Buy Your Dream Home
in Maui, Hawaii.

Technically no — but practically speaking, buying without a buyer's agent in Maui puts you at a significant disadvantage. Hawaii's real estate contracts are complex state-specific documents. The seller's agent represents the seller's interests, not yours. And in Maui's competitive market, unrepresented buyers often lose to offers from agent-represented buyers who know how to structure deals effectively.

Most importantly: in Hawaii, buyer's agent commissions are typically paid by the seller, meaning you receive full professional representation at no direct cost to you. Not using an agent is leaving free protection on the table.

Fee simple means you own both the home and the land beneath it — the standard form of real estate ownership. Leasehold means you own the structure but lease the land from a landowner (often a large estate or trust) for a set period — commonly 55 to 99 years.

Leasehold properties often sell at a discount, but they come with ongoing ground rent obligations, lease expiration risk, and difficulty securing conventional financing. When the lease is renegotiated, ground rent can increase dramatically. Leasehold properties are common in Ka'anapali and parts of Kihei. Katrina will identify leasehold status on every property and explain the implications fully before you make any decision.

Yes, absolutely. There are no restrictions on non-US residents or foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Hawaii. However, there are important tax withholding requirements to understand:

• HARPTA (Hawaii Real Property Tax Act): When a non-Hawaii-resident sells property, the buyer must withhold 7.25% of the sales price and remit it to the state as a tax deposit.
• FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act): When a foreign national sells, federal withholding of up to 15% may apply.
• Property Tax Exemptions: The Maui County homeowner exemption (which reduces taxable value by $300,000) is only available to Hawaii residents who occupy the property for 270+ days per year.

Katrina works regularly with international buyers and will connect you with the right tax attorneys and CPAs to structure your purchase correctly.

Closing costs in Hawaii are handled through escrow (there's no closing "table" — documents are signed and notarized remotely). Typical buyer closing costs range from 1% to 3% of the purchase price and may include:

• Escrow fee (split between buyer and seller)
• Title insurance (owner's and lender's policies)
• Loan origination and lender fees (if financing)
• Appraisal and inspection fees
• Conveyance tax (paid by seller, but included in negotiation context)
• Homeowners Association (HOA) transfer fees if applicable
• Prepaid homeowners insurance and property taxes

Katrina will provide a detailed estimated closing cost worksheet for every property you seriously consider, so there are no surprises at closing.

Maui's market remains one of the most supply-constrained luxury island markets in the United States. Limited land availability, strict development regulations, and sustained national and international demand continue to keep inventory low and values resilient.

In premium areas like Wailea and Makena, desirable properties can receive multiple offers within days of listing — particularly those priced competitively. In the $500K–$1.5M range (Kihei, Ka'anapali condos), competition is especially intense from both owner-occupants and investors seeking rental income.

The key to winning in this market: having your financing or proof of funds ready before you find "the one," and having an agent with strong relationships and a proven offer strategy. That's exactly what Katrina brings to every transaction.

Yes — but short-term rental (STR) regulations in Maui are among the most complex in Hawaii and have changed significantly in recent years. Not all properties are legally permitted for short-term rental (less than 180 days). STR permits are tied to specific properties and complex zoning designations (Hotel, Resort, B&B, etc.).

Key considerations:

• Confirm whether a property has an active, transferable STR permit
• Understand the zoning designation and applicable Maui County ordinances
• Consider long-term rental (180+ days) as a lower-risk alternative
• Factor in STR management fees, transient accommodations tax (TAT), and GET

Katrina will identify legally permitted STR properties and connect you with trusted Maui property managers to project realistic rental income before you commit.

Hawaii's tropical climate and volcanic geology make certain inspections especially important — beyond the standard home inspection:

• Termite / WDO (Wood-Destroying Organism) inspection — Mandatory in most Hawaii transactions; Formosan termites are a serious issue
• Mold inspection — High humidity on windward sides makes moisture intrusion common
• Roof inspection — Salt air accelerates deterioration; crucial for oceanfront properties
• Flood zone verification — Check FEMA FIRM maps; Maui County provides a Flood Zone Viewer tool
• Cesspool / Septic inspection — Hawaii has strict cesspool conversion mandates; understand your obligations
• Well water testing — Essential for rural properties in Upcountry and Hana
• Seismic / Lava flow hazard zone check — Hawaii has 9 lava flow zones; know where your property sits

Katrina maintains a trusted network of licensed Maui-based inspectors for every specialty. She coordinates the entire inspection period so you can focus on the exciting parts.

There are over 1,000 licensed real estate agents on Maui. Here's why buyers choose Katrina again and again — and refer their friends and family:

• She lives it. Born and raised on Maui, Katrina's community connections go deeper than any relocating agent's MLS subscription ever could.
• She's exclusive to buyers. As a dedicated buyer's agent (not a dual agent), Katrina's sole obligation is protecting your interests — full stop.
• Off-market access. Her relationships with Maui's top listing agents regularly surface properties before they're publicly available.
• Coldwell Banker muscle. Backed by one of the most recognized brands in global real estate, Katrina's listings and offers carry the credibility that wins deals.
• She speaks investor. Whether you're buying a primary residence or a vacation rental portfolio, she understands the financial analysis behind every purchase.
• She's genuinely aloha. The real estate industry can be transactional. Katrina treats every client like family — with patience, honesty, and heart.

Schedule a no-pressure call with Katrina today →