Are you wanting to make your Home Buying experience a less stressful? How about a pain free transaction?  A loan process that requires no kinks or last minute documentation?  Or how's about a ‘perfect' escrow officer and a home inspector that only charges $2.00?

I'm here to tell you to wash away that mindset that everything in your Home Buying Experience should pull off without any quirks and qualms.  As human beings, we are not perfect anyway. We all will make a mistake at some point in our lives and being realistic is knowing that EVERYONE WILL NOT THINK LIKE YOU.

We know that your Home Buying experience is going to be stressful to a point because there is just so much involved and so many people who will have to work together.  Team players include YOU the Home Buyer too.  It is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime and also one of the most stressful situations in one's lifetime anyway.

When any party to the transaction goes above and beyond to create stress is becomes a heartache transaction and it really isn't necessary to:

• Criticize the loan officer and create unimaginable emotions in an email Instead, pick up the phone or ask if there's something else that you can do to help make the process go smoother. If something is asked for at the last minute believe that they are thinking in your best interests and truly not there to screw you over.
• Criticize the escrow officer and call the company incompetent Instead, fly an email and ask if they can please be more timely with their responses. Ask them if they need anything from you. Be timely in your responses back as well.
• Tell the agent to flake off when you're angry at another party  If your agent has worked well with you up until this point then why get mad at them because something else didn't ....go your way. Your agent is there to guide you and think in your best interests.  Not to barf on.
• The home inspector is ripping you off  Step into another's shoes and really see that a professional home inspector spends hours in that home to go through everything to ensure you have a detailed report on every nook and cranny.  They are there thinking in your best interests so you are apprised of all that may be right or wrong with the home.
• Play real estate agent and the know it all  Yes, ask questions. At the same time LISTEN to the answers. Communication is key to success. Key to communication is listening.  That's the whole reason you contacted the agent to begin with; to get great representation throughout your Home Buying process.

I have learned that there are no two transactions ever alike and there will be bumps and snags along the way. There has NEVER been a perfect transaction but we can all make it ....less stressful situation by working together instead of against each other when something didn't go ...perfectly.

Stress-Less Your Home Buying Experience

Work Together for a Smooth Transaction.

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............The need for perfection and the desire for inner tranquility conflict with one another. Whenever we are attached to having something a certain way, better than it already is, we are, almost by definition, engaged in a losing battle. Rather than being content and grateful for what we have, we are focused on what's wrong with something and our need to fix it. When we are zeroed in on what's wrong, it implies that we are dissatisfied, discontent.    

                                                "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"..... Richard Carlson, PHD

February 2010  Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

As holds true in all neighborhoods nationwide, the local area will determine the market. 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 February 2010:  We have 51 Active Listings for January 2010, with 17  in contract and 13 sold.  Mililani Single Family Home activity remains comparable with January as multiple contracts are submitted for prices lower than the previous year. Average Sales Prices were a bit lower than the previous month of $653,000; down to $618,369 and average days on market...DOM was 99 days.  Compared to a year ago at this same time the sales price average was $549,075 with 108 days on the market.

Mililani Condo Statistics for February 2010: We have 72 Active condos/townhouses on the market from February 2010, 36 Pending and 11 sold. Looks like our Mililani Condo/Townhouse market slowed down a bit for the month of February.  Average sales price of $314,052 is up a bit from January although one ‘luxury' townhouse sold at $498,000. Average days on market ..DOM was 99 days. Compared to a year ago at this same time the sales price average was $323,875 with 73 days on the market.

Mililani Boasts Three Shopping Centers:  Mililani Town Center - 95-1249 Meheula Parkway , Mililani Shopping Center - 95-221 Kipapa Drive (where Century 21 Liberty Homes resides), and Mililani Marketplace - 94-780 Meheula Pkwy.

