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Issue 1226 | September 29th, 2026
Aloha ,
Navigating Elevated Interest Rates: Strategies for Sellers and Reality for Buyers
Aloha!
As mortgage rates fluctuate and remain elevated, both buyers and sellers across Maui are recalibrating their real estate strategies. While higher borrowing costs naturally squeeze buyer purchasing power, proactive sellers who adapt to today’s financing environment are still achieving successful closes.
Here is how current interest rates are shaping market dynamics—and how to navigate them effectively:
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Impact on Buyer Affordability: Higher interest rates directly increase monthly principal-and-interest payments, reducing the maximum loan amount buyers qualify for. A 1% rate increase can reduce a buyer's purchasing power by roughly 10%, causing many to shift toward lower price points or focus heavily on turnkey properties with minimal upfront repair costs.
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Seller Strategy — Rate Buydowns Over Price Cuts: Rather than making steep upfront price reductions, sellers are increasingly utilizing temporary or permanent mortgage rate buydowns (seller concessions). Funding a 2-1 buydown or paying points to lower the buyer's interest rate often costs the seller less out-of-pocket than a major price reduction while significantly lowering the buyer’s initial monthly payment.
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Turnkey Appeal Commands a Premium: Because higher borrowing costs leave buyers with less liquid capital after closing, move-in ready homes are outperforming properties requiring immediate capital improvements. Staging, addressing deferred maintenance, and highlighting energy-efficient features give sellers a distinct edge.
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Realistic Market Pricing: Homes priced above current comparable sales risk sitting longer on the market, leading to stale listings. Sellers who price accurately from day one and remain flexible on financing terms are retaining greater leverage and securing qualified buyers.
Understanding the intersection between interest rates and monthly affordability is key to executing a smooth transaction in today's shifting market.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Ken Smith R(S), Melissa Smith R(B), and Gregory P Smith R(B)
The Smith Team
P.S. Hotel or housing? Battle drags on over which Maui properties should have short-term rentals banned
Market Watch
| |
Active |
Pending |
Sold |
Change |
| Homes |
455 (386) |
104 (74) |
720 (523) |
+5 |
| Condos |
824 (272) |
91 (17) |
811 (200) |
0 |
| Land |
231 (100) |
19 (3) |
138 (34) |
+6 |
| Total |
1510 (758) |
214 (94) |
1669 (757) |
+11 |
1. Numbers in parentheses reflect listings over $1M
2. Sold listings are for the previous 12 months
3. Change is the increase/decrease from the previous week
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April
May
June
July
August
Market Statistics
Updated list of all bank-owned and short-sale properties:
Bank-owned
Short sale
Homes Over $1M
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109 Miha Pl
Kihei
$1.425M (FS)
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Located in Central Kihei in a cul-de-sac, 109 Miha Place offers a versatile custom house-and-cottage property with generous living spaces, a newer reflective roof that enhances the 24-panel owned photovoltaic solar system, underground utilities, and convenient access to Kihei’s beaches, shopping, dining, and everyday amenities.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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715 Uluhea Way
Wailuku
$1.595M (FS)
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Perched in the prestigious Wailuku Heights neighborhood, this spacious 3,154 sq. ft. residence offers an exceptional combination of space, privacy, and spectacular bi-coastal views. With 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and upper/lower kitchen areas, the home provides an ideal layout for entertaining and multigenerational living.
Customer Listing Synopsis
Video Tour
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30 Waikai St
Wailea
$2.199M (FS)
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Welcome to Wailea Kai, where privacy, luxury, and effortless island living come together in one of Wailea’s most desirable gated communities. This immaculately maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence feels both refined and relaxed, with soaring vaulted open-beam ceilings, abundant natural light, dark bamboo flooring, mahogany doors and cabinetry, granite countertops, and plantation shutters throughout.
