Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S)

Kaulanapueo Church in Huelo Maui Hawaii established 1853

When you drive down the Door of Faith Road in Huelo Maui you'll pass this lovely old historic stone church and it's worth stopping to see.  If you're driving to Hana it will only take you five minutes to do this as it's a short way off the Hana Highway, so you will soon be back on your way to Hana.

There's is also a Door of Faith Church just above this one, but the Kaulanpueo Church has a lot more history.

What else can you find if you drive down Door of Faith Road?  Plenty of nice homes, farms and hidden gems.  There's usually some spectacular oceanfront estates for sale in the million$ and maybe a few other more modest homes.  If you know where to look you can even find 802 Door of Faith Road which is little off the beaten path, and priced very well for a home with such spectacular views.

Haiku Maui HI 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui HI 96708 land for sale

If you have questions about the real estate market, about buying or selling a home on Maui, please contact me, a local Maui REALTOR.

Tuesday's Treasures - It's lychee season in Haiku Maui HI - all you can eat

After getting a bucket full of Haiku Maui lychee yesterday I have been combing the internet for fresh lychee recipes, and found a great site.  I have been learning a lot about this Asian fruit, and the best thing is that you can freeze the whole unpeeled fruit and they keep well for months.  I'm going to try that out!

Now, who wants a Lychee Margarita?

Haiku Maui HI 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui HI 96708 land for sale

If you have questions about the real estate market, about buying or selling a home on Maui, please contact me, a local Maui REALTOR.

Maui Hawaii South Shore Condo Listings Newsletter     -     May 2012

There were 60 condo closings in the past month in the Kihei, Wailea/Makena and Maalaea areas, ranging from $105,000 to $4,500,000 with average and median prices at $581,241 and $337,000 respectively.

43 of 60 sales were all cash.  1 used seller financing and 16 used conventional financing to close the deal.

1 was Leasehold, closing at $310,000 for a 2BD/2BA vacation rental condo at Maui Hill near Wailea.

7 units closed at Ke Alii Ocean Villas, 4 of those were new developer offerings.  Sale prices ranged from $510,000 - $707,000 with average and median prices at $624,598 and $685000 respectively.

Oceanfront Maui homes and land for sale

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1.  SOLD - Southpointe at Waiakoa 17-202  $105,000.00
- nice looking  upper floor 2BD/1BA townhouse condo at Southpointe 
- a short sale that closed after only 84 DOM (days on market) with a cash buyer

2.  SOLD - Villas at Kenolio 14-D  $205,000.00
- decent looking ground floor 2BD/2BA condo with large pool
- short sale, conventional mortgage

3.  SOLD - Leinaala 203  $333,000.00
- very attractive oceanfront 1BD/1BA vacation condo
- regular sale, cash buyer

4.  SOLD - Hawealani Condos 101  $480,000.00
- 3BD/2BA ground floor townhouse condo with only 3 other apartments
- regular sale, conventional financing

5.    SOLD - Royal Mauian 401  $525,000.00
- spectacular and spacious oceanfront 2BD/2BA holiday resort unit
- regular sale, cash buyer

6. SOLD - Palms at Wailea 1801  $700,000.00
- ground floor 2BD/2BA vacation condo with garden view
- regular sale, cash buyer

7.    SOLD - Wailea Town Center D201 $885,000.00
- this second floor 3BD/2BA condo at the Villas at Kenolio comes with 2 side by side parking stalls which is a nice bonus, not a short sale
- bank owned, cash buyer, 36 DOM

8.   SOLD - Mana Kai 614 $875,000.00
- 2BD/2BA vacation condo right on the beach with great views 
- regular sale, cash buyer

9.   SOLD - Polo Beach 205  $2,300,000.00
- tastefully decked out 2BD/2BA beachfront hi-rise with largest floor plan
- regular sale, cash buyer

10.    SOLD - Wailea Beach Villas C-301 $4,500,000.00
- detached 3BD/2.5BA home with garage
- 79 DOM, cash buyer

Maui condos for sale ~ search Maui condos by name

EMAIL the MAUI HUNTER 
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At the 34th annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk which was held over the weekend, the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa raised the biggest amount of contributions with $100,001 going into the fund of $530,000!  With contributions from Molokai and Lanai that came up to $555,188 which is the highest amount ever raised in this event.  All the money raised in Maui County stays here where it will benefit local charities.

