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July, 2007 - Newsletter for the Maui Market
Aloha! Hope you had a great holiday on July 4th and enjoyed the freedom our military heroes are providing for us now and all of those military heroes in the past who have made so many sacrifices for us.
You are receiving this email because you subscribed to our e-newsletter email list. If you change your mind and wish to unsubscribe, please send an email to Won@JamesBFoster.com and request to be removed with the subject line, “Unsubscribe from Newsletter.”
Make sure you check out the Useful Internet Sites at the end of this newsletter which includes some valuable information.
Don't forget! We provide a free Automatic E-mail Notification Service that goes out to specific recipients when ever a new listing becomes available for a particular condominium complex. Each of these notifications includes a link to view the details of the brand new listing in the MLS. We DO NOT SHARE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS or your contact information with anyone. To subscribe to our Automatic E-mail Notification Service, please send Won an email at Won@JamesBFoster.com with your first and last name, your email address, and the condominium property you wish to be notified of.
Another service we provide is the Real Estate Market eUpdates which is sent out periodically to inform potential buyers and owners of specific condominium properties about the real estate market activities at those properties. This service is provided exclusively for those interested or owns a condominium property on West Maui. If you would like to subscribe to the Real Estate Market eUpdates or to get a list of all condominium properties that we send the eUpdates for, email Won at Won@JamesBFoster.com.
Property for Sale in New Developments in West Maui
A new commercial development in Lahaina - New Class “A” three story ocean view professional condominium office complex with 8 out of 18 suites available from 847 square feet to 1495 square feet with completion anticipated to be the summer of 2008. There are also going to be true Showroom/Flex Bldg condos with 4 out 10 units available from 800 square feet to 1600 square with completion anticipated to be the summer of 2008. Contact us for more detailed information as to what is available.
A new residential development at Kapalua Bay will be comprised of just 84 three- and four-bedroom condominiums, in four intimate, low-rise clusters, located in the very heart of the property. Beginning at the shoreline and terraced up a gentle slope, each Private Residence will offer its own distinctive ocean views and classic Hawaiian sense of place. Residences will span from 3,002 to 4,271 square feet, including 600 to 1,150 square-foot lanais, celebrating Hawaii’s lively indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Uninterrupted vistas of Lanai and Molokai and dramatic sunsets will form the backdrop for each heavenly day.
A new condominium villas development - These Villas will be located in eight separate buildings on the twenty four acre site of the old Royal Lahaina Resort; the first resort developed at Kaanapali Beach and will consist of two bedroom units from 2,482 square feet up to four bedroom units with 4,807 square feet. If you would like more information please contact Jim at 1-888-661-7994 or send an email to Jim@JamesBFoster.com
A newly remodeled resort condominium property in the heart of historic Lahaina. Located within the Natural Historic District of 19th century Lahaina, it is unlike any other. With nearly nine acres of property, it presents the first opportunity to purchase completely redesigned fee-simple condominium residences in downtown Lahaina in over a decade.
A new condominium development – Located in Lahaina and consisting of two bedroom and three bedroom condominiums across the street from the Cannery Mall and Lahaina Gateway. Sizes range from 1,239 square feet to 1,321 square feet for the three bedroom units up to 1,820 square feet with a home office 10’-6” X 11’. The two bedrooms are approximately 1,201 to 1,231. This is in the pre-construction stage and for sales information you can call Jim at 1-888-661-7994 or send an email to Jim@JamesBFoster.com.
A New Land Development - 28 fee simple ocean view agricultural-zoned lots set on 450 acres of West Maui's historic lands. The 28 lots offered for sale are from 2.79 acres to 13.27 acres and range in price from $1,125,000 to $1,395,000. Two water meters and underground utilities to each lot. CC&R's do not allow any further subdivision. Just 20 minutes to Kihei/Wailea, Kahului and Kaanapali, directly across the street from Ukumehame Beach Park and famous "Thousand Peaks" surfing beach. Access by appointment only. See attached "Associated Project Documents". Two water meters and underground utilities to each lot. The CC&R's do not allow any further subdivision. The land offers residents some of the most breathtaking views imaginable - dramatic mountains and valleys to the East, and 180 degree ocean views to the West overlooking the islands of Lana'i and Kaho'olawe. With preservation lands to the North and South, you can rest assured that your privacy and views will be protected forever. Directly across the street, and well within strolling distance, you'll find Ukumehame Beach Park and world-famous "Thousand Peaks" surf break. For sales information you can call Jim at 1-888-661-7994 or send an email to Jim@JamesBFoster.com.
