Hawaii Real Estate | Hawaii Relocations | Hawaii Home Buying & Selling

When I first started in the real estate business, I was told by many ‘to keep my emotions out of business’.  For the life of me, I don’t understand why I got so wrapped up and worried about something that was going wrong in the transaction.  I wanted everything to just run smoothly. I lost sleep from playing out hypothetical scenarios in the middle of the night. 

With eyes wide open,  the ‘what ifs’ danced in my head.

There are situations that are beyond my control.  No matter how much I worried or wanted to make things happen I could not control anyone else involved in the transaction.  Appraisers did not get their report in fast enough. The loan officer or the agent on the other side would not return calls on status.  How can I  ‘make’ them do their job?  

The only one I have control of in any given situation is…MYSELF.

One day I realized that I no longer stressed myself out and that I took things in stride. I was still detail oriented, organized and anal about doing everything by the book. I still went above and beyond for my clients except MINUS THE STRESS.  So, what was I doing different? 

Along the way I regrouped and took on the challenges of working with other people:

I no longer try to control situations I had no control over. (no worrying!)

Instead of worrying, I just do my part and that’s all I can do. I accept that.

I accept that the appraiser would get in his report …when it got in.

I patiently wait for VA to send in their NOV (Notice of Value)

I patiently wait for a call back, while emailing a follow up as well.

If there is something I can do to make the transaction go smoothly, I do it. 

If a party to the transaction needs help, I offer my help.

If my client needed a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, I am there.

If I am yelled at I politely tell them I do not deserve to be yelled at.

If I still don’t get a return call ….. I just keep trying.

If I feel stress coming on….. I scream in a pillow. (lol…not)

Breathe.....

NO TWO TRANSACTIONS WILL EVER BE ALIKE.   I am a continuous work in progress and I know that every day in real estate (as in life) I will have many learning lessons.  Things aren’t always going to be the way I would like and there will be curve balls at every turn.

No matter what the situation may be….

It’s all in the manner of how I handle it.

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A well deserved feature ….written by DEBE Maxwell.  Anywhere you go or what you experience in your lifetime…will ALWAYS be what you make it. By far ActiveRain has been my place for almost FIVE years to blog, learn about anything from Real Estate to SEO and Keywords to marketing, staging and more.

We connect with other members and we try and do our best to make sure that they are a TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE so remember…you can use your SEARCH right here on ActiveRain and get a wealth of information right at your fingertips.

If you feel you need more help there is our ActiveRain University Training Calendar that you can check out for TONS and TONS of INFORMATION.  Each class is a one hour power-packed session intended to help you learn about different areas of the Real Estate and Social Media Industries. We have classes that are created and built around technology tools and training, and others that are designed by successful Industry Professionals who use tools and tips they share successfully. Help available.

If you’re going to pay for help YOU KNOW ActiveRain University is a TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE! 

In the meantime…read Debe’s testimonial and reflections on her experience here in the RAIN!

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After writing this post How Does One Pick a TRUSTWORTHY Source on ActiveRain?   the day before yesterday I started thinking I should have added a couple of great links to those I admire for their tutorials.  Brad Andersohn is one of the very few members on ActiveRain that I TRUST for information….ESPECIALLY with SEO, KEYWORDS, and HOW TO Videos to teach all the members on ActiveRain.

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Like I said in that post…

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS !

Bottom line is that ActiveRain has a WEALTH of information here. You can go to your SEARCH to get that wealth of information but most importantly, when referring your important client ask other members what they think of the person you are thinking about referring to!  If you are a consumer the best advice I can give is there are good talkers but do they actually walk the talk?  READ, READ and READ…you will be educated in no time who may be the right choice for you! 

Be careful who you choose.

It could mean the difference between services you can trust…

OR a bum deal from a poor choice.

…………………So believe me when I say…you need to research to Pick a Trustworthy Source for anything….especially when you can get a wealth of information…RIGHT HERE ON ACTIVERAIN by going to your SEARCH. 

Trustworth Source?  Try Brad Andersohn’s blog…you’ll learn PLENTY!

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Being a Dedicated and Loyal Member of ActiveRain for the past (almost) FIVE years means that I have a little (well, maybe a lot) of information to share with all the NEW MEMBERS and well as some older members too. It DOES NOT mean I am any other expert just because I’m a long time member. You will come to that conclusion after talking and meeting with me.

TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE?

As always, it’s not the length of time one has been a Real Estate agent but the quality of the services given as seasoned Real Estate Agents that will make all the difference in the world. It’s that quality of service that will precede our closed transactions with a good reputation.

