Real Estate

REAL ESTATE A supplement of The Maui News l Friday, April 12, 2019

Nothing but horizon Stunning three-cottage property provides tranquil retreat Realtors Association of Maui makes commitment to affordable housing

Defining what makes a house a home is constantly changing over time

Strategies for saving money on mortgage costs as well as for first home purchase

A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Friday, April 12, 2019 – Page T1

Real Estate Guide l April 2019

Realtors Association of Maui’s Commitment to Affordable Housing

By JASON ECONOMOU

mately 43 percent of what is necessary to qualify for the median-priced single family home under prevailing interest rates.

years, several factors have

Realtors Association of Maui led to housing shortages Government Affairs Director throughout the United

States.

On a national level, the demand for housing at all price points is outpacing supply, but especially at entry-level points in the market. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the reduction in housing supply is linked to the “Five Ls”: Lumber, Labor, Land and lots, Lending to builders and developers, and Laws.

Among these categories, the top two factors are lumber and labor. The cost of construction materials rose approximately 4 percent between 2016 and 2017, led by rising costs of lumber related to tariffs. Similarly, labor shortages have brought about inflated wages while land is increasingly difficult to acquire due to regulations.

Overall, this has reduced the development of new housing inventory, thereby increasing the cost of existAssessing the Issue ing homes.

Housing shortages are not Though the County of unique to Maui, or even Maui has made significant investments into programs Hawaii at large. In recent

ffordable housing, or the lack thereof, has been a major concern in Maui County for years, but the problem only seems to be getting worse.

Recently, Mayor Victorino’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2020 stated that Maui County will need to produce approximately 12,500 housing units by 2025 to meet the needs of Maui County’s workforce. Other County officials have quoted the need at approximately 14,000 units by 2025, and some non-government organizations have even assessed the need to be as high as 17,000 additional units.

Regardless of whether the need is 12,000 units or 17,000 units, that target is not attainable without some thoughtful and creative solutions moving forward, as well as cooperation from the community at large.

A

What can be done?

Jason Economou, Government Affairs Director for Realtors Association of Maui such as the First-Time Homebuyer’s Down Payment Assistance Program, the cost of purchasing a home is largely unattainable for many prospective buyers in today’s market. In February, the median sales price for a single family home on Maui was $790,000.

To make matters worse, the median household income on Maui is approxi-

The Realtors Association of Maui has been monitoring and assessing the local housing market for years, and is deeply concerned over the lack of affordability. Moving forward, RAM has made affordable housing a top legislative priority and has been advocating for several approaches that might serve to increase the availability of attainable housing options for Maui residents.

Specifically, RAM is focused on increasing the number of affordable rentals on the Valley Isle.

The most recent major legislative success toward the goal of increasing the number of affordable rentals on Maui came in December 2018, when the Maui County Council passed Ordinance No. 4936. Through Ordinance No. 4936, the County Council made thoughtful and meaningful amendments to Chapter 19.35 of

the Maui County Code relating to accessory dwelling units, or “ohanas.”

The amendments seek to increase inventory of rental units by reducing restrictions on the number of ohanas that can be built on individual properties and the sizes of ohanas that are permissible. On Maui, within the applicable zoning districts, one ohana is now permitted on any lot that is less than 7,500 square feet, and up to two ohanas are now permitted on any lot that is 7,500 square feet or greater. Similarly, the permissible sizes of accessory dwellings have increased across lot sizes.

RAM has been supporting this sort of reform for years, and we were pleased to see that Maui County is actively seeking meaningful change to the Maui County Code to address housing shortages.

Nevertheless, more can be done, and more must be done. With that in mind, RAM has developed several proposals for policy changes which may serve to increase the inventory of rentals.

These changes were recently shared with the Maui

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County Council’s Affordable Housing Committee, and received positive feedback overall.

RAM’s ideas for meaningful change moving forward.

First, RAM believes that the County needs to streamline development on a small scale. Similar to the County’s approach with Ordinance No. 4936, property owners need to be empowered to further develop rental opportunities on their properties. Aside from increasing inventory of available rental units, allowing property owners to develop existing properties will increase income opportunities for property owners, reduce the need for sprawl and create jobs for local handymen and contractors.

