Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S): Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales (Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Maui)

There's a lot of changes in the Paia Maui real estate world in the past few weeks.

We now have 3 new real estate offices in the north shore seaside town of Paia.  Is this a sign that the market is picking up again?  Maybe so.  

Coldwell Banker Island Properties packed their bags and abandoned ship here in Paia when the going got tough a few years ago, but now they have returned to a new location.  Welcome badk CBIP.

The Jalbert brothers of mauirealestate .com fame have split off from Jim Sanders Realty Inc. to start their own venture called the Maui Real Estate Team, at a small office in the former Ikeda Building on Baldwin Avenue.  Good luck with the new office Billy and Pete!

Big Wave Realty is located in this cute little shack near the ocean, on Hana Highway.  This site is slated to be a new 2-story commercial development and it's on the market for $2M.  In the meantime they're selling Maui homes from this cozy shack.  Best wishes to April selling condos, houses and land on Maui!

AND...

Jim Sanders Realty Inc. is still here to help you whether buying or selling Maui properties.  Our brokerage is located at 137 Hana Highway, right next door to the internet cafe, and across the street from Charley's Restaurant.  Come on by if you're in the market for a new Maui home, and we'll see that you get the good service you deserve.

other related posts:

• eye-popping tropical blooms from Haiku Maui
• out and about in Paia Maui HI
• Paia town evening scenes - short video

Whole Foods Market opens in Kahului Maui 96732.  Grand Opening of Whole Foods Market on Maui.

We made it to the new Whole Foods Market on day 3 and the crowds were still pretty thick.  This is an exciting time for Maui - and we have been long anticipating the new upscale grocery store where the old Star Market used to be (at the Maui Mall).

They're open from 8 am to 9 pm daily.

It's not a huge store by mainland standards ( only 26,366 sf), but they sure do pack a lot of good things in there.  Look at all that fresh local fruit!  They say they are using about 60 Maui vendors for things from Maui Gold pineapples to Surfing Goat Dairy goat cheese.  

Once the crowds thin out I'm looking forward to spending more time browsing their selections.  The ready-to-eat items looked really tempting, and it's nice to have another good place to eat lunch in this town.

And just look at the view from the parking lot!  You'll find this store in the Maui Mall, along with Long's Drugs, and more. 

Thinking about relocating to Maui?  Here's some info to make your move easier... Maui relocation package.   KAHULUI MAUI MAP

SEARCH for homes for sale in Kahului Maui HI 96732  ~  SEARCH for homes for sale in Wailuku Maui HI 96793

Call or EMAIL directly to The Hunter

Maui agent Georgina M. Hunter R(S) 808 283-0635

Team member: Jim Sanders Realty Inc.  Paia HI 96779

Other related posts:

• Mana Foods in Paia Maui
• Walgreens to open in Kahului Maui
• Big Box stores on Maui

Walgreens will soon be opening their first store in Kahului Maui HI.  It's where the old Pizza Hut used to be at the corner of Kamehameha Ave and Puunene Ave.  This picture was taken about a week ago.  Hey it might already be open, but got lost in the brouhaha for the Whole Foods Market opening.

We already have some Walgreens on Maui, in Wailuku and Lahaina.

For more info about the Maui real estate market, contact a Maui Realtor like Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - 808 283-0635 - EMAIL ME

Other related posts:

• Maui health care options
• Drugs are good business on Maui
• Maui Mall - Long's Drugs

If you have lost your home it doesn't mean you can't go right out and buy another.  Not all short sales are the same, and if you still have good credit, then you may qualify for an FHA loan.  Talk to your lender and see what they have to say.  Let me know if you need a list of local lenders here in Hawaii.

Paia/Haiku Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     February 2010

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The north shore Realtor Caravan this month was short and sweet, but high prices prevailed.  We could use some more good Haiku listings.  If you're thinking about selling, let's talk.  And don't forget to sign up for your FREE e-newsletters about Maui real estate.

