MauiLifeStyleBlog

The statistics show it. People are not buying homes!!! There has never been a time in the almost 10 years I have been in this industry where low home prices have met record low interest rates.  Despite this, new research published shows that people would rather rent.  After three years of doom and gloom, I can understand the perception that owning a home might be too risky for most.

Do you plan to be the last one to stand on the fence????

I wish you won't!   As an industry, we in real estate have failed to properly convey to the masses that there has never been a better time to buy. In fact, many in real estate helped fuel the fire of more pending doom. I wish to take emotion out of the equation, and only look at economic factors. The bottom line is this: It makes more fiscal sense to purchase than to rent. The rental market is tightening up, and rents are on the rise, which is in sharp contrast to low home prices and record low interest rates. Yet a recently released study reported two horrible stats our industry must cope with. The first is that 23% of people currently renting believe they cannot qualify for a mortgage. And the second is that 53% of those renting would choose to rent again if they had to move.

Let me explain you about the benefits of owing versus renting.

Despite what the media has been saying for the past three years, it is not more difficult today to qualify for a mortgage. So long as you can document your income, and have decent, not even great credit, you can get a mortgage.

For the 17th time in a row, Maui has been voted by readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as the "Best Island in the World" and not only this but also the "Best American Island" for the 21st consecutive year.  It is said that the Readers' Choice Awards poll is a unique and trusted source of advice globally. 

The 5 top US islands were scored as follows:

1st Place: Maui 92.1,

Second: Kauai 90.0

Third: Kiawah in South Carolina 86.6

While the 4th and 5th places went to Oahu and The Big Island which both got 85.8

4 of the first 5 places went to Hawai'i and the small island of Lanai came 6th with a score of 84.6.

To know more about other islands globally click here

Maui surpassed all other top destinations gobally and even did better than "Best City" winners while the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea came in 2nd position amongs the "Top Hawaii Resorts".

For the first 8 months of the year, Maui's occupancy rates remained ahead of the same period in 2010 (71.9% vs 69.5%) and, according to Hospitality Advisor, the sub-area of Wailea on Maui had the highest occupancy rate.  With fewer arrivals from the US Mainland and Japan, this took place thanks to a higher mix of visitors coming from Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Europe all of them experiencing the Maui Lifestyle at its best.

If you too are thinking living the Maui Lifestyle... here is a great 2bedroom/2bath top floor oceanfront condo in Kihei you may consider purchasing.  It can be rented short term, is in a pristine location with expanded ocean view from Wailea to the West Maui Mountains and 3 outer islands in the distance.  The complex has a pool, hot tub and a sauna.  The unit has seen multiple price reductions to follow the market and is sold turn-key.

If you want to know more about it... please look at this short video and give me a call if you have any questions>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36IlVCvdjCE

With Alohaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

fabienne

A wonderfully upgraded unit (#110) came up on the market in Grand Champions at Wailea. The 2bedroom/2bath unit has been totally guttered, refurbished, never been occupied since and is now on the market listed at an incredibly low price of $610,000for a property in Wailea.

Grand Champions complex counts 188 apartments in twenty 2 & 3-story buildings scattered over 12.25 acres. Its construction was completed in 1990. From 1bedroom/2baths up to 2bedroom/2bath with den, the 4 floor plans range from approx. 908 sq.ft up to 1,383 sq.ft., covered balcony not included.

Surrounded by a green belt, some units are along the Fairway of Wailea's elite Blue Golf Course while other are facing the Wailea Tennis Club and its “onolicious” Joe Bar’s and Grill restaurant owned by Bev Gannon and her husband Joe.  Unit 110 (MLS#349411) is on the tennis court side and offers a nice ocean view in the distance.  Being a top floor unit, it has vaulted ceiling, a sense of space and is beautifully decorated throughout.

A unique feature of the Grand Champions in the larger 2 bedrooms units is the lock-off capability maximizing the vacation rental flexibility. To find out if some of these units are for sale, call me at 808.280.8167 or Toll Free 1-800-667-5028 Ext 8326

Grand Champions Amenities

The Grand Champions at Wailea where short term rentals are permitted offers 2 pools with Spa, has designated BBQ areas and has a manager on-site. Uncovered parking stalls are assigned to each unit unfortunately pets are not allowed on the premises.

Special golf and tennis rates are offered to Wailea Owners.

Last but not least…Owners & renters alike walk along the walkway, pass The Shops at Wailea with its casual to fine dining restaurants, boutiques and more... to reach the World's Top white sandy Beaches of Wailea.

