Steven Nickens Maui Real Estate Blog

Why should I buy Maui Real Estate Now?

  Okay the real estate market is in the tank, and the economy is not doing any better.  Can you give me one reason why I should buy real estate on Maui now?  As a matter of fact I will give you a number of reasons.

  1.  Lifestyle is number one.  People come to Maui for the quality of life that Hawaii offers.  This is not the time to be buying property to speculate and turn a quick buck.  It is time to find that home to raise your family in a great environment.  You might be a baby boomer who is ready to get off the tread mill and purchase a second home or condo, and spend some quality time on the beach.  Maui is all about quality of life and living in the moment.

2. Inventory is up, and there are some great buys out there.  A couple of years ago everything was priced at a premium for real estate.  Now you will find motivated sellers who are experiencing a market that has shifted to a buyers market.  So it is a great time to find that right condo or home.

3.  Buyers have a great opportunity with mortgage rates at a 50 year low.  It is hard to tell what the future rates will be.  With prices dropping and rates at an all time low, buyers are looking pretty well situated.

  So is it a good time to buy?  Only you can answer that, but as far as opportunity it is knocking at your door right now.  Check this link for all Maui Real Estate.

  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

Cell: 808-280-2208

I was home early from work and enjoying myself working in the yard.  It was raining lightly and I look up and there was this beautiful rainbow.  So I busted out my camera a took a few photos. I hope you enjoy them.

 This is from my garden

 Arica Palms

I love Haiku for the tropical weather.  Its not to hot, its not to cold.  Every thing grows wild, you stick anything in the ground and it flourishes.  So if you are looking for Haiku Maui real estate, check this link.

 Aloha,

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

Cell: 808-280-2208

Experience that makes a difference!

It's all about location! This rare Royal Mauian Condominium in Kihei's top floor unit is housed in one of the most prime oceanfront properties in Hawaii. The stunning coastal views include Kamaole I Beach park which is just steps away and has been voted by Conde Naste as one of the best beaches in the world. Recently renovated, this unit features stainless steel appliances; custom cabinetry and granite counter tops throughout. A wide array of dining and shopping experiences can be found within easy walking distance. World class golf and many other recreational activities are available close by. To view more Royal Mauian units check this link.

 Aloha,

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

Cell: 808-280-2208

Experience that makes a difference!

Looking for a Realtor!

 So how do you find the right Realtor?  One of the most common ways is word of mouth.  Maybe a friend of a friend, a referral, or from a neighbor that might recommend a Realtor.  Word of mouth is always a good source, because they have first hand experience.  Then there is the auntie that has a real estate license.  You might have heard this, I have to list with my auntie or I am in serious trouble.  Usually with this process of finding an agent you are all ready in trouble out of the gate.  If your auntie is a professional, by all means use her.  Other wise keep looking.

 Then there is the agent that is diligent in sending out farming material to neighborhoods.  This to me is a sign of a hard working real estate agent worthy of an interview.  From there you can access from their presentation and marketing plan if this might be your agent.  Another way that is effective is on the internet.  You can learn a lot about an agent from there ranking and how efficient they are as far as internet technology.  They might also have a bio-page, and you can get a feel if this might be the right agent for you.  From there you proceed with the interview to see if it's a fit.

 Bottom line you're looking for an agent with years of experience in the market place, integrity, positive attitude, and good working relationship with other agents in your community.  I know in Maui we have a pool of excellent agents that I work with, and respect as professionals.  Some you will find by referral, others you might find blogging on Activerain or the internet.  So good luck and happy hunting.

Steven C. Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

The Wailea Group, LLC

3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite 5WE

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Cell: 808-280-2208

Email: nickens@maui.net

36 yrs Experience That Makes a Difference.

This is the last six months activity for the Mana Kai Oceanfront condominium in Kihei, Maui.

The Mana Kai is one of my favorite condos in Kihei.  The reason being is location, location, location.  It sits on the last stretch of beach in Kihei and you walk right into Wailea.  This is a beautiful oceanfront property.