As a Member of ActiveRain it will always be the quality of the information written that will mean all the difference in the world in getting information out to the consumer. It is this FACTUAL and quality content that everyone will read in determining who to choose to represent them or other agent’s clients.

QUALITY vs. QUANTITY.

I’m comparing the real estate agent (or you can insert your real estate profession) and being a member of ActiveRain for obvious reasons. This is a REAL Estate Network. (notice how I capitalize the REAL?)  and we connect with our peers of the real estate industry right here.

BUT, the buck doesn’t stop there does it?  When interviewing REALTORS®, Stagers, Loan Officers, Escrow Companies, SEO experts, Real Estate Coaches, Professional Photographers, Home Inspectors (okay, you get the drift….all real estate professionals) take into consideration that we can’t always take the written word or everything we see on television as a testimony of the quality and level of service that particular professional will give.

ULTIMATELY, IT WILL BE YOUR CHOICE.

Following are a few tips and hints in your search for another REALTOR®, Real Estate Professional or whatever services they are trying to sell you:

•  Recommendations and Referrals.  Get a FEW numbers of past clients, customers or other agents (or professionals) in the real estate industry with whom you can follow up with. When referring our clients to any other professional make sure you have personal knowledge and information on past transactions, services and so forth. Ask other older members about the person whom you’re inquiring about. In fact, search out a few agents or professionals and interview a few!
• Google their name (remember to clear your cache to get a clear and concise search) and see if there are any complaints. At the very least make sure they are all who they say they are and not just reading the articles by the person you are searching for. Remember, anyone can write about themselves and how good they are…but is it true?
• Make sure they are licensed and certified! If you are unsure if your Agent is licensed or certified…right off the bat you can go to www.arello.com to find your REALTOR. If anything the professional should be able to back up their ‘credentials’.  I am a licensed REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® in the State of Hawaii, Member of the National Association of Realtors®, Member of the Honolulu Board of Realtors®, Member of the Hawaii Association of Realtors®, Certified Residential Specialist®. These are just a few ways but when doing your online shopping it is pertinent to GET TO KNOW the PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORDS!
• MOST IMPORTANTLY:  See if your contact is actually listening to you! Ask them pertinent questions that will ensure you that they are telling you what they will do for you, that they KNOW what services you are expecting from them…instead of just reciting things about themselves.  It isn’t all about ME…it’s about YOU and what I will do for you.

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS !

Bottom line is that ActiveRain has a WEALTH of information here. You can go to your SEARCH to get that wealth of information but most importantly, when referring your important client ask other members what they think of the person you are thinking about referring to!  If you are a consumer the best advice I can give is there are good talkers but do they actually walk the talk?  READ, READ and READ…you will be educated in no time who may be the right choice for you! 

Be careful who you choose.

It could mean the difference between services you can trust…

OR a bum deal from a poor choice.

Mililani Townis the only community in Hawaii in 1986 to receive the distinction of "All American City" and is centrally located on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and to all US Military Bases as well. About 5-10 minutes up Highway 99 is Schofield Barracks (Army) and Wheeler AAF (Army), Hickam AFB and Pearl Harbor Navy Base is about 20-25 minutes down H-2 to H-1 Freeway. Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station is up and over the H-3 Freeway.

We’ve definitely had a turn of events throughout 2011 in regards to our Mililani Housing Market. We’ve had ups and downs and turn around but needless to say the market may be turning back to a seller’s market soon.

Inventory is lower than a year ago and prices are slowly regaining ground. Interest rates have gone up a bit and I can safely presume that they aren’t going to be at this level in months to come. 

Let’s take a look at the past year………..

Year to Date Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

Mililani Single Family Home Market Report 2011:  We have 54 Active listings and 23 in contract for the first few days in January of 2012. Mililani has had about the same number of solds from 222 in 2010 with 215 single family homes sold in 2011.   Sales Prices Ranged from $385,000 (2 bedroom “attached” home) to $1,010,000 (5 bedroom home) in Mililani Mauka. Average Days on the Market was 61 days for 2011 compared to 54 in 2010. 

Mililani Condo Statistics for 2011: We have 54 Active condos/townhouses on the market and a promising 44 properties in contract for the first few days of 2012. We sold 250 condos in 2011 compared to 252 condos/townhouses in 2010!  Sales Prices ranged from $79,500 (1 bedroom condo) to $455,000 (3 bdrm townhouse). Average Days on the Market were 67 days!

Mililani has had a consistent market during the last two years. The start of 2012 shows a promising active market with so many in contract and getting ready to close. The only difference is that the condo/townhouse listing inventory has shown a big decline at the start of this year with only 54 on the market compared to last year of 104!