One method by which the County could go about streamlining small scale development is by creating a catalog of pre-approved building plans and incentivizing its use. CurSee AFFORDABLE on Page T4 Main cover image: Located at 621 Hana Highway in Paia this property comprises three cottage homes on two oceanfront properties combined as one sale and is being represented by Gina Duncan, Principal Broker and Owner of Fine Island Properties, LLC. For more information, call 2509858, email mauigina@ gmail.com or visit www.fine islandproperties.com.

Real Estate Guide l April 2019

FOR LOVE OF REAL ESTATE Passion for homes spurred owner and principal broker Gina Duncan to open Fine Island Properties, LLC

By CATHERINE KENAR Special Sections Editor

riginally from the Washingon D.C. area, Gina Duncan, principal broker and owner of Fine Island Properties, LLC, knew since she was a young girl was that she would live in Hawaii one day. She doesn’t know where the idea originated from — maybe watching “Hawaii Five-0” — but when friends and family suggested she “just move to the Caribbean because it was the same as Hawaii,” she knew it would be a poor substitute for her dreams.

“I told them, ‘No, it’s not the same. Hawaiian culture is not the same as that in the Caribbean,’ and I knew I wanted Hawaii,” noted Duncan emphatically. “People who know me say I’m Hawaiian at heart.”

She and her husband, Doug, were married on the beach at Makena 26 years ago, and they had been coming to Maui on vacation

O

for many years. Along with their two children (a daughter, Nicole, and a son, Joseph, both now grown), they moved around a lot.

One thing that remained a constant for Duncan was her love of real estate.

“I just really loved it all — the architecture, the landscaping, the interior design — everything.”

First licensed in real estate in Maryland in 1982, Duncan flitted in and out of real estate earlier in her life through forays into owning a pharmacy company with her husband in Seattle and a local coffee shop here on Maui. She’s always enjoyed owning and operating her own companies.

It was while living in Seattle that she and Doug decided to move here. Duncan was more than ready; she was already a member of a hula halau and Lokahi Ohana in Washington state.

Once back on Maui in 2004, Duncan became part of the Keller Williams real

Celebrating 50 Years!

estate group as well as a successful independent brokerage for 10 years before deciding to open her own firm.

“I was with an independent brokerage in Florida, and then with Keller Williams,” explained Duncan. “Both encouraged individuality and independence — create your own brand, so to speak.”

This encouragement of independence, along with her innate love of owning her own companies, led her to finally decide to open Fine Island Properties.

“It’s a big step,” acknowledged Duncan.

“There’s a level of liability many don’t understand. The broker-in-charge and principal broker are legally responsible for every action of every agent.

“You must be confident of your skill level, in your salespeople’s integrity and in your knowledge of the law. You are responsible for keeping your staff abreast

Photos courtesy Fine Island Properties, LLC

Fine Island Properties, LLC (above) at the entrance to the Plantation District at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center • Owner/Principal Broker Gina Duncan (inset).

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Real Estate Guide l April 2019 Affordable Continued from Page T2

How agents and sellers can work together for you elling a home can be stressful. Despite this, 5.51 million existing U.S. homes were sold in 2017, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS. In many cases, homeowners choose to work with real estate agents to facilitate the process of listing, showing and selling their homes.

Real estate agents are valuable assets. Agents

S

have neighborhood knowledge, are educated in pricing trends, can filter phone calls or emails from buyers who aren’t serious, and can organize all of the people necessary for a closing. Real estate agents provide many services that the average person may not have the time nor the experience See TOGETHER on Page T8

rently, the building process is both expensive and arduous. In order to build on a property, individuals need to get plans approved and go through a long and often difficult permitting process.

This process could be truncated if owners were able to select plans that have already been pre-approved by the County, and if the permitting process was streamlined for owners who are willing to use preapproved plans. Plans could be used on a fee-per-use basis, or could be donated by philanthropic architects and developers.

A second method for streamlining development and meeting Maui’s housing needs would be to promote the development of twofamily and multi-family housing. Currently, the Maui County Code does not allow for two-family dwellings in residential zoning districts.

However, given the fact that the average household on Maui is comprised of three people, the proliferation of one to two bedroom ohanas

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is not enough to meet the needs of many Maui residents.

By amending the County Code to allow for two-family and multi-family housing in residential zoning, more suitable housing could be built for larger families. In making such a change, I would also urge the County to provide variances for individuals willing to convert existing single-family dwellings to two-family dwellings, and to incentivize such action.

