Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S)

Paia/Haiku Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     July 2010
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4. Sprawling Estate, Haiku  $1,795,000.00

- tucked away at the end of a long driveway, this 27 acre country estate has wonderful ocean and mountain views and privacy

- more or less rectangular parcel with so much potential for farming and development, high pasture land and protected valleys

- 2 existing homes have been remodeled and are completely livable, but the value is in the land

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Thinking of getting married in Paia Maui?  I hear that the Paia Inn is a great little spot for a small wedding party to stay, and get married on the beach out front.  You can have an intimate and casual wedding that won't break the bank, while getting to enjoy the north shore ambiance.   Maui is the #1 wedding destination in the country, and this is prime wedding season right now!

Wailea Fairway Villas - Maui Hawaii - entertaining YouTube video

It's done!... a short and lively movie to showcase these wonderful condos on the south shore of Maui, in the Wailea development.

You can enjoy the views and the scenery overlooking the Wailea Blue golf course, from the 2nd floor balcony.  There's even some interior shots so you get an idea of what a typical unit looks like.  These are well built homes by Stanford Carr Development, a local company.  To learn more of the details of this condo complex, check out the links on the left hand side.

What's for sale now at Wailea Fairway Villas?  See all the current Wailea Fairway Villas MLS listings.

Wailea/Kihei Relocation Package

Other posts about Wailea condos:

• Wailea Fairway Villas - description, photos and market update
• view from the Wailea Fairway Villas on Maui
• Wailea Ekahi condos for sale
• Grand Champions condos in Wailea

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

Here in Haiku Maui we see some people living in small homes of about 200 sf (storage sheds) and yurts, but check out this wonderful little house that's big on charm and easy on the budget.  Of course, having a country setting makes it a lot easier to handle.  Are you looking for a little house in the country in Haiku Maui?  Right now there are some sweet little homes for sale, and I'd be happy to send you more information.  

HAIKU MAUI HAWAII homes for sale - search the MLS

living off the grid in Hawaii

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

Silent Saturday - Twin Falls Farm Stand - Haiku Maui HI 96708

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

HAIKU MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI land for sale

Aloha Friday from Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui Hawaii

We were just hanging out at a baby luau - you know, when the baby makes 1 year it's a big deal here in the islands - and waiting for the food!  haha

So I took some pictures and some video clips as a way to kill time.  Why waste perfectly good video of a sunny beach scene on Maui?   I'm not waiting until Friday to post this. Watch it - it's only 39 seconds of your life!  If you're dreaming of Maui, this might help you get by until your next trip over here.  Pretend that's you out there windsurfing or surfing, or even sunbathing.

Cute pinata isn't it?  Didn't stick around long enough for the frenzied bashing of such a pretty fish, but that would have been some good footage!

I've got plenty more where this came from - other videos from the north shore of Maui:

• rainbow at Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui
• monk seal sighting at Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui
• driving through Paia Maui 
• Paia Maui HI at night
• Tavares Bay, Paia Maui HI

Kula Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     July  2010

I'm glad I had my camera with me for the Kula Upcountry Realtor Caravan this month.  Got some great shots including the most classic ranch house kitchen with a brick oven!  It was a beautiful day up on Haleakala to see these just listed Maui homes.

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1.    Best Buy, Upper Kula  $625,000.00 (pictured at right)

- 2 country acres with a cute 3BD/2BA home, open beam ceiling, wood stove, open floor plan
- views of the north shore and central valley, surrounded by large parcels of grazing land 

2.   Not a Drive By, Kula  $665,000.00
- 2 single story homes on a big .7 acre lot, main house is 3BD/2BA with ocean views, wood burning fireplace

- newer 690 sf cottage is 1BD/1BA plus a den, ocean views, huge sunset lanai

3.  Million Dollar Views, Lower Kula $1,075,000.00 

- incredible big wide bicoastal views from both main house and cottage, low maintenance 2 acres with drip irrigation

- 2-story 4BD/2BA main house with wrap around decks, lots of wood paneling, vaulted ceiling, fireplace, wool carpets

- detached studio cottage shares the same rock walled entry, numerous trees include koa and silver dollar eucalyptus

4.    Historical Estate, Upper Kula  $1,495,000.00

- sprawling 3BD/3BA home and detached cottage on 3.6 acres is a real slice of Maui ranching history
- former Erehwon Ranch home is surrounded by 3,800 acres of ranch land and incredibly private

- classic 1938 story book home with bicoastal views, rock walls and flower gardens, big old trees

5.   Beautiful Farm, Keokea  $1,650,000.00
- custom quality 2BD/2BA home, detached garage and separate workshop, fabulous views

- open beam ceiling, wood and slate floors, gourmet kitchen with gas stove, organic gardens, goat barn, hot tub with view (pictured at right)

- 2 parcels totaling 5 acres, 2 entrances, protea farm is producing beautiful flowers

6.  Indoor Pool, Keokea  $1,695,000.00

- 3.3 acres of heaven with a main house, cottage and detached art studio, all well separated for your peace and quiet

