Adventures in Real Estate: Diary of a Rookie Realtor Saturday August 29, 2009 I have started reading "Up and Running in 30 Days: A Proven Plan for Financial Success in Real Estate" by Carla Cross. The Sales Manager at my office asked if anyone wanted to do this program and of course I jumped on that bandwagon.  I am really excited about this program and officially start it on Monday. I am fairly new to real estate and definitely new to general real estate. Since the beginning of 2006 I have been selling pre-construction real estate in Ka'anapali Maui for a developer. It was an exciting time and a new resort for the area. People wanted it bad. It was easy to sell...until the market turned. I still hung in there though despite the negative news and slow market because I felt it was (and s... 08/29/2009

Restaurants in The Kapalua Resort Take Home Top HonorsEach year, the readers of Maui No Ka Oi Magazine choose the best Maui Restaurants in the magazine's annual "Aipono Awards".  Since the magazine began the Aipono Awards, they are some of the most coveted accolades, and provide the best guide to dining on Maui.  This year, my favorite restaurants in the Kapalua Resort took home medals in a variety of categories: Pineapple GrillGold Award: Restaurant of the YearGold Award: Best Wine List (Insider hint: try their Wine Wednesdays!)Silver Award: Best Seafood MerrimansGold Award: Best New RestaurantInsider hint: if you're in the mood for a lighter dinner, or just catching the sunset, dine outdoors on the lighter pupu menu.  Tables are set out along the point, with breathtaking views of Kapa... 08/09/2009

Each month, the Kapalua Spa offers a Kama'aina Special for those of us lucky enough to call Hawaii home.  This month, local residents enjoy special pricing on Facials:  $120 for any 50 minute facial or $160 for any 80 minute facial.  The Kapalua Spa's facial menu is extensive, offering treatments that incorporate Hawaiian healing practices and traditional methods.  For those of you visiting the islands, not to worry, the Kapalua Spa is running a special along with the Kapalua Villas until 9/30/09:  Those staying three nights at the everyday rate at the Kapalua Villas enjoy free spa treatments.  For more information, you can book online or call 888-297-1920. The Kama'aina Special offer extends to 8/31/09, and you must present a Hawaiian drivers license.  For more information, please call... 08/09/2009

The question I'm most often asked is "Who Owns Kapalua"? Kapalua Resort is currently owned and operated by Kapalua Land Company, whose parent company is Maui Land and Pineapple (ML&P).  In addition to owning approximately 23,000 acres that surround the Kapalua Resort, ML&P also cultivates Maui Gold Pineapple on 2,000 acres of farmland, and owns and manages the 8,300 acre Puu Kukui Watershed Preserve and the 3,300 acre Honolua-Mokuleia Maring Life Conservation Districts. The Kapalua Resort has its foundation in farming and ranching the land that would be known as Honolua Ranch, began in the 1800's by the Baldwin family.  By the late 1800's/early 1900's, the work that would become the Maunalei Arboretum began as the Baldwins, with the help of DT Fleming, planted crops of coffee, taro, man... 08/09/2009

Buying a home for most people is the biggest single investment they will ever make and very few people have a clue how it all comes together. I have lived in Canada most of my adult life and in 2005 moved to Hawaii and the difference in how real estate is conducted between the two countries is significant. As a realtor we have some job security in this void but I'm making sure both my children both young adults understand the basics and how to prepare for their first home purchase when they are ready. 08/09/2009

Quarter 2 - 2009 Kaanapali Shores Sales Statistics   Below are the sales statistics for Kaanapali Shores for the 2nd quarter of 2009.  There were two sales during the quarter:  •·          A one bedroom ocean view (#750 - 717 sq.ft.) that closed for $410,000 (not remodeled)   •·          A two bedroom ocean view (#161 - 1078 sq. ft) that closed for $970,000 (not remodeled).  Prices continue to be influenced by the distressed properties on the market and the urgency to complete upgrades required to remain in the Aston rental program. Some appraisers are noting that Maui is a declining market on their appraisal reports.  Even though overall activity levels are picking up, there is no sign that Maui condo prices will increase in the near term..      Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom Second Quarte... 08/05/2009

Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series August PerformersNapili Kai Beach Resort, MauiWednesdays 7:30 pm For the past six years, the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Concert Series has delighted visitors and Kama'aina alike.  This August, the series welcomes the following musicians: August 5: Keoki Kahumoku August 12: Dennis Kamakahi August 19: Ledward Kaapana August 26: Owana Salazar One of the coolest things about the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar series is the Talk Story that goes along with the music.  It's as if these legends of Hawaiian Music , many of them Grammy winners, are talking to old friends and family.  Hearing the inspiration behind the writing or playing of the music is fascinating, and provides a glimpse into Hawaii and its history of which many ... 08/04/2009

aina nalu Sales Statistics Quarter 2 2009 Apr - Jun 2009 Studio Upstairs 1 BD  Upstairs 1 BD Downstairs 2BD/1BA  Up & Downstairs 2BD/2BA  Upstairs  2BD/2BA Downstairs For Sale 1 3 3 3 9 7 Sold 0 0 0 0 0 0  Asking Price High $239,000 $428,000 $465,000 $589,000 $545,000 $475,000  Asking Price Low $212,000 $275,000 $360,000 $400,000 $350,000 $330,000  Median Asking Price  $225,500 $329,000 $399,000 $489,000 $399,000 $399,000  Average Asking Price  $225,500 $344,000 $408,000 $492,667 $412,794 $402,000 Median Sold n/a  n/a  n/a n/a n/a  n/a  Average Sold  n/a  n/a  n/a n/a n/a  n/a  Median for Sale 6/30/09 $239,000 $302,000 $465,000 $494,500 $398,500 $405,000  Average for Sale  6/30/09 $239,000 $302,000 $465,000 $494,500 $407,025  $413,167   As of 7/25/09 there are 19 active listings, 6 of w... 07/27/2009

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay: A Market Update The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay opened its doors on May 31, 2009.  The property consists of 84 wholly owned residences and 64 fractional residences.  Several owners and guests of the Club Residences have already stayed at Maui's newest Luxury Resort property.  The first closings of the wholly owned residences are anticipated later this month.  As it's now possible to get a sense of the views and interior space, we are beginning to see an increase in activity in residence sales activity.  Today, it was announced today that two of the Residences were put under reservation:  1202 and 2303 are both the three bedroom floorplan with a study.  These reservations follow on the heels of 1403 which sold a few weeks ago.  ... 07/20/2009

The Lahaina Restoration Foundation will host "Lahaina Plantation Days, Then and Now" from July 30th to August 1st, 2009.  The event, which pays tribute to West Maui's history as a Plantation Town, will feature entertainment by both cultural groups and popular local musicians along with historical displays and exhibits.  In addition, you can sample local fare at restaurant food booths, enjoy a cold beer, or take the kids to the Kid's Zone.  There will also be an opportunity to preview the Puukolii Village project, which is Kaanapali Land Management Corporations proposed development in the old Puukolii Village site located on the Hillside above the Kaanapali Resort.  For more information on Puukolii Village visit: www.kaanapaliland.com I'm particularly looking forward to a special present... 07/19/2009

Kapalua Adventures Debuts new Sunset and Full Moon Zip Line Tours!  Having grown up here on Maui, I can honestly say I'd never seen such views until I took the ziplines up above the Kapalua Resort.  My first thought was that it would be spectacular at sunset.  Now you can enjoy the legendary sunsets on the Sunset Zip Tour, which runs on Wednesday and Saturday from 5:00 to 7:30 pm, beginning on July 18, 2009.  The new Full Moon Zip Tour is offered once a month from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.  Participants will venture across the longest and highest suspension bridge in Hawaii.  At the end, hot chocolate is served.  Upcoming dates: August 5, September 4, and October 3, 2009 Call 808-665-3753.  Available for adults, aged 21 and over. 07/16/2009

Kapalua Club Members and their guests have a fantastic new gathering place here in the resort.  The new Beach Club opened two weeks ago to rave reviews, at the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay. The saline infinity edge pool and hot tub both overlook Kapalua Bay.  Lounge chairs fan around the pool on a soft green lawn.  My favorite way to spend the day: enjoying a light lunch, while reading poolside.  Open from 8 am to 8 pm, this is the perfect place to catch the sunset.  The Beach Club's signature cocktails are old favorites with a tropical twist (the freshest fruit!), and the quiet, relaxed atmosphere make it a lovely way to end the day.   The Kapalua Club has recently introduced a Monday Play Day for its members.  From 3-5 pm, this casual, afternoon gathering features a v... 07/16/2009

Kamaole Sands Condominium, Kihei Maui Condominiums Hawaii, Here is a market report for Kamaole Sands Condominium for the last three months.  This report includes all active, pending escrow, and sold for the last three months. If you wish to receive my Kihei Newsletter or sign up for daily email updates for Kamaole Sands condominiums.  Please call, or email me with your contact information.  You can also check all active listings for Kamaole Sands, click on this link.  Steve Nickens Kamaole Sands 2017 Market Summary Published: July 2017*Property Types: All Residential Properties - All Properties - All Properties - All Properties Price Range: $400,000 - $949,999 SQFT Range: 700 - 1599 Bedrooms: 1 - 3 Bathrooms: 0.5 - 2 Year Built: 0 - No Limi June 2017 is a Seller's market! The number of ... 07/14/2009

