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May 1, 2008 - Newsletter for the Maui Market

Aloha! Here is your eNewsletter for the Maui Market from Jim Foster

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to our e-newsletter email list.  If you change your mind and wish to unsubscribe, please send an email to Won@JamesBFoster.com and request to be removed with the subject line, “Unsubscribe from Newsletter.”

Make sure you check out the Useful Internet Sites and Real Estate Tips at the end of this newsletter which includes some valuable information.

Don't forget!  We provide a free Automatic E-mail Notification Service that goes out to recipients whenever a new listing becomes available for a particular condominium complex.  Each of these notifications includes a link to view the details of the brand new listing in the MLS.  We DO NOT SHARE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS or your contact information with anyone.  To subscribe to our Automatic E-mail Notification Service, please send Won an email at Won@JamesBFoster.com with your first and last name, your email address, and the condominium property you wish to be notified of.

Another service we provide is the Condominium Real Estate Market eUpdates which is sent out periodically to inform potential buyers and owners of specific condominium properties about the real estate market activities at those properties.  This service is provided exclusively for those who own a condominium property or who are interested in a particular condominium complex on West Maui.  If you would like to subscribe to the Condominium Real Estate Market eUpdates for a particular complex or to get a list of all condominium properties that are included in the eUpdates, email Won at Won@JamesBFoster.com.

Maui Real Estate – The BIG NEWS this month was the closure or bankruptcy of airlines.  First Aloha made the announcement then ATA Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Skybus, LLC and EOS Airlines.  This set off a chain reaction for the tourism industry here in Hawaii.  The loss of more than 700,000 passenger seats to Hawaii with the closure of ATA Airlines has state tourism officials worried about a significant drop in visitors this year. That's 7 percent of the 7.3 million people who visited the state last year.

We had an owner who was doing their own booking that lost all of their bookings for about a sixty day period as a result of flight cancellations, increased fares and not being able to rebook.  Occupancy levels are expected to drop to the 50% to 55% range depending on the complex, daily rates and other factors.  The tourist industry in Hawaii and on Maui recovered within a 60 to 90 day period after “Nine Eleven” but this recovery is expected to take longer.  It will take three to six months to determine where the market is going.

When you combine the airline problems with reduction in the work force, reduced tax revenues, increased foreclosures, slowing of sales, slowing of the construction industry, dramatic increase in fuel costs and many other related issues it is a major shock to the Hawaii and Maui.

To view the 2007 Year End Statistics go to www.JamesBFoster.com/CondoSales.php then scroll down to Maui MLS Statistics 2007

The West Maui real estate market continues to favor Buyers with Sellers willing to negotiate their prices.  The current inventory of West Maui condominiums for sale is now at 634 and the same date in 2006 it was 354.  Properties are requiring more time to sell such as five to six months and Buyers have a much larger inventory of properties for sale to choose from.  If you’re curious about current trends in Maui real estate and where the market is headed, the answer is - it depends on Location - it depends on if it is condominium or single-family residential - it depends on whether you look at volume, average or median prices.  The current Maui real estate market looks steady with minor variations. 

