Sophisticated Maui Starter Home

Stunning Remodel can be yours. This 3bdr, 2bath home has had a complete makeover including new roof, flooring, fixtures, kitchen, baths, appliances and landscaping. Commanding Central Valley Mountain views from the back lanai which includes a screened in porch perfect for entertaining in the shade. Granite counters, stainless appliances, new flooring, gorgeous vanities in both baths and custom tile with accents in main bath too. Plantation style home features include a huge carport with soaring ceiling perfect to store all the toys. Don't miss seeing this one. It won't be around long.
385 Kaiolohia St in Kihei HI close to world class beaches, and shopping.
Listed $399,900.

For further information please visit: Fine Island Properties Website

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

March Maui Real Estate Statistics

Every day I am asked, "How's the Market"? I usually answer, "It depends", because depending on what area of Maui you are referring to and the price point the answer can vary widely as evidenced in this month's statistics. Condo sales that were lagging are picking up steam especially in Kihei. Homes in Central priced under 400k are seeing multiple offers and bidding wars. Our luxury Market in Wailea is seeing movement especially in the one million dollar price point and buyers still have a larger inventory to choose from in the 1-2million dollar range. Significant Average Price increase is being noted in the Wailea Makena area. Lahaina and Napili are seeing good price increases but Kapalua with little sold shows a decrease. Lahaina sales continue to be bolstered by the Honua Kai development.

Current Absorption Rate base on this month’s Active inventory divided by March Sales is:

Residential = 9.6 months, Condo = 8.7 months, Land = 24.4 months.

To understand your area please contact us so we can go over in detail with you the statistics and what that means in regard to your Real Estate goals.

It is our pleasure always to assist you with aloha and no pressure service.

Click the link below to view the full report from the Maui Association of Realtors

http://www.ramaui.com/UserFiles/File/Stats/All-March2012.pdf

With Aloha, Gina Duncan, R (S)

www.fineislandproperties.com

Your Trusted Maui Realtor and Your Guide to Maui Real Estate

808-250-9858

Maui County Property Taxes for Homeowners May Rise

Tax Exemption to be Lowered &
Property Tax Totals Up for Owner Occupants

The Maui County Council Budget & Finance Committee approved last Tues to look for revenue in the current Property Tax Homeowner Exemption. Currently resident owners are given a 300k deduction of the tax basis and a lower per $1000 rate for calculating their property taxes.
The rate recently went from $2.00 per 1000 to $2.50 per 1000.


Now the government is looking to the deduction portion and wants to lower the 300k to 200k.
Initially the 300k increase came about due to skyrocketing real estate prices on Maui. Now that we are back to pre increase for average sales prices they want to take that back down to the lower level. Maui currently has much higher exemption and rates than Oahu.
While good in theory I would argue that the job situation was a little different back then and people were not struggling so hard. We do have some of the lowest property tax rates in the nation and state so I would look for this to pass.




Aloha, Gina

Serene Tropical Maui Estate

Serene Tropical Estate Home

2600 Kanakanui Rd Kihei

Stunning doesn't begin to describe this one of a kind luxury executive gated estate. Just past lush tropical landscape this exquisite, very private, & serene property features furnished main home, cottage, 4 car garage, tropical oasis pool & tennis court. Appointments incl travertine tiling w/custom accents, mahogany trim, custom lighting, rain forest granite, surround sound system, & more.

The gracious living room is past granite columns w/room for the piano. A sunken media area, dining area and kitchen are part of the great room concept.



The custom pool has waterfall feature, rock accents, & a walk in beach entry.
Outdoor living to love incl. limestone counters and Jenn Air BBQ, hot tub, & an outdoor shower area featuring Bali artwork designed right in the lava rock walls. The 2nd level Master Retreat has sweeping ocean & outer island views. Sunsets year round, a sitting area, and the master bath is everything you can desire. Jacuzzi tub w/from the ceiling bath filler, walk in shower, dual glass bowl sinks on granite counters, & a walk in closet 2- 1/4 acre lots are included so you can build your own retreat, Bed and Breakfast, or add another home.

