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People develop an investment strategy to fit their budget and needs, from saving for a kids college fund or creating residual income while still working, to socking away money for retirement. The stock market is a popular go-to for investors. However, real estate also offers investment potential, and for many people can be a more effective vehicle to accomplish goals, often with lower risk and higher returns under the right circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

We don’t have a crystal ball, but there are data sources that help predict what mortgage rates will do in the near future. In review, 2019 was an outstanding year for mortgage rates, and mortgage shoppers can expect to still find great value going into 2020. If you are thinking about purchasing a home or condo, these low rates can offset some of the higher prices we are experiencing on Maui.

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

With world attention on climate change, it should come as no surprise that there is a move in design toward natural materials such as stone, granite and concrete and fresh elements such as plants and flowers. Incorporating organic elements will keep a space natural and serene. Banner photo from South Shore Decorating

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.

With rent prices climbing, it may be worthwhile to explore buying your first home in Maui County. These 7 important considerations, from financial and tax benefits to having control over your own environment, will help you decide if it is time to stop renting and being a homeowner.

Maui has been gripped by a residential housing shortage for quite some time. Could neighborhoods of tiny homes be the solution? Our friends at Maui No Ka Oi Magazine take a look at this unique idea.

“I’ll never forget a call I received from a home owner, panicking because tenants had chickens living inside the house,” said March Cabos, a realtor who trains new agents in property management for Destination Maui Realty.

Sean and Marla Larson purchased a condo that was very outdated. They took on a large remodeling project to update a bedroom, the main bath, and kitchen. Just as projects were wrapping up, Marla got a job opportunity in another state. The Larson’s were able to sell their updated home and make a nice profit because of selling in a hot real estate market, but their story is not altogether typical.

Moving is stressful enough, but what if your house is for sale and you don’t know exactly when or exactly where you will be moving? There are many great moving checklists online, but here are a few tips to prepare early for a future move with an indefinite date.

There are a variety of reasons (and benefits) to becoming a landlord. Many people enter the business for the extra income that a rental home can provide, but without doing your homework and knowing the ins and outs of the endeavor, it can quickly become a source of financial and emotional distress. Here are 10 common aspects of property management to master.

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.

Often one of the most frustrating aspects of self-managing a rental property is collecting on rent and other amounts due from tenants. Here are a few tips from our expert property managers to help you navigate one of the worst problems– late rent.

Selling a home in a low inventory market is great, but not if you can’t find or get into your next home right away. If you are having to vacate before your next home is secured, there are more options than overstaying your welcome in a guest room with friends or family. If your houseless situation stretches from weeks to months, staying in a hotel may be very costly.

Calculating Investment Property Capitalization Rate Investing in rental properties can be lucrative, especially if you leverage your financing appropriately. However, do you know how much of that income is really profit?