Condominiums for Sale - In the West Maui real estate market, at the beginning of January, 2006 - 226 condominiums with the total value of $226,520,200.00; February, 2006 - 280 condominiums with the total value of $281,793,835.00; March, 2006 - 297 condominiums with the total value of $286,082,559.00; April, 2006 - 350 condominiums with the total value of $317,599,199.00; May, 2006 - 354 condominiums with the total value of $321,932,077.00; June, 2006 - 362 condominiums with the total value of $333,616,070.00; July, 2006 - 392 condominiums with the total value of $346,937,598.00; August, 2006 - 393 condominiums with the total value of $344,119,142.00; September, 2006 - 413 condominiums with the total value of $369,322,455.00; October, 2006 - 408 condominiums with the total value of $366,608,574.00; November, 2006 - 407 condominiums with the total value of $357,086,324,00; December, 2006 - 428 condominiums with the total value of $361,399,109.00; January, 2007 - 410 condominiums with the total value of $372,238,031.00;  February, 2007 - 431 condominiums with the total value of $393,681,669.00; March, 2007 - 458 condominiums with the total value of $420,941,268.00; April, 2007 - 479 condominiums with the total value of $429,708,159.00; May, 2007 - 472 condominiums with the total value of $424,095,260.00; June, 2007 - 455 condominiums with the total value of $415,187,129.00; July, 2007 - 475 condominiums with the total value of $432,797,008.00; August, 2007 - 469 condominiums with the total value of $420,479,301.00; September, 2007 - 474 condominiums with the total value of $430,914,408.00; October, 2007 there were 471 condominiums with the total value of $423,631,002.00; November, 2007 there were 466 condominiums with the total value of $416,008,907.00; December, 2007 there were 485 condominiums with the total value of $421,080,117.00; January, 2008 there were 511 condominiums with the total value of $445,656,447.00; February, 2008 there were 559 condominiums with the total value of $500,946,603.00; March, 2008 there were 595 condominiums with the total value of $529,779,322.00;  April, 2008 there were 647 condominiums with the total value of %606,635,687.00; and at the beginning of May, 2008 there are 634 condominiums for sale in the West Maui area with the total value of $583,391,821.00.  The condominium for sale inventory since July, 2005 has been as low as 165 and is up to 647 for March 31, 2008.  The “for sale” inventory on West Maui continues to increase.

Condominium Sales in 2006 - The total condominium sales for West Maui during the month of January, 2006 there were 42 sales and the total value was $28,574,643.00; for February, 2006 there were 48 sales and the total value was $32,995,078.00; for March, 2006 there were 40 sales and the total value was $32,199,584.00; for April, 2006 there were 43 sales and the total value was $41,898,525.00; for May, 2006 there were 51 sales and the total value was $39,644,886.00; for June, 2006 there were 40 sales and the total value was $32,533,500.00; for July, 2006 there were 30 sales and total value was $26,212,000.00; for August, 2006 there were 28 sales and the total value was $31,885,500.00; for September, 2006 there were 30 sales and the total value was $24,770,000.00; for October, 2006 there were 29 sales and the total value was $23,359,299.00; for November, 2006 there were 22 sales and the total value was $13,414,600.00; and for December, 2006 there were 30 sales and the total value was $23,169,999.00.  For 2006, the monthly average sales were 36 sales per month with the average sales value of $29,221,468.00 per month.

Condominium Sales in 2007 - The total condominium sales for West Maui during the month of January, 2007 there were 37 sales and the total value was $33,091,000.00; for February, 2007 there were 26 sales and the total value was $16,330,000.00; for March, 2007 there were 32 sales and the total value was $24,121,000.00; for April, 2007 there were 27 sales and the total value was $16,766,000.00; for May, 2007 there were 28 sales and the total value was $30,774,929.00; for June, 2007 there were 28 sales and the total value was $18,917,000.00; for July, 2007 there were 21 sales and the total value was $13,314,200.00; for August, 2007 there were 32 sales and the total value was $33,258,999.00; for September, 2007 there were 23 sales and the total value was $24,701,900.00; for October, 2007 there were 42 sales and the total value was $28,159,900.00, however this included a packaged sale of 19 units at Aina Nalu in Lahaina; for November, 2007 there were 15 sales and the total value was $15,930,000.00; and for December, 2007 there were 13 sales and the total value was $13,335,500.00. For 2007, the Month of December has seen the lowest number of sales in 2007.  The monthly average sales were 27 sales per month with the average sales value of $22,391,702.33 per month.

Condominium Sales in 2008 - The total condominium sales for West Maui during the month of January, 2008 there were 20 sales and the total value was $16,186,800.00; for February, 2008 there were 20 sales and the total value was $14,414,584.00; for March, 2008 there were 26 sales and the total value was $20,079,000.00; and for April 2008 there were 26 sales and the total value was $19,435,500.00.  The monthly average sales were 23 sales per month with the average sales value of $17,528,971.00.