Lastly, as it pertains to streamlining small scale development, RAM believes the County should allow for more freedom of innovation on individual properties.

Specifically, the Maui County Code should be amended once again to further reduce restrictions regarding the number and types of structures that can be developed on a given property.

Rather than telling individuals with a 7,500-squarefoot lot that they can have one single family home and two ohanas that are 600 square feet each, the County could merely state that such property owners are allowed an aggregate of 3,000

square feet of enclosed living area. This would allow property owners an opportunity to do more with their land.

Some property owners might choose to build one home and one ohana, where others might choose to build five tiny houses with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Maui is a multi-cultural place with residents that have widely varying ideas of what is an ideal living situation, and residents should be afforded the opportunity to experiment with those ideas.

Aside from streamlining small scale development, RAM has also been advocating for more ways to incentivize housing. Maui County already provides tax incentives for homes that are owner occupied, and we think similar incentives should be granted for homes that are rented to residents.

In particular, a substantial tax credit should be given to homeowners who provide long-term affordable rentals.

Currently, the Counties of Kauai and Hawaii both have legislation in place that provides significantly improved tax rates for affordable rental housing. Their models could

easily be implemented on Maui, and could lead to a large increase in affordable housing opportunities for residents.

In addition to tax credits for landlords, RAM believes property owners would be more willing to rent out their dwellings if some sort of safety net were in place for landlords. There are many property owners on this island who had attempted being landlords in the past, but now refuse to rent out their properties because of one “nightmare tenant.”

Most of the stories I’ve heard involve tenants trashing the property or refusing to pay rent, leading to costs for the landlord well in excess of the security deposit.

If the County of Maui were able to establish a fund for landlords that could cover the cost of repairs in excess of a security deposit, more people would be willing to rent out their properties.

Likewise, more property owners might be willing to rent out their homes if more qualified tenants existed.

RAM believes that the See AFFORDABLE on Page T10

SALES AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Gina Duncan, R (PB) Direct: 808.250.9858 MauiGina@gmail.com Maui: 275 W Kaahumanu Ave Suite 189 Kahului, HI 96732

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Real Estate Guide l April 2019

The answer is changing thanks to evolving technology and lifestyles

spending more time at home.

People are focusing on how hat makes a house they truly use a space to reor an apartment a flect how they live, versus what the room is ‘supposed home?

For some of us, home is a to be,’ ” says Kerrie Kelly, an interior design expert. walk-up apartment that we For instance, she notes, share with a roommate or dining rooms are no longer two. For others, it might be a just a place to eat. center-hall house on a leafy “Adults work from this suburban street, or a modern space and kids do homework glass box overlooking the here, making a single-use sea. The variations are endroom more multi-purpose,” less. The only real universal Kelly says. “We also see ‘lifeature is a roof over your brary rooms’ in lieu of forhead; everything else that mal dining rooms, with more distinguishes a home from attention to comfortable seatmere shelter is different for ing for taking in a variety of each of us. media. And lastly, the launAnd evolving technology dry room isn’t just for washand lifestyles are changing ing clothes any more. Petwhat we want our homes to washing stations are popping be. up more frequently instead “With so many entertain- of laundry tubs.” ment and smart technology For city dwellers, she’s options at our fingertips, noticed an increase in we find homeowners are conversions of loft-like work

By KIM COOK

Associated Press

W

spaces into living spaces.

“People are interested in living in an urban environment in order to enjoy culture without getting in the car,” she says. “Easily accessible restaurants, entertainment and shopping appeals to all age groups.”

The retailer IKEA surveyed people across the globe for its 2018 “Life at Home” report, and found that one in four respondents said they work more from home than ever before. Nearly two in three said they’d rather live in a small home in a great location than in a big home in a less ideal spot.

Jeffrey Dungan, an international architect based in Mountain Brook, Ala., reports that more clients want to use their homes for creative pursuits.

“There’s this idea that with the increasing populari-

suite. Other clients are also asking for dedicated spaces such as yoga and art studios.

In IKEA’s report, Alison Blunt, co-director of the Centre for Studies of Home at Queen Mary University of London, says there are essentially five things that matter to people when they consider the ideal home: “Comfort, security, a sense of autonomy and ownership, and the capacity for privacy.

Home at its core goes back to a sense of belonging.”

