Gina Duncan, R (S), ABR, e-Pro

Every February/March I start to get excited as we normally see Humpback whales playing in the oceans visible to us right from the beach.

It is also the time of year I remember to start thinking about getting out on the Whale Watching boat as the whales like our winter will soon be gone. Great specials are to be had especially if you take the usually more windy afternoon trip.

In Maui whale season is from November to April but we really don't see too many whales until January. I remember one Christmas Day we spent at Kamaole Beach II in Kihei and saw 2 whales jumping right out of the water (breaching) in front of Molokini Crater. What an awesome sight that was.

My very favorite thing to do during whale season is to get in the ocean (a little cold this time of year to us kama'aina) and to sit underwater and just listen to the beautiful sounds that the whales make.

Even though they are awesome to see jumping, fin slapping and showing their tails (all individually marked like our fingerprints) it is amazing to just enjoy listening to the sounds they make.

Go to the beach and try it out. Let me know how you like it.

Aloha, Gina Duncan, R (S), ABR, e-Pro

www.FineIslandProperties.com

The Good News I wanted to share with my Kihei readers is that we may be seeing the "Bottom" or at least the first Layer of the "Bottom".

Several homes recently priced right went pending the first day on the market with "MULTIPLE" Offers. Yes, I did say Multiple. Isn't this a Buyers market you ask? Yes, it still can be but we are seeing movement in the low mid range home price and it seems to be catching on like wildfire. Many of our buyers were on the fence and the fence just couldn't take all the weight.

Sellers don't think this bit of news gives you a license to overprice in this market. Pricing right just may lead to multiple over asking price offers as it did recently for 2 Kihei homes. There is still way too much inventory out there to be purchased and buyers are not likely to start outbidding each other too much as the news of the bad economy is lingering on everyone's mind.

The Bad News for buyers is that the anticipated 15k tax credit the members of Congress dangled in front of us all like a carrot, just got eaten up by that rascally bunch of rabbits called members of Congress. 8k now only for first time buyers that buy prior to August.

No help for the first time buyer, no help in sight for the homeowners struggling to make it with their mortgage payments and right now we are hearing banks are NOT helping to modify in any reasonable time frame or with reasonable payment options for sellers.

So I feel like I'm on a Merry go Round and the news of the day is Who is gonna Catch the Brass Ring? Sellers or Buyers or next week when it goes around again the ring may be gone?

To have a more in depth, detailed analysis of your individual situation please visit:
www.FineIslandProperties.com to contact us and we will provide you with the latest statistical data, mls search and more.

Aloha:

Every since I started to Blog a few years back, I've noticed many super articles from other folks out there. Sharing of information is great but I've also seen articles written that make a person seem like an "expert" Realtor when in fact they are NEW to the business and may not have the "experience" a potential buyer or seller thinks they have. In no way am I trying to say they may or may not do a good job for a client, however I would caution buyers and sellers that while education is great, being able to share that information in the blog forum is great, it isn't a substitute for experience in the field. When interviewing for an agent to represent your interests please ask about experience as it directly relates to your purchase or sale.

Before you think I'm just sour grapes or trying to downplay competition read on:

For example, if I have a client who is on the West side of Maui I do not list or show them property without co-listing with the top West side agent. They know that territory as they live and work there daily just as I know my Kihei side of the island best.

So for those agents who are blogging go out there and get your feet wet too. Many experienced busy agents would welcome to co-list, or share a buyer if they are too busy to handle all their business and you will have an opportunity to be mentored and share your education with that agent. Even experienced agents too learn new things with every transaction.

Aloha, Gina

There is alot happening in Central Kihei. Kalama Park was one of the reasons we moved to Kihei when my son was younger. It has a fabulous playset for younger kids, a skatepark for older kids, and a skating rink (roller or blade) for kids of all ages, not to mention the surfing.

So what is a Maui person to do with so many choices:

Sat: Picnic and pick up a game of beach volleyball

Sun: Take the kids to play catch on the ball fields

Mon: Go surfing

Tues: Skateboard

Wed: Take the tots to the playground

Thurs: BBQ by the Seaside and bring your Ukulele

Fri: Skate Night at the Skating Rink Free

I could add more like walk across the street for great shave ice at Local Boys but I think by now you get the picture. GO and ENJOY!

Aloha, Gina

In Hawaiian Language which I speak "small kine" to my son one of the words I use is Kuleana. When he was younger I used it in terms of homework. It is your kuleana or job. But that is not the true Hawaiian meaning. It goes deeper. Kuleana is your Responsibility or the Right thing to do. In Hawaiian thinking the right thing to do comes from your na'au or your guts. If you perform your Kuleana then you are Pono or in balance in harmony.

This November 4th it is our Kuleana or responsibility to Vote. Whomever you choose is your concern, but it is our "Kuleana" from deep in the gut that we recognize we have this priviledge and we must act.

If you are voting early click on the following Maui News article for early voting information:

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/509922.html

If you are voting on November 4th I look forward to seeing you at the voting booth! Show your concern and your Kuleana!

Aloha, Gina Duncan, R (S), ABR, e-Pro

Fine Island Properties Team of Keller Williams Realty Maui

www.FineIslandProperties.com