Rentals

In trying to battle Maui’s residential housing crisis, the County of Maui recently eased up on some restrictions regarding “accessory dwellings,” or as we call them, ohanas. In addition to potentially creating more long-term rental units, the new law creates opportunities for homeowners or those looking to buy or expand investment properties.

Yeah! You’ve moved to Maui. While you are enjoying the island’s awesome weather and abundant activities, at some point you have to set some roots. Assuming you already did your homework and have figured out how your are going to financially survive on the island, the next step is finding a place to live and getting your new home set up. Different areas of the island offer wide choices when it comes to renting or buying a home. If you haven’t yet heard the term”ohana” dwelling

Of the many complaints we hear from property owners with self-managed units, tenants trying to use their deposit as their last month’s rent is common. This can be stressful and create a financial burden for the owner.

If you’re set to make the move to Maui, chances are the living situation will be very different from the area you are coming from. Not only is it hard to choose a place to live before looking at it in person, neighborhoods on the island will vary widely. Also, areas that are more affordable may not be close to where you will be working. It’s hard to know what location will best suit your needs until you have lived on the island for a while. Don’t get discouraged. Finding a p

Investing in property for long term rentals can be a lucrative real estate investment. However, owning property and dealing with tenants is not without obstacles. There is always a concern of the property being damaged or vacant. Every landlord wants to find “good” tenants. Most owners have at least one story of a tenant breaking a lease.

Since it is the end of the year, it’s time to look at what the real estate market did in 2018, and trends for 2019. While County officials take a hard look and impose more regulations on vacation rentals, one real estate investment stands out in the coming year: Long-term rentals.

No property owner wants to get that call from tenants- the one informing of a broken pipe, appliance or other mishap. Thinking you can handle most problems yourself is a common issue. There may also be confusion about who is responsible to pay for what. Let’s clear up some rental property maintenance myths:

Vacation rental listing sites like Airbnb and Homeaway have majorly disrupted the travel accommodations industry. In Maui County, there has been an explosion of “alternative” short-term rental homes (STRH), including rooms in homes, apartments, cottages- even vans and yurts. Investment property owners may be tempted to jump into the STRH business for a more lucrative return.Proceed with caution.With more stringent regulations and a new law imposing stiff penalties for illegal

Space is at a premium with most rentals in Hawaii. Nightstands are the last surface we interact with at night and the first in the morning, tending to attract clutter. Is there a way to keep necessary items close at hand and still have an attractive space? Interior designers weigh in an maximizing small surfaces while making a stylish focal point for the bedroom.

With the popularity of companies like Airbnb, vacation rentals have flooded the Maui market. Many are illegal- operating without the proper permit or paying transient accommodation taxes. Unfortunately this also means a large chunk of what was long-term rentals are now only available to vacationers, making a serious residential housing crunch.

We know Maui is an extremely competitive rental market. Even though we encourage owners to put more units into long-term rentals, inventory remains low. There are effective things prospective tenants can do to make their application stand out.

Whether you plan to turn your home into a rental property, or are purchasing a property to rent out, the steps are the same. You need to be aware of local laws, keep organized paperwork and accounting, price the property appropriately and vet the people who want to move in. Regardless of whether you manage the rental yourself or hire Destination Maui Realty to manage it for you, you’ll gain more from your long-term rental property and save yourself from many tenant headaches

Previously, diligently paying your rent on time may have made you a good tenant, but those timely payments were not reflected in your credit history. Fortunately for renters, that is all changing. Several companies now help tenants report rental payments to the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. New credit scoring models use rental-payment data when calculating your credit score. 

You’ve finally made it to the beach for a relaxing day with your family. There is a persistent buzzing you can’t quite place. Finally, you look up and see a giant plastic insect not only sharing the view, but seemly taking you in, hovering just a few feet in front of you.Drones, or tiny unmanned aircraft, have been among the hottest gifts for the past few holidays. 3.4 million of them were sold in 2017 alone, so expect they will increasingly share our airspace.

Service animals are a great benefit to those with a disability, providing intellectual, mental, sensory or physical support to help their owner navigate the world. However, learning how to accommodate service animals in housing, especially in “no pet” properties, and can be confusing.The laws reflected in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) relates to service animals in public places, including hotels.

Owning rental units can seem like a lucrative income stream, especially on Maui where the rents are high. Homeowners also see renting out ohana units on the property where they live as a way to reduce their monthly mortgage expenses. But before you decide to jump into self-managing rentals, you need to understand what goes into managing rental properties.First let’s look at the math. Investors may see rental property as a simple equation: rental income minus mortgage and expe

Most people will start their search for a new home online, whether they’re looking to buy or rent. The process of renting a home is easier than buying, but many renters overlook the benefits of contacting a real estate

Above Photo: Maui NewsIt seemed like a good idea at the time. The Natural Resource Conservation service recommended a tropical vine, glycine, be introduced in Hawaii back in the 70s to improve pastures and forage for farms and ranches. It has since grown out of control according to the Maui Invasive Species Committee, swallowing up old structures, covering guard rails and signs.

The tide is shifting away from baby boomers as the major player in the real estate market. Millennials are a growing force in buying, renting, or investing in real estate. If you have property to sell or rent, understanding this shifting market is essential.

Landlords strive to keep color palettes neutral to have mass appeal. Unfortunately, too much “Navaho White” can be excruciatingly boring. Never fear, there is creative help for your condo, apartment or rental home, even if there is a “no painting rule.” Follow these six easy tips to bring color and your own personality to the space, while still preserving your security deposit.