Oscar and Evelyn Overton wanted a successful business and in 1940 Evelyn opened a small cheesecake shop in Detroit, Michigan but closed it to raise her two small children. She continued to bake in her own basement and supplied cakes to different restaurants.

With children grown they moved their cheesecake business to Los Angeles in 1975 and named it “The Cheesecake Factory”. In 1978 their son, David founded the The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. 30 years later and with over 150 locations, including one here right on Kalaukaua Avenue in Waikiki.

My son and daughter accompanied me to a doctor appointment in town and when asked where they would like to go to lunch after my son suggested The Cheesecake Factory. He and I had not been there but my son and I were fortunate to try a piece of cheesecake my daughter brought home.

We wanted to save a ‘space in the tummy’ for one of their MANY selections of cheesecake so we ordered a Chinese Chicken Salad that my daughter and I split and my son tried the Spicy Meat Pizza. The salad arrived like a picturesque mountain and I was glad we decided to share it!

Our Cheesecake selections:  One Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake for the three of us to share, One Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake to take home to my husband and One Caramel Turtle Cheesecake for my son in law.

We Will Return to The Cheesecake Factory to try more of their LARGE selection of lunch/dinners and cheesecakes!  Thank you to our server “Norm” who gave us excellent service with a smile!

Location:  2301 Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki (Honolulu, Hawaii) Phone: (808) 924-5001

Hours:  Monday through Thursday 11am to 11:30pm, Friday through Sunday 11am to 12am and on Sunday from 10am to 11pm

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

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

Honolulu County Real Estate Housing Market Numbers

JULY 2009  

Honolulu County Hawaii Homes Market Statistics for JULY 2009  definitely shows an increase in activity and sales prices. Our market is stabilizing and we do believe we just may have bottomed out.

In the Honolulu Real Estate | Market Report for June 2009 our sales numbers for single family homes showed an increase from 225 in May to 254 in June. Now for July we have had 265 sales and the Median Sales price rose from $569,000 in June to $595,000 in July!  An increase upwards of 4.6% in sales prices and upwards of 5.6% in sales numbers!

 Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers:  Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses decreased in the past month although median sales prices increased from $310,000 to $312,000. With 263 sales in May to 293 sold units in June we now see a slight decrease in sales to 327 sold units. The sales prices increased upwards to 0.6%!

Could this be a turn around for our market now?  We're hoping so. Business has picked up for all, interest rates are down and inventory slowly going down in all neighborhoods. We credit the continuous shrinking inventory for our stable price levels and we're hoping the housing industry has seen it's bottom in Honolulu County.

 Honolulu County Market Statistics vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and I'll be giving you updates throughout the month for July 2009. If your situation and circumstances allow....it just may be your time to buy and also utilize that $8,000 first time home buyer credit this year.

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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

Bishop Museum in Honolulu Hawaii has been one of my favorite places to go for rich Hawaiian and Polynesian history with artifacts and information galore! 

Bishop Museum always schedules grand events with all sorts of themes. They set up tents with local wares from artists and crafts for purchase and they usually have a music or entertainment part of the event and they use the large grassy area in the middle of the grounds for all to enjoy.

The Bishop Museum Store has other wares such as puzzles, post cards, dolls, pictures and more!

The following events are scheduled and I'm hoping to get to the grand reopening of the Hawaiian Hall!

Summer 2009 is the time for big, big bugs at Bishop Museum! Backyard Monsters features six giant-sized moving robotic insects. Learn more here.  June 13 through September 7, 2009.

The historic Hawaiian Hall at Bishop Museum will reopen to the public on Saturday August 8th with festivities continuing on Sunday August 9th. This will be a weekend filled with cultural ceremony and celebration!

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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

Downtown Honolulu!  It's where you'll find the Business District of Honolulu where you'll find the federal, state and district courts and businesses and Honolulu's Chinatown, with an array of local vendors and shops. Fruits, vegetables, roast chicken and duck, char sui and roast port. Chinese Restaurants, jade and jewelry, Chinese gifts, Feng Shui Stores, Bamboo plants and arrangements, clothes, flowers and more. So much more!  READ MORE HERE>>  History of Chinatown & Historic Honolulu County Hawaii

CHINATOWN incorporates a rich mixture of cultures but maintains a sense of identity.

