Brokers Corner with Tanya Chappell

As I sit here reflecting, I can’t help but think — what a great decision it was to purchase that timeshare in Cancun a few years ago at pre-COVID prices! Since buying the timeshare and pairing it with the American Express Bonvoy credit card, we’ve been able to travel year-round without paying for resorts or hotels when staying within the Marriott/Sheraton family.

By putting everyday purchases on our Bonvoy Amex, we rack up enough points to stay 30+ days per year at their stunning properties — and we can trade our Cancun timeshare for almost any destination we want to explore. Every year, Marriott continues to expand its resort offerings, and this year’s pick was Kauai — known as the Garden Island, where over 400 inches of rain fall annually (though usually in brief, 5–10 minute bursts that keep the foliage lush and vibrant).

Kauai has served as the backdrop for blockbusters like Jurassic Park, King Kong, and Pirates of the Caribbean — and once you see the landscapes, you’ll understand why.

Highlights from Our Stay

We explored the island top to bottom, taking two unforgettable excursions:

• A helicopter tour over the Napali Coast and rugged mountain ranges — the only way to view large portions of the island that remain untouched and uninhabitable. We lost count of the waterfalls we saw, and the views of the coastline, hidden beaches, and sea caves were absolutely stunning.

• A catamaran snorkeling tour with the amazing team at Holo Holo Charters, which took us along the Napali Coast and to Lehua Crater off the private island of Ni’ihau. We swam with seals, turtles, colorful reef fish, and yes — even a few (friendly) sharks! The captain and crew were informative, attentive, and made the entire trip unforgettable.

The return trip across 6–8 foot swells added a little “adventure” and a salty layer of ocean spray that made for a wild and memorable end to the day!

We also spent time exploring the island by car. Princeville, where our resort was located, quickly stood out as the most scenic and peaceful town on the island. One of our favorite discoveries was Lumaha’i Beach — a beautiful, nearly empty stretch of coastline with a river flowing into the sea, large rock formations to climb, and deep sand that gave us a serious workout.

Back to Business in Gainesville

This vacation has been the perfect recharge before our busy turnover season begins back home in Gainesville. Between now and September, we’ll see several properties transition between tenants. For each turnover, we conduct a thorough move-out inspection with video documentation, prepare a detailed make-ready list (including paint, cleaning, exterior work, and minor maintenance), and coordinate with trusted vendors to get everything done efficiently.

With over 30 years in the business, we’ve built strong relationships with vendors who prioritize our work and consistently deliver top-notch results — an absolute must for managing quick turnarounds and maintaining client satisfaction.

Market Update

The Gainesville rental market has picked up a bit, and we’ve had success getting homes rented — though it’s no longer the “multiple applications per listing” scenario we saw in the years immediately before and after COVID. A few factors are contributing:

1. Political shifts and policy uncertainty
2. Economic concerns tied to those shifts
3. Higher interest rates compared to recent years

These affect both the rental and sales markets, with many people choosing to wait things out. That said, life goes on — and people still need to move. As long as your property is in good condition and priced appropriately for the current market, it should rent or sell within a reasonable timeframe. In today’s buyer’s market, homes in great condition are selling faster — but if your home needs work and you’re not willing to price aggressively, it may sit longer.

Our team at Secure Investments Realty excels at helping owners update their homes to maximize rental income or sale price. We offer free consultations, assist with design and material choices, gather quotes, and supervise the entire process. If you need help getting your property rent- or sale-ready, we’d love to assist.

Onward to Maui!

We’re about to land in Maui, where we’ll stay at the Wailea Beach Resort — again, free with points! From there, we’ll pick up our Turo convertible Jeep and drive the breathtaking Road to Hana, staying overnight in Hana before making our way back the next day with stops at the Haleakalā Volcano and the famous black sand beach.

Mahalo for taking the time to read this month’s Broker’s Corner. I hope you’re enjoying the start of summer — and if you need help navigating the real estate market, I’m just a phone call away.