Let's talk about homes and condos for sale on Maui...
Wailea Maui Homes For Sale ~ Oceanfront Maui Properties For Sale ~ Search all Maui Condos 4 sale by name
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ cell 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL
"I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."
11 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 30 2009 06:40PMHey there Facebook people......here's a chance to win something cool.
And don't forget to be a fan of mine too while you're on Facebook. Thanks for reading my blog.
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 ~EMAIL ME ~ Search the Maui MLS
We are at it again. We are giving away another iPod Touch as part of our ongoing social media experiments. We ran our previous campaign in April, at that time using Twitter as the delivery media. This time, we are experimenting with our RealBird Facebook Page.
The rules are simple:
- Fan our RealBird Facebook Page to enter the sweepstakes
- Once we reach 1,000 fans we will randomly select one of you as the winner ( currently at 149 at the time of writing this post)
- Those of you who became our fan on Facebook prior to this sweepstakes will also participate of course
- Remain a fan until we reach the 1,000 mark (we certainly hope you remain a fan forever :)
- US residents only
- No purchase is necessary
Please reblog, tweet, share this post on as many places you can. The faster we get to 1,000 fans and the sooner you may become the winner if luck is on your side.I will have a follow up post about why we think this is a great platform for campaigns like this (social media advertising) and how you could repeat the same concept in your own real estate business. So stay tuned.Thanks for participating.
-- Zoltan
RealBird.com
8 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 28 2009 10:01PM
Maui Census Data - Quickfacts from the US Census Bureau
This week I got another call from the Census lady who's been talking with me about our household. It made me think that there's a lot of good information out there for anyone thinking about moving to Maui.
So without further ado... please check out their website and see if you find what you're looking for. You'll notice that we're a really diverse bunch of people over here. So what are you waiting for? Get on a plane and get over here NOW.
Are you planning a move to Maui? For more info about buying on Maui, please contact a Maui REALTOR® Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635
SEARCH MAUI LISTINGS ~ EMAIL ~ www.eastmaui.com/ ~ Aloha from MAUI
PAIA MAUI relocation package * HAIKU MAUI relocation package
KAHULUI MAUI relocation package * KIHEI/WAILEA MAUI relocation package
1 comment • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 27 2009 10:27PM
Want to see lots more pictures of Maui Hawaii? Check out my FaceBook Maui photo album.
For all your Maui Real Estate needs, call a local Maui REALTOR - The HUNTER will treat you right ...
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - 808 283-0635 - EMAIL - Maui Property Search
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog - please come back again.
17 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 27 2009 04:10AM
Willie Nelson played a free concert at Charley's in Paia
A few days ago we heard about it, I think it was on Facebook... Willie Nelson was going to be playing a surprise free concert somewhere on Maui. Well it was no surprise that it was in Paia, at Charley's Restaurant and Saloon, Willie's favorite Maui hangout. Word spreads fast on the coconut wireless.
Yesterday I was in the Paia office at Jim Sanders Realty, right across the street from Charley's, and I snapped some pictures of the crowd starting to line up for the free show. It was supposed to start around 7 and this was the line up about 4 pm. I hear the line up was still there at 8 pm! I bet it was a great show.
EMAIL ME ~ 808 283-0635
Aloha from Paia Maui!
9 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 27 2009 03:59AM
I like the idea of staging a home for sale, especially with homes that are vacant. I like this idea of staging it forward!
Maui home sellers - make your home look like a model home, and it will sell faster.
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro will help you to sell your Maui home ~ 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL
photo courtesy of REAL ESTAGING
A stager's blog starts the conversation.
In light of the recent post by Cathy Dick on her blog titled, "Remove my home staging signs from the home? Why?," I got to thinking about the relationships between sellers, stagers, and Realtors®. So far, I've never seen a particularly warm-fuzzy friendship between the three. That's not to say that it doesn't exist, but one scroll through the comments section of Cathy's post and you'll see what I mean.
