Fixer Upper Not a Bad Thing Anymore

Fixer-uppers used to be the buzzword for the fix and flip crowd. Now fixers can offer an opportunity for many home buyers and FHA lending is here to assist.

Courtesy of Mercy Lebag at Homestreet Bank in Maui here are

the details for the

FHAStreamline Renovation Loan-the FHA 203k:

· Get up to $35,000 of loan proceeds to make needed upgrades or repairs.
· The appraisal and loan amount are based on value after completion of repairs. The loan closes before the work begins.
· The buyer has up to six months to complete the repairs or remodeling.
· The funds can be used for a variety of repairs and improvements, from roofing to flooring to appliances-virtually anything but furniture.
· Down payments as low as 3.5%.
· Less stringent qualifying requirements than conforming loans.

This can get a first time home buyer into a great home for a price they can afford and then they don't have to worry about the cost to fix up as many are on a tight budget already.

Other buyers who have just enough for closing, but still dream of that upgraded kitchen/bath the opportunity is here.

For further questions please email: FineIslandProperties@gmail.com and be sure to visit our website to search the Maui MLS & Mores at http:www.FineIslandProperties.com

First Time Home Buyer Alert

FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ALERT:

For first time home buyers and buyers who haven't owned a home in over the last 3 years one of the best times to finally achieve home ownership in today's market has arrived. The details have been ironed out and the government is offering up to an 8k tax credit if you purchase a home prior to the end of this year. Couple that with the low interest rates, FHA 3.5% down financing and prices that are starting to make a lot more sense and you have a winning combination for purchasing your home today.

For more details please visit the official government's site at: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html?portlet7

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

Aloha, Gina

"These Times They are a Changin"

Just like the Bob Dylan song the Real Estate Times are a Changin in many ways. It is starting to ADD UP to be a great time to buy.

1. Tighter Lending Guidelines, Longer time to be approved, but the good news is its a GREAT TIME TO BUY: Yes especially for First Time Buyers because not only are there great rates, home prices, but there is FHA(3.5% down), USDA (100% financing) and an 8k Tax Credit from the US.

2. Sellers still are a little in denial about the economy and are a little above correct pricing for the most part in my opinion for Maui. I think we will see pricing especially in the mid range and high ranges coming down a bit more. Remember timing the market is like dropping a rubber ball. When you see it hit bottom it is already back on the way up.

3. Buyers who think they will get a "steal" might be in for a surprise. When a home is priced right there are many chances that you will be competing w/other savvy buyers and some homes are selling for over asking price.

4. REO and Short Sales can be a nightmare. In some cases, but use an "experienced" agent who knows what to ask for up front and the deal may go smoother than the horror stories you are hearing about. We closed 1 Short sale this month, and will close 2 short sales and an REO next month.

For further information and Maui MLS search visit: http://www.fineislandproperties.com/

Aloha, Gina

The VOG of Maui

Even though the Big Island (Hawaii) has the active volcano on days like today on Maui you would think it was Haleakala puffing away. We are coated in VOG (Volcano Ash more like Volcano Haze)

Up until the last few years Maui hadn't been so affected by the VOG, but this past year Pele is sending more VOG our way. So I tell my Maui Buyers if you have allergies, or asthma to stay indoors and drink plenty of water. VOG may also give you a headache.

It is however a small price to pay for living in paradise.

Aloha, Gina

The Aloha of Maui

Yesterday I was feeling a little down. The weather being overcast and rainy was probably the cause along with some work hardships. I had to go to get new Real Estate Photo taken by Mike Sidney of Mike Sidney Photography in Wailuku. I was running late due to rainy traffic, & feeling stressed. I felt bad cause Mike is a very punctual kind of guy. I've worked with him before. When I arrived he immediately must have sensed something, because he told me to relax, and take a minute to calm down.

I felt better already that someone was just caring instead of "oh your late" type of thing. Then after the shoot he handed me an envelope. Mike & his wife had just come back from Japan and while there he posted he was going to see Cherry Blossoms. These are my very favorite thing so I posted back please take a pic for me. Not only did Mike take a picture, he created a surreal piece of gorgeous art with a branch of a tree hanging over the lake. Next post if he allows me to I will share the picture with you all.

He presented this picture to me as a gift. I was so touched I burst into tears probably alarming Mike so I tried to quickly get myself pulled together. This was the kindest thing anyone has done for me in a long time. It reminded me to not forget the Aloha on Maui and that I will pass this Aloha on. Together we can surely affect many people and bring Aloha to them to.
I am going to do one awesome thing for one of my Maui Real Estate Clients and a friend this week just to show Aloha is alive and well on Maui.

Thanks again Mike (MAHALO NUI LOA).

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