Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S): March 2009

Makawao/Pukalani HI Real Estate Newsletter     -     March 2009
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The March Realtor Caravan was a nice surprise.  Every one of these Maui homes for sale is a winner.  Let me know if you need more info on any of them.

1.    Adorable Cottage, Pukalani  $489,000.00
- immaculate 2BD/2.5BA home plus loft, imperial plaster, tumbled marble flooring, ocean view
- lanai off each bedroom and living room, sweet studio apartment, immaculate yard

2.   Gorgeous Remodel, Makawao  $565,000.00
- classic '50's 3BD/2BA home with hardwood floors, slate floors, granite countertops
- walk to shopping and restaurants, close to Seabury Hall, 1/4 acre lot, ocean views

3.    Two Homes, Pukalani  $595,000.00
- 3BD/3BA main house and 840 sf 2BD/1BA detached cottage on .4 acre lot
- neat and tidy income property with upgraded large septic, concrete drive,
convenient to shops

4.    Forever Views, Pukalani  $699,000.00
- 4BD/4BA 2-story home that backs up to the fairway, mature fruit trees, 2 fenced yards
- nice quiet location overlooking vast sugar cane fields towards the ocean

5.    Great for Entertaining, Pukalani  $699,000.00
- nicely upgraded 3BD/2BA home and garage with fireplace, open beam ceilings, library
- large deck and hot tub with huge views and privacy, formal dining room, chef's kitchen

6    Pool with Views, Pukalani  $949,000.00
- single level 3BD/2BA home and garage, Wailea-like pool and spa, short sale opportunity
- quality craftsmanship throughout, rock walls, huge unobstructable views, extensive custom stone work

7.     Mountain Retreat, Olinda  $1,495,000.00
- exquisite 3BD/2.5BA home with ocean views and privacy on two gorgeous acres
- vaulted ceiling, corner fireplace, hardwood floors, elegant marble bath with garden-view whirlpool
- kitchen with abundant custom woodwork, high-end appliances including a professional gas range
- of course you know the views are sweeping, and the sunsets amazing
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Today we had the honor of attending a house blessing near Makawao.  Some
friends have bought a couple of acres on a hill top and they're building a
house and detached garage which are well underway.  It was a beautiful day
for a local kahuna to say a prayer while a crowd of friends wished them
well.  Copious quantities of pizza and refreshments were provided for the
occasion.  This is going to be a beautiful property when it's done because
these guys know how to "get 'er done" right.  I can hardly wait for the
topping off party.
 

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Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro   (808) 283-0635

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

Looking for a house on the hill?    Call THE HUNTER... Georgie
Hunter, your Upcountry Specialist.

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

BUY A HOME IN MAKAWAO MAUI ~  BUY A HOME IN PUKALANI MAUI

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

This was taken outside the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in Kahului Maui.  It belongs to someone who works there, from what I hear on Twitter.  Check out the MACC if you like live shows, foreign films, and art exhibits.

(did you really think I could NOT say something?)

Aloha from Maui!

My Haiku Maui Garden

We made it through the winter and ate something from the garden every day.  This was our first time to really set this goal and do it right.  I'm not counting things like bananas and avocados either, but produce from the veggie garden by the house.

Thanks to a bumper crop of Kabocha squash (Japanese Pumpkin) that sprawled over the neighboring vacant land, we have had plenty of fresh organic veggies to eat and give away.

Just this week we have eaten all these veggies from our large garden:

• kabocha
• beets + beet greens
• salad greens
• herbs
• pea pods
• purple beans
• cherry tomatoes
• chard
• onions
• green onions
• green peppers
• eggplant

Now that spring is here, and the days are longer, the plants are already growing faster.  There's new flowers on the old pepper plants, and on the old squash vines.  Some plants here will grow for years and still produce, like eggplant and Hawaii chili peppers.

