It’s a hot market here in Hawai‘i, so we check in with real estate power couple Gerrit and Yvienne Peterson as they celebrate the opening of The Agency Maui.
The Spalding House, formerly known as the Honolulu Museum of Art, is on the market. HOME PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTHIE KAMINSKAS
“Maui is one of the country’s premier luxury real estate destinations for both local and second-home buyers,” says Mauricio Umansky, CEO and founder of The Agency, who recently celebrated the opening of the global real estate firm’s first office in Maui. “Expanding our footprint on the island is an exciting next chapter for The Agency.” Leading the team are Maui’s acclaimed luxury real estate agents and managing partners Gerrit and Yvienne Peterson, who both bring over 20 years of experience to their new role at The Agency Maui. “We are thrilled to be a part of The Agency family and showcase the brand’s unmatched offerings to our clients,” says Yvienne Peterson. “We are confident our clients will know and feel the difference.” Here, we ask the dynamic duo what it means to bring the brand’s offerings to Maui and some insight on how the market stands today. The Shops at Wailea, 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Ste. A27, Wailea, Maui, theagencyre.com
CEO Mauricio and Kyle Umansky with managing partners at The Agency Maui Gerrit and Yvienne Peterson (at left ). PHOTO BY DANLEE ROSAL PHOTOGRAPHY
What are you most excited about as The Agency comes to Maui? YP: Being born and raised in Maui, I am so excited to introduce the very first Agency office here in Hawai‘i. We look forward to further providing boutique concierge service and cutting-edge technology to buyers and sellers in the thriving communities of Maui and across Hawai‘i.
How will The Agency enhance the buying experience for clients? GP: The luxury real estate market in Maui needs the unparalleled resources and marketing capabilities of The Agency, and we have received a very positive response to the brand on the island. The Agency Maui will bring a new era of luxury real estate to Hawai‘i that has not been seen before.
How does the luxury real estate market in Hawai‘i stand right now? YP: Any home is the dream home when it’s by the beach in Maui. That was certainly the sentiment among buyers as demand reached an all-time high and inventory dipped low in 2021. Since the pandemic, luxury buyers came in droves, hitting record-breaking numbers in sales with higher-priced homes, even a couple above the $40 million mark and numerous above $15 million, moving faster than before the pandemic. The luxury market in Hawai‘i continues to experience unprecedented demand and record low inventory. Homes are selling way above asking with multiple offers.
The Spalding House is an unparalleled opportunity for the discerning art collector or luxury real estate buyer. PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTHIE KAMINSKAS
What area of the homes is the most sought after? YP: The hottest commodities are spectacular views and proximity to the beach. Outdoor spaces continue to remain top of mind, with swimming pools and other outdoor amenities being the most sought after.
Have you found a change in what buyers are seeking? GP: Destination markets like Hawai‘i experienced unprecedented demand as remote workers opted to enjoy resort-style living and work or school from their lanai. They snapped up vacation homes they could enjoy more oft en and then rent out as income properties for the rest of the year. The rental market across the island was at an all-time high as demand again outpaced supply. As a result, people have been looking for larger homes with space for extended family. Additional rooms for a home office or a chef-caliber kitchen with a walk-in pantry are also top requests.
What should one look for in a realtor? YP: First and foremost, experience. Experience is crucial, especially in the competitive market we are in today. The second is knowledge. Agents should be able to answer any questions and serve as true advisers to clients. Agents must be up to date on the current market trends to best navigate clients through a successful home sale or purchase. Third is being proactive. No transaction is the same, so it is essential for agents to be proactive and be prepared to handle any situation that may arise. Finally, I believe being personable is a very valuable trait. Buying a home is one of the most emotional experiences one experiences in their life. A client should feel connected with their agent, and agents should be personable with local business professionals to skillfully close a deal.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RUTHIE KAMINSKAS
Perched above Honolulu on 3.44 acres of land with views of Diamond Head and city lights below, Honolulu Academy of Arts founder Anna Rice Cooke built the Spalding House in 1925 as a residential property, naming it Nuumealani (Heavenly Terrace). Cooke’s daughter Alice Spalding acquired it in 1934, and in 1968 the property was purchased by the Honolulu Museum of Art. This extraordinary home features a pool, auxiliary offices, a director’s residence, studio, mature gardens and more.
2411 Makiki Heights Drive
$13,988,000
7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
13,253 square feet
CONTACT The Agency
Maui’s newest agent,
Ruthie Kaminskas on O‘ahu,
[email protected]
Photography by:
