Update on Making most of New Year

In addition to my Maui Real Estate career I had promised to make some changes and one big one was to audition with my son Joseph "the actor" for a role in Grapes of Wrath. This is a MAPA (Maui Arts and Performing Academy) production directed by the genius talent of David Johnston.

His imagination for the world of the Joad family is incredible. I am in awe of all the hands it took from sets, costumes, lighting and the very talented actors in this show to make the world of the Joad's come alive. I feel priviledged to have a small part in this production. We opened the play last weekend and the play runs tonight Sat 730pm and then closes next weekend. We have 3 shows next weekend Fri/Sat 730pm and Sun 2pm. Hope you can come out and see it. For Tickets call MAPA (244-8760) are $16.00.

Aloha, Gina
For Maui MLS and more go to www.FineIslandProperties.com

Sands of Maui

I go to the beach for different reasons. Here on Maui we have beaches for snorkeling, swimming, walking, surfing, people watching, and more. One reason that some people including me think of when I want to choose which beach to go to is the SAND.
On Maui we have black sand, red sand, yellow sand and white sand. I'm sure I'm missing a few colors. On the Big Island of Hawaii there is even a Green Sand beach.
It isn't just the color it can also be the texture I want. If I want to people watch, tan, or walk I'm def. heading for Sugar Beach, or Keawakapu because in addition to the long stretches of sand it is sand that is soft on your feet. Baldwin Beach will do too, but the sand there is coarser.

If I want to go somewhere exotic I'll head out to East Maui and visit Wainapanapa State Park where the black sand beach turns to black round rocks. When the water washes over them it makes a hissing sound that is lovely to hear.

So you get the idea. A beach isn't just a beach on Maui. For more detailed information on South Maui Beaches go to www.SouthMauiGuide.com and click on the Beaches tab. For more on Real Estate or to plan a trip to Maui go to www.FineIslandProperties.com

A hui hou (see you later) Gina

Bringing your Pets to Maui & Avoiding Quarantine

Aloha:

Many of my clients are like me. We have pets. I personally have an old Border Collie (17yrs) named April and a 6 year old rabbit named Pepper. They both know how to ask to be let in and out of the house which in the case of the rabbit is a little annoying as he does this for fun and not for use of the "potty box".

ANY WAY--- For you pet lovers out there Hawaii does allow with proper health ck pets like rabbits to come directly with you to Hawaii. If your pet is of the cat/dog variety it will have to go through a series of steps including mirco chipping, shots, health ck, etc. which MUST and I'm stressing the MUST be in the appropriate order/time frames in order to avoid Quarantine.

Hawaii is a rabies free state and used to have a mandatory 3 month quarantine for dogs and cats coming to the islands. Now if you prepare on the mainland you can have your pet come to Hawaii quarantine free (5 day or less program) in most cases.

For the EXACT procedure please visit: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info
Your pet will appreciate all your efforts. For more on Maui and Relocation please visit: www.FineIslandProperties.com

Aloha, Gina

Are you making the most of the New Year?

Aloha:

I asked myself at the beginning of the New Year: How will you make the most of 2009? Are you buying into the negative reports regarding the housing market? Will I have a job at the end of the year?

The first answer was No, I needed to step up the why do we all work and start infusing my life with new adventure. I was def. stuck in the middle age rut. The first week of the year I went ziplining. Hadn't done that in 30 years and it was just as scary and as fun as I'd remembered. This week, I'm trying out for a play. I haven't acted since High School, but that won't stop me from trying new things. This after all is a NEW YEAR! Yes, I Can!

That brings me to my job. I love what I do. I am a REALTOR and proud of my profession. I am going to make it to the end of the year as a REALTOR!!
I am trying to look at the glass as half full. We are for sure down in volume sold. Does that mean it is a bad time to buy? Not for first time buyers who can get fantastic rates and a home price they hadn't seen for years on Maui. Not for someone trading up (they will sell for less), but they will also buy for less.

My point is that it can be a Great, Adventurous, Good time to BUY 2009 and I for my part will do the best job I can to help anyone looking to see if it is the right time for them. Make 2009 your best year yet! If I can assist you with Maui Real Estate or give you tips on enjoying all Maui has to offer please visit: www.FineIslandProperties.com

A HUI HOU. Gina Duncan, R (S) ABR, e-Pro

South Maui Guide Website: For and By You!

Bring Aloha and Community Back to South Maui

THE BEST NEWS FOR SOUTH MAUI JUST OUT: Fine Island Properties Team has joined with EZ Neighborhood Websites to bring you the FIRST INTERACTIVE Website for South Maui.

This isn't a "Real Estate" site even though you will find great Maui Real Estate information. This is a site for and by the residents and visitors of South Maui.

Post your Pictures, Start Discussions, Get the latest Hawaii News Feeds, Post your own Classified ads, Recommend Businesses and more! You will have to register to use the site but the Best part is this is FREE! Residents post your activities and group events on the Member Calendar and South Maui Visitors keep in touch while on the mainland.

Share the Aloha and enjoy the site. www.SouthMauiGuide.com

Visitor stats down, but Best Buys for Real Estate Up!

Hotel occupancy on Maui is at a very low point. The Maui News reported that "Maui suffered the biggest drop in hotel occupancy in the state in September, to only 56.8 percent. That was 20 percent below the 71.6 percent enjoyed in September 2007..."

We are hearing that occupancy isn't due to rise until December. With that bit of bad news out of the way, I would encourage Buyers who are interested in Maui Real Estate to take advantage of the Best Buys that you will find on Maui. Let the Fine Island Properties Team guide you through the myriad of homes and condos that are out there. We are seeing some of the best prices years. We are the short sale experts on Maui and have over 20 short sale listings currently and other great buys too. We offer weekly Best Buys on our website: http://www.FineIslandProperties.com

If you are looking for a great buy, look no further than The Fine Island Properties Team of Keller Williams Realty Maui. Look forward to sharing those best buys and aloha with you!


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

Mick Fleetwood Blues Band at the MACC

Oh what a Night!! We had the best time this past Friday at the MACC (Maui Arts and Cultural Center). Only on Maui do you see top notch entertainment in one of the most refined venues. Enjoyed Mulligans who catered Friday and had a cocktail prior to the show. Vince Esquire Band opened. Just when you thought they couldn't sound any better they did an Emeril and "Kicked it up a notch".

What can you say about Mick Fleetwood, other than GENIUS! We went down memory lane to the roots of the Fleetwood Mac sound that was steeped in the Blues. "Black Magic Woman" was awesome along with Mick's solo. Did I mention this was a Benefit concert for our beloved MACC.

Dancing in the orchestra pit was tight but good fun. We went with a group of friends and had the best time in recent memory.

The Mick Fleetwood Blues Band is off to Germany. Any chance to enjoy this band don't hesitate! This is a MUST SEE.

Aloha from your Neighborhood Realtor, Gina Duncan

For Maui MLS Search and more go to: http://www.fineislandproperties.com/