The total condominium sales for August, 2005 was 52; September, 2005 - 58; October, 2005 - 38; November, 2005 - 48; December, 2005 - 47; January, 2006 - 42; February, 2006 - 48; March, 2006 - 40; April, 2006 - 43; May, 2006 - 51; June, 2006 - 40; July, 2006 - 30; August, 2006 - 28; September, 2006 - 30; October, 2006 - 29; November, 2006 - 20; December, 2006 - 30; January, 2007 - 37; February, 2007 - 26; March, 2007 - 32; April, 2007 - 27; May, 2007 - 28; June, 2007 - 28; July, 2007 - 21; August, 2007 - 32; September, 2007 - 23; October, 2007 - 42; November, 2007 - 15; December, 2007 - 13; January, 2008 - 20; February, 2008 - 20; March, 2008 - 26; and April, 2008 was 26. 

For previous condo sale details, go to our web site, www.JamesBFoster.com/CondoSales.php.  For the time period of 1/1/2008 to 3/31/2008 the average price for a home on Maui was $909,894 which is down 12% for the time period of 1/1/07 to 3/31/07 when the average price was $1,037,067.  For the same time period the average price for a Fee Simple condo on Maui was $974,351 which is up 16% for the same time period when the average price was $838,531 according to the RAM (Realtor Assoc. of Maui) statistics.  Condo sales in Wailea, Makena, Kapalua and Kaanapali are having an impact on the Fee Simple Condo average price by increasing it.

We have gone in to the MLS database and pulled information for 2000 through 2007.  In 2000 - 654 condominium units sold in the West Maui area for a total value of $209,064,010; in 2001 - 605 condominium units sold for a total value of $271,681,337; in 2002 - 730 condominiums sold for a total value of $240,178,915; in 2003 - 737 condominiums sold for a total value of $319,748,466; In 2004 - 700 condominiums sold for a total value of $375,033,467; in 2005 - 682 condominiums for a total value of $408,582,315; in 2006 - 435 condominiums for a total value of $351,782,614; in 2007 - 327 condominiums for a total value of $271,290,428.00.  In 2008, from 1/1/08 to 4/30/08 - 92 condominium units sold in the West Maui area for a total value of $70,115,884.00.

Mortgage Rates for week of May 1, 2008 - from First Hawaiian Mortgage - Rates: Houses & Condos Full docs: 5.50% 30yr fixed 2.0 pts (5.772 APR) 5.75% 30yr fixed 1.0 pt (5.931 APR) 5.875% 30yr fixed No Points (5.963 APR) Stated Income: 6.50% 30yr fixed 1.0 pt (6.69 APR) 6.125% 15yr fixed 1.0 pt (6.433 APR) Interest Only: 6.00% 30yr fixed 1.0 pt (6.185 APR) To $1M: 6.25% 30yr fixed No Points (6.436 APR) $$ for condotels. (Points include origination fee) 

Mortgage Rates for week of April 1, 2008 - from First Hawaiian Mortgage - Houses & Condos Full docs: 5.375% 30yr fixed 2.0 pts (5.645 APR) 5.625% 30yr fixed 1.0 pt (5.805 APR) 5.875% 30yr fixed No Points (5.963 APR)  Stated Income: 6.25% 30yr fixed 1.0 pt (6.437 APR) 5.875% 15yr fixed 1.0 pt (6.181 APR) Interest Only: 6.625% 30 yr fixed 1.0 pt (6.799 APR) To $625,500: 6.875% 30yr fixed No Points (6.96 APR) . (Points include origination fee) 

Mortgage Rates for week of March 3, 2008 - from First Hawaiian Rates: Houses & Condos Full doc: 30 Year Fixed 5.75% @ 1.25 pts - 5.875% @ 0.75 pts - 6.125% @ 0.00 pts - 15 Year Fixed 5.000% @ 1.25 pts 5.125% @ 1.00 pts 5.375% @ 0.00 pts - 7/1 ARM Interest Only 5.50% @ 1.00 pts Loans  $625,500.00 to $1 Million - 30 Year Fixed 6.125% @ 1.00 pts 6.375% @ 0.00 pts Condotel: 30 Year Fixed 6.125% @ 1.25, 6.75% @ 0.00 pts (For contact information call Jim at 1-888-661-7994)

