Hale Hookipa - Luxury Estate Home in Haiku

MLS: 335585 Haiku

Minutes away from the world famous windsurfing destination known as Ho'okipa Beach Park, resides this beautiful and quality built custom home designed for those who embrace the spirit of hospitality. Hale Ho'okipa means House of Hospitality. Here within these gracious grounds, one can live year round within the main quarters of this single level home. When family members and visiting guests arrive, there is ample room in the auxiliary living area adjacent to and above the garage which consists of an additional 2 bedrooms and 3 full baths.

For more information about Haiku real estate, or North Shore Maui real estate, please feel free to send me a INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 8088.280.2625.

Kulamalu Hilltop - Pukalani

MLS: 339523-Pukalani

Near perfect in so many ways, this 1/3 acre parcel is located within Kulamalu Hilltop; a 12 lot gated community in Pukalani. Boasting views of both the north and south shoreline, the West Maui Mountains and Central Valley this property is an exceptional value and is surrounded by quality built custom homes. The most recent home sale 27 Ohia Lehua Place, closed in July '09, at $1,425,000. Kulamalu Hilltop is located above Kamehameha Schools Maui campus and below the new Kulamalu Shopping Center with anchor tenant Long's Drugs. View photos and details.

This property is listed by Island Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia P Chaney R(B) may represent you as Buyer's Representative.

If you would like more information about Pukalani real estate, or Upcountry Maui homes for sale, I'd love to assist and answer your questions. Please send me an INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.

Kula Estate Home - Exceptional Value!

MLS: 333574 - Kula

Keokea-Kula
Perched above Polipoli Road, this gracious and beautifully designed custom 4 bedroom, 3 bath home sits on 2.3 lushly landscaped acres. Keokea, Kula is an area of Maui revered by Upcountry farmers for its moderate, delightful and near perfect weather. Living in Keokea is as good as it gets with temperate warm days, light breezes and cool evenings and nights. At $1,350,000, this lovely home is exceptionally well priced and won't last on the market! Photos and details

This property is listed by Island Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia P Chaney R(B) may represent you as Buyer's Representative.

If you would like more information about Kula real estate, or Upcountry Maui real estate, I'd love to assist and answer your questions. Please send me an INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.
Aloha! Patty

Paia-Kuau Ocean Front Condos

Looking for an ocean front retreat along the North Shore of Maui? Island Sotheby's International Realty has listed two ocean front condominiums just shy of Paia Town. Both units are priced at $799,000 each. Ocean front condominiums along the North Shore are a rarity, and under a million, even more so. Details and photos.

This home is listed with Island Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia Chaney may represent you as a Buyer's agent.

If you would like more information about Paia real estate, or Maui ocean front homes for sale, please send me an INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625. I'd be happy to assist you.

Aloha! Patty

Best Buy - Maunaolu Plantation Estates

MLS: 334253- Makawao

Wow! This is a significant price reduction for this single level home in Mauna'olu Plantation Estates. Each home within this 39 lot gated community is situated on 2 acres. It is absolutely remarkable how quiet it is at night and how many stars are in the sky in this neighborhood.

Located off Baldwin Avenue, 265 Oha'oha Place is approximately 5 minutes from Makawao Town, 7 minutes from Paia Town and 15-20 minutes to Kahului. This home is ideal for the active family as the entire parcel is a level lawn and perfect for an array of outdoor sports. Nearby are some of Maui's finest schools, such as Seabury Hall, Maui Montessori and Doris Todd Academy. Reduced to: $949,900

If you would like more information on this beautiful Upcountry Maui home for sale, or homes for sale near Seabury Hall, please send me an email INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.

Aloha! Patty

This home is listed with Equity One Real Estate
Patricia P Chaney R(B) may represent you as Buyer's Representative.