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Georgina M. Hunter Maui Realtor(S) e-Pro 
Paia, HI  96779  (808) 283-0635

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

Looking for a good deal before it gets sold?
Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your Maui Realtor.

Search all condo and residential listings on my website...  www.eastmaui.com

Learn more about Maui by reading  MyMauiBlog.com

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Speechless Sunday - I wonder if Mom would like this?

Of course she would.  Why not buy mom a house on Maui?

Haiku Maui 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui 96708 land for sale

If you have questions about the real estate market, about buying or selling a home on Maui, please contact me, a local Maui REALTOR.

Jazz up your images with the FrameMagic app for iPad and iPhone

Getting tired of the same old boring pictures on your blog?  If you want to change it up a notch why not get this great little app that allows you to combine pictures into one multi-image snapshot?  

I use a lot of apps and have bought other ones similar to this, but I have to say that this is by far the best.

The thing that I especially like about the FrameMagic app is that it has easy to use sliders so you can customize the features by increments.  You can easily change:

• the width of the frames, or no frame at all (as seen here)
• the size and dimensions of the individual pictures
• the direction and depth of the drop shadow
• the thickness and style of the border of each picture
• the background paper

North Shore Maui Realtor Caravan features many off-grid homes today

The monthly event showcasing new listings on Maui's north shore was this morning and I was quite surprised to see that 5 out of 8 homes were off-grid properties.  Off-grid homes are common in Huelo Maui, a part of Haiku, and for me it's a normal way of life.  It's great that other Realtors are also taking an interest in this type of lifestyle as i think there will be a  growing demand as the cost of utilitites keeps going up.

What does off the grid mean to a buyer?  It means that once your water system and power system are up and running, you won't have a montly bill from those services, as you'll be supplying your own.  It means that you're responsible for your own source of water and electricity, and you control it.  While it might not be suitable for everyone, it can be quite simple and rewarding.

If you're not connected to the Maui County water mains you have basically 2 choices... drill a well or catch the rainwater.  Well water contains minerals and possibly salt, making it hard water.  It has to be pumped up from the source, which uses a lot of energy especially if the well is deep.  A catchment water system uses rainwater from the roof which is piped into a holding tank. It's lovely soft water which doesn't need any treatment. With well water you will probably also have a holding tank for storage.  From the tank you will filter the water to clean out any sediment, and pressurize the water before running it to the home.  If you choose to filter it again that's your choice and there are many options.

When you live off-grid you will probably have some kind of photo-voltaic system comprised of an array of solar panels, an inverter and a charge controller, and a bank of storage batteries.  PV is a great way to harvest energy from the sun and a well maintained system will provide free solar energy for years or decades with very little effort.  Batteries do need to be checked monthly, and they are really the weak link in the chain.

Another source of renewable power is the wind.  Once you have the batteries and other equipment, it doesn't cost that much to add a small wind turbine for those days when it's cloudy and for generating power at night.  In combination you can produce enough power for a normal home and you may not ever have to run a back-up generator.

 Today's off-grid Haiku homes were:

• 632 Honopou Rd. - 11.5 acres with a house and cottage, ocean views.  $1,600,000.
• 800 Door of Faith Rd. - 2.6 acres with a house and cottage, ocean views.  $1,100,000.
• 802 Door of Faith Rd. - 2.8 acres with a house and guest suite, ocean views.  $899,000.
• 33 Hoolawa Rd. - 13 acres with a large barn and 2 other buildings, ocean views.  $699,000.
• 7953 Hana Hwy - oceanfront 2+ acres with a home. $565,000.

