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- Condotels and Condominiums on Maui
When making the decision to purchase a condominium or a condotel on Maui, it’s important to understand the difference between the two types of properties and the lending qualifications that may apply to each one.
- Condo Ownership and Vacation Rentals
Frequently clients will ask, “Should I put my condo into a vacation rental program?” and “Can I expect to make any money?” There are qualitative considerations – whether you want others in your unit; the percent of time you want it for personal use, etc.
- FAQ Mortgage Process
The most frequently asked questions I receive are how to start the loan process.
- Helpful Mortgage Hints for the Self-Employed Individual
Self-employment offers unique challenges and personal freedoms. Those who are self -employed should not view their employment status an obstacle to larger financial opportunities, such as home ownership.
- Understanding Leasehold and Fee Simple Home Buying
Buyers of property on Maui may be confused by two terms that can be associated with buying a home or condominium in Hawaii. Those terms are “leasehold” and “fee simple.”
- Preparing Your Credit for Home Ownership
Now is a good time to take a look at your credit and take the necessary steps to be sure you’re ready when opportunity comes.
- The Interest Only Mortgage Option
An interest only loan means that the terms of the loan permit you to make monthly interest only payments for a period of time specified in the loan.
- Three Steps to Home Ownership
If you are among those who are thinking of buying a home on Maui, there are three simple steps you can take to help prepare for your purchase.
- NAR Conference Presentation by David Lereah, NAR's Chief Economist
David Lereah, Chief Economist for NAR, spoke to a packed audience Friday morning, October 28, 2005 concerning Economic Issues & Residential Business Trends
- Kihei Community Association - Needs Our Participation
The Kihei Community Association is the voice of South Maui and needs the support of many more residents to increase it's effectiveness.
- Selling Your Maui Home or Condo? Here is topic #1 in a series of Key Factors to Consider
Don't underestimate the marketing power of photos. To effectively sell real estate on Maui, whether land, condo or home, it requires a combination of skills, whether you are a Maui Real Estate Agent or Owner/Seller....and photography is at the top of the
- Selling Your Maui Home or Condo? Here is topic #2 in a series of Key Factors to Consider
Staging is a real eatate marketing technique that has been around for a while. Today, in this increasingly competitive environment, it is all the more important.
- Selling Your Maui Home or Condo? Here is topic #4 in a series of Key Factors to Consider
Key Factor number 4 – Exposure – Getting your Property in front of as many prospective buyers as quickly as possible is another key factor in a Successful sale.
- Purchasing Maui Real Estate Utilizing a 1031 Exchange
Opportunity for 1031 Exchange Transactions Abound on Maui; but, Use Only Reputable Intermediary.
- New CMAs Available for Wailea and Makena Condos, Homes and Land
A New Monthly Update of all Wailea and Makena CMAs Is Available at www.BobStaples.com. All CMAs include Wailea and Makena real estate activity through June 30, 2006.
- The Maui Real Estate Market - Prices Up - Volume Down
Annualizing the first half of 2006's statistics, the average prices of Maui Real Estate (houses, condos and land) in the first half of 2006 are higher than the averages for 20005, but, the number of houses, condos and land parcels sold has dropped by appr
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Key Factor number 3 - Showing Appeal - Basic Exterior and Interior Improvements can substantially improve a Seller's Success
Maui real estate has behaved the same way as many mainland markets, with inventories of homes and condos increasing over the last several months. With more to pick from, those selling should be considering ways to make their Maui real estate stand out. Here are some actions Sellers of Real Estate on Maui can take to improve the appearance of their property and, therefore, the prospects for achieving the price they want within the timeframe they want. While the 'Exterior' suggestions will only apply to residential homes, the 'Interior' suggestions should, for the most part, be equally as applicable to condos.
Exterior – this is the first impression, it’s a big one so make it count.
- Pressure Wash Exterior Sides of House, Driveway and Entryways
- Paint the Trim and Front Door
- Paint House if paint appears old, is peeling, cracking, etc.
- Spruce up Landscaping (plant flowers, shrubs; pull weeds & cut back overgrowth)
- Mow Grass / Apply New Bark Mulch
- Clean Downspouts and Gutters; repair or replace damaged sections
- Clean Windows and Screens; replace any that are broken, permanently stained, etc.
- Replace Outside Light Bulbs
- Clean or Replace House Numbers
- Remove all Cob Webs / Spray for Pests
- Add nice, big potted plant to the side of the front door
- Find less noticeable area to store toys, bicycles, scooters
- Install new doorknob and lock on front door
- Replace Front Entry door mat; keep Front Entry clean, no clutter
- Make sure street numerals are polished, attractive, or, replace
- Repair any loose, cracked or damaged shingles or roof tiles
Interior – obviously this is where the main impression is formed, within seconds.
- Remove Personal Photo Clutter and Pack
- Remove and Replace Fixtures Not Included with Sale
- Remove/store any Furniture that isn’t used/necessary
- Remove all the clutter - make sure kitchen and bathroom countertops are as clear as possible, try to keep toys organized in closets and shelves, temporarily remove any excess knickknacks or family photos if you tend to have a lot.
- Consider the Smell of the Home / Candles & Vanilla Can Help
- Replace Lights Bulbs, increase wattage if possible, to brighten rooms
- Professionally Clean Carpets; Replace any that are worn, don’t show well
- Wash and/or Paint Walls, Baseboards, Window Sills
- Thoroughly Clean House - Doors / Cabinets / Closets / Blinds / Draperies
- Clean Appliances, Including Ovens, Stoves, Refrigerators, Freezers, Microwaves, Barbeques, Countertop Appliances (that can not be put away)
- Clean your fireplace.
- Re-Caulk Bathtubs / Showers / Sinks
- Replace Cracked or Damaged Outlet Covers
- Pack and Store Seasonal Clothing
- Secure Pets Before Each Showing
- Set Kitchen and Dining Room Tables
- Turn on Fireplace in Living Room
- Turn on Soft Music
- Hang fresh clean towels in the bathrooms
- Make sure all faucets are working well, no leaks
- Place a beautiful centerpiece in the center of your dining room table.
- Let the light in - open all your blinds and curtains; turn on any decorative, track or accent lighting (again, replace any burned out bulbs)
- Add a couple of bouquets of quality silk flowers and some potted plants in decorative containers
- Have a Garage Sale before listing
Basically, use common sense – you want your home to appeal to as many prospective buyers as possible - present a simple, clean, attractive home that exudes potential.
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