Mortgage Rates for week of February 4, 2008 - from First Hawaiian Mortgage - Rates: Houses & Condos Full doc: 30 Year Fixed 5.375% @ 1.25 pts - 5.500% @ 1.00 pts - 5.875% @ 0.00 pts - 15 Year Fixed 5.125% @ 1.25 pts 5.250% @ 1.00 pts 5.750% @ 0.00 pts - 7/1 ARM Interest Only 6.000% @ 1.125pts Loans  $625,500.00 to $1 Million - 30 Year Fixed 5.625% @ 1.25 pts 6.000% @ 0.00 pts Condotel: 30 Year Fixed 6.375% @ 0.00 pts (For contact information call Jim at 1-888-661-7994)

If you would like to view the most current sales statistics for Maui or West Maui Condominiums, you can go to my web site www.JamesBFoster.com and click on Condo Sales in the upper left corner of the home page or go to www.JamesBFoster.com/condosales.php.

Some recent and past news about what is going on in Maui.

Weather - As I am writing this newsletter today, May 4, 2008, it is about 83 degrees and sunshine.  Some rain and windy trades are forecast through May 13, 2008.
Development Projects on Maui – The Royal Lahaina Villas will likely not proceed for another two to three years, possible longer.  The cottages are now in the process of being renovated and the slowing real estate market is the probable cause for those plans being placed on hold.  They are continuing to take reservations.  Sales expectations were also not met at some of the new developments in the Kapalua area.  The Honua Kai project seems to be proceeding slower than originally projected but we will just have to wait and see.

Aloha Airlines – Discontinued its passenger service, stranding hundreds of tourists and then Hawaii lost 85 % of its interisland air cargo space Aloha Airlines shut down its cargo division after additional financing and interested buyers disappeared.  Gov. Linda Lingle said she was in contact with the mayors of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii counties to see what they could do to ensure continued interisland air cargo service.

Gas prices in Hawaii set record - Prices in Hawaii have set a new record high with regular gas going for almost three dollars, 70 cents a gallon on average across the state and a gallon of regular on Maui is over four dollars. Hawaii hasn't seen rates this high since September 2005, when refineries shut down in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. That drove the price of regular to a little over three dollars, 68 cents a gallon across the state.  Increased fuel costs are also increasing airline ticket prices.  Flights from Los Angeles and Seattle now during August are ranging from $750 to $950 round trip flights.

Energy project on Maui – A federal project worth approximately $15 million will focus on finding better ways to bring wind power to people’s homes and to make it a more reliable alternative energy source to integrate a renewable energy sources into the Maui power grid. The project will be funded with a $7 million federal investment and an $8 million contribution from the power companies on the team, which include General Electric, Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and UPC Wind. As part of Hawaii’s deal with the Department of Energy, UPC Wind Partners’ Kaheawa Wind Farm on Maui signed an agreement to increase the integration of wind energy into Hawaii’s utility system.  Maui’s Kaheawa Wind Farm will become the first partner in a program by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to research wind technology. Hawaii is aiming to produce at least 70 percent of its own energy by 2030. It currently imports 90 percent of its energy and suffers from the highest gas prices in the nation. UPC will become a Remote Research Affiliate Partner Site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. It will be the first such partner outside the energy laboratory’s base in Colorado. Research and development will be conducted at Kaheawa on advanced wind energy technologies, including operational and control studies, energy storage options and integration of renewable electricity into existing grids. The goal is to help maximize the integration of wind into Hawaii’s utility system.

Things improving for the Downhill tours - Two downhill bicycle companies are pleased with a federal study that shows their companies have had low accident rates at Haleakala National Park. Cruiser Phil’s Volcano Riders had no accidents in 2001 and 2002 and the second lowest accident rate among five downhill bicycle tour companies for seven years. Maui Downhill, one of the larger bike tour companies had the lowest among the three larger downhill bike tour companies on Maui.  The “next prudent” step will probably be conducting a safety analysis to determine whether the tours can operate safely at the park. The stand-down for the companies will continue until a Commercial Services Plan, which would manage commercial activities in the park, is completed in about a year to a year and a half. The continued stand-down will allow further studies beyond safety issues.

