Talk Story with Debbie Edgerton
July 31, 2024
“Being born and raised in Kona on the Big Island, Kaua‘i seemed like the perfect place for our family’s next adventure. As I learned more about Timbers’ vision for the 450-acre development, I knew Hōkūala was going to be an incredible community.”
Amidst the lush landscapes and stunning oceanfront views of the Garden Isle lies Timbers Kaua‘i at Hōkūala. At the heart of this community is Senior Real Estate Sales Executive Debbie Edgerton who has dedicated nearly a decade to helping families find their perfect home away from home. Debbie’s journey in real estate is not just a career but a calling, rooted in two decades of partnership with Timbers and passion for connecting people with the island’s beauty. In this candid conversation, Debbie shares her story, her love for Kaua‘i, and what makes Timbers Kaua‘i truly unique.
Q: What is your job at Timbers Kaua‘i, and how long have you been part of the ‘ohana?
Debbie: I am one of the Senior Real Estate Sales Executives at Timbers Kaua‘i. I like to describe my job as “playing cupid” because my primary goal is to make love connections between families and the beautiful resort community here at Hōkūala. I moved to Kaua‘i in 2015 with my husband and two daughters to work on the launch of Timbers Kaua‘i and Hōkūala. It’s hard to believe that was nine years ago!
Q: How did your journey in real estate begin?
Debbie: It seems I’ve been around real estate all my life. My mom was an Escrow Agent for Title Guaranty of Hawaii back in the ’80s, and I worked part-time with a real estate team as an admin while attending CU Boulder. After moving to Steamboat Springs, I got my real estate license and worked as a licensed assistant for a few years. I then transitioned to a private golf and lake club as their Membership Sales Director before starting my career with Timbers Resorts in 2006 at the One Steamboat Place project in the Steamboat ski area base village.
Q: What inspired you to join the real estate team at Timbers Kaua‘i?
Debbie: My career with Timbers has given me the opportunity to work at truly amazing places. In 2012, I transitioned from One Steamboat Place to another project in Sonoma Wine Country—Mayacama. After three blissful years there, I got “the call” again to help kick off the next new Timbers project on Kaua‘i. Being born and raised in Kona on the Big Island, Kaua‘i seemed like the perfect place for our family’s next adventure. As I learned more about Timbers’ vision for the 450-acre development, I knew Hōkūala was going to be an incredible community, and it was exciting to think about being a part of it. David Burden, Timbers’ Founder, was always at the other end of those phone calls with an incredible opportunity, and for that, I am always grateful and inspired to take the leap.
Q: In your opinion, what makes real estate at Timbers Kaua‘i at Hōkūala special or unique compared to other properties on the island?
Debbie: When you’re at Hōkūala and Timbers Kaua‘i, it’s truly a distinct sensory experience. From the very moment you arrive, you know it’s a special place. As you drive into Hōkūala through the canopy of monkeypod trees, you can’t help but notice how lush and gorgeous the property is. Arriving at the resort, the breathtaking oceanfront views are truly like no other on Kaua‘i. While there are many great places with ocean views on the island, it’s rare to have such a variety of textured ocean views in all directions. Vistas of the Pacific here are layered with lush verdant mountains, golf course greens, lagoons, and even an iconic lighthouse. Beyond aesthetics, the community at Hōkūala is what’s truly unique and special. From the amazing staff at the resort and golf club to the Owners and their friends and family, every interaction instantly hits you with aloha. Timbers Kaua‘i is unassuming and makes everyone feel like they are part of the ‘ohana and right at home. The beauty of this special place is indescribable—and then you meet the people, and you’re like—ok, I’m ready.
Q: How do you help clients find the right residence or area within Timbers Kaua‘i that fits their lifestyle?
Debbie: At Timbers Kaua‘i, we have a variety of ownership options available to perfectly suit every family’s lifestyle. Buyers have different reasons for exploring real estate, and my job is to understand their goals and how they envision using their Kaua‘i home. I ask questions about whether they have friends, kids, or grandkids traveling with them and how much time they’d like to spend at their Kaua‘i home. From there, we can narrow down the best options to explore. Sometimes they want to see everything from fractional ownership to newly constructed townhomes or homesites to build a custom home. I’m always game for that and love taking them for an adventure in the electric Moke around the property (stopping by the Farm Hale for a popsicle is a MUST) and happy to help refine their options after exploring it all.
Q: How do you assist out-of-state buyers in navigating the unique aspects of purchasing property at Timbers Kaua‘i?
Debbie: I love talking with Buyers about our beautiful resort and residences, but a conversation can only paint a picture. Our fabulous marketing team has created a plethora of ways for our buyers to have easy access to everything from photo galleries to video fly-throughs of each residence type. The talented teams go to great lengths to support those conversations with quality content that aligns with our narrative. Additionally, with technology today, giving buyers a live and immersive look at the properties is easily accomplished. I have had Facetime and Zoom video tours with buyers to show them the residences in real-time, showcasing everything from residence interiors to the stunning sunrise views from the new Lāola Nani townhomes.
Of course, there’s no better way for a buyer to understand what they are purchasing than to stay at the resort and experience it firsthand. During the discovery process, we offer a special program to invite buyers and their families to visit and enjoy what life is like at Timbers Kaua‘i.
Q: Describe Kaua‘i in one word.
Debbie: That’s a hard one as there are so many words, but I would have to go with bliss. One can’t help but be in a state of bliss or perfect happiness when on Kaua‘i.
Q: When you are not working, what is your favorite hobby?
Debbie: When not working, I love spending precious time with my husband and two daughters. We love to adventure as a family, whether it’s camping on the beaches on the west side or hiking the many trails of Kaua‘i. We recently had some fun hiking up in Waimea Canyon and were lucky to find some elusive Kōke‘e plums that are only found in a very short window every summer. We also love to go out and “hit and giggle” on the golf course occasionally. Until I start practicing more with the Hōkūala Golf coaches, my golf game will be just that!
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at Timbers Kaua‘i?
Debbie: I really love seeing all of the wonderful friendships being made, not only between Owners but also between the Timbers ‘ohana and Owners. I have the fortune of working with amazing and wonderful people at Timbers Kaua‘i and love the authentic relationships that are fostered. We are truly one big family, and we are always especially excited to welcome our Timbers ‘ohana back home.
Q: What is your favorite Hawaiian food?
Debbie: The islands are a melting pot of different ethnicities that meld together to create a distinct “local” fare, and I absolutely love all of it. That being said, nothing can beat traditional Hawaiian lau lau. That is my all-time favorite Hawaiian food.
Q: Where is your favorite spot on the property?
Debbie: There are many special spots that I love in the Hōkūala Resort, but I would have to say my favorite spot is probably the 14th hole of the Hōkūala Ocean Course. There is nowhere in the world that compares to the views from that oceanfront vantage point.
Q: What do you hope people experience when they purchase real estate at Timbers Kaua‘i?
Debbie: I hope they make a million memories at their new home and experience everything they expected to and more. And I hope that with every visit, they continue to unveil all of the many magical elements that make this community so special. I hope they feel and experience the purest form of aloha.