Customer Listing Synopsis
Video Tour
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3275 Kehala Dr
Kihei
$2.500M (FS)
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Located in the coveted Maui Meadows, 3275 Kehala Drive and its detached Ohana unit offer remarkable ocean views from every lanai deck. The main house features a recently remodeled kitchen in an open floor plan with a stainless steel gas stove and appliances, including an ice machine, and gorgeous Labradorite countertops imported from Madagascar.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Homes Under $1M
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219 Momi Pl
Wailuku
$574K (FS)
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Lots to love for this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home conventiently located just off Lower Main St in Wailuku. The home features high ceilings, an open plan, and tub and shower bath. This Plantation home comes with a small motorcyle type one car garage or workshop and fenced yard. Use your imagination and skills to bring this home back to its best.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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579 Kuanana St
Paia
$872K (FS)
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Opportunity knocks!!! Cute older plantation style home located in upper Paia across from Doris Todd School. Main portion of interior is in need of some remodeling and TLC, other portion of interior has been nicely remodeled and ready to be occupied immediately.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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245 Mokuahi St
Makawao
$879K (FS)
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"Treetops Condominium" is a residential condo sale offerinng the Main dwelling (Unit A) with rights to expand the current footprint and/or build an additional cottage. You'll feel at home in this floor plan that offers comfort and charm.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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1982 Kalawi Pl
Wailuku
$899K (FS)
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**Back on Market! Due to no fault of sellers.** Experience the timeless allure of a classic era in this meticulously restored plantation-style residence, perfectly situated in the vibrant heart of Central Wailuku. This cozy gem preserves its original character while offering modern essentials like brand-new AC in every room and bright recessed lighting for total comfort.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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2048 Kolo Pl
Wailuku
$990K (FS)
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Welcome to beautifully remodeled 2048 Kolo Place in Wailuku, offering comfort, flexibility, and opportunity on one of the largest lots currently available in Wailuku at this price point. Public records show three bedrooms and two bathrooms, while the home lives much larger with a spacious bonus room and half bath, perfect for an office, studio, or additional living space.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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73A Maluhia Dr
Wailuku
$996K (FS)
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Also listed as commercial MLS # 410039. Three contiguous lots-offered together, featuring a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath main home, an unfinished 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage, and a vacant lot with an existing slab foundation. Combined, the properties offer 1,778 sq ft of living area on a total land area of approximately 8,497 sq ft. Zoned Mixed-Use Commercial/Residential within the Wailuku Redevelopment Area (WRA)
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Vacation Condos Over $1M
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Wailea Ekahi I #25C
Wailea
$1.100M (FS)
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This charming, private ground-floor 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom end-unit is flooded with natural light and has been meticulously maintained. From the spacious living area, kitchen, and extended tiled lanai, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the lush garden. The unit perfectly blends indoor and outdoor living, with direct access from the kitchen that's ideal for alfresco dining.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Wailea Ekolu # 203
Wailea
$1.335M (FS)
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Perfectly positioned in Wailea Ekolu! The incredible ground floor 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Vacation Rental in the Heart of Wailea you’ve been waiting for is here. Located in Building 2, you are steps away from the amazing Wailea Village Center with wonderful restaurants and shopping at your fingertips.
Customer Listing Synopsis
Video Tour
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Mahana # 711
Kaanapali
$1.750M (FS)
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Direct oceanfront prime 7th floor 2 bed 2 bath corner unit with a large 240 sq ft extended lanai. Relax and enjoy spectacular sunsets, bi-island views of Molokai and Lanai, whales breaching during the winter season along with dolphins and turtles frolicking in the blue majestic Pacific Ocean, all this while sipping on your favorite beverage.
Customer Listing Synopsis
Video Tour
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Makena Surf # C106
Makena
$3.950M (FS)
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Enjoy breathtaking unobstructed ocean, neighbor island, and sunset views from the living area, the kitchen, and the spacious lanai of this extra-large, elegantly renovated, two-bedroom, two-bath Makena Surf condo! This 1,600 square foot condo feels even larger thanks to the high ceilings, and central air-conditioning and the C-building's concrete construction provides its occupants with a comfortable, quiet place to unwind.
Customer Listing Synopsis
Video Tour
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Vacation Condos Under $1M
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Kihei Bay Surf # C227
Kihei
$349K (FS)
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Enjoy island living from this top-floor studio at the highly desirable Kihei Bay Surf in North Kihei! Offering a bird’s-eye view and a peekaboo ocean view, this conveniently located condo is just across the street from the ocean, where you can enjoy sea turtles basking on the rocks along the shoreline. Renovated in 2019, with new appliances and luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Maui Vista # 2321
Kihei
$475K (FS)
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Welcome to Maui Vista, ideally located in the heart of South Kihei directly across from Charley Young Beach and Kamaole Beach Park I. This 1-bedroom, 1-bath condominium offers 588 square feet of living area in one of Kihei’s established condominium communities. Enjoy the convenience of being close to beaches, The Cove, Kalama Park, restaurants, shopping and South Maui’s many ocean activities.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Royal Kahana # 515
Kahana
$599K (FS)
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Wake up to sweeping ocean views at Royal Kahana #515, with the Pacific stretching out from the living room, private lanai, and bedroom window. This spacious residence features an oversized walk-in closet along with a beautifully appointed walk-in shower, adding a touch of everyday comfort and convenience to island living.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Kapalua Golf Villas # 11V3
Kapalua
$850K (FS)
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Enjoy resort-style living in this beautiful top-floor corner unit at Kapalua Golf Villas. This well-appointed one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath residence features a custom kitchen, spacious living room, dining area, and breathtaking views from the large lanai!