For those Hawaii Home Buyers who are sitting on the fence … do the math on low prices now compounded with VERY low interest rates compared to those same prices with a higher interest rate in previous years. The math is clear, so if your current situation is in a buy mode…I’d say jump off that fence!

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As independent contractors, we each have our own business models; and clearly my first priority is to think in the best interests of my clients.  There are no cutting corners while representing a buyer/seller in residential sales and it does not rely solely on….money.

Clearly we all have our own opinions; we are only human and do not think the same. Therefore, our business models will not be the same. The following points were made from a series of blogs I’ve read during my time here on ActiveRain and are clearly NOT what I agree with and are NOT part of my business model:

• We are no different than any other professional (i.e. doctors, attorneys etc.) and therefore, should not ever negotiate our commission.  The reasoning is that doctors and attorneys don’t ever negotiate their fees. Uh, yes they do. I worked for a Family Law Attorney for many years and she DID negotiate her fees for those in need.  There are doctors who do the same for those in need as well.
• We are the same as the utility company (cable, electric etc) and therefore, should not ever negotiate a meeting time. This writer’s reasoning is that utility company GIVES you a specific time, so we should be able to TELL them a certain time or too bad. HUH?  The utility company has employed workers and they have a set schedule. WE have the flexibility to work around a client’s schedule and our own!
• Another agent that negotiates their commission will not be able to negotiate for their client. That’s ludicrous! Paying out a referral fee is also ‘negotiating’ our commission! Giving something for a referral or negotiating commission does not mean my or any other agent’s ability to negotiate for our clients is somehow tainted! 
• We all got into this business to make money and helping people get their dream home is a side benefit.  WE ALL are working to make a living although MANY of the agents/brokers that I know put their client’s needs first.  It is not a side benefit…it’s the main priority!  Our reputation is built on our services to our clients and the side benefit is the ‘paycheck’!

Closing doors eliminates the possibility for future opportunities.

As independent contractors we have the flexibility to work with our clients or pick and choose. It doesn’t mean any one agent’s business model is better than the other.  It just means that I will get the clients the others refused to meet at a certain time, refused to answer their phone for (or return a call), refused to negotiate on commission, refused to give a referral fee to or refused to chip in on when a client doesn’t have money for a few minor repairs.

It just means this Mililani Real Estate Agent:

 Will have opportunities from other agents or brokerages for referrals.

Will keep my doors open for future opportunities this client will bring.

Will not close my doors for one who is in need of my services.

...Because I am.... A PROFESSIONAL.

After working on a couple of transactions through Relocation Companies who refer clients to me, I have no qualms regarding the ‘fees’ they charge.  WHY?  Our commission is always negotiable.  For another, I’ve gotten referrals from other brokerages that desire the same % for their referral fees anyway.

And bottom line….something is better than nothing.

Many of you will not agree although if you’re in a market where the agent to household ratio is one agent to every ten households (okay, a little exaggerated but it sure seems that way sometimes lol) you're happy when a referral comes in.  In any case, what’s the difference between a relocation company fees and a brokerage referral fee?

In this market, the seller is most likely upside down (regardless if on loan or losing money they put into the property) if they bought during the years of the boom. 

It was a BOOM indeed, as that boom created a crash unlike any other in the real estate market in my lifetime. 

And now…there are government workers who need to relocate back to the mainland (Continental U.S.) and use the services of a relocation company in selling their home so they can ‘save’ on much of the closing costs in hopes they may ‘break even’. 

If it can save the seller some heartache for the loss they will be taking and by all means to avoid a short sale…. I am there for them.  If they put thousands of dollars into the home and can ‘save’ a few bucks going through a relocation company…by all means, I most likely would do the same thing if put in that position.

Helping, servicing and sometimes giving back…..

Carol Grub, Cyndee Haydon and friends started a project and I was contacted by Cyndee regarding “THE JAMIE & LILIAN CAULK MEMORIAL PROJECT” for our friend and fellow member Missy Caulk and her family .  There was no hesitation from me  to ‘get the word out’!!! 

Missy Caulk, mother of Jamie and grandmother of Lilian, experienced a grief that is unimaginable to me as I have not experienced the loss of a child or grandchild.  This loss and tragedy happened to Missy’s family within a few weeks time of each other with first the loss of her son Jamie in late October, and then her lovely granddaughter Lilian, who passed away suddenly in early November.   

The Caulk family has a family unity and strength I have only seen in a few families and I was amazed at how they pulled together and supported each other through this time. It gave me a renewed outlook at how families pull together during times of grief and tragedy.