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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

Hawaii Homes Market Report

Honolulu County Real Estate Home Sales- February 2010

As the saying goes...the only thing constant in this world is CHANGE.  The same goes for our Honolulu County Housing Market Statistics for February 2010 which showed yet again the continued up and down numbers in sales numbers and sales prices from month to month...and year to year!

 Single Family Resale Numbers:  Our sales numbers for single family homes showed a decrease in sold single family homes of 3.1% from 162 to 157. The Median Sales price also had a decline from one month to the next of $597,000 in January 2010 to $570,000 in February 2010.  These statistic do show and increase of  21.7% in sales numbers from February 2009 to 2010 and also shows an increase of 3.6%% from February 2009 to 2010 in sales prices. A better year?

* Median sales price mean that half of the prices were above and half were below the given price

Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers:  Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses increased slightly1.7% from 227 in January to 231 in February of 2010 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 decrease slightly 0.33% from $299,000 to $298,000. Overall, for the past year the sales number rose 44.4% from 160 to 237 from February 2009 to February 2010 and sales prices rose slightly at .33% for the same time period.

I believe these  shifts in the market will continue as our market tries to find a happy median. With the FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT and interest rates still a bit low and  inventory considerable down in all neighborhoods the shifting is evident with more homebuyers in the market fighting over homes.   So, keep in mind that with this lower inventory on the island of Oahu it has become a seller's market with multiple offers on homes and everyone trying to get a piece of that Hawaii Dream Home pie.

Stay tuned for more neighborhood market statistics or contact me at sally@hawaiihomesmarket.com for more information!

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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

The TOP TEN ATTRIBUTES of a Realtor® That Clients LOVE came to mind while thinking of the ‘aftermath' of our Hawaii Tsunami scare today.

I woke at 5:45am to a blaring cellular that only rings when family has a concern. Sure enough it was my daughter telling me to get up because the Tsunami was coming! Whaaa?  My first concern was to call my mom at work but my daughter said she already called her. My mom was happy as a clam being at work and at the country club during a crisis anyway.   Family First.

My next concern was to call my client and cancel the home inspection scheduled this morning. I gave him information about the area of his ‘soon to be home' and the reason for evacuation in low lying areas. Then I called the home inspector who was grateful for the call as he slept through the sirens!

In any case, and in no particular order (as I believe they are ALL important) the following are attributes that the client, the consumer and our peers love:

• Honesty, Respect and Integrity:  This would hold true for any professional in any business and a consumer will see through the lines of one who does not ‘walk the talk'.  Giving straightforward advice and opinions shows that the professional is knowledgeable and that they hold themselves to a higher esteem. Being REAL is an attribute that are LOVED.
• Documentation Station: Getting everything in writing, documenting conversations and knowing how to save your emails in one folder for each client so you can refer to will be a great asset. With many clients at a time you are only human and can only hold just so much in that memory bank of yours. When you can refer back to a question from a past conversation and can hear the praise by the tone of your client...or peer....you know it's an attribute that is LOVED.
• Neutral and In Gear:  Regardless of Buying or Selling a Home it IS one of the most stressful situations in a person's life. It's a big financial move and it can make the difference between the consumer moving on ...or NOT.  Regardless if there's anxiety showing keeping our cool and remaining neutral and not buying into the emotion is one of the biggest attributes LOVED.
• Knowing Real Estate Contract and Laws: Every Real Estate Contract and Local Real Estate Laws vary from state to state.  In Hawaii, we have many clients who are relocating here from another state. Regardless if they ‘know' how it was done in their state (buying and selling real estate) it does not hold true in other states. Being able to explain in detail the local laws and contract is certainly an attribute that the consumer LOVES.
• LISTENS to Their Needs:  We would not be able to determine the best course of action for Hawaii Home Selling or Hawaii Home Buying if not for asking questions and really hearing their answers. Listening is key for communication and a successful business relationship. The consumer LOVES a give and take conversation. So do your peers.
• Being Prompt and Considerate:  Being on time is a good habit of mine that my mother taught me well. I AM THERE for them physically when we have an appointment and I certainly am THERE if they have a concern by returning calls promptly. Great attributes that everyone LOVES.
• Going Above and Beyond:  Just ‘getting' by with as little effort as possible will not win anyone over. It doesn't take but a few minutes to alleviate concern by printing out a pamphlet or two. Explaining everything in detail throughout the whole process and showing  a little care by doing something extra is certainly what any consumer LOVES. 
• Team Player:   The consumer sees the Realtor® interact with all parties involved and keeping in touch of all aspects of the transaction. How? The Realtor® gives the client updates for loan progress, escrow updates, home inspection and contingency dates and so forth. Being a team player is what any consumer or peer LOVES because they know the job is going to get done.
• Healthy Boundaries: I have always believed that in personal as well as business relationships that respect is given when you have healthy boundaries. Overstepping ones boundaries is not acceptable on either side and letting the other know is an attribute that is not only respected by the consumer but LOVED by both the consumer and Realtor®. We do not tell people what they want to hear but give sound advice.
• Vibrant, Vim and Vigor:  The saying, " You have to love what you do" is going to show through your demeanor, attitude and behavior. This attribute will show immediately by the level of effort and dedication given to Real Estate and the consumer/client. I LOVE what I do ...and they surely LOVE that too!

