Maui Blog - Georgina M. Hunter R(S): September 2010

Wordless Wednesday - I love you dawg  - it's been 2 years now

Isn't she just the cutest little dog you ever saw?

It's been 2 years now since the first day we brought her home as a tiny puppy!

She's a good girl and she gets to run free and roam over acres of ground, including a valley with a stream.

Yes we do spoil her and let her up on the bed, and she loves it!

Thanks for reading MyMauiBlog

other posts about my Kona girl:

• new puppy pics of Kona
• Kona gets an electric bike
• Kona goes looking at condos
• Kona goes to the beach in Wailea
• Kona goes wild with Honey (video)
• Kona drives the Hana Hwy (video)

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

Random snapshots from Paia Maui on a Friday afternoon

Of course I took these with my Hipstamatic camera which is so much fun!

I like the way they look old and faded, sort of like Paia itself!

It's Aloha Friday you know, no work 'til Monday... for some folks.

There's new shops opening up all the time in Paia and you never know what you'll see.

Park your car, stroll around and enjoy yourself.  There's plenty to do in Paia Maui Hawaii.

You can even buy a home here in Paia starting at $245,000.

Oceanfront homes in Paia start at $1,400,000.

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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

Maui Hawaii South Shore Condo Newsletter     -     September 2010

What happened?  The new condo listings in the past month hit a brick wall.  Instead of the usual hundred or so new offerings, I am only coming up with 44 and that includes the Leasehold ones which I usually don't bother with.  Perhaps the oversupply from last month had something to do with it.  At any rate, here are some just listed Maui condos that might be just what you're looking for.

4.    Vacation Oceanfront, Maalaea  $300,000.00

- very sexy 3rd floor 2BD/2BA leasehold oceanfront condo with all the upgrades you want

- 952 sf of luxury living space, lanai with wonderful ocean views, it's a short sale though

5.  Hard to Find, North Kihei  $360,000.00

- ground floor 2BD/2BA vacation condo in excellent condition, cul de sac across from the beach

- small complex of only 10 units, with in-ground pool, close to windsurfing beach, not a short sale or REO 

6.  Best Buy, South Kihei  $525,000.00

- popular complex, prime ocean view 2BD/2BA upper floor unit with upgraded furnishings 

- could use some updating in the kitchen and baths but ready to vacation rent, taking back up offers

7.    A Cut Above, Maalaea  $725,000.00
- timeless quality, luxury 2BD/2BA oceanfront unit in oceanfront building, minutes away from beaches and restaurants

- upgrades include wall to wall travertine flooring, limestone lanai, imperial plaster walls, custom kitchen and bathroom cabinets

- not a distressed property at all, just a very nice vacation condo that needs a new owner

8.    Most Expensive,  Wailea  $5,100,000.00
- once again Wailea Point takes the prize, with a 2BD/3BA oceanfront sunset view unit

- no stair entry, large glassed in lanai protected from the tradewinds, professionally updated and redecorated

SEARCH ALL MAUI CONDOS FOR SALE BY NAME

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The Wailea Gateway Center is open for business at the corner of Wailea Ike Drive and the Piilani Highway.  The commercial spots are filling up, including a Subway Sandwich and a Pita Paradise for dining options.  You can also find a real estate brokerage and property management company, which is great if you own a vacation home that needs bookings.  Keep your eye on this new shopping center in Wailea as it fills up with other boutiques and restaurants.

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Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro SFR
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 Wailea vacation home?
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

You could get these free Maui e-newsletters by asking!

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

   

Hawaii Five-0 back on TV - don't forget to tune in tonight!

Remember Hawaii Five-0?  That TV drama we all know and love is making a come back, and tonight is the night!  Don't forget to tune in on CBS and watch the premiere episode of Hawaii Five-0, filmed here in Hawaii.

I really hope this new series will be a winner, and will run for many seasons.  The film business is good for the economy over here in Hawaii.  Now that Lost is no longer in production, we could use a good TV series to keep a lot of people employed in the industry.

I've got it all set to record on the DVR and can't wait.  You people on the mainland will get to see it before we do.  Please give it good reviews!