You can read more here:

1. Family, friends remember Saline native who died after crash in Tennessee
2. Family mourns loss of 11-week old Lilian Caulk, niece of recent crash victim Jamie Caulk
3. We remember Jamie Caulk

 I have known Missy since I started blogging on ActiveRain in March of 2007, and she was one of the first members to comment on my blog. I felt welcomed and though I did not know at the time, she would eventually become mother in law to one of my good friends, Bob Stewart (whose son, Kelan I ‘adopted’ as a grandson and am Gramma Sally in Hawaii), who married Missy’s daughter, Christa Caulk-Stewart. 

CYNDEE's VIDEO......

ActiveRain will continue to be a driving force for all of us to not just do business with,  but to connect with on a personal level and become that ‘family unity’ when times as this arise for one of our members.  It is with this knowledge at how our ActiveRain Community comes together not only in business but in times of need that we all are passing the word on  “THE JAMIE & LILIAN CAULK MEMORIAL PROJECT” that started with Carol Grubb who told Cyndee about their local plan to dedicate a park bench in a special place in Jamie and Lillie Bear’s honor.

So how can you help?

3 Ways...

1.  Continue to pray for the Caulk family

2.Help get the word out by sharing this post on Facebook, Active Rain, Twitter to those that know Missy, Christa, Jamie, Bob and all the Caulks or consider doing your own blog post

3.Make a donation

How to Make a Donation (no gift is too small):

Make checks payable to "The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund"
Mail those checks to:

Carol Grubb
3647 W. Greenook Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Or send a Paypal (as a gift so all funds go to them) to: cyndeehaydon@gmail.com and put "The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund" in the memo.

Along with your donation, Carol has requested each person's name or names & email addresses because she will be giving the Caulk's a card from everyone and she also wants to keep you informed of the details of the upcoming picnic / dedication that is being planned for early to mid-May when the bench is ready.

Thank you all in advance, and a very Happy Holiday to all of you…

… and your families too!

Active Duty or Veterans of the Armed Forces have their VA Home Loan benefits for a little or no money down loan program to purchase a Hawaii home . (provided they are within lender guidelines).

The Veteran’s Administration is not a loan company and you will still have to get preapproved for a loan from a local lender. VA guarantees the Local Lender that they will reimburse the lender a percentage should the veteran default on their loan. (not that you will right?)

The following steps are what this Real Estate Professional helps you with in order to make your Relocation to Hawaii, Real Estate Home Buying Experience and VA Loan Process a smooth process.

·         Contact a Local Hawaii Lender (if you do not have one I can refer you to a few who are well qualified in the State of Hawaii) to submit your information and documents to get preapproved for your VA Home Loan. Let the  Loan Officer know what you are comfortable with for monthly mortgage payments as this helps determine what price range for properties you should be looking for. The loan officer will let you and your REALTOR®  know what you are preapproved for and in what price range to search for properties.

·         Let your agent know what other criteria you are looking for. For example,  # bedrooms, # of baths, sq. ft. interior or land, parking, single family or condo/townhouse that you desire.  With your price range determined and your criteria in place your REALTOR® will have enough information to send you listings to start your Hawaii Home Search

·         Get all your financial paperwork together so you are prepared when you arrive.  Pack your important documents in your carry on bag including last two months bank statements, last two years W-2’s, complete month of LES’s (pay stubs) and important documents you will need to submit for your loan!  (Get a list of documents you’ll need from your loan officer that you already have in place)

·         Start your loan process before you get here so you will have everything in place when you submit an offer for a loan. The loan process is the lengthy and of course an important part of the transaction so it is better to be proactive in your process. You will also NEED a preapproval letter to submit with the Purchase Contract as well.

·         Appointments are made by this Realtor® and off we go in search of your new home!  When you decide that you would like to put in an offer we will go through the whole 12 page (plus addendums) Purchase Contract and submit it to the seller’s agent to present to the seller.

·         Offer is accepted and your VA Loan Process begins!  You will meet with your Loan Officer to submit any other documentation needed for your VA Loan process packet. Then it goes to Underwriting to process the initial packet and order the appraisal with a VA approved appraiser.

·         The Condominium and/or Subdivision Association Documents will be ordered immediately after acceptance of the offer and in the buyer’s hands within 10-14 days after acceptance. This agent will make copies of the Budget, last three Association minutes and the Property Information form (RR105C) and submit it to the lender. They need these documents per VA Loan Guidelines and process for your loan.  (these documents will show how the Association budgets their money in reserve. % of owner occupants, any pending concerns or litigation going on and so forth)

·         VA Appraiser submits the appraisal report to VA and VA will issue their NOV (Notice of Value) There may or many not be conditions to fulfill (i.e. any repairs needed) and will have a value on the property as determined by the appraiser5.

