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

November Maui Real Estate Statistics

November Real Estate Statistics for Maui

Things are looking up as home prices continue to be stable and rise in certain areas. Overall it
seemed to be a flat month for November.
We are heading into our busy season: Nov - Apr and there is an expectation we will see buyers coming to Maui this year to buy as we feel that we have hit our bottom and are on the rise.

For the full report please click on the link below.  Maui can vary greatly area to area to for advice on the statistics don't hesitate to call me 808-250-9858.


November Maui RE Statistics

To search the Maui MLS and more please visit Fine Island Properties Website

Aloha, Gina

Maui still a bargain for Canadian buyers

Maui is still offering up bargain priced properties and this is a super time for Canadian buyers to take advantage of our warm weather and a condo at a great price too. When thinking bargains don't just think low low. Many resort areas that previously would sell 1.5 to 2million are offering up deals much lower. Lenders in US are still looking for 30% down to buy. (only downside).

Our favorite is Kai Malu in Wailea. This gorgeous gated community offers one of the most beautiful community complexes in Maui. Gated entry leads to luscious grounds with lava rock walls and waterfalls with ponds and lily pads. Across the small bridge the view opens up to an infinity edge pool overlooking the crystal blue pacific ocean and outer islands. Sit in the spa and watch the whales play. Complex also features BBQ, spa, steam and dry saunas and a super workout room with state of the art equipment.

Check out the MLS listings for this complex at http://www.fineislandproperties.com/ Search the MLS tab. If we can answer any questions regarding this community or others please just give us a call or email.

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

Maui Real Estate: The Year the Bubble Didn't Burst

Maui Real Estate: 2007 The Year the Bubble Didn't Burst

This year on Maui has seen it's ups and downs, but one thing is for sure, our bubble didn't burst.


While Maui County like many regions of the country experienced tremendous price declines for Real Estate, unlike many regions that have had major price corrections and are still not selling, Maui is. To date * Maui County has had a 13% increase with 944 homes sold compared to last year's total of 836. Condos experienced a 5% decrease with 1018 Condos sold compared to last year's sales of 1077. Though some areas like Lahaina and Kihei saw reductions Central Maui's new single family home sales bolstered its gains for a 66% increase. Lanai had 16 recorded single family homes for an increase of 45% and Molokai had 3 recorded sales with a decrease down from 12 sold the previous year.

Average Sale Price for Maui County was down only 6% for Single Family Homes from 2006 and Condos edged up 1% over last year.
The Median (1/2 below and 1/2 above) Price for Single Family homes was $625,505 and the Condo Median Price came in at $545,000.
The more populated condo areas of Kihei and Lahaina saw little to no change in the median while Maalaea experienced a 21% decrease.
Many areas of the Mainland are experiencing tremendous loss in price and sales volume in comparison to Maui. I can remember a time when it was more of a sellers market that I would advise that single family homes started around 500K. Now there are several great buys in the 400's. Condos are available starting around 150K. There is still only one Hawaii and I know many of us feel very blessed to live in such a fabulous place.

While many people focused on prices going down the focus for many of us was the Lending Crisis. This was a tightening of lending standards that was long overdue. Adjustable rate mortgages were given to borrowers who in many cases could not afford the payments when the rates went up. To assume as many did that our interest rates would remain so low was risky business. This put many lenders out of business including several in Maui County. Lenders are telling me now that even though our rates are historically low, they are telling their borrowers not to count on the rates remaining so through 2008. Only time will tell as many factors affect mortgage rates, but if you are a qualified borrower it is still a great time to buy. According to Kim Hauisen of Aloha State Home Loans "If prices go down by 2.5% and Rates increase more than 1/4% you will pay more in your monthly mortgage payment so by focusing on one area over the other you may end up paying more in the long run."

So to people who say it isn't a good time to buy I say respectfully that they are not looking at the real picture in Maui County and perhaps are being unduly influenced by Mainland news. Real Estate is a local market and not a national one. By watching our local market and working with a qualified team including an experienced Realtor and Lender you may make a great purchase of a home or condo in 2008. We have seen some reasonable corrections in pricing and better lending practices to make this year a good time to buy. Our bubble definitely hasn't burst.

For further Real Estate Information, Referrals or to search the Maui MLS please visit: http://www.fineislandproperties.com/ or contact me at MauiGina@Gmail.com

I look forward to assisting you in any way I can.

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