A new condominium development - Honua Kai - Located on the last stretch of beachfront in Ka'anapali, Honua Kai is the first whole ownership condominium resort to be built on the beach in over 20 years. Amenities include three spectacular pools, a boutique spa, underground parking with valet for owners and the recently announced Duke's Maui restaurant. Currently available is a one bedroom for $760,000 with 615 s.f.; 2 two bedrooms at $1,650,000 with 1,230 s.f. and one at $1,950,000 with 1,315 s.f.; and 3 three bedrooms at $2,100,000 with 1,610 s.f., $3,850,000 with 2,230 s.f. and $5,600,000 with 2,715. s.f. For sales information, you can call Jim at 1-888-661-7994 or send an email to Jim@JamesBFoster.com.
A new residential development in the Wailea area - Papali covers 10 expansive acres with only 24 homes – each a single family residence with two private entries and a generous amount of privacy. Because Papali is nestled on a gently-sloping site that’s terraced into four building “benches”, each and every residence commands a breathtaking ocean view. There are no bad locations. Low-pitched roofs and low-growth landscaping ensures each home’s view is protected.
A new residential development in the Wailea area - Ho'olei features spacious two-story town homes with finely appointed interiors, private elevators, and attached garages, marrying the virtues of a free-standing residence with the convenience of condominium living. Ho'olei has broad, west-facing ocean views and is surrounded on three sides by the Wailea Blue Golf Course. Located just across Wailea Alanui Drive from the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa and the Four Seasons Resort Maui, Ho'olei sets the standard for beauty and quality in planning, design and construction.
A luxury home community in Wailea area - Kanani Wailea, the latest offering from Pacific Land & Homes, is a planned community consisting of thirty-eight spacious homes with spectacular ocean views. The single-family homes, designed with old Hawaii charm and new Hawaii elegance, will have the amenities of condominium living, including a recreation center, swimming pool, security and maintained landscaping.
A luxury home community in Wailea area - Kai Malu offers maintenance-free living in attached single-family homes featuring luxury appointments and unparalleled quality. The homes are designed for indoor/outdoor living, taking advantage of the natural tropical environment and the magnificent views of ocean, mountains, islands and sunsets. All of these elements combine to offer a special place where residents can enjoy the much sought after Hawaiian lifestyle in the heart of Wailea, on the best island in the world, Maui.
The West Maui real estate market continues to transition from a Seller’s market to a Buyer’s market. The current inventory of West Maui condominiums for sale is now at 470 and seemed to peak at 491 on April 18th and has gone down since. Properties are requiring more time to sell and Buyers have a much larger inventory of properties for sale to choose from. If you’re curious about current trends in Maui real estate and where the market is headed, the answer is – it depends on Location - it depends on if it is condominium or single-family residential – it depends on whether you look at volume, average or median prices. The current Maui real estate market looks steady with minor variations. The year to date ending May 31, 2007 average price for a home on Maui is $977,011 which is down 1% from a year ago for the same time period ending May 31, 2007 according to RAM statistics.