Movement in Maui Ocean Front Homes

Maui Ocean Front - Market Activity

In the past three weeks three South Maui ocean front homes were placed under contract. Two homes are located less than a quarter mile from each other in South Kihei. 2162 Ilili Road is located ocean front between Cove Park and Kama'ole I Beach Park. 2260 South Kihei Road is located at the north end of Kama'ole I Beach Park. About five miles south, 5110 Makena Road is perched above Makena Landing, a favorite launching site for ocean enthusiasts with kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. View property details.

Having been in the Maui real estate business for over 20 years. I've seen the last down cycle beginning in 1991 with the crash of the Japanese Yen and American involvement in the first Gulf War. Years later, the first signs of market improvement were sales of Maui ocean front properties. Smart investors took advantage of the down turn and waited for the right time. It may be too early to tell, but perhaps the pending sales of these three properties may be indicative of investors feeling that the bottom is here and the values are low enough to return and invest. When these properties close, I'll provide more details.

If you would like more information about Maui real estate, or other Maui ocean front homes for sale, please send me an INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.
Aloha! Patty

Makena Wings

Maluaka Beach - Makena

Ocean swimming along Maui's reefs feels a bit like flying. As I swim, I am soaring above the texture and terrain of the ocean sea floor. The reefs elevate and fall into valleys and sandy canyons. Fish pay no attention and go on with their bid for survival, darting in and out and nibbling on the growth of the surrounding formations. It's a magical, wonderful sensation and as close as I can get to feeling that my arms are wings and I am flying.

(top to bottom: Cheryl, Christine, Patty, Jonathan)
Photo courtesy of: Tropicallight.com

If you would like infornation about Makena real estate, or Wailea Makena homes for sale, feel free to contact me.

Busy September!

Pending Sales - September is winding out to be a busier month than anticipated for Maui real estate. We are in our 20th day of September and to date there are 107 properties (homes, condos and land) that have gone under contract since the first of the month. Last month, August there were 111 properties that changed from Active to pending sales. In July there were 53 properties that transitioned from Active to Pending for the entire County of Maui.

South Maui Ocean Front Property

MLS: 336575 Kihei

1614 Halama Street, Kihei
Imagine the possibilities! This beachfront property is over a third of an acre in size and has a state certified shoreline survey and permitted seawall. There are currently two small dwellings on the property that are rented long term.

1614 Halama Street is within easy walking distance or cycling distance to the heart of Kihei Town. Launch your kayak and canoes, snorkel, fish, catch a wave, or do absolutely nothing but relax and listen to the ocean and palm trees swaying in the breeze. View photos and details.

This home is listed with Island Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia Chaney may represent you as a Buyer's agent.

If you would like more information about this property, or other Maui ocean front homes for sale, please send me an INQUIRY, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.
Aloha! Patty

Outrigger Canoe Channel Races

Hoe Wa'a
On September 27th, female crews from around the world will compete in Na Wahine O' Ke Kai - the 41 mile Molokai to O'ahu channel crossing in outrigger canoes.

The following weekend, October 3rd the men compete on the same course known as the Moloka'i Hoe.

I paddled the Molokai Channel - Na Wahine O Ke Kai race with Hawaiian Canoe Club years ago. Once. It was a grueling race as the water was relatively flat and calm. Open ocean paddlers prefer the seas have rolling swells, to surf and assist with forward motion. Six-wo/man outrigger canoe paddling is a wonderful sport. I only wish my time allowed for the demanding commitment.

For a list of Maui ocean front homes for sale, or Maui ocean front condos please feel free to contact me or call me on my direct line: 808.280.2625.