This is as good as it gets before you move into the high end prices of Wailea.  Check this link for more information on the Mana Kai Resort.

Steven Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

The Wailea Group, LLC

Wailea, Maui, Hi, 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Email: nickens@maui.net

CMA Summary Report

Hale Kamaole, Kihei Maui Condominium,

Here is sold and active listings from 1/1/08 to date. Hale Kamaole Condominium is located right across the street from Kamaole Beach lll, A very popular beach in South Maui. 

CMA Summary Report

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

Cell: 808-280-2208

Maui is a lot of things to a lot of people.  There is a group of Maui visitors that come every year to wind surf.  Down at Hookipa Beach Park or Kanaha Beach park is where everyone hangs out.  You will meet on any given day, people from all over the world.  This guy is from Switzerland, and this is his second season here.

Then there is the local community of windsurfers.  Living here you meet all the local pros that shop, eat, raise their families and just do life.  The center of all sports is the shops, may it be golf or windsurfing you need gear.  One of my favorite shops is Goya Sailboards.  Francisco seen below in this photo is the main owner of Goya sails and boards.  He works with his brother Lalo.

This shot of Francisco is at the lanes at Hookipa Beach Park.  Francisco has been a top pro for years and tears it up.  He knows his equipment, that's why I choose to shop there.  Also you will not find a nicer group of people.

This is a great shot of Levi a team rider and hot ripper from Maui.  If you notice Levi is sponsored by Red Bull.  My son who is a pro surfer is also sponsored by Red Bull.  I get the trickle down effects with gear and equipment from these guys. 

So Maui is a hugh destination for Maui windsurfers.  You will find that they live here 3 to 6 months of the year then back to Europe, Canada and different parts of the U.S. 

 Leivi again, busting air.

So if you need windsurf equipment go visit Francisco and Lalo Goya in Haiku on West kuiaha Rd.  If you happen to be into looking for Maui real estate, give me a call. 

Aloha,

Steven Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

The Wailea Group,LLC

3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite 5WE

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Cell: 808-280-2208

Email: nickens@maui.net

If you are reading this blog you might be in the market for Maui real estate.  This can be staggering task.  It is real important that you have a good pulse on whats happening in the Maui real estate market.  While we are experiencing economic hard times.  Its important to know the local market.

 Haiku Home

What I bring to the table as a Realtor is years of experience on Maui.  I have lived and worked on Maui for over 36 years, and been activity involved in the community.  Prior to real estate, I have 15 years experience as a licensed contractor on Maui.  During this time, I ran a successful retail interior business.  I have worked with developers, contractors and home owners during this period of time. 

 Kamaole Sands, Kihei Maui.

The last fifteen years I have been a full time Maui real estate agent.  During this time I have help open offices, work on project sales in Wailea.  I also have been in charge of projects in Haiku on the north shore of Maui and Spreckesville.  As an agent I have the strength of working in Wailea and South Maui.  Also I have extensive experience upcountry and Maui's north Shore.  So if you are looking at listing or buying Maui real estate.  Call me for a free consultation.  My goal is to provide quality service for all my clients.

Aloha,

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

Cell: 808-280-2208

Haiku Maui Hawaii has some great luxury homes for sale.  If you were ever dreaming of living in a tropical get away.  Then you would want to add a tropical villa hideaway.  A home design and build by some of Maui's finest north shore craftsman.  I would want custom wood cabinets made of local woods such as mango, maybe cherry wood cabinets which is a very popular wood used in a lot of custom homes.

I love that different kinds of granite, my favorite stone is from Correa, Italy.  I also love natural vaulted wood ceilings that set a Tahitian flare, and island flow to the house. 

Kitchens can make or break a home.  The true chef will not settle for anything less than gas to cook on.  Open space which is the trade mark of a Hawaiian design kitchen.  The reason is most people when they cook, its more of an experience, with friends, music and entertaining when you cook.  A home with Aloha always makes a statement of welcome.

