Sotheby's International Realty®

Why Sotheby's International Realty®
Beginning with its establishment in 1744, the Sotheby's auction house has earned a reputation for a keen eye in the valuation of fine possessions. Continuing this fine tradition in exceptional real estate and professional seller services, brokerages within the Sotheby's International Realty® network represent many of the world's luxury houses and estates. We see in every relationship and every transaction an opportunity to extend the centuries-old Sotheby's reputation for distinctive properties, prestigious heritage and, above all, the highest level of service.

• A global network accessing a far-reaching qualified client base
• Time-tested appraisal, sales and marketing experience
• An international sales force of associates with local knowledge
• Proprietary print marketing and advertising programs
• A compelling web site driven by a powerful brand
• Strong connections with the clients of Sotheby's auction house

Island Sotheby's International has three offices to serve all your Maui luxury real estate needs. In South Maui, there is our boutique office at The Shops at Wailea and a second location within the Wailea Town Center. Upcountry and the North Shore of Maui are served by our Makawao office. However, we do serve the entire island of Maui.

Paia Fest

Wow, its a busy weekend!
Lots of great activities!
Before you head off to the Ki Ho'Alu Slack Key Festival at the MACC - Maui Arts & Cultural Center, stop through Paia Town for the 1st Annual Paia Fest, this Sunday from 12 noon to 10 p.m. If you are interested in North Shore Maui real estate whether it's homes or condos, please contact me.

Ki Ho'Alu - Slack Key Guitar

18th Annual KI HO‘ALU - SLACK KEY GUITAR FESTIVAL this year is scheduled for Sunday, June 28th at the MAAC - Maui Arts and Cultural Center and runs from 2-7 pm. Bring the lawn chairs or roll out a blanket on the lawn to enjoy an all-afternoon, all-star line-up of Hawai‘i’s best slack key guitar musicians, including Kevin & Ikaika Brown, Makana, George Kahumoku, Jr., Dennis Kamakahi, Jeff Peterson, Ken Makuakane, LT Smooth, Donald Kaulia, Ocean Kaowili, David Kahiapo, Stephen Inglis, Walter Keale, Paul Togioka, Pali, Bobby Moderow, Jr., and more! Bring the whole ‘ohana … it’s FREE!

Maluaka Swim - Another Sunday

This past Sunday and Father's Day, the pink capped swimmers had a large turn out, including 4 visitors; a couple from Canada and another pair from California. The weather was balmy and warm and the water was pleasantly refreshing and clear. As usual we launched from the south entrance of Maluaka Beach, Makena and swam down to the the slosh which is just before "Little Beach" Makena. The swim down is typically quick with the current running in our direction. The return home runs against the current and this Sunday was no exception. This week the current wasn't too strong, but there was a bit of surface chop, making the swim back entertaining. The tide was very low in the a.m., so I took the advantage and swam through a coral formation that resembles an arch or bridge. What makes these swims so enjoyable, week after week, is the every changing marine life. This Sunday, we spotted "Papio" which are juvenile Ulua. For more photos of our Sunday swims, visit Don Bloom's website: TropicalLight.com

Sotheby's International Realty®

Company History
Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby's International Realty® network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation (then Cendant Corporation), the world's leading real estate brokerage franchisor, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's Holdings, Inc. (LSE: STBA). The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby's International Realty® name and the development of a full franchise system by Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC., a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby's International Realty® Affiliates LLC, supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable, 260-year-old Sotheby's auction house.

Seller's Disclosure - Electricity Costs

A new electricity cost disclosure requirement under House Bill 1464 goes into effect on July 1, 2009.
The bill, passed by the 2009 Hawai'i State Legislature in May, was designed to add or clarify a number of statutory provisions to encourage energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy resources. It includes a provision that states: "Prior to the sale of residential real property, the property owner shall make a good faith declaration of electricity cost based on the most recent three-month period in which the property was occupied prior to the date of the seller's disclosure, pursuant to chapter 508D. This declaration shall only apply where the owner directly pays the electrical utility bills, and shall not apply in the case of a foreclosure of residential real property or where there are no electric utility accounts associated with the property." Hawaii Association of Realtors® (HAR) has prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help members and Sellers understand the new requirement. Sellers undercontract are affected by this bill. Check with your Maui Realtor to make sure your in compliance with the new law.

