Wailea Ekolu has had two listed properties withdrawn from the market this week. Units 1604 and 203 have been cancelled. That reduces the number of Wailea Ekolu condominiums listed for sale to only four. For more information, click on Current Listings above.

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An important commentary from Freddie Mac's Chief Economist today provides an argument that says yes. His argument is predicated upon recent data that shows retail sales in November were better than expected demonstrating continuing economic strength and that therefore it is less likely that the Federal reserve will cut rates anytime soon

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Today at 2pm, Matteo Mitsura of Matteo's Italian Restaurant in Wailea selected the winner of the 4WaileaEkolu.com iPod drawing. The lucky winner was James Samuelson! Tom and Sean would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our survey and to telling us what other information we should focus on providing. You have helped our efforts at becoming even more effective realtors and we appreciate it.

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The crispness of the early mornings, the wonderful breezes off the Pacific and the increase in traffic are all telling us "The Season is here!" The million dollar question (literally) is what is it going to bring South Maui's real estate market. While nobody knows, here are some things to think about. Wailea/Makena condominium inventory remains manageable and prices this year, no matter how you slice them, have increased. Not at the rate of past years certainly, but increased in the low double digits nonetheless. The Kihei market, especially condominiums that offer nothing unique or special, have been flat to down a bit this year and inventory for that product remains uncomfortably high. On the residential side homes are moving more slowly although following the same general price and inventory trends as condominiums. The wild card is what mentality the visitors from the West Coast will bring with them this year. The California markets vary depending on one's zip code and so that influences any particular person's view of the market. We remain upbeat on what this year will bring us given how special we believe Maui is, the relatively strong US economy, the low level of interest rates and the continuing concentration of wealth in the hands of the Baby Boomers.

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Sure dealing in Maui real estate is fun. But better yet are the cultural events always going on at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, one of the island’s treasures. Right now, First Light is showing an array of great first run movies which can be found here. Can Rocky Balboa still fight? Will Helen Mirren recreate Queen Elizabeth’s reaction Diana’s death with her usual style and grace? Dreamgirls features a cast of all-stars, is it as good as the hype? Can Children of Men possibly be as good as the PD James book?

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According to this Maui News article, Maui is enjoying a banner year in Tourism. Some key tidbits:

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Wailea Ekolu saw a unit go into escrow this week. Unit 507, a one bedroom with excellent ocean views and in only OK condition listed for $739,000 lasted only thirty days on the market. Wailea inventory has swelled slightly to ninety units now for sale.

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Are the numbers in this Honolulu Advertiser story correct?  yes, as far as they go…which for the Wailea market isn’t very far. The median price of a residential home sale in November declined by a whopping 18% over a year ago. Bad news, right? Not necessarily. The mix of sales was very skewed compared to 2005. For example, in November 2005, a $9 million home in Kapalua sold as did three  Wailea homes totalling $10 million and three Maui meadows homes for over $1.2 million apiece. This past November, not a single Wailea or Kapalua home sold and only a single Maui Meadows home changed hands. So the strict comparison the Advertiser touts has limited utility. As a couple of big ticket homes currently in escrow close in December and January watch these numbers correct again. In addition, the trend for condominium prices remains, especially for resort property, upward.

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Not according to this PNC Wealth Management Survey. While almost half of the survey group are pessimistic about real estate prices in 2007, only 15% expressed concern over potential declining home prices. Read More »

Inventory in this market remains nearly constant at eighty five units for sale. That has been the range for about six months now. Good news as the season gets ready to open! Fifteen units have been sold since November and another twenty one are currently in escrow. That absorption rate implies a selling time average of approximately six months IN NON PEAK MONTHS! That is very good news indeed for sellers in this market as it suggests a reasonably strong season is upcoming!