consequently, I have encountered many real estate agents, mostly in California. I can unequivocally say that I have never, yes, never had an agent with the honesty, forthrightness and sensitivity that Laure has shown. When I listed my house with her, she was prompt in getting all of the steps completed to promote my house. There were two escrows opened. The first one looked promising, but very soon Laure warned me the buyer may be a "reluctant" one. Sure enough, about a week later, the buyer backed out. However, Laure had two back ups waiting. The successful buyer was moved seamlessly through escrow with Laure volunteering information to me along the way to ensure I was clear on the progress in the title company. When I asked questions, she responded within the hour. And, Laure was on good terms with the buyer's agent and the buyer. It was a good experience for both the buyer and myself. A feeling of win/win.

I would definitely recommend Laure to any family member or friend. Laure is very professional, yet she is sincerely interested and tuned into people.

Suzann Foster

Price Reduced on 76-6220 Mikilana street in Kuakini Makai

Laure McElwee — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:49:00 GMT

Kuakini Makai, Kailua Kona - Announcing a price reduction on 76-6220 Mikilana street, a 1,308 sq. ft., 3 bdrm single story. Now $459,000 - .

Property information

Client feedback for Lava Laure @ Lava Laure Properties Hawaii Real Estate Services

Laure McElwee — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 02:53:00 GMT

Here is what Capital area resdnt wrote:

How likely are you to recommend this agent?

highly likely

Rate agent on specific characteristics

Local knowledge:

Process expertise:

Responsiveness:

Negotiation skills:

Summary of their experience

Throughout the whole process Laure has been amazing - always there (to begin with!); answering my questions/requests sometimes in the middle of the night (to the point of my starting to wonder when she actually slept...); totally transparent all along the way (as opposed to my previous agent who preferred to keep as many secrets from me as he could); etc. - you name it. Since I had to conduct the whole transaction as a long-distance one from the East coast, she was able to provide for every single detail, recommending me home inspectors, insurance agents, handymen and so on. If you have the good luck to deal with Laure, the most important thing is - in my opinion - that you will be able to trust her and rely on her. Is there a better thing to look for in a real estate agent? Oh, experience, of course... She's got 11 years of it. In conjunction with another real estate broker, Laure has been able to get me a direct oceanfront property under the asking price (it was a short sale, which is a BIG problem in and of itself; you know this if you've ever tried to take part in that process.) I believe I've simply been lucky with Laure. You might want to shoot for that to, and so take my advice: Laure is DA THING!

Service provided
Helped me buy a home or lot/land

Street address
4600 S Four Mile Run Dr APT 618, Arlington, VA 22204

Year
2011

Price Reduced on 786842 ALII DR in Keauhou

Laure McElwee — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:17:00 GMT

Keauhou, Kahaluu-Keauhou - Announcing a price reduction on 786842 ALII DR, a 1,101 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $250,000 - Pre-foreclosure 100K RED..

Property information

Price Reduced on 75-6180 Nakukui Dr in Kahakai Estates

Laure McElwee — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:15:00 GMT

Kahakai Estates, Kailua Kona - Announcing a price reduction on 75-6180 Nakukui Dr, a 1,518 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now $799,000 - Best priced in Kailua Kon.

Property information

Price Reduced on 786842 ALII DR in Keauhou

Laure McElwee — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 03:53:00 GMT

Keauhou, Kahaluu-Keauhou - Announcing a price reduction on 786842 ALII DR, a 1,101 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $290,000 - Pre-foreclosure 100K RED..

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Kailua Kona

Laure McElwee — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:53:00 GMT

Oceanfront Condo at Kona Magic Sands

• 600 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story - MLS® $329,000

Kailua Kona, Hawai'i - Excellent opportunity to own on the waterfront ! Spectacular oceanfront condo on Alii Drive in Kailua Kona,Hawaii. Ideally located next to famous magic sands beach, shops, restaurants and more. The Kona Magic Sands complex offers a oceanfront pool, 3 stars restaurant, secure parking and more.

The large studio with separate sleeping quarters offers breathtaking ocean views. Lovely bamboo floors in living room and bathroom gives the unit a spacious and open feeling. Unit comes partially furnished and has a stacked washer/dryer.

Association fees include water, trash pick up and ground maintenance.

Popular vacation rental destination and ideal retirement location.

Seller financing available with substantial down payment.

