Now you can actually see Maui streets and neighborhoods from your home, through Google Maps. Go to www.google.com , click on "Maps" and enter an address. I don't know yet how many Maui streets are covered, but you can have fun looking for your favorite ones. If a home is for sale, the listing information is linked to the address. Have fun! Vivian Franco, R(S) Prudential Locations Maui www.MyMauiOpenHouse.com
Time's running out to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers. Your home purchase must close before December 1, 2009.
Once again, one of my clients got the best deal! A large home in a large lot with incredible ocean views.
I'm proud to say that all my clients got the best deal at the time they bought their home or condo. I make sure they have access to all properties available and help them negotiate the best terms and price.
If you are considering buying a house or condo in Maui, don't hesitate to call me. My research skills and your exclusive access to Prudential Locations web tools are a winning combination!
I'm proud to announce that I've got the Prudential Locations Maui Customer Service Award for excellence in customer service. See today's Maui News real estate section.
Prudential Locations Maui, its clients, agents and employees participated in the school supply drive that resulted in more than 70 backpacks for children living in a Homeless Shelter in Maui.
Each backpack was filled with school supplies according to the school and grade each child goes to, from Pre-School to Senior High School.
As Aunty Esther, coordinator of the Shelter put it: "You helped put smiles in those children's faces!
Thank you to al l who participated!
Now a days, you don't need a Realtor to tell you what houses are on the market: You find them yourself online! However, helping you find a house is just one of the multiple tasks Realtors perform to facilitate a smooth purchase process. From finding a lender, to opening escrow, coordinating the various inspections, obtaining reports and financial estimates, and bringing you the keys to your new home, the services a Realtor can provide are very valuable, especially if this is your first home purchase. So, take advantage of all real estate websites to find the home you like, and then have your favorite Realtor help you throughout the process. To search for homes in Maui and all Hawaii Islands, go to my website at www.MyMauiOpenHouse.com.
By Vivian Franco, R(S)Prudential Locations MauiThe last step in the home buying process is what real estate professionals commonly refer to as “the closing.” The closing, or settlement or close of escrow, is when all the progressive steps in buying a home from the acceptance of the offer, title search, home inspection, mortgage approval, and so on, come together in a final transaction. The documents are ready to sign, the buyer is ready to hand over the purchase price and the seller is ready to transfer title—and most importantly the keys!Usually held in an office setting, most require about an hour and may be attended by some or all of the various parties in the process: the buyer, seller, real estate sales professionals or attorney, and title-company representative. What goes on during the closing? The buyer reviews and signs loan and real estate documents, as well as pays for the property, closing and other costs. One such loan document is the federal Truth-in-Lending disclosure form which describes the annual rate of financing (APR), finance charges, amount financed, total of payments and the payment schedule. There will also be a form itemizing what your monthly payment consists of including the principal, interest, taxes, insurance and other monthly charges. If everything is in order, the buyer signs the loan papers.Real estate documents are just as important. There’s the HUD-1 form, which you have the right to inspect at least one day before the closing. This statement itemizes services provided and the fees charged for the entire real estate transactions. There will be a breakdown of the seller’s and buyer’s (borrower) financial obligations. Some of the charges include appraisal fee, credit report fee, loan origination fee, loan discount (points), title insurance fee, government recording fees, PMI Premium, inspections and attorney fee.Other real estate documents that may be reviewed and/or signed include title documents, warranty deed (which transfers the title of the property) and other acknowledgment of reports. Assuming that the funds are in order, the deed is correct and the title is clear, the final step is the disbursement of funds to the seller for the purchase price of the home. The title company should already have the loan funds in its possession, but the buyer will need to bring a cashier’s or certified check for the down payment and the closing costs if it was not included in the mortgage loan. If the buyer’s annual real estate taxes and homeowner’s insurance will be paid through the lender, an escrow account will also be established. Once all the papers are signed and funds are disbursed, the buyer will receive the keys and is now a homeowner.Vivian Franco can be reached at vivian.franco@pruhawaii.com. Prudential Locations Maui is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Don't miss this months Kihei Community Association Meeting this Tuesday, August 18th, at 6 PM, at the Kihei Community Center (Lipoa and Piilani Hwy.).
They are going to discuss the possibility of banning alcohol in parks where there are children playgrounds. Get your voice heard either if you're in favor or against the proposal. We need to hear all positions on the subject!
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