Condominiums for Sale - In the West Maui real estate market, at the beginning of July, 2005 there were 165 condominiums for sale in the West Maui area and the total value was $159,356,997.00; August, 2005 there were 166 condominiums for sale with total value of $154,446,497.00; September, 2005 there were 176 condominiums for sale total with value of $163,215,390.00; October, 2005 there were 177 condominiums for sale with total value of $168,464,220.00; November, 2005 there were 199 condominiums for sale with the total value of $188,377,265.00; December, 2005 there were 231 condominiums for sale with the total value of $222,669,115.00; January, 2006 there were 226 condominiums for sale with the total value of $226,520,200.00; February, 2006 there were 280 condominiums for sale with the total value of $281,793,835.00; March, 2006 there were 297 condominiums for sale with the total value of $286,082,559.00; April, 2006 there were 350 condominiums for sale with the total value of $317,599,199.00; May, 2006 there were 354 condominiums for sale with the total value of $321,932,077.00; June, 2006 there were 362 condominiums for sale with the total value of $333,616,070.00; July, 2006 there were 392 condominiums for sale with the total value of $346,937,598.00; August, 2006 there were 393 condominiums for with the total value of $344,119,142.00; September, 2006 there were 413 condominiums for sale with the total value of $369,322,455.00; October, 2006 there were 408 condominiums for sale with the total value of $366,608,574.00; November, 2006 there were 407 condominiums for sale in the West Maui area with the total value of $357,086,324,00; December, 2006 there were 428 condominiums for sale with the total value of $361,399,109.00; January, 2007 there were 410 condominiums for sale with the total value of $372,238,031.00; February, 2007 there were 431 condominiums for sale with the total value of $393,681,669.00; March, 2007 there were 458 condominiums for sale with the total value of $420,941,268.00; April, 2007 there were 479 condominiums for sale in the West Maui area with the total value of $429,708,159.00; May, 2007 there were 472 condominiums for sale with the total value of $424,095,260.00; June, 2007 there were 455 condominiums for sale with the total value of $415,187,129.00; and at the beginning of July, 2007 there are 475 condominiums for sale in the West Maui area with the total value of $432,797,008.00. The condominium for sale inventory since July, 2005 has been as low as 165 and is up to 475 for July 2, 2007. The “for sale” inventory on West Maui continues to increase.
Condominium Sales 2006 - The total condominium sales for West Maui during the month of January, 2006 total condominium sales were 42 and the total value was $28,574,643.00; for February, 2006 total condominium sales were 48 and the total value was $32,995,078.00; for March, 2006 total condominium sales were 40 and the total value was $32,199,584.00; for April, 2006 total condominium sales were 43 and the total value was $41,898,525.00; for May, 2006 condominium sales were 51 and the total value was $39,644,886.00; for June, 2006 condominium sales were 40 and the total value was $32,533,500.00; for July, 2006 total condominium sales were 30 and total value was $26,212,000.00; for August, 2006 total condominium sales were 28 and the total value was $31,885,500.00; for September, 2006 total condominium sales were 30 and the total value was $24,770,000.00; for October, 2006 total condominium sales were 29 and the total value was $23,359,299.00; for November, 2006 total condominium sales were 22 and the total value was $13,414,600.00; for December, 2006 total condominium sales were 30 and the total value was $23,169,999.00. For 2006, the monthly average sales were 36 sales per month and the average sales value was $29,221,468.00 per month.
Condominium Sales 2007 - The total condominium sales for West Maui during the month of January, 2007 total condominium sales were 37 and the total value was $33,091,000.00; for February, 2007 total condominium sales were 26 and the total value was $16,330,000.00; for March, 2007 total condominium sales were 32 and the total value was $24,121,000.00; for April, 2007 total condominium sales were 27 and the total value was $16,766,000.00; for May, 2007 total condominium sales were 28 and the total value was $30,774,929.00; and for the month of June, 2007 as of 7/2/07 in the MLS data, total condominium sales were 28 and the total value was $18,917,000.00.
The total condominium sales for August, 2005 was 52; September, 2005 was 58; October, 2005 was 38; November, 2005 was 48; December, 2005 was 47; January, 2006 was 42; February, 2006 was 48; March, 2006 was 40; April, 2006 was 43; May, 2006 was 51; June, 2006 was 40; July, 2006 was 30; August, 2006 was 28; September, 2006 was 30; October, 2006 was 29; November, 2006 was 20; December, 2006 was 30; January, 2007 was 37; February, 2007 was 26; March, 2007 was 32; April, 2007 was 27; May, 2007 was 28 and June, 2007 was 28. Remember, the contract was written 60 to 90 days or more prior to closing so if the high was May, 2006 the contract was likely between January and March.
