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

For those that dislike to do Short Sales...I'm here to tell you I do too!  It's a lot of paperwork, time spent on phones and a LONG tedious process to get from start to finish.

BUT......

There are exceptions though. I had the pleasure to work with a fine upstanding family who wanted to do the right thing. They had no choice but to list as a short sale after finding out through an independent appraiser that their home was not worth what they bought it for in 2007.

And there are the exceptions for those servicers at the borrower's lending institution who go above and beyond to help get the transaction through quickly....that make it an actual pleasant transition.  I had the pleasure...this time...to work with great team players.

From start to finish....this short sale took a whopping TWO months and THREE weeks.

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Hawaii Home Buyer | SOME Military Qualify for Extended Tax Credit

The Home Buyer Tax Credit ended on April 30, 2010 but there are some "Qualified service members" (which means a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community) that may still qualify for the extension of this Home Buyer Tax Credit. Qualified service members who are ordered on a period of official extended duty are extended for one year. For these home buyers, the tax credit applies to sales with a binding sales contract in place on or before April 30, 2011 and closed by June 30, 2011.

READ THE DETAILS HERE:: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

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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 all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Many people will tend to look at the success of others by their status, title, label or how financially stable they are.  The career choice of an individual just starting out in the work force most likely is an employee who works for a monthly salary or paid by the hour.

During the course of our lives we settle in to a ‘job' (career) that we enjoy...or at the very least one that we make a good living so as to support ourselves and families.  We may change paths frequently or we remain on the ladder of success or just a routine to pay the bills.

I'm getting to the story....bear with me.

 The CEO of a company most likely makes a lot of money (right?)  He/She has worked their way up the ladder and became so successful that they are head of the company and have many others working underneath them; therefore, they most likely have a BIG income.

On the other hand, there are the Independent Contractors who are Small Business Owners. Bob's Pizza's owner is Bob. Bob is well respected in the community for his deep dish pizza with homemade sausage on it. His status is OWNER so he of course he makes a bunch of money. Right?

I changed career paths a few times during the course of my life. I was Administrative Assistant for a Family Law Attorney for many years and did the same for a non-profit program for structured living. I've waitressed in fine dining and volunteered for youth centers.

And then I chose the path of Real Estate.

I remember often the five second conversation I had with a  client's 10 year old boy a few years ago. He asked, "You're rich because you sell houses, right?"  I politely said, "No, I'm not rich but I do get my bills paid."  What else do I say to a young boy who ‘heard'  that all real estate agents are rich?

Well, here's a bit of info for all:

• The market is slow, prices are up and down and there aren't as many closed sales as previous years.  (I really wish I were "rich" like in those days lol)
• I live in Hawaii where cost of living is a bit higher  than many other states.  (But I go to Costco just like anyone else to ‘get a deal')
• Homes for sale or rent are higher than many states. Therefore, my morgage is higher than most too; so I'm not exempt from payments either.
• I have to pay federal, state and Hawaii General Excise Tax every quarter on all money I make.  (So contrary to popular believe I am not exempt to taxes)
• I do not get that whole % commission you believe I get..... because both the buyer/seller brokerage get their cut  (on top of franchise fees, Errors and Omissions  Insurance and so on and so forth...not to mention if it's a short sale and the bank hacks the commission ....or else)
• ALL expenses come out of MY pocket and I do not get a salary or hourly rate to cover ANY of these expenses.  (I've had a couple clients flat out tell me that I can stop and buy them lunch because I can deduct it)
• I can't really ‘afford' to hand out money, time and incur a lot of expenses (lunch, gas, gifts) to be your tour guide because you're bored that day. (or so you can get all the info you can to list your house FSBO...Good luck!)  

So, in the end what am I left with?

Taking care of my client's needs and respected for a job well done.

I'll remember to tell that 10 year old boy the next time we meet.....

That yes..... I am rich.

As the saying goes...the only thing constant in this world is CHANGE.  The same goes for our Honolulu County Housing Market Statistics and in June of 2010 our housing market showed a decrease in sales prices for single family homes and increases in condo/townhouse sales price compared to May of 2010.

