The news is looking good for visitors arriving to Maui.   The word is Kihei, Maui condominiums are getting booked and the winter season is looking great.  With all the negative press on the economy people are still carrying on with their lives.  The hotels in Wailea are experiencing large group bookings.  As I mentioned The Shops at Wailea Mall is getting busy.  So after a slump through out summer it is a welcome site to see things back to normal.    Steven C. Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR The Wailea Group LLC 3750 Wailea Alanui, suite 5WE Wailea, Maui, Hi  96753 www.nickensmaui.com Email: nickens@maui.net    11/10/2008

We are pleased to announce that Kamaole Sands unit 4-408 has gone into escrow. This remodeled two bedroom unit features an ocean view and a large lanai. More evidence that even in the difficult Maui real estate market, the Leading Edge Marketing System works! Contact Us for More Information on the Leading Edge Marketing System. View From Lanai   11/10/2008

South Shore Condo Newsletter     -         November 2008And now for something completely different... here are some desperatesellers, short sales and bank owned properties on the Maui condo market.Remember, the bank owned condos will be a quicker transaction.  In eithercase, you can get a good deal if you are willing to do a little workyourself - the sellers and banks are usually not willing to make repairs.------------------------------------------------------------1.     Short Sale, Kihei  $185,000.00- 1BD/1BA unit with ocean view and pool, needs remodeling- walking distance to beach, shopping, restaurants, only one listed in thissmall complex2.     Bank Owned, Kihei  $273,900.00- 1BD/1BA unit needs TLC, has in-ground pool and tennis-  own this vacation rentable property at an afforda... 11/09/2008

Kamaole Sands is one of Kihei Maui condos for sale that are a popular resort destination for Maui visitors. Kamaole Sands condominium offers resort living at a fraction of Wailea Maui condos prices. Kamaole Sands is located in a great part of South Maui. Located just minutes away from Wailea and Makena incredibly beautiful beaches.  Kamaole Sands is located right across the street is  Kamaole III which is a great beach park.  Kamaole Sands offers a great pool for the family and a short walk right across the street form the beach. So if Kihei Maui condominiums for sale are what you are looking for Kamaole Sands is a great option.  There are currently 27 units for sale in Kamaole Sands.  Prices currently are ranging for a one bedroom unit starting at $399,000 up to $899,000 for a three be... 11/07/2008

I got off work from Wailea and headed to Ka'ahumanu Shopping center to meet my wife. It is Halloween night and the goblins are out in force.  Maui is big time into Halloween.  Front street Lahaina has always closed Front St. and it is a major event.  They did not close Front St. but the clowns and Dark Vaders still showed up.  Here are a few shots I took at the mall I hope you enjoy them.  I love the clown and her sidekicks  This guy was pretty scary.  THhs looks like a real fairy princees to me.  This is Mr. Aloha Of Maui  THis is one scary wolf  I love this shot  Snow White is so cute I had to get her picture  These two Darlings were on coffee and smoke break.  Maui is still very much a small town place and people like to get out and have fun. Let me know if this kind of fun might ent... 11/01/2008

I was talking to a Canadian visitor at one of our sale offices in Wailea Maui.  He was sharing how the Dollar gained against the Canadian dollar.  The Canadian dollar is around 80 cents to the Dollar now.  With oil at $67 a barrel and the cost to produce oil in Canada at about the same dollar amount. The run on oil profits I believe will be slowing down in Canada. I think we will see a slowing of Canadian buyers in the U.S. for a while. Now if you turn the tables it is actually a great time for Canadians to sell in the U.S.  So will the dollar remain strong for a while, time will tell.  For now It might be a great time to get in touch with your Canadian sellers. Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR The Wailea Group LLC. 3750 Wailea Alanui suite 5WE Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753 www.nickensmaui.com Emai... 10/30/2008

If you happento be in the market for a Kihei Maui condo for sale there is a wide variety of prices. There are currently 495 condos on the market in Kihei. The least expensive condo starts at $155K for a 1BR unit in Wailaka Apts. Moving to the most expensive condo would land you on the beach. The Lokehale has a 2BR unit available for $1,795,000. for a luxury Kihei Maui oceanfront unit. To view Kihei Maui condos for sale check this link for all current Kihei Maui condos. Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR The Wailea Group LLC. 3750 Wailea Alanui, suite 5 WE Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753 www.nickensmaui.com Email: nickens@maui.net 10/23/2008