With 11 years of local knowledge of the Maui real estate market and working with buyers or sellers alike in Wailea/Makena, I am bringing all the Hawaiian islands in your home at the click of a mouse with the #1 website for Hawaii,  HawaiiLife.com  that has more than 120,000 visitors per month.  Be one of them!  If you are thinking of buying or selling a property, please do not hesitate to contact me 808-280-8167 or email me at fabienne@HawaiiLife.com, I like to be of service.

With Alohaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

The property located 567 Kupulau in Maui Meadows was my favorite!

A charming older 2-story home with a totally updated very spacious living area on the 2nd floor, gorgeous wood floor throughout, modern kitchen, granite countertops, high cathedral ceiling and much more 

The outside patio is to die for... outdoor tropical potted plants galore leading

to the elevated patio to fully enjoy the expanded ocean view

Priced at $1,250,000 the house has MOL 3100sf net living area, 3bedrooms/4 baths and a detached 2 bedroom cottage on a lot of approx. 23,130sf.

I can be your buyer's representative at no cost to you.  Call me for a private showing at 808.280.8167

for more info, email me at fabienne@HawaiiLife.com

Live a world away... Live on Maui!

With Aloha

Alohaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

MAUI, according to Conde Nast magazine, may very well be the Best Island in the world. Living here myself since 1996, I won't argue about that!.

The Hawaiian archipelago counts 7 islands that I will mention according to their size, starting from the largest: Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Nihau & Kaaholawe. Some are inhabited, some are not and contrary to what you may believe, Big Island does not have the largest number of inhabitants. It's Oahu, the 3rd one that counts the largest number (approx. 1.5Mio), Maui comes second with about 130,000.

Maui is only a 25 minute plane ride from Oahu which is the home of Waikiki and Honolulu and where international flights arrive. Smaller flights can directly fly from the mainland to our big city of Kahului (OGG airport) but very often visitors have to land in Oahu first. Now that the Hawaii Superferry's very short life is gone, the only way we can travel to the neighbor islands is by plane.

Maui is a multi-cultural melting pot of populations. It is said that the Polynesians were the first one who came to the islands on their outrigger canoes, guided by the stars but when at the beginning of last century, the sugar cane and pineapple plantations ruled Maui, workers from China, Japan, The Philipines, Portugal, Korea, Indonesia and other countries were brought in to work the fields. All these cultures are well rooted here. Tourism being now the driving economy, agriculture has taken a back seat but many actual inhabitants' last names will remind you about their origin.

Why would visitors come to Maui Hawai'i? There are many reasons, including not only family vacations but also honeymoons, weddings, golfing, all types of water sports competitions and of course just plain health & wellness. According to the Maui Visitor's Bureau the number of visitors increased by 8.9% in 2010. Don't hesitate to visit their website if you plan your first trip to Hawaii.

Contrary to what you may believe but Maui isn't a place where you will only find beaches! Amongst all the Hawaiian islands, it is said that Maui has the nicest sandy beaches though! Our average temperature is in the low 80s and depending where you are on the island, it can be a desertic climate like in Kihei in South Maui, a very wet one like in Haiku or Hana, the most eastern city that you will reach by driving through the Rainforest.

Historically, the island has been inhabited for about 450 years. We have some artifacts to prove it and the Maui Historical Society has events, tours & projects that are going on. Be sure to contact it. We also have the Maui Arts and Cultural Center where you can find local artists arts, education, events and each year, end of June it organizes its famous Celestial Film Festival.

There are tons of websites that will point you to Maui but in my humble opinion, the Maui Visitor’s Bureau is the one that will cover most of the answers to your potential questions if this is your first visit Maui.

Maui is like no other place!! The atmosphere is unique, it is a healing & a spiritual place, a wonderful and interesting place, a place to have fun but also a happy & loving place to relax, no wonder why Maui is also called “The Magic Isle”. It has been “my” place for 15 years, it could be your place too.

Ask me if Maui would be right for YOU?  I am an experienced & professional Maui Realtor and full time resident with the local knowledge to help you answer any real estate related question.  When I moved from Belgium 15 years ago, I was happy to meet with a reliable person who could answer my concerns, I'd like to be that person now!  Contact me... I'll listen, understand and perform!

It's time to get off the fence because rates are at historic lows and the US Government has been pumping money into the economy which may mean inflation and higher rates are on their way.

Prices are about 30% lower than a few years ago, cheap properties are off the market because already under contract so don't wait until you realize prices are going up again.

