When relocating to Maui, all we can think of is warm days with our families and friends. Up until a short time ago, transporting our loving animals has been almost impossible. Seemingly torturous to hold them in a small cell for an extended period of time. To most owners – not worth the stress that in some horror cases is irrecoverable.

The times have changed…  The days of locking up our furry friends in quarantine to bring them over to the islands is long gone!  All the is necessary is the correct documentation and proper planning!

Start by signing UP!   Contact Kelly, the direct release coordinator with Central Maui Animal Clinic at: kellydirectreleasemaui@gmail.com – 808-446-1521.

Kelly is amazing and will be your liaison in getting things prepared. She will help you do be sure you have the correct documentation, and is the first one to meet your furry dog or cat when they arrive on Maui.  If your pet is with you on the cabin, Kelly is waiting on the jetway to receive you and your family. They’ll take them for a walk to stretch out as they wait for your family to deplane and/or arrive to the designated location.

Have the correct DOCUMENTATION!   Have your photo ID and the state permit and health certificate ready and they’ll have you on your way quickly. There’s a pee pee spot at the airport and they’re animal lovers, so you can feel assured they’re in great hands.

The new requirement is 30 days of a minimum waiting period after a successful FAVN rabies antibodies test before arriving in Hawaii. 

The Main Requirements of the Program:

1.    The Fees for direct release are at $185.00 – $244 if you want them released in 5 days or less.

2.    Be sure your furry friend has a MICROCHIP

3.    Get in touch with Central Maui Animal Clinic to help you plan, then have the FAVN blood test done with the correct timing of your travel plans (30 days)

More information can be found via the State Website here

Check out the following Checklist for Import of Pets to Hawaii is below, or printable Checklist for Pets to Hawaii 

Owners must submit the following documentation so it is received by the Animal Quarantine Station 30 days or more ahead of the planned date of arrival:

The team at Central Maui Animal Clinic have made some awesome moves for our island over the past decade. They’ve expanded their staff and business hours to accommodate 24 hour emergency help. They’ve also opened Lahaina and South Maui Locations. Rely on them to help you through the process, then reward them by giving them your on-island business.

Looking forward to seeing you and your families back on the island.

If you’re curious about Maui real estate, reach out! Let’s get your toes in the sand.

Aloha, Erica Haleakala             text + call + email     808-281-4107

Wailea Realty Corp + Windermere Real Estate

ALOHA!

Selling Real estate in Hawaii has us immersed in a second home market ripe with investors looking to transfer their investment funds using the 1031 Tax Exchange program on Maui pretty often. It’s important to know the facts and have the resources on hand when you need answers you can trust, especially when looking to invest somewhere disconnected and far from home – like Hawaii.

Fidelity National Title gives a great explanation on a what 1031 Exchange actually is:

Section 1.1031, of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, offers real estate investors one of the last great investment opportunities to build wealth and save taxes. By completing an exchange, the investor (Exchanger) can dispose of their investment property, use all of the equity to acquire a replacement investment property, defer the capital gain tax that would ordinarily be paid, and leverage all of their equity into their replacement property.  

Whoa. Did you READ that right??? Yes, you sure did. And it’s got investors saving hand over fist in an incredibly HOT market on Maui. You sell your investment, and then roll the capital into another and save a ton on taxes.

… ON 2 CONDITIONS.

1.).   Exchange must be for “like-kind” – ie. residential for residential, or commercial for commercial, etc…

2.).   No cash or additional benefit may be acquired unless you pay capital gains taxes on it.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

The IRS demands that once your property is sold, it is placed with an intermediary entity called an ‘Accommodator’ who is in charge of holding the funds. The Exchanger then has 45 days from the date of close to identify 3 possible replacement properties.

… 3 FINAL REQUIREMENTS.

1.). Purchase must be of equal or greater value.

2.). All equity must be re-invested.

3.). Equal or greater debt. (with an exception that a reduction can be offset with additional cash, but a reduction in equity cannot be offset by increasing debt.

Once the 45 days have passed, the property identification list cannot be changed and everything must be logged and in writing with the accommodator to show that we are abiding by specific guidelines.