1.    Chalet Style, Haiku  $539,000.00
- condominiumized chalet home on a fenced and cleared 1 acre parcel
- rustic 2BD/2BA home has open beam ceilings, plenty of windows and a cozy atmosphere

2.   Ship Shape, Upcountry  $1,795,000.00
- meticulously crafted and built to last, this glamorous 4BD/4.5BA home has many built-ins, loads of storage

- floor to ceiling window wall, catwalk, butler's pantry, 2 stairways to the upstairs, BBQ deck, porte cochere

- detached oversize cedar barn will hold a large boat, all on 2 landscaped acres

3.    Plantation Privacy, Spreckelsville  $1,995,000.00
- all usable 2 acre parcel is bermed and landscaped for privacy, fruit trees and tropical flowers
- single level 3BD/2BA home built in 2000 with plenty of old style charm and simplicity
- wood floors, central A/C, solar hot water, large covered lanai, gourmet kitchen

- detached oversize garage with exercise room and bathroom

4.    Plantation Estate, Peahi  $2,690,000.00
- brand new custom house and detached cottage on 2 all usable acres ocean-side of Hana Highway
- quality work and materials abound including travertine floors, granite counters, mahogany woodwork- motorized 21' sliding doors open up to the huge covered lanai with ocean views, perfect for entertaining

- this diamond in the rough needs some landscaping to make it into your own magical paradise
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 What's a TSUNAMI?

• a series of ocean waves that can be a threat to residents of coastal areas
• may last for several hours
• may be generated by earthquakes nearby or far away
• may come at any time with little or no warning
• may be monitored by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWS)

Today seems like a fitting day for this topic, with the 8.8 earthquake in Chile generating a wave that's coming our way here in Hawaii.

It's 9:40 am and we're under a tsunami warning, meaning we are expecting a tsunami around 11:30 am here on Maui, Hawaii.

Some parts of Maui have already been evacuated, as of very early this morning - see the civil defense notification here.

Are you prepared on Maui?  Take the preparedness test.  Look for the maps in your telephone book yellow pages which will show the historical food inundation zones.

Don't worry, there is a very loud WARNING SIREN located in coastal areas. There will probably be plenty of time to warn Hawaii residents of any impending tsunamis.

The siren is tested on or about the first day of the month, so don't be alarmed if you hear this. Simply tune in to any radio/TV station for instructions on evacuation procedure. The last tsunami on Maui's northshore was in 1964, caused by an earthquake in Alaska. Residents were warned, and no lives were lost. Strong earthquakes that originate in Hawaii are rare. Even if there is a tsunami warning, it doesn't mean there definitely will be a tsunami. In 1984 there was a "false alarm" and everyone waited for the big one that thankfully never came.

What does this have to do with real estate?  If you own oceanfront property on Maui, you'll want to know about tsunamis!  You will need flood insurance from the government.

Whatever you do, don't go down to the beach to pick up fish. And don't go surfing!

Aloha from Maui - STAY SAFE ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ EMAIL ~ 808 283-0635

Other related posts:

• What's a TMK number on Maui?
• What's a Residential Condo?
• What's an Ohana?
• What's Makai and Mauka?
• DOM - huh?
• Maui County Property Tax website

Friday Funnies - watch what you eat...

For  those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health.  It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional  studies.  

1. The Japanese eat very little fat  and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
       and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine 
       and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
       and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

 
5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of  sausages and fats  
       and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. 
    
CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like.
Being American is apparently what kills you.

Paia Maui Hawaii dining ~ Haiku Maui Hawaii dining ~ Upcountry Maui Hawaii dining

Here's a short video I put together of the Hale Kamaole Resort in Kihei Maui Hawaii.  I wanted to show the grounds and buildings and the closeness of the beach.

It's a wonderful and friendly vacation resort on Maui's south shore, located directly across the road from Kamaole III Beach Park.

Learn more about Hale Kamaole by clicking the links provided below.

Hale Kamaole is one of the best run condo developments on Maui, with their own Home Owners Association website.  If you're interested, you can see what's happening by reading the meeting minutes and other condo related documents.

What's for sale at Hale Kamaole?  Unit 150 is a very nicely upgraded ground floor unit in a prime location near the back of the complex.  Most people who come through my open house say it's the nicest unit they have seen in there!  These are guests who are also staying at the complex, and have stayed in more than one unit over the years.  Don't pass up this opportunity to get your own Maui vacation condo while prices are low.

For more info about the Maui real estate market, contact a Maui Realtor like Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - 808 283-0635 - EMAIL ME

Maui Hawaii South Shore Condo Newsletter     -     February 2010

Just a reminder that these real estate newsletters also come in other flavors - Kula, Makawao/Pukalani, and Paia/Haiku.  Be sure to let me know if you'd like to stay up to date in those areas.

What's new in the South Maui condo market?  As usual, about 95 new condo listings since the January newsletter, and only 19 are bank owned or potential short sales.  The input of new listings seems to be holding steady, and total sales of units is up compared to last year.  As a resort destination, it's pretty hard to beat Maui.  Here are some selected new listings from Kihei and Wailea in the past month.