So these are things I like in a Haiku Maui home design.  Let's face it; home is a place that you get away from the traffic, work, and people.  It is a place of rest to experience the peace that you create.  The house and landscape can set the tone for your tropical hideaway. It doesn't have to cost in the millions, some times it just creating that tropical plantation feeling.

Some home designs offer stone or stained concrete floors.  This has a very clean flow through out the homes.  I am also very fond of exotic hardwood floors; this will capture the feeling of the islands.

 This ia a cottage Kitchen

The last thing I look for in a luxury north shore home is the bathrooms.  Some designers capture the Balinese/Italian look, that less is more with an island flare.  I love this approach, it works quite well.  Lastly is the landscape, it may be Japanese gardens.  I also like the tropical Hana setting, high lighting tropical plants such as Ti leaves in many colors, tropical flowers, monkey pod trees, shower trees that go off in pinks, yellows, and rainbows.  So these are the things I look for in a tropical hideaway.

There are many homes on the market, but to find that right property can be a challenge.  That is where I come in.  With over 33 yrs on the north shore and 18 years prior to real estate a contractor an own an interior store.  I can help you find that quality home that you are looking for.  So if you are in the market to purchase a home upcountry, or on the north shore.  Drop me a line I would love to be of service to you.

Aloha,

 Steven C. Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

The Wailea group, LLC

3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite 5WE

Wailea, Maui, Hi 06753

www.nickensmaui.com

Email: nickens@maui.net

Cell: 808-280-2208

Last week I was visiting Waikiki.  One of the things my wife and I did was visit the Honolulu Academy of Art, located off Ward St. I was really surprised at the vast collection of art.

There is some beautiful art work in the center.  Just walking around on the grounds you will discover some jewels.

There was some interesting African Art on display celebrating Black History week.

There was art from India, China, Japan, Thailand, and other Southeast Asia art.  I was not able to take pictures of the art work, they don't allow it. 

I was amazed at all the great painters that were on display.  I went to the Paul Gauguin Gallery in Tahiti, and they didn't have one original.  Here they had several on display.  I also saw a couple Henri Matisee, one of my wife favorite artist, being she is an artist she was pleased. They even had Picasso and Vicent Van Gough.

So I highly recommend a vist to the Academy for a little cultrual in your life.  If your living on Maui it's only a short flight to Honolulu for shopping, food and people watching so try it some time.  If your looking for Maui real estate, then give me a call.

Aloha,

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

Cell; 808-280-2208

It is now February in Maui, and we are enjoying a beautiful winter.  I talk to travelers from the cold country and they mention how we don't have the four seasons.  That may be, but we do have a change from winter to summer.  This time of year the winds blow sometimes from the north bringing cold winds.  You might even put on a sweater or dress a little warmer at night.

Winter this time of year you have the sugar cane flowering.  This to me is also a sign of winter.   Recently my daughter Meili and my wife went on an 8 mile hike into Olinda forest.  Tempatures were cool and feeling very much like the mountains, being at 2700 elevation.  This is a fun thing to do with the family.  In the forest you will experience different vegetation, plant growth, and native trees, like Sandalwood and Koa trees.

Another sign of winter is when the southerly winds blow.  This affects the weather in Wailea with rain, and the north shore with great conditions for surf.  In the winter you might want to head out to the north shore and check the surf.  This is my home; I surf and windsurf on Maui's north shore. 

 You always see people coming to watch the kite boarder and surfers just ripping it up.  Paia Town is worth a visit.  You have Mana' Fish House, an island favorite.  I bet you have not been to Flatbread for organic open fire baked Kalua Pig pizza.  This is a fun place for the family.  Another favorite is the Fish Market, a favorite of world travelers.  Here you will dine next to people from all over the world.  I have been invited to France from a French doctor/kiteboarder while dining.  You even get a few Celbs cruising through.