Single Family Resale Numbers:  Our sales numbers for single family homes showed a stable number of sold single family homes of 285...only 2 down from the previous month. The Median Sales price went down from $606,000 to $575,000  These statistic do show an increase of 0.9% in sales prices from the year before.  A better year for sure!

Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers:  Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses increased from 361 solds in May 2010 to 399 solds in June of 2010. Honolulu County Median sales numbers increased 38% from the previous year and slightly decreased in sales prices over the last year from $310,000 to $300,000.

With the FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT ended we expected a big decrease in sales.....but it seems our market is still moving at a steady pace.  And with interest rates still low and  inventory considerable down in all neighborhoods the shifting is evident with more homebuyers in the market fighting over homes. 

Multiple offers on one property...regardless of short sales, foreclosures and regular sales is the norm at this time so be prepared and don't be that killer negotiator!  With lower inventory on the island of Oahu everyone is trying to get a piece of that HAWAII DREAM HOME pie!

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 or contact me at sally@hawaiihomesmarket.com for more information!

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Hawaii Home Buyer | SOME Military Qualify for Extended Tax Credit

The Home Buyer Tax Credit ended on April 30, 2010 but there are some "Qualified service members" (which means a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community) that may still qualify for the extension of this Home Buyer Tax Credit. Qualified service members who are ordered on a period of official extended duty are extended for one year. For these home buyers, the tax credit applies to sales with a binding sales contract in place on or before April 30, 2011 and closed by June 30, 2011.

READ THE DETAILS HERE:: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

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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 all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Shopping at Pearlridge Center has been one of my favorite places to go shopping.  With an array of shops, restaurants, theaters and more they always have some kind of educational exhibit going on for the children.

Well, when I went to Pearlridge to do a bit of shopping this past week, lo an behold....there were the Dinosaurs at Phase II of Pearlridge Center.  I was amazed how the two little toddlers were hanging out by the fence surrounding the display and they were't afraid of the roaring and moving dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs  is an educational program (FREE!) and started on June 18th and running through August 15th. Held during normal store hours: Monday through Saturday form 10am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm with large robotic displays as well as hands on activities.

For more information on stores, shops and calendar events go to Pearlridge Center

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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 all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

I don't know about other markets, but it's been quite the chore in some Oahu neighborhoods to determine pricing for the sale of the property. It's been just as hard for an appraiser to get a grip on some neighborhood markets as well.....in our Up and Down Oahu Housing Market.

For most of the listings I've had this year,  I've literally had to beat our MLS to death for comparable properties as some of the short sales and foreclosures have closed; yet our market wants to recover as well.  It's been mind boggling to present to the seller an approximate in between for pricing.  I've come to the conclusion that using the ‘in contract' prices may just be what I need to use for the ‘high' price as well as other factors........

The Oahu Housing Market  has gone up and down in numbers and sales prices since the beginning of the year and I incorporated a "Strategic Plan for Pricing and Marketing" the property being listed.

After preparing my listing packet with supporting comparable properties, crucial pricing information, graphs and so forth, I sit down with my clients and discuss their options.  I listen to their wants and needs and most of the time they are open to listening to my plan to sell their home too.

1. Get the home in tip top shape for the first Open House.  I ask if they want my suggestions to get their home ready. If they are willing,  I go through the home with the client and make a list of things that need to be done before that first showing.
2.  Price the property aggressively to attract the consumer.  After going through the comps and information we discuss options. It's not only about getting the top price but how you get that price too!  Read on...........
3. My crucial and creative plan:  While they're still doing their last minute touch ups and cleaning to get ready for the First Open House, I list the property at the attractive list price with notice that the first showing will be at the first Open House.  If the property is priced well, this will allow time for the public and agents to view the listing....and make time to attend that first showing.
4. The first few days on the market:  ...and before that first showing/open house)....Listing the property in every available internet site that I subscribe to and create the property virtual tour with www.realestateshows.com   Here's an example>> Mililani Townhouse for Sale!
5. Get all flyers, brochures and property highlights and upgrades sheet done.  Making a flyer and brochure attractive along with pertinent information about the property to hand out gives a personal touch.  I take notes during my first interview and walk through of the property. I ask questions about any highlights, upgrades and so forth so I can make an additional sheet going room to room to hand out as well.