Paia - Ono Grinds at Paia Fishmarket

I just spent yesterday with friends visiting from the Island of O'ahu. We started our day early at the beach and then toured the North Shore and Ho'okipa. For lunch we stopped in Paia Fish Market. This is one of my favorite spots to eat locally caught fish. Paia Fish Market is on the corner of Baldwin Avenue and Hana Highway, in the heart of Paia Town. It is easily missed if driving through Paia towards Hana. During peak dining hours there is typically a line out the door of customers waiting to place their order. The menu is a delicious, the portions are sizable and reasonably priced. Attire is casual with bench/picnic table dining. Patrons will vary from barefoot surfers, families, out-of-towners and celebrities. Year after year the residents of Maui have voted Paia Fish Market as having THE BEST Fish Burger on the island. Next time you are in Paia, stop in! My favorite is the Mahi Burger.

Have an interest in Paia real estate or nearby Spreckelsville homes for sale? Send me an email or call me: 808.280.2625.

Maui Ocean Front Home - Island Style

MLS: 337758 KiheiBuilt to reflect a sense of place and comfortable "Island Style" living, this gracious Maui ocean front home in sunny Central Kihei will lure you with it's welcoming warmth and charm. The original owner built this 6 bedroom, 5.5 bath home for her retirement and also a gathering place for family and friends. Designed by Randy Wagner-Rixey, this beautiful home is within walking distance to a variety of stores and restaurants. More details and photos.

1290 Uluniu Road, Kihei
Offered for sale at: $4,200,000

If you would like more information on Maui ocean front homes for sale or Kihei ocean front real estate, please contact me, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625.


This home is listed with Island Sotheby's International Realty (W)
Patricia Chaney, R(B) may assist you as a Buyer's representative.

Aloha! Patty

Maunaolu Plantation Estates

MLS: 339425 Makawao
North Shore and Upcountry Maui meet at 14 Oha'oha Place! Located within Maunaolu Plantation Estates is this lovely home on two acres. Thoughtfully designed for Island living, this single level 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath main home blends the outdoor living area and pool with its 2,210 square feet of interior living space. Separately detached is a comfortable 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath, guest cottage consisting of another 1,000 square feet. Top it off with lush landscaping and gorgeous sunsets and views of the North Shore coastline and West Maui Mountains. Maunaolu Plantation Estates is nicely situated between the towns of Makawao and Paia along Baldwin Avenue and nearby many of Upcountry Schools including Seabury Hall, Montessori and Doris Todd. Offered at: $2,250,000. Contact us personal tour.

This property is listed by Island Sotheby's International Realty
Patricia P Chaney R(B) may represent you as Buyer's Representative.

North Shore Maui Ocean Front - Sale

A new high end sale precedence was set last Friday - 9.11.09, for the North Shore and Upcountry areas of Maui. Located in Peahi along the North Shore, 380 Manawai Place sold for $3,760,000. Situated ocean front on 5 acres and facing directly east, the lanai and main interior living space overlook the dramatic coastline of Uaoa Bay.

From the kitchen and living area, the moon and sun rises from the Pacific Ocean and showers light into the living space. Completed in 2005, this single level home consists of 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and 5,200 square feet of interior living space.

For more information of homes for sale in Haiku,or details about North Shore Maui real estate, please send me an email inquiry, or call me direct at: 808.280.2625

Maui Real Estate Statistics - August 2009

The Maui real estate statistics are compiled for the month of August. Home stats are identical to my previous blog. RAM and I differ on days on market, I think that this is a typo from RAM. Bottom line, sales per month will vary on this island. Given our small source of data, there is really no sense looking at the picture month to month. August was not a stellar month and a bit of a down slide from the July stats. Never mind, the best gauge is to look at either a six month, or twelve month time frame to really get a grasp of the market's direction. As I write this, I know that there is a buzz of activity occurring . I think the buyers who meet the "first time" or haven't owned in three years criteria, are actively involved and seriously scouting to take advantage of federal tax credits. We still continue to have a range of opinions from those who believe the market will fall further and others who believe the market will rebound back to 2005-2006 values in 2010.

I myself continue to believe that the recovery will be like a trek to Pu'u Kukui. A long, slow and steady hike uphill. Overall, it's good direction.
Have questions about Maui real estate, call me: 808.280.2625.

