Oceanfront Properties on Maui

Buying Oceanfront Property on Maui

Maui offers some of the most beautiful coastline and views in the world. When it comes to purchasing property on Maui, Oceanfront can present some unique challenges that every buyer should be aware of.

Questions you and your agent should ask include:

1. What is the elevation for the property above sea level? Any past known flooding problems?
2. Would the lot allow for the home to be moved back if coastal erosion occurred?
3. What if any attempts to control erosion have been made in the past and were they successful?
4. Does the property have a permitted seawall? Is it in good condition as laws changed in 2006 for rebuilding.
5. Does the owner have a State Certified Shoreline Survey that is recent (within the past 12 months)?
6. What effects have the salt air/wind had on the home itself?
7. Are there any security issues you should be aware of? Maui beaches belong to all the public and are not private.

If you are looking to purchase oceanfront property look no further than the Fine Island Properties Team. We will assist you with the extra due diligence described above and more that Ocean properties require.

Aloha, Gina

My Maui Tax Bill Seems Too High

Maui Property Tax



You have just received your property tax bill in the mail from Maui County. It seems high to you and you know the neighbors home just sold for 100k less. "What is up? Can I file an appeal?"

First know that the tax assessed value is based on 1 1/2 years ago values. An appeal will have to show that
the market price for your property 1 1/2 years ago is 20% less than the assessed value. 20% is mandatory number per Maui county code.

To file an appeal you pay $50.00 at the tax office and then wait approx. a year to get your appeals hearing. Approx 98% of the filers will fail to win their case.

You will need a Realtor to get you a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) for your home based on 1 1/2 year ago pricing. The Fine Island Properties Team at Keller Williams Realty Maui will be happy to assist you if you feel you are being overcharged. Contact us at: FineIslandProperties@gmail.com
Visit our website: www.FineIslandProperties.com and look under the ABOUT MAUI tab, government selection for link to Maui County Tax Website.

Aloha, Gina Duncan

Searching online for Maui Real Estate

Buyers contact me for information on homes via the Internet on a daily basis.

It continues to surprise me how many clients think that Zillow, Trulia and Craigslist are good places to find Real Estate. As a Realtor who markets property I do post my listings to these sites. Many many agents DO NOT. So if you are only looking there you are missing out on many Maui Properties for Sale.

To not miss out search http://www.fineislandproperties.com/ and click on Maui MLS Search.

This is the same MLS information that I have access to and includes ALL the Listings available in Maui that are posted on Maui MLS. For FSBO listings you would have to search FSBO sites, Craigslist, and the paper or better yet hire an EXPERT. Your local REALTOR to assist you in the search. Our fees are paid by the sellers broker so for free you are getting experienced, educated advice and on our site FREE Maui MLS Search.

Aloha, Gina

How much are the current Interest Rates?

How much are the current Interest Rates?

I get asked that question on a daily basis and my answer is that it "depends".
When purchasing a property the interest rate a lender will offer you can depend on many factors
and not just your credit score. How long you have been in your job, what you earn, what money you are putting down can play a part in the rate and points you may pay.

That is why I always suggest the first stop for any buyer is the Lender. Once a lender gives
you a good faith estimate based on your information then you can decide if that payment is
comfortable for you and if so then start shopping.

Once you are quoted a rate you also need to understand that unless you pay to lock it in rates change daily. Rate locks generally are for 30 to 60 days. Since it is highly unlikely to close a loan in 30 days I recommend trying to get the 60 day lock. It is very important to be working with one lender by the time you are placing offers so that together we can coordinate price and terms with your mortgage lender.

Aloha, Gina