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Residential Condos Over $1M
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Wailea Palms # 3501
Wailea
$1.090M (FS)
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Welcome to Unit 3501 at Wailea Palms, ideally situated in the quiet lower area of this lush and beautifully maintained Wailea community. Offering fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning Maui sunsets, this spacious one-bedroom, two-bath residence is designed for relaxed island living.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Hokulani Golf Villas # 101
Kihei
$1.795M (FS)
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Enjoy stylish single-level comfort in this stunning residence at the prestigious Hokulani Golf Villas community of Central Kihei. Property is also listed as Residential MLS 410201. Featuring soaring 12-foot ceilings and large windows, the home is light, bright, and airy with ample natural light.
Customer Listing Synopsis
Video Tour
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171 Kualapa Pl
Kaanapali
$2.400M (FS)
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Also listed as Condominium (MLS #410886). This is a Residential Condo Property, and this unit is approved for a Main Home. ENJOY SUNSET VIEWS between Molokai and Lanai from this 3 bedroom, 3 bath single level residence that borders the Kaanapali Kai Golf Course's 9th Hole.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Wailea Point I II III # 2502
Wailea
$4.000M (FS)
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OUTSTANDING VALUE for one of Wailea Point's most FABULOUS VIEW UNITS. This is the highly sought after Upper Level D plan, Wailea Point’s second largest standard floor plan located on the top 2 floors of a 4-story building; 2 levels, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. The location is a “10”, affording spectacular ocean views.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Residential Condos Under $1M
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Harbor Lights # A423
Kahului
$129K (FS)
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Priced to Sell! This top floor 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath unit in Harbor Lights is conveniently located in Kahului near shopping, restaurants, University of Hawaii - Maui College, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and Keopulani Park. The complex has an in-ground pool, playground, community laundry rooms and security.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Maui Lani Terraces # B304
Honokowai
$284K (FS)
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Imagine owning a studio just a stone's throw from the ocean! *Seller is open to financing for qualified Buyers. This charming top-floor corner unit in Maui Lani Terraces is the perfect retreat for those who want to be close to it all. The quiet location allows the ideal setting to enjoy the ocean view.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Kihei Villages IV # 19-203
Kihei
$395K (FS)
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Kihei Villages 19 203 offers a full 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom floor plan with 742 square feet of comfortable island living. This original unit retains its existing cabinetry and vanities while benefiting from newer luxury vinyl flooring throughout, newer kitchen appliances, an in unit washer and dryer, and split air conditioning in the living room.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Iao Parkside IV-A # 201
Wailuku
$439K (FS)
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Come see this move in ready large 3 bedroom / 2 bath unit at Iao Parkside. 75 Waiaka Lane, #36-201 is in vintage condition but priced to sell! Great second floor location along with all the convenances of living in Central Maui. Easy to show on short notice.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Keonekai Villages # 8-203
Kihei
$499K (FS)
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Welcome to island living at its easiest — this two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath upstairs condo sits in the heart of pet-friendly Keonekai Villages, just a short stroll from the soft sand of Kamaole Beach Park III. Steps from South Kihei's best beaches, shops, and restaurants, this is the kind of location that sells itself.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Hoolea Terrace at Kehalani # 406
Wailuku
$545K (FS)
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Beautiful upstairs ocean view 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath unit in the highly desirable Ho'olea Terrace at Kehalani community. Enjoy stunning ocean views from both the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom, along with gorgeous mountain views from the second bedroom, in this well-maintained home featuring luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, an open-concept living room and kitchen layout.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Flats at Kamalani # 403
Kihei
$649K (FS)
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This immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit shows true pride in ownership in every regard. Located in the relatively new community of Kamalani (completed in 2019), unit #403 features beautiful luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, stainless steel kitchen appliances, air conditioning in every room, a small, private outdoor area (pets are allowed), full-size washer and dryer, and two side-by-side parking stalls.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Haleakala Gardens # 12E
Kihei
$675K (FS)
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SELLER OFFERING A $10,000 BUYER CREDIT AT CLOSING FOR A LIMITED TIME! Beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence at pet-friendly Haleakala Gardens, just one block from the ocean and near Kalepolepo Beach and Waipulani Beach Park. Located on the top floor of Building 12, Unit 12E offers a peaceful garden outlook, soaring vaulted ceilings, and 932 sq. ft. of comfortable island living.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Masters # 4203
Kaanapali
$750K (FS)
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Welcome to the Masters, a highly desirable gated community offering an exceptional blend of privacy, tropical beauty, and resort-style living. This ground-floor ocean view residence, Unit 4203, captures the essence of the Maui lifestyle with beautiful ocean views and a large lanai that creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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Commercial
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1683 Nana St
Wailuku
$3.600M (FS)
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Also listed as Commercial MLS #410862. Rare opportunity to acquire Hale Nani, a 10-unit multifamily property in an elevated Wailuku location with beautiful ocean, harbor, Haleakala and Central Maui views. The property consists of six 2-bedroom/1-bath units, two 1-bedroom/1-bath units and two studio/1-bath units.
Customer Listing Synopsis
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