Condominiums sales are quickly outpacing those for single-family homes, according to the Realtors Association of Maui.

Condominiums sales have soared recently on Oahu, the Big Island and Maui. On the Valley Isle, sales are up 7.3 percent compared to last year, while the median sales price rose 10 percent. Sales of single-family homes, on the other hand, only crept up by 1.6 percent.

“The condo market is definitely on an upward swing with sales,” said Ryan MacLaughlin, Broker at Island Sotheby’s International Realty. “The inventory is actively dropping and we are not even in our winter or busy market yet.”

This unit offers the most breathtaking views found at Wailea Point.

According to real estate data, there were 812 closed

Island Sotheby’s International Realty agents joined in a night of celebration at the 2017 Realtor Association of Maui’s Installation Banquet.

In part, the banquet celebrated the Realtors Association’s Scholarship Fund, which has awarded $610,000 in scholarships to Maui County’s high school students since 1989. This year, the realtor association created a sponsorship program called Mea Kako'o to further benefit the fund.

Island Sotheby’s International Realty donated $1,000 to the fund, which is awarded to Maui’s high school students to assist them with their tuition and other college expenses. This is just one of several donations to the community that Island Sotheby’s International Realty has made so far this year.

But Island Sotheby’s Realty

Just like the rest of the nation, Maui is two years into a sweeping trend of dropping housing supply and soaring sales prices.

According to a recent report by the Maui Association of Realtors, inventory dropped 9.9 percent for single-family homes and 21.9 percent for condominiums in August. This comes as the median sales price is hovering around $700,000 for a single-family home.

Alex Cortez, Broker with Island Sotheby’s Realty Wailea, said this is a sign of a seller’s market, largely created by increasing demand for homes.

This Kapalua estate in Pineapple Hill recently came on the market. 

Right now, it’s

Island Sotheby’s International Realty agent Ryan MacLaughlin, R(B) has been named a board member of the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.

Last week, MacLaughlin became a member of the chamber’s board, which works to promote and sustain Hawaiian culture by nurturing Hawaiian values and enhancing business and education opportunities. The group also focuses on boosting benefits available for Native Hawaiians from business, education, government, community and housing.

"I wanted to be apart of what they were doing, as they seemed to be a resource for Maui residents in support of business and education efforts," said MacLaughlin. "Being Native Hawaiian myself, and being born and raised here on Maui, it really made sense."

From left

Maui is celebrated as one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations, with dozens of elite accommodations and resorts to explore. Thus, it may come to no surprise that its condominiums and expansive estates are undeniably world-class, too.

In the second quarter of 2017, Island Sotheby’s International Realty agents represented several buyers and sellers of absolutely magnificent homes, closing millions of dollars in transactions. While there are dozens of notable homes, we selected a few of our favorite high-end sales of the most recent quarter to spotlight for you.

Coconut Grove Condominium | $5,000,000 

The oceanfront, three-bedroom unit in Coconut Grove overlooks one of the finest beaches in the country - Kapalua Bay. The condominium

Island Sotheby’s International Realty agents Courtney M. Brown and Wendy R. Peterson have been named some of the most productive sales associates in the nation.

REAL Trends was sponsored by Zillow to create a list of “America’s Best Real Estate Agents,” which compared more than 12,600 agents throughout the nation. To qualify for the list, an agent was required to have closed more than 50 transactions or sold more than $20 million in real estate in 2016.  

According to the rankings, Peterson closed more than $22 million in real estate transactions in 2016, while Brown closed more than $20 million in sales. Both agents were also honored this year for being top agents in the state of Hawaii.

“It's an honor to be recognized by REAL Trends as one of

Island Sotheby’s International Realty agent Courtney Brown has assisted yet another buyer of a luxury condominium in Kapalua, marking her second major sale in Coconut Grove this year.

The spacious three-bedroom unit sold for $4.5 million - just months after Brown sold another Coconut Grove unit, which sold for $5 million. In the most recent transaction, Brown represented the buyers who selected the second floor residence for it's sweeping views of Kapalua Bay and the coastline.

“I am so happy to have been a part of fulfilling this family's long time dream of being at the Coconut Grove,” said Brown. “So many people feel a special connection to Kapalua, myself included.”

Born and raised on Maui, Brown has always marveled at West Maui’s

A 52-acre ranch on the slopes of Haleakala has sold for $4.7 million, marking the largest sale in Kula year to date.

Island Sotheby’s agents represented both the buyer and seller of this expansive property, which offers acres of rolling hills that provide a plethora of opportunities for trail systems, pasture and farm lands.

“This was essentially a turn key property for my client who plans an organic farm,” said Island Sotheby’s Realty agent Dan Omer, who represented the buyer.

Neighboring the prestigious Kula 200 neighborhood, Kula Koa Ranch is a secluded, tranquil escape with many unique features including a private well and photo voltaic system. Omer’s clients fell in love with the property for its views and opportunity to live

 

A luxury home in Wailea Golf Estates has sold for $4.75 million - one of several significant sales Island Sotheby’s agents have closed in recent weeks.

Volker Weiss, an agent with Island Sotheby’s, represented the buyers of the luxurious home, which is situated on a gentle slope that gazes to Maui’s azure, south-shore waters. The spacious estate is comprised of more than 3,200 square feet of living space with three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

“There are maybe a dozen and a half properties in all of Wailea that have this kind of a view,” said Weiss. “It’s is completely unobstructed, and it is impossible to ever be obstructed.”

The single-level home is located on the edge of the gated community, perched atop the 17th fairway of Wailea’s “Old

It will come as no surprise to Maui residents: the island is one of the best places to vacation in the U.S.

Recently, U.S. News named Maui the No. 1 place to visit in the U.S. for categories including most relaxing, best romantic and most luxurious vacation destination. The island also ranked No. 4 in the best place to visit in the county - just behind New York City, Philadelphia and Honolulu. 

The news outlet examined multiple factors when creating the list including attractions, hotels and dining options, in addition to surveys from travelers themselves. Maui took the top spots because of its pristine, white-sand beaches and plethora of local restaurants.

The news organization recommended visitors explore the road to Hana, which extends