A survey by the homefurnishings retailer Article in 2018 asked people what it WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ/JEFFREY DUNGAN via AP took for them to finally call a Repurposing spaces to suit how we want to live and work is one of the defining home trends of this year. dwelling a home. Many responders said it takes a couty of the Maker movement, unapologetically, and as ple of holidays, barbecues, more people turn what they family visits, big sporting and people turning hobbies into successful businesses — love to do into a business, events and game nights bewhether it’s a side hustle or then in a way their business fore they really feel “at primary income — the home becomes home.” home.”

Dungan worked on a is more and more becoming So feather the proverbial a place of business,” he says. home in Texas where the nest however you like, and client wanted a sewing room have fun while you do it.

“Home is the place where Then invite somebody over. placed right off the master you can do what you love

What makes a dwelling a home?

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Friday, April 12, 2019 – Page T5

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Front St.

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ALOHA PUALANI G6

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SUGAR BEACH RESORT F6

99 Walaka Street, Kihei

575 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

145 N. Kihei Road, Kihei

KOA LAGOON G6

MAUI OCEANFRONT HOTEL I7

VILLAGE BY THE SEA G6

800 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

2980 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

4327 S. Kihei Road., Kihei

KOA RESORT H7

MAUI PALISADES H7

WAILANA SANDS G6

811 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

Kilohana Street, Kihei

25 Wailana Place, Kihei

LAULOA G5

MAUI PARKSHORE I7

WAILEA EKAHI I7

100 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village

2653 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

3300 Alanui Drive, Kihei

LEILANI KAI H6

MAUI SCHOONER RESORT H6

WAILEA EKOLU VILLAGE J7

1226 Uluniu, Kihei

980 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

10 Wailea Ekolu Place, Kihei

LEINAALA H6

MAUI SUNSET H6

WAILEA ELUA VILLAGE I7

998 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

1032 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

600 Alanui Drive, Kihei

LIHI KAI COTTAGES I7

MAUI VIEW APARTMENTS H7

WAILEA GOLF VISTAS I7

2121 Iliili Street, Kihei

76 Walaka, Kihei

Above the Blue Course, Wailea

LUANA KAI H6

MAUI VISTA H7

WAILEA POINT J7

940 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

2191 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

4000 Wailea Alanui, Kihei

MAALAEA BANYANS G5

MENEHUNE SHORES G6

WAIOHULI BEACH HALE H6

190 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village

760 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

49 Lipoa Street, Kihei

MAALAEA KAI G5

MILOWAI G5

WAIPUILAN H6

70 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village

50 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village

1002 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

MAALAEA MERMAID G5

NA HALE KAI G6

20 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village

34 Wailana Place, Kihei

MAALAEA SURF RESORT F6

NA HALE O MAKENA J6

12 S. Kihei Road, Kihei

4955 Makena Road, Kihei

MAALAEA YACHT MARINA G5

NA HOLOKA I G6

30 Haouli St., Maalaea Village

34 Wailana Place, Kihei

2124 Awihi Place, Kihei Above Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea KANA'I A NALU G5 GRAND WAILEA RESORT J7 250 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr., Wailea KANOE RESORT H7 HALE HUI KAI I7 2050 Kanoe Street, Kihei 2994 S. Kihei Road, Kihei KANOELANI APARTMENTS H7 HALE ILI ILI J7 2065 Kanoe Street, Kihei 2172 Iliili Road, Kihei KAPULANI KAI H6 HALE KAI O'KIHEI H6 73 Kapu Place, Kihei 1310 Uluniu Road, Kihei KAU HALE MAKAI H6 HALE KAMAOLE I7 930-938 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 2737 S. Kihei Road, Kihei KE ALII OCEAN VILLAS H7 HALE MAHIALANI H7 28 Hauwahine Lane, Kihei 21 Kaiau Place, Kihei FAIRMONT KEALANI J6 HALE PAU HANA I7 4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei 2480 S. Kihei Road, Kihei KEALIA F6 HALEAKALA GARDENS H7 191 N. Kihei Road, Kihei 15 Kulanihakoi, Kihei KEAWEKAPU I7 HALEAKALA SHORES I7 2895 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 2619 S. Kihei Road, Kihei KEONEKAI VILLAGES H7 HO‘OLEI AT GRAND WAILEA J7 160 Keonekai Road, Kihei 146 Ho‘olei Circle, Wailea KIAWE TERRACE G6 HONO KAI G5 851 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 280 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village KIHEI AKAHI I7 ISLAND SANDS G5 2531 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 150 Hauoli St./Maalaea Village KIHEI ALII KAI I7 ISLAND SURF H6 2387 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 1993 S. Kihei Road, Kihei KIHEI BAY SURF G7 KAI MAKANI BEACH VILLAS G6 715 S. Kihei Road, Kihei Kai Makani Loop, Kihei KIHEI BAY VILLAS G7 KAI MALU AT WAILEA J6 775 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei KIHEI BEACH RESORT G6 KALAMA GARDENS H7 36 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 36 Walaka Street, Kihei KIHEI COVE I7 KAIAMA TERRACE H7 2181 Iliili Road, Kihei 35 Walaka Street, Kihei KIHEI GARDEN ESTATES H6 KALAMA TOWNHOUSE H7 1299 Uluniu Road, Kihei 46 Walaka Street, Kihei KIHEI HOLIDAY G6 KALAMA VILLA H7 483 S. Kihei Road, Kihei 2144 Konou Place, Kihei