Property information

Price Reduced on 214-77-6452 ALII DR in Kailua Kona

Laure McElwee — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:53:00 GMT

Kailua Kona, Hawai'i - Announcing a price reduction on 214-77-6452 ALII DR, a 600 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $329,000 - .

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Keahou

Laure McElwee — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:40:00 GMT

Golf frontage with Ocean Views

• 1,101 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story - MLS® $390,000 - Steel Deal!

Keahou, Hawai'i - Stunning golf course front end unit with ocean views at Kona Coast Resort. Completely remodeled with custom cabinets in the kitchen, granite counter tops, tile bathroom, custom window covering and much more.

Lanai opens onto golf course and offers excellent views of the ocean from living room and kitchen area.

One of the only complex with enclosed garage for each unit.

A Full-Featured 4-star Ocean View Resort located 5 miles south of Kailua-Kona town in the quiet residential community of Keauhou - where the Hawaiian Royalty (Alii) lived. Nearly every amenities is available at this resort including an activities desk, concierge & restaurant.

Property information

Rent/Lease Reduced on 87-3211 Datura Road in Kona Paradise

Laure McElwee — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:02:00 GMT

Kona Paradise, Captain Cook - Announcing a rent/lease reduction on 87-3211 Datura Road, a 1,000 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm bi-level. Now $110 USD Daily - Breathtaking Ocean Views.

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates

Laure McElwee — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:04:00 GMT

Lovely lot fairly level.

• single story - $22,000 - Owner financing available

Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Hawaiian Ocean View - Ocean View Estates is one of the fastest growing areas on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Now is the time to buy that piece of paradise you have always been dreaming about.

122x356 lot. Second one in from corner

Seller offers financing

Property information

Is it possible to purchase a new home after a short sale?

Laure McElwee — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:02:00 GMT

Short sales are going to be a big part of the lending business in the upcoming months. Don't despair if you think the sellers of short sales cannot purchase for another 2-3 years, there is a situation where a borrower can purchase again following the short sale.

Here are the details:

1) A borrower CANNOT take advantage of an FHA mortgage if they are short selling to take advantage of the declining market conditions AND if the new purchase is at a reduced price, similar or superior property within reasonable commute distance. In other words there needs to be a solid reason for the short sale and the new home size, condition and commute distance will need to be brought to the attention of an underwriter to show that the borrowers are not trying to purchase more for less.

2) ELIGIBLE: If the proceeds of the short sale serve as payment in full (lien extinguished in full -- no lien / loan to be subordinated) and that the existing mortgage and any installment debts were paid as agreed for 12 months preceding the short sale. If the installment loan is due at the end of a month, then paid as agreed within 30 days be sufficient. Documentation on this point is critical, so prepare a borrower to provide the 12 months of payment and billing information for the installment debts along with the mortgage payments.

3) AND the borrowers must have the capacity to afford the new loan.

Call me to list your property or if you have any questions about the process.

Laure McElwee, Realtor (S)
'Lava Laure'
Sun and Sea Realty, Inc.

75-6547 Naniloa st.

Kailua Kona, HI. 96740

808.217.0429undefined
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

I Love referrals!

New today! Large and wide lot side by side in Hawaiian Ocean View Estate on

Laure McElwee — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:16:00 GMT

New on the market! Large side by side lot for sale is very desire able area of Hawaiian Ocean View Estate. Each lot listed for $15,000. Corner lot and adjacent gives you plenty of room to build your dream home. Buy both for 30,000!

Hawaiian Ocean View estate is a rural community approx. 1 hour south of Kailua Kona on the Big island of Hawaii. The shopping center servicing the area now has 3 grocery stores, an Ace hardware, various shops such as solar works/vet/nail salon/gift shop, 3 gas stations and much more.

Come enjoy the tranquility and the lifestyle of Ocean view yet be only 30 mins from several sandy beaches black and white!

Lovely spot you can call home

Owner may consider financing with substantial down payment

Contact lava Laure @ 808-217-0429

Laure McElwee, Realtor (S)
'Lava Laure'
Sun and Sea Realty, Inc.

75-6547 Naniloa st.

Kailua Kona, HI. 96740

808.217.0429undefined
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

I Love referrals!

Single Story For Sale in Captain Cook

Laure McElwee — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:53:00 GMT

One of a Kind "Hawaiian Style Home"

• 950 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm single story - $299,000 - 50K price reduction!