So the GENERAL 3 RULES

• The new purchase must be the same or greater value than the relinquished.
• Reinvest all of the exchange equity into the replacement property
• and obtain the same or greater debt on the replacement property as the one relinquished. 

Both properties must be sold and acquired for income and/or investment purposes.

Here’s the full article from Fidelity National Title that explains these specifics.

More questions?   Who can HELP?

Julie Bratton with OREXCO is the local expert and the person to call when considering a 1031 tax exchange on Maui. Old Republic Exchange has also created this awesome video to help with understanding the process of 1031 tax exchanges.

Here’s also a brochure to explain some of the particulars.     ORE Brochure 2018

If you’re strongly considering, Julie is so easy to talk to and she can help with understanding all kinds of ways the exchange program works – including deferred, reverse and simultaneous. Her experience has proven a strong track record in guiding homeowners to successfully achieve their investment goals.  Don’t be afraid to reach out!

Julie Bratton (formerly Tumbaga) – Hawaii Representative

877-591-1031 direct

jbratton@oldrepublicexchange.com

http://orexco1031.com

Maui provides an amazing landscape for the investor looking for a 2nd home that can generate some passive income through the short term rental market when you can not be here to enjoy. World-class beaches, dining, and shopping are all at your fingertips and the weather is fantastic year-round. As time goes by, you can spend more time here enjoying your investment. This is the ultimate retirement plan. Curious about an investment on Maui? Reach out, let’s get your toes in the sand.

With aloha, Erica Haleakala  – 808-281- 4107

Wailea Realty Corp | Windermere Maui  | The Shops at Wailea, Maui Hawaii.

One of my favorite pastimes since relocating to Maui almost 10 years ago is actually the State Sport – paddling in a 6 man outrigger canoe.  There’s nothing like greeting the sunrise from the water at the dawn of a new day. I have met so many friends and developed an extended family or “ohana” while playing on the beach in the summertime.  I give my time to my canoe club Lae’ula o Kai on the Board of Directors, and I feel supported by a community of professionals and participants with a common interest.  From the kupuna (elders) to the keiki (children), it enriches your lives to interact on a recreational level.  There are so many Reasons Maui and the beach are good for You.

This article posted in the Ka’hiau – community segment of The Maui News talks about my passion for paddling canoe and how you can get involved.

Practices begin early in the year and get more intense during springtime in preparation for the summer regatta season.  Get it touch if you want to participate!  They place you by division so you will always be amongst others at your age and skill level.

You know they say life expectancy is great in the islands, and I think we can attribute that to a more active lifestyle (in our earlier and later years), and a more relaxed pace and lifestyle.  I relocated from the Los Angeles market almost 10 years ago and can help others considering Relocating to Maui.  I look forward to connecting with my clients and introducing them to Maui’s best neighborhoods.

There’s something for everybody in Hawaii.  If you’re considering a change, reach out!

Life is short, let’s get your toes in the sand.

One of the reasons I love living on Maui is a daily stop to unwind at the Pacific Ocean.  Did you realize that there is substantial scientific evidence stating that the beach has significant health benefits?  The natural inclination to inhale deeply as you step on the beach is actually an automatic response to the quality of the air.  Aside from the anticipated “rest and relaxation”, here’s a quick read on 7 benefits of a day at the beach!

1. Good for your Body

Vitamin D is good for your bones, healthier teeth, and a stronger immune system.  The meditative state it brings us is known to lower stress and blood pressure, as it supports your immune system and overall well-being.

2.  Good for your Skin

The ocean water is full of minerals and natural exfoliants. Exfoliate on the sand and dip in the saltwater to detoxify with the natural antiseptic, using its qualities to cleanse your pores and skin.

3. Good for your Peace of Mind

The vast ocean, expansive horizon, and beauty of the surroundings can actually make you appreciate nature. The off-shore breezes and sense of grounding from the sand put you in better touch with spirit and consciousness.