Attributes go as far as the dedication to each and every one.

It's the quality of the attributes that this real estate professional is worth.

After receiving a request from a friend to check around for scarves with Hawaiian print material and preferably with soft colors and soft material, I went on the hunt.  Hmm...looking online and in local stores it was a whopping $30-$60 for A (one) scarf. I needed to find a BUNCH of scarves or else material that one could hem to make scarves and get them to her asap lest she be unable to be 'stylin'".

Ah...one material section in a local department store sufficed for a few picks and then I remembered FABRIC MART in Aiea!  I planned to go this morning after setting a few appointments and I finally got out the door at 10:30am.

I walked in to Fabric Mart in Aiea an astounding array of materials! Plain ones, silk ones, rayon and cotton and every kind of material you could think of......and MORE!  I wanted soft Hawaiian Prints for my dear friend who needed many different prints and I sought the help of one of the store attendants.

The store attendant at Fabric Mart in Aiea knew exactly what I wanted when I explained what it was for. I picked out four prints and the store attendant called a young man to carry these big rolls of material to be cut.  It took just a few minutes with their expert shearing, folding and tagged with a price and I walked out pleased.....and knew my friend would be too.

For all you sewing artists out there....Fabric Mart IS THE PLACE to go in Hawaii!  Prices are very reasonable and the assistants (I think they're experts) in the store are helpful, quick and know their stuff!

Offering a large selection of Hawaiian (and other) print material ....at wholesale and discount prices! 

Oahu (Honolulu County)

98-023 Hekaha Street
Aiea, HI 96701-4992
(808) 488-8882

1631 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826
(Near Hawaii Convention Center)
Tel (808) 947-4466, Fax(808) 944-1116

45-681 Kamehameha Hwy., Kaneohe, HI 96744
Tel (808) 234-6604, Fax(808) 234-0644

Kahalui, Maui (Maui County)

55 Kaahumanu Ave.Suite D, Kahului HI 96732
Tel (808) 871-5770, Fax(808) 871-8910

Hilo, Hawaii  (Hawaii County)

710 Prince Kuhio Plaza
111 East Puainako St., Hilo HI 96720
Tel (808) 959-0088, Fax(808) 959-8151

It is our fiduciary duty to NOT divulge personal information about our clients without permission. WE protect and promote our clients' interests while treating all parties honestly.  There are just some personal things that a client does not want the public to know or feels it's none of their business.

Their life, their reasons for selling, their family life are all personal and it is not up to a Realtor® to give out that information unless the seller gives specific instructions to do so.  We protect their interests. 