Kihei Maui Condominiums If you were thinking of owning a condos in Hawaii under a million dollars.  Then I would recommend Kamaole Sands Condominium in Kihei Maui.  It is a great place to vacation rent to Maui tourist.  What makes it so great is location, location, location.  It is right across from Kamaole III Beach Park.  It is a great place to hit the beach and catch the evening sunsets.  It is also a stones throw from Wailea Maui which has world class beaches. Kamaole Sands condominium is also a well kept condominium and has a great pool and barbecue area.  Prices run from $400K up to $800K for a ocean view unit. So if you have any questions on Kamaole Sands drop me a line. Also check this link for Maui Condominiums.   Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR 3750 Wailea Alanui, suite 5WE Wailea... 10/22/2008

The last couple months the hotels have been slow on Maui. I do believe it is a result of losing a couple airlines and the economy tanking.  The good news is the hotels are picking up. Talking to a friend of mine this morning. The Fairmont Kea A Lani Hotel has been busier and going into the winter is booking up. I was surfing this morning on Lahaina side trying to get some of the last south swell for the year.  A good friend of mine works at the Four Seasons Hotel.  They have been up to 80% occupancy rate and looking to be pretty busy for the season.  So hopefully this  will carry over into the Maui Real Estate market this winter season. Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR The Wailea Group LLC. 3750 Wailea Alanui, suite 5WE Wailea, MAui, Hi 96753 www.nickensmaui.com Email: nickens@maui.net   10/19/2008

I have been working in Wailea Maui and it does seem there is a little more activity here now.  I know the Grand Wailea Hotel and Spa has pick up on reservations.  Working at Hoolei Wailea Town-homes their occupancy has pick up. So while I don't think we will set any records.  I do think this winter will be okay.  I do feel that will also reflect the activity in Kauai,Big Island and Oahu. Gas is finally coming down at the pumps so this should relect in lower airfare. Even know this summer was real sluggish I am hoping for a busy winter. Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR The Wailea Group LLC. 3750 Wailea Alanui, suite 5WE Wailea, Maui, Hi 976753 www.nickensmaui.com Email:nickens@maui.net 10/16/2008

Maui Visitor Count is up for October.  Last month September was pretty quiet on Maui. September is usually a slow month but we were still off 25%.  I was talking with some people from the Grand Wailea Hotel and they said their numbers are up for the month and looking stronger for the rest of the year. My daughter in law is the manager for Chico's women's retail clothing boutique in The Shops at Wailea.  She was saying their number of shoppers is way up from last month so this is a good sign.  I have been talking to home owners in Wailea that for various reasons are making a lifestyle change and downsizing there homes.  So this is all good news with so much bad news these days.  People are buying and selling and moving on with their lives. Talking with lenders some of our local banks lik... 10/12/2008

 Maui Real Estate Maintaining It's Value    Maui news report today that Maui real estate market is maintaining its property values.  While there is a major real estate meltdown in the mainland Maui is hanging in there.  While actual sales are down 25% for this year.  Prices are actually holding up.  Single family homes median price this year is $594,500.  The median price is down $44,000 from last year.  So we are looking at a 7% decline.  Condos last year average was $783,000.  They say Condo's are up $974,000 but I believe they didn't factor in new projects sales in Wailea which have been under contract for two to three years and are now closing this year.  Kihei which has been performing well this year is actually up 9% this year $495,000.   They stated that there are little signs o... 10/10/2008

Many real estate agents and potential buyers are wondering what kind of financing options are still available today.  With over 10 years experience in real estate and lending, I know it is business as unusual, but these are amazing times!  As soon as the market began to shift, loan programs began to change and for a while everyone waited nervously for the other shoe to drop.  Financing isn't something Realtors had to be concerned about until recently as home values have dropped and mortgage defaults have gone up.  We know that the Subprime market thrived during the boom and imploded during the bust.  The good news is that Hawaiian lenders are much more conservative than the lenders we've seen go out of business on the mainland.  Yes, we are affected here, but nowhere near the proportion... 10/09/2008

Gas Prices Finally Drop in Maui.  Sold  Okay our prices onMaui are still $4.39 a gallon that's a start.  Oahu is under $4.00 a gallon.  They tell us that we pay more county gas taxes I guess.  So it's a little improvement I would only hope to see it under the $4 range.  I sold my gas guzzler and I am enjoying 27 miles per gallon.  I notice these beautiful 4x4 trucks for sale for $8,000. I guess no one wants them any more.  So maybe this is a shaking time.  We will be seeing more fuel efficient cars or the auto makers will be out of business( Hopefully we don't bail them out for being short sited.).  So for today I am enjoying gas price starting to drop.  That doesn't mean I am not rethinking the way I live.  I am into the quality not the quantity.  What ever works in this ever changing ... 10/08/2008

