For those who have not heard of this concept ( after all, it is used only in Hawaii and Utah, to the best of my knowledge), leasehold is a type of ownership. Most typically, when one owns a condo, for instance, they own the condo itself ( that is the space between the walls) and also a share of the common elements (pool, roof, hallways and LAND). This is called fee simple ownership. In the case of a leasehold property, one does not own a share of that land that the condo sits on. Thus, one has to " rent" that land from whoever owns it and pay a lease rent. This lease agreement is valid for so many years  and the rent is renegotiated every so many years. For example, the lease rent for a 2bd unit at Papakea is currently $120.00/month and it will be renegotiated in 2012.   The lease rent ... 06/21/2011

Majority of my clients that invest in resort condos for rental purposes need to buy some new appliances sooner or later. and they always ask me where they should get new appliances. While , there are a few places in town, like Home Depot, Lowes, Sears and even Costco sometimes, I have to say that I am a big fan of Lowe's. On Thursday morning, I walked in the store to pick up a new washer. Jennifer was very helpful in pointing out what was the most energy efficient item in the store and it took only a few more minutes before I was done with this purchase. They scheduled the delivery to Lahaina for two days later, for free. They showed up in time and installed it and I was able to do my laundry right away. I happened to walk through Sears  yesterday and saw that the same washer was about ... 06/20/2011

Maui Planning Commission is working on a new bill, whereby owners of residential properties will be allowed to rent these homes for "vacation purposes". The lack of such bill until now, made it illegal even for  luxury homes to be rented out. Remember the fact that last year even President Obama rented a home in Oahu, in a residential area, where vacation rentals were not technically allowed? As it is now, the new bill limits the number of such permits to 88 in Lahaina/West Maui. I would love to know how they came up with this number;-) Also, according to the latest draft of this bill, homes located on lots that are subject to condomonium property regimes would not be allowed to do vacation rentals. In laymen terms, most homes in Launiupoko would be exempt from this bill. There is no ot... 06/15/2011

Looking for something different to do in Maui?  My friends at the Kapalua Adventures are now offering a new 5 zipline Tour with the Giant Swing as the grand finale.  If you haven't had the opportunity to zip with Maui's best adventure company, I suggest you give this a try.  The scenery is spectacular and the views are some of the best I've seen on the island. The new tour begins with the signature 360′ long suspension bridge-Hawaii's largest.  You then zip down five ziplines of varying lengths, with over a mile of zipping.  Then you are off to try the Giant Swing, which is unique in the islands.  I've tried the both the swing and the ziplines, and enjoyed the exhiliarating ride, the thrilling free fall of the swing, and the tremedous views. Guests must be 10 years old and weigh betwee... 06/14/2011

Foreclosure Thursday 6/9/2011 The following properties have been foreclosed upon by their respective lien holders through a Judicial preceding. 19 North Iwa Lahaina HI 96761 2-4-4—011-010 for the sum of $720,000.00 bid by American savings with a Judicial proceeding hearing to follow The rest of the foreclosures auctions for today June 8th 2011 have been postponed; check out the youtube channel for proper updates and postponement dates! Surf the Hawaii MLS Find me on Youtube video walk through Find Maui Foreclosures Auctions on Youtube Foreclosure videos Find me on Twitter Twitter Find me on Flickr Fotos Realty Trac Reliable Posting & Publishing USA foreclosures Notice of Defaults in the Star-Advertiser   06/09/2011

Foreclosure Wednesday 6/8/2011 The following properties have been foreclosed upon by their respective lien holders. The Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center forecloses in a judicial proceeding for $31,000,000.00 million dollars 600 F Waiehu Beach Road Waiehu Wailuku HI 96793 TMK 2-3-2-001-001 63.7 acres foreclosed in a judicial proceeding for the sum of $820,163.07   The A Ka uhi aKama group was there is protest of the land being developed in any other way then restoration of its original Ali’I format. The group’s intent is to return the land back to its natural state with fish ponds and Taro patches.  The rest of the foreclosures auctions for today June 8th 2011 have been postponed; check out the youtube channel for proper updates and postponement dates! Surf the Hawaii MLS Find me on Youtu... 06/08/2011

Silent Saturday - the ocean views at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua Maui WOW - just another beautiful day in paradise here on Maui. Let me know if I can help you find a home on Maui, whether it's a condo, a house or vacant land. Search OCEANFRONT homes and land on Maui Thanks for reading My Maui Blog! Search the Maui MLS here call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL Georgina M. Hunter Realtor(S) e-Pro SFR     05/28/2011

Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Graduation Ceremony for Maui Preparatory Academy's (MPA) second class of seniors.  I was so impressed by the talented cass of 2011.  The thirteen seniors graduating are all headed off to college, with combined scholarship offers exceeding $1.2 million.  While each student has different passions and hobbies, they all excell in academics, sports, and the arts.  Having grown up here on the island, I can tell you that not everyone has the opportunity or the resources to go to college, or is instilled with the idea that it is even a possibility.  The school started just six years ago, in 2005, as a vision of community members who wanted to provide their children with an outstanding college preparatory education here in West Maui.  Since that t... 05/28/2011

