Becoming a homeowner is one of the biggest decisions of our lives. From being financially ready, finding the perfect real estate agent, and deciding what you’ll need in a home to be equipped for your future, it’s all a huge step. Navigating the world of real estate and its jargon can be overwhelming and at times, confusing. Title and escrow are some of the most common terms you’ll hear in the industry. Often used interchangeably, they are both crucial yet very different parts of the home buying journey. 

Title

The word "title" refers to your legal rights to own, use, and dispose of a specific property. The title company ensures the property's title with policies to the buyer and the lender to protect against problems with the property or the

As a native Hawaiian and inspired local, Thelma Garso-Pacheco has been a beacon of Hawaiian culture, history, and aloha spirit since 1973 when she moved from the Big Island to Maui. Graduating from Kamehameha Kapalama on Oahu, Thelma has grown up in the local community of Hawai’i and experienced the people, lifestyle, and treasured parts of the islands. She loves and appreciates every corner of Maui, from Iao Valley to Haleakala, and everything in between. 

Thelma joined the Island Sotheby’s International Realty ohana as an Administrator/Listing Coordinator for the South Maui Office in 2013. It was here that she learned to love the abundance of knowledge, insight, and appreciation for real estate that ISIR held. Working for a devoted team and

Congratulations to Alex Cortez and Ryan MacLaughlin for helping their clients find their dream Maui home in one of the most revered beachfront properties, right alongside the Makena coastline. 

Sold for $12,000,000, 4680 Makena Road is located atop over an acre of the most valuable real estate in Maui, this beautiful beachfront property offers an unequaled balance of privacy, surrounded by a lush green jungle. A small walk away uncovers convenient access to some of Hawaii’s finest amenities and resorts. With every turn, you’re greeted by unobstructed, panoramic views of the Pacific, and neighboring islands like Molokini and Kaho’olawe. Designed by famed architect Hugh Farrington, the plantation-style, single-level main residence offers an open

Kyla grew up with the warm Maui weather and listening to her mother navigate through the real estate world. This sparked her early interest in the beauty of real estate and how communication can bring things together seamlessly. After earning a master's from Edinburgh University in Scotland and studying communication across the globe, Kyla followed her natural instincts of coming back to Maui to finally join the real estate world she was so familiar with. She longed for the Maui sunshine and island lifestyle once again and returned home to start her career. 

“If I absolutely had to pick a favorite part of living here, though, I would have to say it's getting to be part of Maui’s wonderful community.”

Kyla’s love for challenges and navigating big

Alex Neuhoff has been a devoted Hawai’i resident for over 30 years and has been in Maui real estate for 17 of those trips around the sun. Between his experienced and professional background, locally dialed in networks, and insight on Maui living, he is your ticket to a successful homebuying journey right here on Maui. 

"It is deeply satisfying to be of service to my clients and to guide them through one of the biggest investments of their lives."

Alex knows the value in making Maui a part of your permanent lifestyle, where a home becomes a place for cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Between deep-sea fishing and sailing, Alex has made Maui a place where he can find peace and happiness in the everyday lifestyle. Working with a small number

A true Maui man, Kono Davis was born and raised on the island of Maui and has been a part of the rich and welcoming community for over 50 years. Not only has he been a true local all his life, he has spent the majority of it in the Maui Fire Department. 

His career as a firefighter, surrounded by people from all walks of life, has taught him how to communicate effectively. This has led him to understand what it means to help people and be a guiding light in times of need, something clients will be able to feel from a mile away. His roots run far deeper than a lifetime of growing up on the island and the Hawaiian culture. Kono holds the value of ohana and its importance dear to him. His dream? Building his very own home on Maui land big enough to

Deb Schonewill puts the A in aloha with her passionate admiration for the island of Maui and everything she does for her clients. Having always felt a magnetic pull to Maui, Deb moved to the island with good wishes from the most influential mentors in her life. She sees the culture, natural beauty, and the rich community as an incredible place to live one’s life. She is joining the Island Sotheby’s International Realty ohana because she believes realty is founded on making genuine relationships. 

“Island Sotheby's Realty has the authentic aloha and family culture paired with shining exceptional service.”

Honesty and sincere respect are at the foundation of Deb’s relationships with her clients. To her, real estate is about making those

A 7th generation Maui resident, Kate Peterson has played along the Maui shoreline and explored the upcountry hills her whole life. Growing up on the island she has always been amazed and grateful for the beauty and diverse culture that thrives around her. After watching her mother navigate the real estate world as a child, she is following in her footsteps as she takes on a new adventure in becoming a member of the Island Sotheby’s International Realty ohana. Her passion for sharing the gift of Maui and all it has to offer makes her a strong real estate agent and even greater trusted friend. 

“I believe I have a passion for connecting people to the community of Maui and sharing my local knowledge of the island with everyone I meet. I have a

Born and raised all the way on the East Coast, Erik McLellan has had his fair share of seasonal climates, city views, and experiencing America in all of its glory. But, something about the 365 days of summer, dreamy tropical palms, and being able to help others find their dream Maui home stole his heart. Finding his calling with Island Sotheby’s International Realty helped him to make Maui feel like a home. 

“As I started talking with ISIR agents, office staff, brokers, then the owners, and any clients who had worked with ISIR, it became very apparent that the culture of the company was something of utmost importance to everyone. The support and encouragement of the entire team stood out no matter who I talked with. Everyone is extremely

Wailea Fairway Estates is a dream home destination with only 30 homes right in the heart of Wailea directly across from Ulua and Mokapu Beach. Island Sotheby’s International Realty’s own Keoni Grundhauser R(S) sold 85 Hale Noa Way to his client for $2.88 million.

Bordered by the Wailea Blue Course on two sides and recently completed an extensive remodel, this is where island living and luxury come together. Just under 5,000 square feet, this home features three-bedroom suites, an office, family room, eat-in kitchen, formal dining, and living rooms, two fireplaces, covered lanais, central A/C, and owned photovoltaic. The upstairs master bedroom shines with its own incredible lanai that beholds ocean and Haleakala views.

Here is what Keoni had to