The local news is painting a dire picture of real estate and the economy on Maui.  One story said that real estate sales were DREADFUL, http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/520829.html .  In a story entitled "Maui Wipeout http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/520909.html , today's front page, the paper details some of the facts about foreclosures and bankruptcies on Maui.  These stories offer interesting and somewhat depressing pieces of a bigger puzzle.  Is it really this bad or is there opportunity?  If so, where and for whom?  What does it mean and what do the actual numbers have to say?  Stay tuned for the "rest of the story", coming soon to an email or blog near you. Lee Potts www.alohapotts.com   07/12/2009

It was announced to Kapalua Club today, that the Kapalua Spa and the new Beach Club at the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Kapalua Bay will both be open to members on July 3, 2009.  One of the great benefits of membership in the Kapalua Club is special access to resort amenities and services. The Kapalua Spa offers a wide range of treatments and classes.  The spa is a full fitness facility, with weights, cardio, circuit training, and Kinesis training.  There are relaxation rooms with sauna, steam, and whirlpool, along with a saline lap pool.  The Beach Club is nestled between the Ritz-Carlton Residences and Coconut Grove, overlooking Kapalua Bay.  The Beach Club offers an ocean-view, infinity edge pool, hot tub, day lockers, chair/towel service, and a full service bar with light food ... 06/30/2009

It was announced today that due to a lack of a title sponsor, the Kapalua Resort will be unable to present the 2009 Kapalua LPGA Classic.  The innuagural event was held last year, with great response from the community and players.  This year's event had been scheduled for October 12-18th at The Bay Course.   The Kapalua Resort is home to the PGA Tour's Season Opening event, the SBS Championship, scheduled for January, 2010. 06/30/2009

I am pleased to announce the latest sale in the Kapalua Resort.  My listing at the Bay Villas 21G5 is an oceanfront, townhouse floorplan one bedroom/two bathroom.  Listed at $1,100,000, the villa closed escrow at $1,065,000.  The Bay Villas are comprised of 141 oceanfront and oceanview villas, with 22 villas currently listed for sale.  Pricing ranges from $795,000 to 1,995,000 for one bedroom Bay Villas, and $1,549,000 to $2,195,000 for two bedroom floorplans.  06/25/2009

Today, the Maui County Council voted unanimously to approve the First Reading and filing of their land use committee's unanimous recommendations for the zoning changes necessary for the West Maui Hospital and Medical Center at the proposed Kaanapali site. To celebrate, David Paul's Island Grill will host a 4th of July Hospital Gala at their restaurant at 900 Front Street (next to Ruth's Chris).  This is a great venue to watch the fireworks which are scheduled for 8 pm, with unobstructed ocean views.  The Gala begins at 6 pm, and will feature live entertainment by Sam Ahia Trio, photography by Media Systems, and a special menu from Chef David Paul.  Reservations are limited: Admission is $150 and is paid to the West Maui Improvement Foundation, a 510 (c) 3 public charity.  RSVP by July 1... 06/23/2009

The Realtor's Association of Maui has posted its May 2009 statistics.  While activity has been slow overall for year to date over last year, it does seem like there has been an increase in activity in the Kapalua Resort, with five new escrows. The activity focused largely at the Golf Villas, which reflects the lower price range of the Kapalua Resort Market.  A 1-bedroom listed at $599,000 is now pending, as are two 2-bedroom listings at $600,000 and $650,000.  The lowest priced oceanfront one bedroom at the Bay Villas, at a list price of $1,100,000, is also pending sale.  The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences celebrated it's opening at the end of May, and we have seen more visitors and guests each day.  Since the property opened, Residence1403, has also been placed under contract. 06/21/2009

It was a gorgeous day today, so I thought I'd take a little time to stop by the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kapalua Bay.  Strolling through the lobby, the view overlooks beautifully landscaped grounds, framing the channel between Molokai and Lanai.  The sound of waterfalls surround, as you make your way to a lagoon like pool setting.  This time, I had my camera handy. I stopped by one of my favorite locations, 2503, which has stunning coastal and sunset views overlooking the pool area (pictured left).  But what's special about this location is actually the views from the back bedrooms, which look out toward the Plantation Course and Honolua Bay.    Koliana Designs, the talented team that has renovated many of the Kapalua Villas to new Gold Standards has just finished decorating the first R... 06/17/2009