A hui hou!
Patty

Maui Home Sales ...... Opportunity is Knocking!

Investors typically wait for opportune moments to take advantage of the marketplace. Maui home sales, condominium and land values are back to 2003 –2004 pricing. If you are the investor waiting to cry, “Carpe Diem”, then this is your moment. Plunge in! For first time home buyers, the timing couldn’t be better! Like the planets and stars aligning…. “the Age of Aquarius” in home buying is here! Except rather than stars, moons and planets, the alignment is:
(photo: Tropicallight.com)

• Historically low interest rates
• A multitude of home choices
• Sellers are motivated
• Up to $8,0000 federal tax credits

For more information view the National Association of Realtors brochures on Home Buyer Campaign and Buyer Tax Credits. Search Maui homes for sale and Maui condominiums for sale.

August Home Sales

Maui real estate: Home Sales for August - In reviewing the sales statistics compiled by RAM - Realtor's Association of Maui, there were 52 home sales on Maui in August. This is 5 less than the month of July. 23% or 12 of this month's home closings were short sales(5), or bank owned properties(7). The average sale price was $633,169, while the median sales price this month fell to $500,000. The bank owned sales averaged in $458,128, while the short sale properties averaged $506,000. Average time on the market for this month's closings: 207 days.

Interesting news? Good news! I haven't seen a home sale this low in years! The low sale this month closed at $150,000 for a 1946, 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in Wailuku. One the other spectrum of the market, the high sale this month occurred on the West Side of Maui at Ka'anapali's Summit Estates and sold at $2,425,000.

For more information on Maui homes for sale, please send me in inquiry, or call me direct: 808.280.2625

Short Sales on Maui - General Info

Over the past six months a handful of the homes I've showed to Buyers are noted as short sales. Currently approximately 30% of all the sales transactions closing in the Maui real estate market are either bank-owned properties or short sales.

A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds from the sale fall short of the balance owed on a loan secured by the property sold. In a short sale, the bank or mortgage lender agrees to discount a loan balance because of an economic or financial hardship on the part of the mortgagor. This negotiation is all done through communication with a bank's loss mitigation or workout department. The home owner/debtor sells the mortgaged property for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, and turns over the proceeds of the sale to the lender, sometimes (but not always) in full satisfaction of the debt. In such instances, the lender would have the right to approve or disapprove of a proposed sale. Extenuating circumstances influence whether or not banks will discount a loan balance. These circumstances are usually related to the current real estate market and the borrower's financial situation.

A short sale typically is executed to prevent a home foreclosure, but the decision to proceed with a short sale is predicated on the most economic way for the bank to recover the amount owed on the property. Often a bank will allow a short sale if they believe that it will result in a smaller financial loss than foreclosing as there are carrying costs that are associated with a foreclosure. A bank will typically determine the amount of equity (or lack thereof), by determining the probable selling price from a Broker Price Opinion BPO (also known as a Broker Opinion of Value (BOV)) or through a valuation of an appraisal. For the home owner, advantages include avoidance of a foreclosure on their credit history and partial control of the monetary deficiency. A short sale is typically faster and less expensive than a foreclosure. In short, a short sale is nothing more than negotiating with lien holders a payoff for less than what they are owed, or rather a sale of a debt, generally on a piece of real estate, short of the full debt amount. It does not extinguish the remaining balance unless settlement is clearly indicated on the acceptance of offer.

Short sales are common in standard business transactions in recognition that creditors are not doing debtors a favor but, rather, engaging in a business transaction when extending credit. When it makes no business sense or is economically not feasible to retain an asset, businesses default on their loans (called bonds). It is not uncommon for business bonds to trade on the after-market for a small fraction of their face value in realization of the likelihood of these future defaults.