Before my daughter and I went shopping  for produce in Chinatown in Honolulu and we found a wedding shop along the way. We popped in just for a peek.

At that time it was a couple of months before she was to get married and she found a beautiful dress at Downtown Fashion - Chinatown - 108 N King St Honolulu HI 96817 ...  The wedding dress, veil, garter, shoes, tiara and the alteration for her size 1 frame.....  All for $250!!  The Chinese have some of the best seamstresses in the world and just by pinning a few pins the alteration came out perfect! 

My daughter then ordered her bouquet from Lin's Lei and Flower Shop located at 1017 Maunakea St # A Honolulu, HI 96817 - (808) 537-4112 for $85.00! 

Check the picture to the right out....all from Chinatown!

We went shopping for produce on a open mall called Kekaulike Street Mall between North King and Hotel Streets. We came across the fruit stand with the exotic fruit Rambutan. It's bright red and hairy looking (weird looking) and in Malay and Indonesian languages it means hairy.. lol. In the middle it looks like the lychee fruit with a seed in the middle. Tangy and delicious!

Thorughout the whole Kekaulike Street Mall  the vendors outside are just a smidgen of what lurks inside the stores beyond the stands! 

Our Honolulu Chinatown is not only Chinese shops but Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Filipino and more. So, you can imagine the variety of wares and items for sale!

Supporting our local Honolulu businesses in Downtown Honolulu in Chinatown is a given. No matter what, there are bargains, fresh produce, meats, fish and poultry and items from around the world!

                                                     Kekaulike Street Mall....and my daughter.

Feng Shui Shop in Chinatown Honolulu 

More produce shops on Hotel Street in Chinatown Honolulu

"THE BUS" stopping on Hotel Street. Honolulu County has a wonderful city bus system traveling the whole island with many different routes.

Hotel Street traffic is limited to only buses.

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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

All Loan Officers and Real Estate Agents in Hawaii were given a memo (it was released on May 19th) that Hawaii VA Loan Appraisals are taking longer now due to . The memo from the Head of VA Home Loans here on Oahu made sure to stress that on Oahu (Honolulu County) the VA Home Loan Appraisal are taking UP TO Five...yes, 5 weeks to complete.

With Hawaii VA Home Loan Appraisals in Honolulu Country taking much longer than usual (based on the amount of home loans in progress) it is definitely placing a burden on all involved in the Real Estate Home Buying Process for the Veteran:

• Military Personnel who are transferring to Hawaii obviously stay in a hotel until they acquire housing.  An appraisal taking up to five weeks can delay the transaction from 30 days to 60 days or more. 
• Veterans who are utilizing their VA Home Loan Guaranty get discouraged when they see the rest of the transaction is moving swiftly ....but being held up just for the appraisal.
• The loan officer, real estate agent, escrow are put on hold waiting for an appraisal. The rest of the 'team' who are working together to get the transaction done are stuck in limbo.

You see, our Hawaii Real Estate Transaction Process is quite different than a lot of other states and it also includes the buyer and seller signing all loan and escrow documents at different times. We all don't sit down at the same time to sign documents and we do not hand over keys right then and there.

After signing all loan and escrow documents we still have to wait for up to 3 days for the loan company to fund the monies to escrow. AFTER escrow receives the monies then, and only then, can escrow file the conveyance documents with the Bureau of Conveyances which recorded the morning after.  

Now, we have another damper on our Hawaii Real Estate transactions. Since our Governor 'had to balance our budget' she ordered that State Offices will close three Fridays of every month (no pay but better than 10000 jobs lost).

The Bureau of Conveyances says it's now TWO days for processing documents for recordation.

With all the delays for appraisals and recording documents I'm starting to believe that it's a test to show the seriousness on everyones part.

The buyer who is really wanting to purchase property, the seller who needs to sell to relocate, the real estate industry professionals who are REALLY thinking in their clients best interest.