1

2

3

4

Wailea

Makena

How To Use This Map The condominiums & hotels in West Maui and South Maui are listed here in alphabetical order according to region. A grid letter and number coordinate is listed with each property for map location.

Be advised that street addresses are not necessarily the correct mailing address. (Example: Addresses in the Maalaea area are served by Rural Route Delivery from the Wailuku Post Office.)

5

6

7

In Today’s Real Estate Market There’s No Substitute For Experience Joseph Hogin, Broker RB-19018 Jodi Hogin, Broker RB-19011 Direct: 808-870-2775 Next Home Pacific Properties BuyaHomeOnMaui.com

Steve Hogin, Principal Broker RB-12320 Rosie Poree-Hogin, R(S) RS-24773 Direct: 808-879-1511 Next Home Pacific Properties nexthomepacificproperties.com

Serving the Islands for over 30 Years 1279 S. Kihei Rd., #119, Azeka Mauka, Kihei, HI 96753 A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Friday, April 12, 2019 – Page T7

Real Estate Guide l April 2019 Together Continued from Page T4

to handle.

When selecting an agent to sell a home, homeowners may not understand that the terms real estate agent and Realtor are not interchangeable. Although both must be licensed to sell real estate, the main difference between a real estate agent and a Realtor is the latter is a member of the National Association of REALTORS. NAR ensures that members subscribe to a certain code of ethics.

There are many qualified agents, but an agent cannot do his or her job well without some help on the part of the homeowner. These tips can make the process of selling a home go smoothly. ❖ Price the home correctly. Homeowners

should trust the agent’s ability to price a home for the market. Everyone wants to get the most money possible, but listing the home for more than it’s worth may cause it to sit unnecessarily for several weeks or months, which could raise red flags among potential buyers. ❖ Market the home. A real estate agent will list the home via a multiple listing service on a private website, in newspapers, and wherever else he or she feels is pertinent. Homeowners can share the listing via social media and word of mouth to help increase the chances of selling the home. ❖ Be available. Limiting the time an agent can show the house to potential buyers is in no one’s best interest.

Sellers should be ready and willing to open their homes, which is the best way to

make a sale. An agent may suggest a lock box so the home can be shown when homeowners are not on the property. ❖ Make suggested renovations. Agents know which features can make or break a sale.

Homeowners should be amenable to certain suggestions, such as neutral paint colors, removing personal effects and clearing clutter. ❖ Give recommendations. Real estate is a commission-based industry. Agents often tirelessly put in hours and only reap rewards if the house is sold.

A homeowner who was satisfied with an agent can then recommend that person to friends or family.

By working with real estate professionals, homeowners can sell their homes quickly.

Simple ways to cut mortgage costs onthly mortgage payments are the biggest single expense for many homeowners. So it’s understandable why plenty of homeowners would love to trim those costs.

A host of factors determine how much homeowners pay for their mortgages each month. The cost of the home, the amount of the initial down payment and property taxes, which are often folded into monthly payments, will factor heavily into the cost of home ownership.