Growing a garden can be very rewarding.  Not only do you get to eat the fruits of your labors, but you get outside in the sunshine.  There's a certain amount of exercise involved too.  I like to get my hands dirty and smell that earthy aroma.  I'll eat the peas right off the vine for a snack.

The secret is to always be starting new seeds.  If there is a constant supply of new plants going into the ground, there will be a constant supply of edibles coming out of the ground.  Start extra seeds... you can always give away the starts. 

We are lucky to have a growing season that goes on all year.  The summer time is definitely a better time for growing, as the days are longer and the weather is better.  This past winter was pretty hard on the garden, but the rugged plants persevered and we were thankful.  Some days it rained so hard that the garden was underwater.  Some days it was so windy that plants were flattened out.  Just keep on planting, and it will grow.

That's all for now, I need to get outside and see what's for dinner.

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

HAIKU MAUI HOMES FOR SALE  ~  HAIKU MAUI LAND FOR SALE

(don't forget to send me an email if you want to receive these free real estate newsletters - pls sign up online)

Paia/Haiku Maui HI  Real Estate Newsletter   -  March 2009

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Paia/Haiku Realtor Caravan in March was a bit of a rain-out.  Our new Jim
Sanders listing is the wonderful off-grid home in a very private setting
below the Hana Highway, #3.  Living off the grid can be challenging, but
it's also very rewarding to know you can be in control of your own power and
water supply.  We have a lot of experience with off-grid living ourselves,
so I can offer plenty of advice if you ask.

1.    Peace and Quiet , Haiku  $530,000.00
- 3BD/2BA home with vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, new roof, cedar siding, and large 2-car garage
- over 1 acre of land that overlooks a private valley and no other homes in sight

2.    Huge Views, Peahi $1,200,000.00
- 4BD/4BA multi-level home with bonus rooms, porte-cochere, stucco finish,
open beam ceilings, granite counters
- 2 acres situated close to Hana Highway, and magnificent ocean and mountain
views, covered lanais

3.    Self Sustaining, Huelo  $1,750,000.00
- meticulous 3BD/2.5BA pole house on 5 acres with fruit trees, tropical flowers, ocean views, privacy
- power is generated with solar, soft rainwater for household use, live off the land

4.    Gated Community, Haiku  $2,088,000.00
- luxurious 4BD/4.5BA home with natural stone and hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling
- 2.5 acres with lush, secluded landscaping, saline pool and spa, cabana with BBQ and fridge

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Last Saturday the Haiku Ho'olaulea Flower Festival was a smashing success.
Nobody made off with the cash box this year, only a pair of board shorts was
missing from the silent auction.  The weather was sunny and a little bit
windy, and there was a big turnout for the booths, the food and the
entertainment.  I spent too much money at the silent auction, but it's all
for a good cause.  Next year I'm taking my dog with me!  Be sure to attend
this free event next year if you're on Maui.

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Georgina M. Hunter (RS) e-Pro (808) 283-0635

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

Looking for an off-grid home?    Call THE HUNTER...
Georgie Hunter, your north shore expert.

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

PAIA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE ~ HAIKU MAUI HOMES FOR SALE

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

Kona goes to the beach in Wailea Maui

It was the first time for my little puppy Kona to go to the beach! 

We spent the afternoon on Keawakapu Beach in Wailea, and everyone had fun, not just the dog.

She thought it was great, and who wouldn't?

• Lots of soft white sand to dig in 
• Lots of smiling people walking by and petting her.
• Lots of birds to bark at and chase
• Snacks to eat, water to drink
• Sunshine, waves, tradewinds

Kona had a nice shady spot to watch the beach goers.  She met a nice dog and lots of people.  It's surprising how many people have a Jack Russell back home.  I think I'll start taking her to the beach more often, and make her a little vest to wear, with my business cards in the pockets.  Then when strangers come up to pet her, they can grab my card... haha.... Buy a home on Maui!  Call The Hunter!  Or maybe a little doggie T-shirt with my website on it?

