A Maui Tranquil Treasure Home

There are homes on Maui that are very nice, but once in a while a home becomes available that just totally captures your imagination and heart. 583 Kulaiwi in Wailuku Heights is one of these homes. The exterior belies the charm, elegance, and hidden jewel of this home. The rear opens up on to a waterfall/lilly pond/and swimming pool all bordered by forest. This is a true Shangrila.

To quote listor Robbie Dein of C21 (Fine Island Properties can represent you in this transaction as a buyers agent). :
4 Bd/4 Ba Waterfall House captures the dream of Island Living with Cascading Waterfall Gardens, bubbling streams, Lotus Ponds, Pool, Spa, Expansive 180 degree Ocean & Haleakala Views. The epitome of Timeless, Classic, Enduring Architecture, this Farrington rendered design offers seamless Indoor/Outdoor Living thru sliding walls of glass opening to a Private Paradise. Columned Porte-Cochere, Entry Gallery with French Limestone floors, Dramatic Night Lighting & Crown Moldings define 10-14 ft. Ceilings & Soffits, 45 ft. Great Room w/Stone Fireplace, Columns & Grand Concentric Arches offer architectural definition. Large Gourmet Kitchen, Custom Cabinetry w/Granite, Marble & Alabaster. Fabulous Master Suite opens to Waterfall & Tropical Gardens. His & Hers Master Baths joined by a Circular Glass Block Shower & Grand Soaking Tub. Library/Den, Art Alcoves & abundant storage highlight a Spectacular Floor Plan. Savor fresh Mountain Air while reclining in the Spa by a 7 ft. Waterfall. Just Appraised 11/2008 by ACM Appraisals at: $1,700,000.

This is a not to be missed property and all just minutes from Maui's best beaches.

Call me today for an appt to see this fabulous one of a kind property!

Aloha, Gina Duncan

Mauigina@gmail.com

808-250-9858

FOR SALE: 107 Waimele Place Kula

107 Waimele Place,

Lower Kula

3 br/2 ba w/office 1830sf on 1/2 acre lot in peaceful cul-de-sac

Asking $749,000 FSBO

Cynthia Clark: 808-269-2828

FINE ISLAND PROPERTIES CAN REPRESENT YOU AS A BUYERS AGENT FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL HOME

Welcome home to a Gorgeous Kula Country Setting. This property shows pride of ownership. Lovingly cared for home situated on 1/2 acre cul-de-sac in desireable Lower Kula. Features include tiled entry, open living room/dining room with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and doors out to the spacious lanai just perfect for relaxing or entertaining. 3 spacious bedrooms, and 2 baths with upgraded tiled shower, and jacuzzi tub. Enjoy Upcountry Kula living in this gracious home.

Hawaii Buyers Advisory Guide

Buying Real Estate in Hawaii can be tricky but the smart buyer will use a Buyers Representative and hopefully be given a copy of the Hawaii Buyers Advisory Guide. The Fine Island Properties Team at Keller Williams Realty Maui always includes one in every Buyer Packet.

We meet with our Buyers, go over the ins/outs of buying on Maui vs. the Mainland, we go over Buyers needs and also what type of financing would be necessary to accomplish their goals. We have service providers including lenders ready to assist our Buyers in buying their Maui dream home.

We have the experience and written systems in place to make sure your buying experience is the best it can be.

For a copy of the Hawaii Buyers Advisory Guide just email:
FineIslandProperties@gmail.com and request one. Its free.

To search the Maui MLS, don't forget to click on Search the MLS tab at www.FineIslandProperties.com

Aloha, Gina

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