Maui Real Estate Overview

Aloha,

I have been quite busy with Maui Real Estate lately, working in the Upcountry Maui area as well as the other parts of the island.
Our Broker recently sent an eblast with stats for the agents to use. Click on the map for a larger version.

"At the end of 2011, the real estate market on Maui was fully poised to shift and it’s doing just that. When comparing last year statistics to
the prior year, sales are up, home prices are still declining (though going up in some pocket areas), and inventory is down significantly. These are all the signs of a market in transition. Buyers are realizing that Maui prices are at 2003 levels, and they won’t remain there for long.


Here is an overview of how sales and prices for SFR's (single family residence), condos and land have changed:

2011 vs 2010
SFR’s Condo Land
Total Sales +10% +1% +5%
Prices -6% -18% -23%


The number of homes sold that were bank-owned increased by over
50% last year to a whopping 25% of total sales, dramatically impacting
prices. The inventory of properties in all categories available for sale or
pending declined by 17%.

But of course, the median aggregate of a market tells only one story.
There is a more complex story as we look at the various areas and neighborhoods.

Sales volume declined only in three areas, but prices declined in 9. You can see in the illustration that some key pockets of Maui have already turned and are on the increase.

The past few months show an even stronger indication of a changing market. Inventory has continued to decline and when there aren’t enough properties to choose from, prices start going up. REO or Bank-owned inventory appears to be declining, probably due to recent Hawaii foreclosure law changes, and that will slow the trend of declining prices. We are now experiencing multiple offers on lower-end homes and well-priced properties and many of these are going into escrow very quickly and above asking price. These are strong indicators that Maui’s real estate will increase both in price and in total sales in 2012."

Please feel free to let me know if you would like more information.

Here's to hoping that things are looking up for all, and retired folks will continue to enjoy their retirement years.
Come to Maui to visit, and if you fall in love, (our island is one of the most wonderful places in the world to live) I'd be more than happy to help you in the search for your new home.

Aloha, a hui hou,
Cherie

Kutoa Community Impact Award 2012

Aloha...cool, the word is out about http://www.volunteer-on-vacatioion-hawaii.com/

Nice to see people interested in Travel with Awareness..(like my new catchy phrase:)

Kutoa is a world wide organization that recognizes tour companies and properites that are socially green. Hale Ho'okipa was chosen as "Best in Inspiring Guests to Volunteer" Sweet.

Mahalo to them, and mahalo to all my wonderful guests who want to share their time and Aloha...!!

Maui is beyond beautiful right now...and I have to say that we are very busy. High season is back in full swing...if we are an indication of how the economy is recovering, right on! If you don't have reservations for Feb, hmm..not sure what to say, other than. best not to arrive without lodging already in place..it's packed.......

March is also busy, but a bit quieter than Feb......

Spring is already in full bloom here...the sky is brilliantly blue, and the honey bees are at work with all our flowers in early spring blossoms.

"Life is good, so share the Aloha!" That's my motto.

A hui hou..

Cherie

Green Magazine Hawaii

Green Magazine Hawaii

Aloha,

Green Magazine Hawaii just featured Hale Ho'okipa Inn for restoration efforts and green living practices..print is a nice way to share with folks who can't be here..

Hmm, pretty cool to have some kudos lately..

Maui County Council also recently acknowledged my preservation work on my 1926 heritage home. Now, that was a milestone!

Another recent edition in print is the "Hawaii "magazine. The latest issue features Upcountry Maui, focusing on our ono food..My breakfast's were mentioned in their photo journey and enduring essay about Upcountry community.. I was leafing through the magazine with a nice smile recognizing all the hard working folks, and then I saw a familiar kitchen..hmm, took a second before I recognized the country kitchen of Hale Ho'okipa Inn. I am only in here 7 days a week (!) cutting and preparing fruit that I've have just picked from the garden, or purchased from our local market, and other growers. The posted pic today features fresh lilikoi, (passion fruit),apple bananas, papayas, limes, avocados, star fruit and cheremoya all from my garden. Rambuton, local strawberries, and local organic citrus added to the bountiful feast this morning....

I am dreaming up an art project that shows how to eat our local fruit so I can display it at breakfast! That could be fun..

OK, hope you work up an appetite, and find your way upcountry Maui, you'll be really happy that you did.

Look forward to seeing you soon!, and come hungry.......

Aloha,

Cherie

A Zen Celebration

Aloha,

Today I was invited to attend a Japanese Tea Ceremony, the first of the New Year. The day was spectacular, calm and clear..with a North Shore swell lighting up the coast.

My friend from Japan, Reiku invited me to the Zen Temple in Paia to celebrate the first tea ceremony of the year.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a ritual of preparing tea for guests. It is very specific, quiet and traditional.

They served tasty little sweets made from bean paste. The tea is Matcha, a thick green tea that is prepared with a bamboo whisk. I like the taste of green tea, in fact, I drnk green tea most every day. This drink was frothy, almost like green soup instead of tea, but quite ono. (delicious)

It was a sweet stop, a time to reflect on the beauty of simple pleasures, in my rather busy, and very full days .

