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

When referring a client to another Realtor®  we think in the best interests of our client. We interview the professional with the utmost care and keeping in mind that they will do their best to think in the best interests of our client as well.  Granted, not always do we really ‘know' if it will be the right choice but we do our best to get the right professional to ‘click' with our client.

Which brings us to:   Why would I refer my client to YOU?

• Because you are not continuously bragging about yourself throughout the whole interview and you focus on what you will DO for the client.  
• Because you will listen intently to what the client's needs are and give them straightforward answers according to their criteria.
• Because you won't tell the client just what THEY want to hear but you do give them your expert opinion if they are being unrealistic.
• Because you are a seasoned agent/professional with knowledge of the market, your area and the neighborhood and will educate the client (especially if relocating) with no problem.
• Because you are an honest, reliable, timely and courteous professional who respects others and their time.
• Because you know your state laws and area of expertise well and abide by all ethical ‘rules' of the industry. You do not try and overstep your boundaries just for the sake of being a ‘know it all'.
• Because if I know you from communicating through an online community and I have called you it means you that you are transparent and personable, respects others and you do not get into conflict with others while pushing your ‘views' on heavy topics.  (and all else above applies as well)

When I refer another client to you I am trusting in you that you will do a good job for my client and have their best interests at heart.   In this referral network of mine I am confident that whoever I call will be the right choice for my client.

Some may be able to just sell a piece of property.

But not everyone can sell a HOME.

Are YOU able to fill THESE shoes?

We boarded the Star of Honolulu for the  Honolulu Sunset Dinner Cruise and we were on our way out into the open sea by 5:30pm yesterday evening. We started with a beautiful romaine salad and a tiny loaf of taro bread...and then out I went to the deck to snap some shots.

With a sun setting over open seas with a view ‘to die for' of Diamond Head and Waikiki and a lovely dinner with entertainment like hula, Tahitian and other dances with a wonderful dinner  it has surely been another memorable time for Gary and I.

We had gone on this same cruise 8 years ago...the day after we got married. Both of these thoughtful gifts were from my daughter.  One thing is for certain...no matter what the occasion this cruise is a romantic one indeed.

Enjoy the pictures and the video too...it will surely inspire you to take this dinner cruise as well!

The Star of Honolulu is berthed right across the way from the Falls of Clyde- Pier 7 - Honolulu Harbor and next to Hooters at Aloha Tower Marketplace at Pier 8 and its total capacity is 1,500 passengers with four decks. More details...HERE

The Star of Honolulu - Oahu Cruises

• Five Star Dinner
• Three Star Dinner
• Star Sunset Dinner
• Pacific Star Dinner
• Premier Whale & Lunch
• Hawaiian Cultural & Lunch
• Polynesian Sunset Dinner Ali'i
• Polynesian Sunset Dinner Orchid
• Polynesian Sunset Dinner Plumeria
• Waikiki Fun & BBQ
• Wild Whale Watch
• Wild Dolphin & Lunch

For Phone Reservations: 808-983-STAR (7827) or (toll-free) 800-334-6191 or go to www.starofhonolulu.com

It's Christmas Day and I'm drinking a cup of the Chocolate Caramel Macadamia Nut Coffee that Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)  gave us.  It's a clear morning and this Christmas Day is projected to be a beautiful clear day.  BUT....That could change in an instant like anything else in life.

I'm reflecting over the last few days here so bear with me.

For one,  EVERYONE has to start somewhere. I for one was new to the Short Sale Market.   IT TOOK LOTS OF RESEARCH and LOTS of phone calls but my broker and other agents (from other companies...not even on the other side of this transaction) in the industry here were happy to help me with any questions I had on the process.

THAT'S what Real Estate is about. The REAL in the human beings that are helping each other out to learn the business RIGHT.

We ALL started somewhere....in Real Estate.

This is the kicker......In the last four weeks I've closed two short sales representing buyers and on Christmas Eve I closed my first Short Sale Listing with Randy.  I wrote a bit about it in Bank of America Sucks but funny how some only see the title and not the moral of the story which was Patience, Tolerance and Acceptance. 

Bank of America was the Bank for the Seller on the Christmas Eve Short Sale Closing. I thank the buyer who held on for almost six months, the seller who responded to get things in quickly that I needed, Randy who brought me in on the listing so I could learn and teach him too, Bank of America who didn't respond quickly throughout but responded asap at the end when approved and getting me the approval letter and .....

Thanks to Me..... For being the responsible and professional agent I've been for years.....even while learning the process of shorts sales on BOTH sides.

Real Estate is a continuous learning process as the terms, laws and process change continuously, for an ever changing market. I'm glad there were people in my own market who are willing to help just as I do when new agents come into our office...or even if they're new on the other side.

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The Tragedy.....On the other hand, my dear husband Gary broke his wrist on Wednesday at work. He was moving a 78 lb battery back up and his wrist was fractured when it got pinned between that thing and the wall. It was with Gary's support throughout the years that I have remained level headed and made it through the changing markets.

It's with my support too, that we work hand in hand when something changes.

Gary's broken wrist was his writing & working hand so I've literally been helping him with everything he needs. It's hard to have a tragedy happen and everything we take for granted is lost at an instant.

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MORAL OF THE STORY?  Anything can happen in life, our real estate market and normal every day activities.  It's up to each and every one of us to give the support to those around us to be a good neighbor, spouse.....or just an all around good human being.

For without those helping hands ....

Where would we be today?

A Saturday morning at Mililani Town Shopping Center. It's crowded in the parking lot and we just needed to deposit a check at the bank. I boot my husband out of the car to do the deed and drove around the parking lot awaiting his return.

Not much usually happens around the parking lot but as soon as I saw that Santa was on vacation in Hawaii I immediately trailed him to get a shot to share with all of you.

I'm sure glad that Santa got a vacation before starting out on Christmas Eve to deliever all the presents!

HO HO HO!

As the good loyal member I am (hahaha) of ActiveRain, I am going to jump on the chance to enter yet another challenge by BOB STEWART. Yup, he always has some grand ideas... and I really like the prizes for this one. You can read all about it here>>>> ActiveRain Contest | SHIFT Your Business into Gear    

So I jumped on the chance to order the book and see what's up with this SHIFT thing.  I love change so SHIFT falls into that category. Real Estate is an every changing market and ALL OF US have to SHIFT our business models around to adjust to these ever changing.....changes.

I'm always up for learning new things and hey...whatever I won't be able to use I can just put it in my memory bank....for another time.

In any event, I got click happy thinking that I had to purchase the book by going to http://giftofshift.com/activerain  but lo and behold.....again, I didn't read the comment stream and another post that gave a link for a digital copy of the book FIRST.So I went ahead and bought the whole shebang for March 2010 at GiftofShift.com/activerain.

That's okay. I'll patiently await the whole bunch of stuff that comes with that packet. For those of you that want a digital book you can go to  Peggy Chirico's post on Want to Participate in Bob Stewart's Contest But Don't Have a Copy of the Book, SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times, by Gary Keller?

OR HEY...just go here and order  (if you don't want the whole package that will arrive in March 2010) the SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Time from Amazon

I'm not even sure if I want to be a Millionaire Real Estate agent but I like learning new things to keep my business moving.   How about you?

In order to set ourselves apart from our competition we have to have our own niche and areas of expertise in our profession. As Real Estate Industry Professionals we hold ourselves to higher standards and that is definitely NUMBER ONE  in setting ourselves apart from ...."THE OTHERS".

Instead of focusing on ‘THE OTHERS' and their poor performance let's take a look at how each and every one of us CAN and WILL make a difference in the lives of all those we come in contact with in the Real Estate Industry.

• BEING A TEAM PLAYER - In this business we have to be able to work with others in different areas for the transaction to be a smooth one. We carry ourselves in higher esteem with a pleasant attitude and follow up with loan officers, escrow and title, home and termite inspectors and our clients. I'm a happy camper when ‘others' give me the same respect and pleasant attitude.
• BE AVAILABLE and RETURN CORRESPONDENCE - Answering my phone, returning calls and answering emails are definitely a big PLUS on my end. I am confident knowing my clients and other professionals are pleased when they can get a prompt response. I'm a happy camper when others are courteous and give me a prompt response as well.
• GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING-  This IS the best tool for not only CYA but also referring back to important ‘discussions'.  After telephone conversations send an email reiterating the conversation. There is nothing better than written documentation with time/date stamped to refer back to since our memories are not the most reliable source of reference.  I'm a happy camper when ‘others' are courteous and give me the same correspondence in return.
• ASK QUESTIONS AND GIVE FACTS- There is nothing worse than hearing someone give bogus information just to have an answer.  Asking questions and giving factual information is a big plus. There's nothing worse than ruining your reputation for the sake of your ego. I'm a happy camper when I'm able to give the correct information and get the same in return.
• RESEARCH and CONTINUING EDUCATION -  Our Real Estate Industry is constantly changing with implementing new ideas for marketing, law changes, contract changes and all around market changes. Staying on top of our market, all areas of the industry and new, fresh ideas will keep us on top of the game. I'm a happy camper learning new things because that means I'm continuously growing and able to serve my clientele better.
• LISTENING IS KEY TO ALL COMMUNICATION - There is nothing worse than to just talk  brag about yourself.  If you want to show your expertise in real estate, then talk about what you can do for your client after listening to their need firsts. The client wants to hear what you can do to sell their property or find them their first home.  THEY'RE a happy camper when they're trying to explain their wants and needs and you're LISTENING.
• CONFIDENT AND REAL- We all know that personalities usually have to click in order to have a professional or personal relationship. Being confident and real means we are true professionals who stand by our ethics and think in the best interests of everyone around us. WE KNOW OUR STUFF and do not puff up or disguise any bad situation. Everyone is a happy camper when they are given straightforward answers so they are able to make uniformed decisions.

These are just a few things that I set myself apart from the "OTHERS".

I am a Real Estate Industry Leader.

How about you?

Century 21 Liberty Homes has an Annual Christmas Party each year and it's not only to celebrate the holidays but to acknowledge all the hard work the agents and staff of our office did over the last year.

I believe we can attitribute our ongoing success through the positive spirits that run through our office throughout the year. Our Principal Broker, Douglas Fortner and  our Broker In Charge, Leona Soto continue to give each of us their guidance and to ensure that our office carries the Ohana (family) atmosphere to make everyone feel a "part of".

Happy Holidays and a Positive and Prosperous 2010 to All!

When I was 11 years old I flew on a prop airplane to Kauai with my cousin to visit with my favorite Aunt Sally. She taught me how to crochet, sew, play the ukulele and clean house. On this first trip over there my cousin and I vowed we would find all sorts of mischief to get into.

We went crabbing with my Uncle Doug and we found a stray cat. We 'snuck' him in the back of the car and managed to muffle the cat's cries....for help wondering where we were taking her. We hid the cat under a wash basin in the back yard and ran in to have lunch. My Auntie Sally yelped and pointed outside.

The wash bin was mysteriously gliding across the grass!

We borrowed  took the neighbors boat without asking. As the boating gals we were I told my cousin to get in and I'd push the boat out and jump in.  Yeah, right into the river!

The best one was going down to the Menehune Ditch and my cousin trying to go into the cave....I drew the line at that one. No bad luck for me!  You can read all about it in Hawaiian Spirits, Superstitions & Lore- Do You Believe?

Right across from the Menehune Ditch was the SWINGING BRIDGE. As little kids who thought we were invincible this was one feat we did not conquer. At that time there were stray dogs (mean ones) who guarded that bridge and we weren't about to see if we could intimidate them.

The Swinging Bridge of Waimea on Kauai  was the only access across Waimea River to the farms on the other side. That original suspension bridge was wiped out by Hurricane Iniki in 1992.

Last year we went to Aunt Sally's funeral service and we took a picture of the Swinging Bridge that was rebuilt in 1996.

All I have left are the memories.

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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

Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!

Last night it was a cool and brisk with a little wind blowing the trees to and fro. All of a sudden the wind started blowing my plants and all of a sudden a downpour occured out of nowhere. The  pounding of the rain was so loud and LARGE Raindrops could be heard all around us.

With the loud noise it can be quite deafening.... but after watching the rain for a few minutes and listening closer I started to hear something else.

The plants were getting nourished

And the rain seemed to be cleansing

And the sound became soothing

After all.

Honolulu County Real Estate Market Report- November 2009

As the saying goes...the only thing constant in this world is CHANGE.  The same goes for our Honolulu County Housing Market Statistics for November 2009  which showed yet again the continued up and down numbers in sales numbers and sales prices!

Single Family Resale Numbers:  Our sales numbers for single family homes showed a slight decrease in sold single family homes from 281 to 249. The Median Sales price also had a slight decline from $605,000 in October to $590,000 in November.  This is decrease of 0.75% from November 2008 to 2009 and also shows a decrease of 2.4% from October to November of 2009 in sales prices. 

Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers:  Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses increased slightly from 381 in October to 407 in November of 2009 and we can attribute the sales number increase for the past couple of months due to the lowering inventory on the island of Oahu. Honolulu County Median sales prices increased 102.5% from November of 2008 to November of 2009 and also increased in sales prices from $295,000 to $320,000!

I believe these ups and downs will continue as our market tries to find a happy median. With the FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT EXTENSION approved, interest rates still lower and inventory considerable down in all neighborhoods the shifting is evident with more homebuyers in the market.

These Honolulu County Market Statistics vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and I continue to experience multiple offers on homes and townhouses in all areas in Honolulu County including short sales. Stay tuned for more neighborhood market statistics.

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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

Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!

I walked through the door of a townhouse and what lay behind that door did not surprise me one bit. I walked through the door of a condo and what lay behind that door did not surprise me a bit. One condo and one townhouse that were both rentals for years and both sellers want to put it on the market asap and get it sold.

There are tenants ... few and far between....that will treat a rental like their own. VERY FEW.

And these two units were no exception to this rule.

Our work was cut out for us and what lay ahead was nothing we haven't overcome before. It IS possible to get a unit in spic and span and upgraded condition within a few days to a week but depending on what needs to be done. 

One thing is for certain...your property will be on the market for a LONG time if you don't do a darn thing to it.

It took so little to make these units shine and glow.

They're both in contract.