What is being done to help Homeowners

I wanted to share this with our readers. I received my weekly US Dept of the Treasury report and it had some interesting information regarding preserving home ownership.

Under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) there are numerous ways for homeowners to seek modification on their loans to save their home. Even if you have tried modification in the past and have been turned down I encourage you to contact your lender regarding their participation with the HAMP program. Phyllis Caldwell's Dec 1st recent testimony before congress outlines many of these options.

Program Guidelines Include:
1. Homeowners must be evaluated for loan modification prior to foreclosure.

2. Suspension of foreclosures for homeowners who have applied for HAMP.

3. Evaluate other options for homeowners who do not qualify for HAMP.

4. Provide written explanation and give homeowners 30 days for appeal if denied modification.


If you have any questions regarding your options in a foreclosure such as short sale we are here to help. http:www.FineIslandProperties.com

Aloha, Gina

New Technology for Real Estate

Technology tickles me. I love the aha moment when I see the benefit of helping our clients by integrating the latest technology. So far this year Docusign (electronic signing via email) has been the biggest hit with the clients we serve. Years of trying to print 22 page contracts and having fax jams and running out of ink and paper are gone.

We utilize Docusign for our clients so they only have to open their email and click through the offer and it

sends it back to us or on to the next party in line to sign.

It lets the client save a copy of their document or they can print it out.

When you work with the Fine Island Properties Team you will know that you are reaping the rewards of our

education and that we are always looking for ways to improve how we serve YOU!

Aloha, Gina

Fall means Pumpkin Patch time

On Maui most people think the fall colors we enjoy are just the oranges and reds of our sunsets. But the other side of Maui (Upcountry) holds many of the traditional treats that mainlanders know and love. Our family went to the Kula Country Farm today and had a super fun time at the Pumpkin Patch. The Kula Country Farm not only has the Pumpkin Patch, but U Pick Strawberries, an example of a hydroponic garden, a corn maze, flower farm, and of course horses, goats, chickens and cows for viewing. We picked our favorite pumpkins and I found some fresh limes, and a vine ripened tomato for our dinner too. When visiting Maui or even if you live here don't forget to head up Haleakala Hwy and you will be pleasantly surprised at the country atmosphere there. Now go pick your pumpkin before they are all gone...

ONE OF A KIND MAUI BEAUTY

Aloha Pualani is one of the very few properties of its kind on Maui. It is an intimate getaway w/only 6 condos in the complex. All new as of 2003 and upgraded in 2010. The courtyard pool setting with cabana outdoor kitchen/and bar make this an inviting and fun retreat.

Each suite is a townhouse design with main living on ground floor and an upstairs private oasis including lanai with ocean view. One bedroom/1.5 bath Bamboo Suite is steps to miles of sandy beach. The one bedroom/1 bath Gardenia is tucked away next to the meditation garden, waterfall and fishpond. Spectacular interior design including luxury art in both suites. Both priced at 310k. Enjoy the video of these properties and if you were waiting for that true Maui experience wait no longer.

Call 808-250-9858 for further information.

Aloha, Gina Duncan

For Sale Kihei Kai Nani

Our very special short sale at Kihei Kai Nani needed its very own blog for many reasons.

Location: Just across from Kamaole II Beach and next door to restaurants and shops this quaint and cozy complex has a "10" location for vacationers or folks just wanting to live the Maui Life Style.

One building up from the pool area is convenient but not noisy and this condo overlooks a park like bbq area.

Remodeled: Most all buyers we meet want a great deal on price, but want the property to be remodeled too.

This condo has had a very nice remodel, incl kitchen, tiled flooring in and on the lanai and a stunning bath remodel including custom tiling.

Price: At $220k this short sale is at an affordable price. This condo is currently in the vacation rental program. I've participated in over 40 short sales and can give you timely and good advice regarding this type of transaction.

Kihei is a great place for a second home and you will love the convenience and quality that Kihei Kai Nani offers. Contact us at Fineislandproperties@gmail.com for further information or to search the Maui MLS for this and other condos go to http://www.fineislandproperties.com/

Aloha, Gina Duncan, R (S) ABR, e-Pro, SFR

Our New Kai Malu Listing

KAI MALU WAILEA MAUI

We know and LOVE Kai Malu in Wailea and we would love to share with you what makes it a great place to live or enjoy a second home. Each Kai Malu has a generous amount of square footage in a 2 story floorplan. Each building features 2 units. Each home comes with its own private 2 car garage and lanai.

We Just listed a Lewa model with one bedroom/den downstairs and a master suite and an additional bedroom upstairs. The furnishings for this home are exquisite. This model features a wood flooring, and your own private swimming pool, & jacuzzi that overlooks the blue sparkling Pacifc ocean.

Kai Malu community features include a disappearing edge swimming pool, gym, steam and dry sauna and lovely meditation area. Lush tropical plantings with waterfalls great you at the gated entry.

The other popular Honu model is one that we sold last year and that offers a full master suite down with 2 additional bedrooms upstairs. Many are listed for sale and we would be honored to represent you in a purchase at Kai Malu and you can know that you are in experienced, good hands.

To search for information about this and other Kai Malu properties please visit www.FineIslandProperties.com and search the Maui MLS

Aloha, Gina Duncan Mauigina@gmail.com

Maui June Real Estate Statistics out are Mixed

Maui June Real Estate Statistics are out and the menu is mixed.
Many of these sales are still a result of the first home buyer tax credit which had to close by June 30th.
So volume of sale was up as expected, but prices are flat to decreasing.

Residential units rose to 43% but w/average sales price up 2% and median down by 7%.
Condo units rose to 64% volume sold, but had a harder time with the pricing with average sales down 11% and median down 32%.

That is painting our picture here on Maui at this time. If it is below median and priced right it is selling, but the higher price and lets wait and see isn't working. Our current absorption rate for residential and condos is over 13 months making it still very much a buyers market.

The biggest surprise to investor and buyers at a lower price point is that you are competing and homes/condos that are great values like most REO properties have multiple offers at or above full price within a day or two so having an agent who is hardworking for you and stays on top of the inventory is a great asset.

If you would like to view the full report and search the Maui MLS just visit: http://www.fineislandproperties.com/
We look forward to assisting you.

Aloha, Gina Duncan, R (S) ABR, e-Pro, SFR
Mauigina@gmail.com
808-250-9858