Here's to taking time out to be good to ourselves.

Hauoli Makahiki Hou

Aloha

Jan 31, 2011 on the North Shore of Maui...what a great way to spend the last day of the year...THIS is what I mean, whenI say, "Maui No Ka Oi"

Maui is the Best.

E komo mai...welcome 2012

May all the love going around the world, double and then some..in this New Year.

Aloha,

Cherie

Sustainable Contentment :)

Aloha,

Today I'm posting a little snippet of an on-line article by renowed author C.J. Good.

"Some local innkeepers on the island are so compassionate and effective at nurturing their guests, they become essentially servants of the collective highest good. They exude a kind of integrity that is almost three-dimensional.
What is contentment? According to Cherie Attix, Innkeeper of the Hale Ho'Okipa Inn Makawao, a bed and breakfast property in Maui, Hawaii, it is: "Knowing that I am living my life to the best of my ability I have a very strong spiritual foundation. I need to feel connected. I do art, I meditate, and I eat well."
Cherie continues, "I've been an innkeeper for 16 years, and have dealt with a lot of people. Inn keeping has taught me how to be open to see what someone has to offer. I don't label people. I am very open. I stay present with them."
Some people may not be aware that travel can transform their life, for it is in discovering new places that we perceive ideas and imagery that aids us in comprehending and interpreting our environment. When we cross the waters to a tropical land, we can temporarily leave behind our identities and relationships of the past, and can ponder on a future we might want to imagine for ourselves. It is irrefutable that in taking a getaway to Maui we will become much richer for it - for the adventure will breathe creative and intelligent new concepts into the conversation of our lives."...........



C.J. Good - About the Author:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: C.J. Good is a freelance writer, keynote guest speaker, and author of two books about finding and cultivating contentment. "Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment" (Reviews 4.5 Stars, Look Inside) is available on Amazon. C.J. Good speaks and gives keynotes on travel topics, health issues, the generation x/y marketplace, sales and marketing. Her purpose is to write quality books that will make a difference in reader's lives. C.J. Good is a successful sales and marketing executive and worked in the travel industry for 17 years. ~ www.sustainablecontentment.com

Stary, stary Night

Aloha,

If it was possible to convey this post in a whisper, that's what I'd be doing...

The stars are a brilliant blanket accross the early morning sky. I was just outside breathing in the night air...it's super quiet, and very sweet. The little sliver of a moon has already set...

It's been wild ,windy and wet quite a bit this winter, and to see the promise of yet another crisp, clear and beautiful day coming makes me quite happy. I'll be taking my little Annie down to the north shore today...I have not been to the beach in awhile, and we are both due.

As we roll towards the New Year, my thoughts are filled with gratitude. My dear Kansas brothers who spend their Chritmas with me, are back. Last night we went to dinner at the fab Hailemaile General Store and then took in a fun film at the Maui Film Festival . What's not to smile about?

All is well as we prepare to slip into 2012....maybe I am up savoring the quiet...because...that will change into the normal festive free- for- all with fireworks to boot in a couple of days. .........

For now........ahh......back to star gazing and drinking in the quiet..

May these special days and nights bring peace and joy, and lots to smile about...

Aloha for now,
Cherie

Mele Kalikimaka

Aloha

Mele Kalikimaka

Sending Upcountry Holiday Aloha out far and wide..

May you feel the joy of the season, spend time with loved ones and count all your blessings.

December Doings

Aloha...

Well, this was an unusual morning..starting at 3 am. I decided to go up to Haleakala to view the total lunar eclipse of the beautiful full moon. I picked up Laine at 3:30, and we headed up the mountain. It was really pouring in Makawao, kinda wild driving into the night in a huge downpour....But, half way up the mountain, the copper moon showed itself in wonderous splendor...The heavens were blanketed in zillions of shining stars with the orange ring hanging out over the ocean . WOW. My photo does not do it justice, but, I will post it anyway.

Then home to make breakfast for my guests from Sweden who decided not to brave the elements this morning.

Leaving the b&b after breakfast, we were driving towards a bright morning rainbow. Time to go pick out a Christmas tree up at the Kula Botanical Garden. It's fun to feel a chill in the air, with the scent of pines while picking out the perfect little tree..

Yes, Maui is a beautiful place to be, rain or shine, wind or calm...it's all good.

Sending out holiday Aloha to one and all...

Cherie

Holidays Fares and Fairs

Aloha..

Hmm, that time of year again. I spent a bit of yesterday visiting the Haleakala Waldorf School holiday faire, and the Hui Noeau Visual Arts Center, Hui Holidays celebration. The Waldorf school fair is well attended, with many crafters, entertainment, holiday wreathes , fun for the keiki (children) and ono grinds .

My posts are often art oriented, and usually small business supportive. Yesterday my scores at the crafts's fairs were a kids's book by a local author, Queen Bee skin products made in Pukalani with local honey, a jar of delicious kiawae honey from Kihei, and some sweet earings made by an upcountry artist. (oops , those were for me).