Open Houses may not work in your area but they sure do in our market!  Our Hawaii Open Houses ARE the Sunday event and when using this ‘technique' along with the right pricing.... I've had 20-50 people attending at that first showing and Open House.

This Mililani Townhouse for Sale!  was aggressively priced at $369,000.

We record tomorrow morning at an offering AND appraised price OVER the listing price.

....I'll let you know the sales price after we record in the morning :)

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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 all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

About two and a half years ago I wrote a post Stewardship: The Way to a PLEASANT Blogging Experience.   I got the idea to write the post from a comment thread in which our own Bob Stewart - ActiveRain talked about holding ourselves to a higher standard. 

He said, ""If you have a following on ActiveRain, you need to HOLD YOURSELF TO A HIGHER STANDARD. Having a big following (and there are a ton of you commenting on this that do) means that you take stewardship over the community as a whole. ..........Your actions reflect positively and negatively on ALL OF US."

Hang around the barber shop long enough and you end up getting a haircut.  In other words, if we read a lot of negative posts about the community we won't move there, right?  We on ActiveRain ARE a community and it is the people behind all the words that make this a great community.  Once in awhile there will be disparaging posts or comments and we can choose to ignore, jump in and fight or look on the positive side of the story.

There are always two sides to everything.

 In my own mind and stepping into another's shoes.

Your success in business is not dependent on others giving it to you. YOU MAKE IT.  Same goes for blogging. We have to work hard at creating a good post full of information that shows some transparency to who is writing it as well as making it interesting so the consumer and our peers that will read it.

We engage the reader with:

• Quality Content:  Yeah, you can cram a load full of creative content t into one post or very little with thought provoking tidbits to make you think further.  That's the beauty of blogging....you MAKE your own blogging experience turn into business and connecting with your peers by putting interesting information into your writing.
• Transparency in Content:  When you are talking to someone about real estate (or staging, loans etc.) are you just reciting and talking AT them instead of WITH them? Same goes for your writing.... FEEL the reader walking beside you and write as if you're talking with them. Reciting does not go a long way...being real does.
• Variety in Content:  Whoever said local area, food joints, the best pedicurist in town, history and points of interest in your neighborhood has nothing to do with real estate is OUT OF THEIR MINDS!  Everything around us is Real Estate Related. If a client asks where a great dining place is you have answers. If they ask about the neighborhood history or entertainment you have answers. This could make the difference in their believing YOU ARE THE AREA EXPERT......or NOT.

ActiveRain is my best source for getting myself and my information out to the public. It is my best source for referrals and without a doubt the only place that I have truly bonded with my peers and turned many a connection into long lasting friendships.

You CAN and WILL create your own blogging experience on ActiveRain with dedication, consistency and a whole lot of effort. Just like any other marketing tool....it takes time for it to implement into your business ....as long as you are creating content worth reading. It take a heck of a lot of focus....on your own self instead of worrying about everyone else. It is when you understand all this...is when you ARE ....Creating Your OWN Blogging Experience on ActiveRain.

It takes a positive attitude to work smoothly alongside your peers in any community.

Are you holding yourself to a higher standard within our ActiveRain community?

There's  a sense of accomplishment as each one of these short sale transactions makes progress.  There are quite a few emotions flying in the wind throughout this process and we surely feel for our clients as they go through the inner turmoil and frustrations that goes along with EVERY short sale.  They did their best and had great credit but when it came time to move and sell their home they were.....stuck.

I keep reminding myself to not take things personal.

It's hard to decipher the client's feelings when there are written words through email or abrupt phone calls with harsh words included.  Are they blaming me somehow?  I keep asking myself, "Why am I the recipient of their frustrations?".

Because I am the closest one to them during this time that actually listens.

Listening to my client's needs will continue to be the best quality I have as a real estate agent.  It's actually the best quality I have as a human being.  It doesn't take much to care and to listen.  Don't get me wrong, I am assertive and don't let anyone overstep my boundaries but I also understand that some people just need someone to listen.  How else will I know what their needs are?

