Continued Housing Growth Seen, But Inflation Looms

Continued Housing Growth Seen, But Inflation Looms

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun shares his perspective of the National Housing Market.
On Maui we are seeing multiple offers with prices on the rise especially in the 400k and under market.
The mid price range from 400k to 800k remains healthy and the Luxury market is also seeing some increased activity.

For further information on Maui Real Estate statistics please visit my website:
www.fineislandproperties.com and click on the Investor tab for the full report.

I am available for consultation Mon-Sat as well and look forward to assisting you in any way possible.

Aloha, Gina Duncan

Maui Best Island

Maui was voted again the Best US Island by readers of Conde Nast Traveler's Magazine.
A rating of 92.1 vs second place island neighbor of Kauai at 89.3.

We love Maui and it is no surprise to people who make Maui their home or choose to visit again and again.
I don't know of anywhere there are more beautiful beaches all accessible to the public.
If ocean activities are not what you are looking for Maui offers many other great things to do.
Hiking, ziplining, swimming in waterfall fed pools, exotic foods to sample, fabulous shopping and much much more.

We love to share everything about Maui and have a Plan Your Maui Vacation tab on our website at www.fineislandproperties.com

See you around the island.

Aloha, Gina

Economist Paul Brewbaker gives Maui Real Estate Outlook

We had the sincere pleasure of having Paul Brewbaker former Bank of HI Economist and now with his own consulting firm speak to the Realtors of Maui last Friday.

Mr Brewbaker is seeing recovery for our housing market with the more activity and progress on Oahu.
As he says "Don't you just hate them"?

He has a very humorous delivery for those dry statistics.  They are however critical statistics for my clients to look at if they are considering buying property on Maui.
Please see link below for the entire power point presentation.  If you would like more specific Maui neighborhood values please call me to discuss the active listings in the area you are most interested in.

Aloha, Gina

PS: The Maui Real Estate Statistics are posted monthly at our website Fine Island Properties.

PAUL BREWBAKER SEMINAR POWER POINT

Maui Vacation Rentals to Return

Maui County passed a vacation home rental bill that will take effect this June.
As many of you may remember Maui used to have many transient "vacation short term" homes to rent similar to B&B's without all the extras.  Folks visiting from all over the world were stunned when they were shut down as they were not "legal".  No process was put in place prior to the shut down to make them legal and Maui's economy did suffer as a result as well as our tourism numbers especially in areas like the North Shore.

Now after a few years we will have a new streamlined system by the planning department that will legally permit these homes to allow vacation rentals.  There will be rules including how many can operate in each area of the island, similar to the B&B bill. Neighbors will have to be informed and large sign erected again similar to what we saw with the B&B process.

The North Shore area will be allowed 88, Hana will have 48, 40 for Upcountry, 36 in Central and 100 in the busy area of South Maui and the West side will have 88.
There will have to be a nearby property manager in charge of the homes including checking in/out the guests and quiet hours will be 9pm to 8am.  Ample off street parking will have to be provided and the homes can't have more than 6 bedrooms.
We welcome this change and look forward to seeing those visitors who missed staying in a neighborhood as opposed to a hotel setting.

Crown Jewel of Upcountry Maui

The Crown Jewel of Kulamalu:

I had the pleasure of listing 47 Alaapapa Place in the neighborhood of Kulamalu in Pukalani.
This happens to be my neighborhood too.  This home has some of the nicest features of any home in our neighborhood beginning with a sparkling pool complete with turtle and fish accents.  The home is located on the Upcountry Golf Course of Pukalani.  It has a course winding through the hills of Pukalani with some of the tee off shots going across open gulches (very challenging).  The Ocean and Central Maui views are superb.

The home immediately captures you as you enter with built in Asian side table and alabaster niche, trayed ceiling and vistas out through the open great room to garden views.  The great room has great architectural details including high ceilings, transom windows and inset entertainment center with surround sound.  The kitchen is a chef's dream with custom granite, light wood cabinetry, reverse osmosis water, stainless appliances and a breakfast bar that doubles for entertaining.