Talk about cleaning house.

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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 Home Buyers and Sellers | Etiquette for Open Houses

Our Open Houses on Oahu (Honolulu County) are still a great way to preview a property. Maybe your Realtor®  is unable to attend with you (the Home Buyer) due to previous appointments or holding an Open House themselves. It's also a great way for the neighbor to do a ‘quiet observation' of the agent holding the Open House to see if they might possibly ‘hire' that agent and brokerage firm in the sale of their home.

It's all relevant when it comes to Hawaii Open Houses and Honolulu Real Estate Tips.

1. Make sure you've already been prequalified with a lender so you're looking in the correct price range. Be realistic in your home search and price range lest you waste your time.  If you have a Realtor® then you have already been instructed to go through that process.
2. Please don't be rude to the agent holding the Open House. You are there as a guest in someone's home and will be courteous and polite to the one holding the Open House.
3. Please remove your shoes unless otherwise instructed. In Hawaii, we take off our shoes not matter whose home it is. Open Houses are no different. Again, you are a guest in the seller's home and they most likely have already prepared the home with carpet cleaning and so forth.  Wear slip on/off shoes/sandals.
4. Please hold on to your children. Letting your children run rampant around a beautiful home is not how you show respect to the owner of the home and being a good example as a guest. The home is not a playground for all of you to pass the time on a Sunday.
5. Please sign in the guest book. If you have a Realtor® make sure you have your agent's business card on hand (get a bunch from your agent) to give to the agent holding the Open House.  It will also help the Open House Realtor® follow up with your Realtor®.  No matter what, you all are a guest in the home so please do the agent a courtesy and sign in.
6. Make notes of your own observations. This will help you with your home search regardless if you are just going to Open Houses or showing appointments with your Realtor®.  A list of wants and needs before you start your home search is another good tip.
7. If you walk into an Open House and REALLY feel that this is the right home for you. Call your Realtor® immediately and put in that offer! The inventory on Oahu is going down and if you try to be a killer negotiator or sit on the fence that home will be gone!
8. Remember, the seller's agent who is holding the Open House has the Seller's best interests at heart.  A lot of home buyer's "believe" that they are going to "get a better deal" if they deal with the seller's agent directly.  The truth is that you are best represented by having your own agent (buyer's representative or buyer's agent) who know the real estate contract and laws. Your OWN agent is your most valuable negotiating tool and bargaining power for your home buying process.
9. A company sign for an Open House means they have a listing contract in place. It means they have a legal contract in place and you are not going to negotiate terms between seller and brokerage firm to get a better deal.   
10. Please don't touch the items in the home. Again, you are a guest in the seller's home and you are there to preview the property. You are NOT there to try and figure out what the seller does for a living and their personal history nor allowed to touch things that don't belong to you.

These may seem like common sense tips for most although many may benefit from one or more of these tips.

 Please be respectful and courteous while attending an Open House.

YOU ARE A GUEST.

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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

Two signs depict the very essence of the items in the picture taken at Bishop Museum.

The Whole Story is forthcoming.

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

My daughter Dori attends the University of Hawaii West Oahu Campus for a couple of classes.  At present the West Oahu Campus is located in separate 29 portable classrooms on the Leeward Community College Campus.  Hopefully, the West Oahu Campus will come to life for all who have planned so hard for the Kapolei (Second City) Makai and Mauka Campuses on Oahu.

Councilmember Charles Djou represents the 4^th Council District (Waikiki to Hawaii Kai).  His father was born in Shanghai, China and raised in Hong Kong and his mother was raised in Bangkok, Thailand. Charles was raised here in Hawaii. Read more on how he got the name DJOU ....HERE. You can read about his many ACHIEVEMENTS and read his RESUME and quite frankly I say that all of his accomplishments, achievements and his resume are quite impressive.

Usually, I don't get into talking politics although at times I do express my views when someone has made an impact on me in some way.

 Generally speaking, my views about Politics in Hawaii were with the mindset that the ‘good old boys' ran every department there is in Honolulu County. And who can fight City Hall if there are just the ‘good old boys' representing our districts? 