Call me and George Thoma, one of my preferred loan officers working for MannMortgage  [http://maui.mannmortgage.com/georgethoma] will help you to be pre-qualified.  He has loans for all types of properties and all types of buyers, trust me about that!

Fabienne Gandall, Realtor-Broker at HawaiiLife.com

808.280-8167

This article was meant for Realtors® and comes from REALTOR.org/healthreform.  but found it was really simply explained for anybody

Health Care Reform: What's the Impact on You?
Now that health insurance reform is signed into law, what is the impact on real estate brokers and sales associates?

First, if you are an individual who buys your own coverage and have a policy you like, your coverage would be “grandfathered” and would be considered “qualified coverage.” If you are an employer who already offers health insurance to your salaried workers, you may continue to offer the plan you have. Your existing plan is “grandfathered” and you are deemed in compliance with the new employer mandate. You may continue to enroll new employees and terminate those employees who leave the firm without jeopardizing this grandfathered status.

Second, the law creates a uniform, national set of insurance ratings and underwriting standards. These new rules spell out the criteria that insurers can use when evaluating an application. The goal of the new standards is to create a set of rules that more closely resemble what most folks think of as the rules that apply to a group policy.

Insurers can charge different premiums based on policy holders' factors such as age, the type of policy purchased, and geographic area. Insurers can't, however, deny coverage or base premiums on an applicant's preexisting condition, claims history or gender. This is a significant change from the current rules in the great majority of states.

Second, the law will seek to expand the individual and small-business insurance markets, which are the markets through which real estate brokers and sales associates principally shop for coverage.

The goal is to increase access to affordable coverage by increasing competition among insurers, in part by expanding the pools of insureds (with a new requirement for all individuals to have coverage), encouraging insurers to enter new markets, and by allowing markets to cross state lines, among other things. The eventual goal is to merge the individual and small group markets into one larger market. In either case, independent contractors will be able to shop for coverage in both the individual and the small-business markets, so their options will be increased.

Third, the law creates the insurance exchanges that received so much attention in the media. The exchanges are in effect the new insurance marketplaces through which individuals and small employers will shop for coverage. Because insurance ratings and underwriting standards are made more uniform under the law, shopping for coverage through the exchange’s online services or through an insurance broker is simplified, at least in theory, because comparison between plans is made easier.

Fourth, the law requires individuals to buy health insurance and gives incentives businesses to make health insurance available to their employees. That means practitioners will have to buy coverage if they don't already have it or face a penalty unless they can show they can't get coverage for less than a certain percentage of their income--10 percent--or or would otherwise face a financial hardship. If they can't get an exemption for one of these reasons, they pay a fine.

The employer mandate covers businesses with more than 50 employees. Most real estate brokerages, as small businesses with fewer than 50 employees (the sales associates, as independent contractors, don't count against the employee total), are expected to be exempted from the mandate. Large employers subject to the mandate that fail to comply face a penalty. Affordability credits, to help offset costs, are available to both individuals and very small employers, including very small nonprofit associations that are employers.

10 Best Places for Second Homes

By STEVEN M. SEARS      Wall Street Journal 3-9-2010

At long last, the market for luxury real estate is coming back to life.

 Hale O'Ola, Makena(Maui)

Prices for primary residences, which plunged at least 20% from the peak in 2007, appear to have bottomed. In some of the snappiest locations, scattered bidding wars are breaking out and prices are turning upward.

In Greenwich, Conn., realty brokers say, the final months of 2009 were almost record-setters for sales volume, as two years of pent-up demand was unleashed. Even the megadeal is back. In Beverly Hills, film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg just plunked down $35 million for an 8,700-square-foot home on six acres.

There's nothing like a stabilized economy and a huge rebound in stocks to send folks looking for the perfect manse. The return of hefty Wall Street bonuses hasn't hurt, either.

With all that in mind, and with summer just around the corner, Barron's sized up the market for upscale second homes, one of the greatest luxuries of all. We scoped out dozens of deluxe enclaves across the country, speaking with brokers, homeowners and others.

Prices are way down–40% off the peak in some locations. Seemingly at or near bottom, they are starting to attract the first wave of bargain hunters–and not just families in need of R&R.

Hard-nosed investors also are on the prowl, says Jan Reuter, head of residential real estate at U.S. Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management: "We've seen an uptick in buying in just the last couple of months."

Hard-nosed investors also are on the prowl, says Jan Reuter, head of residential real estate at U.S.

