Housing & Real Estate

RAM says “cash is king,” when making an offer. Savvy investors are buying with cash, giving them a strong negotiating position, no financing/appraisal hassles and a quick closing. For several months, approximately 37% of all sales were cash transactions.

Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis is driven by policies that limit affordable options and leave gaps for local families trying to stay housed. Real solutions require building more housing at every level, especially deeply affordable homes that create stability and prevent homelessness.

Maui Now presents the second real estate column in its “Jesse’s List: Maui’s Hottest Properties” series, MLS listings selected by contributing writer Jesse G. Wald, a real estate, architecture and construction professional. As a Realtor, he has firsthand knowledge about the island’s most sought-after properties for luxury buyers, investors and those looking for a primary residence […]

Montage Residences Kapalua Bay, the luxury resort brand’s enclave of spacious, oceanfront homes, closed a total of $88 million in contracts and under-contract activity since hitting the market in July of 2014.

Surrounded by 360-degrees of gorgeous island views, and located between Kīhei and Mākena in South Maui, Wailea is most definitely one of the most luxurious destinations in all the Hawaiian Islands.

It is less expensive to stay at a Kīhei hotel or vacation condo compared to the resorts located in nearby Wailea, so Kīhei attracts tourists from all over the world that may be staying on Maui for the first time on a vacation package.

Maui’s historic Pā‘ia Town is located about eight miles east of Kahului Town and Kahului (OGG) Airport. Pā‘ia is a popular bohemian-style town on Maui’s North Shore, loved by both residents and visitors.

Maui Now presents the first in its series of “Jesse’s List: Maui’s Hottest Properties,” MLS listings selected by contributing writer Jesse G. Wald, a real estate, architecture and construction professional. As a Realtor, he has firsthand knowledge about the island’s hottest properties for luxury buyers, investors and those looking for a primary residence on Maui.

Savvy investors are buying with cash, giving them a strong negotiating position, no financing/appraisal hassles and a quick closing.

Wailuku residents are centrally located in relative to all parts of the island. Wailuku is conveniently located near many unique small businesses, including restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and coffee shops.

Maui properties are assessed at 100% true market value every year (average of cost and market comparison) and leasehold properties are assessed by complete value; this is how a “fair market value” is established.

Affiliates from four Sotheby’s International Realty offices in Hawai‘i gathered at the Honolulu Museum of Art on Friday, Sept. 18, to celebrate the “Art of Giving” and the launch of the Hawai‘i Affiliates of Sotheby’s International Realty Charitable Fund.

First home to immigrant families and plantation workers, Pā‘ia now has become a melting pot of cultures. Pā‘ia still boasts a solid local culture of amazing Hawai‘i-born families, but also consists of an international mix of residents including European and South American water sports enthusiasts, West Coast hippy migrants from the counterculture revolution (and, now, their children), New Age folks, surfers, liberals, and a myriad of residents who are attracted to Pā‘ia and the North Shore for the bohemian culture, healthy lifestyle, fabulous tropical weather and awesome ocean conditions.

“The good news is that with half of the sales being below the current price point of $550,000 for single-family residences and $355,000 for condos, we have sales at a more ‘affordable’ level then when the price points are higher.”

Monthly residential and condo unit sales numbers on Maui bounced up and down the last few months, with inventory still decreasing in July after the winter vacation, high sales season. But inventories are growing somewhat as sale prices increase.

After 39 years, Destination Resorts Hawaiʻi, one of the largest luxury private home vacation rental management companies on Maui is changing its name to “Destination Residences Hawaiʻi” effective this week. The Wailea-based company employs more than 100 residents and manages over 270 private homes for vacation rental in several resort properties including Wailea Beach Villas, Polo Beach Club, Mākena Surf, and more. The company has grown revenue by 50% since 2010.

Ten Maui residential real estate companies made Pacific Business News’ Top 50 Residential Real Estate firm list, which ranked Hawai‘i’s realty firms based on 2014 gross sales volume.

The ’49 on the 49s’ Summer Promotion offers residences at a special purchase incentive of 49 months HOA credit upon closing. Prices for the units range from $2,377,450 for a ground floor unit, to $2,812,450 for a penthouse residence.

The state Department of Commerce and Commerce Affairs’ Real Estate Commission is working with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide information about the Federal Housing Administration’s new approval process for condominium projects.

A luxury home on Maui, that has served as a private vacation retreat for several A-list celebrities, just came closer into reach with a significant price reduction. Hale Ali’i is just a short walk away from Kapalua Bay, chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as “America’s Best Beach,” and calls the newly finished Montage Kapalua Bay Resort and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua its neighbors.

The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ Real Estate Commission created a new email subscription list for unit owners and the general public to provide greater access to and wider distribution of educational materials.