Come to think of it, every transaction is a stressful time for both home buyers and home sellers.

We are there to answer questions, guide them and direct them....

But most importantly....

TO LISTEN.

Along  my path in the real estate industry I learn and continue to learn. I know that going above and beyond and being a detailed Realtor Associate® leaves me respected by many.  I came into the market at the start of the boom and weathered the storm during the downturn and I am at the point in my career where I am ‘stable'.

I make a good living, I make sure to allot time for me, time for family and I certainly do not take on more than I can handle. I have control issues (which I'm sure many will agree they do as well) as I have my own style and anal retentive ways of being on top of things. In that respect I assure my clients I am not too busy to take care of them.

Every transaction IS NOT THE SAME. I will continue to repeat that line during and after a transaction as I surely continue to learn something, anything....from each client and transaction. I surely will remind myself to not take things so personal as it's the perception of each human being that will sometimes create a negative or positive reaction.

For every action there is a reaction.

Short Sales are a part of our market in Hawaii and more so in some neighborhoods than others. I surely think in the best interests of my buyers and sellers and make sure to be honest and forthright with the information I give them. If it's beyond my scope then they need to seek legal advice from an attorney.

I have done a few short sales for buyers AND sellers and  I don't like the way the lenders/banks know that lives are in their hands and they take every advantage to look like the good guy when indeed they just don't give a hoot. I'd like to see one of them say, "I care about you and will try and help you through this as quickly as possible so you can get on with your lives".  Yeah, right....when pigs fly.

It's one thing to know that only some states have a ‘debt forgiveness law' and another for the bank to blame the state on not forgiving the deficiency on a short sale.  This was presented to me the other day by a lender.

IS IT NOT A FACT THAT ....THE FORGIVENESS LIES IN THE HANDS OF THE LENDER?

Correct me if I'm wrong please.

They either forgive or not.  Hawaii (and MANY OTHER states) do not have debt forgiveness laws.  And?  The perception of "Hawaii is not a debt forgiveness state" doesn't mean that it was up to Hawaii to forgive the deficiency in the loan through a short sale. 

 It was... and is the lender that gets to go after the borrower for that deficiency ..... or not.

So, Mr. Lender...don't sit there and act like it's any particular state's fault you didn't forgive the remaining balance....it was your choice all along. How people perceived the statement that ‘a state doesn't have the forgiveness law' can be misconstrued by the seller that it's the state that doesn't allow the debt forgiveness from the lender.  Most states just don't have a law that MAKES you forgive the debt.

It's these kinds of things that teach me yet one more lesson.

Others may not be straightforward and forthright ......

And  we have to be on our toes when statements are misconstrued.

I don't know which is politically incorrect.... blatant bragging or actually just announcing when I have a listing going into contract.  I often wonder how it looks on a social network when I ‘announce' that I have a new listing Or when I ‘announce' that I finally got an approval (whether it be verbal or in writing) from the bank for a short sale.

Who cares!  I'm showing the world I'm Working AND Socializing!

Real Estate can be considered a salesman/woman sort of job although I beg to differ that it ends at that point. You see, I see myself working my behind off and caring....actually caring.... about the people I work for (my clients) and with (team players) during the course of the transaction; and even after it's completed. 

So, regardless if I'm just giving a status on my Facebook page or ‘announcing' a new listing on ActiveRain or wherever I may be practicing ‘social networking' there is  always a person behind the words.

Giving a Piece of WHO I am:   I'm a darn good Realtor Associate® but I am also a person behind the designations and words that are written. You'll be able to see who I am through my writing no matter where I am networking or ‘bragging' about my clientele and statuses.

Marketing while Socializing:   My Facebook page is all in one. I have no other page for my business and clearly it's a choice we all have to make. To separate or to keep it all in one. For me it was an easy choice. I am one and the same person regardless if in personal or business mode. 

More than just a blog:  My ActiveRain blog  is my only page as well. I will write anything and everything to give you the transparency of this person behind the words.  EVERYTHING is real estate related. You are working with a person when I'm representing you ...my client.  You will ‘see' who and what I'm about with my local area, real estate, Hawaii information and photos and anything and everything. 