Tuesday's Treasures - Rainbowland, Maui Hawaii 96708

The VA Home Loan Benefit 2011-2012 Hawaii update

Did you know that VA loans in Hawaii are now competitive with conventional loans?

• on Maui the loan limit is up to $625,000
• sellers are not required to pay the buyer's closing costs anymore
• interest rates are now based on market rates, not set by the VA
• VA assigns the appraiser and it will be a local Maui appraiser

Speechless Sunday - south Maui shoreline sights and sounds VIDEO

Sit back and relax and imagine yourself sitting at the shore in Wailea Maui.... looking out over towards Molokini and Kahooolawe islands.

Oceanfront Maui homes and land for sale

When you're ready to make the move to Maui, contact a local Maui Realtor to help you find the perfect spot...

call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL 

Silent Saturday - I'm sailing away in Maalaea Bay, Maui Hawaii

Oceanfront Maui homes and land for sale

Maui condos for sale ~ search Maui condos by name

call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL 

802 Door of Faith Rd in Haiku Maui can now be yours!

Looking for a million dollar view on Maui?  How about this north shore gem at 802 Door of Faith Rd. in Huelo Haiku.  This exclusive mini estate is on the market for only $899,000.  

The adorable 1BD/1BA plantation cottage is perched on a ridge with 2.8 acres of land, overlooking white water views below and Haleakala above.   Privacy is outstanding at this gated and remote location. Being adjacent to State land ensures pastoral views and solitude.  

Connect with the land by living off the grid and leaving a smaller footprint.  This property provides its own power and water and has hi-speed internet and satellite.  Be connected yet away from it all.  Only 20 minutes to restaurants, beaches and shopping.

 DOOR OF FAITH ROAD VIDEO

To know more about this unique property and neighborhood, inquire with the listing agent below for more details.

call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL 

Haiku Maui 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui 96708 land for sale

Haiku Maui HI 96708 market update - what sold from April 30 - May 4 2012?

There were 4 closings of residential properties in Haiku Maui this week:

1. 741 Haiku Rd. sold for $338,000.  An 816 sf home with detached garage on a quarter acre near the center of town.
2. 3955 Lepo St. sold for $440,000.  2 acres in the country with a 2-story 2BD/2BA home just over 1,000 sf.
3. 438 Kaupakalua Rd. sold for $510,000.  2.88 acres with a 2-story 1BD/1BA home of less than 1,000 sf.
4. 56 Hoomalolo Pl. closed at $743,000.  Brand new 3BD/3BA home of 3,350 sf on 2.15 acres

What does it take to get your short sale closed?

We all know it can be a challenge to close on a short sale listing, and I think the number one thing to make it happen is a buyer who is dedicated to sticking with it no matter what.  Buyers who get spooked at the first bump in the road are not going to be able to go the distance.  Buyers who are out shopping around and making offers on every possible property are not serious.  

A buyer with only one property in mind will be paying attention and doing whatever it takes to close the deal.  When the banks are holding their ground and not willing to pay for things which would normally be covered by a seller, a serious short sale buyer will be prepared to pony up for:

• survey
• termite inspection
• termite treatment
• condominium documents
• needed repairs
• seller closing costs

Paia/Haiku Maui Hawaii Real Estate Listings Newsletter     -     April 2012
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Look at all these nice new listings in Spreckelsville and Haiku.  So many great homes in the country to choose from.  No wonder Maui's north shore is a favorite location for people like you and me.

1.  Build a Beach Home,  Spreckelsville  $799,000.00
- level and all usable 3/4 acre with deeded access to a white sandy beach where you can launch your windsurfer
- gated subdivision with protective covenants and green space, adjacent to 22 acres of conservation land and close to  Maui Country Club

2.  Bed & Breakfast Potential, Peahi  $839,000.00
- extra large 2-story country home with at least 7 bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, 4 lock off suites downstairs, 4 car garage
- set on 2 acres in nice subdivision, ocean and mountain views, peaceful setting with mature palm trees