Along came Charles Djou. 

I didn't pay attention to much of our local political news until I started hearing Councilmember Djou speak about certain issues on the news. He stands up for what he believes is right and he darn sure spoke up when something was just not right.  Now, that would be a matter of opinion when it comes to what's right and wrong although I started listening to this young man who spoke up with a mind of his own and did not chime in with the good ole boy syndrome regarding any issue at large.

I've listened and I've watched this young man grow in the Honolulu County City Council. I've watched and listened to this young man progress with his ideas and his love for Hawaii and the things that NEED to get done. Throughout his campaign running for Congress I'll hopefully see him win too. Watch Charles Djou's Video...running for Congress HERE

And what does this have to do with my daughter DoriAnne?

Dori has changed her mind about her majors for as long as she'd been going to college. She was so interested in Forensic Science (like the CSI shows) and started taking classes like Anthropology and Criminal Law and anything related. We were talking about one of her classes and she mentioned that her teacher is  Charles Djou.

The whole conversation turned to Charles Djou and I told her how I felt about this young man. He stands up and speaks his mind is what I said. She said that he did the same teaching class and that she highly respected him for that too. 

What's so ironic is that my daughter is a heck of a lot like........ Charles Djou.

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In March of 2007 I joined the  ActiveRain Real Estate Network and started blogging for the first time in my life. It has become my most valuable tool for internet marketing as well as a place to get to know other professionals nationwide that I have ever come across.

Back in January of 2008 nine members of ActiveRain were invited to co-author a book on Technology, Social Media and Blogging.   In March I wrote:  Co-Authoring a Book: "Profit From Technology - A Guide for Today's Real Estate Agent" and now I am proudly announcing the release of this book along with the other co-authors of the book.

Following are the Chapters and the members who wrote them:

Chapter 1 - Technology: Nemesis or Redeemer?                                                        Carol Smith

Chapter 2 - Towards 100% Online Lead Generation                                                Brian Block

Chapter 3 - Using Internet Tools to serve the Seller                                          Natalie Langford

Chapter 4 - Speak the Language of Today's Internet- 
Enabled Client                                                                                                                  Kathi Frank

Chapter 5 - Through the Eyes of a Real Estate Industry
Social Media Blogger                                                                                      Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman

Chapter 6 - Virtual Assistants-The Future of Real
Estate Support                                                                                                                 Sarah Reiter

Chapter 7 - Time vs. Money (Organic Searches vs.
Pay per Click)                                                                                                                   Missy Caulk

Chapter 8 - Become the Master of Your Own Domain!
Build a Profitable Custom Website                                                                       Colleen Fischesser

Chapter 9 - The new challenges to time management -
how to avoid burn out or addiction                                                                        Joeann Fossland

I am honored and proud to be amongst some talented bloggers from ActiveRain to get this book together and most of all a big appreciation to  Kathi Frank who first introduced us to Would you like to co-author a book?  for without Kathi none of this would have transpired.

I kept reading my Chapter 5 over and over and there is one thing that showed through my writing. My love for ActiveRain and all it has given me to get to the point and time of ......NOW. The part of my life that is imperative to keep working at for my business as well as the rewards ActiveRain has given me for the past 2.5 years.

The connections with my peers and MANY clients and the friends I've made along the way.

............... Blogging and Social Media is without a doubt THE way for consumers, peers and the public to get information and possibly connect with individuals in our Real Estate Industry through our writing. We all have presently turned to the internet for information for anything and everything and it surely will continue with unsurpassed knowledge at the click of the mouse. ........Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, page 91, Profit from Technology

It is with this networking on the ActiveRain Real Estate Network that gave this member an opportunity to connect through blogging on this platform, gain knowledge, connecting with the public and consumer ..... and is what made all of this possible.