On October 9th (TOMORROW as of this writing) will be the 3rd monthly meeting of South Maui Sustainability. This months topic is Conservation. We will have Carl Freedman speaking on "Vast VS Practical - Our individual roles and opportunities towards sustainability". We will have MECO, Water Dept and Solid Waste speaking and giving away conservation goodies including energy saving lightbulbs. The meeting is from 6:30 - 8PM at Kihei Charter School. The meeting will start on time, so please come early for light pupus and getting aquainted. Share ideas, and learn and enjoy all at one place and time.  We all think Maui is No Ka Oi and we would like to keep it that way. A Hui Hou.  Aloha, Gina Duncan, R (S), ABR e-Pro www.FineIslandProperties.com 808-250-9858 10/08/2008

Finally a website that lets community members be in charge of content and is interactive. in addition to the great blogs on Localism.com for Kihei Check out the www.SouthMauiGuide.com that we have sponsored as a forum for South Maui Residents to post classified ads (incl your vacation rental condos), post events to your own calendar, share pictures and more.  Additional content for activities, restaurants and more will be added soon.  Add your content today. Consider this your resource for news and all things South Maui. USE and ENJOY! Gina Duncan and The Fine Island Properties Team of KWRM   www.SouthMauiGuide.com   10/07/2008

Ho'olei Wailea Maui,  Wailea Maui Hawaii is just an amazing place.  We have world class beaches and golf courses. 5-star hotels and restaurants. One of my favorite places is Ho'olei Wailea town-homes. This quality project is located across the street from The Grand Wailea Hotel and Spa.  There are 120 unit town-homes that are 2-story with elevators. They offer top of the line appliances with Wolf and Sub-Zero and Italian cabinetry.  Also included are limestone floors and granite counter tops. The living room doors are Fleetwood retraceable sliding doors that open up to a large lani and ocean views.   This is a great project if you are looking for Wailea Maui condos for sale.  As far amenities there is a large pool with a sand entry for small kids. They also offer a state of the art fitn... 10/03/2008

This week end the South Maui Sharks was enjoying a meet at the Kihei pool. Below is my son Eliot and his coach Janet Renner  A word about the South Maui Sharks Swim Team Beginners: Tuesday - Friday 4:00 - 4:45Intermediates: Monday - Thursday 4:45 - 6:30Advanced: Monday - Friday 4:45 - 6:30Our goals are to:- Improve your swimming technique- Improve your conditioning- Prepare you for competitive swimming- Guide you in your swimming career- Provide a safe, supportive and structured    environment for your swimming- Inspire a lifetime of fitness- Teach and encourage good sportsmanshipOur practices will provide you the skills necessary to achieve these goals. Successful athletes possess the dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm in every workout. We welcome you to join us in fulfilling your ... 10/01/2008

MAUI REAL ESTATE MARKET!   What is happening in the Maui real estate market? I do believe we are different from a lot of the mainland market problems. With the visitor count down by 25% that does affect Maui and Hawaii in general. Maui has always been a destination for people looking for sun and great beaches.  Hopefully this winter when the cold winter weather sets in that will bring back our visitor count.  Residential sales on Maui have seen a decrease in home values and slower sales.   If you take out sales for new projects closing for condos in Wailea and Kihei it has been slow for this 3rd quarter. So if you are looking to sell there still are a few things to keep it mind. Price as aggressively as you can to the most recent sales. In a slower area maybe price a little lower than t... 09/30/2008

There is something in the air at the Maui Ocean Center.  I mean really in the air on top of the entry roof you will now see six prototype wind turbines.  They are there to supplement the electric that the Maui Ocean Center uses and are the product of AeroVironment of California.  Just another example of renewable energy for Maui.  Turbines are set to go online and begin production within the week.  A final inspection by the County was performed on Wednesday.  This is a joint project between the Maui Ocean Center, AeroVironment and MECO which provided 10,000. in research and development for the project.  The system cost to Maui Ocean Center was $46,029.  The turbines were installed on the outside wall of the Maui Ocean Center for a purcpose.  The turbines utilize AeroVironment's "Archite... 09/22/2008