While homeowners may feel as though there’s little wiggle room to cut the costs of their mortgages, there are several ways to do just that and potentially trim years from the life of a home loan. ◆ Make bi-weekly payments. Making biweekly instead of once-a-

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Metro Creative photo

There are several ways to cut the costs of a mortgage and potentially trim years from the life of a home loan. month payments can save homeowners substantial amounts of money. A year’s worth of once-a-month payments equates to 12 payments per year. But homeowners who pay on a bi-weekly basis will make 26 half payments, or 13 full payments, per year. That extra annual payment can be applied

directly to the principal, dramatically reducing how much homeowners pay in interest over the life of their loans. ◆ Stop paying PMI. Homeowners whose initial down payments are less than 20 percent of the sale price

See CUT on Page T11

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Real Estate Guide l April 2019 FIP Continued from Page T3

of the constant changes.”

One thing Duncan learned early on was to create a “system of service.” A strong believer in check lists, specific stated requirements as well as levels of service that she expects from every salesperson on her team, this system has ensured that the client receives the same high level of service no matter which agent is working with them.

Fine Island Properties is proud of its team support between its 23 realtors located on Maui and Oahu.

“Chris Bakeman is the principal broker for the Maui office, and I am the principal broker for our office at the Waterfront Plaza in Kakaako on Oahu,” explained Duncan.

Bakeman came from the Seattle area, like Duncan. She used to have her own brokerage for over 20 years, but upon moving she was looking for a team atmosphere.

“She has a wealth of knowledge,” noted Duncan proudly.

Because of Duncan’s strong belief in her “system of service,” Fine Island Properties can assure its clients that no matter what that client may need, there is someone available that will help them — they are truly team oriented. Additionally, the agents who work for Duncan and Bakeman have a high degree of experience.

“In my experience of over 300 transactions just on Maui, my wealth of knowledge and the questions I will ask are invaluable,” asserted Duncan. “When problems come up, that’s when experience matters. Is there an encroachment issue? Are the neighbors being difficult? Are tenants refusing to leave? Are sellers trying to hide facts?

My staff and I have experience to resolve these type of problems.”

Besides years of experience, Duncan points out the value and requirements of staying fresh on the real estate laws in Hawaii — the state requires continuing education and relicensing every two years.

Duncan is personally very proud of her involvement as co-founder and president (2015 - 2017) of Asian Real

Estate Association of American Aloha Chapter. AREAA is a nonprofit professional trade organization dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, according to its website.

Duncan also proudly points out that she has two bilingual agents who Photo courtesy FIP speak Japanese, which Chris Bakeman is the prin- are helpful with internacipal broker for Fine Island tional clients.

A staunch proponent Properties’ Maui office. of the principles of feng shui and professional staging, she believes both help when selling a home, and are a way to make the house shine.

“You only have one chance to make a good first impression,” she remarked. “People have difficulty looking past something they don’t like.”

Buying or selling a house is one of the most stressinducing life experiences people go through. A Realtor that makes people comfortable and is able to instill a sense of trust helps take much pressure off the client.

“We have to be the person who is the calm in the storm,” noted Duncan.

Duncan clearly loves what she does. She never begrudged the late nights required by her career choice. Her independence from a corporate real estate culture has allowed her the flexibility necessary to achieve success here in Hawaii.

“We can be nimble. We are able to take the best from all schools [of thought],” she stated. “Like Hawaiians say, ‘Not all knowledge is from one school.’ ” Duncan doesn’t just spout Hawaiian proverbs. She has

danced hula with ‘Iliahi and Haunani Paredes’ Halau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi for over 20 years and has studied Hawaiian language for three years.

Additionally, in her admittedly scarce spare time, she has been active with local theater including Maui Academy of Performing Arts and Maui OnStage in Wailluku, and ProArts in Kihei.

“People will say, ‘I didn’t recognize you!’ and I say, ‘Great, you weren’t supposed to,’ ” laughed Duncan. “I haven’t had enough time recently, but I do what I can.”

Part of what is keeping Duncan very busy are her responsibilities as the 2019 president for the Realtors Association of Maui. Her theme for RAM is “Aloha in our community, helping everyone.”

RAM encourages its Realtors to be active community members. This year, for the first time, RAM members will take part in the Maui Visitor Industry Charity Walk taking place on Saturday, May 11, beginning at the War Memorial Complex soccer field, with the aim to raise funds for its generous college scholarship program. Since its inception in 1989, RAM’s Presidential Scholaship Fund has awarded academic scholarships to college-bound high school seniors throughout Maui County. What makes RAM’s scholarship truly unique is that past recipients may also reapply so long as they are reapplying to an accredited college or trade school.