Why do we seem to be at odds? (Realtors® and stagers)
The first thing I notice about staging and the discussion between agents and stagers, is always the same - there is split of opinion on the usefulness of staging. For the record, I think staging is a good thing and we have some great stagers right here in San Antonio, but I do have some concerns and thoughts (which I'll explain later). Much like any real estate related product or service out there, there are those that will love it and those that will despise it. I'm not surprised by this really as there is an opinion out there for just about every agent. We are a varied bunch and we don't always agree amongst ourselves on techniques, products, and services.
I don't know a ton of stagers, so I can't really comment for them. I do know that for them, they are providing a service which they believe in. From my position as an agent, I'd say they're a passionate bunch and truly believe in the potential of their services. A conversation back in February on Nicole Hurst's blog, "Cole House Design Asks "Do You Offer a Guarantee" on your Home Staging Work?," had a great comment thread that shows just how passionate they can be. Most of the stagers there seemed open to listening to agents and had a lot to say in terms of feedback, so I thought it was a good constructive conversation.
The idea that was passed in that comment thread was an interesting one to me, as in my dealings with sellers, I have found a reluctance to employ the services (on their end) of a stager. I think the biggest obstacle is cost up front with no guarantee of return. Although stagers have some great statistics for their services, agents have a hard time convincing their sellers that the cost is going to yield a sale. There is no guarantee of a sale with staging (much like there is no guarantee of a sale with a Realtor®) and because of that initial outlay of cash, there seems to be a disconnect between stagers and sellers.
What puts you at odds? (Stagers and sellers)
Sellers are surrounded by shows announcing the usefulness of staging, but they are also surrounded by DIY shows telling them how to go about it for less. Much like the eternal battle between FSBO and Realtor®, we need people to see the value in our services. How we go about it is once again, up for debate. Sellers that I have met aren't against the idea of staging, but they are against the idea of tightening budgets (this discussion would probably be different with a different economy). By the time they're done paying everyone, they fear there will be nothing left. Unfortunately, that's out of your control.
Your control of the situation is often out of your hands once you've staged the house and one of the complaints I seem to hear from stagers is that they can't offer any sort of "guarantee" as the sellers aren't guaranteed to keep the house the way it is or perform the list of chores the stager has suggested. Much like an agent, you're stuck with a seller who wants to sell their house, but won't work to get it sold. We as agents know the problems associated with this as well. In our case, there often comes a time when we must say goodbye in these situations and take our losses. I think you may have the upper hand in this situation though, as your "product" is tangible, ours is not (until the final sale). We also invest into the sale of a property, but some of that is not directly seen by the seller (some marketing isn't quite as tangible), whereas your "product" is right there in their home.
Where's the solution?
One of the thoughts I had in Nicole Hurst's blog was the possibility of a shift in business model. What if an agent and stager joined forces and charged a commission rate for their services combined. The stager would present at the listing presentation and give the sellers their opinion of what to do. We would give our presentation on how much to sell it for and how to go about marketing the home. The commission being higher than expected might throw some sellers off, but by having a "no money down" type option with a team of professionals, I can imagine it being a little easier to swallow for the seller. The initial outlay of cash seems to be one of the biggest sticking points I've come across. By getting a percentage commission (or even a flat fee - at closing), the stager becomes part of the way we sell the home, not just a side note in the eyes of the sellers.
Instead of arguing that things were out of our control (stager or Realtor®) we could both take a more proactive role in each other's business. I won't tell you which towels to hang of course, that's not my job - but we could feed off of each other, much like I do with a good lender. Teamwork. And a mutually beneficial service to the seller that would seem much more seamless in their eyes and take some of the sting out of the initial moments of selling their home. Very few people want to layout a few hundred to a few thousand dollars before they even know if someone will come look at their house. However, I'm willing to bet that if we could work as a team in getting the home sold, take our commissions as a team, and sell the homes quicker and for more money (which I believe can be done with staging), we could build a strong unit with the seller, who would turn around and recommend us as a team. It would take trust and teamwork between Realtor®, stager, and seller, but I think the return in stronger in the end.
