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Monte D. Fitts, Realtors celebrates 27 years

By Staff | Oct 15, 2009

The staff of Monte D. Fitts, Realtors: (from left) Karen Kondo, Jessica Valenzuela, Candace Horton, Debbie Fitts, Michelle Fitts, Monte Fitts and Tom Hill (Margaret Sweeney is not pictured).

KAANAPALI — On Oct. 13, 1982, John Cougar’s “Jack & Diane” was the top song of the charts, hit shows such as “Three’s Company” and “Cagney & Lacey” were television favorites, “An Officer and a Gentleman” was a box office smash and basketball sensation Michael Jordan was just bursting on the scene at the University of North Carolina. Here on Maui, Monte & Michelle Fitts were making some history of their own when they opened the doors of Monte D. Fitts, Realtors in Whalers Village for the very first time.

Licensed since 1975, Monte had already spent years as a leading agent for Maui’s largest brokerage, but he felt it was time to strike out on his own. This was a risky venture, considering that while the average price of property on Maui in 1982 was approximately a quarter of its present value, interest rates would rise to 21 percent during this time and unemployment would reach 10.1 percent nationally.

“This was before the Internet, e-mail, even fax machines,” said Monte. “Doing business was about relationships, and, not unlike today, you had to be creative to get deals done.”

It’s these relationships and creativity born of experience that have seen Monte & Michelle through some of the tough times in the market. In 1981, the U.S. economy was in a full recession. The Japanese, who owned large amounts of property on Maui, suffered their own economic downturn in 1991. This was followed shortly thereafter by the Gulf War, which put Americans on edge and kept them close to home.

Now in 2009, a global economic crisis is upon us — the full effects of which may still have not been seen. As a real estate veteran, Monte puts his clients at ease,    

“Every market change creates new opportunities. There is a cyclical nature to the economy, so keep a long-term outlook,” he said.

While much has changed on Maui and in the world during these 27 years, one thing remains the same. Monte and Michelle love Maui, its people and assisting clients in reaching their own goals of property ownership.

One of their favorite properties is The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. As former owners and residents of this beach front condominium, their contacts evolved into a successful vacation rental business: The Whaler Vacation Rental Program.

Michelle said, “We are the constant connection to Maui for our clients. We enjoy seeing owners and rental guests return year after year and sharing this fabulous island lifestyle with them.”

Reflecting on 27 years of business, Monte said, “A good agent can sell one property one time and do well for himself in the short term. But a great agent puts the needs and interests of the client first, building trust and credibility to create into a long-term business relationship.” 

It is this philosophy on which Monte D. Fitts, Realtors was built, and one that will continue to serve them well for the next quarter-century.

Serving West Maui for 27 years, Monte D. Fitts, Realtors specializes in golf course, beach front and residential properties from Lahaina Town to Kapalua Bay. Put our expertise to work for you by calling toll-free at (877) 808-8484, locally at (808) 661-8863 or visit our office conveniently located in Whalers Village, Suite A-1.  Search for properties online at www.montefittsrealtors.com.