In negotiating a short sale, the prospective buyer must have patience in obtaining a response from the creditors. It may take anywhere from two to six months for the lender(s) to respond to the initial offer. The offer may be accepted, rejected or countered. Clearly the prospective buyer should remove their emotional attachment to obtaining a specific short sale property. If time is of the essence, such as a 1031 tax-deferred exchange, or rising interest rates, a short sale may be a risky pursuit. Definition courtesy of Wikipedia

If you would like a list of bank owned or short sales on Maui, please feel free to contact me.

Spreckelsville - Paia Real Estate

Spreckelsville-Paia: Land For Sale - Located within walking distance from vibrant Paia Town, within the heart of Spreckelsville is E Paepae Ka Puko'a. This 16 lot subdivision is just steps away from the ocean. Each lot is a half acre in size. There are 4 available lots remaining for sale.

Years from now, this location will be relished by North Shore Maui enthusiasts, as there may never be another opportunity like this again. Available lots start at $825,000. Seller financing is available.

Patricia P Chaney R(B) may represent you as Buyer's Representative.

For more information on North Shore Maui real estate, or homes for sale in Spreckelsville or Paia, call me at 808.2802625 or contact me.

South Maui Real Estate - Residential Sales for August

Here are the home sales for Kihei, Makena and Wailea real estate for the month of August:

Wailea & Makena: 1
I remember showing this home to a couple when it was first listed and thought this home isn't worth more than $650,000. I came pretty close. This property had "good bone structure" but was VERY dated and needs about $200,000+ in upgrades.

Maui Meadows: 1
Not a short sale or a REO!

Kihei: 9
Kihei of course is the largest area of South Maui. The spread of pricing displays Kihei's various communities. North Kihei and South Kihei should really be split into two separate searches as the price point varies significantly between South Kihei and North Kihei. Why? Weather, dust and quality of beaches are the most discriminating factors. In recent years though, the gap has diminished with newer subdivisions created in Central and North Kihei. Many North Kihei residents love the convenience of less travel time to Kahului. However, the wind and dust from the outlying sugar cane fields will continue to hamper values of North Kihei. The low sale occurred in the North Kihei and the high sale within South Kihei at Kilohana Ridge ,above Keawakapu Beach.

For more information on homes for sale in Wailea, Makena and Kihei, please feel free to call me at 808.280.2625 or contact me via email.

Makena Swim Race

Maluaka Beach, Makena - Aumakua Swim Race
Monday - September 7, 2009

One mile swimmers are off!

Today, rather than swim I chose to assist as an escort with my canoe. Gray day? Great day! Well it was a cloudy, bumpy and windy start, but turned into lovely day. The wind dimished and the sun broke through as the first swimmers crossed the finish line.
I borrowed the above photo from Don Bloom's website: TropicalLight.com.Click the photo to find out more details on the Aumakua Race.

There were two races, a 1 mile and a 2.4 mile swim and over 170 participants.
What a day to relax and enjoy Labor Day.

Spreckelsville & Paia Homes - A Best Buy

MLS: 334678 Paia

There are some exceptional values of homes for sale in Paia and Spreckelsville on the market. It seems prices are nearly back to 2004 values. Opportunity is really here.

If you've been searching for an ocean front home for sale on the North Shore of Maui, I'd like to tell you about a diamond in the rough at located at 475 Hana Highway.









Just beyond the town of Paia, is this modest 2,200 sq.ft. beach home, built in 1949. Situated on over 17,500 sq.ft. of land and 77 linear feet of ocean frontage, the value of this property is not the dwelling but in the land itself. The list price is $1,700,000, or $100 per square foot.

475 Hana Highway, Paia MLS: 334678

This property is listed by Jim Sanders Realty Inc
Patricia P Chaney R(B) may represent you as Buyer's Representative.

For more information on North Shore Maui ocean front homes or Spreckelsville and Paia real estate, please feel free to email me your questions, or cal me directly: 808.280.2625.

Bottom Or Not?