- over 4,500 sf 3BD/2BA home with incredible indoor pool with a view, wood and slate floors, fireplace and sunroom

- oversize lanai to enjoy the bicoastal views, priced well below previous sale price for a quick sale

7.    Big Box, Pukalani  $2,250,000.00

- solid 2-story house with solid value, almost 5,000 sf 4BD home with quality finishes, green house and gardens, room for pool and cottage
- gated and level 2 acres, great convenient location only 15 minutes to the airport, schools and shopping closer

8.   Modern Minimal, Kula  $2,900,000.00 (pictured at right)
- architecturally interesting, with amazing ocean views and window placement, soon to be masterpiece when completed

- multi-level 5BD home on 1 acre, with matching guest house, gate house, secure entry, detached garage, privacy landscaping

- extensive glass, granite, Euro kitchen, wood floors, straight lines and view corridors, 5 fireplaces, home theater, green features

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There's a new location for the upcountry Farmers Market which used to be held at the Eddie Tam Gym in Makawao.  The new location is up behind the football field at the Kulamanu Town Center, (home to Longs Drugs).  Every Saturday from 7-12 farmers and other vendors will be selling their locally produced foods and craft items.  You will also find fresh caught fish, macadamia nuts and coconuts, Maui grown coffee, and landscaping plants.  This market aims to be a community building event, and you can sign up for their newsletters.  See their website at www.upcountryfarmersmarket.com

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Georgina M. Hunter (RS) e-Pro (808) 283-0635      KULA MAUI HAWAII homes for sale

Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
PO Box 792050, Paia, HI  96779
(808) 579-8255  FAX: 579-9004

Looking for a goat farm?    Call THE HUNTER...
Georgie Hunter, your Maui Realtor

Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com
Follow me on Twitter .... I'm @mauihunter

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Aloha from Maui.   "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."

Maui Country Club, Spreckelsville Maui HI - short video clip

Today the "boss" took us out for lunch at the local golf course/country club.  It's not a fancy schmancy kind of place, just a nice down-to-earth old fashioned country club where they treat you like you're somebody special.  I had the Mediterranean salad with grilled mahi-mahi on top - delicious sun-dried tomato dressing!  Very friendly staff always make it a pleasure to go there.

I snapped some pics and this short video from the open air dining room over the fairway.  Remember the big banyan tree picture I posted?  This is the same place.

Paia Maui HI homes for sale ~ Paia dining choices

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

Classic Kitchen circa 1938 - Kula Maui HI home for sale

Can you believe this classic kitchen from a home built in 1938?  Formerly a ranch house on Maui and now for sale, it's being offered for $1,495,000.

It's so adorable in an old fashioned way.  Look how well maintained it is.  I want that brick oven... (outside in my dream outdoor kitchen).

You can tell this was a humming family home with many fabulous meals coming from the well stocked kitchen.  It's a real piece of history.

That's a real butcher block!  Look at all the curios and dishes in the cupboards!  What kind of kitchen are you dreaming about?

Need help finding that perfect Maui property?  Let me help you find your dream house and kitchen on Maui.

KULA MAUI HI homes for sale 

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

We drove to Hana Maui a couple of weeks ago to see a beachfront house for sale.  I took this footage on the crazy winding road, the Road to Hana.

Me and the dog just goofing around with the Flip camera.

A sampling of the winding Hana Highway!  Are you dizzy yet?

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!

Aloha from Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

Other related VIDEO:  Hana Bay, Hana Maui HI

Maui County outlaws cell phone use while driving

It's official - we now have a ban on using our mobile phones and devices while driving.  No more texting at the stop light.  No more talking on the phone unless you have a headset on.  No more checking the map on your iPhone as you cruise down the highway.  No more checking the surf report as you drive by the beach!

Our Mayor, Charmaine Tavares, just signed it into law on July 6 2010, making Maui the last of the counties in Hawaii to enact this ban.  Let's hope this will make the roads safer for all of us.  Read the full story in the Maui News online.  

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!

Aloha from Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

Hana Bay Maui - YouTube video of the bay

Not long ago we drove to Hana Maui.  If you've ever done that drive, you'll remember it!  Once we get to Hana we like to go down by the bay and grab a bite at Tutu's Snack Shop.  Sure it's overpriced, but look at the beautiful setting by the ocean.  I grabbed my Flip video camera while the burgers were cooking and got a little footage of the Sunday scene.  There's a lot of history at this peaceful spot in Hana.  

You might have heard that Oprah Winfrey owns some property here in Hana.  It's true, and she knows a good thing when she sees it.  We came to check out an oceanfront property for sale, and I'll be posting some more pictures and video of that when time permits.  If I get lots of time I'll even torture you with video of the road to Hana!

Hana Maui is one of those places where you want to just stop and stay awhile.  Relax.  Take it easy.  Forget about the rest of the world.  

Please enjoy this video and remember your trip to Hana Maui Hawaii!

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!

Maui oceanfront homes and properties for sale

Aloha from Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

other related VIDEO:  driving on the Hana Highway

Maui County Hawaii real property tax rates 2010.