Foreclosure Thursday 5/25/2011 The following properties have been foreclosed upon by their respective lien holders through a Judicial preceding. 1344 Front Street Lahaina, HI 96761 for the sum of $00.00 Junior loan promissory note no financial numbers given. The following properties have been foreclosed upon by their respective lien holders aoao. 777 South Kihei Road unit 218-H Kihei, HI 96753 Kihei Resort condominium for the sum of $1.00 one dollar. The rest were postponements to future dates please check the youtube channel for further information on postponed properties in the county of Maui Hawaii Surf the Hawaii MLS Find me on Youtube video walk through Find Maui Foreclosures Auctions on Youtube Foreclosure videos Find me on Twitter Twitter Find me on Flickr Fotos Realty Trac Relia... 05/25/2011

Foreclosed Homes Price Address City Year Built House Beds Baths Liv A SF Land SQFT Beds Baths Liv A SF Land SQFT $149,000 223 Momi St Wailuku 1970 3 1 968 4615 $169,900 960 Ehoeho Street Makawao 1939 2 1 1031 7278 $171,500 2190 Rudolph Place Kualapuu 1973 3 2 1376 13650 $179,900 976 Noholani Street Haiku 0 2 1 648 2686 $195,000 912 LANAI AVE Lanai City 1935 2 1 830 5150 $232,500 1667 S Kihei Road Kihei 1980 3 2 960 6717 $234,500 444 Lanai Ave. Lanai City 1935 3 1 1056 5650 $235,000 965 Maile St Makawao 0 3 2 792 7220 $240,000 371 LAHAINALUNA RD Lahaina 1967 3 1 1012 5730 $248,000 2030 Kahawai Street Wailuku 1988 3 2 1104 1936 $250,000 325 Nehu Place Kihei 1972 3 3 1524 9030 $256,000 132 Eleu Place Kihei 1972 3 1 1134 8400 $259,000 406 Ano Street Kahului 1962 3 2 972 7500 $269,900 219 S ... 05/25/2011

Foreclosed Condos List Price Beds Baths Address Unit City Building Name $23,000 2 1.5 787 111 Kahului Beach Rd D125 Kahului Harbor Lights $32,500 1 1 538 1034 Front Street 104 Lahaina Lahaina Residential $34,650 1 1 610 111 Kahului Beach Road D112 Kahului Harbor Lights $34,900 1 1 538 1034 Front Street 122 Lahaina Lahaina Residential $42,500 1 1 538 1034 Front Street 117 Lahaina Lahaina Residential $45,000 2 1.5 787 111 Kahului Beach Road C303 Kahului Harbor Lights $49,900 1 1 538 1034 Front Street 215 Lahaina Lahaina Residential $76,700 1 1 552 480 Pio Drive 307 Wailuku Puuone Hale Alii $79,000 1 1 586 30 Hauoli Rd 104 Wailuku Maalaea Yacht Marina $79,900 0 1 357 3470 LOWER HONOAPIILANI RD D-108 Lahaina Maui Lani Terraces $84,150 1 1 504 3666 Lower Honoapiiliani Rd C9 Lahaina Honokowai... 05/23/2011

Silent Saturday - tree photos from West Maui, Maui Hawaii  Driving through Olowalu Maui on the way to Kapalua. All photos taken with my iPhone! I hope you enjoyed this little driving tour of trees from West Maui.  Can you believe I didn't even post any palm tree pictures this time? Thanks for reading My Maui Blog!   Search the Maui MLS here call or text me 808 283-0635 ~ EMAIL   Georgina M. Hunter Realtor(S) e-Pro   SFR     05/21/2011

Star Noodle in Lahaina Maui gets my vote! STAR * NOODLE 286 Kupuohi St, Lahaina HI 96761 808 667-5400 I wish these guys were on my side of the island instead of over in Lahaina.  You'll find them up above the Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center, in the industrial area.  It's worth searching for if you want to experience some really good Asian style food.   I should have tried their famous noodles, but when I saw the table next door getting the Vietnamese Crepe with shrimp and pork, I knew that was what I wanted.  It was unreal.  The filling of the crepe had a subtle coconut sauce along with the shrimp, ground pork and bean sprouts.  I was instructed to cut up the crispy crepe and wrap it in the lettuce leaves along with some of the fresh herbs like mint, Thai basil and cilantro.  Add a lit... 05/19/2011

Pineapple Grill's Sixth Anniversary Party, May 28, 2011 Each year, Kapalua's Pineapple Grill hosts a wonderful anniversary celebration, with proceeds benefiting Hale Makua.  It's hard to believe how fast the past six years have flown by.  It's one of my favorite local spots, with views overlooking the Bay Course and Napili Bay, with a great bar scene and fantastic food.   This year, the popular event features a sampling of the best food in town with live jazz fusion playing in the background.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.halemakua.org  Hale Makua is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing excellent care to people of all ages-whether it's in their home or yours.  They provide many services, including Long Term Care, Adult Day Health, Home Health and Foster Family Serv... 05/14/2011