3 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 27 2009 03:30AM
Bank Owned Homes - Kihei Maui Hawaii
Tomorrow will be spent looking at a lot of Bank Owned homes, and short sales in Kihei Maui.
Not all of these properties are bad looking either, in fact, many of them are only a few years old, and the owners have fallen victim to the poor economy and the so-called real estate bubble bursting. One man's loss is another man's gain. So with sheets of listings in hand I'll be taking a client around to see what the market has to offer in the way of distressed properties for sale.
Buyers - there is so much selection right now, that you can afford to be picky! Pick one or two you like and make some offers.
Currently for sale in Kihei Maui, short sales and REO homes start at $280,000 and go up to $1,995,000. That last one is beachfront.
We're going to try and see a dozen or more, depending on how things go. And there will be a few drive-bys to check out the neighborhood. This will be a very interesting outing and I will come back very wise!
If you're looking for a good deal on a starter home in Kihei Maui, give me a call.. I'm going to know where all the good ones are.
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro 808 283-0635
SEND AN EMAIL TO THE MAUI HUNTER
Are you moving to Maui? Maybe this Kihei Relocation Package will help you.
7 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 26 2009 12:54AM
Aloha from Maui, the best Island in the World. Let me be your guide to all things Maui.
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL ME ~ MAUI MLS SEARCH
MAKAWAO MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI homes for sale ~ PAIA MAUI homes for sale
9 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 23 2009 10:12PMKula Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter - August 2009
At this time of year I always wish I owned a home in the cool upcountry
climate of Kula. On the August Realtor Caravan I saw many homes that I
would love to live in... if I could just convince my husband! How about
you? Is a home in Kula a part of your plan?
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1. Quality Time, Kula $749,000.00
- spectacular ocean views from this lovely 4BD/3BA 2-story home with high vaulted ceilings
- pride of ownership shows, and you too will love this great home in a great subdivision
2. Quiet Location, Kula $799,000.00
- enjoy big views and privacy from your huge patio, with open ranchland space next door
- kid friendly 5BD/3.5 bath home with private master suite upstairs, fenced and level half acre
3. Casual Country, Upper Kula $1,195,000.00
- single level 3BD/3BA home with large covered lanai overlooking farmland and bicoastal views
- 4 peaceful acres with beautiful gardens, koa paneled living room with fireplace, finished basement
4. Top of the Ridge, Kula $1,250,000.00
- awesome 3BD/3BA 2-level home with double garage, solar hot water,
fireplace
- quality finishes, breathtaking views, lots of decks, spiral staircase to
the charming downstairs suite
5. Need Space? Kula $1,699,999.00
- 2 acres of land and over 5,000 sf of living space in main house and
detached cottage
- beautiful views from the house and decks, could use some updating
- tropical flowers and many fruit trees including apples, peaches, avocados,
bananas
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50 Years of Statehood - Did you know that this week Hawaii celebrated 50
years of statehood? In 1959 Hawaii was not so much a tourist destination as
a plantation economy, with sugar, pineapples and coffee dominating. Things
have sure changed in that short time, and the flight from California doesn't
take 8 1/2 hours anymore! What will the next 50 years bring?
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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 to last a lifetime? Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your Upcountry Expert
Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com
Follow me on Twitter .... I'm @mauihunter
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SEARCH THE MLS FOR KULA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE
Aloha from Maui. "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."
1 comment • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 23 2009 10:03PM
Maui Luxury Properties for Sale
What makes a Maui luxury home so special that it's worth over $10,000,000?
Oceanfront: Being on the water certainly adds to the appeal. Beachfront and oceanfront homes are among the most expensive listings on Maui. You know there are only so many of them, and the demand is high. Of the 15 highest priced residences on Maui, 10 are situated right on the ocean, with excellent views. If it's not oceanfront, then the rest of the property better make up for the fact, with large grounds, extreme privacy, or excessive square footage and features.
