ONE OF A KIND MAUI BEAUTY

Aloha Pualani is one of the very few properties of its kind on Maui. It is an intimate getaway w/only 6 condos in the complex. All new as of 2003 and upgraded in 2010. The courtyard pool setting with cabana outdoor kitchen/and bar make this an inviting and fun retreat.

Each suite is a townhouse design with main living on ground floor and an upstairs private oasis including lanai with ocean view. One bedroom/1.5 bath Bamboo Suite is steps to miles of sandy beach. The one bedroom/1 bath Gardenia is tucked away next to the meditation garden, waterfall and fishpond. Spectacular interior design including luxury art in both suites. Both priced at 310k. Enjoy the video of these properties and if you were waiting for that true Maui experience wait no longer.

Call 808-250-9858 for further information.

Aloha, Gina Duncan

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

Our New Kai Malu Listing

KAI MALU WAILEA MAUI

We know and LOVE Kai Malu in Wailea and we would love to share with you what makes it a great place to live or enjoy a second home. Each Kai Malu has a generous amount of square footage in a 2 story floorplan. Each building features 2 units. Each home comes with its own private 2 car garage and lanai.

We Just listed a Lewa model with one bedroom/den downstairs and a master suite and an additional bedroom upstairs. The furnishings for this home are exquisite. This model features a wood flooring, and your own private swimming pool, & jacuzzi that overlooks the blue sparkling Pacifc ocean.

Kai Malu community features include a disappearing edge swimming pool, gym, steam and dry sauna and lovely meditation area. Lush tropical plantings with waterfalls great you at the gated entry.

The other popular Honu model is one that we sold last year and that offers a full master suite down with 2 additional bedrooms upstairs. Many are listed for sale and we would be honored to represent you in a purchase at Kai Malu and you can know that you are in experienced, good hands.

To search for information about this and other Kai Malu properties please visit www.FineIslandProperties.com and search the Maui MLS

Aloha, Gina Duncan Mauigina@gmail.com

Maui June Real Estate Statistics out are Mixed

Maui June Real Estate Statistics are out and the menu is mixed.
Many of these sales are still a result of the first home buyer tax credit which had to close by June 30th.
So volume of sale was up as expected, but prices are flat to decreasing.

Residential units rose to 43% but w/average sales price up 2% and median down by 7%.
Condo units rose to 64% volume sold, but had a harder time with the pricing with average sales down 11% and median down 32%.

That is painting our picture here on Maui at this time. If it is below median and priced right it is selling, but the higher price and lets wait and see isn't working. Our current absorption rate for residential and condos is over 13 months making it still very much a buyers market.

The biggest surprise to investor and buyers at a lower price point is that you are competing and homes/condos that are great values like most REO properties have multiple offers at or above full price within a day or two so having an agent who is hardworking for you and stays on top of the inventory is a great asset.

If you would like to view the full report and search the Maui MLS just visit: http://www.fineislandproperties.com/
We look forward to assisting you.

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

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

Our Own Hawaii Holiday

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii (May 1st )

Back in 1928 poet and writer Don Blanding wrote in a newspaper that a holiday should be held in Hawaii to honor the custom of making and wearing lei. Fellow writer Grace Tower Warren came up with the idea to celebrate this on May 1st and is credited with "May Day is Lei Day".

If you are ever at the Honolulu Airport one of the best treats is to visit the lei making booths just outside the drop off areas for the main terminal. They strand the most beautiful fresh lei there.

Most of our celebrations for this day are held at the schools each year in May. There is a big celebration with a king and queen along with royal court. There can be conch shell blowers and Kahili bearers too. Hula is danced and lei are worn. As a parent it is a proud moment to watch your child in the fun May Day/Lei Day celebrations.

My son Joseph (Kenui) was chosen to represent his sophmore class at St Anthony Jr Sr High School this year by performing a hula. Can't wait to see it.

Aloha, Gina