4. Good for your Mood

The color blue has been discovered by an overwhelming amount of people to associate with calm and peace.  The physical sensation of our toes in warm sand causes people to relax.  The noises — coupled with the visuals — activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for slowing us down and allowing us to disconnect and feel more engaged. (Not to mention the limited cell service and hopes that it encourages us to PUT DOWN OUR PHONES.)

courtesy of MedicalNewsToday.com

5. Good for a Better Nights’ Sleep

A perfect remedy for insomnia, while engaging in a day of play, our skin is absorbing magnesium via the saltwater, and the essential mineral calms both the nervous and muscular systems and has been linked to helping us sleep better.

“Magnesium is the eighth-most abundant mineral on earth and the third most abundant in seawater. More importantly, it is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body and it is necessary for over 300 reactions within the body.

Magnesium isn’t just abundant in the body, but vitally important too. As this article explains:

“Every single cell in the human body demands adequate magnesium to function, or it will perish. Strong bones and teeth, balanced hormones, a healthy nervous and cardiovascular system, well-functioning detoxification pathways and much more depend upon cellular magnesium sufficiency. Soft tissue containing the highest concentrations of magnesium in the body include the brain and the heart—two organs that produce a large amount of electrical activity, and which can be especially vulnerable to magnesium insufficiency.”

6. Good for your Physical Being

Then there’s the obvious… take a swim, walk on the sand or play with the kids while reaping the physical benefits of playing at the beach. The gentle resistance of water (and the vast ocean world below) make it perfect terrain for adventure and easier on those with arthritis or injury.

    7.  Good for your Financial Portfolio

Owning a home at the beach, particularly Hawaii can be a lucrative investment. History has proven that in a real estate “shift”, the 2^nd home a vacation rental market can be shielded by the ability to rent it out for passive income. Not to mention, we’ve seen a 4% increase year-over-year in our property values.

Since the beginning of time, doctors have been “prescribing” vacation trips and time off to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, arthritis and more.  So the next time you’re feeling like a recharge, hit the BEACH! It’s just what the Doctor ordered.

Curious about a lifestyle change? A Maui investment?  Reach out, let’s get your toes in the sand.

Pu’uhonua Estate    –   300 Kepa Road, Kula, Hawaii

A Private Estate Compound on 16.47 private acres on the slopes of Haleakala in Upcountry Maui.

• 5,374 square feet,     5 bedrooms +  4.5 bathroom main house built in 1926
• 1,832 square feet,     2 bedrooms +  2 bathroom cottage built in the late 1970’s
•  500+ square feet,     1 bedroom   +  1 bathroom cottage
• Garage with Studio apartment above

Recently Listed for $6,900,000

An elegant estate property tucked away at the end of a lane in Upcountry Maui where the climate is mild and the views are spectacular. The sweeping entry driveway is edged in glorious jacaranda trees with their vibrant purple blooms. Built in 1926, this grand estate is steeped in Maui history and has been the site of many wonderful island gatherings. The tranquil estate includes 16 acres of beautiful upcountry land, 8 of which are manicured and planted with gardens of protea, day lilies, azaleas, fruit bearing trees, exotic palms, a Japanese garden and rows of orchid greenhouses.

Walk along the tree lined paths from the 5,000+ sq.ft. main home as you step back into time with a paneled library, formal living and dining rooms, butlers’ pantry and grand staircase that leads up to the upper floors with period fireplace and chandelier. This is the ultimate restorationists dream…

Next stop is the 1 bedroom, 1 bath cottage, with a free standing garage building and studio apt above, then down the drive to the 1,832 sq. ft. 1970’s home with vaulted ceilings and wood floors at the bottom of the manicured lawn. Walk past the protea beds and lush Hawaiian gardens up to another house with the garage building at the edge of the entry with a 3 bedroom, 1 bath apartment located above.

This historic residence is going to require some modernization, but over 11,000 square feet of total living space in an ideal location presents an exceptional value. An ideal setting for a private Bed and Breakfast, or a Treatment / Rehabilitation Center. 