·         Provided your loan process goes smoothly you should have a Conditional Loan Commitment Letter within 3-4 weeks in contract. This is an approval of your loan with Conditions. Maybe you need to submit a couple of more documents or the appraisal is not in yet or the survey and termite inspection are not done yet. These are the types of conditions that will be listed on this letter.

·         Within two weeks after the Conditional  Loan Commitment letter is issued all the conditions should be complete for signing documents with escrow and the loan officer. Not to worry! I attend all signings with you.

In Hawaii, we do not sign at the same time as the Seller due to conflict of interest and we sign approximately four – five days before recording. After the signing, the loan officer takes the notarized and signed documents to go through processing and within 2.5 days the Lender should have funded the money for your loan to the escrow company.

When escrow receives all monies funded by the lender , then they will take the documents to the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu to record. The Bureau of Conveyances needs two days for recording  and we usually get word between 8-10am.

At that time of recording clearance, the home is legally yours and I will have already retrieved all keys, garage door openers and documents pertaining to the house in hand.

Congratulations!

You are a new homeowner!

Remember…our relationship does not stop here. I am always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have and help you with all your real estate needs.

There are Laws we learn in Real Estate School and that we PRACTICE every day as licensees.  I admit it…I AM ANAL about abiding by our Real Estate Laws and following our COE. There are no cutting corners in real estate for me and it irritates me when there are others that do….blatantly.

Common ‘Mistakes’ or Blatant Disregard?

Breaking the Law:  When one gets arrested, charged and convicted for drunk driving, doing drugs, not paying taxes on commission (In Hawaii we have to pay not only State and Federal Taxes but General Excise Taxes too!) stealing etc. you are not only risking your license…but will ruin your reputation. Being a law abiding citizen should not be a problem anyway.

Cutting Corners:   Initialing and/or dating documents ‘for your clients’ because you are too lazy or embarrassed that you made a mistake or missed something is a ”shame on you”.  Get off your behind and do it right.  In my book, it’s the same as forging and if it comes back to bite you in the butt…you can only blame yourself.

Unlicensed Activity: There are many friends, relatives and acquaintances who believe they can do a better job than we do. Ha!  Well, instead of ‘talking’ they need to take the proper steps to becomes licensed and give the correct information. Same goes for those claiming to be contractors or any other professional that requires licensing and they are not.

REALTORS® follow a Strict Code of Ethics:  I’m sure the majority do and bottom line is that if each individual lives by good daily morals and values then there will be no problem following the COE. Following our laws, rules in communities and our place of employment is just something that comes naturally. If it doesn’t then you have a problem.

Support our Real Estate Industry….

…..and just ‘DO THE RIGHT THING’.

Sometimes, we just get ONE chance to ‘prove ourselves’ during that initial meeting on the phone or in person. It could be a call from a Military Family Relocating to Hawaii and inquiring about their VA Loan home loan benefits and buying a home in Hawaii.  It could be a call from a Mililani Home Seller asking if we can schedule an appointment for an ‘interview’ in regards to selling their home

That first impression could be the difference between just a lead or securing a client.

How’s about when we’re searching for just that right real estate agent or loan officer to referr our client to who is relocating to the mainland (Continental United States) and they don’t even answer their phone or call back?  How’s about not even a return email? Guess what…they don’t get this or any future calls either.

ANSWER MY PHONE/TEXT:  More often than not I answer my phone and I get a surprised response from the caller saying, “I can’t believe you actually answered your phone!”  (or called me back right away after I text you) Yup, I’m one of “those agents” that answers my phone or calls right back and it made the difference to continue a conversation and possibly gain a new client! It can give them the an eased mind knowing that they will have a professional who is ….REACHABLE.

SEASONED IN MY PROFESSION:  Ask question, listen to their needs and wants and give them straightforward advice. There is no such thing as candy coating a situation in real estate. A buyer has to get preapproved (especially with the strict lending criteria now days) for a loan before even starting to look for a home and a seller has to know that their home is only going to sell for market value.  It’s the difference between setting realistic goals and either wasting or valuing everyone’s time involved.  COMMUNICATION.