For a little farm doggie, this was a big outing.  Most of the time she just hangs out on the farm with Uncle Russell and Wally the cat.  Mom and dad don't like her to dig in the garden or in the lawn, but digging in the sand was OK and fun. 

Whew, it was a large day!  Gotta do this more often.

Kona gets around on Active Rain:

• New Puppy Pictures
• Kona gets an Electric Bike

Kona is digging it at Keawakapu Beach Maui.

Can you dig a beachfront condo on Maui?  There are plenty of condos to choose from.

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro

808 283-0635   EMAIL THE HUNTER

Aloha and thanks for reading my Maui blog!

Kula Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -         March 2009

You won't believe some of the beautiful homes on the March Kula Caravan.
What better way to spend the day than looking at the spectacular Kula views
from these upcountry homes.

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1.    Like New, Kula   $799,000.00
- only 2 years old, 3BD/2BA two story home with panoramic bi-coastal views
- fireplace, huge covered lanais, wood floors, beautiful kitchen

2.    Single Story, Kula   $925,000.00
- beautiful architect designed 3BD/2BA home embraces indoor/outdoor living
- 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens and lawns surround this private home with
ocean views
- lots of windows and plenty of ventilation

3.    Maui Onions, Pulehu  $995,000.00
- 3BD/2BA farmhouse, 4500 sq ft building with a newly built office space,
kid's playhouse
- 2 acres under cultivation with Haas avocado, apple, citrus, onions, and
strawberries

4.    Bird's Eye View, Kula  $1,200,000.00
- an exceptional showcase home, 4BD/3BA with bi-coastal views from nearly
every room
- bamboo floors, recessed lighting, very peaceful 1/4 acre, quiet cul-de-sac
privacy

5.   Dream Property, Keokea   $1,620,000.00
- new plantation style 3BD/3BA house with detached 2 car garage plus studio
- extremely private 2 acres tucked away from road, 2 water meters,
additional house allowed

6.    Perfect Climate, Lower Kula  $2,395,000.00
- 2 story 3BD/3BA home with swimming pool and outstanding views
- open concept living enhanced by beautiful finishes: Blue Pearl granite;
Carrera marble; select clear Fir floors
- surrounded by impeccable gardens and rolling lawns creating absolute
privacy

7.    Country Manor, Lower Kula  $3,950,000.00
- large and magnificent 4BD/4.5BA home atop 15 pastoral acres, 360° views
- two story living room, formal dining room, media room, office with custom
built-ins and bonus room
- beautiful sunsets with nobody around, yet only 15 minutes away from
Kahului

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Governor Linda Lingle has released $321,499 for improvements to public
health facilities on the Big Island and Maui overseen by the Hawaii Health
Systems Corporation, the state said today in a news release.  Funds will go
to Kula Hospital ($100,498), to complete upgrades to the hospital's fire
sprinkler system. The total project cost is $533,498. Construction is
ongoing and scheduled to be completed in June 2009.

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Georgina M. Hunter (RS) e-Pro (808) 283-0635

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

Looking for a home for your retirement?    Call THE HUNTER... Georgie
Hunter, your Upcountry Expert

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

KULA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE            SIGN UP FOR THESE NEWSLETTERS

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

Maui Theatre ~ 'Ulalena

We treated our visitors to a live show in Lahaina Maui that's sure to please... 'ULALENA. 

The second time seeing this excellent Hawaii stage production was even better than the first time.  Even my 87 year old dad was impressed, and he's not easily impressed.

As VIP ticket-holders we were treated to an after-show where we got to meet the players and hear their stories and feel their passion about life in Hawaii.  I recommend the VIP treatment because it's a nice touch, with the free drinks before the show.  You can take them in.