Captain Cook, Hawai'i - SHORT SALE!
One of a Kind Hawaiian Style Home in Paradise!
Enjoy the panoramic ocean views from living, kitchen, master bedroom and lanai. Pride of ownership is evident in this free flowing split-level charmer which features floor to ceiling glass in living area facing the ocean, Saltillo tile & Sisal floors, Siltstone countertops in kitchen with stainless steel fridge and gas range, new washer/gas dryer and stage water filtration system.
Tropical bamboo furniture included in sale.
The Kona Paradise community is located 34 miles south of Kailua Kona. Pebble beach is just at the bottom of the hill and is ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Some resident also have their boat moored at pebble beach during the summer months. Nearby is the King Kamehameha trail which is a great hiking spot.
Home has been a vacation rental for over 3 years and is immaculate.
Sq footage does not reflect laundry, workout & storage areas below house.
Priced to move fast!

Property information

Update on chinese drywall

Laure McElwee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:05:00 GMT

PODCAST EPISODE 22: DAVID DURKEE - IMPORTED CHINESE DRYWALL

Center for Disease Control and and Prevention (CDCP) has received about 2,276 reports from residents in 32 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico who believe their health symptoms or the corrosion of certain metal components in their homes are related to the presence of drywall produced in China. State and local authorities have also received similar reports.

Center for Disease Control

Laure McElwee, Realtor (S)
'Lava Laure'
Sun and Sea Realty, Inc.

75-6547 Naniloa st.

Kailua Kona, HI. 96740

808.217.0429undefined
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

I Love referrals!

National: Federal rules for short sale

Laure McElwee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:03:00 GMT

NATIONAL

FEDERAL SHORT SALE GUIDANCE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

On November 30, 2009, the Treasury Department released guidelines and forms for its new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA). HAFA is part of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).

Short sale procedures for loan servicers are standardized in guidelines under the federal government's Making Home Affordable loan modification initiative for troubled home owners. The guidelines create a path for a short-sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure for eligible borrowers for whom loan modification isn't a viable option. The guidelines provide $1,500 in federal funds to help borrowers relocate, $1,000 to help servicers offset their processing costs, and up to $1,000 to investors to secure release of subordinate liens.

The guidelines prohibit a reduction in agreed-upon commissions (if they're not more than 6 percent) and take effect April 5, 2010, but can be implemented by servicers at any time. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are expected to follow this release with their own rules based on these guidelines.

View Press Release

Supplemental Directive 09-09: Entire Guideline

Laure McElwee, Realtor (S)
'Lava Laure'
Sun and Sea Realty, Inc.

75-6547 Naniloa st.

Kailua Kona, HI. 96740

808.217.0429undefined
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

I Love referrals!

New RESPA rule State of Hawaii

Laure McElwee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:59:00 GMT

STATE

NEW RESPA RULES RECEIVES 120 DAY PERIOD OF RESTRAINT

On January 1, 2010, HUD will require that lenders and mortgage brokers provide consumers with a standard Good Faith Estimate (GFE) that clearly discloses key loan terms and closing costs. Closing agents will also be required to provide borrowers a new HUD-1 Settlement Statement that clearly compares consumers' final and estimated costs.

HUD announced a period of "restraint" in enforcing the new Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) rule, which will go into effect on January 1, 2010. The period of restraint will last for 120 days. Enforcement restraint will be shown for FHA approved lenders acting in good faith to comply with the new rule, including the mandatory Good Faith Estimate and the HUD-1.

With the assistance of Suzette Nasser, Vice President and Senior Title Officer at Title Guaranty of Hawai'i, three videos were developed to provide HAR members with brief overview to help you understand the changes. Please take a few minutes to view these videos:

Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

HUD-1 Settlement Statement

Access YouTube Videos on HUD's Mortgage Reform

Laure McElwee, Realtor (S)
'Lava Laure'
Sun and Sea Realty, Inc.

75-6547 Naniloa st.

Kailua Kona, HI. 96740

808.217.0429undefined
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

I Love referrals!

New Fannie May annoucement

Laure McElwee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:57:00 GMT

FHA CONDO CHANGES AND GUIDANCE FAQs

FHA released a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document on the new condominium rules. The FAQs provide some additional guidance to the rules, announced in Mortgagee Letter 2009-46A and Mortgagee Letter 2009-46B.