Woodridge Parker “Woody” Brown – He was a legendary surfer, remembered fondly by all those whose life he touched. He was Renaissance man known as a pilot, world-record glider, pioneer big-wave surfer, inventor and author — was 96.  He was one of the first and greatest icons in the history of surfing.  He was the 1968 world surfing champion who inaugurated the world professional surfing circuit in 1975. The film (www.ofwindandwaves.com) conveys the Woody legacy — one of generosity, kindness and loving aloha, not to mention his amazing accomplishments in surfing, sailing and soaring.

Most of Maui loses Power – On April 2nd, most Maui residents coped with the inconvenience of a power outage that began around 1 p.m. Except for Makawao and Haiku, power was returned to island residents before 5 p.m. West Maui lucked out and was not affected by the outage because its transmission lines receive electricity from the Maalaea power plant, not Kahului.

Superferry in Hawaii – A new CEO, Admiral T. B. Fargo USN (Retired) should be a boost to the superferry system along with an increase in the capital base from J.F. Lehman & Company.  Fargo was commander of the Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor beginning in 1999 and took over as commander of all U.S. military operations in the Pacific in 2002 before retiring. The weekend of April 26th there were more than 2,000 passengers booked on the four round trips from Friday through Monday. Although the ferry has a capacity of nearly 900 passengers, the company was projecting that a normal load of 400 to 450 passengers could cover its operational costs.  The web site for the superferry is www.hawaiisuperferry.com

Vog was a temporary problem - Sulfur dioxide levels around the Kilauea eruption sites created a Vog, a haze that obscured the surrounding islands on Maui, with SO2 levels reported peaking at 5 parts per million on Wednesday around the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory facilities. Light winds allowed an accumulation of vog over the islands.  The Vog disappeared a couple of days ago.

Property Tax income is decreasing for Maui County – Maui County can expect tax revenues of $221.8 million for 2009.  Maui County expects the faltering valuations provide proof that it will not be insulated from the precipitous drop being felt in real estate markets across America. Hampered with vacancies on the Real Property Tax Review Board, the Finance Department has also fallen far behind on dealing with appeals of valuations. Most recently, there were 2,907 property valuations appeals filed, including 1,436 filed for the current fiscal year. While appeals are pending, the county budget must set aside half of the taxes paid on each property on appeal until the valuation is determined. Mayor Tavares is proposing to maintain tax rates at the same level as in the current budget, with homeowners set at $2 per $1,000 valuation. One of the Maui County Council members hinted the council may consider a new property tax classification for properties with transient vacation rentals — if the county acts to establish a new permitting process this year. But the council would not be able to impose a new tax classification until the 2010 fiscal year.

Hawaiian culture loses another Cultural Community Icon - Winona “Aunty Nona” Beamer, died peacefully in her sleep in Lahaina. She was 84. Nona Beamer was a veteran educator, a songwriter, performer, revered storyteller and hula loea, or master, who helped found the Hula Preservation Society. She was a popular presenter at the Celebration of the Arts of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. In 1949, she began teaching Hawaiian culture at Kamehameha and remained there for nearly 40 years. She took over her mother’s hula studio and taught hula in Waikiki for 30 years. Maui County residents remembered her as someone who epitomized Hawaiian values while she sparkled with playfulness.

Maui Island Plan proposes 40,000 new units by 2030 - This proposed 20-year development plan for Maui island calls for expanding and increasing the density of existing urban areas, while drawing growth boundaries to stop sprawl. The document, which includes maps outlining proposed “urban-growth boundaries,” anticipates more than 40,000 new housing units by 2030, of which around 24,800 are expected to be built by projects that are already approved. The island plan is based on a projected population of 151,000 people on Maui by 2015, and 186,300 by 2030. The plan anticipates growth in demand for nonresident housing will be reduced by 25 percent through “policy, taxation and the placement of new housing.” That would reduce the total number of needed additional housing units — on top of those already expected to be built — to 12,876.

Century 21 All Islands (Lahaina) - The Century 21 All Island office across from Honua Kai and in the same shopping center as Star Market, over in the Honokowai area will be closing and relocating to a smaller office over closer to the Lahaina area.  The changing real estate market seems to be having an impact in a lot of different areas. 