The master is a true suite with travertine entry through double doors, walk in closet, views of the pool, jacuzzi tub, large separate shower, granite double sinks and an outdoor shower with river rock accents.

The guest room doesn't disappoint as it features its own en suite bath and has views of the sunsets and golf course.  The other bedroom has a cozy window seat overlooking the herb garden and fruit trees with a full bath adjoining.  The den/office has high ceiling and is conveniently located just off the entry.

Pukalani features its own community swimming pool, shopping center including Starbucks, Post Office, Medical Center, Restaurants, Grocery Store, Banks and Hardware store.
The community center has walking trails from flat, to hills, playground, tennis courts and sports fields used for the areas league soccer, and baseball.

Upcountry is special for its cool weather, and Pukalani is the heart of Upcountry with easy access to Makawao town, Kula and Kahului is only 20 minutes away.  For beach lovers don't fear the beaches on the South side are 30 minutes and Paia Bay and Baldwin Beach is approximately 25 minute drive.

Asking $895,000.

For a showing please call Gina Duncan, R (S) 808-250-9858
Visit our website for more pictures at : www.fineislandproperties.com

March Maui Real Estate Statistics

Every day I am asked, "How's the Market"? I usually answer, "It depends", because depending on what area of Maui you are referring to and the price point the answer can vary widely as evidenced in this month's statistics. Condo sales that were lagging are picking up steam especially in Kihei. Homes in Central priced under 400k are seeing multiple offers and bidding wars. Our luxury Market in Wailea is seeing movement especially in the one million dollar price point and buyers still have a larger inventory to choose from in the 1-2million dollar range. Significant Average Price increase is being noted in the Wailea Makena area. Lahaina and Napili are seeing good price increases but Kapalua with little sold shows a decrease. Lahaina sales continue to be bolstered by the Honua Kai development.

Current Absorption Rate base on this month’s Active inventory divided by March Sales is:

Residential = 9.6 months, Condo = 8.7 months, Land = 24.4 months.

To understand your area please contact us so we can go over in detail with you the statistics and what that means in regard to your Real Estate goals.

It is our pleasure always to assist you with aloha and no pressure service.

Click the link below to view the full report from the Maui Association of Realtors

http://www.ramaui.com/UserFiles/File/Stats/All-March2012.pdf

With Aloha, Gina Duncan, R (S)

www.fineislandproperties.com

Your Trusted Maui Realtor and Your Guide to Maui Real Estate

808-250-9858

Prince Kuhio Day in Hawaii

Tomorrow March 26 we celebrate Prince Kuhio Day.

I thought I'd let everyone know a little bit of history about this beloved Hawaiian Prince.

Prince Kuhio was born on Kauai but grew up on Oahu and attended Punahou School in Honolulu. He also had further education in Europe and California. At the age of 24 he was involved in the attempt to restore the Hawaiian Monarchy after the overthrow but was imprisoned for his role in the attempt at restoration. After he was released he traveled with his wife widely through Europe and was received as a royal. He fought in the Second Boer War for England.

Finally returning to his homeland he began a life in politics serving Hawaii. He is most noted for the introduction of Hawaiian Statehood Act in 1919 although it was 40 years later that actual statehood was granted. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act was passed during his time in Congress despite his objection to the high blood quantum requirement and that the land would only be granted as leasehold not fee simple. Prince Kuhio reorganized the Order of Kamehameha in 1903 and they honor him every year here on Maui by giving a lecture about his life and contributions to his people. Prince Kuhio was the founder of the Hawaiian Civic Club in 1918. He passed away in January of 1922.

Many times in Hawaii we see famous landmarks named after our Hawaiian Royalty but know little about them. I hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Prince Kuhio and this will interest you in knowing more about the Hawaiian Monarchy and Hawaiian History.

With Aloha,

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

http://www.Fineislandproperties.com