So, as far as being politically correct...Who knows. But I can give you all the information in the world that may or may not be bragging....but sure as heck marketing for my clients as well as ......

It's the word REAL in Real Estate is what I'm giving you.

This person behind the written word.

Are You Documenting Your Transactions?  Are you documenting correspondence so you still have the ability to open files right from your ONE pdf file for each client?

Protecting yourself, your documents, your correspondence is a MUST in our business. It helps to grasp a piece of an email conversation and you can also find an attached document at the click of a mouse if you use Outlook and Adobe Acrobat 9 PRO.

All those conversations that lead to "he said, she said" on that phone log just don't cut it. It's all HERESAY and does not grasp the conversation like the written word.  No matter if I have a phone conversation with anyone involved in the transaction I will follow up with an email directly after reiterating our conversation.

Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro is great for just this task!

Organize your clients in to their separate folders (if you have not done so already and right click on the client folder you want to convert to PDF and click on "Convert Client to Adobe PDF" and save to your Client file on your PC. (Picture above)

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It will start the conversion and when finished open up to your PDF file with each email showing on the top ....

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Your emails with the attachments will show and you can highlight it and then open up the attachment from your pdf file.

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What a simple, easy and organized way to document, save and have ONE file to refer to all your emails ....AS WELL AS ALL THE ATTACHED FILES...... ready to open at the click of a mouse.

You know, many would think that when others have a positive attitude towards business, and life in general, is a means to try and trample over those without regard to how they affect them. That is not so and the positive are not weak in nature to begin with.

I have long since learned that a positive outlook doesn't mean I just follow others around and keep in tune with the "Joneses" but to be direct and honest WITH regard to my intent that in doing so I am not affecting others in a negative way. On the flip side, I am keeping healthy boundaries and don't let others cross that line. Being assertive and direct with a meaningful tone by the way.

There are those that have ulterior motives to hurt when telling people the ‘truth' and those that just need to be straightforward with the only intent of others respecting them for their honest opinions.

In other words, there's a right way and a wrong way of doing things.

My mom used to try and pound that into my head from ‘kid time'.  I used to think that telling people something they didn't want to hear would hurt them. Not so in the real estate business. We HAVE to be straightforward in this business so our client's have a clear understanding of the market, the process and the end result.

Same goes for online communication and connections. I'm one of ‘those' that will try and avoid ‘unnecessary' conflict. Do I care how long someone has been doing something?  I think I would rather identify how the quality of work and the sincerity of the person is compared to ‘how much' or ‘how long'. And without personal interaction of some sort (telephone, face to face) the typewritten word may sometimes portray obscenity and ill disregard to another.

There is a right way and wrong way of doing things and to not give a ‘shirt' about another and how I may affect them may just be chalked up to self centeredness.  So, I'll just continue with what's good for me......which by all means may not be the same for you....but with all good intentions that I'm not affecting anyone in a negative manner.

Signing off....

Being Positive Doesn't Mean We Let THEM Walk All Over Us

It is without a doubt that we walk hand in hand through ActiveRain to many social media sites. For one,we comingle around these sites with the solid fact that we will make connections with many others whether it be to reconnect with family, friends or to make new acquaintances and business connections.  Sooner or later we meet face to face or at the very least converse on the phone across oceans and miles nationwide and to other countries.

I had an epiphany when ‘traveling' through cyberspace while learning the ins and outs of blogging on ActiveRain and then hopping across the social media universe. The transparency of ‘self' was the focal point of this whole blogging thing and while being ‘social' on all sites. It was this transparency that brought me success.

We all have read many a ActiveRain Success Story here and the first year of my time on ActiveRain I wrote my first one One Year in ActiveRain: Time & Effort Equals Success. 

The one thing I believed ‘back then' and still do today is what I stated in that post........  

"If it is one thing I have respected are the people who did not change in spirit and in soul along their pathway to blogging freedom and remained themselves......

....The ones who have written from the heart and let their whole persona shine through."