Aloha from your resident experts! The tide is definitely turning at aina nalu! In the first quarter of 2011 6 units were sold, and the inventory has dropped to only 12 active listings as of April 26! The two pending sales as of 4/26 are both 2/2 units, and neither of them are short sales. Of the six units that were sold, one was a 1 bedroom that sold for $194,400 (not a distressed property), and five were 2/2 units (three out of five were distressed properties). The five 2/2 unit sales prices ranged from $205,000 for an unfurnished bank owned unit (A110) to a furnished, clean non-distressed unit (I102) at $260,000. Only the one bedroom unit sold with conventional financing. Four of the five 2/2 units sold for cash, and one included an owner carry. Current asking prices for one bedroom u... 05/12/2011

Aloha! Sales in Q1 2011 were non-existent at Kaanapali Shores—there were no closed sales, as in zero, zip, nada, from January 1 to March 31. As of March 31, there were 4 pending sales: three 1 bedroom ocean view fee simple units, and one 2 bedroom leasehold ocean view unit. The average days on market for listed units at Kaanapali Shores in Q1 was 287. Of the 47 active listings at the end of the first quarter, 4 were listed as short sales. There were no bank owned listings. We can speculate about possible reasons for the lack of sales in Q1: Some prices are not competitive, some are just wishful thinking 2010 rental revenues were down in spite of good occupancy—you already know that 2011 is much improved Uncertainty over potential assessments or maintenance fee increases for spalling rep... 05/12/2011

Kapalua, Maui: Real Estate Market Update and Newsletter The latest edition of my Newsletter is now available online at www.LuxuryRealEstateMaui.com The newsletter focuses on the events in the resort: the upcoming Wine and Food Festival, the transition to a new management company for the golf courses, and the recent foreclosure auction of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Kapalua.  Additionally, scroll down to find information on the real estate market in the resort and how it compares to this time last year.  I'm also pleased to be updating the Annual Comparisons section of my website, which details sales histories over the past ten years in the Kapalua Resort by Neighborhood and by property type. For more information on the Kapalua real estate market and Maui real estate offerings, please don't ... 05/09/2011

Lehman was the sole bidder at Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Hotel foreclosure auction today, May 5, 2011. The auction took place at the courthouse steps in Wailuku, Maui.  While I was unable to attend, a colleague who was there gave me the inside scoop:  There was only one bid today from Lehman Brother's, the leinholder, at $75,000,000.  It was announced that there were two other bidders, who did not reveal themselves or make a bid.  The auction is subject to court confirmation, at which time additional bidding may continue.  It is my understanding that any new bids must exceed Lehman's bid by a minimum of 5%. Once the court confirmation is complete (typically 30-45 days from today's date), I will post an update.  The hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2007, at which time, the north (Ho... 05/05/2011

Foreclosure Wednesday 5/4/2011 The following properties have been foreclosed upon by their respective lien holders. 17 Hoomoku Loop Kahului, HI 96732 for the sum of $392,033.01 47 North Laelua Place Paia HI 967 for the sum of $430,950.00 94 Hoku Puhipaka Street Kahului, HI 96732 for the sum of $475,396.27 105 Hoku Puhipaka Street Kahului, HI 96732 for the sum of $559,096.54 495 Liholiho Street #103 Wailuku, HI 96793 Mount Thomas condominium for the sum of $241,431.13 507 Hilinai street Wailuku, HI 96793 for the sum of $411,616.65 786 Paunau Street Lahaina, HI 96761 for the sum of $467,730.20 2597 Lioholo Place Kihei, HI 96753 for the sum of $505,812.35 3740 Lower Honoapiilani Highway #G-304 Lahaina, HI 96732 for the sum of $231,451.90 4310 Lower Honoapiilani Highway #406 Lahaina, HI 967... 05/04/2011

Foreclosure Tuesday 5/3/11 The following properties have been foreclosed upon by their respective lien holders. 50 Puu Anoano Apt#3304 Kaanapali HI 96761 the Masters at Kaanapali Hillside – E for the sum of $825,000.00 Judicial waiting for confirmation hearing 124 Mehani Place circle Kihei, HI 96753 Waimahaihai for the sum of $326,647.93 Judicial waiting for confirmation hearing 176 Heleuma Place Wailea, HI 96753 for the sum of $1,976,193.04 Judicial waiting for confirmation hearing 240 Ala Malama Kaunakakai, HI 96748 for the sum of $284,394.72 Surf the Hawaii MLS Find me on Youtube video walk through Find Maui Foreclosures Auctions on Youtube Foreclosure videos Find me on Twitter Twitter Find me on Flickr Fotos   05/03/2011