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Co-Authors Announcement Posts

1.  Learn from Other Agents to "Profit From Technology"  Kathi Frank
2. 9 Active Rainers Co-Author a book! Profit from Technology - A Guide for TODAY's RE Agent Natalie Langford
3. Do YOU want to PROFIT FROM TECHNOLOGY????? Have we got a deal for you!!!! Joeann Fossland
4. Profit From Technology with A Little Help from YOUR Friends Missy Caulk
5. Profit from Technology: By Real Estate Agents, For Real Estate Agents -- Buy this Collaborative Book! Brian Block

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Easy to use technology tips and tools from us....your colleagues.....

                              Co-Author of "Profit from Technology"

Special Limited Time Offer
Receive BOTH the digital and printed versions
of Profit From Technology for one low price of $19.95
if you order before June 30th, 2009

 Published by
                              Foundation Coaching Group
                             www.fcgpublications.com 

I'm one of those Real Estate Professionals that loves to have a personal connection with my clients. It's just something that occurs naturally because of a job well done as well as having a personal comfortable connection with clients during the course of one, two, three times a repeat client. It's somewhere during that time that I know we've become far more than business associates. We've become and remained friends.

It all started when I met Kham and his wife Maria in 2005 when he first came back from Afghanistan in the US Army.  Star Bulletin Newspaper Article:  Bidding Wars Erupt in Seller's Market They bought a condo and then they sold it in 2006 when he got out of the service.

Then they bought another nice townhouse last year:

• It's the Quality of Relationships That THIS Professional is Worth This is one of the few most faithful, loyal and valued clients I've had. Why? Because my business is based on the quality of relationships I have with my clients.
• WooHoo! Appreciation Gifts For Special Clients!  After looking at their current home I noticed that they didn't have a bunch of matched up bathroom items.  I started my project of buying items here and there for their NEW bathroom that I could arrange in a large basket. 

Kham emailed me from Iraq on Thursday (he has been working in Dubai and Iraq for the past three years to put his wife through college) and asked if I could attend his wife's Graduation at the University of Hawaii as he could not get over here.

I went to the UH Graduation 2009 yesterday. I got there after the three hour ceremony but early enough for the congratulations and the flower lei receiving in the ‘field'. Little did I know that Sally would have to walk through two giant parking lots, a baseball field and a soccer field to find her in a swarm of thousands of people!  I finally found her and put a nice orchid lei around her neck with a big hug from me....and KHAM.

It was worth it to see her smiling face....the proud University of Hawaii Graduate of 2009!

94-1063 Hoohele Street three bedroom, 2.5 bath home built in 2003 was JUST SOLD by Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor-Associate® for Century 21 Liberty Homes. Referral by Willam E. Johnson, RE/MAX Associates in San Diego, CA.  THAT IS THE POWER OF ACTIVERAIN :))

Highlights of the home:

• 3 SPACIOUS  Bedrooms!
• 2 1/2  bathrooms 
• 2 Car Garage
• Cat5  Cable wiring throughout home
• High Efficiency CARRIER Central Air Conditioning
• FULLY INSULATED HOME!
• Contemporary Steel frame (termite resistant) construction
• RAINBIRD Sprinkler system
• 1636 Interior SQ/FT 
• 3,250 Land sq/ft.
• Built 2003
• Additional Loft /Office
• Integrated underground drainage system

Offering Price: $559,000   SOLD on March 30, 2009:  $540,000 (VA Financing) 

My agressive marketing skills sold this property within the first 11days on the market!   

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor -Associate®, ePRO® Century 21 Liberty Homes in Honolulu County, Hawaii.

Visit my Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com  and my blog: www.cheesemanhomes.com for more information on Hawaii Home Buyers, Hawaii Military Relocations and Hawaii Home Sellers. Hawaii VA Home Loan Real Estate Transaction Process and everything about our Honolulu County local area and neighborhoods.

The Royal Kunia Community is a 270 acre master planned community located in Central Oahu and high above the Ewa plains.  Royal Kunia is a developement of partners, a joint venture partnership with Halekula Development Corp (a Horita company) and Castle & Cooke. They completed their first homes in 1988 and to date have built approximately 1,930 homes with the first of 2,000 more homes that are scheduled to be completed by 2010.

The Royal Kunia Community Park has been completed and the second phase for the Community Center had their ground breaking ceremony this past November. The Royal Kunia Community Center is expected to commence building this year.