“With the creation of Fine Island Properties, I felt I was at a point in my career where I could give back,” offered Duncan introspectively. “I could train other agents in the systems I had created to help them in their lives and their careers. It’s a wonderful career.”

As further compliment to Duncan, HONOLULU Magazine nominated Fine Island Properties, LLC as one of the Best in Real Estate for 2019.

■ Catherine Kenar can be reached at ckenar@mauinews.com.

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Friday, April 12, 2019 – Page T9

33 Lono Avenue, Suite 400 Kahului, HI 96732 centralpacificbank.com/homeloans

Real Estate Guide l April 2019 tant for the County to start planning ahead. One method Continued from Page T4 by which the County could County of Maui could help begin preparing for future housing shortages is by inincrease the quality of prospective tenants by part- centivizing the development of new commercial strucnering with local organizations to create a good tenant tures that can be easily converted to housing down the certification program. line.

The County, or one of its The approach of convertpartner organizations, could ing a building from comdevelop a curriculum that mercial use to residential is covers basic economics, commonly referred to as home maintenance, tenant obligations and good stew- “adaptive reuse.” This method has been successful ardship. Individuals who in some cities, but it can be complete the curriculum more difficult than one could be placed on a good might imagine depending on tenant certification registry and given assistance in find- a building’s original intended use. If newer commercial ing housing. This sort of structures are specifically program would empower prospective tenants through designed to be more easily adaptable later, it could education, and assist landserve to improve housing selords in determining who curity in the long run. can be entrusted with their Similarly, in terms of property. planning ahead, the County Finally, in addition to of Maui should begin the short-term policy changes process of redesigning the that could help Maui resitransportation system with a dents in the near future, focus on increasing density RAM believes it is impor-

Affordable

and easing parking requirements. It isn’t necessarily intuitive, but one of the major hindrances of developing housing is figuring out where people will park.

As new modes of transportation become available, and as more people are occupying our island, we need a transportation system that will allow more people to live on the island with fewer vehicles. A better transportation system and walkable neighborhoods could reduce the need for personal vehicles, and parking requirements could be loosened to allow for more housing.

Some of these proposed changes could be implemented within a few months, while others might take years or even decades to become practical. Regardless, the time will pass and the housing crisis remains.

Inaction is not an option, and RAM believes that a multifaceted approach that considers both immediate

and long-range solutions is our best chance at assisting the people of Maui. The Realtors Association of Maui will continue to develop possible solutions and advocate for good ideas, but this crisis demands action from us all. Real estate is an industry, but Realtors are your neighbors, friends and family, and we are deeply committed to smart growth that Metro Creative photo will improve the lives of all Simple strategies can help prospective home who live on and enjoy Maui. buyers build their savings as they move closer to the If you are here, this crisis day when they can call themselves “homeowners.” affects you, and we welcome your ideas and contributions.

■ Jason Economou serves as the government affairs director for the Realtors Association of Maui. To learn more about the Realtors Association of Maui, visit www. ramaui.com, call 8738585 or email jason@ramaui.com.

Ideas for saving up for your first home ome ownership is a dream for people across the globe.

Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day

H

become homeowners.

But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership See SAVE on Page T12

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Friday, April 12, 2019 – Page T10

Sale end 4/30/19

Real Estate Guide l April 2019

How to banish pet odors from a home

ogs, cats, birds and lizards have evolved from wild animals and outdoor companions to become beloved, largely domesticated members of the family. The number of pets in homes across the country continues to grow. According to Statista, as of March 2017, 94.2 million cats and 89.7 million dogs were estimated to live in the United States as pets. Canada’s Pet Wellness report estimates that there are approximately 7.9 million cats and 5.9 million dogs in Canada.

Over time, pet owners grow accustomed to their pets’ antics, messes and even their odors. Dealing with smells is par for the course for pet owners, and many become desensitized to certain common smells. But when company is on the way or people are thinking about selling their homes, pet odors must be addressed. Even though it will take effort, homeowners can freshen their homes and eliminate unpleasant pet-related smells. ◆ Find ways to ventilate. Odors can build up inside closed environments and prove overpowering. Opening windows when applicable, using exhaust fans and encouraging cross-breezes can air certain odors from the home. ◆ Clean frequently. Cats and dogs can leave behind fur, dander, food messes and more. Eliminating the debris that pets create can reduce odors. Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors can help as well. Don’t forget to vacuum draperies and furniture, and consider purchasing cleaning appliances specifically designed for homes with pets. ◆ Keep on top of accidents and litter boxes. Puppies and even adult dogs may have their share of accidents. Cats may avoid litter boxes if they are not cleaned frequently and then soil around the house. Be sure to clean up pet waste messes promptly. Baking soda and vinegar solutions are allnatural ways to clean up and can help remove urine odors