To help you in the hunt, Barron's has selected the 10 best places in America for second homes. These alluring locales have it all: gorgeous houses, spectacular views, world-class golf, fishing and skiing, fine dining and great shopping. You'll find the complete range of lifestyles, from peaceful and easy to vigorously social.

Some warnings: 1) Our selections are every bit as subjective as tastes in homes themselves. 2) The prices cited are based mainly on conversations with locals, because hard data isn't available. 3) Your plush new retreat may take some time to rise in value. Serious appreciation will require a better economy and, quite possibly, another big rally in stocks.

But hey, you could do worse than marking time in paradise.

1. Maui Consistently rated the "Best Island in the World" by travel experts, this Hawaiian beauty underwent a growth spurt during the past decade that some critics bemoaned as excessive. But the southern coast, anchored by the hamlet of Wailea, has weathered it all well. One of the first master-planned resort communities in the nation, it's a balanced blend of understated gated communities, luxury resort hotels, three excellent golf courses, a tennis center and, of course, several crescent sandy beaches. Wailea has 500 single-family homes, and their views are stunning: lush, verdant hills, brilliantly blue ocean and, after the steamy sun showers, rainbows over the horizon.

Median Price: $1.5 million     Drop From Peak: 27%      Neighbor: Oprah Winfrey

2. Kiawah Island, S.C. Languid elegance defines South Carolina's coast, and Kiawah, just off Charleston, may be its ideal expression. The island has one developer, Kiawah Development Partners, and an architectural review board that protects the 4,500 or so properties from the excesses often seen when wealth meets water. It has 10 miles of hard-sand beaches and abundant wildlife: bobcats, gray foxes, loggerhead turtles and more. Its Ocean Course has long been favorite of golfers; it hosted the 2007 Senior PGA Championship. Want to tee up some culture? Charleston is just 45 minutes away.

Median Price: $1.4 million     Drop From Peak: 21%      Neighbor: Dan Marino

3. The Hamptons Long the favored retreat of high-powered New Yorkers, the Hamptons are a just now experiencing a fresh jump in home sales, realty brokers say. Credit the revival in Wall Street bonuses. Southampton, bastion of old money, is known for its grand estates, but lovely homes can be found in what not long ago were potato fields. In chic East Hampton, the choicest real estate is on Georgica Pond. Alas, most of the area's finest properties never come to market. Once you own a home in the Hamptons, you own it forever.

Median Price: $1.5 million     Drop from Peak: 30%      Neighbor: Steven Spielberg

4. Park City, Utah Skiers love Park City for its powdery winters, but homeowners relish the summers, too. The crowds thin out, life slows down and the tall aspens lining the nearby Wasatch range shimmer in the breeze. The one-street Old West downtown is dotted with classic Victorian houses, while Deer Valley, an understated year-round resort community, sits on the eastern edge. Its namesake ski hill has been crowned by readers of Ski Magazine as North America's top ski resort for three years running. For $100,000, you can join the nearby Talisker Club, with links designed by PGA Tour Champion Mark O'Meara. Bonus: Salt Lake City International Airport, a Delta Air Lines hub, has direct flights to the East and West Coasts.

Median Price: $1 million      Drop From Peak: 45%      Neighbor: Robert Redford

5. Aspen, Colo. Aspen isn't just a year-round playground; it's also a cultural oasis, the home to the Aspen Institute think tank, a world-class symphony, and dance and art festivals. The four major ski hills speak for the themselves. The Maroon Creek Club includes a challenging golf course designed by Tom Fazio. The city's West End has a mix of 19th-century Victorians and modern abodes not far from the "beachfront"–downtown neighborhoods within walking distance of the lift. The posh shopping is so good that some folks never find their way up to the trails.

Median Price: $5.6 million       Drop From Peak: 6%      Neighbor: Jack Nicholson

6. Pebble Beach, Calif. Golfer Jack Nicklaus once said that if he had one last round to play before he died, it would be at Pebble Beach. The site of four U.S. Opens, The Links are rated the No. 1 public course in America by Golf Digest for 2009-10. There are several other public and private golf courses within the guarded gates of the verdant Del Monte Forest, which surrounds the community of Pebble Beach. Stunning estates not far from the first tee offer sweeping views of Monterey Bay. Duffers who buy in can play the Golden Bear's dream course every day.

Median Price: $1.1 million      Drop Since Peak: 20%      Neighbor: Clint Eastwood.

