Buying Property

The typical home value of homes in Maui County is $708,445. This value is seasonally adjusted and only includes the middle price tier of homes. Maui County home values have gone up 2.0% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 4.0% in the next year. Low inventory has decreased competition for sellers. If your property is priced appropriately, it will likely sell promptly.

Moving to a totally different environment from what you are used to opens up a wealth of opportunities for new experiences and growth. But if the actual moving cross-country part has got you a little anxious, there is some smart preparation that will help the transition go smoothly.

Home prices on Maui have held steady and more listings are coming on the market, even while still in the midst of COVID-19. There are also more listings for condos, but condo prices have not fared so well. Here is a recap of data from the Maui Board of Realtors for June, 2020.

Perhaps you were planning on buying a house this year. Then a global pandemic hit, shuttering businesses and causing layoffs across the country. If you are one of the newly unemployed, you are not alone. According to PEW Research, unemployment ranks swelled by more than 14 million due to COVID-19. While it is generally more difficult to qualify for a home loan while you’re unemployed, there are steps to take to get back on track.A mortgage lender will look for proof that you

One positive byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic is incredibly low mortgage interest rates. For those that are able, this has made an incredible opportunity to buy a new home. As evidenced on Maui, listings that are priced right are being snapped up almost as soon as they hit the market. If you just purchased a home, congratulations on taking this big step! Whether it’s your first one or the next landing spot on your ohana’s journey, you have a new opportunity to design the pe

Real estate investors and those looking to purchase a home or condo are likely tracking Maui’s market closely as Covid-19’s impact spreads across the country. The stock market declines started in February. Even though real estate prices have not begun a serious slide, lenders have been tightening underwriting standards making it harder for some buyers to qualify. And with record-breaking layoffs, there is a lack of qualified buyers.

While we are sensitive to the many who are suffering because of COVID-19, the pandemic has created a unique opportunity for those who have a need and are still financially able to buy a home, refinance an existing mortgage, or are looking for an investment property.

For the last two decades, open-concept floor plans have been a dominant architectural trend. This concept generally joins a kitchen, dining area and living room into a large open space without dividing walls.  Knocking down walls to an open, multipurpose space still tops renovation wish lists for older homes.

It used to be that only people with the best credit would qualify on their own to buy a home. Most rental agencies will conduct a credit check to rent a home too. Today, there are plenty of options for people with less than desirable credit scores, below 700.

Here is part III in our series of investing terms. In this part we cover two key areas for residential real estate investors- owning and renting to others, with key terms for each.

Here is part II in our series of investing terms. In this part we move into the purchasing process, helping you understand the acronyms you may come across. Understanding these terms is important for a this part investing. Of course, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our agents!

In our continuing efforts to assist owners in their real estate investing goals, we are publishing a series of investing terms. As you study the market, you may come across many acronyms. Understanding these terms is important for a solid basis of understanding of real estate concepts. Of course, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our agents!

When you buy a rental property, your goal is to make money. Real estate investing allows you to gain an ongoing source of passive income as well as long-term appreciation in your property. Over time, you can gradually increase your holdings until you have a thriving real estate business. If you want to gain equity, leverage and passive income, you have to learn how cash flow works.

Real estate can create long-term wealth, and has been a great investment for a lot people. As with any investment, however, it pays to do your homework, especially when you likely will be investing hundreds of the thousands of dollars. While you are going to want to arm yourself with the thorough information here are 10 essential tips when considering your first investment property.

Cash flow is important when buying investment property. But there is another benefit to owning rental property that can help in a different way. It involves taking a deduction for capital depreciation on your taxes. Taking full advantage of these deductions can get a little complex, and getting advice from a good CPA is recommended, but we’ll layout basic foundation for you here.

Real estate can be a great investment for the future. However, navigating landlord/tenant law can be a challenge, especially for new real estate investors. A first-time potential homeowner asked about buying a duplex, to live in half and rent the other half to help pay the mortgage. The conversation was a good reminder of the benefits and pitfalls of becoming a landlord, including some outright common myths. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions for first time landlords.

With a growing economy, something else has been booming on Maui. Over-tourism is the new buzzword, and a sore spot for many long-time residents as they see their island grow and change, and not always in a good way. In addition to overcrowding, promises of high returns lures some property owners to offer unpermitted vacation rentals, one cause of housing shortages for residents.

Home prices are expected to level off. This is based on two important indicators of home appreciation came out this month, both showing the same thing:  home price increases are slowing rapidly. Economists are forecasting continued slowdowns in appreciation, according to polls by Reuters, Zillow and others.

June marked the beginning of hurricane season in Hawaii, which runs through the end of November. Whether you are homeowner or renter, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency urges island residents to be prepared in case a hurricane threatens Maui. By taking a few steps in advance, you could also save waiting in long lines for supplies if a major storm does hit the islands. The agency recommends stocking an emergency supply kit containing at least 14 days of food, water and oth

Condos offer a wonderful low maintenance lifestyle and are often a more affordable option in Maui County. When you purchase a condo, you are also investing in the association that oversees the property. Before making a commitment, there are several documents that should be reviewed, and important questions to ask.