On November 6th, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) finally issued major changes to its revised guidelines on mortgage insurance requirements for condominium associations. The original guideline revisions were first proposed back in June (under Mortgagee Letter 2009-19). The new guidelines go into effect on December 7, 2009; however, some of the requirements are phased in through January 31, 2010.

For a new condominium to qualify for FHA financing the following guidelines apply, effective February 1, 2010:

50 percent of the total units must be presold before FHA financing is approved
50 percent of the total units must be owner occupied
No more than 10% of units may be held by a single investor
Unit owners must obtain individual HO-6 insurance policies if the master policy doesn’t cover interiors
Recertification is required every two years

Projects that received approval between October 1, 2008 and December 7, 2009 will be "grandfathered" and will have to follow the new guidelines’ recertification process. Because the Administration is extending the "Spot Approval" process through January 31, 2009, we highly recommend any association that was contemplating obtaining FHA certification to act without delay before the comprehensive certification process is enacted.

for more information contact me at 808-217-0429

Laure McElwee, Realtor S

Understanding and getting through the "Short Sale" process when selling a property Big island of Hawaii

Laure McElwee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:45:00 GMT

Aloha,

If you are facing forclosure, it can be a very difficult time for you and your family; If you are a seller looking into short sale as an alternative for foreclosure from your lender, you need to utilize the help of a professional Realtor who you can trust

"Short sale" is definitely the better way to go if you want to save your credit and avoid a foreclosure.

What is a short sale?

A short sale is a workout program that allows a borrower to sell the property, even if the proceeds are less than the loan payoff, due to low property value. Upon final approval, a short sale can help homeowners avoid further collection activity or foreclosure action, which can result in adverse credit reporting and possible tax liabilities.

How to get started:

contact a Realtor and list the property for sale as soon as possible.

Homeowner at time of property listing should have the following documents are required to begin the short sale application:

signed and dated financial worksheet
last 3 months bank statements
letter of authorizing the Realtor access to the information on the account with the lender (s) including property address, borrower's last for digit of the SS#, and the full account number for each loan on the property
Letter of hardship explaining why the homeowner is unable to continue making payments on the property

Realtor lists the property and once a written offer has been received from a buyer the following additional documents are needed:

fully executed listing agreement
Net sheet / HUD showing pay off to each lender
fully executed purchase contract

buyer's qualification letter or proof of funds if cash offer.

The Realtor will have to create a market analysis of the property and include it with the package when faxing to the lender.

Once the Realtor representing the seller(s) has all the above items, those documents are then faxed to the lender for the 1st and 2nd mortgage if applicable. The customer service team reviews the documents and assigns a negotiator to the loan. This process can take up to 30 days.

The negotiator assigned to the short sale will then start communication with the Realtor and ask for any additional documents if needed. The negotiator will then sent to the investor for approval. This last process can take up to 30 days.

Count on the total process taking 60 or more days.

If the homeowner received a foreclosure notice, it is important to replay immediately to the Realtor so that it can be addressed with the negotiator of the 1st mortgage to have the date postponed. The date is usually postponed 7 days prior to foreclosure day.

The Realtor has to make numerous weekly inquiries to make sure the process is being followed.

This is a very labor intensive and time consuming process for the Realtor; once an approval is received from the investor, the sale is usually concluded withing 45 days from that date.

If you have any questions regarding the process of the "Short Sale" or want to list your property today, call me at 808-217-0429

I hope this information is helpful.

Laure McElwee, Realtor (S)
'Lava Laure'
Sun and Sea Realty, Inc.

75-6547 Naniloa st.

Kailua Kona, HI. 96740

808.217.0429undefined
866.404.4789 Fax
LavaLaure@Yahoo.com

I Love referrals!

Single Story For Sale in Hawaiian Ranchos

Laure McElwee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:44:00 GMT

Large home on 6+ acres

• 1,589 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $353,600

Hawaiian Ranchos, Hawaiian Ocean View - Rare in Ranchos with approx. 6.32 acres of land. Built in 2007, this 4 bedroom/ 2 bath HPM "Wai'Olu" house comes with all the modern amenities, privacy and more. The Home is built on 3 acres of land and must be sold with adjacent 3 acres(2 separate title)

The Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos community is located approx. 1 hours south of Kailua Kona in Kau on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a quiet and peaceful community with a new grocery store, 2 restaurants, a post office, ace hardware, gift shop and more...

tennant occupied - short notice possible
owner financing available

Property information