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

Hipstamatic point and shoot camera app for iPhone

I have been having some fun with the HIPSTAMATIC camera app for my iPhone.  It's a way to take photos that look like they were taken with a small instamatic camera.  You can "change" the lens and the film for different photo effects, or just give it a shake and take a chance.  You never really know what the results will be, which makes it interesting.  

What you will notice is the pictures have a look from another era, kind of like those old pictures in a shoebox in your closet, that fade with time.  

Below are some Maui snapshots taken with my iPhone:

Digital photography never looked so analog.... that's their catch phrase.

There's something about the quality of these pictures that is hard to define... is it nostalgia?

The fact that they are so imperfect makes them unique and interesting.

You almost want to pick them up and feel them, turn them over.

And if the $1.99 app isn't enough, you can buy more lenses and film to expand the repertoire and have even more fun!  I might just get hooked on this Hipstamatic app.

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 - Angel's Trumpet tree from Kula Maui HI

This was a tree by the Kula Lodge, with white flowers.

This was a tree by one of our Kula homes for sale - with yellow flowers.

SEARCH THE MAUI MLS FOR KULA MAUI 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

Wordless Wednesday - Spreckelsville Maui beachfront beauty

I forgot that some people check in here for their Maui fix and neglected to post some mouthwatering beach scenes... so here you go... eat your heart out!

OCEANFRONT MAUI for sale ~ PAIA MAUI 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

Kula Maui Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     September  2010

Here's a nice assortment of Kula homes for sale which were featured on the Upcountry Realtor Caravan this month.  Be sure to ask for more details if you're interested in buying any of these listings.

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1.    New Roof and Paint, Kula  $440,000.00

- single story 3BD/2BA home with new roof and paint, repairs unde

rway, ocean and mountain views

- close to Kula commercial activity and community center, Kula El

ementary School

2.   Holy Cow, Kula  $560,000.00
- sweet and charming 2BD/2BA updated home with bicoastal ocean views, remodeled kitchen

- hardwood floors, French doors, high end kitchen appliances, backs up to church yard, vacant lot next door

3.  Colorful Garden, Kula $599,,000.00 

- beautiful low maintenance garden adds curb appeal to this 1BD/2.5BA home on a corner lot

- great views from the viewing deck and upstairs master bedroom, studio apartment downstairs with separate entrance

4.    Live Outdoors, Upper Kula  $749,000.00

- half acre lot with 1,900 sf 2BD/2BA 2-story home, huge lanai with gazebo, hot tub and dining area

- vaulted ceiling, billiards room with fireplace, ocean views, loft office, plenty of room for entertaining

5.    Year Round Sunsets, Kula  $799,000.00

- maximum privacy on 3/4 of an acre, with long driveway flag lot, stunning bicoastal views from both floors, landscaped yard with rock walls

- fairly new 3BD/3BA home, great room with fireplace, hardwood and tile floors, gourmet kitchen, 2 car garage

6.  Maui Onions, Kula  $849,000.00

- rich 2 acre family farm that has produced sweet Maui onions, veggies and flowers for decades, bordered by Haleakala Ranch

- remodeled single level 3BD/2BA home with 2 car carport, large lanai, room to build a detached cottage and more

7.  Upcountry's Finest, Kula  $1,300,000.00

- house and detached cottage on a third acre in one of Kula's best neighborhoods, bicoastal views

- 3BD/2.5BA home is extensively remodeled by an interior designer with bamboo floors, quartzite courtyard, Japanese gardens

- adorable 500 sf 1BD/1BA cottage, fully fenced and gated, custom automatic gate

8.  Private Estate, Upper Kula  $1,675,000.00

- gated 3.3 acres estate bordering Haleakala Ranch, detached gazebo with hot tub, dog kennel, tree house, garden shed

- 4,300 sf 2BD/2.5BA home with many koa wood accents, radiant heat flooring, new metal roof, exercise room and sauna

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

How important is an ocean view when buying a home on Maui?

As a Maui Realtor, I get to see a lot of homes and condos and take pictures.  Why not share some of the views I see so potential buyers can get an idea of what they're getting?