Views: Ocean views, sandy beach views, outer island views, mountain views, fairway views.... you must have a view! To be in this market, a big wide ocean view is imperative. Even better is a view with no other homes, ensuring complete privacy. The best homes will embrace the views from all rooms, including the bedrooms. The only room you don't want to have a view would be your home theater, without any windows at all.
A Pool: It better be over the top, preferably infinity edged and heated. A spa is a must too. The variety of swimming pools here on Maui is amazing and almost surreal. Do you want a 35 foot waterfall as a backdrop to your pool? No problem. How about a swim-up barbecue and bar? Did you say you're looking for a glass floor with fish swimming beneath your feet - I know where that is!
Square Footage: On Maui the most expensive homes go all the way up to 13,705 sf. That's a whole lot of floor wax! And speaking of floors, you can expect them to be made of exotic hardwoods, tumbled stone, travertine, marble and tile. Generally though, a more modest 4,000-8,000 sf is normal, on 1-3 levels of living space. How about an elevator?
Exclusivity: Not all luxury Maui homes are in gated communities, but many of them are. There's something reassuring about knowing the gates are closed and you're inside your private enclave. It's important to keep the looky-loos out when you have so much to show off. If you're really particular, don't settle for anything less than a gated entry with a security guard on duty at all hours.
There are currently 15 residential listings for sale priced over $10,000,000. and up to $65,000,000. Lot size ranges from a quarter acre to 4,500 acres! Some have detached cottages and maid's quarters. All are unique and beautiful. Let me know if you'd like more information on any of them. What are you looking for? Call me today!
Send an EMAIL ~ 808 283-0635
Maui Property Search MLS listings
3 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 22 2009 09:30PM
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ... for all your Maui real estate needs. 808 283-0635 EMAIL ME
Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com
See more beautiful pictures of Maui at... Flickr.com/mauihunterpics
HAIKU MAUI HOMES FOR SALE ~ HAIKU MAUI LAND FOR SALE ~ PAIA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE
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Aloha from Maui "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."
15 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 20 2009 12:46AMMaui Hawaii South Shore Condo Newsletter - August 2009
This month I want to feature some Maui condos for sale that are screaming
deals. Some of these are bank owned properties, which can mean a quick sale
for a buyer who is prepared. Others are just well priced for this market,
even below recent comps. Take advantage of these prices if you're ready and
able.
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1. First Home, North Kihei $145,900.00
- clean upper floor 2BD/1.5BA town house unit with one parking stall
- bank owned and ready to move in, carpet and vinyl floors
2. Got Kids? North Kihei $224,000.00
- upstairs 3BD/2BA corner unit, clean and ready to move in, bank owned
- stacked washer/dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, range
3. Well Maintained, South Kihei $375,000.00
- 2BD/2BA vacation condo with long term tenant until next Feb.
- nice looking ground floor unit in original condition, walk across to Kamaole Park III
4. Gorgeous Views, North Kihei $425,000.00
- remodeled beachfront 2BD/2BA vacation condo with awesome ocean views
- sharp unit with tile floors, granite countertops, new furniture, it's a
short sale
5. Short Sale, Wailea $589,000.00
- ground floor 1BD/2BA vacation condo in desirable Wailea
- great rental history, good condition unit in a favorable location
6. Beachfront Complex, Wailea $675,000.00
- prime ocean views from this 1BD/1BA ground floor unit with lush grounds
- remodeled and upgraded in 2007, seller needs out, short sale
7. Fairway and Ocean Views, Wailea $875,000.00
- bank owned 3BD/3BA 2-story unit with den, sweeping ocean and golf course views
- beautiful pool, spa, and fitness center, golf privileges available
8. Gated Townhouse, Wailea $881,900.00
- almost new 3BD/2.5BA home with garage, high ceilings, granite and
travertine
- gated community of 2-story townhomes, infinity pool, fitness center, bank
owned
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Makena Beach (pictured) - after some confusion, it has been announced that visitors to
Makena State Park don't have to worry about their cars being ticketed if
they park outside the lines. State enforcement officers won't issue
citations for people who park on the dirt or gravel in the first parking
lot. This unusual parking event has been resolved for now, so go ahead and
enjoy your Makena Beach experience!
