From The Columbian:

After what one local real estate broker called a “gruesome” winter, pending sales of existing homes in Clark County are improving as low interest rates and incentives spur buyer confidence.

Pending sales in the county grew 17.4 percent in April, well ahead of the 6.7 percent national increase for the same month that was reported Tuesday by the National Association of Realtors.

“Our office is up about 50 percent from the first two months of the year,” said Gene Thompson, owner-broker of Equity Northwest Properties in Vancouver. “We saw a sharp jump in March, with April consistent with that for pending sales.”

Nationally, the number of U.S. home-buyers who agreed to buy a previously occupied home took the largest monthly jump in nearly eight years in April, the Associated Press reported. Home sales appear likely to head upward this summer, potentially to levels not seen since the stock market collapsed last autumn. 

This exquisite Mediterranean estate home designed by John B. Scholz offers a countryside setting on 2.7 acres in White Oak Plantation. The residence features tasteful interiors with dramatic Grand Salon, handsome study, large entertainment area and stunning master suite. The spacious gourmet kitchen boasts a high end appliance package.

Amenities include Brazilian cherry floors, marble and porcelain tile, home theater, wine cellar and elegant patio. Enjoy gracious landscaping and private views across the estate grounds.

Just steps away from Palauea beach, this Hawaiian-European influenced residence is like no other on Maui, or anywhere. This graceful and grand residence takes full advantage of the breathtaking panoramic views and is perfectly located at One Palauea Bay, Makenas’ newest and unique private gated community surrounded by a 20 acre Hawaiian archaeological site.

With over 10,000 square feet under roof, the gracious interior is an outstanding example of Hawaiian style, combined with a refined European elegance, as reflected in the many hand-carved stone columns and many details throughout. The open floor plan includes a grand living room with motorized pocket doors that open up to an expansive lanai with stunning ocean and island views, a large professional kitchen with granite countertops and state of the art appliances, a pantry and wine room, six bedroom suites, office, a theatre and a three car garage.

The one acre property is large enough to add an Ohana that can be utilized as guest or servant quarters. The unique middle courtyard features a magnificent 35′ waterfall that drops into an expansive vanishing-edge pool and hot-tub, perfect for entertaining. Relax and have a drink at the swimming pool cabana as you take in the stunning views, or walk to the world-class resorts, restaurants and golf courses and many other amenities that Makena and Wailea has to offer.