Across from the park is the Royal Kunia Country Club and it's described as the most scenic golf course on Oahu. With a panoramic view high above the Ewa Plain it will surely take your breath away looking from Pearl Harbor to Diamond Head along the south shore.

Royal Kunia home sales have picked up for single family homes although the townhouses are slow going. The location of this community to freeway access may be a plus for the Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii as it is centrally located to Hickam Air Force Base and Pearl Harbor Naval Base off H-1. Royal Kunia Community is located right off Kunia Road that leads to Schofield Barracks and the Naval Communications Master Center.

The following statistics for the Royal Kunia Housing Market depicts the last six months activity for single family homes and townhouses.

Bottom line is that Royal Kunia Community is centrally located on the island of Oahu with many shops in the Kunia shopping center, a Walmart  and close to the new Costco and Target stores in Kapolei.

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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

ALOHA!

Back in the day, there were Realtors® and Loan Officers that did not want to deal with VA Loans. Why? Because they're strict with their guidelines and criteria. When overpricing and overbidding were running rampant in all cities, VA remained the ever conservative loan for the Veteran of the Armed Forces.

I say Woohoo!  Yeah!  Great!  It is with this criteria that has kept the VA Guaranteed Loan going and the only 100% financing loan in Hawaii that remains a good loan for the military and vet of the US Armed Forces. Remember, the VA Guaranteed Loan means that VA guarantees the lender a portion of your loan; they do not fund the loan.

Now a days you'll have everyone trying to solicit your business with advertising that they are the  "VA Expert" or like me I say, "VA Home Loan Transaction Specialist".  There are many pertinent parts to a VA Home Loan and Purchasing a Property in Hawaii so be sure your Realtor® and Loan Officer know their stuff!

• The Realtor® HAS to know the VA Transaction Process. Right now, they are so back logged with appraisal reports and so forth (because it is the one loan that is running rampant here due to our high volume of military presence) so we structure our contracts to accommodate the timeline. This agent keeps on top of all involved in the process.
• The Realtor® HAS to know which lenders and loan officers KNOW their VA Loans. Chances are the incoming member does not know a good loan officer and it is up to us to refer them to one that KNOWS THEIR VA LOAN. Just because someone has signs all over the place displaying their expertise in the field, does not mean it is so. The seasoned Realtor® has worked alongside experts in the field and will refer you to a couple who know their stuff.
• The Loan Officer HAS to be punctual and keep on top of the lender to get all parts of the transaction together. Ordering the appraisal quickly so they can get notice of a VA appraiser being assigned to the case is a start. For incoming personnel there are loads of other documents to retrieve as they are just arriving and their Honolulu County BAH will not automatically be in their LES (pay statement).
• The Escrow Officer has to know the process as well in case other parties need something from the other. We do not communicate with the buyer if representing the seller and do not sign documents all together. It's a conflict of interest and everything should be complete before signing anyway.
• The VA Buyer has to be realistic in their part of the process. If you are serious about buying your Hawaii Home, then keep an open mind. If the sq/ft is smaller than you'd hoped but you are able to buy at that lower price then it may be something to consider. Waiting for a later time and the interest rates may go up, the prices may start going back up or circumstances may not allow purchasing in ‘hopes' something will pop up. We don't have crystal balls but if you are seriously ready then hop off that fence.
• The Seller (or bank) has to be realistic in their part of the process as well. Prices are not going up! Sales numbers are down. Overpricing or being stubborn on the price may just lose a serious buyer. Your home may be the same floor plan as the another but your property is definitely not nicer....what do you do? You aggressively price your property to meet the needs of the market and get that home sold! And remember....VA loans are one of the best 100% financing loans out there!

Times have changed in the housing market nationwide. The VA Loan is now the most popular 100% financing loan for incoming military personnel to Hawaii and by far the most secure for lenders. Remember though, you still have to have money for closing costs (escrow & title fees, lender fees, prorated property taxes and so forth) but you may be able to have those covered by a seller credit if they are open to negotiating and getting off the fence too!