Medical Facilities on Maui - The Association for Improved Healthcare on Maui (AIHM) http://www.aihm-maui.org  whose mission is to serve as an advocate for the creation of a system that will provide improved healthcare services to all of the citizens and visitors of Maui County has been making some excellent progress.  For more information on making a contribution to this great cause, please visit the web site for AIHM at www.aihm-maui.org/ourfriends.htm. To stay informed of what is transpiring with future approvals of either the Kihei or West Maui hospital, you can send me an email and request a subscription to the “Coconut Wireless” to either my email at Jim@JameBFoster.com or Jan@SunshineRainbows.com  

Jan Shields – Running for Office - http://www.JanShields4Senate.com Go to this web site to read more

Real Estate & Financial Planning Tips:

Safe Harbor for Exchanges of Vacation Homes and Conversions to or from Personal Residences - This revenue procedure, Revenue Procedure 2008-16, which will be effective for exchanges occurring on or after March 10, 2008, establishes a safe harbor regarding when a vacation home can be considered investment property and traded in a §1031 exchange.  The ruling states that a vacation home qualifies for a §1031 exchange if the investor owns the home for at least 24 months, rents it for at least 14 days for each 12-month period, and uses it no more than the greater of 14 days per year or 10 percent of the number of days during the year that the home is rented.   These requirements apply to both the relinquished and replacement properties. 

For purposes of this revenue procedure, a vacation home, also called a "dwelling unit" in the Revenue Procedure, is real property improved with a house, apartment, condominium, or similar improvement that provides basic living accommodations including sleeping space, bathroom and cooking facilities.

Partnership Interest and the Tax Deferred Exchange – Sometimes referred to as “The Drop and Swap”.  In a “drop and swap” transaction, the partnership conveys a fractional interest to each of the partners who then sell or exchange.  The risk factor is that the individuals who received their interest from the partnership may not meet the “qualified use,” i.e. the “held for investment” requirement of IRC section 1031 because the individuals received the property just prior to the exchange and for the sole purpose of selling it.  Even thought the “drop and swap” structure is inherently risky, certain actions may minimize the risk: The deed to the partners should precede the exchange for as long a period as possible; The sales contract for the property should be negotiated and executed by the tenant in common owners; The proceeds from the property should be distributed to the tenant in common owners; and The tenant in common owners should participate as the owners of the property for all income and expenses. In the alternative “swap and drop” transaction, the partnership exchanges into replacement property and immediately thereafter conveys a TIC interest to each partner.  The IRS could argue that the replacement property was never held by the partnership for investment because it held the property only briefly before distributing it to the partners.  See Rev Rul 75-292 wherein the IRS ruled against the taxpayer in a similar situation.  This is a situation where you need to be working with a skilled Tax Professional, such as a CPA or Attorney who also is knowledgeable with IRC Section 1031 Exchanges.

Installment Sales – The advantages of an installment sale with real estate are: fast close; creation of a type of annuity for the seller; future property taxes paid by buyer; buyer responsible for all future maintenance; Seller collects negotiated interest rate instead of depositing sales proceeds in a bank at a lower rate; and can be utilized if property needs repairs and does not qualify for VA or FHA financing and spreads capital gains tax over the period of the payments received.  For more details to www.IRS.gov

Recapturing Depreciation – In 1997 the maximum capital gain tax rate dropped form 28% to 20% and now typically 15%.  However, if depreciation was previously taken, that amount is taxed at 25%.  You can coordinate with your accountant to determine how this might impact you upon a sale.  If you have been depreciating a property and sell there will be recapture unless you do a tax deferred exchange.  For more details to www.IRS.gov

Ways to avoid Capital Gains Tax when selling.

  1. If you inherited property, don’t forget your “stepped- up basis.”  This is usually the property’s fair market value on the date of the deceased owner’s death.
  2. The primary residence exemption of $250,000 or $500,000 for a married couple.
  3. Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchange.
  4. Installment Sales
  5. Tax-Free investing within your Roth I.R.A.
  6. Private Annuity Trusts
  7. Charitable Remainder Trusts