When buying a Maui home, one of the important criteria is an ocean view.  Some buyers absolutely have to have one, and even want to be oceanfront with an expansive view that includes outer islands.  Others are satisfied with a peek-a-boo view, just a slice of the blue ocean in the distance.  

Our MLS system doesn't really differentiate between prime ocean views versus partial ocean views (unlike renting a condo).  Our system merely has ocean view or mountain/ocean view as our 2 options.  This could be expanded, but where do you draw the line?  Here's some classifications that I use:

• ocean view = any glimpse of the ocean
• bicoastal ocean view = you can see the north shore of Maui and the south shore at the same time
• sunset ocean view = self explanatory, applies to buildings where some units face north and have a nice ocean view, but no sunsets, and others face south
• sunrise ocean view = a bonus if you live in Wailuku, Hana, Haiku
• outer island views = this can include Lanai, Molokai, Molokini and Koohoolawe.  If you can see all these islands, that's as good as it gets!

Haiku Maui HI - Twin Falls Farm Stand - the movie!

Not long ago I posted some pictures of this famous Maui north shore roadside attraction... now here's the 1 minute movie!  

The Twin Falls Farm Stand is a popular spot on a sunny day, with so many cars pulled over by the side of the Hana Highway it can get dangerous.  People come for the waterfalls, which can be reached from the easy hiking trails.  They stay for the wonderful concoctions they whip up at the fruit stand, such as banana smoothies, and sugar cane juice.  Grab a cold drink and head up the trail for some tropical scenery and exercise.

Where is Twin Falls on Maui?  If you drive the Hana Highway (Hwy 36), it's just past the 2 mile marker, which would be a couple of miles past the intersection with Kaupakalua Road (Hwy 360).  It's on the right as you head for Hana.  That's only about a 15 minute drive from either Paia or Makawao town, or half an hour from Kahului, the main city.

Want to go swimming?  It's an easy adventure for the whole family.  Grab the kids and the old folks a make a day of it.  Bring your swimsuit and sunscreen because it can get hot.  

HAIKU MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI land 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

Other video posts from Haiku Maui:

• Door of Faith Rd.
• harvesting bananas 
• Haiku Marketplace
• Jaws surfbreak
• pineapple fields 
• waterfall on Hana Highway

Haiku Maui HI - what just sold in August 2010 - market update

There were 6 residential sales in Haiku Maui HI for August, ranging from $340,000 - $1,350,000.  Total sales volume was $4,261,300.  That's a lot of cash outlay, especially when you consider that 3 of these were ALL CASH buyers.

Here's a brief synopsis of the sold homes in Haiku Maui, from low price to high price:

• 420 Kekoanui Pl. SOLD for $340,000.  1 acre of all usable land with a complete fixer upper and a tear down old home too.  Mature fruit trees, ocean view, corner lot on a country road.  I really liked this one and thought it would sell quickly, which it did... less than 2 months on market. (pictured)
• 80-88 Hohani Pl. SOLD for $656,000.  Bank owned house and cottage on 2 acres in a country subdivision.  Again this was a really quick sale of only 39 days!
• 55B Palulu Way SOLD for $625,000.  A residential condo single family home on 1 peaceful acre tucked away from it all.  It took 259 days to sell this time, but was on and off the market plenty.  Residential condos are a little harder to sell because many times buyers don't want to be bound to their neighbor in any way.
• 2120 Lilikoi Rd. SOLD for $765,000.  2.8 acres with an adorable 3BD/2BA home and room to build a cottage.  Lots of fruit trees and ocean views.  335 DOM.
• 249 Kaokoa Way SOLD for $525,300.  It was a short sale and overpriced to begin with and that's probably why it took 407 days to sell.  2 acres with a home that needed a lot of updating.  Nice quiet spot though with some big mature palms and fruit trees.
• 111 Door of Faith Rd. SOLD for $1,350,000. Cash buyer.  Another short sale taking 399 days to close.  Sold for about $1M less than original asking price!  Beautiful custom home sitting on over 7 acres with ocean views.  Watch a Door of Faith Rd video.