Let's all work together as a team to make each VA Loan Transaction go through smoothly for the Military Member and Veteran Relocating to Hawaii!

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More Information for the Armed Forces Member or Veteran:

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© 2007-2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved.

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

About a year and a half ago I went back through my old posts to make sure I didn't have any pictures inserted in them ....that WERE NOT mine. I had a few. I deleted them quickly as I was learning about NOT using animations, pictures, cartoons that were not mine. Obviously, it's stealing and I did not get permission to use them.

Just as I do in my Real Estate business, I do everything by the book and advertising (blogging) also has to be within our state laws for the Real Estate Industry as well. Blogging is fun and can be very rewarding if done correctly. We use our professional attitudes online as we do offline, we follow all the guidelines and rules, and we carry ourselves in high esteem to give information to the public and our peers.

......And we only use our OWN written words and pictures. If you can't write your own content or take your own pictures (or buy them) then reconsider your reasons for blogging.

Following are wonderful reads for those who are just plain stubborn with using pictures, photos, animations and anything you didn't create yourself or have permission to use:

• TLW (The Lovely Wife) wrote about If You Think It Can't Happen To You...You'd Be Wrong About That...ROAR! and copyright laws when it comes to PICTURES IN YOUR POSTS on your blog. Read why she and BB are very careful about what pictures they insert into their posts.
• PLAGIARISM, COPYRIGHT AND GOOGLE JUICE is one article of Lenn Harley'sthat IS a must read.  One of the points Lenn states is:     "Destain for the law.   The copyright law doesn't apply to them or it only applies of they get caught and then only if the owner of the intellectual property is willing or able to enforce their copyright." (And this is Lenn's statement :) 
• "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words? How About a Thousand Dollars?" Community Guidelines Re-Visited  Rich Jacobson explains that ‘this guideline is extremely important, and will help to keep your hard-earmed money where it belongs and your butt out of court. It reads as follows:  Respect copyrights. Only upload content/images that you have the right to use (what you have paid for or own), and whose copyright rules allow for commercial use.'
• Blog Photos: How to use images from the Internet and not get sued  Kathy McGraw opens a group in Flickr where they use the ‘Creative Commons License' for people who truly want to share and allow commercial use. Check it out here:  Foto Share Shop for Bloggers  
• How NOT to steal pictures... and Mike Mueller tells us all how to NOT steal pictures and the reasons why. It really can cost you readership and a big old GONG!

My own personal experience was having a non profit group steal my Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle pictures from my post The MURDER of "Honey Girl" .  I am most likely more understanding than others may be adn even then I was upset. After I gave him a brief lecture the man profusely apologized and asked if he could just give me credit for the pictures. I obliged but warned him about the costs he would incur in court should another person not take this ‘offense' so lightly.  You can see my pictures proudly displayed......WITH MY PERMISSION......HERE>>>>>>http://www.honeygirlrewardfund.com

The majority of my photos are from around my neighborhoods and island (have some from other islands too) and are MINE. Other pictures that I use that are from my Print Shop Program and are allowed to a certain extent and I read the disclaimer (as should you for any software you purchase)

You can find these license agreements and copyright information on the HELP button with the programs you buy with clipart, photos etc.  READ CAREFULLY because any of these programs have restrictions too.

It says I can use or make properties for use in home entertainment and projects, educational purposes, in advertisement, public or private presentations, business communications, multimedia presentations, and other similar uses. In other words, I can create posters, stationery, greeting cards, signs, invitations, calendars, reports, catalogs, brochures and newsletters.

What I AM NOT able to do is:

• Use any of the graphics containing trademarks or logos (i.e. cartoons that have a tradename or logo)
• Use pictures of people including in the picture library
• Resell or sub-license or distribute clip art collections, photo collections etc.
• Sell any item which is copied from...
• Use anything for my own logo etc. for my business
• Use anything to create immoral, obscene or scandalous work

Use any Property in electronic format, including on-line use, and multimedia applications, unless all of the following conditions are met:  a) For viewing purposes only.  b) They do not comprise a significant portion of the content of the proposed use.  c) A notice is included specifying that they may not be saved or downloaded and are only to be used for viewing purposes.  d) They are embedded at no higher than a base resolution of 512x768.