PROFICIENT ON THE PC/INTERNET:  It’s no known secret that Real Estate is computer based for searching for listings, writing up contracts, marketing a home and emailing back and forth to get documents back in a timely manner.  While on the phone with that initial lead contact I am already researching comps or setting them up to peruse listings in their neighborhood of choice. A client, escrow or loan officer needs a document asap and I have it flying to them by email in a manner of minutes.   PROFICIENT IN TECHNOLOGY.

BEING THERE TO SUPPORT THEM:  Whether relocating to a totally different place across the Pacific Ocean to just emotional ties to a home they have to sell, they are all are expecting some kind of emotional support during this often stressful time. If it’s just to lend an ear or giving loads of information to set their mind at ease then I’m there. They need to know that they have a seasoned and competent professional assisting them in one of the most important decisions in their lifetime …and that I am there for them. It doesn’t take much to take my job one step further.  EMPATHY.

These are just a few ‘qualities’ that I have that sets me apart from the rest.  The consumer can tell by that first initial contact if I will be the one who will be there for them with a listening ear, knowledge and understanding of my Hawaii Real Estate Laws and Purchase Contracts and the transaction process.

They know by that first initial contact that I will market their home and give their property maximum exposure on the internet as well as holding Open Houses (YES, THEY WORK HERE!). They know I am I have empathy in their particular situation. I communicate well and listen to their wants and needs.  I AM REACHABLE.

That FIRST IMPRESSION is important in our business.

That FIRST IMPRESSION will either give me business

….or NOT.

I was in awe! I ran to grab my camera!  I could not ask for a better way to end my day.. than with a spectacular sun setting in the distance….and capturing this moment to share with all of you.

These are the moments when I stop…take a breath …and realize that I just took a moment to be grateful for the little things.

Have a wonderful weekend ActiveRainers!

Blogging on ActiveRain has been a long road that brought me business as well as connecting with my peers. Blogging meant that I make my own ‘POP’ with content that will attract readers who wanted to know more about real estate, my local area and certainly ….a bit about me.  Blogging isn’t just about me either.

With consistency, dedication and a whole lot of hard work…

Came business from the consumer and referrals from my peers.

We all want to have many featured posts, to  accumulate lots of  points and have LOTS of readers and business from our blogs. Well, here’s a bit of news. It doesn’t come easy! 

Writing on ActiveRain about my local area and real estate are a given but I started thinking  about this……  My blog has to have a personal side to it because it defines WHO I AM as a person!  It’s WHO the consumer will call because they read a bit about WHO I AM …and the person behind these written words.

I have to make my own POP to my blog…

…. and everything else will follow.

QUALITY CONTENT!  This is NUMERO UNO on the list for creating readership.   Writing a few words that have no real substance ( just to get a few points) will not create long lasting readership.   Believe me when I say we can see underneath those few meaningless words.  Your content will come from your heart, mind and soul…and you will create your OWN magic when being REAL! Transparency. When writing a variety of topics, write as if you are conversing with the reader.   

ADD VISUALS!  I take MANY pictures of our Hawaiian scenery (ocean, flowers, historic sites etc), local areas and just …stuff around me.  Entering pictures into my blog gives the story a visual and personal side to my area and WHO I AM.  A picture will give me idea of what to write about too! (i.e. A picture of a path through the woods could present a story about my pathway to professionalism)  Get out there and take your own pictures to use in your own blog.

COMMENT ON THEIR BLOGS TOO!  You want readership?  Go and comment on others blogs too! Don’t just leave a ‘thanks for the post’ or ‘good post’. READ it before commenting…and I mean REALLY read it. Don’t just skim and leave a comment that has nothing to do with the whole story. Don’t expect to receive comments if you don’t give them too.  Connecting with others in the community means to interact with them too!

These are just a few tidbits to start with amongst using great titles, tags and keywords for a blog. The rest doesn’t come easy but these are my own person rules of thumb for Making My Own Magic in the World of Blogging:

• Write with conviction, wit, humor, passion because everyone will read you if you do.
• Write with original content and your own pictures that you created yourself because everyone will read if you do.  (and remember, PLAGIARISM means Stealing! Do not copy and paste someone else’s words, photos or videos!)
• Write with wit, humor and emotion because everyone will read you if you do.  
• Write with the intent of giving back to the community because everyone will read you and give back to you and the community too. It’s not just about me, me and me. It’s about you too!
• Write with integrity, honesty and respect because everyone deserves it and so do you.  
• Write a comment or two for the post you just read (show sincerity) and everyone will continue to come back and read yours too.
• Write from your own thoughts with facts and not assumptions because no one will read you if you don't.  

Having a Blog that Pops….

Is better than a Blog that Flops.

It’s really up to YOU.