Now that my grandkids are getting older, Christmas shopping is not as fun as it used to be...wow!, I said it. It seems that the focus of the average tween and teen has to do with all things electronic. I'm not big into electronics, would have no idea what to buy anyway. So, I just get to be very creative in my search for little gifts that will be meaningful to them.....

December days are ending early,it's dark by 6pm. The weather has been a bit muggy and overcast , which made for a really amazing sunset tonight. The sky was colored a brilliant red with streaks of gold. Gorgeous.I am taking a day off tomorrow, a swim is in order, it's been awhile...yippee, some beach time! My little dog will also be thrilled to run on the beach.

OK, Here's to hoping December is finding one and all in anticipation of wonderful family time, great holiday cheer, and cheaper airline tickets...

Much Aloha,

Cherie

Beautiful Day

Aloha..

Today was a beautiful day, after a big rain last night. There is a chill in the air..feels good.

I took alot of pictures in and around the b&b
today for an upcoming magazine article.

I've had many professional photographers shoot the property and historic home throughout the years.
It's always been intersting to see what they would consider photo worthy.
Today, I played photographer and looked at everything through my camera lense ...It was fun, and after I was able to get them all sent off to the magazine, I relaxed and worked on my art..

It was a good day in my artful life ...

Sending Aloha out to one and all..

Cherie

Big Island Beauty

Aloha,

I wanted to share a special place that my daughter took me to on my Big Island visit.


Iwas delighted with our adventure. This trail runs along the North Kona coast and is well maintained, peaceful, and reminds me of our old days of hiking the South Kohala coastline. The fragrence of native grasses and coastal plants prompted a wave of nostalgia.

It was great to share these memories with my daughter, as she grew up in those coastal areas.

We used to spend alot of time hiking the rugged coast before it was developed. Watching the beautiful blue ocean with sweet waves breaking on the coral reefs, listening to the grouse sharing their song, and exploring all the tide pools, was how we spent our free time.

We would hike to an ancient Hawaiian petroglyph site that was located in the lava fields close by our little beach shack. We were lucky to spend time in this historical place. I believe it is now unavailable to visit due to preservation.

Sometimes we would discover game areas that were similiar to a checker board carved into the tide pool lava .We'd find little black and white lava and coral rocks and create our own games for fun. The kids would also take the snails our of the tide pools and put them on their skinny little shins and have snail races for a few minutes.

I do hope you enjoy the beauty of these photos and get the feeling of Hawaii and the special place it is.

With deep gratitude and much Aloha,

Cherie

Makawao Town Party

Aloha.......

Makawao, Maui, Hawaii - On Friday, November 18, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8;00pm, the upcountry town of Makawao inaugurates the Makawao Friday Town Party.

On the third Friday of each month from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Makawao's merchants, community groups, and residents welcome the public to stroll the town center to enjoy musical acts, various indoor and outdoor food vendors, activities for children and adults, and a series of "mini-parties" being held in many of the town's shops, salons, and studios that line the streets of the town center.

This month's musical acts include popular local musicians Kepa, Hula Honeys ( ny favorite!) and Lily Meola. In addition to music, activities and vendors along the street sidewalks, each of the participating shopkeepers will offer one-time only discounts, refreshments or special giveaways inside their stores.

Thanks to Melissa from OnCore Studios for sending this newsletter and all her efforts in organizing the first Makawao Town Party.

This event will be a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Hope to see you there, a Makawao fall evening, bring something warm to wear upcountry.

A hui hou,,

Cherie

Malama Wao Akua

Aloha,

Tonight was opening night for the wonderful watershed show. Malama Wao Akua.

This show had a great turn out with well over a 100 entries. Several of my friends had pieces accepted, from printmakers, to photographers, to painters.. all outstanding work! Two entries featured the endangered Hawaiian crow..I want to go back when it's less crowded with more room and better light to see all the wonderful art

My piece "Maui Loulu", a woodcut and water color, depicts the endemic Maui palms on the b&b grounds. I was pleased to see that it sold within a few minutes of the show opening. Wow, that was cool, and a first for me.

Maui art is alive and well... I hope you get a chance to experience it during your visit to Maui...

The island is glowing green after our recent rain..a beautiful time of year to enjoy our paradise.

Aloha, a hui hou..

Cherie

Upcoming Watershed Art Show

Aloha All,

This is an official invite to the wonderful art show upcoming this Sat at the fabulous Viewpoints Gallery in downtown Makawao.There will be a walk through with the juror at 4pm.

I really love this gallery, one of my favorite places to take guests and show off our talented Maui artists.

My woodblock and watercolor will be in the show! Yippee. I am honored and happy, I worked hard on this piece. I can say for the first time in my life, I have two pieces hanging in two separate shows ...wow...having fun with art, for sure!

The Malama Wao Akua show features native species from Maui Nui..it is a show that promotes a healthy watershed..A very worthy focus, one we all have to pay attention to. I will post more pics of the event, and maybe even a little video when I can get that together.

Aloha for now,

Cherie