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.

Tis the season to be jolly!