I am thankful for clicking on the Contest Announcement and realizing that this theme is something I would definitely like to write about.

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Thanksgiving Day  is a time when we all think about what we are thankful and grateful for.  Before I start,  I want to clarify that these are things that I am grateful for from the time I wake up in the morning EVERY day, until I lay my head down to sleep EVERY night.

Let me start from the beginning…..

There was a time in my life that I did not really know how to be thankful or grateful.  My life revolved around what others thought of me, and what I could do for them…. in order for me to feel good about myself. It was this kind of thinking that dictated the way I felt about myself and it was this kind of thinking that would ultimately break down my inner self.

If I do not love myself, how can I love others?

Spirituality came from within. Over a period of time I became spiritually ...bankrupt....until one day I realized that in order for me to live life on life’s terms it meant that I had to work on myself from the inside. I had to reach deep into my very being and repair the damage of a low self esteem. I discovered that I needed to cross that bridge and find my own inner path that would lead to the meaning of my very existence.

Only then….did my soul start to breathe.

My repairing soul has a positive source of light that shines from within self and my heart began to sing. With an open mind to make good choices there was nothing in the world that could stop me from reaching for the stars. I began to ‘grow up’.  I always keep in mind that I have to have  to keep growing (keep learning, keep working on self) so I don’t become stagnant.

Without all those troubling times, I would not be the woman I am today.   I am thankful for loving myself enough to take the risk to try another way.  A new way of thinking to create new beliefs and different behaviors that followed.   CHANGE.   

CHANGE.

There is nothing constant in this world except CHANGE.

 Sometimes it takes a tragedy to allow one to think about all the things they should be thankful for. Sometimes it is just the 'want' to be a better human being.  Mine was both. My spiritual being now contained qualities that started from inside me and I learned how to do things for myself.  Including loving myself. Only then was I able to love others. I have compassion, forgiveness, patience and tolerance (believe me this is all a work in progress!) responsibility and concern and caring for others.

This spiritual inner growth began  to manifest outside of me.

Simply, working on myself from the inside….and everything else follows.  

There isn’t a day that passes by that I am not thankful and grateful for my husband Gary, who supports me in every way imaginable in a marriage and being my best friend. I am thankful for all my family, my mom, my children and for the miracle of birth and my grandson Brayden. Because without family there isn’t that reward of being a ‘part of’.

I am thankful for the little things. A rainbow, the sun shining and the budding of a rose in my garden. I live simply and give to others to see a happy smile on their face. I help others and the reward of appreciation radiates in my "you're welcome".

I am thankful for the breath of life every day so I can enjoy everything around me. This is what living life to the fullest means.  Being thankful for everything I have....not for want of more.

Without a healthy sense of self…there will be nothing.

I know….Because I’ve been there.

I will always remember where I came from…

…..And where I want to go.

I am Thankful.

Disclosure: This post is a submission to the DocuSign/ActiveRain Thankful Contest. It's possible I will win a prize for writing this post. You could win a prize too by going to the Contest Announcement and sharing your own story.

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It’s one thing to be aware of other’s imperfections. It's definitely another story to see the flaws in another and then turn around and poke fun at them or call them names.

Who REALLY is the ‘Professional’ here?

Everyone has unique attributes and characteristics that define us as individuals.  Every single person on this planet also has MANY flaws and imperfections.  One may have one flaw that another lacks and that same person may have a talent that another lacks.

We all are unique.

Before poking fun at another’s imperfections and saying they’re unprofessional, why not instead offer a helping hand?   Realize that by publicly humiliating another person online it is at the same time showing the unprofessional manner of the person doing the name calling and pointing fingers.

Pointing one finger at others…

And you will have ten fingers pointing back at you.

I’m one of those people that gets a little…just a little… attached to most living things. It may sound silly although when I put my heart and soul into nurturing a living thing it becomes a part of me. It’s who  I am and definitely stands for the kind of person I am.

I nurture all my plants in my little fenced yard. About 3 years ago I nurtured a palm and then donated it to our community to take the place of a diseased tree they had to get rid of.  They exchanged the bare spot with my palm and it has flourished and grown to almost 20 feet!  It shades my bedroom window and it not only benefit our community ….but our shading comfort.

Well, I nurtured a fig tree for the past four years and it grew in a very big pot to 7 feet. One day I noticed that it was unusually flourishing, very very green and getting very very TALL.  I tried to turn the pot around so it got sun on the other side and …it wouldn’t move. Apparently, the roots cracked the bottom and my fig tree really took off into the ground.  Just a very happy camper indeed!