When a client does ask that I divulge why they're moving/selling then I make sure to get it in writing and go as far as to include it in the special terms of the listing agreement.  The seller signs off on the agreement and it is a specific part of the listing agreement.

The same goes for blogging, websites and other online advertising.   Over the years I have read so many blogs and websites and wondered if they got written permission for all those testimonials, videos and pictures of their clients.  I've written many myself and I DO HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION to do so.

I also have a book of testimonials, cards, magazines, newspaper clippings (in plastic sheets) and keep adding to it as time goes on. (I really need to get on the ball and scan them all into a folder)  More importantly, I have a permission form/testimonial  for clients to sign should they agree to my using their testimonial, videos and pictures on websites, blogs and basically for advertising and marketing. 

On the front page of my website, www.hawaiihomesmarket.com,  I have two client testimonials and videos and specifically use them (with permission) for advertising.  Everything on my website and blogs I wrote myself and all pictures and videos in my picture gallery are pictures I took myself.

Be original, be mindful and protect everyone's interest.

It's in everyone's best interest to get permission in writing to use anything that is NOT YOURS.

It's not easy to relocate your family to a totally different way of living across the Pacific Ocean to the Hawaiian Islands. It's the Hawaiian Paradise to say the least. With our tropical island weather, blue sunny skies and lovely trade winds year round it really can't be all that bad, right?

During my childhood years I lived the life of a US Navy dependent and in my early adult years I was a US Air Force dependent. (family member) I know what it's like.  It's not easy for an adult; let alone a child to uproot from their home and leave friends and jobs behind. 

The fear of the unknown is definitely in the back of the family member's mind. The active duty member already knows that they have to transition into the same job...just a different place. The military spouse has to be the backbone of the family and keep everything organized and structured and help their family transition into a new home, new schools, new job and new directions to everything.

It's a hard life but you can make it easier on yourself by finding out everything and anything about your Move to Hawaii.  The following links have loads of information for your Hawaii Move, Hawaii Military Housing as well as starting the process for Hawaii Home Buying and using your Hawaii VA Home Loan.

It's all about the community and making your transition just a little bit easier.

•  Hawaii Military Relocation | YOUR Military Move to Hawaii PART I Loads of information on the bases around the island of Oahu (which is Honolulu County) and getting your pets ready, the diversity of Hawaii, living on an island paradise with little buildable land (therefore, smaller homes) and so forth.
• Hawaii Honolulu Military Relocation -Part II of the Series on YOUR Military Move to Hawaii we discussed options on renting, buying or living on Base Housing and gave you a chart on Honolulu County 2009 BAH so you know what to expect for your Honolulu County Housing Allowance.
• Hawaii Military Relocation| PART III on YOUR Military Move to Hawaii | Hawaii Home Buyers VA Loans  Your To Do List in getting ready for your Hawaii Home Buying Process is the next step in being proactive in your Hawaii Military Relocation. Starting your Hawaii VA Loan Process before you even arrive will make the process time shorter once you get into contract.

Be proactive with your Hawaii Military Relocation for you and your family!  if you are planning to purchase your Hawaii Home it may be in your best interests to contact this Hawaii Realtor® who specializes in Hawaii Military Relocations as well as seasoned in your Hawaii  VA Loan and Real Estate Transaction Process.

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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

On January 01, 2010-  my son was admitted to Tripler Army Medical Center for emergency surgery. that went well and they scheduled a follow up at the VA Medical Center the next week. The following week I took him to the Spark Matsunaga (former Senator of Hawaii) Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center  (located on Tripler Army Medical Center grounds) for a follow up appointment.

He was seen immediately and though he had more tests to do I was amazed at how well they take care of their Veterans. This was the first time he had been there since his honorable discharge in 2006 and he now knows what's available. 

With The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) Honolulu serving approximately 127,600 veterans in Hawaii AND the Pacific Islands I commend the work all personnel in our VA Hospital do to help the Veterans of the Armed Forces.