(from the Maui News online)
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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 place to park your car? Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter,
your South Maui Specialist.
Search all condo and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com
WAILEA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE ~ SEARCH YOUR FAVORITE MAUI CONDOS FOR SALE
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Aloha from Maui... "I want to help you reach your Real
Estate goals."
3 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 17 2009 10:54PM
Get some expert advice from a local Maui REALTOR® before taking the plunge. Whether buying or selling a home on Maui, you won't get taken to the cleaners by an agent with integrity and market knowledge.
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ... for all your Maui real estate needs. 808 283-0635 EMAIL ME
Tweet with me on Twitter.com @mauihunter
Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com
HAIKU MAUI HOMES FOR SALE ~ HAIKU MAUI LAND FOR SALE ~ PAIA MAUI HOMES FOR SALE
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Aloha from Maui "I want to help you reach your Real Estate goals."
13 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 15 2009 09:42PMHave you been bitten by the bug? The MAUI BUG?
You know what I'm talking about...
Have you visited Maui and something got under your skin? Something that just won't go away?
Are you having trouble sleeping because all you dream about is Maui?
Do you feel a little light headed when you recall your last Maui vacation?
Are you depressed because winter is coming and you're stuck in a cold climate?
Do you feel sick when your plane is taking off from Maui?
Are you just itching to get back on a plane and see Maui again?
Why not trade all that in for a case of Polynesian Paralysis?
Let the Maui Real Estate Doctor take care of you and make you feel better.
Call Me Today!
808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL
11 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 15 2009 09:07PM
ORTHOWHITE WILL RIP YOU OFF
I hope this post makes it to the top of Google search and stays there. I was the victim of a sleazy scam and I want to spread the word about ORTHOWHITE tooth whitening product.
They will entice you with a $1.00 sample product. They will charge you $1. Then 8 days later they will charge you $78.14. When you call them to complain about this extra charge they will say it's because you didn't cancel your order within 8 days of ordering (not within 8 days of trying the product). They will also continue to charge this every month until you cancel.
ORTHOWHITE WILL RIP YOU OFF.
When I Googled ORTHOWHITE, I found some complaints similar to mine.
From what I understand, here's another thing they will try... sending your product to the wrong address! I guess they think if you don't get the product you might just forget about it and not notice the $78.14 charge EVERY MONTH after. And they get their product back to send to another sucker!
Yes, they got my address wrong - how convenient for them!
ORTHOWHITE - let's talk - if you reimburse me the rest of my money (not just the paltry amount you claim you will) I will remove this blog post.
ORTHOWHITE is a company in Boulder Colorado. ORTHOWHITE uses deceptive practices to rip you off.
ORTHOWHITE this is what I am tweeting about you: Internet deception rampant... Orthowhite tooth whitening trial sample is a rip off - don't go there! Bware of them here on Twitter.... are you listening?
ORTHOWHITE I am waiting for my refund.
11 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 14 2009 04:11PM
It's hurricane season in the Hawaiian Islands - but don't let that change your mind about buying a home on Maui. Maui is still the best island in the world no matter what else happens.
Kula Maui homes for sale ~ Pukalani Maui homes for sale ~ Makawao Maui homes for sale
Haiku Maui homes for sale ~ Haiku Maui land for sale ~ Oceanfront Maui homes and land for sale
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro ~ 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL ~
17 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 13 2009 03:35AM
Hotel Wailea Maui- (formerly Diamond Wailea Resort & Spa)
555 Kaukahi Street
Wailea, HI 96753
(800) 800-0720
The Diamond Hawaii Resort & Spa in Wailea has been rebranded as the Hotel Wailea Maui, as of June 15, 2009. The owners are hoping to reposition the resort as a luxury boutique property, with only 72 competitively priced ocean-view suites.
The quiet location away from the busy oceanfront area of Wailea ensures a relaxing experience. Guests will still enjoy access to world-class golf, shopping, and fine dining. Upon arrival you will be greeted by a smiling bellman who offers you cold water and a refreshing wet hand towel.