Introducing You to Upcountry Maui

Locals know to escape the heat, head to the rolling hills and expansive pasture land of Kula, and the quaint communities beyond of Ulupalakua and Keokea. Kula means “open country”, and this loosely designated area that sits between 1000 feet to 8000 feet elevation, is known as the “breadbasket” of Maui. The “farm to table” phenomenon has catapulted many gardens and farms into creating some outstanding farm tours and tasting opportunities of their locally made products. Known for its tropical gardens, lavender, protea, sweet Maui onions, goat cheese, coffee, carnations and orchid for leis, cattle, and Kula is known for generations of old farms, cowboys, and artists.

Relaxed and slow-paced, the regions farming and ranching history and shear isolation, with no direct public road connecting it to South Maui, helps to maintain the quiet vibe we know and love as Kula. This is the perfect location for someone looking for privacy and elegance to recover in serenity.  With amazing views of the ocean below and a cool breeze, this part of your Maui stay will be a welcome reprieve from the busy tourism hubs of Kihei and Wailea below.

We’ve seen celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Clint Eastwood and Steven Tyler become a part of the Maui community – a quick flight to L.A. – but secluded from the fast-paced tinseltown.

Masaru “Pundy” Yokouchi and the History of the Storybook Estate

His influential role in politics, combined with luck and astuteness (not to mention TIMING…) in real estate investing and developing, coupled with a reputation for a particularly fair and generous way of treating others, Yokouchi was one of the most sought-after and best-connected people in Hawaii in the Democratic years.

Since as far back as the mid-1960’s, he was at the center around which power gravitated on Maui. Every major politician and businessman on the island stopped by his office, teed off with him on the links or shared aloha in the community. Officials and community leaders describe him as “incredible guy,” “generous and humble person,” “gracious gentleman,” “great man” and “Maui’s last hero.” He never graduated from college, missed fighting in the war and spent nearly two decades as a baker before he hit it big in real estate. We look around today and see a plethora of realtors, but back in Pundy’s day, the idea of getting rich buying and selling Maui land was novel.

In 1960, Pundy got his real estate license and opened Valley Isle Realty and within just seven years, the office members held some heavy positions in both community and politics. Things began happening for Pundy very fast; in 1970 Yokouchi began buying and selling large tracts of land making a lot of money – both on and off the record. By 1977, Pundy and his wife had expanded their portfolio and were living in this 16-acre spread in Kula, after selling their old, modest Wailuku house.

Maui looks the way it does today because of Masaru Yokouchi Lahaina Town, Ka`anapali and Makena all owe their development—and to a considerable extent, their controversy—to Yokouchi. To speak of him without acknowledging his role in these developments is to dishonor the man and his achievements.

The president of Valley Isle Realty, Kaanapali Kai Inc. and his own foundation, also is chairman of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center,” Masaru “Pundy” Yokouchi died at the age of 81. Articled fled the press full of details about Yokouchi’s standing as Maui’s greatest patron of the arts. He served for 12 years as chairman of the state Foundation on Culture and the Arts and raised $32 million to get the MACC built. His influence, generosity and fundraising were so prodigious that the MACC—which he chaired from its 1994 construction to his death—would never have been built without him.

These stories illustrate the variety and complexity of the world in which Pundy did business. He’s contributed to the make-up of Maui as a whole and a figure to be remembered.

Big Opportunities in Investing in Specialized Rehabilitation and Addiction Treatment Centers

Modern Rehabilitation Centers have been reinvented into to private experiences with individualized care to treat mental and substance abuse.  Consider places like Cliffside Malibu, or Monarch Shores in Orange County, California. Consider a premier destination for alcohol rehab and drug addiction treatment and luxury rehabilitation on Maui. With the opiod crisis and mental health on top of mind, this climate and the need for expanded access and luxury care creates opportunity for investors. A private estate where people can come – privately – to get well.

Building Calm into Your Day by Harvard.edu

Maui is a wealthy beach community but it’s also a relaxing and serene hub for nature lovers, adventurers, and soul searchers. The magnificent landscape of mighty Mt. Haleakala crushed against the shoreline and the breathtaking Hawaiian sunsets are just some of many elements that make the natural beauty of Maui something one doesn’t easily forget. In a sense, Maui is the ideal location for luxury rehab centers.