For previous condo sale details, go to our web site, www.JamesBFoster.com and click on Condo Sales. For the time period of 1/1/2007 to 5/31/2007 the average price for a home on Maui was $977,011.00 which is down 1% for the time period of 1/1/06 to 5/31/06 when the average price was $988,327.00. For the same time period the average price for a Fee Simple condo on Maui was $795,702.00 which is up 1% for the same time period when the average price was $787,838.00 according to the RAM (Realtor Assoc. of Maui) statistics. Condo sale in Wailea/Makena, Kapalua and Kaanapali impacting the Fee Simple Condo average price.
We have gone in to the MLS database and pulled information for 2000 through 2007. In 2000 - 654 condominiums sold in the West Maui area for a total value of $209,064,010; in 2001 - 605 condominiums sold for a total value of $271,681,337; in 2002 - 730 condominiums sold for a total value of $240,178,915; in 2003 - 737 condominiums sold for a total value of $319,748,466; In 2004 - 700 condominiums sold for a total value of $375,033,467; in 2005 - 682 condominiums for a total value of $408,582,315; in 2006 - 435 condominiums for a total value of $351,782,614. In 2007, from 1/1/07 to 7/2/07 - 178 condominiums sold in the West Maui area listed on the MLS for a total value of $139,999,929. The number of sales in 2006 was approximately 64% of 2005 and dollar volume for 2006 was 86% of 2005 for data entered in to the RAM MLS.
Mortgage Rates for week of July 2, 2007 – from Town Island Mortgage, LLC –
Rates: Houses & Condos Full docs: 6.25% 30yr fixed 2.25 pts (6.48 APR) 6.50% 30yr fixed 1.125 pt (6.66 APR) 6.75% 30yr fixed No Points (6.83 APR) No Docs: 6.625% 30yr fixed 1.0 pt (6.75 APR) Interest Only: 6.25% 3yr ARM 1.0 pt (7.50 APR) 1st Time 90% no MI: 6.875% 30yr fixed 1.0 pt (7.00 APR) $1M: 6.75% 30yr fixed No Points (6.83 APR) No Income, 100%, & Stated Land loans, too (Pts incl. origination)
If you would like to view the most current sales statistics for Maui or West Maui Condominiums, you can go to my web site www.JamesBFoster.com and click on Condo Sales in the upper left corner of the home page or go to www.JamesBFoster.com/condosales.php.
Some recent news about what is going on in Maui.
Weather – As we progress in to July, the weather continues to be excellent and has been around 85 degrees during the day and cooler in the evening. Today, it is 83 degrees and light trade winds. Lucky to be on Maui, come visit and enjoy!
Dry Weather and Fires on Maui – Lahaina police had to evacuate residents of the Launiupoko subdivision late in the afternoon on June 28th, as a brush fire that started above Olowalu spread north, burning one cottage, endangering other homes and damaging telephone service to West Maui. The fire eventually burned close to 2,400 acres and started above the Olowalu General Store where Chez Paul’s French restaurant is located. The highway was closed and those trying to get to Lahaina did not make it through until 2:30 to 4:30 AM in the morning. Some tourists missed their flights and some used temporary facilities to spend the night. On the other side, the hotel and motels were 100% occupied because many people trying to get through turned around and spent the night. Another fire on July 3rd scorched about 180 acres above the Lahaina Aquatic Center where witnesses saw children running from the scene. Adding to the problem were strong winds & gusts lasting as long as 15 seconds that shook windows on Front and Prison streets. One sudden gust knocked over a wooden signpost weighing approximately 100 pounds and sent a surfboard flying across Prison Street.