Should you need additonal information on the hospital and their services:

VA Pacific Islands Health Care System  (phone: 433-0600)

Health Care Patient Advocates :  The Patient Advocate is located at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center and serves as a liaison between patients and staff when a Service issue cannot be resolved. The Patient Advocate is Barbara Morgan and she may be reached by calling (808) 433-0126. Her office is located at: 459 Patterson Road, Ambulatory Care Center, Room 1B08

National Headquarters Info for  Hawaii Office of Veterans Services:

459 Patterson Road
E-Wing, Room 1-A103
Honolulu, HI 96819-1522
(808) 433-0420
(808) 433-0385 fax

Other Helpful Links:

• Other VA Facilities on Oahu
• Old Timer Speaks Out (Veteran's Blog)
• State of Hawaii - Office of Veteran's Services
• VETERANS CEMETERIES on Oahu
• Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka- Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• National Coalition for Homeless Vets in Hawaii
• Congresswoman Maizie K. Hirono -Military and Veterans

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Remember: If you are a Disabled Veteran (30% or more) and have a service related disability ...you are exempt from the VA Loan Funding Fee when using your VA Benefits for a Hawaii Home Loan. Contact me for more details.

It's Chinese New Year and the Year of the Tiger in 2010.  Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays for traditional Chinese.  All the festivities begin on during the first month and continue throughout the month until Chinese New Year's Day. This year is very special as Chinese New Year's day falls on February 14, 2010 which is also Valentine's Day and making it an especially auspicious day to celebrate in the West.

In Honolulu, Hawaii our downtown Chinatown has been celebrating with their festivities over the last couple of weekends. We finally got down to the Chinese Cultural Plaza yesterday to enjoy some of the food, festivities and vendors.  In most states and countries it is celebrated where a sizable Chinese population lives. 

The Chinese Dragon Dancers were getting ready to put on their show so we went to get a snack. We munched on spring rolls and charbroiled chicken on a stick and then went to the vending booths. As you can see, it is such a colorful celebration!

The Chinese Dragon signifies courage, righteousness and dignity. The Chinese Dragon Dance signifies the end of a the year and welcoming a new start while driving away evil spirits, bringing good luck and fortune to people. 

 As history explains:  The firecrackers, red lanterns and clothing were to ward away the mythical beast called Nien. On the first day of the New Year the Nien would come and devour livestock, crops and especially little children. Oh, the galore of red lanterns and decorations for one's door frame and many jade trinkets with different meanings to hang around your home for protection that are available. Some may start the New Year "fresh" by giving their home a fresh coat of red paint, getting a haircut, buying new clothes and shoes which further symbolizes a fresh start.

 This was just one day out of many that we were fortunate to find the time to enjoy. I got what I went for...a renewed outlook for 2010 with the history of traditional Chinese New Year. I did end up purchasing my little jade trinkets for health, strength, prosperity and more.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!

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Click on the following link for more info on>>>Schedule of Events for the Chinese New Year Celebration in Honolulu Hawaii  

Friday and Saturday, January 22 & 23 and January 29 & 30
United Chinese Coalition presents Chinese New Year Festival
Chinatown Cultural Plaza.  At this four-day event, food vendors
provide a variety of Chinese and other Asian cuisine favorites

Saturday, January 30, 5:00 - 10:00 pm
CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII presents Coronation Ball
Hilton Hawaiian Village.  At the Coronation Ball, the new Narcissus Queen is officially crowned with much pomp and grandeur as the Chinese Chamber celebrates the 61th Anniversary of the Narcissus Festival 

Friday, February 5, 6:00 - 10:00 pm
61th Annual Narcissus Festival and Choy Cheng, Traditional Lion Dance Blessing, and Chinatown Open House
In Chinatown and at Chinatown Cultural Plaza.  The evening begins at 8 South King St. with the traditional Chinese lion dance blessing -- Choy Cheng.  The Narcissus Queen and her court will visit Chinatown businesses and their patrons..
 