They say it rains every day in Haiku, but what do they know?

You know they say it rains every day in Haiku Maui and that may or may not be true.  On the 2nd Thursday of each month the Maui Realtors get together to view the new listings for the north shore.  In all the years I have been doing he Realtor caravan in Paia and Haiku there have been very few Thursdays when it is raining.  Like maybe once a year.

Today is one of those days with some sprinkles in Haiku, just a refreshing mist. But most of the time I can say the Realtor caravan for the north shore of Maui is sunny.  By midday the clouds were gone and it was another beautiful day in paradise, as usual.

And you know what else they say... no rain no rainbows. 

And what's wrong with a little rain anyway?  On average you might get anywhere from 30-75 inches of rain in Haiku, depending on where you are, and the year.  We are kind of in a drought on Maui and in some areas like Kula they are on voluntary water cut-backs, and the ground is dry and hard.  Not so in Haiku.  Everything is lush and green thanks to those early morning showers.

HAIKU MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI land for sale ~ PAIA MAUI 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

Wordless Wednesday - Rainbow over the ocean

We've been having a really good summer here in Haiku Maui with scattered rain showers in the mornings.  Rain showers and rainbows over the ocean!

HAIKU MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI land for sale ~ PAIA MAUI 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

Maui Weather Report

Wailuku Maui HI - The Villas at Kehalani - market update video

What's happening at the newest luxury townhomes in Wailuku Maui?  Construction is still underway on the next phase and more properties are for sale at great low prices, starting at $421,000 for 2BD/2.5BA homes.  There is even a beautifully furnished 3BD/2.5BA model home being offered for $599,000 - with A/C, and the wet bar upgrade.

More about the Villas at Kehalani

SEARCH MAUI CONDOS FOR SALE BY NAME

These are some really quality condo homes!  Each building has 3 or 4 units, depending on the configuration.  All townhouses come with a 2 car garage, stucco exterior walls, Monier roof tiles, and large covered lanais.  Many have great views of the Wailuku/Kahului central area, and Haleakala mountain.  

See what the new development is looking like this September 2010.  I think you'll like what you see.  If you have any questions about the Villas at Kehalani, please let me know and I will do my best to answer them for you.

To date there have been 22 sales recorded, ranging from $406,000 - $700,000.  The first sale was in November 2008.

Are you looking to buy a second home on Maui?  These Stanford Carr condos are well suited for the discriminating buyer who wants a home close to the airport and all things "town".  You can lock it up and rest assured that your home is in good hands while you are away from this island paradise.

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

Maui has a lot of condo properties, in fact they are the biggest section of the market here.  These days it really is important to make sure the financials are strong.  

Buyers - please read the documents and make a note of any questions that arise.

SEARCH MAUI CONDOS FOR SALE BY NAME

Speechless Sunday - Bali house for sale, Paia Maui HI

Would you believe 2 homes, 2 lots, 1 block from the ocean and asking $675,000?  Don't let this sweet deal in Paia town get away.  Call the Hunter today and make an offer! MLS#343493

OCEANFRONT MAUI for sale ~ PAIA MAUI 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

What a view! - building a home in Kula Maui HI - bicoastal views

How about this view?  Taken from up in Jacaranda Grove subdivision in Kula Maui HI.  There are still some vacant lots for sale in the Jacaranda Grove and the adjoining Kulamanu neighborhood, starting at $235,000 for a third acre roughly.  All the lots have ocean views, but some are way better and you can see both the north shore and south shore of Maui.

Kula vacant land is priced very well right now and if you can afford to buy land and build a home you will benefit from the fact that builders are more available too.  Just a few years ago this kind of project might have been out of reach.  If you're thinking about building a home in Kula Maui, let me help you find the perfect spot to start your dream.

SEARCH ALL MAUI VACANT LAND FOR SALE BY AREA

KULA MAUI HAWAII HOMES FOR SALE

- Currently there are 9 house lots under 1 acre, including a couple of Hawaiian Home Lands lots.  Priced between $35,000 and $1,295,000.