Medical Facilities on Maui – The Association for Improved Healthcare on Maui (AIHM) http://www.aihm-maui.org whose mission is to serve as an advocate for the creation of a system that will provide excellent healthcare services to all of the citizens and visitors of Maui County has been making some excellent progress. To stay informed of what is transpiring with future approvals of either the Kihei or West Maui hospital you can send me an email and request a subscription to the “Coconut Wireless” to either my email at Jim@JameBFoster.com or Jan@SunshineRainbows.com
New Commercial Slated in the Lahaina Business Park – On the mountain side of Lahaina Cannery Mall and Honoapiilani Highway, a new Business Center is being developed that will be comprised of seven entitled, contiguous, commercially zoned parcels along Kupuohi Street totaling 3.27 acres, and an additional noncontiguous, 20,000-square-foot lot on Ulupono Street. Zoning allows for M-1 commercial mixed use.
Construction of Phase I is scheduled to begin in August and last a year. Plans call for the development of a Class A, three-story, ocean view professional office building and a showroom/industrial building. Showrooms will range in size from 800 to 3,200 square feet, with prices for available spaces ranging from $358,000 to $675,000. Office sizes will range from 847 to 1,495 square feet, prices for available office spaces check in at $475,000 to $771,000.
Makena Resort Sale - The $575 million sale of the Makena Resort, including the 310-room Maui Prince Hotel, closed Tuesday. The sellers were the Lokelani Resort Corp., a subsidiary of Seibu Railway Co. and the buyers are Morgan Stanley Real Estate and Dowling Co. Morgan Stanley Real Estate has acquired $121.5 billion in real estate assets worldwide and currently manages $55.6 billion in real estate assets on behalf of its clients, according to the closing announcement.
Panel to review biofuel options - A panel of experts will discuss how to guarantee that only sustainable palm oil feedstocks are used in a proposed Maui biodiesel refinery.
Hawaiian Electric Co. has contracted with BlueEarth Biofuels to build a 40-million-barrel refinery on Maui. The fuel would be sold under a long-term contract to Maui Electric Co. for electricity generation. BlueEarth has promised that it will use only sustainable palm oil. Hawaiian Electric will support the production of sustainable grown local feed stocks for biofuel. The policy will apply to all biofuel purchases by Hawaiian Electric and subsidiaries on Maui and the Big Island.
Superferry departs for Hawaii – The Alakai, the first of two Hawaii Superferrys, left from Mobile, Alabama and is on its way but the service schedule still uncertain. Upon the completion of the 7,600-mile voyage through the Panama Canal, the vessel will conduct training voyages. Visits to ports it will serve, including Kahului, are planned so that people can inspect the ship. The exact date for the start of inter-island service is not yet determined, but the Alakai is expected to be in Hawaiian waters by early July, 2007.
The ship’s progress can be tracked at www.HawaiiSuperferry.com. The 900-passenger, 250-car Alakai, Hawaii Superferry will offer daily service between Maui and Oahu, and six days a week trips between Kauai and Oahu. A second ship under construction is scheduled for 2009 completion and will provide daily service to the Big Island and a second daily trip to Maui.
Lahaina Bypass Status – After years of delays, the Lahaina bypass is scheduled to start up by August, 2007. The contractor for the $48 million project and state transportation officials reported last week that work is expected to start in August with a targeted completion in November 2008. Phase 1A of the bypass is labeled a “mini-bypass” to provide a new two-lane connection from Lahainaluna Road to an extension of Keawe Street – a separate project to be completed by Maui County. This particular phase of the Lahaina bypass aims at providing traffic relief for Lahainaluna Road, the only access to three public schools in the area – Princess Nahienaena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High School. Motorists have been alerted that Ikena Avenue, Liloa Street and Kaakolu Street (all roads off Lahainaluna) would be closed shortly before and during construction. Plans for the Lahaina bypass show a route from Launiupoko to Honokowai to allow traffic to avoid congestion on the highway through Lahaina and the Kaanapali Beach Resort. Plans are already under way to start Phases 1B1 and Phase 1B2 – both to continue the bypass south of the Lahainaluna Road connection. Work on the next phases would state following completion of Phase 1A.