Saturday, February 6, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Chinatown Open House  Chinatown Cultural Plaza. Food vendors provide an assortment of Chinese ethnic favorites, including jai (vegetarian monk's food), gin doi (Chinese doughnut), gau (New Year pudding), and jook (rice soup). Entertainment includes ethnic dance troupes, local musical groups, and martial arts and weapons demonstrations.
 
Saturday, February 6, 3:30- 5:30 pm
The "Night In Chinatown" Parade begins at 3:30 p.m. on Hotel Street at the
State Capitol and proceeds to Maunakea Street.  Parade participants include Festival Queens and their courts, cultural organizations, kung fu martial artists, lion and dragon dance associations, including a special performance by a
150 foot dragon.  .
 
Saturday, February 6, 9:00 am - 10:30 pm
Night in Chinatown Festival On Maunakea Street and Smith Street.  This all-day block party features booths with home-cooked Asian food and traditional New Year's arts and crafts, as well as, entertainment on two stages with martial arts, cultural demonstrations, and Chinese lion and dragon dance performance

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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

The wild, wild west was by all means an era where all was rugged with cowboys and Indians, pioneers and outlaws, gunslingers and LOTS of history. The west has been ‘tamed' and we know from history books and movies that it was surely a memorable time of a land to be conquered.

After reading a local Honolulu news article about how we advertise on the web it came to mind that it's getting harder and harder to compete against the mindset of those that believe it's a ‘world' of buyer/seller beware syndrome.  A so called ‘untamed' part of the real estate industry where the true professionals are still fighting to overcome the bad publicity from the untamed.

There are good and bad in all walks of life so the assumption that all in one class are ‘bad' is by all means...incorrect.  Read on......

We all can talk write about everything ethical, logical and fact; although it would be more realistic to say, "Actions speak louder than words".  The majority of Real Estate Industry Professionals will do the right thing and advertise honestly about their expertise, knowledge and specialties in their niche market. Others will talk a bunch of bull hockey to ‘trap' the potential client into believing they are the real deal.

I don't blame many for taking that mindset (of buyer/seller beware) after many a client was burned with "little white lies" while reading on this vast library of information on the world wide web about a property or the person.  I mean, come on now........

When the ‘truth' is stretched to say that they have luxury homes for sale in Hawaii.....

 with a zip code in Missouri is where we all draw the line.

It should be the same for ANYONE in the real estate industry. Why advertise false information about what they are the experts or specialists in. The consumer can see right through it when they can't answer correctly or answer blindly. To misinform others for the sake of "looking like a know it all" is more damaging when they find out the truth.

Ask your Realtor®, loan officer, lender, stager, home inspector and anyone in the industry MANY questions.  Don't just believe everything you read in an ad or on the internet. Buying or Selling a Home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime and having a REAL professional to represent you is the most important part of that process.

Many real estate professionals are tamed in the wild, wild web.

Make sure you have one of those professionals.

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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

December 2009 Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

Mililani Single Family Home Market Report December 2009:  We have 33 Active Listings from December 2009, with 22 in contract but still showing (Active Continue to Show status), 9 Pending (close to closing with loan approval) and 25 sold.  Mililani Single Family Home activity is picking up with the lower inventory of properties and multiple contracts submitted as well. Average Sales Prices were a bit lower than previous months at $639,952 with average days on market (actively on market before getting an accepted contract...and sold) about 103 days.

2009 Yearly Sales Data for Mililani Single Family Homes: There were 210 Mililani Single Family Homes sold during 2009 with sales prices ranging from $266,000 to $1,175,000 and Average Days on Market was 69 days.

Mililani Condo Statistics for December 2009: We still have 56 Active condos/townhouses on the market from December 2009, 32 Pending and 27 sold. Looks like our Mililani Condo/Townhouse market is still moving although slower than the single family homes sales in December 2009.  Sales Prices ranged from $165,800 to $501,000. Average days on market was 59 days.

