It's TAX time again! What does that mean for Realtors®?  The one thing that changed this year for me was that my tax man finally made me put my expenses in categories. In the past I listed each one line by line (date by date) and I guess he got sick of categorizing for me. LOL.

Another reason to bring this up again... is so the consumer realizes it's not just a paycheck and running to the bank. I put heart and soul into helping my clients sell their home or buy a home and though it is a means of making a living there are the rewards in the end with a job well done. If it were just a paycheck I'd be working a 9-5 job and not have to worry about.......

What is an Independent Contractor?

In a nutshell it means I am self employed. Even though I hang my license as a Realtor-Associate®  with Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, Hawaii.....I am my own business and I have responsibilities (paperwork and that dreaded itemizing expenses/deductions and PAYING my own TAXES) that automatically come with being an independent contractor. 

• I pay my own quarterly estimated self employment 1) Hawaii State Tax, 2) Federal Tax AND 3) GET (General Excise State Tax).
• I pay my own expenses: postcards, real estate shows burned to cd, flyers, postage, gasoline, supplies, marketing, extra classes, licensing fees, MLS dues, NAR dues, HAR (Hawaii Association of Realtors) dues, HBR (Honolulu Board of Realtors) dues, E & O Insurance, Sentrilock lock System fees and dues, cameras, videos, computer equipment, pc upgrades, software (and that list goes on) client closing gifts and anything and everything that goes with my business down to my whole home office and the added expenses to run my own home office.

I do not get paid by the hour nor am I an 'employee'. 

I do not get paid until a transaction closes (records) no matter if I'm representing a buyer or a seller. (In other words everything comes out my pocket and not always does a sale close)  By time each brokerage gets their part of the commission, the buyer/seller agents then get their %. (Some think that we get that WHOLE commission) and then I am able to pay bills with that commission check.

I also set aside 30% to pay for my quarterly estimated self employment taxes (Federal/State) and 4.5% for quarterly General Excise State Taxes. I seriously wonder why I am paying more GET now for the Honolulu transit (rail) system when I KNOW I won't be riding around with clients on that rail system as long as I am a Real Estate Agent.  lol.

Now. For expenses and deductions and keeping track all year for end of the year taxes?

• I have  a yearly excel file with one sheet for commission (income),
• Another sheet for deductions (expenses) including payments for GET tax which is a deduction (scanned receipts to go with) Make sure to ask your professional tax person exactly what you are able to deduct.
• Another sheet listing all my clients and the mileage to and from wherever and the total milege for each as well as total for the year.
• And the last sheet has my auto expenses (gas, insurance, oil changes, maintenance etc.). My two year old car is paid off but there are still expenses and depreciation for my tax man to tally up.
• I have finally got Quicken installed so I can make life easier for me for this next year :)
• When the 1099's and the W-2's come in I am ready to send it off to ....MY TAX MAN!

This info just may help a new agent in the Real Estate Industry realize that it's much more than just closing a transaction.

It's income AND debit.

It's the following up and keeping up with the 'behind the scenes' work and responsibilities that come with  running your own business.

It's about running a tight ship along with the professional service, caring and expertise we give our clients.

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Note:  We received all our W-2's and my 1099's and as of two days ago, our tax man has filed our taxes. I'm glad that's over. Now...to start on this year. :) Yes, I'm on it  :)

Note#2: I am also an employee for C21. I help with admin/property management, office support, websites, mls, opening/closing files etc.

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

We all have heard incidences, not coincidences but INCIDENCES where a professional in the Real Estate Industry really steps over the line. Or...a professional who may not be in the industry directly ...but indirectly.... who steps over that line to the point they could be in serious trouble with liabilty cases smacked right on their behinds at the blink of an eye.

For instance:

• The Real Estate Agent who plays home inspector, or contractor or loan officer all in one and gives advice that is totally wrong. Please stick to what you are trained for UNLESS you have a license for all! Even then, if you have a license for all of that then I beg to differ when you say it isn't a conflict of interest.
• The Loan Officer who plays Realtor® and tells the client how their Realtor® should write their contract. Please stick to what you are trained for UNLESS you have a license! Again, conflict of interest.
• The Mold Inspector who writes a report for a tenant and inserts the Landlord Tenant code so the tenant can get new air conditioning units. Please stick to what you are trained for....UNLESS you are licensed and a certified inspector AND a Property Manager too. Conflict of interest.
• The Home Inspector who plays electrical contractor and blows out of the proportion that GFCI outlets are not an electrical problem but a suggestion to .... update. Please stick to what you are trained for and if you don't have a license for being an electrician don't scare the buyer into thinking there are huge problems. Hmmm. ......
• The 'friend' who plays plumber (for a home inspection and tells the buyer that the running toilet is cause for backing out of a contract. Please stick to being an aquaintance and not a friend because you just talked your 'friend' out a home they really loved.
• The mother or father who plays Realtor® because they bought a house in the past and suggests that they don't need their own Buyer's agent because they'll get a better deal through the seller's agent. Please stick to being a parent and not a Realtor® when you did not get the representation you needed and now have structural issues in your own home.
• The advertising EXPERT in whatever field. Make sure you really know what you're talking about if you advertise that you do.