The property tax rates in Maui County have gone up for fiscal year 2010.  The fiscal year began on July 1, 2010.  Most tax classes have had an increase and there's also a new class for tax purposes.  You can click here to see a sheet with the new tax rates for Maui and other counties in Hawaii.  For example, a homeowner occupant will now be paying $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value, versus $2.00 previously.  Improved residential, apartment, agricultural, and conservation are all $5.00 per $1,000.  Hotel and Resort is now up to $8.30/$1000.  

Always keep in mind that if you live in your Maui home you qualify for the homeowner exemption which will knock $300,000 off the assessed value, and give you the absolute lowest tax rate in all the Hawaiian islands!  This helps to make living on Maui a little more affordable.

The new class is called commercialized residential and it includes homeowners who are doing permitted bed and breakfast or vacation rentals on their property. The commercialized residential class falls between homeowner/occupant and improved residential, and it applies to homeowners who are engaging in commercial activity at their residence.  This comes as a surprise to many who have gone through the permitting process only to end up paying more in property taxes.

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

other related links:

• Maui County Real Property Tax Division website
• understanding your real property taxes on Maui

Gardening in Hawaii - University of Hawaii seeds are best

We really love to grow a garden here on Maui. We grow a lot of our own vegetables and flowers. We have found that the best seeds for use in Hawaii come from the University of Hawaii seed lab.  These seeds have been developed for our tropical climate and they really do well here. You can order them online and it's really easy and cheap.  Check out their website if you're thinking of starting a garden this summer in Hawaii. You can't beat their prices and they ship quickly, so why waste time, get online and order some seeds now.

The supersweet corn and the Anuenue lettuce are some of our favorites. You would think our climate is too hot for lettuce but that's not true, we manage to grow lettuce all summer long and it's always tender and crisp.  Other strains that are suited to the Hawaiian climate and day length include:

• eggplant
• peppers
• papaya
• cauliflower
• onions
• tomatoes  

I've really been enjoying my garden this summer, and we're eating heaps of green beans and colorful salads.  The supersweet corn is almost ready!  The next garden is in and more seeds are starting on the bench.  It's an ongoing process that requires some attention every day, but it's worth it.  

The benefits of gardening include plenty of delicious food, fresh air and sunshine, and good old exercise!  If you haven't tried it yet, why not give it a try?

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

Happy July 4th - happy grilling!

I just picked up eight boxes of beef from DeCoites Packing House in Makawao Maui, Hawaii. We're going to be having some barbecue this weekend just in time for 4th of July. There's nothing quite like Maui grass-fed hormone free 

beef. We like to raise our own beef here on Maui and we have an 80 acre cattle ranch on the North Shore in Kailua.

We will sell some beef to friends and we'll eat plenty this weekend and freeze the rest.  The t-bones we grilled last night were so tender and awesome!

Life is good on Maui.

 

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

 

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!  ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

PUKALANI MAUI HI homes for sale ~ MAKAWAO MAUI HI homes for sale

Makawao/Pukalani Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     June 2010
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The June Realtor Caravan for the upcountry area of Makawao and Pukalani had 6 great new listings, and nothing over $650,000.  Prices are down and that's good news for Maui buyers.  None of these are bank owned or short sales.

Silent Saturday - Kanaha Beach Park water fun, Maui Hawaii

Everyone's having fun at Kanaha Beach Park on Maui's north shore... windsurfers, kiteboarders, canoe paddlers, stand up paddlers, and swimmers.  How about you?

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!

Maui oceanfront homes and properties for sale

Aloha from Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

Speechless Sunday - Makena Beach on Maui

This is where I should be today, instead of sitting here at an open house on Father's Day hoping to meet buyers!  

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!

Aloha from Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL

other related MAUI BEACH VIDEOS:

• Tavares Bay, Paia Maui HI 96779
• Cove Park, Kihei Maui HI 96753
• Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui HI 96779
• Rainbow at Ho'okipa Beach Park
• Makena Surf Resort, Makena Maui HI 96753
• Hale Kamaole Resort, Kamaole III Beach
• Hana Bay, Hana Maui HI 96713

I'm saying something positive about Zillow!

This isn't easy to do but I have to say it.  I'm impressed with the Zillow inquiry follow up.

Yesterday I actually had contact from a consumer (a first), by way of an email from www.Zillow.com.  Curiously enough the inquiry came from somebody who is in my contact database and actually gets my e-newsletters every month, but has never responded to those.  I got back to him within a few hours and he really appreciated the quick repsonse.  But that's not the point here.  

What really surprised me is that just now I got an automated call from Zillow saying that I was recently contacted by someone online with Zillow, and to check my SPAM box in case I missed the email.  I thought that was very nice of them to let me know via a phone call, in the event that the email was missed.  It was about 24 hours after the email that the call came.  You gotta love that.

So there, I said it... Zillow did a good job with contact follow up.  Maybe we can all learn something here.

Have a great weekend!  Aloha from Maui.

Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!

Aloha from Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  

Search the Maui MLS right here ~ call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL