Lifestyle

Many Americans find themselves downsizing, motivated by debt, from the nest getting emptied or retirement. Moving to a smaller home or condominium may have some surprising benefits. However, determining how much smaller to go can be tricky.

2020 was an odd year for the mortgage industry. Instead of a market crash due to the pandemic and economic turmoil, home prices and sales actually rose. At the beginning, low-interest rates, low unemployment, and rising rents drove the housing market up. As the pandemic wore on, people fleeing urban areas, or looking for more space to work from home, plus historically low interest rates kept demand for housing high. The important question is, where will interest rates go now?

The global pandemic caught many of us unprepared, especially financially. If you are still struggling with job loss, business reduction or other financial impacts, your mind may not be on how you can better insulate yourself financially in the future. But like anything, when is a good time?

We are fortunate to have many outdoor activities to enjoy, away from crowds. However, with rising COVID-19 numbers in Hawaii, the state and county has put new rules in place to help protect the community and visitors. Effective September 15, 2021, many indoor activities are curtailed or require proof of full vaccination, including indoor dining. Travelers are strongly advised to stay up to date on current rules.

If you have been following our real estate market reports, you know closed condo sales lagged behind residential sales in 2020 on Maui. However, in December statistics we saw that start to turn around. Whether you want to take advantage of a robust market, or have an urgent need to sell for any reason, this guide will help you move your property in an efficient way.

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

Financial issues are a great concern to many people right now. Whether you have concerns about losing a job or other source of income, or just want to plan for the future in uncertain times, these money management tips can help.

When you move into a rental, you want it to be very clean. When you are moving on to the next place, the last thing you want to do is clean. But this work doesn’t happen by magic, and it must be done, so just throw on some tunes, involve the kids or roommates and get down to it.

Life flows a little easier with good tenants. Those that pay rent on time, are easy to deal with and are consistent and dependable. Keeping a tenant long-term can help avoid the cost of rental turnover. Especially during these challenging economic times, keeping a good tenant is essential.

We were not quite certain how COVID-19 was going to affect the rental market on Maui. Now that we are months into it, there are a lot of people on the move. We have some tips for home seekers in this surprisingly active rental market, as well as reminders for landlords.

Ever wonder how designers seem to effortlessly pull together a stylish and functional room? Years of practice does help, but with a few simple steps, you too can plan and arrange your furniture layout like a pro!

If you find a little extra time on your hands during the “Pandemic Period,” there may be a few maintenance items with your rental to consider. We’ll throw out a few tips in small chunks- starting with garbage disposals.  A garbage disposal can make life easier for discarding some kitchen waste. However, the device can lead to trouble if not used correctly. Many landlords opt for taking garbage disposals out entirely. However, if you plan to someday live in the home again, you

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.

Don’t wait until the heat of summer to review your energy consumption and make a plan to reduce costs. During warmer months water and energy bills can spike. It is far more difficult to schedule Maui contractors to make any changes during the summer, so the time to plan is now, during their slower season.

To get top dollar when selling your home, there’s no question a well-kept home will sell better, even if you have moved out. Be sure to address small fixes (broken doorbells or leaky faucets) so buyers aren’t left to wonder if there are bigger problems you are trying to hide. Here are six more often-overlooked areas that should be corrected.

Thanksgiving brings extra warmth and aloha, whether joining a gathering of friends and family for a festive meal, or making a feast at home. While the holiday spirit prevails, it’s essential to be mindful of potential accidents and injuries. To help you navigate a safe celebration, here are key Thanksgiving safety recommendations for homeowners.