Bottom line, we all like to be 'helpful' but it could cost you your license, your reputation and your business for giving information that you are not qualified to give. Refer the 'client' to a professional and make sure that "professional" is licensed or knowledgable in the advice they give. Be aware of the professional who is out to give all kinds of information (the know it all) ....there will definitely be an ulterior motive.

I love my license....how about you?

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

This Sunday I will be holding an Open House for my Hilldale Listing in Mililani Mauka and decided that I wanted to use my show I created through www.realestateshows.com to pass out to the consumer on cd.

I also wanted to create the disk MY way :) (you can order the cd's from RES as well) so I had my husband burn it to cd. Since we have a cd printer he created (with my supervision) the picture that would display on the cd.

With four pictures on the cd and the name of the complex on the top and the address on the bottom, it will serve as a great tool for the buyer who tours the home. They won't have to dig into their memory bank to remember which property this was and will inspire them to put in that contract!

Or....the neighbor thinking of selling will see that this is a great marketing tool as well. New listing perhaps?

The next 'different' thing I've done is create a nice booklet with all pertinent information on the property so when there are agents showing their buyers the property they have the following:

• Nice cover and a contents page in a thin three ring binder to start with and all pages inserted plastic sheeting to protect the documents.
• Seller's Real Property Disclosure Statement is a plus as it gives the potential buyer a bit more information on the property. A birds eye view from the sellers knowledge of the property will give them additional insight.
• Comparable Properties in the immediate area. Our MLS has a CMA Wizard to create a comprehensive CMA using sold properties and all the criteria and adjustable prices for each (i.e. sq/ft interior, additions, condition of the property and so forth)
• The Association's House Rules so if the buyer has any questions about the pet limit, where to BBQ and so forth it's right at their fingertips!
• Any Building Permits for walls, alterations, extensions, major electrical or plumbing work etc.
• Warranties or manuals for the property for the refrigerator, automatic garage door, sprinkler system, ongoing termite treatment, alarm system and so forth.
• Floor Plans, extra pictures, flyers and so forth are all added to the pocket of the booklet and I stand it up so they can flip right through it. (flyers in the front inside pocket, buyer/seller brochures in the back pockets along with floor plans to take with)

At the closing of the transaction I will leave this booklet behind for the buyer so they have all the information in one place to refer to.

Though internet marketing is surely top priority for my marketing for current listings, Hawaii Relocations, VA Home Loan Transactions, Hawaii Home Buyers and Hawaii Home Sellers, I do think it's important to keep the face to face material in the forefront as well. Though Open Houses may not be for all markets it's one of our area's main marketing tools due to our densely populated neighborhoods that make it easy to travel from one open house to the next.

Though these are not new marketing techniques my efforts will be appreciated.

At the very least it has my personal touch.

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations  

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Would you believe this giant golf ball traveled 4,000 miles around the Pacific Ocean between December of 2007 and April of 2008? Well, it's not really a golf ball like those you're thinking of after the Big Sony Open this last week here at Waialae Country Club. 

Up on the H-1 freeway off ramp I saw IT 'back in port' this past Saturday. (Actually, I found out it came back to port on the 3rd) We got off on the Waimalu exit and with excitement of a blogger gone wild wanting to take a picture specifically for this post I order my husband to Blaisdell Park. I walk briskly to ocean's edge to get a few shots of this GIANT floating station along with a few other shots.

This is the SBX-1 Seabased X-Band Radar and a recent test this past December proved that this was the first intercept test in which data was combined from the SBX and other sensors providing tracking data. Boeing's chief engineer, Norm Tew said, "This test was an important milestone for the Sea-Based X Band Radar, a powerful, mobile sensor.

The SBX-1 comes back to Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii once a year for repairs and though I only know a little about it; the one thing I'm sure about is that it is a vital part of our enhance missle defense.  

In any case, isn't it beautiful?

 © 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations

With tears streaming down my face I sat with my husband and watched Barack Obama walking through the hall and down the steps to his Inaugural Ceremony. With emotion welling up inside of me for this proud moment of a "Hawaii Home Grown" boy who grew up to be our 44th President of the United States.

Nothing is constant in this whole wide world except change.

Over the course of my life I have grown in mind, body and spirit with ever changing thinking in my beliefs and values that molded me into the woman I am today.  I am watching the same change in our growing government with the instilled beliefs of our 44th President of the United States that we do NEED change.

You got the whole world in your hands is right on target as this event marks a time in history that is not only noted by the rest of the world but heavily praised as well. I am confident that our 44th President will lead us well and that the Aloha Spirit of the people will shine through to walk beside him and work together to meet a common goal.

The love we have for our country.

I believe WE can fly!

 Seven years ago today (and after about 13.5 years of being 'single') I married Gary.

It has been the most pleasurable trip of our lives. We reminisced today about the courtship days and the travel through these few short years.

My time passes by fast when you're having fun!

That's how we gage how well our marriage is going. I suppose if it were a yucky one the time would have dragged by realllllll slow. It probabaly helps that we're older and have gone through all the trauma and drama that one goes through in their younger years.

One thing is for certain. We are like night and day but the qualities we each brought into our marriage compliments what the other has....has not.

Happy Anniversary to US!   

Instead of going out to for a nice dinner we decided to do the Costco/Sams Club thing. GIANT Crab legs and Lobster Tail with Steak, sweet corn and rice.

YUMMY!

And for dessert....... You gotta watch this.

I kept playing it over and over just so I could crack up at us cracking up.

Life is too short to not have fun :)

Being an advocate for Localism has been one of my favorite past times on ActiveRain. When I first joined ActiveRain there were about 19k members. Localism was geared toward all types of local area writing. There were listings, market reports, local area points of interest, community happenings and loan information. We posted photos and created the communities and kept plugging away to get the Localism site full of content, views, scenery and more.

Then the launch of Localism last year caused a ruckus because it was going to be geared more toward Local Area Businesses and happenings.

Change always seems to be a constant battle for some and this time it was me. I remember crying to Bob Stewart on the phone because all my posts were.....gone. That was remedied and they also tried to accommodate everyone at once....and it just didn't get up and running the way they had hoped. They had to put it on the back burner to get the rest of the thingamajiggies going and though I wish it were instant gratification I know that my having patience will pay off when it does. (Thanks William and Rich for the pep talks!)

I just keep plugging away and keep posting my Localism posts. Why?  IT CLICKED!  I have to, because I love to write about Hawaii, the communities and neighborhoods. I want to pay it forward to the local businesses and people who live in my community and I also write so the consumer can walk beside me in my community. Feel what I feel when I'm writing about the sunrise and give the consumer and my clients a birds eye view before they Relocate to Hawaii.

This community is open to all types of writing and not just Real Estate ‘talk'. I believe that everything is relevant and everything is intertwined with our industry. I deal with people on a day to day basis. I walk in the community with my clients and give them suggestions for the furniture stores, restaurants, hardware stores, shopping malls, the doggie parks, beaches and hiking trails.

We hold ourselves in high esteem; walk with confidence and with an air of positivity surrounding us. Our clients feel comfortable with us knowing that we are human and not just business robots.

I don't know about you but I converse with my clients about a variety of topics.

And that is exactly what I do here. 

We write about local businesses, people in our community, tourist attractions and points of interest with interesting and original content.  We post beautiful , clear and related pictures to each post and create a great post that is attractive to the eye. 

Writing about Local Market Expertise does not mean:

• That I write a bunch of statistics that can easily be copied and pasted from the MLS. I get creative with a brief summary of the community, my personal experience in the community and then brief current statistics including Active, In Contract & Sold Properties with the average prices that they sold for and the number of days (DOM) the property was active on the market before getting into contract. Top it off with a couple of pictures and I spent a couple of hours on this baby.
• It does not mean that I just copy & paste a bunch of current listings in line item form. Localism will one day have a section just for YOUR listings. And I will add mine too.
• It does not mean I write two liners and point to my website. I actually speak volumes about my community and keep the consumer interested and reading my post. They find me without leading them away to yet another site.

Giving back to the community can be very rewarding. Physically handing out meals to the homeless, volunteering to help a needy family fix or build their home or running for a cause give one a feeling of ‘doing our part'. Or I just pay it forward and write about  the Honolulu Zoo,  Waikiki Aquarium, doggie park, restaurant, city hall or just post pictures of the ocean, a sunrise on Makapuu Beach. Then I give each post a personal credit for their mouth watering food, great service or just the beauty of the ocean alone.

It's called appreciation. Appreciation for what I have....not what I have not.

It's not just words. I give MY personal touch and a piece of me in every word I write.

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The following links and excerpts will give you more information on Localism. It may not be up and running for the consumer quite yet....but it will be. In the meantime, the consumer finds us through reading our quality content when they plug in that keyword from your posts into the search for Google. Try it. You'll see.

• ActiveRain Unveils the New Localism in which Jonathan Washburn, CEO of ActiveRain stated, No one has captured the essence and flavor of local communities online on a large scale.  All the data points, pie charts, graphs and widgets in the world can't tell the complete story of a place. It takes content from the people who live and work there - which we have in abundance - to bring things to life. There are plenty of local review sites out there, but we're going beyond that to capture the full range of things that make communities unique."
• 10 steps to Localism success written by Jonathan Washburn in which he has 10 wonderful steps to writing for Localism and WHY.
• "What is Localism?"in which Rich Jacobson, Community Builder of ActiveRain states, is the valued point of connection, a place of meaningful interaction. It's where neighbors and local merchants share what's happening in their community. It's people collectively communicating the unique flavor and nuances of where they live, work, eat, and play. 

And the rest of the articles from ActiveRain relating to all articles for Localism can be found here>>>>>  The New Localism

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Our friend, Clinton "Clint" M.S. Goo, Managing Partner of Goko Restaurant Enterprises, LLC introduced us to the NEW and IMPROVED Sizzler when he and his partner bought the last four of the Sizzler Restaurants. After Sizzlers Restaurants changed over to the new owners my husband and I started going to Sizzler Restaurants once again. Their food tickled our taste buds with new menu items and a better quality of food.

With a nenewed outlook on the restaurant, Sizzler IS one of our favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. With a wide variety of menu items to choose from and a cordial smiling staff we always feel welcome from the time we set foot in the door.

We had mom's 80th birthday party at the Sizzler -Pearlridge location last year and it was a blast. With balloons and the staff singing 'Happy Birthday' my mom was proud that day!

They also have a nice party/conference room if you have a large party or conference. Call ahead to reserve!

We stopped by the Executive Offices of Goko Restaurant Enterprises, LLC on Saturday to visit Clinton Goo and then we headed out to the Sizzler Restaurant at the Pearlridge location to have breakfast.

Gary always orders the 'Big Breakfast'. Funny, he never can finish the dish because it has 2 pieces of Sweet Bread French Toast sprinkled with powdered sugar, 2 Giant Hotcakes, 3 eggs, 2 crispy pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of Portugese Sausage. YUM!

Needless to say we had brunch and didn't eat until dinner. You definitely won't walk out of this restaurant hungry!

One of Sizzler popular items on the menu is the Steak & Lobster Combo (left) and the Local Value Meal

Can't beat having an endless salad bar, drink and your choice of Teriaki Stak, Hibachi Chicken Breast or Shrimp Scampi!

Well, you get the picture. If you're in good company and the food is delicious and topped off with a wonderful atmosphere you definitely are in Sizzler Restaurant!  

Sizzler Restaurant Locations:

• Dillingham Plaza: 1461 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI - (808) 832-4665
• Pearlridge Shopping Center: 98-1059 Moanalua Rd, Aiea, HI - (808) 483-3565
• Waipahu Town Center: 94-030 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, HI - (808) 671-7433
• Aikahi Park Shopping Center: 25 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kailua, HI- (808) 254-3727

Note:  I would like to commend "Romeo" our favorite food server at Sizzler Restaurant in Pearlridge. He is a professional dedicated to service with a LARGE smile and we always have a pleasant dining experience with him. He does not skip a beat with delivering our dishes hot and takes care of us from beginning to end. Thanks Romeo!

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© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

My English Cocker Spaniel, Shadow, does not like the vacuum cleaner. She's NOT one of those dogs that barks at it or tries to chase it around. When she sees us go towards the closet with the vacuum in it she immediately runs in the bedroom, jumps on the bed and makes sure she is way up top on our pillows so she can watch 'that thing' and make sure it doesn't suck her up.

What was worse than the vacuum? Second Hand smoke. We just made our Second Anniversary mark on the 13th January...the day we quit smoking. I was a 30 year + smoker (except three years I quit when I had my two children) and my dad passed away from lung cancer Feb. 25, 2004. It took both of us to do it together (it is almost impossible to quit when the other is still smoking) and we did. No cheating, no puff here and puff there. Just 10 extra pounds and clean lungs.

Yup. Shadow is smoke free now too.

Note: Zyban, Commit lozenges and a determination to quit.

For the majority of the professionals in the Real Estate Industry we love our 'jobs'. We want our clients to either achieve the American Dream of home ownership or help our sellers get the best price for their homes.

Real Estate Professionals thrive on going above and beyond.

The most important reason of them all is the heartfelt comments and a happy smile on my clients face at the end of the transaction to express their appreciation for the hard work and effort I put into it. Whoever said that we should not put any emotion into our business is not how I choose to conduct business. It's an emotional event for my clients and I do get a little involved with what I do as well.

Caring about my clients and thinking in their best interests are my main priorities. 

My client read my posts for about 10 months without a peep. He didn't contact me until October and from there we worked on getting him prequalified for a loan and getting his criteria set for his soon to be purchase of his first home. We closed the transaction less than two weeks ago and he was very emotional when I called him to give him recording clearance. He had just purchased his first home for he and his family and he was emotional.

He gave me written permission to share with you the following testimonial. I was floored and emotional by time I finished reading it. 

Our experience with "Sally" from our initial contact to contract:

For many months leading up to our Hawaii move my wife and I had a number of places that we were interested in seeing upon our arrival to rent. During one of our internet searches we came across Sally's blog about buying real estate in Hawaii and how with her help we could actually buy a house and not throw our money away in rent. We were impressed with her qualifications and most importantly we liked the fact that she really listened to our desires, cared about staying in our budget just as much as we cared, and allowed us enjoy our first weeks in Hawaii without any hassles by doing 95% of the work while constantly keeping us informed.

Thanks to Sally really understanding what we wanted from the beginning we were able to see houses that met our desires and dreams. It was not long before we walked into the house we knew would become our home! With meticulous passion for getting things right all of the paperwork and documents that it takes to buy a home, which had originally kept us hesitating to even try to purchase, was signed and filed appropriately by Sally who also took the time to make us aware of certain steps of the process that we should pay particular attention to. It was obvious from the start Sally had been getting nervous families from the mainland into the Hawaiian community for years and not only planting them into a great house but welcoming them and accepting them into the land of Paradise allowing them to grow as new members in the community.

Our house closed on the exact day Sally said it would and we know that the only reason it did was due to Sally's diligence and passion for getting people what they have always dreamed of. As first time home buyers Sally has given us something we thought we were not going to have for many years. You would be completely short changed if you don't allow Sally to assist you in your move to Hawaii. Give her a call or send an email like I did and I can assure you of an adventure like no other on the face of this planet! Never in our wildest dreams did we think we could ever own a house in Hawaii. A place where people of all countries long to visit or live. Thank you again Sally for the present you have given to our family!

Robert & Zarina
11JAN09

***THESE are definitely the rewards that make it all worthwhile.***

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Be proactive in your Hawaii Relocation and your search for your home in paradise. It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people but you can do it with effort, motivation and a great Realtor®! 

• Hawaii Military Relocations: Choosing the RIGHT Realtor® & Loan Officer
• Mililani Town, Hawaii: Recreation Centers and Fun for All Ages!
• Hawaii VA Loan Process: BE PREPARED!
• Launani Valley Mililani Condos Homes-Hawaii Relocation Schofield Barracks, Wheeler AAF
• Mililani Hawaii Military Relocations Community INFORMATION- Part I

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved 

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Winter Views on Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii

On January 3rd, 2009 we headed over to my Auntie's condo in Yacht Harbor Towers right off Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu, Hawaii. Needless to say, her condo overlooks the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Ala Moana Beach and park. Right past the harbor is Magic Island, a small peninsula known for their parks where many have their family gatherings and also watch the fireworks over the ocean on New Years and July 4th. If you look closely...right in the middle of the picture right past the boats are the outrigger canoe paddlers training on this Saturday morning.

The winter months no doubt bring on our rainy season (but just FYI last week there was snow on the top of Maunakea on the island of Hawaii aka Big Island) Cool trade winds caught my hair when we entered the hall lanai leading to my aunts condo. The view on the back side of Yacht Harbor Towers was just so spectacular with the mountains catching a few of the low forming clouds to produce a light mist. 

On New Years Day 2009 we took a drive to the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific - Hill of Sacrifice and when going up mountains you can bet you will definitely need to bundle up for cool but strong winds. The inscription in the front reads, "THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL MEMORY OF HER SOLDIERS, SAILORS, MARINES AND AIRMEN WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES IN ALL QUARTERS OF THE EARTH THAT OTHER PEOPLES MIGHT BE FREED FROM OPPRESSION".

The winter swells on the North Shore of Oahu brings surfers from all over the world. Our KGMB 9 weatherman is an avid surfer so of course he has all the latest up to date info for surf. You can check out some other pictures at the start of surf season here:  The Winter Surf on the North Shore of Oahu (Picture Perfect)  FYI: Our winter starts when it gets a little cooler and the surf swells on the North Shore are in action lol! 

You know when it's changing seasons here as mist settles above rippling water to give the sense of cooler winds struggling with cooling off the large vast area of ocean. Kaneohe Bay Drive is picture perfect with waterfront homes lining the street close to waters edge. Palm trees dance in the wind and sailboats glide across the glassy ocean in the bay to give a sense of being calm. Relaxing. 

The Ko'olau Mountain Range is a sight to behold and is not a "normal" mountain range. The western half that is seen is what is left of the Ko'olau Volcano that was destroyed in Prehistoric times when the eastern half and much of the summit caldera (feature formed during volcanic activity) slid into the Pacific Ocean. This view was taken right outside of Kaneohe town and only depicts a fraction of the length of the mountain range.

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Needless to say, seasons change but not as you may know it. The cold drastic weather does not appear on this side of the world across the Pacific Ocean in the Hawaiian Islands. Home has always been where we make it and though seasons in the Continental United States have the 'changing' of seasons along with weather conditions to go with it.......we have our own as well. The severity of our weather in "WINTER" entails tropical storms galore with rains that nourish our land.

Aloha from the 50th State! 

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved 

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

No matter where you are our United States of America.... it IS a BUYER'S market. That means buyers can negotiate for a better price, maybe a credit to go towards closing costs. Maybe they just transferred to Hawaii with the military and are staying in a hotel and need to close quickly.

It is NOT a seller's market like it used to be. If sellers need to sell their home  or condo they need to change with the market in their local area. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it.

It IS a BUYER'S market.

The following points listed should give sellers a clue that it is more of a buyer's market when listing their home for sale:

• You are getting fewer showings than you would have two to three years ago.  In fact, it is REAL slow today.  (one showing every couple of days is a far cry from 5-10 a day and four contracts overbidding) As time goes on the showings decrease even more.
• Your Realtor® showed you comps from six months ago up to the present and the prices have declined a little in that timeframe. (3% for Hawaii)
• The number of sales declined drastically over the past year because the financial institutions cracked down big time on lending criteria. GOOD!  (had to throw that in) Buyer's are also being very cautious.
• Buyers have a BIG inventory of homes and condos to choose from. It's literally Christmas every day for them!  They can have their pick and most certainly will choose one they do not have to upgrade and all they have to do is.....MOVE IN.

Healthy Boundaries are good for any individual to have but when a seller tries to protect themselves by putting up big barriers (conditions and demands) and burns bridges along the way it becomes a losing battle for not just the seller; but the Realtor® who has invested a lot of time, hard work and effort to market a property. 

This Realtor® spends countless hours to prepare your home for marketing:

• Research and pull up tax records, building permits and documents pertaining to the property.
• Prepare the listing agreement & profile sheet and go through all of the contract with you before signing.
• Prepare the Sellers Real Property Disclosure Statement and answer any questions you may have while you fill it out. (we have a four page detailed itemized questionnaire and it does take time to go through the whole thing and then answer any yes questions in detail on the last page)
• Creating a specialized flyer and property portfolio to display in your home for potential buyers during regular showings (with their Buyer's Agent) or during Open Houses. This is no couple of minute job because it can take me up to an hour to get the flyer "just right" and the portfolio up to three hours!
• Take pictures of your home for the listing sites.
• Advise you on what you can do to get your home ready for showing (so please don't take it personal like I'm criticizing your home...I'm doing my job!)
• Enter the listing into our MLS system and Century 21 site and add photos and make slide shows. (Lots of time)
• Creating specialized Real Estate Shows and burn them to printable cover cd's. (this take some time!)
• Entering your listing on countless sites that I subscribe to and post your photos. (this takes LOTS of time) and enhance your listing on Realtor.com (this takes some more time) 

And this is JUST THE BEGINNING! I set up showing appointments, do Open Houses, refresh and update all the listings I submitted to sites as time goes by, I present all offers to you and advise you on your options. I give you sound advice and remind you of the market conditions and the current comps.  I go through the whole transaction with you, order condo docs, surveys and termite inspections. I accompany you to signing and help you with anything to do with the sale of your home.

The only thing I am unable to do is MAKE someone to buy your home.

There are contingencies in our contract that protect the buyer if they need to back out of the contract. It could be that the buyer lost their job. (they are NO LONGER qualified for a loan) Maybe they didn't like something they saw in the home inspection. There are contingencies to protect the buyer to NOT buy your home. There are also contingencies to protect the seller but the bottom line is that if the buyer has a valid reason it does not automatically entitle you to their deposit. 

Remember, when you signed that Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement? It specifically states that the "Seller agrees to consider all offers presented by the Brokerage Firm and to act in good faith to sell the property".

If you REALLY want to sell your home:

• You make your home appealing to the buyer who is coming in to view your home
• You allow your Realtor® to do their job and give you their expert advice. You don't take their suggestions as a personal attack on you but letting the Realtor® do what they are trained to do.
• You realize that when a Realtor® is working for you it involves giving you advice. Working for you does not mean you are telling the Realtor® to do it YOUR way even though the market, circumstances and comps say otherwise.
• You don't assume your home is the best on the market and therefore should be priced as high as the others...... if you did NOT upgrade anything at all.
• You keep an open mind and allow your Realtor® to go through the CURRENT market conditions and current comparables in your immediate area and trust that they are NOT lying to you.
• Be willing to negotiate with the buyer to sell your home when it IS a buyer's market. Maybe you could make demands a couple of years ago but the market has changed in favor of the buyer. There are MANY other homes and condos on the market to choose from.  (this does not mean give it away by all means. But fighting over a couple thousand will cost you more when months down the line your home is still sitting on the market.)
• That you, the seller, do not hold a Real Estate license and it is advisable to LISTEN to the direction, advice and opinions of your Realtor®.  A seasoned agent KNOWS what they're talking about and is thinking in your best interests to get you a fair market price and get your home SOLD.

This Realtor® is going to tell you the truth and will NOT tell you just what YOU want to hear.

If you choose not to listen to your  Realtor® it could cost you the sale of your home.

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved 

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Countless times I have wondered, pondered, assumed and presumed. The THINKING can drive us nuts if we allow our own thinking to interfere with good, sound advice.

I've watched the changes and the upgrades to ActiveRain and the red flag whatsamajigger doodad (ugly in my opinion) next to my points go up, go down and all around. I speak my mind I email my thoughts to ActiveRain and most of the time get a quick response.

Other times I just need to pick up the phone and talk to someone so I can get a clearer picture of what's going on. I tried to call  Bob Stewart  (he's the very busy man lately) and get no answer. I next called Rich Jacobson  and get a hearty 'hello'. I identify myself even though he already knows who it is. (ever the professional :)

Going through some concerns and issues with Rich that I have regarding the Localism site and the 'new and improved' outside blogs I received straighforward answers and advice and at the end of the conversation I am very pleased with myself for picking up the phone.  It sure beats writing a whole long post about my 'concerns' just to rant about what I don't like or writing down assumptions and getting the same from the comments.

When in doubt ASK!

What a concept!

This tip applies to all walks of life, all careers and industries and basically just a part of life. Why?

• We can NOT live on assumptions. Assumptions are NOT facts and everyone has different thinking, different opinions. It's called being human but when emotions get in the way those assumptions become very distorted.
• Unsure about a problem in my transaction.  I call at least two other experts to give me second and third opinions. The first one (me) doesn't count if I'm unsure right?
• Blogging is for the birds.Uh, yeah right. I'll just keep blogging and getting leads, contact and closed transactions by writing rich content, gearing toward my niche market and gaining plenty of connections with my peers all because of it!
• Online conversations are real? Uh, I think I take my chances by reading and only until someone proves otherwise (mean bantering, closed minded opinions) is when I form an opinion about the person. Usually, when someone is being a little transparent in their writing is when I tend to believe more about the persons info. It ain't real unless I can see it.
• Presume that ActiveRain is just out to get me. Get real. Come March it will be two years I have been a member on ActiveRain. Have they EVER done anything to me besides give me google juice and business? How about making connections with peers and meeting people face to face? 
• Seller assumes it's still a Seller's Market and they make the rules. No matter what, we cannot force someone to buy your home.Putting up barriers to MAKE someone go through the entire transaction is unappealing and the buyer will go elsewhere. You are putting up barriers to not get your home in contract is what is going to happen. If you are not going to listen to the information and advice of your Realtor® then you should go get your Real Estate license.
• Buyer assumes that all markets are to be looked at as NATIONWIDE. Wrong!!! Honolulu County has a decline in sales prices of about 3% when compared NATIONWIDE. Do not expect to come from severely declining markets and expect our market to compare. You may lose the home you really love because you did not listen to your Realtor®.

All these assumptions, presumptions and unrealistic thinking can cost you friendships, readers, connections, the sale of your home, the purchase of your dream home, a relationship and being a reliable and trustworthy person. Having unrealistic expectations from your stinking thinking will be the cause.

When in doubt....ASK!

And then....really LISTEN!

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Mililani Mauka Townhouse for Sale!

95-1163 Makaikai Street., #183, Mililani, HI 96789 View Map

Entering the Hilldale Townhome complex through 30 foot high palms bordering each side of the entrance. No doubt you will feel like you're in paradise!

With well maintained lush landscaped grounds it becomes more appealing. You then enter Unit #183 and you are now ooo'ing and ahh'ing. A spacious ground floor level townhouse with an additional 150 sq/ft fenced in courtyard you are that much more delighted!

The possibilities for the amateur gardener await... and this humble abode occupy your memory bank!

The kitchen is open and airy with a window to peek out of while cooking or holding a conversation with loved ones in the living room. Loads of cabinet and counter space to your culinary delight!

Two bedrooms, two full (tub/shower combo) baths and two assigned parking with many guest stalls besides. Wonderful!
A walking jogging path for those early morning struts or a romantic evening stroll. Double wonderful!

The Mililani Town Association boast SEVEN Recreation Centers (five have pools) with a skateboard park, tennis and basketball courts and loads of baseball/softball fields besides. Many activities are held throughout the year including movie nights, teen dances and more!

Come join us in this Planned Community of Mililani and be a part of the Hillsdale Association.

You need not look no further..... for you have found your comfortable abode in paradise!

Details

Asking Price:

$292,000

MLS:

2900161

Sq. Feet:

847

Bedrooms:

2

Bathrooms:

2

# of Floors:

1

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

$33/$221

Subdivision:

Mililani Mauka - Hillsdale IV

Year Built:

1993

Contact Info

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman- (RA) e-PRO
Hawaii Relocations & Real Estate

Cell (808) 375-1404
Dir (808) 375-1404
Email | Website

If you are Relocating to Hawaii you may want to be proactive in obtaining information for your Hawaii Relocation and getting started with your search for Hawaii Homes for Sale!  I will LISTEN to YOUR needs and discuss all your options to give you a clear view for your Hawaii Home Buying experience.

With many successful VA transactions I have the experience and the know how to represent, assist and guide Active Duty and Veterans of the United States Armed Forces with their Hawaii Relocation & Real Estate needs. 

It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean, let alone to a totally different "world" of people, but you CAN do it with a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved

Pu'owaina Crater (Punchbowl) was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Pu'owaina is defined as "The Hill of Sacrifice" and relates to the history of the crater when it was used as an altar for human sacrifice.