The time to turn a blind eye to an ever-growing problem is diminishing

State governments aren’t paying to build more methadone clinics and there’s little money available in the non-profit sector for them either. Still, the number of programs has nearly doubled in the last 10 years, largely thanks to private investment, which is a positive development. A detox setting or a rehab program has a much wider stream of potential where revenue, can be covered by insurance, and people are willing to pay for it if they have the resources to pay for it to get better.  The real questions are about occupancy rates, insurance reimbursement and unlimited potential as the future demand for detox and treatment is inevitable.

With big private equity money moving into the drug rehab space  –  they can afford to purchase larger facilities. Larger campus type rehab facilities with economies of scale; a kitchen and crew, a groundskeeper, an executive director, and etc. If the healthcare system is heading into single payer or “in network” then the out of network PPO policies (which are lucrative) will be harder to land. It’s predicted that the larger drug rehabs will have an easier time of transitioning to an in-network type of an environment because they will have the economies of scale.  Take a look at this article from Modern Healthcare.com about the incline in investments in this sector just over the past year.

Specialized Treatments, on-site care and staff dedicated to the well-being of their clients with amenities that could include:

• Luxurious bed and bathroom accommodations
• The option for private rooms and private bathrooms
• Five-star, farm-to-table dining
• Holistic therapies such as yoga, massage, and acupuncture
• Sports such as tennis and basketball courts
• Art therapies such as writing, painting and reflecting
• Picturesque views and serene surroundings
• Top-notch service catering to all comforts
• Gyms, pools, and tropical gardens

A perfect palette to realize a long-term substantial investment. It’s going to take some cash to overhaul the space, but the owners are motivated and this is a one-of-a-kind legacy property in a dynamic location.

Give me a call and we can discuss how to make it yours.

A L O H A

How Will the Next Recession Affect the Housing Market… 

Given the current media buzz of an impending recession, many Americans are fearing the worst and believe a downturn in the real estate market is inevitable. Take a look at the graph below from Keeping Current Matters.

It’s important to note that of the last five recessions in U.S. history, three of them saw increases. Two of those three saw prices appreciate faster than the historical average, and the massive down turn was as a result of loose ethics and loan practices.

Recession does not equal a housing crisis

What Exactly is a Recession…

According to Websters Dictionary, a recession means a time where the economy dips for a period of 6 months. Considering that we’re in the longest running economic recovery, it’s no surprise that we’re in for a breather. The Maui marketplace is still robust and active with consistent visitors looking to scoop up great properties and the inventory is low – so it’s still busy and still fast paced for those looking to buy.

How Will Maui Be Affected?… 

Saying anything is recession-proof is a tough statement to make, but any time you have scarcity in a market, whatever the market is, it sets up your investment for success. Purchasing in a location with limited supply is key to making sure your vacation home investment doesn’t depreciate dramatically in a recession. The rental income opportunity can also provide some insulation from market downturns, and there are other factors, too, that help make certain types of vacation homes less risky investments. Check out the most recent short term rentals in Wailea here.

For the best locations in Hawaii, like the Maui beachfront, the dip in property values at the last turn was only 10% to 12%, the reason being the barrier to entry—the ability to get anything built—is unbelievably tough. It isn’t overbuilt, and people recognized the value here. Selecting the location of your vacation home wisely may not protect you entirely from seeing a drop in value during a recession, but it could mean that the decrease you see is much smaller than it would be elsewhere. Also consider whether a second home will be a long-term investment, and perhaps even someday become your primary residence or legacy. Our listings at Mahana Estates are legacy homes where families are seeing their dreams built before their eyes.  I encourage you to reach out and ask questions on how we can paint this picture for you.

Places like Hawaii, Cancun and Mallorca don’t go through seasonal ups and downs. There are low and high seasons, but people are always visiting. People buy a second home and eventually envision living there, so in that sense it’s recession proof. Even in a recession, there are people that still have money, and they’re looking for very specific types of houses, and are very location-driven. As we approach winter, we expect more inventory to come one as usual and we look forward to seeing our friends who return year after year.  If you’re curious about a Maui investment, reach out, let’s get your toes in the sand. Aloha! 