3.  House and Barn, Haiku  $895,000.00
- well maintained single level 3BD/3BA home with quality features like bamboo floors and vaulted ceilings, huge detached barn/workshop with farm office and full bathroom
- 4.4 acres with rows of palm trees and ornamentals, shared driveway and water meter with neighboring CPR'd property

4.  Lots of Space, Upcountry  $895,000.00
- huge 5,700 sf home on 2.2 acres in a country subdivision, bordering a gulch for privacy, private park-like setting
- separate quarters for extended family, 3 car garage, plenty of covered lanai space upstairs and down, fireplace, sun room with wet bar 

5.  Best Views, Peahi  $1,100,000.00
- 2 all usable acres with north shore ocean views, custom 2BD/2BA house and 2BD/1BA cottage are well separated, extra sturdy construction
- enjoy picking your own bananas and avocados, plenty of open space for veggie gardens and flowers, upscale neighborhood with not much traffic

6.  Lock & Leave, Spreckelsville  $1,495,000.00
- elegant 2-story 3BD/3.5BA home with high ceilings, wood floors, large family room downstairs, large covered lanai upstairs, chef's kitchen
- detached 2-story garage has 2 separate office or storage spaces above, room for 2 cars and plenty of water toys below

- convenient location close to the airport makes this a great home for families who spend part of the year on Maui

33 Hoolawa Road, Haiku Maui HI 96708 - Open House Sunday April 29 2012

12:00 noon - 3:00 pm

Come on by and spend an hour or two exploring this 13 acres of heaven in the Haiku countryside.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy yourselves while sitting in the meadow and watching the clouds drift by.

 Look for the open house signs.

33 Hoolawa Rd, Haiku Maui HI 96708 is listed for $699,000.

Haiku Maui 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui 96708 land for sale

If you have questions about the real estate market, about buying or selling a home on Maui, please contact me, a local Maui REALTOR.

Get on board the Sugar Cane Train to the heart of Haiku Maui

Today we are offering a free double decker bus with every purchase of Haiku Maui real estate!

These guys stopped to take some pictures along the road to Hana and were never heard from again.

Please submit your own captions to go with this picture!

Haiku Maui 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui 96708 land for sale

If you have questions about the real estate market, about buying or selling a home on Maui, please contact me, a local Maui REALTOR.

Wordless Wednesday - don't step on the starfish stinkhorn!

Creepy little fellas aren't they?

Haiku Maui 96708 homes for sale  ~  Haiku Maui 96708 land for sale

If you have questions about the real estate market, about buying or selling a home on Maui, please contact me, a local Maui REALTOR.

Speechless Sunday - thinking about Mama's Fish House Restaurant in Kuau Maui

I could really go for some of the great Mama's food right now!  How about you?

Oceanfront Maui homes and land for sale

search the MLS for Paia Maui HI homes for sale

If you have questions about the real estate market, about buying or selling a home on Maui, please contact me, a local Maui REALTOR.

Kihei Maui HI condos - Southpointe at Waiakoa market update

Currently there are 13 Active and Pending MLS listings at the Southpointe development in Kihei Maui. Southpointe represents entry level Maui homeownership with lots of young families living here.  All units are 2 bedroom.  Bathrooms are either 1, 1.5, or 2.  

The 2 story buildings contain apartments on either ground floor or 2nd floor.  Ground floor units come with a small private yard.  Upper units usually come with a small balcony.  Maintenance fees range from about $342-400/month.  You can find this condo complex at 480 Kenolio Road which is only about a block from the ocean.

It looks like we need some more inventory of Southpointe units at this rate.  Any owners out there looking to sell?  Call me!

• ACTIVE: Unit 7-201 is listed at $144,000 and is neither a short sale or REO.  Nice looking 2BD/1.5BA upper floor townhouse home that allows pets.
• PENDING: 12 pending listings range from $99,000 to $135,000.  
• SOLD: In the past 6 months 12 units have sold at prices between $109,000 - $150,100.  Average price around $125,000.  4 were bank owned, 3 were short sales.  DOM ranged from 40 to 298, with the short sales usually taking the longest time to sell.