Early in the 1880's the slopes of the crater were opened for settlement on "leasehold" land. This area is commonly known as Punchbowl and Makiki neighborhoods. Papakolea is on the northern side extending into the valley. In the 1890's they wanted to turn it into a cemetary for the growing population of Honolulu residents but it was rejected. Why? They didn't want a city of dead overlooking the city of the living.

Fifty years later Congress approved that a portion be donated for the National Cemetary to be approved by the War Department.  Currently, there are over 33,000 veterans buried at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific and on Veterans Day it is a site to behold with flags flying high from ground to sky.

Much Mahalo to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for all you have and will sacrifice for our country.

If you are planning on a Relocation to Hawaii you may want to consider the community of Mililani, Hawaii. Centrally located to all military bases on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) Mililani is the home for many Active Duty Military as it is 5-10 minutes from Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Air Field, 20-25 minutes from Hickam AFB, Pearl Harbor Navy Base and Ft. Shafter Army Base and about 30-35 minutes from Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Base.

Mililani is a Master Planned Community and has a population of approximately 30,000 people. The first homes went up for sale around June 1968 and our H-2 freeway opened in 1976 which lessened the time to travel to Honolulu. With three shopping centers, a 14 plex theater, 7 recreation centers (5 have pools), parks, Mililani Golf Course and activities galore we have a lot of what we need in our central location.

In 1986 Mililani was named an "All American City" and IS the only community in Hawaii to receive this distinction. In 1990 a ground breaking ceremony commenced for the Mililani Mauka subdivision which is a newer and more modern side of the community on the east side of the H-2 freeway.

Current statistics for the last two months for Mililani Town & Mililani Mauka Single Family Homes & Condos:

*NOTE:  DOM (Days on Market) means how long from the time it was listed on the MLS until the properties were sold

From 2007 when sales were still going strong and prices remained stable there now shows  a significant decrease in sold properties for November- December of 2008. We can attribute the sales numbers drop due to the financial crisis going on in our nation and this does not exclude Honolulu County. VA (for military and vets) and FHA loans are still great loans and there are still strong lending institutions available with your great credit and/or a % down payment.

Bottom line?  If sellers are realistic and listen to the advice of their Realtor® regarding pricing and their expert opinion then they will get their property sold. It may take a little time but it will get sold.  It is NOT a seller's market so listen to the strategy of your agent and we are working for you when we are giving you suggestions!

Buyers need to realize that though sales numbers are down it does not mean that all neighborhoods have a significant decrease in sales prices. Waiting for prices to drop and taking a chance on interest rates increasing will still net a monthly mortgage payment that could be significantly higher and lose that home you really love.  It all depends on your circumstances.

Our office is located in Mililani Town in Central Oahu and 10 minutes from Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Air Field. We are also located about 20-25 minutes from Hickam AFB & Pearl Harbor Navy Base although I service all of the island of Oahu.

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Be proactive in your Hawaii Relocation and your search for your home in paradise. It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people but you can do it with effort, motivation and a great Realtor®! 

• Hawaii Military Relocations: Choosing the RIGHT Realtor® & Loan Officer
• Mililani Town, Hawaii: Recreation Centers and Fun for All Ages!
• Hawaii VA Loan Process: BE PREPARED!
• Launani Valley Mililani Condos Homes-Hawaii Relocation Schofield Barracks, Wheeler AAF
• Mililani Hawaii Military Relocations Community INFORMATION- Part I

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved 

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Well, after spending the night 'protecting' my dog Shadow from all the 'bad noises' outside we finally got to sleep around 2am. We always are up by 5-5:30am and this was a first for 'sleeping in'. It's cold (yeah, not like most areas but chilly for us) and rainy and yesterday was another bout with horrendous downpours.

Still, there is always a light that shines and radiates from within if we let it....and no matter how dreary the day looks, my husband Gary and I look for something that will brighten our day. He is behind me gaming and I am yes...blogging. LOL!

It brought to mind when I was commenting here last night (after paying out my year end estimated taxes like the good independent contractor like I am) Gary got up to set everything up to cuddle and watch tv and cuddle with ....the dog. lol!  He patted me on the head and chuckled and said, "You really enjoy blogging don't you?"  It's nice to have a supportive husband (who is just being supportive because I spend as much time blogging as he does with gaming now lol!) but right at that moment it felt really nice.

It also brought to mind that there are others who are having a hard time be it personal or with their businesses. My Broker/Owner's mother in law passed away two mornings ago (they have been taking care of her for many years) and we all know he is sad although we know she is now out of pain and in a better place.  Century 21 Liberty Homes has that 'family' atmosphere and we all feel for each other.

It's moments as this that I start the new year with a renewed energy with love for my husband, my family and my own life, peers and this business.

There is something about this business, the Real Estate Industry, that brings us all closer. There's something about this ActiveRain Real Estate Network that brings us closer too. It's the people and the caring that goes into each relationship.

I think I'll just spend my time wisely. With a Positive Attitude :) Happy New Year to all of you!!