WAILEA HOMES REAL ESTATE UPDATE

December 22nd, 2006

All things considered, this was a quiet week for the Wailea and Makena Residential market. More units at Kanani Wailea and at Kai Malu have closed. Approximately forty homes in the area are currently for sale. We will of course keep you updated on future developments.

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NEW WAILEA BEACH VILLAS LISTING

December 21st, 2006

We are listing Penthouse Unit 307 in Wailea Beach Villas for sale at $3.45 million. As you all know, Wailea Beach Villas is Wailea's newest oceanfront condominium complex, just completed this year. Wailea Beach Villas offers two pools, fitness area, concierge services, business center, access to the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa, in short, all the amenities of the twenty first century. Unit 307 is two bedrooms, two baths, 1978 square feet and never been occupied. Travertine flooring, granite countertops, state of the art appliances, a large lanai and panoramic ocean views. The listing price is in line with other recent sales in the complex.

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IS IT TIME TO REFINANCE YOUR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE?

December 21st, 2006

An important commentary from Freddie Mac's Chief Economist today provides an argument that says yes. His argument is predicated upon recent data that shows retail sales in November were better than expected demonstrating continuing economic strength and that therefore it is less likely that the Federal reserve will cut rates anytime soon

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A NEW FEATURE-FEATURED PROPERTIES

December 21st, 2006

Several readers have asked that we begin offering some more detail on homes which have recently been listed in Wailea and Makena. So we are going to do just that. Every few days we will feature another property. The newest Wailea Lisitng is 3139 Kikihi in Kialoa. This 3163 square foot, 3 bedroom home sits up high so that from the main floor ocean views abound. The home was built in 1999 so the materials an finishes are up to date. The main living area opens up to delightful pool, spa and deck. Downstairs is a large family room and guest bedrooms. The property is listed for $2.85 million.

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RESULTS OF THE IPOD DRAWING

December 20th, 2006

Today at 2pm, Matteo Mitsura of Matteo's Italian Restaurant in Wailea selected the winner of the 4Wailea-MakenaHomes.com iPod drawing. The lucky winner was Kathy Stonehouse! Tom and Sean would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our survey and to telling us what other information we should focus on providing. You have helped our efforts at becoming even more effective realtors and we appreciate it.

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THE SEASON BEGINS

December 19th, 2006

The crispness of the early mornings, the wonderful breezes off the Pacific and the increase in traffic are all telling us "The Season is here!" The million dollar question (literally) is what is it going to bring South Maui's real estate market. While nobody knows, here are some things to think about. Wailea/Makena condominium inventory remains manageable and prices this year, no matter how you slice them, have increased. Not at the rate of past years certainly, but increased in the low double digits nonetheless. The Kihei market, especially condominiums that offer nothing unique or special, have been flat to down a bit this year and inventory for that product remains uncomfortably high. On the residential side homes are moving more slowly although following the same general price and inventory trends as condominiums. The wild card is what mentality the visitors from the West Coast will bring with them this year. The California markets vary depending on one's zip code and so that influences any particular person's view of the market. We remain upbeat on what this year will bring us given how special we believe Maui is, the relatively strong US economy, the low level of interest rates and the continuing concentration of wealth in the hands of the Baby Boomers.

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FIRST LIGHT AT THE MAAC

December 15th, 2006

Sure dealing in Maui real estate is fun. But better yet are the cultural events always going on at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, one of the island’s treasures. Right now, First Light is showing an array of great first run movies which can be found here. Can Rocky Balboa still fight? Will Helen Mirren recreate Queen Elizabeth’s reaction Diana’s death with her usual style and grace? Dreamgirls features a cast of all-stars, is it as good as the hype? Can Children of Men possibly be as good as the PD James book?

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EXCEPTIONAL TIMES FOR TOURIST INDUSTRY

December 15th, 2006

According to this Maui News article, Maui is enjoying a banner year in Tourism. Some key tidbits:

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WAILEA KANANI SEES FIRST CLOSINGS

December 13th, 2006

The new development across the street from the Wailea Firehouse, Wailea Kanani has closed its first properties and they expect to be closing two a week over the next few months. Wailea Kanani are residential single family homes in a condominium format. 123 Po’ailani Place,  a three bedroom, 2100 square foot unit closed at its pre-construction price of $1.239 million and 123 Po’ailani Place closed for $1.180 million.

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LIES, DAMN LIES AND STATISTICS!

December 13th, 2006

Are the numbers in this Honolulu Advertiser story correct?  yes, as far as they go…which for the Wailea market isn’t very far. The median price of a residential home sale in November declined by a whopping 18% over a year ago. Bad news, right? Not necessarily. The mix of sales was very skewed compared to 2005. For example, in November 2005, a $9 million home in Kapalua sold as did three  Wailea homes totalling $10 million and three Maui meadows homes for over $1.2 million apiece. This past November, not a single Wailea or Kapalua home sold and only a single Maui Meadows home changed hands. So the strict comparison the Advertiser touts has limited utility. As a couple of big ticket homes currently in escrow close in December and January watch these numbers correct again. In addition, the trend for condominium prices remains, especially for resort property, upward.

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