Now, 3 years later of being an ActiveRain Member and I had another realization come to life through another's passing. I may not be able to muster as much time to write many blogs here although my heart is here each and every day.  I attribute my hard work and effort to apply what I learned on ActiveRain in my business model and I bonded with my peers and made astounding connections and friendships.

It is because of those connections I made here on ActiveRain that I went out to mingle on other sites like Facebook to stay connected with those friends I made here on ActiveRain. Without that transparency and bonding I may not have found out about my dear friend Carole Provenzale's passing....  Proof that we did not have to meet face to face to form a friendship that spanned over three years on ActiveRain. I know this to be true.....because my heart aches.

Write from your own thoughts and creativity with conviction, passion, integrity, honesty and respect.

In turn receive business, connections and awesome friendships .....

This is the Power of ActiveRain.

We've heard many stories about how unfortunate circumstance befall a household where they no longer can afford to pay their mortgages.  We've heard many stories of trying to ‘beat the system' or walking away from a home they no longer want. We've all heard ...and seen....the disarray of a home for those that just no longer cared because the bank would not help them modify their payments or help them through a short sale.

Well, there are homeowners out there who are trying to do the right thing and continue to pay their mortgages until the dying end. They've depleted their savings and retirement accounts to ‘do the right thing' only to be left with nothing.

They didn't realize that in order to do a short sale they had to be delinquent in payments....at least by one month and more according to Fannie Mae and other institutions by two or more payments.  They didn't realize that paying those payments would actually hurt them in the long run to where they are just getting by.

And then the length of time to go through a short sale leaves them....on empty.

They get discouraged when the bank takes too long to respond to the offer in hand and more often than not, the buyer has already walked away.  They can't do it without the cooperation of the banks....who are literally holding the homeowners lives in their hands.

This is an ongoing problem for those that are trying to save what piece of dignity they have left.

A disheartening chapter in their lives indeed......

For those who believed they were doing the right thing....

Being a respectable homeowner.

April 2010  Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

As holds true in all neighborhoods nationwide, each neighborhood will determine their market for their local area. On Oahu, we can pretty much gather that from neighborhood to neighborhood the sales prices will vary and so will the median and average prices. To better determine the market (particularly for your sq/ft interior, land, condition and year built), contact a Realtor® who will give you a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) 

Mililani Single Family Home Market Report April 2010:  We have 50 Active Listings for April 2010, with 20  in contract and 23 sold.  Mililani Single Family Home activity remains comparable with March as multiple contracts are submitted and accepted due to the end of the First Time Home Buyer Credit on April 30th. Average Sales Prices were a bit lower than the previous month of $628,610; down to $587,923 and average days on market...DOM was 46 days.  

 Mililani Condo Statistics for April 2010: We have 66 Active condos/townhouses on the market from April 2010, 46 Pending and 21 sold. Looks like our Mililani Condo/Townhouse market sped up for the month of April with MANY trying to get into contract before the April 30^th deadline on the Home Buyer Credit.  Average sales price of $292,023 had a very slight decrease from March 2010 of $293,238. Average days on market ..DOM was 43 days.

Hawaii Home Buyer | SOME Military Qualify for Extended Tax Credit

Yup, the Home Buyer Tax Credit ended on April 30, 2010 but there are some "Qualified service members" (which means a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community) that may still qualify for the extension of this Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Qualified service members who are ordered on a period of official extended duty are extended for one year. For these home buyers, the tax credit applies to sales with a binding sales contract in place on or before April 30, 2011 and closed by June 30, 2011. 

READ THE DETAILS HERE:   http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

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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 all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Commercial Property Closes | Condolences for the Family of Bert Nagai of Nagai Realty

Though my heart is heavy, I write with the intention of once again reiterating that there is more to being a Realtor® than just closing a transaction or getting paid. We go above and beyond to support our clients in whatever is going on at the time their property is being sold.

A twice seller/buyer client called me earlier in the year asking me if I would list his dad's commercial property of business. We did list the property towards the end of February and the owner had just gotten out of surgery and trying to go through recovery.   It didn't go quite as well as planned and during this difficult time I watched as his son did all the work to close both the electrician's shop and the offices for Nagai Realty to get this property to closing.