Cut Continued from Page T8

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Metro Creative photo

Homeowners can freshen their homes and eliminate unpleasant pet-related smells with a little effort. more readily. Also, look for safe deodorizing cleaning products that can be used on carpeting, flooring and upholstery. ◆ Purchase an air purifier. Air purifiers can help remove odors and allergens from the air. They’re relatively inexpensive and can be placed in rooms that pets frequent. ◆ Wash pet blankets and beds. Launder pet beds, cloth toys, blankets and any other items that pets lounge on.

Sweat, saliva and dander can cause these fabrics to become stinky and, in turn, make the house smell worse. ◆ Keep pets clean. Most pets are very good at selfgrooming, but can benefit from a spa treatment once in awhile. Dogs that spend ample time outdoors or frequently get wet and dirty may need routine baths. Ask a professional groomer what he or she recommends to address potent pet odors.

Neutralizing pet odors takes effort, but it can make for a more pleasant-smelling home environment.

will have to pay private mortgage insurance, or PMI. But once the balances on such mortgages falls below 80 percent, homeowners can cancel such insurance. Homeowners may also be able to stop paying PMI by having their homes reappraised. ◆ Refinance the loan.

Refinancing a loan also can save homeowners substantial amounts of money each month. Homeowners are typically eligible for lower interest rates when refinancing their loans, meaning they will pay less in interest each month.

However, refinancing is not free, so homeowners

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should first check the going home interest rates and examine their credit scores to see if the interest rate they’re likely to get upon refinancing will save them money. The cost of refinancing might be more than homeowners can save. ◆ Request a tax reassessment. Real estate values increase and decrease, and homeowners who feel their homes have decreased in value can request that their homes be reassessed. Homeowners whose homes are assessed at a value lower than the current value can expect to pay less each month in taxes.

Homeowners hoping to cut mortgage costs have various options at their disposal.

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Real Estate Guide l April 2019 Save Continued from Page T10

may never come true. According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada has been weaker than in the United States.

Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.” ✦ Determine where your money is going. If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit

your monthly expenses to determine where your money is going. Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account. ✦ Become a more savvy grocery shopper.

Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer.

This is a largely effortless

way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to save considerable amounts of money.

Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money. ✦ Dine in more often.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home.

Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budget-friendly strategies.

Make moving much easier

ccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average person in the United States changes residences more than 11 times in his or her lifetime.

Those on the cusp of moving and nervous about packing up and leaving can employ a few tricks to make moving much easier.

for movers. Solicit at least three in-home estimates and get those figures in writing.

Confirm insurance coverage for the company chosen, and be sure to have all agreed upon information spelled out explicitly in a written contract. Red flags Secure temporary to consider include movers who don’t make on-site instorage spections for estimates and Research areas Put some belongings into those who demand payment carefully a storage center prior to in advance before the move.

Before falling in love moving. This will free up with a particular home, po- space to make repairs to Have a first-week tential buyers can visit the your new home and give survival kit area in which the home is you time to figure out decoNew homeowners can located during a typical rating schemes while ensur- pick up takeout restaurant weekday to get a feel for the ing clutter won’t get in the menus and premade grocery atmosphere. Check out way of renovation projects. store meals. In addition, shopping centers, observe New homeowners also can stock up on staples such as the residents and drive by take their time sorting paper plates, toilet tissue, the schools and businesses. through boxes and getting light bulbs and cleaning rid of items they may not supplies in advance of the Stack the deck need in their new homes. move so you won’t have to Working with qualified Get estimates and unpack everything at mealprofessionals and ask for time or when you want to verify licensing recommendations regarding clean after arriving at your The BBB advises conreal estate companies, real sumers to verify all licensing new home. estate attorneys, home

A

inspectors, insurance agents and all of the other people who will assist with buying, selling and moving. Carefully vet these professionals, relying on third-party reviews as well as any information provided by the Better Business Bureau.

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A Supplement of THE MAUI NEWS – Friday, April 12, 2019 – Page T12