Gina's Blog

Does it ever amaze you when you read a blog post or a real estate ad and the agent claims to be an expert on everything related to our business?   They know every neighborhood in the area or know how to handle every type of transaction.  Knowing when to say you don't know something can win you a ...

If you are working with an Agent as a Buyer (first time buyer or not) or you are a Buyers Agent it is imperative to do this one thing:Have a formal sit down introductory meeting.  At the first meeting you will both learn each others expectations for the relationship.  Your Agent should have a Bu...

The beauty of social networking is starting to come alive for my business here on Maui.  I am a Realtor on the beautiful island of Maui and began my social networking activities about a 1 1/2 yrs ago.  My latest success was a contract offer on a Lahaina home off my Facebook site, and other Maui R...

Everyone is talking about getting an offer these days.  Unless you are an REO or Short Sale Listing offers seem few and far between.  What I've learned in this shifting market is getting back to 1980's basics of making sure you cross your T's and dot your I's is just as important. In the book "Sh...

A big thank you for a timely article.  In this market we have REO and Short Sales in every neighborhood and price range that make an impact on every seller, buyer and appraiser.  Appraisals are typically regarded as the most accurate measure of a home's value, and for good reason.  Licensed to pe...

We are finding that REO lenders will indeed look at close offers and that if you have been turned down for a purchase of an REO property it is wise to re-offer again soon.  That being said we find that most times an REO Negotiator would have actually countered your offer to begin with. Even in a ...

Every February/March I start to get excited as we normally see Humpback whales playing in the oceans visible to us right from the beach.  It is also the time of year I remember to start thinking about getting out on the Whale Watching boat as the whales like our winter will soon be gone.  Great s...

The Good News I wanted to share with my Kihei readers is that we may be seeing the "Bottom" or at least the first Layer of the "Bottom". Several homes recently priced right went pending the first day on the market with "MULTIPLE" Offers.  Yes, I did say Multiple.  Isn't this a Buyers market you a...

Everyone thinks of Maui as sunny skies, blue Pacific ocean, and swaying palm trees.  When they think of a home here they usually picture a cute little condo with tropical landscape, a neighborhood type residence or the luxury mansions of Wailea. But tucked away in various corners of our island ar...

Aloha: Every since I started to Blog a few years back, I've noticed many super articles from other folks out there.  Sharing of information is great but I've also seen articles written that make a person seem like an "expert" Realtor when in fact they are NEW to the business and may not have the ...