I cried with them when Bert Nagai of Nagai Realty and Nagai Electric passed away and I became closer to the family through this transaction than during the previous two transactions because of this process.  It reminded me of the human side a Realtor® must have during a crisis.

There is no easy way to do a transaction during these difficult times although the end result is hearing the words I heard from Mr. Nagai's son this morning.   He said, "Sally, there is no one else in the world I would put my trust in to help me and my dad except you". 

There is more to Real Estate than just a transaction.

It's people helping people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

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 all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Honolulu County IS the island of Oahu. We're just one island of the chain of Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  In other words, we aren't a huge state like the vast Continental United States and obviously it's not hard to run into people we know from time to time.

I don't know about some, but many of us in the Real Estate Industry REALIZE that our reputation is all we have on such a small island. Stepping on another's toes, giving phone call slaps or virtual smacks for the sake of being "competitive" is a no-no ....in my book.

Being aware of how I affect others will determine my success in the Real Estate Industry and hopefully the following points will help others identify...and change what is the obvious:

• Being competitive doesn't mean to call a fellow agent up and insult them.  No matter what, we (especially on a small island as ours) hold ourselves to higher standards and insults to another will NOT get you any referrals, business partners, repeat business and well...you get the picture.  You may have to seek professional  help for those deep issues (i.e. jealousy, self esteem) you have that ‘make ‘ you criticize another.
• Avoiding the task at hand.  If you have too much on your plate and start avoiding the tasks at hand you may want to consider hiring an assistant or referring some of that work out. Nothing is worse than hoarding more than you can handle and avoiding what needs to be done or worse yet-  passing the buck to everyone else involved in the transaction because you don't have time. You may need to seek professional help for those deep issues (greed, title, status of quantity not quality) you have that ‘make' you take on more than you can handle.
• A poor sport indeed. So, you didn't get the listing or loan or escrow. Does that mean to badger and hold grudges against the one that did land the account?  Take a look at your own marketing and people skills. Maybe they didn't like your pushiness or inability to give correct information?  If you can't handle that you didn't get the client, you may want to seek professional counseling for vocational rehabilitation or anger management. 

So, the next time you don't answer your phone, you avoid taking care of the task at hand and insult others you can bet your bottom dollar your business will dwindle and your reputation ‘known' amongst all who have crossed your path.

The aftermath of being an overly aggressive ‘professional' with a really bad attititude....

WILL lead to your real estate profession bankruptcy.

In September of 2008 I had the pleasure to represent a seller for the sale of his townhouse although we had to postpone the sale until this year.  When I got his call to relist the property he explained how he "found" me again.  He said he Googled my name and lo and behold I was ALL OVER THE PLACE on the internet.

Our search tags, keywords and titles get us leads, contacts and a lot of the time closed transactions. But after they 'find' all these great articles and posts we write they DO a search for that agent so they can see what else they can find out about that wonderful and knowledgable person that wrote the post. 

The consumer WILL search your name, your company and so forth so make sure that you have a great profile to go along with your name.  At the very least, a former client who is looking for you on the internet will surely find you by just typing in your name.

Needless to say, the sale was a success and we recorded this morning!

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 all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

If not for a moment of wanderlust

To dream until that moment...

Without rhyme nor reason

A picture perfect memory

For those lost or scattered to sea

Commemorate the loved one most thought of

To remember thee.

Striving to be all I can be.....and then some: 