2009 Yearly Sales Data for Mililani Condos/Townhouses: There were 210 Mililani Condos/Townhouses sold during 2009 with sales prices ranging from $165,800 to $501,000 with Average Days on Market 66 days.

During the holiday season Mililani Home Resales were still moving...unlike previous years during the holidays. Do you think we can attribute it to the extension of the First Time Homebuyer Credit? How about Military utilizing their VA Guaranteed Loans?

What do you think is going to happen when the extension runs out....again?

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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!

Okay, so I really don't have a thousand words but I have thoughts on 'a picture worth MANY words'. Have you ever thought about how you physically viewed objects prior to being in real estate?  Well, this is what I was pondering when I took this shot yesterday.

The architecture of this building is so unique but what caught my eye more was the way the staircase led up to the top. The sunlight came in through the windows...and odd sort of skylight that was magnificent to just view...for awhile.

I kept looking at this particular view and wondered if I would have looked it the same before getting into real estate. I think not. I look at everything in detail and have many opinions on the same topic. I am able to get into the detail of not just the home but everything involved in a transaction from the people to the paperwork to the property.

This shot was taken while waiting for my son to do his lab work yesterday at the Spark M. Matsunaga Department of Veteran's Affairs Hospital by Tripler Army Medical 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 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!

Honolulu County Real Estate Market Report- December 2009

As another year comes to a close in the Hawaii Homes Market, we look at the coming year of 2010 with a positive note. As the holidays approached the market was still moving although there were significant changes with sales prices in single family homes.

Honolulu County Single Family Resale Numbers:  Our sales numbers for single family homes showed an increase with the number of sold single family homes going from 249 in November to 265. The Median Sales price declined from$590,000 in November to $550,000 in December.  This is an increase in sales numbers of 36.6% from November 2008 to 2009 and from November 2009 to December 2009 and increase of sales numbers of 6.4%.  A significant decrease in sales prices of 6.7% from November to December of 2009. 

Honolulu County Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers:  Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses decreased from  407 in November of 2009 to 349 in December2009.  The number of sold condos/townhouses did increase 43.6% from the same period in 2008. The median sales price decreased from $320,000 in November 2009 to $300,000 in December 2009. 

Even with the holiday season going on our market still moved and we are still trying to find balance in the stability of our market. 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.

SHIFT HAPPENS.

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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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!

As year 2009 ended I thought about all things big and small in Don't Forget to Stop and Smell the Flowers.  I wrote, "I am once again in awe of the curve balls that life throws me....and how I handled it to bring on a fresh 2010 with glorious dreams, hopes and wishes that I will soon fulfill."

My family started out January 01, 2010 as any other New Year's Day.  We were having a relaxing morning and went out to run a couple of errands. As soon as I walked in the door my phone rings and it's the phone call that every mother dreads.

My son only calls when he's sick and when I hear the "MOM" in a weak voice I know it's not good.  He was in the emergency room and to make a long story short his gallbladder had become infected and the infection leaking into his stomach.  He was on Morphine by 11am as the pain was so bad (usually excruciating pain when the gallstone is in the bile duct as I'd had when I was 25 yrs. Old)

Emergency surgery started by 4:30pm and we were waiting for him when he came out of recovery at 8:35 or so.

He'll be fine and he's home now but here's the kicker. HE DROVE HIMSELF TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT 5am New Years Day because ‘he didn't want to bother anyone'. You can bet he won't do that again....especially after mom ‘counseled' him.

Those curve balls hit at any time folks. I'm just happy that in my latter years of life I recognize the importance of Stopping to Smell those Flowers......

You can never bring back time.

Do you know what your flowers are?

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Note:  I want to thank all who attended to my son (Emergency Room, Surgery unit, Surgeons, nurses and staff) at Tripler Army Medical Center and for taking good care of my son, Michael,  a veteran of the US Armed Forces. 

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?

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!