Aloha,

We'll call this the “cut to the chase” Newsletter. Honestly, I have had more activity—e-mails, showings, up-calls, walk-ins—in the past few weeks than I've had in the last year! The winds of change are happening here in Maui. Our office of only 19 agents opened 14 escrows with nearly $20 million in volume during the month of January—pretty significant for a company that did between $80-$100 million per year in years past—good years! My Realtor friends in California should be happy to hear this because the Real Estate market in Maui is usually slower than the mainland to go into recession, but often on the leading edge coming out of recession. Whether you consider this a “trend” or not is your call, but there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel!

Many of our buyers are Canadians—here enjoying the great weather, of course, but also benefiting from the fact that their dollar is on par with ours. In addition, prices have rolled back to what they were 10 years ago in many parts of the island, and for the most part, their economy is booming—largely due to their West Coast oil industry. Factor in historically low interest rates (although a large percentage of our buyers are paying cash), and it all begins to make sense.

As promised last month, I will again attempt to “whet your appetite” with this month’s Featured Properties and Best Buys. Because of what I perceive as a changing market, this may be your best time to buy exclusive Wailea properties:

MLS #349962--Continuing to be one of Wailea's best-selling complexes, Kai Malu offers the second home buyer excellent options and amenities at a relatively moderate price point.  This particular unit offers the best views and most upgrades currently available, and includes a turnkey upscale furnishings package as well.  Exclusively yours for $1,795,000!!!

MLS #346683--If you haven't experienced Papali Wailea, you must!  A small, gated community of only 24 beautifully conceived and designed 3BR/3BA individual homes, Papali features architectural detail and a "feng shui" floor plan that is unmatched in Wailea.  Hurry, though; this is the last of the Developer units, being offered at $2,595,000!!!

MLS #349962--If you're the type who likes to "get away from it all", then you'll appreciate this bright, open, and airy Makena jewel.  Just a 5-minute drive from the Shops at Wailea, yet with a definite sense of "Hawaiiana" typically not found in gated communities in Wailea,

this very private 3BR/3BA home is waiting just for you!  $3,400,000!!!

MLS #349889--Still one of Wailea's most coveted properties, this timeless 3BR/3BA front row gem at Wailea Point offers the "best of the best" in condo living.  Larger than many homes at 2,529 square feet, you'll want to literally reach out and touch the beautiful blue Pacific from your spacious oceanfront lanai!  Yours today for $5,950,000!!!

MLS #350709--Want to be "King of the Hill"?  Well, location, location is only the beginning when describing this breathtaking 6,000+ sq. ft. home in Wailea Highlands, Wailea's most exclusive and highest situated private gated community.  Panoramic views to die for; 1/2 acre lot; concrete and steel construction; Master Chef gourmet kitchen--need I say more?

Pack your bags and call it "home" for $6,995,000!!!

Click Here to View Listings

I look forward to seeing you here on Maui during your next visit. Please let me know prior to your arrival that you are coming, and I will be sure to set time aside to meet with you and/or set up showings. I understand the Groundhog saw its shadow today, predicting six more weeks of winter. It was 83 degrees here in Maui today. Last but not least, Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so be sure to give your favorite Valentine(s) plenty of love!

Warm regards,

Michael Blaz

(808) 283-9093