 So winter time on Maui is a great choice for an island get away.  Wailea beaches have been amazingly beautiful; I see a lot of really tan and happy Maui travelers.  So stay warm and see you again on Maui.  So if you are looking for Maui real estate, drop me a line.

 A Hui Ho,

 Steven c. Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite  5WE

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

www.nickensmaui

Email: nickens@maui.net

Cell: 808-280-2208

So I live on Maui, why am I writing about Waikiki?  That's a good question.  I would never choose to live there, while some people just love it.  I am a Maui guy, I love life on Maui.  A little taste of the big city is really a lot of fun.

Waikiki is so historic, you can actually find history and old buildings with a story to tell of Hawaii from the past.  In the early 1900's you traveled by steamer ship to arrive in Oahu.

You had people like Will Rogers and Shirley Temple that made the long trip to Hawaii on a slow boat.  Mark Twain was a guest that loved to spend time in Waikiki and hang out with the King.  They would smoke cigars and drink whiskey.  A great book to read is the Shoal of Time by author Gaven Daws, to get an early insight into Hawaii.

I love these two ladies. They came and sat by my wife and I.  They made the jump from Oregon and Monterrey years ago.  Every other day they meet in front of the Moana Hotel.  They set up there umbrellas and sit and watch all the people and they have so much fun.

I love being a tourist, you just let it all hang out and have fun.  That is what coming to Hawaii is all about.

I love this couple, They are just kicking back taking a few Z's.

The Moana is a classic hotel, built in 1901.  Its fun to sit on the lanai and watch all the people walk by.

Next door to the Moana Hotel is the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  This is the second oldest hotel in Waikiki.  I have spent many fun and memorable days at the Royal.

What is really cool about living on Maui, is that a 20 minute plan ride and you are in Waikiki for a great time.  As we flew back to Maui, I was feeling pretty blessed living in the islands.  We landed back on Maui and headed home.  Driving through Honolulu town it is packet with people. As I headed back to Haiku, I was amazed how lush and how much open space Maui has.  So there you go.  You can mix it up living on Maui with a quick trip to Waikiki and 20 minutes later your back to Maui.  So if you are looking for Maui real estate drop me a line.  Maui has been my home for over 36 years and I would love to help you find your dream home.

Aloha,

Steven Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

The Wailea Group, LLC

3750 Wailea alanui, Suite 5WE

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Cell: 808-280-2208

Email: nickes@maui.net

Okay I love being a tourist.  It's my wife Ivy and mine 25th anniversary and we headed to Oahu famous Waikiki Beach.

It is really an amazing place, with so much to do.  We stayed at our favorite hotel The Moana Surf Rider Hotel.  It was first open in 1901.

I really enjoy all the tourist.  The Japanese really have a lot of fun.  I love their sense of style and having fun.  Here is a couple on there way to get married.

 Very handsome couple

The beaches are just beautiful in Waikiki.  There might be a thousand people on the beach, and everyone is  still having a great time.  You meet some of the old timers that have been coming here for years. 

So I just finish a really fun surf out in the surf at canoes.  I rented a longboard and paddled out for a session. I actually competed years back in the state championships in Waikiki.  Lets just say I came up a dollar short that day. This fine day I managed a few smooth cutbacks and toes over the noes, I still got it.  So when I headed in I went to pay homage to the father of surfing The Duke.  Everyone loves a photo with the Duke like these Japanese tourist. They thought I was a manifestationof (laugh) of the Duke so I agreed to a photo with my new friends.

Life is good in Hawaii, We live a life of Aloha that has been handed down from the Hawaiians.  It's about family, friends, enjoying life, food, and a relationship with the ocean.  So I had a great trip, my wife an I had a really fun time.

If I can't make it to Italy next anniversary, then I will be back to the Moana Hotel.

So if you happen to have an anniversary coming up you might want to spent a few days in Waikiki Beach and then chill out on Maui.