The Maui Theater was built just for this show, and it opened about 10 years ago, when we saw the show the first time.  A Montreal Canada company is the producer of this creative endeavor..."the newest and most amazing stage production to come from Hawaii in decades".  With song, dance, acrobatics, chant and narration, the story of the islands comes to life.  Successive waves of voyagers come to these shores, a landscape alive with volcanoes, oceans and forests.  Mythology and creativity are combined resulting in a show that is well done and very entertaining.  Gods and monarchy, plants and animals and spirits all take a place on the stage for the hour and a half show.  The facilities are first rate and there's plenty of free parking. 

878 Front St.  Lahaina  Maui  call: 808 661-9913 or toll free 1-877-688-4800  www.ulalena.com

Lahaina Maui has a lot of fun things to do at night both before and after a show.  This night we had dinner at Bubba Gumps right on the water... fish and chips, wine and beer.  Followed by shopping along picturesque Front Street, where a surprising number of tourist shops were still open.  We bought Maui Candles which are pretty cool and make nice presents, easy to pack.

That was a fun day driving to Lahaina, 6 of us in the van, with coolers and beach chairs.  It was raining in Lahaina, slightly, which is unusual.  Visitors to Maui really like the historic town of Lahaina, with it's awesome banyan tree, look there it is!  I'm already missing the Canadian Hunters and wishing they would come to Maui more often.

I'm not much of a Lahaina fan, and would prefer to be on the North Shore of Maui, where it's so green and lush.  But for a day outing it was great to get to "the other side".

PAIA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE  ~  HAIKU MAUI HOMES FOR SALE ~ LAHAINA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE

Aloha from Maui -

Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro

808 283-0635  EMAIL ME

Phishing Alert - American Express

I think I know why it's called phishing - because it stinks.  Today I got a call from a man who claimed to be calling on behalf of American Express.  He said "what do you want to do about your account?".  He claimed I owned them $6,000. (such a nice round number!) and it was due by the end of the month.  So?

I hung up on him and he had the nerve to call back and continue with his harangue.  He said he knew I was a Realtor in Hawaii - he must have found my cell phone number on the internet.  Well DUH, don't you think that's a little fishy?  He really blew it when he couldn't even come up with a better middle name for me than Kelly (blame that on St. Paddy's Day today).  HELLO - since you saw my website you would know my middle name starts with an M.  Am I supposed to believe that American Express searches the internet to find their customers phone numbers?  Sure, I'll believe that!

Beware of calls from 1 - 800 448-9570

(I Googled this number and WOW - what a lot of info on these guys.)

And a few hours later, I get another call from this same number!  But it got cut off before I answered - lucky for him or he'd be needing ear surgery by now. 

REALTORS - watch out for these jerks who search sites like Active Rain to find unsuspecting victims.

PHISHERS - quit pestering me!

BUYERS AND SELLERS - Go ahead and call me, I'm waiting to hear from you if you're thinking of buying or selling your Maui home.

Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro  808 283-0635  EMAIL  www.EastMaui.com

Maui HI South Shore Condo Newsletter     -     March 2009

I feel that the turning point is near.  There are usually about 90 new condo
listings in this category each month, and that hasn't changed much for
years.  This time there are only 70 new listings in Wailea, Kihei and
Maalaea and I have to wonder if we've reached the bottom of the market.  Or
at any rate, we're running out of new inventory!
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1.     Bank Owned, North Kihei  $144,900.00
- ground floor 2BD/1BA residential townhouse
- private fenced yard, tandem parking, great starter home

2.     Bank Owned, Maalaea  $275,000.00
- 1BD/1BA fourth floor condo in original condition
- walk to Maui Ocean Center, watch the boats in the harbor

3.    Best Buy, North Kihei  $375,000.00
- beautifully remodeled 2nd floor 2BD/2BA vacation unit, with view of the pool
- lush tropical gardens, across the street from sandy beach

4.    With Loft, South Kihei  $399,000.00
- spacious 2BD/1BA furnished unit with loft bedroom, tiled floors
- very nice unit is currently in a vacation rental program and rents well

5.    Oceanfront Unit, Kihei  $529,900.00
- nicely upgraded 2BD/2BA with spectacular ocean views, rooftop deck
- limestone flooring, new appliances, white kitchen with a window

