Maui Luxury Home Buying Tips 
Launiupoko Maui
It has been a bit of a challenge in the Maui Luxury real estate market due to low inventory. Visitors have returned to Maui, along with the good weather. Homes on Maui are selling at a quick pace. There are buyers on the side lines waiting for new homes to show up on the market. Luxury home buyers need to be fully prepared in today’s market. I hope I can shed some light on steps that should be taken to be competitive in Maui luxury home market.
Kula Homes
First of all, when you research the market, the big question is: Where do you want to live on Maui? Are you looking for a ranch home with acreage? Places like Kula, Maui come into mind. There are some amazing properties in Kula, with country style homes to contemporary estates to choose from. Or do you want to live on oceanfront property on Maui? Places like Makena and Wailea for stunning oceanfront settings. The West Side of Maui has a large selection of exceptional luxury residential properties in places like Launiupoko, Kaanapali, Napili and Kapalua Maui to choose from. So questions to ask yourself are: How big of a house and size of lot would you like? What price range? Does this property give you the lifestyle you want? How important is it to you to be near shopping, restaurants, or grocery stores you prefer? There’s the question about maintenance of your property, two-acres requires a lot of work (I know! I live on 2-aces, love it, but you either have to love yard work, or hire a gardener!).
Makena Oceanfront
Buying a home on Maui is a big investment. It is a huge step, life changing adventure, and you should go into to it with eyes wide open. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced Maui real estate agent that knows the island well. Buying a luxury home is more than offering the right price. Things to consider are home inspections, appraisals, contingencies and more. Timing is everything when working on a purchase of a home. An experienced Maui realtor has a great resource of professionals from inspectors, lenders, contractors, to make sure the buyers are represented. A knowledgeable agent knows the local terrain, the plus and minuses of communities and properties. Local knowledge of the island, listening to your buyers needs, and providing them with the tools to point them in the right direction are essential.
Maui Northshore Oceanfront Homes
When purchasing a home, you want to have your finances together. If you will be making a cash offer, you will need to have proof of funds or provide a pre-approval letter from your lender. I find it’s better to use local lenders, they have a better lay of the land, understanding zoning and land classifications may send a red flag to mainland lenders, but with local lenders it’s not an issue. Most escrows are 30 to 60 days, so timing is important for loan approvals or to have available funds at the time of your closing. Working closely with an escrow officer and your realtor will keep you up to date on timelines. When you’re submitting offers in a busy real estate market you want to have all your ducks lined up, keeping it clean it will make a difference.
In this time of Covid 19, I have had buyers making purchases sight unseen. We have been doing a lot of FaceTime, which has really worked well for showings and inspections. Working with sellers, drone footage and 3D videos really make a difference to showing properties. It’s always good to be present when viewing luxury Maui properties. Maui is starting to open up with pre-testing before you arrive on Maui. A good source of information traveling to Maui is Gohawaii.com to view government required information prior to your trip to Maui.
Polo Beach Makena Maui
So there you go, buying a luxury home on Maui involves some planning. Knowing the local inventory, and property sale prices, and values is important prior to making any offers. I can set you up with an email program to receive email updates on all new Luxury Maui listings as they come on the market each day. What I offer as a luxury real estate agent on Maui, is 27 years of experience selling real estate property on Maui island-wide. I have worked on sales teams with Wailea Beach Villas, Hoolei Wailea Villa units, and Papali Wailea Maui luxury homes. Also prior to real estate on Maui, I was a Maui contractor for 18 years, and owned Nickens Interiors on Maui. You can visit my website at Nickensmaui.com, which is a great resource for luxury homes and condos on all of Maui.
If you have any questions about buying or selling homes or condos on Maui, feel free to give me a call. I work with Wailea Realty Corp+Windermere, severing Maui island wide.
Maui Luxury Home Specialist
Aloha Steven Nickens your Maui Luxury Real Estate Agent.
Wailea Realty Corp+Windermere
The Shops at Wailea
Cell: 808-280-2208
Email: [email protected]
Website: nickensmaui.com