Kahului, Maui - At a luncheon sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank, Leroy Laney, professor at Hawaii Pacific University, provided his 20th annual economic report to Maui Chamber of Commerce members. According to Laney, the economy on a national level has hit bottom. Recovery has begun, but it may be difficult to notice. For more details on Laney's forecast, see the article in the Maui News.

Not much is mentioned in the article about the Hawai'i or Maui real estate market. I'd like to believe we've hit bottom. I don't know if any economist can predict until it's six months to a year behind us.

Paul Brewbaker, chief economic advisor for Bank of Hawai'i, provided his economic forecast in late July. Although similar, Brewbaker was not quite direct as Laney about the bottom. I have hope that the worst is over and we can view it out of our rear view mirrors.

Maui Bans Plastic Bags!

A pet peeve of mine is plastic bags. These petroleum based polymers or polyethylene sacks we use to label and stuff our store bought merchandise are a detriment to our environment. Remember the movie, The Graduate? "Plastic!" claimed Mr. Robinson, "is the future." While plastic has many terrific merits, plastic bags are another matter.

It's a love-hate syndrome, but they have got to go! I pass them on roadways and find them on the beach blowing in the wind. I swim or paddle my canoe in and on the ocean and find them! Ugh! *@! I once freed a turtle whose head was entangled around a plastic bag.

Granted Maui is pretty clean in comparison to some other places. The most dreadful spot on Maui to see the devastating effects of plastic bags to our environment is where they are suppose to find their eventual demise, the Central Maui Landfill, aka "the Dump". Are plastic bags really bio-degradable??? Follow this link. Many of the thousands of them disposed every day, escape and blow in the wind and sail off into trees, the ocean and who knows where.

About three years ago, after assisting the entangled turtle, I weaned myself off of plastic bags. It took about six months to get into the habit, but eventually after many trials, forgets and trips back to my car, to grab one or several of my reusable sacks from Longs, Foodland, or Mana Foods ... the habit kicked in. If I forget my bag, I shop small and try my best to limit my purchase to a few items that will fit in my sack or purse. When I purchase one or two items at a store and the cashier puts the items in a bag, I take the items out and say to the cashier, "Thank you. No plastic for me."

Effective January 1, 2011, the Counties of Maui and Hawai'i have banned plastic bags. Not soon enough for me, but better later than not at all.

Upcountry Maui Real Estate - August Home Sales

Here are the residential sales that occurred during the month of August for Upcountry Maui real estate:

Kula - 3
The big surprise was the home at 300 Inu Place that closed at $1,650,000. This home sold back in 2005 for $2,550,000. This sale will wreak some damage on the comps for Kula real estate sales over the next several months.

Pukalani - 5
Two of the five sales within Pukalani were bank owned properties. One of the homes sold was a short-sale. Of the two remaining sales, one was a project sale, residential condominium at The Cottages at Kulamalu.

Makawao - 2
As far as Makawao homes for sale, there were two closings in the month of August. The sale at 2190 Piiholo Road was a residential condo. The sale financing was by way of an Agreement of Sale. With the difficulty of obtaining conventional financing today, more Sellers are viewing Seller financing by way of an Agreement of Sale, or Purchase Money Mortgage as a viable way to sell and move on in their lives.

Have questions about Upcountry Maui homes for sale, please feel free to contact me or call me directly at: 808.280.2625.

North Shore Maui Real Estate - August Home Sales

Here are the residential sales that occurred during the month of August for North Shore Maui real estate:

Spreckelsville-Paia-Kuau: 2
Both of the sales within Spreckelsville, Paia and Kuau occurred at the lower price point sector. The average time on the market: 108 days, or 3.5 months.

Haiku: 2
For residential sales in Haiku real estate, the average time on the market was 183 days or 6.1 months. Haiku is a much larger land mass or area than Paia and Spreckelsville. With that in mind, sales will be at a broader price range. From the month of July having 7 sales, this month with just 2 sales was a slowdown. On the other hand, the Paia-Spreckelsville area had 0 sales in July, thus the 2 sales for August within this small area are a worthy improvement.