6.   Fairway Condo, Wailea  $649,000.00
- ground floor 2BD/2BA condo that allows pets, beautiful pool and fitness
center
- well maintained and tastefully decorated, granite counters, wood and tile
floors

7.    Second Home, Wailea  $899,900.00
- free standing condo offers all the benefits of a home with the conveniences of a condo
- 3BD/2.5BA home with 2 car garage, ocean views, pool and rec. center

8.    Beachfront Residence,  Kihei  $1,750,000.00
- two part residential condo right on the beach, buy both and save
- 3BD/3BA home with cute pool, palm trees on the lawn, great views

9.    Penthouse Privacy,  Wailea  $3,200,000.00
- over 1,200 sf of wow - 2BD/2BA fully upgraded and furnished vacation condo
- black granite counters, cherry cabinets, 16" tile flooring throughout, high ceilings
- ocean and mountain views from this impeccable penthouse home

10.    Most Expensive, Wailea  $5,950,000.00
- almost 3,000 sf of luxury and beautifully appointed living space in this
3BD/3.5BA vacation condo
- Wailea Beach Villas are steps away from 5 Star dining, shopping, and The
Spa at The Grand Wailea

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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 bank owned condo?  Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your
South Maui Specialist.

Sign up for these FREE newsletters about the Maui real estate market.

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

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

Gardening in Hawaii is a year round pleasure.  Serious gardeners love the native plants which thrive in this climate, and don't require a lot of maintenance.  Here on Maui you will find the bright foliage of Crotons everywhere.

Paia/Haiku Maui Real Estate Newsletter     -     February 2009

FREE MAUI E- NEWSLETTERS

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The February Realtor Caravan for Paia and Haiku was smaller than usual, with some great new Maui homes for sale.  The first listing here has already gone under contract, but there are still plenty of good deals to be had.  See if any of these are just what you're looking for.

1.    Cute as a Button, Paia  $525,000.00
- single-level 3BD/2BA remodeled home with a darling back yard, tropical flowers and trees
- save on gas and walk to everything you need in Paia, ocean view too!  Pictured here.

2.    Short Sale, Paia  $625,000.00
- upgraded 3BD/3BA home with an oceanview upstairs master suite
- wonderful yard with mature trees, gazebo, hot tub and outdoor shower

3.    Best Buy, Haiku  $697,000.00
- plantation style 2BD/3BA 1,000 sf cottage on 2 country acres with room to build more
- great big views and private tranquil setting, garage and attached ohana.  Pictured center.

4.    Gardener's Delight, Upcountry  $998,000.00
- solidly built, single level 4BD/2BA home with open beam ceilings and slate
flooring throughout
- 2 acres with privacy and secret gardens, native Hawaiian plants, tropicals, fruit trees

5.    Organic Farm,  Huelo  $1,200,000.00
- 2.5 acres with house, cottage and outbuildings, year round stream, caves,
pools and waterfalls
- hundreds of papaya, banana, mango, litchi, breadfruit, avocado, citrus fruits and more

6.    Got Visitors?  Peahi   $1,250,000.00
- immense 7BD/7BA two-story home with many possibilities for visitors to have their own space
- 2 landscaped acres in a nice subdivision, 4 car garage and 4 car carport, huge covered lanai

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Haiku Maui will be the subject of an article about vacation homes, in an
international travel magazine, Monocle.  I had the pleasure of meeting the
reporter who was working on the story.  We toured some Haiku neighborhoods
and I showed her some beautiful listings.  If you see the April issue of
Monocle, pick it up and see what they have to say about Haiku vacation
homes.

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Georgina M. Hunter (RS) e-Pro (808) 283-0635

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

Looking for a Haiku market report?    Call THE HUNTER...
Georgie Hunter, your north shore expert.

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

HAIKU HOMES FOR SALE ~ PAIA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE ~ SEARCH MAUI IDX

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