Furry friends belong in paradise too! Ever wonder which luxury developments in South Maui allow pets?  Take a look at these popular Wailea developments when considering where to purchase a home in South Maui that your pet can enjoy too!

Kai Malu – This is an excellent option for someone looking for more space and to spread out. 150 2-story units total, some with a downstairs master. These sophisticated townhouse style units are built in 2007, with fresh spaces and high ceilings. A refined complex with infinity pool, and pavilion perfet for entertaining and well situated on 25 hillside acres of golf course. You’ll notice many full-time residents in this community, as no short-term rentals are allowed.

Kanani Wailea  – built in 2007, 38 home sites on 8 hillside acres. The lowest priced large footprint condominiums in all of Wailea. Over 2000 sq.  ft. and starting in the low million range, these have high end finishes and are about half way down the hill so you still catch views and backlit sunsets. A great option for someone who wants the space but not the yard maintenance. No short term rentals are allowed in this gated development.

Keala o Wailea – Built in 2017, there are 69 brand new 2 and 3 bedroom units perched on the hillside just as you come into Wailea. This well thought out development was affordable with pricesstating at 819k, and they were 95% sold when they released the first set of keys last month. New construction is catching a lot of attention in South Maui, and there are 2 left in this location. No vacation rentals allowed.

Makali’i at Wailea – Just breaking ground and already 65% sold, these 68 luxury modern 2-3 bedroom townhouses are starting in the 1.3 range. The team at Armstrong has promised us a “view above the treetops”, and a product much more modern and contemporary than Wailea has ever seen before – think “Andaz”. It’ll be exciting to see what the finished product is like and what kind of owners end up residing there as this one is for long term residents only.

Polo Beach Club – Absolute supreme South Maui complex next door to the famed Fairmont Kea Lani hotel.  Built in 1982, this is a 71-unit high rise is on 2.5 acres of the most pristine sandy beachfront. Enjoy an active lifestyle with regular beach walks and picturesque sunsets from your lanai.  Well performing short term rentals are generated from this one-of-a-kind location.

Ekahi  – From studios, to 2 bedroom townhouse style units, this large development of 294 units graced Maui in 1976. Well located on 34 acres with easy access to the beach, world-class resorts and golf. A great option for one looking for passive income or possibly a place to return to year after year with minimal maintenance.

Ekolu – Known for excellent location and affordability, these 146 units span from small studios to large 2 bedrooms with garden and ocean views. Built in 1979 and on 18 hillside acres of golf course, this is a very desirable place to spend an island vacation, as evidenced by the popularity of short term rentals found here.

Elua – Known for ample sized footprints, some units with independent garages, the easy beach access, and extraordinary views. These 152 larger scale units were built in 1977, and provide easy access to beach walks and activities on 24 acres of South Maui beachfront. Luxury vacation rentals are allowed in this complex.

Wailea Fairway Villas – Newer development built on the top of the hill in 1998 with 118 townhouse style units on 12 acres of golf greens. Higher ceilings and lofts make this a comfortable place for long term living. Stable neighbors with no short-term rentals allowed. These are a great “lock and leave” investment in Wailea.

Wailea Palms – 120 units and 16 2 story units, known as phase 2 of the development allows pets but does not allow short term rentals. Concrete construction keeps the units cool and they’re just a short stroll to Keawakapu beach. Another terrific option for the long-term resident looking to be central.

– The ultimate in South Maui luxury. These front row, high end luxury condominiums are awesome for someone who wants the best in everything. Large floorplans, wide open spaces, and private lanais are what you can expect from these units. Panoramic views from some, reach out and touch the ocean from others… these 130 units are on 28 acres of oceanfront, directly on the beach path in a complex full of amenities for only the most exclusive buyers.

If you’re interested in honing in on the development that is right for you, reach out.

Let’s talk. Aloha, Erica