Preparing a Home for Sale

In today’s Maui real estate market where there are few buyers and numerous homes available, it is important to put your home in the best possible condition that your budget will allow. Have your REALTOR® drop by for an assessment on the condition of your home at least six weeks before you intend to put it on the market. Together you can ascertain the items that need attention in a timely manner and within you budget.

• First: Take care of major repairs that may put off buyers (repair or replace a leaky roof, a window that may need replacement, or consider a fresh coat of exterior paint).
• Second: Consider the minor repairs. Make sure the fixtures and appliances are in good working order. Such as, replace any leaky faucets, fix chipped tiles and replace or repair inoperable window coverings.
• Third: Your home’s curb appeal is very important. Fertilize the grass, keep it green and mowed regularly. Consider perennial flowers or potted plants at the front entry. Fertilize and weed the garden beds. Keep your front yard in pristine condition. Remember this is your first impression to Buyers and takes a good picture.
  
  Other quick fixes that do not cost a lot of money but can help you get top dollar for your home:
• Remove clutter. Purge any unnecessary items before you sell and move. Clean and organize closets, drawers and the garage. If you have an overabundance of furniture consider removing some. Fewer furnishings tend to make a room feel larger.
• Depersonalize your home. Remove an overabundance of knick-knacks, photographs, cultural or religious items. If you have wild color schemes in each room, consider toning it down by painting walls or ceilings in neutral tones and just a splash of color. You want a prospective Buyer to feel comfortable in a home they are considering.
• Before your REALTOR® brings her camera or a professional photographer to take photos, make sure the windows and sills are sparkling clean.
• Touch up with paint any chips or stained areas.
• Do it yourself or hire professional cleaners to deep clean the entire home, the windows, shampoo the carpets, power-wash the walkways, entry and lanai.
• Remove any obnoxious smells such as litter box, smoke or cooking odors. Use an air-freshener and open the windows.
• Before a showing, the kitchen and bathrooms should be spotless and your home’s interior and exterior in an orderly condition.
• Invest in a couple of vases and display fresh flowers around the home.
  
  Remember, your intent is to make prospective purchasers feel welcome and at home.

If you are considering marketing your property on Maui, please contact me at 808.280.2625 or by email: patty@pattychaney.com. I'll be happy to assist you!

Maui Real Estate - Statistics: May 2009

The statistics for Maui real estate sales for May are out. Good news, home sales rose from 46 in April to 56 closings in May. Condo sales rose from 29 in April to 47, while land sales fell from 11 to 8. Once again, Central Maui has held the lead on home sales activity, generated by short sale, bank-owned and developer inventory.

Land sales continue to be sluggish. This may be due to several factors: The difficulty of obtaining land and construction loans today with financial institutions requiring 35% down. Secondly, the attractive pricing of finished homes on the market has taken the focus away from construction. Third, given lack of disposable income, the market is currently not focused on land as an investment unless it is an exceptional value or rare parcel. It does appear that many land owners are finally coming around to the reality of the market, as a number number of land listings have shown significant and attractive price reductions over the past two months. For the full report, see Maui Real Estate Statistics - May 2009

King Kamehameha Day

Maui will honor and celebrate King Kamehameha Day today with festivities beginning 9:00 a.m.with a parade followed by a Ho'olaule'a. Kamehameha I, the Great, is Hawai'i's monarch who first established the unified Kingdom of Hawai'i — comprising the Hawaiian Islands. Kamehameha is known as the Napoleon of the Pacific for his achievements in warfare and diplomacy. Details in the Maui News.

Solar Energy for Your Maui Home

Interested in installing a solar (photovoltaic) electric or solar hot water heater on your Maui Home? If so, mark Saturday, July 11, 2009, on your calendar as an educational opportunity to participate in the 4th Annual House of the Sun Solar Tour.