Well, it’s too big for our little fenced yard and we definitely cannot plant into the ground in our little yard (against association rules) so my husband cut the roots and I put an ad in Craigslist the night before last to give my tree to a loving home.   YES. FREE TO A GOOD HOME.

It wasn’t but a half hour later and I received a call.   I “interviewed” the caller and asked what he planned to do with the tree. After feeling comfortable that my tree would be going to a good home we made arrangement for him to pick it up the next evening.

“Byron” was a good man and he planned to plant it in his HUGE yard with the hopes it would be a nice shade tree for the kids and his doggies. He whipped out a wad of bills and wanted to give me money and I refused and I told him I just wanted my tree to go to a good home. I handed him my card and his eyes lit up. He knew a lot of people and surely he would be able to refer someone to me.

Although a little sad for having to give it up....

I’m just happy my fig tree went to a good home.

Gardeners are good at nurturing....

Just think what we do in business!

Century 21 Liberty Homes is located in the Mililani Shopping Center at 95-221 Kipapa Drive Ste E-3, Miliani Town, Hawaii 96789.  While doing some work I happened to look out the front window and saw the preschoolers dressed in their Halloween costumes and parading around the center.

Come to Mililani Shopping Center on Halloween, October 31, 2011 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. You can bring your keiki (children) from shop to shop for trick or treating on both sides of the shopping center (95-390 Kuahelani Ave. and 95-221 Kipapa Drive)

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We live in a Townhouse Community and as all other Association we not only have rules to follow but rules of our own as well.  After past issues with leaks of our own as well as from our neighbors we found out QUICKLY what we need to do to ensure that we prevent further damage to our unit. We also found out QUICKLY that the things we needed to do also made us good neighbors and therefore made for a better community to live in as well.

Preventative Measures to take for Potential Problems:

1. Condo Insurance is a must (and affordable!) Even though our association has condo insurance that is included in our maintenance fees for the common elements (common land, beams, foundation, stairwells, roofs, parking, elevators, main power and plumbing, ducts and whatever else as determined by the declaration) it does not include the inside of the unit!
2. As a townhouse/condo owner we have an obligation to repair and fix our problems immediately.  A Townhouse/Condo Association requires us to follow steps to insure that during a plumbing/electrical/safety hazard problem we protect ourselves and our neighbors from further damage and safety issues.
3. We Contact our Resident Manager (Association) and our Association Management Co. if there are any leaks or hazardous issues. Notifying them of any damage to structure or potential hazards/damages that may affect neighbors is a very important “to do”. We want to be responsible homeowners and let everyone know as we do not want to face any repercussions either.
4. We call the appropriate licensed contractor/plumber/electrician etc. and get the work started on to remedy the problem. We could possibly cause more damage to our unit (as well as neighboring) if we sit on the problem.  Being responsible homeowners for potential dangers and hazards to other members of the community means we nip the problem in the bud.

We take preventative measures as responsible homeowners….

Because….

WE are the ones who make our community a better place to live.

More often than not, we all would like to have a good client relationship where everything went smoothly from that first initial meeting until the transaction closes. More often than not, it just does not happen that way.

Why?

We do not live in a perfect world.  Yes, we all strive to want to do and be better in all areas of our lives although the bottom line is that we are all human. Though we all have our good qualities we also have our flaws.  THERE IS NO PERFECT ANYTHING. We strive to meet the common goal which is to close on the sale/purchase of a home and in the course of that process we find the solutions to any problem that may arise.

There are no perfect relationships.  In a marriage the husband and wife have their own separate identities and sense of self. (at least it’s my understanding that there is no such thing as ‘becoming one’)  Each will compliment the relationship with their good qualities while keeping their own separate sense of self. The flaws are recognized and both work to maintain harmony. The idea goes for the same in business relationships. We accept that working together as a team beats fighting against each other.

There are no two transactions that are ever alike. There will always be last minute documentation the lender will need to process the loan or maybe the seller that may have emotional ties in the property so their judgment is clouded.  This is where my expertise shines. Being prepared for bumps along the way and not taking things personal will allow me to think clearly and look for the answers to make the transaction work.  For each transaction there will be learning lessons.

Understanding this gives me a keen awareness that having healthy personal boundaries is priority for each transaction and relationship with my clients. Being up front about the market and pricing for the sale of their home or  the possibility that their credit worthiness may change as the loan criteria changes could mean all the difference in maintaining an open line of communication. It will make all the difference in a good client relationship.

If there were such a thing as a perfect transaction,

Perfect relationships and people….

Not a learning lesson would be had.

Real Estate is all about …..change.

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