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1.     Oceanfront Bargain, North Kihei  $135,900.00
- garden view 1BD/1BA condo in an oceanfront building with no vacation rentals
- bank owned property for sale, seller willing to help with closing costs too

2.     Entry Level, South Kihei  $175,000.00
- lovely 2BD/2BA starter condo on the quiet side of the complex
- tucked away off the main road, but short walk to beautiful beaches

3.    Original Condition, Central Kihei  $285,000.00
- upstairs corner 2BD/1BA vacation condo with some ocean view
- add your own touches and you'll have a good little condo to use and rent out

4.    Pre-Construction, Central Kihei  $359,900.00
- brand new 2BD/2BA 2nd floor unit with split A/C, CAT 5 wiring, granite counters

- heated salt water infinity pool, very close to dining and businesses, 1 block from beach

5.    Lock-off Feature, Wailea  $489,000.00
- desirable upper floor 2BD/2BA vacation condo with small ocean view
- bright and sunny, rent out one bedroom/bath and stay in the other!

6.    Just Listed, Wailea  $550,000.00
- walk to the beach from your own condo, sprawling oceanfront complex in Wailea
- 1BD/1BA vacation condo, garden view, priced for a quick sale

7.    Penthouse Bargain, North Kihei   $600,000.00
- 6th floor direct oceanfront 2BD/2BA unit with amazing views, sunsets and whale watching

- lots of tiled floors and mirrored walls, fully furnished and ready to start making income

8.    Views and Privacy, Wailea  $775,965.00
- spacious ground floor 2BD/2BA resort condo with an oversized lanai
- nicely furnished and decorated with Italian marble and granite throughout

9.    Oceanfront Penthouse, South Kihei   $1,450,000.00
-  contemporary 2BD/2BA top floor vacation condo with optimal ocean and beach views
- completely upgraded with travertine floors, soffitted ceilings, granite counters, top of the line appliances!

10.    Most Expensive, Wailea  $3,900,000.00
- beautifully remodeled 2BD/2BA front row unit, the closest to Ulua Beach

- gorgeous ocean views, quick access to the beachfront pool

- low density beachfront complex on 24 manicured acres

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Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro
Paia, HI  96779  (808) 283-0635
Jim Sanders Realty Inc.
PO Box 792050, Paia, HI  96779   (808) 579-8255  FAX: 579-9004

Looking for a luxurious resort condo?
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

Search all Maui condos for sale by name.

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

That's the Kuakini Gallery gift shop, where I took the top picture from.  If you're driving around West Maui, be sure to stop and enjoy the view.

If you need any help searching for a Maui home, please let me know... I'm a licensed Realtor.

aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - EMAIL ME 

call or text me today at 808 283-0635 - start your Maui Property Search

other related posts:

• driving to Kahakuloa Maui
• Maui Bud Bowls

TROPICAL FLOWERS FROM HAWAII

Remember the jade vines from Haiku Maui?  While I was there I took some more flower pictures.  It seems that people can't get enough of these tropical blooms, so I will share some more with you.  It's very easy to grow these plants in the warm climate of Haiku Maui.  With rainfall somewhere between 25-75 inches a year, and plenty of sunshine, Haiku encourages many plants to flower year round.  The brilliant colors of Hibiscus, Bird of Paradise, Croton, and Cotton are all shown here.  Palms of all kinds thrive in Haiku.  Citrus and avocado too.  

What kind of tropical plants would you grow if you lived in Hawaii?

Maui Real Estate Q & A - What's a TMK number?

When talking about Maui real estate we refer to parcels by their identifying TAX MAP KEY number, or TMK.  This is the unique number that the County of Maui assigns to each parcel of land.  There is only 1 TMK for each piece of real property, even condos.  Sometimes the County is a little slow in assigning these numbers to a new subdivision, and you might encounter a TBD in an MLS report, meaning To Be Determined.  Be sure to ask your Maui Realtor about what this means if you're buying that property.

The TMK is a 6 part number that's broken down into: Island; zone; section; plat; parcel; and condominium.  For example, a condo at the Palms of Wailea Resort will have the following sequence..  2-2-1-008-082-xxxx.  Maui island is a 2.  Kihei/Wailea is zone 2, section 1.  

There are only 4 zones on Maui.  Hana and Kipahulu and Keanae are all part of zone 1. On the north shore you have zones 2 and 3, Haiku, Paia and Spreckeslville, Kahului and Wailuku.  South Maui is zone 2 or 3.  Maalaea is zone 3.  West Maui is zone 4.

Whatever property you're looking for, you can search the Maui MLS from the comfort of your own home with the www.eastmaui.com property search feature.