Water Shortage on Maui – A dry season has the Board of Water Supply considering whether to endorse mandatory 10 percent cutbacks on Upcountry. A lack of rain in the watershed has reduced flows to nearly 30 percent below long-term medians. Rainfall data for May showed just 6.92 inches of rain in the East Maui watershed for the month, with weather forecasts holding little expectation of any improvement in June. If the drought worsens, the mandatory cutbacks could go to 25 percent. The water department’s limited storage Upcountry is well under half its capacity, with well over half a dry season yet to come.
Real Estate & Financial Planning Tips
While part of the real estate downturn is behind us now, the buyer's market will likely continue for at least two more years. The foreclosures are expected to surge and more price declines are expected.
The Old Standard real estate contract, known as the Deposit Receipt Offer & Acceptance (DROA) has now been replaced by the new standard real estate contract and is called “Purchase Contract” (RR2-1). If you would like a copy of the new contract, send an email to me with your request or call me on the phone 1-888-661-7994 and we will mail one to you.
How To Take Title To Real Estate – Should you take title as a Joint Tenant? With Joint Tenancy you have the right of survivorship. Survivorship means the joint tenant who outlives the joint tenant co-owner(s) automatically receives the deceased's share of the property without probate court costs or delays. Probate court avoidance is considered the major joint-tenancy advantage. The will of a deceased joint tenant has no effect on their joint-tenancy property. Although joint tenancy usually involves two co-owners, such as husband and wife, there can be an unlimited number of joint tenants and they must take title at the same time by the same deed, and they all own equal shares. One joint tenant can transfer his/her share without approval of the other joint tenant(s), thus breaking up the joint tenancy and creating a tenancy in common.
Tenancy By The Entireties for Married Couples - A husband and wife can hold title as tenants by the entireties, which is very similar to joint tenancy. The primary importance in this format is that neither spouse can convey their tenancy by entirety share without the other spouse's signature. This form of ownership is allowed in Hawaii and also in about twenty three other states.
1. Except for simultaneous death or murder situations, a written will has no effect on property held in the form of Joint Tenancy.
2. With the format of Joint Tenancy, probate costs and delays are avoided. When a joint tenant dies, his or her share automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant(s) without probate court interference.
3. Joint Tenant shares can be attached by creditors and judgment creditors of one joint tenant can attach that person's share of the property. Or, if a joint tenant files bankruptcy and there is sufficient equity in the property, the bankruptcy court can order the property sold with the proceeds divided among the co-owners.
4. In most states, one joint tenant co-owner can bring a partition lawsuit to force a sale of the property. The same result applies to tenants in common.
5. All Joint Tenants can own and occupy the property owned.
6. Approval of co-owners is not needed to break up a Joint Tenancy. Except for tenancy by the entireties between husband and wife, one joint tenant can secretly convey his or her share to a third party, thus breaking up the joint tenancy and creating a tenancy in common.
7. If all joint tenants die at the same time and the order of death cannot be determined, such as in a plane crash, the share of each deceased joint tenant then passes according to his or her written will (or by the state law of intestate succession if no will is found). If one of the Joint Tenants predeceases the other then the surviving Joint Tenants heirs will receive 100% of the property.
If you decide to take title as Joint Tenants be sure to consult with your CPA or Attorney.
Other co-ownership alternatives to be considered include tenants in common and revocable living trusts.
To facilitate the tax deferred exchange process for our clients, we have placed our securities licenses with Welton Street Investments, LLC. Welton Street is the leading NASD Member Broker/Dealer formed exclusively to work with commercial real estate professionals offering TIC(Tenant In Common) investments as 1031 exchange options and direct investments. Welton Street works with quality TIC real estate sponsors, providing access to a broad and deep array of institutional quality TIC investment properties providing due diligence, research & securities compliance. Welton Street utilizes three key areas of due diligence before real estate sponsors and TIC investment replacement properties are selected and presented for investor consideration: 1) Audit and Analysis of the Real Estate Sponsor; 2) Analysis of TIC Program Structure & Fees; and 3) Analysis & Underwriting of Replacement Properties.