Aloha

Steve Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

The Wailea Group LLC

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Email: nickens@maui.net

Cell: 808-280-2208

This is a list of Homes sold in the last six months in Wailea, Maui.  The least expense home sold for $1,330,000.  The highest price sold was for $10,500,000, sold in Makena Beach.  For more information on Wailea Maui homes for sale, call or email me for more information.

CMA Summary Report

Aloha,

Steven Nickens R(S), GRI, ABR

The Wailea Group, LLC

3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite 5WE

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

www.nickensmaui.com

Cell: 808-280-2208

Email: nickens@maui.net

Haiku Maui Homes For Sale!

Haiku is a different part of the island of Maui.  It is just a hop, skip and a jump from living in Hana, but with out the drive.  When you drive past Paia Town you entered the realm of the north shore.  What you notice is the landscape turns more tropical and lush country side. 

It is the windy side of the island with the trade winds blowing predominantly through out the year.  Haiku to me offers perfect weather, not to cold and not to hot.  Haiku also is located so it's a quick trip to the beach, shopping, and grinds in Paia Town.  So if you are looking to purchase a home in Haiku.  There are some great values on the market.  You can check this link at Haiku Properties to view active properties currently for sale.

 Aloha,

 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

Cell: 808-280-2208

Maui is an amazing place.  It has so many different faces.  You have South Maui, which is made up of Kihei and Wailea.  South Maui is  more of a resort community.  Very much like Lahaina side of the island.  Warm beaches and lots of things to do for the tourist.

 Upcountry Maui has a totally different feeling to it.  If you cruise into Makawao town, it still has the feeling of an old cowboy town.  You might see a cattle truck driving through town or horse trailers pulling there cargo to work or just for a ride in the hills.  Upcountry has areas that people favor for living.  There are people that just love Olinda, located right above Makawao town.  Olinda offers rolling hills and beautiful pasture views over looking the pacific ocean.  So if Makawao or Olinda might be the next place to call home.  Give me a call, I would love to help you find that dream property.

Aloha,

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

Cell: 808-280-2208 

It currently is winter time on Maui.  As I write this article, we are having an island rain and the wind is blowing hard.  The North Shore of Maui is a unique part of the island.  I was talking with an owner in Wailea.  His comment on the northshore is that's where the real people of Maui live.  Interesting statement from a Wailea resident.  I think what he was getting at is on the north shore people live year around and raise there families.  Maui's north shore offers a unique island living.  It draws the sportman, the artistic, spiritual, farmer, and those looking for more of a island experience.

Currently there is a lot of inventory for sale.  With a declining market and prices dropping, there are some great buys out there.  You might be looking for oceanfront property in Kuau or Paia town.  There are some great buys and now is great time to consider buying.  In and around town in Paia you can pick up some really cute homes with in walking distance to the beach and stores.  So if now might be the right time for you to find that dream home.  Give me a call, I would love to help you find that dream home on Maui's Northshore.  The North shore has been my home for over 30 yrs, so give me a call.

Aloha,

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

Cell: 808-280-2208

Rare Kihei Maui Oceanfront condominium resort.   Kauhale Makai offers direct oceanfront condo living.  Fabulous ground floor oceanfront unit, 2BR/2BA.  It's all about the location, fabulous beach for the morning swim, and long walks on the beach; this area is also a favorite of kite boarders, and windsurfers on the outer reefs.

  Enjoy spectacular sunsets from your lanai, or just sitting in your living room.  Other amenities include Swimming pool, barbeque area, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Gym, Tennis, Shuffleboard and putting greens. This unit is currently in a rental program.  Other features include, manicure tropical landscape giving you a feeling of the South Pacific.  All the furniture has just been upgraded for your enjoyment.  Seller is open to seller financing.

 Call Steve for all South Maui Condos!

Steven C. Nickens R(S) GRI, ABR
The Wailea Group LLC.
3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite 5WE
Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753
www.nickensmaui.com
Cell: 808-280-2208
Email: nickens@maui.net