Aloha from the north shore of Maui ~ Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 

Other related posts:

• What's a tsunami?
• What's a Residential Condo?
• What's an Ohana?
• What's Makai and Mauka?
• DOM - huh?
• Maui County Property Tax website

Thanks for reading my Maui Blog!  I appreciate your comments too.

I think this topic is important.  A financing contingency is not something to take lightly.  I know buyers will balk at a developer's contract when they won't allow a financing contingency, and rightly so.  You need to take advantage of all the tools at your disposal when buying real estate, especially in today's market.

Just listed on Maui - homes, condos and land for sale

If you're looking to buy some property on Maui Hawaii, did you know you can search our Maui MLS database online?  You can search by area, property type, land size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and more.  REO and short sales too!  As a Maui Realtor, I have access to the new listings and can even set you up with automatic alerts for a specific type of property.  This is just my Maui blog - you really need to get over to my website to find your Maui home.

What are you looking for?  If you know what you want, it's very easy to set up a quick search and see what's available, then save the search and get updates daily.  All new listings that match your search can be in your inbox just as soon as they hit the market.  How about that?

When you find a listing you like, just click on the button for more information and I'll get that to you quickly.

When you're ready to buy, I'm here to help you with negotiations, and guide you through the escrow process.  I want to be on your team!

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - your Maui real estate agent  

(808) 283-0635   SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS

• PAIA  relocation package  
• HAIKU relocation package 
• KIHEI/WAILEA relocation package 
• KAHULUI relocation package

Other related posts:

• Maui sold comps now available
• Shopping for a vacation condo on Maui
• Maui real estate newsletters

Makawao/Pukalani Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     January 2010
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Don't forget to sign up for these free e-newsletters about the Maui real estate market each month.   Just send me an email and I'll add your name to the list.

1.    Fenced Yard, Makawao  $389,000.00
- single level 3BD/1BA starter home right in town, remodeled kitchen, newer flooring
- back yard has tiered gardens, mature fruit trees, detached workshop with power

2.   Brand New, Pukalani  $419,000.00
- residential condo townhouse in a new development, never paint or roof your home again!
- this 3BD/2.5BA 2-story unit has a single car garage, A/C and upgraded flooring

3.    Extended Family, Haliimaile  $799,000.00
- expansive multi-level 6BD/4.5BA home that could be used as 2 units
- located between Paia and Makawao, half acre lot with fruit trees, flowers and huge shade trees, ocean views

4.    Super Cute, Makawao  $829,000.00
- charming 5BD/3BA custom house and 2BD/1BA cottage at the lower edge of town 
- wood floors, imperial plaster walls, Balinese style ceilings, French doors, outdoor shower

- unobstructed views of the north shore and Kahului, walk to restaurants, shops and galleries

Maui Banking - Maui Credit Unions

When it comes to shopping for a mortgage for your Maui home, you have some choices: an online lender; a Hawaii mortgage broker; a local bank or credit union.

If you're looking for an alternative to the big banks here on Maui, why not consider a credit union?  This list of Maui credit unions is a good place to start.  Some of them, like these 3, have employer requirements, meaning they require members to be employed by the federal, state or county government, select Maui companies, or the Maui Department of Education.  If you work for Uncle Sam, you probably already know if you're eligible for one of these options.

Maui County FCU

1888 Wili Pa Loop

Wailuku Hi  96793

www.mauicountyfcu.org

808 244-7968 

Maui FCU

107 E. Wakea Ave.

Kahului HI 96732

www.mauifcu.com

808 873-5050

Maui Teachers FCU

2145 Wells St, Ste 101   

Wailuku HI  96793

808 242-2997

The following Maui credit unions are not so strict but would like if you live and work on Maui, or attend school or worship in a certain district.  Why not contact them and see what they have to offer?

Valley Isle Community FCU

160 Paahana St.

Kahului Hi  96732

www.vicfcu.org

Kahului FCU

25 W. Kamehameha Ave.

Kahului Hi  96732

808 871-7705

Wailuku FCU

175 N. Market St.   

Wailuku HI  96793

808 242-7981

Kula Community FCU

137 Kalepa Pl.

Kahului Hi  96732

808 871-7710

West Maui Community FCU

349 Lahainaluna Rd.

Lahaina Hi  96761

808 661-4825

If you need any help searching for a Maui home, please let me know... I'm a licensed Realtor.

aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - EMAIL ME 

call or text me today at 808 283-0635 - start your Maui Property Search

other related posts:

• Hawaii mortgage rates
• Maui Banks