These seven methods are excellent ways to avoid payment of capital gains tax when disposing of your personal residence and/or investment real estate.  You can also create tax-free or taxable income for yourself and your family. Or you can donate your real estate assets to a favorite charity while enjoying property benefits and income during your lifetime.  For additional details consult your personal tax adviser.
Legal Services on Maui - If you need to establish a trust for your Maui property, set up a Limited Liability Company, or need legal assistance for preparing legal documents and require a Maui or Lahaina attorney, Gary Robert has had a legal practice here for many years and is a good source for those requiring legal related services.  He can be reached by phone at 808-667-774, address is 808 Wainee St., Suite 201, Lahaina, HI, 96761 Fax is 808-667-7550 and Email grlaw@hawaiiantel.net

We receive calls on a regular basis and provide letters of Market Value at the time of death to assist in the Probate process for owners of Hawaii real estate. It is always unfortunate when estate planning has not been done and the tax liability has to be dealt with in a short period of time.

Take the time to review with your accountant, financial planner and attorney in the matters of current financial plans and also estate plans. If you do not have trusted advisors in these areas ask friends and business associates for recommendations because in the long run it may be the best investment you will make.
In past newsletters, I have mentioned that the easiest way to minimize the tax impact when selling is to do a tax deferred exchange.  If you have questions about tax deferred exchanges give us a call.  If you are considering selling your property in Hawaii, a tax deferred exchange will exempt you from the 5% HARPTA withholding and also the Federal Capital Gains Tax.  Planning in advance for the disposition or acquisition of assets is always a wise decision.  Another invaluable tool for sellers in doing a tax deferred exchange is having the option of using tenant-in-common (TICs) for qualifying for replacement properties.  Many property owners who currently own underperforming assets can sell those assets, taking advantage of tax deferred exchanges, and turn an underperforming asset such as land into an income producing asset.  Call me or send me an email if you would like additional information at 808-661-7994 or email Jim@JamesBFoster.com
If you are contemplating selling highly appreciated real estate during 2008 and would like for us to provide an analysis of how to best structure your transaction, please call us at 1-888-661-7994 or send us and email at Jim@JamesBFoster.com

Useful Internet Sites:

www.brijit.com This web site condenses lengthy articles from hundreds of major publishers down to 100 words. These articles cover just about any category you can imagine. They have dozens of broad topic such as: business, politics, sports, science, technology, arts, entertainment, style, health, food, travel, home, business or sports. Just a few of the publications covered include: The Atlantic, Barron's, Business Week, Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post and Fortune Magazine and many others. The long-form content is summarized down to 100 words. The material is then reviewed and rated to make it easy for you to choose what to read, listen or watch.

www.priceprotectr.com When you buy a produce and need to track the price for a possible reduction where there is a price protection policy involved, this web site will make it easy to keep track of your purchases and get your money back.  You just enter the URL for the product from the retailer’s web site. From there on out this service monitors the product’s price for you and notifies you by e-mail the moment you are entitled to a refund.

www.powertyping.com Help for the slow typist. This web site has an online typing tutor for “Qwerty” keyboards plus Dvorak - the US alternative ANSI standard keyboard. You can learn hand positioning as you train with timed exercises and typing games.
 
www.floorplanner.com This a web site where you can save time and have fun laying out your ideas ahead of the big occasion. Here are online tools to help you quickly and easily create and share good looking interactive floor plans. The point-and-click, drag-and-drop tools, can make your new floor plan in minutes, and then rearrange it as often as you want. Then you can save, send, and print your designs to share them, or place them on your own website

Kindest Regards, Jim Foster

Chase 'N Rainbows Real Estate, Inc.
P.O. Box 10398
Lahaina, HI  96761
Toll Free 888-661-7994
Direct Line 808-661-7994
Cell 808-870-5858
Fax 808-667-2957
Real Estate for Sale www.JamesBFoster.com
Vacation Rental www.ChaseNRainbows.com
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Office (808) 661-7994
Toll-Free (888) 661-7994
Cell (808) 870-5858
Fax: (808) 667-2957

Chase ‘N Rainbows
Real Estate Inc.

P.O. Box 10398
Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761
Email: jim@jamesbfoster.com

 
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Office (808) 661-7994 | Toll-Free (888) 661-7994 | Cell (808) 870-5858 | Fax: (808) 667-2957
Chase ‘N Rainbows Real Estate Inc., P.O. Box 10398, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761, Email: jim@jamesbfoster.com
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