- There are 82 total vacant parcels for sale in Kula Maui, priced between $35,000 and $18,800,000.  That last price tag will get you over 3,000 acres on the slopes of Haleakala, and a classic ranch house too.

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 posts:

• classic ranch house kitchen
• arena polo in upcountry Maui
• Kula Maui HI newsletter

Aloha Friday - flowers for the weekend

Just some colorful flowers to make you smile on this Aloha Friday!

As you know, Maui is a tropical paradise when it comes to flowers and plants.

It's easy to grow all of these beautiful plants when you live in Hawaii.

These are fake, but I thought it was fun anyway.  They are leis for wearing around your neck.

Have a great Labor Day weekend.

HAIKU MAUI homes for sale ~ HAIKU MAUI land for sale ~ PAIA MAUI 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

Makawao/Pukalani Hawaii Real Estate Newsletter     -     August 2010

1.    Detached Condo, Pukalani  $399,000.00
- live the ease of condo life but with the benefits of your own detached 3BD/2.5BA 2 level home
- cul de sac with similar homes fronting the golf course, nice open floor plan with mountain views

2.   Two Homes, Makawao  $399,000.00

- cute 2BD/1BA house and detached 1BD/1BA cottage on a lot with big shady trees and tropical flowers

- lots of off street parking, main house with open beam ceilings and wood burning fireplace, in the heart of town

3.    Young Family, Pukalani  $429,000.00
- well cared for single level 3BD/2BA home with enclosed garage and large covered deck, views

- open beam ceilings, picture windows, solar hot water, walk to elementary school and open spaces

4.    Short Sale, Pukalani  $465,000.00
- spacious single level 3BD/2BA home with some remodeling done including a bathroom with glass block shower
- family room and den could have ohana potential, storage sheds in level yard, 2 car garage

5.    Extended Family, Makawao  $525,000.00
- 2 living arrangements in large 5BD/3BA 2-story home with 2 car garage, cul de sac street

- level yard is fenced for small dogs, close to Makawao Avenue 

6.    Best Buy, Makawao  $580,000.00
- extra large half acre lot with 2 well separated homes, end of road location for privacy
- 3BD/2BA main house makes good use of extensive outdoor workspace, cute 2BD cottage sits below

7.   Stack Em Up, Pukalani  $647,000.00

- creative multi-level living spaces with an old world look, separate large gym/workout room opens right up

- plenty of smooth lawn or concreted area for parking and sitting out, complemented by a sweet detached cabana

8.    Living on the Edge, Pukalani  $649,000.00
- single level plantation style 3BD/2BA home and garage perched on the rim of large gulch, wide open views

- charming white kitchen and wood floors inside, French doors lead out to a 500 sf covered lanai with views

9.    Sweet Views, Pukalani  $684,000.00

- you can't help but notice the miles and miles of sugar cane fields and forever bicoastal views 
- 2-story 3BD/3BA home, semi-detached garage with maids quarters above, many fruit bearing trees including mango

10.    King of Your Castle, Makawao  $765,000.00
- large home and cottage on a gently sloped half acre lot, 2BD/1BA 700 sf cottage of matching design

- 4BD/4.5BA 2-story castle has wrap around lanais on both levels, rock wall foundation and walkway, garage

- interior with lots of shiny white finishes, nice views, nice neighborhood with community pool

11.    Heavy Equipment, Olinda  $1,100,000.00
- 3 acre country estate with house, detached garage, well separated cottage, warehouse, horse pastures 

- house with soaring wood ceilings, wood floors, big views from lots of windows, large sunny deck, trellis courtyard

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Don't forget there's a Maui County DMV office upcountry at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.  They are open from 8-3:30 on Monday to Friday, with furlough days occasionally.  You'll find them around the back side on the lower level.  Plenty of free parking.

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

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

Looking for a huge barn?
Call THE HUNTER... Georgie Hunter, your Maui Realtor.

Search all land and residential listings on my website... www.eastmaui.com
Read more about Maui on MyMauiBlog.com

Sign up for these free real estate newsletters from Maui Hawaii.

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Buy a home in Makawao Maui HI 96768   ~   Buy a home in Pukalani Maui HI 96768

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