1. I have no control over others and do not try and MAKE them think like me. We are all human and individuals with our own opinions and there is no two that think alike. That's what makes me unique.
2. There may be a power greater than myself but ultimately it is me that has to do the footwork. I will be patient and tolerant and accept situations on a case by case basis so I do not go insane. I will LISTEN to my clients needs...not tell them what they ‘want' to hear.
3. Made a decision to turn my thinking around and have healthy beliefs, values and morals. In this way I will structure my transactions accordingly with a healthy time managed business. I keep my healthy boundaries and be direct and forward in all I do.
4. Evaluate my transactions and my every day interactions with others to make sure I did everything in my power to think in the best interests of my clients and myself.  That will always be first and foremost in my business and if unsure ASK.
5. Admit any mistakes and ask my Broker and others in the industry with whom I trust for guidance, advice and help.  Learn from each experience and grow from those learning lessons and if I do make a mistake, APOLOGIZE and MOVE ON. Better to ask then be a fool.
6. We were entirely ready to go above and beyond the call of duty. We continue to strive to be all we can be and KNOW that there will be bumps along the way because no two transactions will ever be the same.
7. Be confident in ourselves and know that realize we are truly human. We will always make mistakes but can forgive ourselves when we know that we did not do anything to intentionally harm another.
8. Make amends to those we may have harmed. We all know that real estate is a stressful line of work for not just the clients but all involved. Always be the one to be above the crowd and get back on track as soon as possible.
9. We do make direct amends to those people whenever possible. Be aware that we do so without ulterior motives to hurt others (including those who have intentionally tried to hurt me in the process)
10. Evaluate each day at the end of the day. Make sure and take inventory, make amends and end each day knowing we did the right thing. Then we can allow ourselves to sleep well at night.
11. Take time for self so we do not let our business overrun our lives. We keep in conscious contact with keeping boundaries, time management, self improvement and continuing education so we never remain stagnant and continue to grow.
12. After going through many transactions and following the steps above we help others who are in need of our help. Helping others and working together as a team will lead to a common goal. Closed transactions and happy clients!

And the list will never stop growing.

Real Estate is continuously changing

.... and as chameleons....so are we.

I appreciate the history surrounding Oahu and if one is relocating to Hawaii or just coming to visit, I strongly encourage to seek out the historic sites. There is more to an area besides the stores and malls and the history of an area will provide insight into the past to present.

The Waianae Range spreads the length of the West Coast of Oahu (Nanakuli, Maili, Lualualei, Waiane and Makaha are a few of the communities along the way) and separates it from the rest of the island. To get to the West Coast of Oahu you can just go down Farrington Hwy around the mountain range.  The Waianae Coast was named after the mullet that was once farmed in the area.  To break down the word, Wai (pronounced why) means water and enae (eh na ee) means large mullet.  This community was known for it's agriculture, sugar mill, fishing and religion.

As any other state in the nation transportation evolved from saddle to wheeled carriage and eventually to steamer that left each Friday from Honolulu to Waianae (West Coast of Oahu) and Waialua (North Shore).   By 1888 the service increased  to twice a week.

By 1889 the construction of Oahu Railroad started and by November 16, 1889 was open to Aiea and on January 1, 1890 it reached Pearl City and serviced the vicinity of Ewa and Honouliuli.  During the 1890's the railroad service extended to the West Coast through Kaena Point to Waialua and Kahuku.

To this day fishing is a huge part of every day life for many residents on the West Coast of Oahu and most recently I had the opportunity to meet a commercial fisherman who turned out to be a wonderful client.  Life on the West Coast is not for all but for him it's just a simple but hard working way of life.  If he's not out fishing he's taking care of his one acre lot home he bought last November.

Needless to say, the Waianae Coastline is breathtaking with clear blue oceans to lush valleys.  Truly, the West Coast of Oahu is a local area with living the simple life with many beach parks filled with family and friends having beach parties for the baby's first birthday luau or just to get together. Definitely a place minus the hustle and bustle of city life.  (a few of the stops to consider along the coastline are Kahe Beach Park, Tracks Beach Park, Nanakuli Community Park, Maili Beach Park, Waianae State Park, Lualualei Beach Park, Pokai Bay Beach Park, US Army Recreational Center Waianae, Maunalahilahi Botanical Garden)

A couple of other posts to see what's happening on the West Coast of Oahu.

Preservation & Conservation: Military Land Use on Oahu Hawaii's West Coast (Waianae) which is about  the history and current land use on the West Coast with regards to the military.

The Legend of Makua Cave: Northwest Coast of Oahu, Hawaii is only a smidgen of the history surrounding the islands.  This cave is known as "the cave of man". Read about the legend.....

Bottom lines, every part of Oahu (Honolulu County) has history and many points of interest ....

.....and the Waianae Coast is just one of them.