Currently the Federal goverment allows a 30% tax credit applied to the installation cost. The State of Hawai'i allows 35% tax credit or $5,000 annually. You can install PV in increments to take advantage of the $5,000 tax credit per year. More information.

The tour will visit Maui homes and businesses that utilize photovoltaic electric systems and solar hot water heaters. It explains how the technologies work, improvements made in the industry, costs, tax credits and why renewable energy makes sense.

Maui Film Festival - June 17th to 21st

The 10th Annual Maui Film Festival is just around the corner.



There are several new venues this year for film viewing. My favorites are: Sand - Wailea Beach, Celestial Cinema - Wailea, and the Castle Theater - Kahului

If you can't decide here's a list of all the films and venues.

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival

West Maui - On June 11, 2009, the longest-running and most prestigious festival of its kind in Hawaii, celebrates 28 years of fine food and wine with a four-day culinary extravaganza! Inspired by innovation, excellence and intimacy, the 28th annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival explores some the most exciting trends in the gastronomic world. Festival Host, Master Sommelier Fred Dame brings together world-renowned winemakers, top Master Sommeliers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders for a long-weekend of daily culinary exhibitions, interactive wine tastings and evening gala events. The Grand Tasting, Kapalua Seafood Festival, In the Kitchen and Fred Dame's Rare Wines Dinner are but a few of the highlights of this trendsetting event.

Upcountry Fair - Olinda, Makawao - June 13th & 14th

Come and enjoy the 29th Annual "Upcountry Fair" held for the second year at the Oskie Rice Arena in Olinda/Makawao, Upcountry, Maui.

Food, arts, crafts, 4H events, livestock, entertainment and a "Paniolo" - Hawaiian Cowboy Exhibition are the venue. Judging starts at 10 a.m. and winners announced at 11 a.m. Admission is free. The parking fee of $5.00, benefits the Makawao Strikers Soccer Club, King Kekaulike High School girls soccer and the Upcountry Fair Youth Development Scholarship Fund.

Haiku's Finest Kitchen

Beautiful, functional and comfortable, the kitchen in this well built home on the North Shore of Maui has everything a chef or guest could ask for, not to mention the likely possibility of seeing the humpback whales breach just outside the huge picture windows. The chef’s preparation and clean up are simplified with all professional appliances including a 6’ side by side fridge/freezer combination, 6 burner gas range with “pot filler” faucet above and 2 drawer dishwasher.
Directly off the kitchen there is a fully equipped bar and formal dining room, with coffered ceiling. Casual family dining may be set at the kitchen table or the adjacent covered lanai.

One of the selected Five Fabulous Kitchens featured in the June/July 2009 issue of
Luxury Home Magazine – Hawai’i.

If you would like more information on this spectacular Haiku home for sale, MLS #335585
please call me at 808.280.2625

Manta-Ray Mating Season?

This morning I took my nephew Pila visiting from O'ahu out for a paddle on my pair of one-man/one-woman canoes. We launched from Kama'ole I Beach Park, Kihei. We surfed the bumps outside The Cove Beach Park for a bit and then paddled down to the Mana Kai. He was especially excited by the Manta-Rays that we came upon about a half a mile out from the beach. Over the years, my eyes have learned to recognize their fins flapping on the surface. I love how graceful they are in the water... sort of like birds soaring undersea. There were four Rays swimming together and circling. I wonder, is it Manta mating season? It turns out that there is no specific mating season for Manta-Rays.

Baldwin Beach, Paia, Maui, Hawai'i

One of my favorite rituals is a brisk morning stroll with my two dogs along Baldwin Beach located between the community of Sprecklesville and Pa'ia Town. The beach is a about a 3/4 quarter mile stretch from one end to the other. Between the ocean, waves and sky, the shades of blue are astounding in variety. To pay a morning visit is an exceptional start to my day.

There are some terrific properties available for sale near this gorgeous beach. Take a look at the array of ocean front homes for sale in Paia and Spreckelsville.