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

May Maui Real Estate Statistics

MAY MAUI REAL ESTATE STATISTICS

Our Real Estate Statistics are out for last month. Published by the Realtors Association of Maui these stats give us an indicator of the past market performance and by keeping updated month in and month out we can sometimes see trends.

Last month we had a total of 81 homes sold and 104 condos. Residential Avg Sale price was up 5% but the median lagged down -9%. Condos were way up in volume 59% but Avg Sale price was down -9% and median down to -34%.

Our markets just like anywhere are local and what applies in Kihei may not apply in Kula, or the same can be said comparing Wailea to Kaanapali. It is important for you to consult with a local full time Realtor team like ours to really have a stronger grasp on how the statistics can impact your home buying or home selling.

We post the full set of Maui Real Estate Statistics at www.FineIslandProperties.com and we are available to answer any questions you may have at FineIslandProperties@gmail.com

My Short Sale Was Approved, Am I Good to Close?

Short Sale Approvals:

Short sales receive 3 distinct types of "Approvals" prior to an actual escrow being opened.

Our Maui Real Estate Team: Fine Island Properties has been involved in over 40 shorts sales in the past couple years. The rules of short sales do change very often, but the approval process has pretty much held.

The first type of approval is the approval a seller may receive by the lender prior to listing the property.

The seller may have gone over their options with the lender and the lender may have advised/approved of

them to list the property short sale.

The second type of approval is where the negotiator for the seller's lender states that they have "approved" your offer. This is the first step in a two step process. Once the buyer and negotiator have come to terms for

the amounts on the file using the guidelines the negotiator follows another level of approval is needed: The Investor approval.

The third type of approval is the Investor who owns the loan. They are the ultimate decision maker and sometimes counter their own negotiators guidelines. Be sure that when you are "approved" that it has the Investor blessing. A final written letter will come shortly after a verbal or "Equator System" approval.

If you or someone you know is thinking about a short sale on Maui please have them contact us for further information. We do advise our clients to explore all their options, receive legal and tax advice prior to entering into a short sale process. Visit our website: http://www.fineislandproperties.com/ for further information.

Aloha, Gina

Less than a Full Renovation

In the latest Realtor magazine there was an article called "Small Projects, Big Bang" by G.M. Filisko. They mentioned the Cost vs. Value report that is done yearly. If you would like a copy please email us at FineIslandProperties@gmail.com

They also listed 10 Big Impact, Low Cost projects and in these tough economic times it was a timely article and I use this information when listing properties myself. I would like to share a couple of their tips with some tips of my own.

Staging was all the rage and then when the market dropped and sellers were counting every penny it was a very needed service that unfortunately fell by the wayside. You can work with your Realtor to get staging ideas if you can't afford a professional stager. We see many homes and know what the buyers are looking for. This information if followed translates into $$$ for the Seller.

1. Tidy Cabinets. Along with their suggestion of tiding kitchen cabinets it is wise to take apart your linen closet and fold nicely your things and de-clutter to show there is even more space available. The same goes with your clothes closets. Don't under estimate what is behind your doors.

2. Replace Light Fixtures and Faucets. This is a relatively inexpensive way to bring an outdated room up to modern standards that today's buyer wants and expects. New faucets replacing older pitted or outdated looking ones is another great tip.

3. Garage. In addition to their wonderful suggestion of installing a touch entry pad for roughly $425 it is important to make your garage spacious and neat and tidy in addition to the rest of the home.

4. Last but not least: Landscaping. Don't ignore a tired lawn. Cut and Hard edge your lawn. Fertilize your lawn & your plants, pull those weeds and add a couple potted plants with some sophisticated plantings by the front door.


A little can still go a long way and add $$$ to your pocket when selling your home.