Paia to Spreckelsville Bike Bath

Construction of the bike path connecting Paia Town to Baldwin Beach, Sprecklesville is nearly complete. The pedestrian-bike trail starts at the west end of Paia Town and meanders past the youth center, following the sugar cane fields on the makai-ocean side of the Hana Hwy. The orange cones are still posted, but I've already seen cyclists and joggers/runners taking advantage of the lane. After the irrigation and landscaping has been completed, the County will officially open the path to the public. These measures continue to show the County's efforts to transition Maui into a more walkable Island community.

If you have an interest in Paia real estate or would like information on Spreckelsville homes for sale, I'd love to assist you. You can either contact me via email or call me direct: 808.280.2625. Mahalo for viewing my Maui Real Estate blog.

Maui Real Estate - Home Inspections 101

When I first started as a REALTOR®.... over 20 years ago, typically Buyers would perform a home inspection with the assistance of their agent. The bathroom showers were turned on, the toilets flushed to check the water pressure and any hot water surges. The electrical outlets were checked with the aid of a nightlight and the windows were opened and closed. Years ago, that was about the extent of a home inspection other than the termite report. Occasionally, a more prudent Buyer hired a contractor/handyman to check over the home.

Today, 99% of Buyers hire a professional ASHI certified home inspector. A professional home inspector, checks just about EVERYTHING accessible. They crawl below the home when it is on post on pier to check the footings, look in the attic space, check the wiring in the electrical panel box, the outlets and wall switches, check the water pressure, the irrigation, the garage door safety features, get on the roof and inspect it's condition, turn on all the appliances to see if they are working properly and more. When its beyond their scope, they may recommend a specialist for a follow up, such as a pool and spa technician.

Here are some good tips for Sellers that will better prepare their homes for an inspection. The less that shows up in an inspection report, the more comfortable a Buyer will feel about moving forward with the home purchase.

• A neat and tidy home and exterior will give the appearance that a home is well maintained.

• Confirm that water, electric and gas service are on, with gas pilot lights burning.

• Replace any burned out bulbs to avoid a "Light is inoperable" report that may suggest an electrical problem.

• Test smoke detectors, and replace dead batteries.

• Clean or replace dirty AC air filters. They should fit securely.

• Remove stored items, debris and wood from around the house and foundation. These may be cited as "conducive conditions" for termites.

• Check to see if there is any soil to wood contact around the perimeter of the house.

• Check gates, fences.

• Check pool pumps, filters, chemicals in pool for proper ph balance.

• Remove items blocking access to AC equipment, electric service panels, water heaters, attics and crawl spaces.

• Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates and crawl spaces.

• Trim tree limbs 10′ away from the roof.

• Trim any shrubs too close to the house.

• Inspect and attend to broken or missing items like doorknobs, locks and latches; windowpanes, screens and locks; gutters, downspouts and chimney caps.

• Have your chimney inspected before hand.

• Clear debris from gutters.

• Remove any mildew build up on the exterior and interior of a home on surfaces, closets, under sink cabinets.

• Remove or secure pets from the premises so they will not hinder the inspection. Ideally, they should be removed or secured outside. Tell your agent about any pets at home.

If you observe the tips listed above, the inspection will go smoother, with fewer concerns to delay closing. Better yet, before putting your home on the market, have an inspection done in advance and take care of the major items noted.

Should you have questions concerning buying or selling Maui real estate, please feel free to contact me: 808.280.2625 or send me an email at: patty@pattychaney.com

Sotheby's International Realty® Luxury Homes, Global Reach

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• Exquisite Homes
• A network of offices to assist you locally and globally
• A team of associates with knowledge of their local market
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Here on Maui, Island Sotheby's International Realty has three offices to serve your needs for Maui luxury real estate. Two offices are located in Wailea and a third is located in Makawao, Upcountry Maui.