Bottom line....I don't use pics of people from this program and I don't sell anything I'm reprinting with their pictures...and all the pictures I'm using are for VIEWING ONLY!  No one should be taking and downloading anything from anyone's blog or sites without permission!  

So....does anyone have arguements about why it's okay to use other people's pictures, animations, cartoons and maps (that one was for Lenn :) without permission?

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved!   And that means my pictures too!

Mililani Mauka Townhouse for Sale!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Details

Asking Price:

$292,000

MLS:

2900161

Sq. Feet:

847

Bedrooms:

2

Bathrooms:

2

# of Floors:

1

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

$33/$221

Subdivision:

Mililani Mauka - Hillsdale IV

Year Built:

1993

Contact Info

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

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

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

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

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

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved

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

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

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

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

Yesterday we decided to head over to Ala Moana Shopping Center and eat lunch at Tanaka of Tokyo -Japanese Steak & Seafood House. With a wide variety of steak and seafood dishes on the menu to choose from each dish is prepared by a skilled Master Teppan-Yaki (teppan meaning iron griddle and yaki meaning fried or broiled) chef.

The seating is situated around the iron griddle with the chef in the middle preparing the food with an entertaining show of flying spatulas and knives. With the chef cracking us up with jokes and flinging shrimp tails into his hat and pocket it was a very pleasurable meal.

The chef first started off with a shrimp appetizer and then afterwards flavored grilled beansprouts while the waitress brought us miso soup and pickled vegetables. Then he made our calamari steak appetizer (we ordered extra) and then the fried rice (steamed rice is usual but we chose fried rice) and our main course of filet mignon grilled to perfection with a slight sause cooked in for extra flavor. (others chose teriaki chicken or lobster or shrimp with steak combos).

Eating in little courses like this allowed us to digest before moving on to the next course. In the end we felt full but not overstuffed and we topped it off with Japanese green hot tea.

Tanaka of Tokyo is one fabulous restaurant!

For a peek at Tanaka of Tokyo's menu click here >>>>> Tanaka of Tokyo's menu 

Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace, Fourth Floor, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814;

TEL(808)945-3443

Business Hours Lunch- 11:00AM ～ 2:00PM (Open Daily) Dinner- 5:00PM ～ (Open Nightly)

© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved 

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

What's that saying that when one door closes another opens? I firmly believe that no matter what kind of situation or circumstance the bottom line for a positive outcome will always be because of "ALL IN THE MANNER OF HOW I HANDLED IT".

After working so hard on getting every contingency met and getting ready to close the buyers backed out last week. My hard work and effort and my seller's heart and soul firmly set in getting all the details done for his move and then the bomb drops. There was no solid answer why and from the beginning of that "mess" I chose to just accept it and move on.

I can't make anyone tell me why.

Easy for me to say and do when my sellers life was turned upside down right?  Wrong. I have always been one to get a little emotionally involved with my clients. Why? Because it's the personal touch and caring that make each transaction just a little more special and rewarding. It's the caring that goes into each and every client that brings heartache or joy and puts me in the class of "being human".

In this case I really had to be strong for the both of us and immediately put it back up on the market and within hours started receiving calls. I have to keep going even when things looked bleak. It can only change around if we put forth the effort.

Within that cooling down period ......I showed property to my buyers (different clients) for a couple of days and we got our contract accepted this morning. A beautiful family buying their first home and eyes sparkling with high hopes that everything will work out just fine.

There are ups and downs and all arounds; joyous cries and tears of sorrow.

Mystery, doubt and fear;  for we know not what life will bring us tomorrow. 

Rewarding beyond a doubt;  It's caring and going above and beyond

A fine line between caring or not; Of losing that common bond.

Of Being Human.

Most Realtors® have the ability to change like a chameleon at every situation, circumstance and turn. There are NO two transactions ever alike and we learn from each and every one.

When one door closes another opens. It's the gift of positive energy. 

Will you look through the cracks?