7. Palm Beach This Florida island hovers above reality, and at $30 million-plus, so do its finest pads. Oodles of socialites and tycoons wouldn't have it any other way. Neither would Jimmy Buffett, Rush Limbaugh and too many other boldface names to mention. In addition to the never-ending social whirl, residents like the shopping on Worth Avenue and the beauty of Addison Mizner's Mediterranean-style architecture. Mortals can enjoy the town by buying "over the moat"– in Jupiter, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Delray Beach.

Median Price: $3.5 million      Drop From Peak: 11%      Neighbor: Henry Kravis

8. Captiva/Sanibel Island, Fla. Sitting off the coast of Fort Myers, a nerve center of America's foreclosure crisis, the barrier islands of Captiva and Sanibel are the very picture of laid-back living. Linked by a bridge at Sanibel's northern point, the islands are renowned for their pristine beaches and abundant seashells. Then there are the hiking trails; half the island is a nature preserve. The late Robert Rauschenberg is, even in death, one of the largest landowners. His 35-acre spread, complete with studio, is intact on Captiva's northern end.

Median Price: $3.5 million     Drop From Peak: 40%      Neighbor: Ted Koppel

9. Asheville, N.C. Nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, Asheville offers a four-seasons lifestyle with just enough culture and good restaurants to keep urban-withdrawal pangs at bay. Some homebuyers come from the Northeast, and many come from Florida to beat the heat. The locals call them "halfbacks," since Asheville is halfway up the East Coast. The town has a university and a thriving art scene. We like the 1920s-vintage Tudor homes in the Biltmore Forest district, once part of the adjacent Biltmore Estate. The funky Grove Park neighborhood is also worth a look.

Median Price: $700,000      Drop From Peak: 38%      Neighbor: Andie McDowell

10. Gasparilla Island, Fla. Katherine Hepburn used to rent a beach house here, and it's easy to see why. The small island off Florida's southwest coast has been lovingly preserved: The Gasparilla Act, a state law passed in 1980, put a tight lid on population density, building heights and commercial development. Golf carts -- some customized to resemble '57 Chevys -- are the favored mode of transportation. The historic downtown has gracious homes, and the waters around the island are renowned for tarpon fishing. To check it out, check into the plush Gasparilla Inn.

Median Price: $1.8 million. Drop From Peak: 18% Neighbor: Harrison Ford, frequent visitor.

It was worth to be seen during the early morning scuba dive cruise leaving from Maalaea (Maui) Hawaii in early February 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfqHmbOMWwI   by Lei

 Compliments of
Alan Zukerkorn
Hawaii Mortgage Company Inc.

PHONE:  (808) 988-6622     alan@hawaiimortgage.net

Your Rights as a Consumer

There has been a lot of confusion about the new 2010 Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and what a consumer is “promised” over the phone.  One of the main reasons HUD (Federal Dept. of Housing & Urban Development) made such a drastic change to how the lending industry works is due to lenders “low-balling” rates, providing inaccurate closing costs, and hard-selling uneducated consumers into loans they would normally not consider.  All this done solely to put more money in the pockets of greedy mortgage lenders.

On January 1^st, the new 2010 GFE was mandated by the Federal Government.  It gives the consumer an honest picture of the type of loan being offered, the fees associated with the loan, and their total closing costs.  Although I personally have many complaints as to how the new form provides the information, and the difficulty most consumers have in reading it, it has resulted in one important change:  If a consumer is provided one by a lender, they have received an honest rate quote.

Consumers must change the way they shop for a loan.  Calling around and getting verbal rate quotes is no longer (and has never been) a good way of picking a lender.  There is no way the government can regulate what a dishonest lender says to a consumer.  That is why the written and binding 2010 GFE is so important when considering a lender.  After you receive the 2010 GFE you as the consumer have specific rights.  The lender is bound to the fees, and most importantly, what they will be compensated for your loan.  Even if you complete your “shopping” several days later and rates have changed, the origination fees disclosed by the lender on your original quote are fixed, and not subject to change.  The GFE is also provided to the closing agent, and any fees that do not match, are not allowed to be added at closing.  There are a few exceptions, but in general, what you are promised at the beginning, must be the same at the end.

Remember these simple rules:  Always ask for a 2010 GFE.  When shopping, give each lender the same loan scenario.  Make sure the rate they quote you is for the same loan commitment (lock) period.  As a service to consumers, if you are uncertain of how to read the new form, please give me a call for a honest hassle-free review.

I am pleased to announce that I teamed up with Misha Sofianos, owner of Aloha Interior Maintenance Inc. who provided 33+ years of first class cleaning to satisfied Maui home owners and Developers.

Call Misha at 808-879-5953  or  283-3465  for a free estimate.