If you are contemplating selling highly appreciated real estate during 2007 and would like for us to provide an analysis of how to best structure your transaction, please call us at 1-888-661-7994 or send us and email at Jim@JamesBFoster.com
Useful Internet Sites:
www.thrivingoffice.com/ If you have a one person or very small office (or know someone who does) we’ll bet you’ll love this! Here’s a chance to sound like a major corporate operation because, when someone phones in to you, they will hear the sounds of voices, phones, computers, file drawers closing – in short all of the hubbub you’d expect to hear at a thriving office. These folks have produced two sound tracks (“busy” and “very busy”) that you can download. When clicked these sound files make your tiny office sound like a giant of the industry. Or as the Wall Street Journal said you can “ -- make your quiet office sound like it’s bustling with activity.” Go big time for less that the price of a couple of gallons of gas!
www.tubesnow.com/ This neat trick builds a pipeline (they call it a “Tube”) from your computer to any computer in the world. Once installed it immediately builds secure synchronized connections between your desktop and the desktop of your friends, family, business associates - any computer including any others you use (office to home).
Anything you drag and drop to a “tube” is whisked to the desktop of anyone you choose - and vice versa. This is a neat little service. It’s easy to use and handles huge files (up to 2GB). Oh yes, put your wallet away - it's on the house!
www.javacoolsoftware.com/eulalyzer.html Did you ever wonder exactly what a software license agreement or web site’s privacy statement says – but downloaded the software or wandered on into the site without reading the 6 pages of Gobbledygook? We’re sure you are not alone – who wants to read through pages and pages of boring text? These folks have developed a little program that will analyze the wording of a license agreement and summarize the significant highlights –in a flash. All you do is open the program and copy/past the license text into the text box and click “Analyze”. In the blink of an eye the summary appears alerting you to possible dangers and saving you interminable and excruciatingly boring time spent wading through the document. The software is specifically designed for license agreements but appears to reveal items of concern in privacy statements also. And if you download it for personal use there is no cost for this time saving tool.
www.livescribe.com What if a plain sheet of paper became your computer screen? What if a pen connected the paper world to the digital world? Picture yourself taking notes during a meeting or lecture, your pen records the conversation and digitizes your notes, automatically synching the ink and audio. Later you tap the ink and the pen replays the conversation from the exact moment the note was written. Then you upload the notes and audio to a PC where they can be replayed, saved, searched or sent. This scenario is no longer “what if”. These folks are giving us a peek at the future of computing and promise to deliver that future in just a few months. Worth a visit!
www.lifelock.com With identity theft rampant this is an important service with modest fees. Lifelock is not like credit monitoring they are the next generation. They are the lock, and you hold the key. If your Identity is stolen while a client, Lifelock will go out and hire the right people to work to get your good name back and it won't cost you one red cent. If you lose money they guarantee to re-imburse you all the way up to $1,000,000.
www.carbonite.com Here is a great back-up system for the files on your computer. Carbonite is an online backup service that starts automatically and works quietly and continuously in the background protecting your data. If you accidentally erase something they have the copy. You can restore deleted files with just a few clicks on your PC. If your PC crashes, just visit their website to recover lost files. The service is reasonably priced and invaluable if you lose your data.
www.accucoverage.com/ As we have all observed in the last couple of years hurricane and flood damage have been responsible for billions of dollars of loss. They have been horror stories of consumers having to deal with insurance companies to prove losses. If you have home owners insurance you have the responsibility of insuring for the correct amount. To be sure that you are covered, you must know the current replacement cost of your home and you can at this web site for only $7.95.
http://www.Komando.com/ This is a great site for staying current on new technology, new software and internet issues.
Kindest Regards, Jim Foster
Chase 'N Rainbows Real Estate, Inc.
P.O. Box 10398
Lahaina, HI 96761
Toll Free 888-661-7994
Direct Line 808-661-7994
Cell 808-870-5858
Fax 808-667-2957
Real Estate for Sale www.JamesBFoster.com
Vacation Rental www.ChaseNRainbows.com
Email Jim@JamesBFoster.com
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