One of the highlights of the resort is their 5-star Italian restaurant - Capische,where you can dine in an ocean view terrace and garden (al fresco) setting. Rub elbows with celebrities here!
Or, if you're looking for a very personal dining experience, try Il at Capische, where you'll be pampered by your own personal chef in a private room with a special menu and wine pairing. Il Teatro dining is like nothing else on Maui.
For reservations call 808 879-2224
At the Hotel Wailea Maui there are 4 suites situated in each of 18 buildings nestled among lush tropical foliage. Rooms will be priced at about $250/night.
Are you thinking about moving to Wailea? For more information about Wailea real estate please consult with a local Maui REALTOR® - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro.
Wailea Maui Homes For Sale ~ Oceanfront Maui Properties For Sale ~ 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL
8 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 11 2009 09:00PMI don't do TEXT messaging - am I missing the boat?
I like to think I'm pretty up to date with technology when it comes to real estate. But I'm NOT using the text feature on my phone and people tell me I should be.
Many years ago I had a bad experience with texting - somebody was sending out rude texts and making like they were coming from me (and others). I would get many calls all day long from people asking that I quit sending them messages. I was also receiving a lot of unwanted texts - you know, about certain drugs for men, xxx sites, etc. So I had my texting abilities shut off, after much discussion with AT&T.
Now, the future has arrived and everyone is texting back and forth all day long. Am I missing something? Are buyers texting me and I don't know it? I probably should change my perspective about texting, but I need your help.
Why should I be texting? Will total strangers send me a text inquiry about a Maui home for sale? Do serious buyers or sellers really start the dialog with a text message? Will I be bombarded with TEXT SPAM? Help me to understand this technology please!
I really appreciate any answers that will help me catch the boat! Leave a response here, send an email, or call - but don't TEXT me... yet.
Thanks for reading my Maui Blog - Aloha!
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro * 808 283-0635 * EMAIL * MAUI PROPERTY SEARCH
14 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 11 2009 06:25PMHawaii high-income taxpayers need to pay attention State of Hawaii - Tax Department
In Hawaii, on May 8 2009, 3 new income tax brackets at the top were created by passing of a bill. The new law increases the highest level to 11% for singles with net taxable incomes of $200,000 or more, heads of household with net incomes of $300,000 or more, and married couples filing jointly with a taxable income of $400,000 and above. Previously the highest tax rate was 8.5% and that still holds for married couples filing jointly with taxable income between $96,000 - $300,000.
There is now also a 9% rate and a 10% rate, making Hawaii the state with the most tax brackets (12), and also the highest income tax rate. What a great distinction for our state! Is this the price of living in paradise?
What is a taxpayer to do? Since the withholding tables only go up to 8%, high-earners will need to take steps to ensure that enough money will be withheld, to avoid penalties later. Employees can voluntarily increase their withholdings at a higher rate, or take fewer exemptions. They can also make quarterly estimated payments, keeping in mind that this law is retroactive to January 1, 2009. The correct amount for the 2009 year must be paid in full by April 20, 2010.
On the brighter side, the new taxes will probably not affect as many this year as they would have a few years ago, due to lower pay, bonuses and commissions, and more layoffs due to the current economy.
Of course a high earner could buy a new home or condo on Maui and use the mortgage deduction to offset their income. There are certainly plenty of fine properties to choose from. I can help with the Maui property search.
Search all Maui condos by name
808 283-0635 EMAIL the Hunter
5 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 10 2009 06:32PM
Aloha from Maui, the best Island in the World. Let me be your guide to all things Maui.
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro 808 283-0635 EMAIL ME ~ MAUI MLS SEARCH
MAKAWAO MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI homes for sale ~ PAIA MAUI homes for sale
6 comments • Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro Maui Real Estate Sales • August 09 2009 09:23PMContent © 2009 'Frequent Contributors'. Design © 2009 ActiveRain Corp.
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