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

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

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

 With cameras and video in tow we headed down to Waikiki from Central Oahu to the Waikiki Aquarium. Long talked about for something fun to do we hopped in the car after talking about it last night. We did everything we needed to do early this morning so we could have a few hours of pleasure.

It was well worth the half an hour trip and after going from window to window at the Waikiki Aquarium's displays we came upon ......

NEMO!  Okay, so we couldn't know for sure but it sure struck a chord when we saw this lovely little beauty.

 After literally taking pictures and video of the whole aquarium and their wonderous creatures from the ocean we rushed outside in hopes that my most favorite creature of them all finally surfaced. The Hawaiian Monk Seal!  Oh, and a show this one did give us! Posing from side to side and at times taunting and teasing us by turning around to have only the backside showing, this beautiful creature finally turned to gaze lazily at us so we could snap a few.

Hawaii is considered to be the "Endangered Species Capital of the World" with more than 317 plants and animal species that are endangered per sq. mile than anywhere else in the world.  The most endangered mammal that is on the endangered species list is the HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL and every day there is something on our local news stations about these precious creatures. READ MORE HERE:

• Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals: What about "All Those Years Ago"?
• Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal Spotted on the North Shore of Oahu!  

The Waikiki Aquarium is located next to the living reef and shoreline of Waikiki and founded in 1904. It is the third oldest public aquarium in the United States.

• Location:  Queen Kapiolani Park. 2777 Kalakaua Avenue at the end of Waikiki Beach
• Hours - Daily 9:00 am to 4:30 pm; Closed Christmas Day; special hours on Thanksgiving and New Year's days. Admission
• Rates: $9 for visitors; $6 for local residents, active duty military with ID, students with ID and senior citizens; $4 for Youths (13-17), and persons with disabilities; $2 for Juniors (5-12). Children 4 and under are free. Each paid admission includes an Audio Tour Wand. 

Following is the video I took while the Hawaiian Monk Seal decided to grace us with a show. So please enjoy the show of gliding movements and the graceful display of this beautiful endangered species.   

© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved.

It's been a very hectic week for my Real Estate business. Well, with one coming down the stretch for closing, another escrow opened for a buyer on Wednesday that alone has been very busy for me. I also have a listing that I put up last Sunday with showings EVERY single day this week so I am now prepared to take the rest of the afternoon off. And so I'll spend it by Blogging, working  writing and getting some form of relaxation.

Many of my Hawaii Home Buyers are Military Relocating to Hawaii and it seems that during the past few months our market has slowed, then regained some ground, then slows again only to speed up once more.

I am beginning to believe it's not just OUR LOCAL MARKET....but it is MY business that has steadily been successful this year.  I contribute my growth spurts to my online presence in the Real Estate Space(that's what ActiveRain calls it :) and if it were not for all the hard work and effort I put into my blogs and websites I would not have the leads I have received this year.

I also believe that I go above and beyond in my 'scope of service' from beginning to end. There is no limit (within reason) that a Realtor® will dedicate themselves to their clients no matter what the market looks like.

I spent my Saturday (yesterday) taking my client to the home inspection in OCEANPOINTE, Ewa Beach and then going to Mariner's Ridge on the East Side of Oahu to meet with the Mortgage Broker to complete the VA Loan Application to send in tomorrow for processing.

That's nothing compared to the extras that I receive along the way. The picture above is a view of Koko Head crater going up Mariner's Ridge. My client and I jumped out to snap a few while doing the oooo's and ahhhhh's.

The simple things in life ...like a beautiful view....that overlap with business.

© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved

The Father Damien statue sits in front of the State Capitol Building in Honolulu, Hawaii. The one thing that I have always remembered from stories in my younger years is that Father Damien helped the people on the island of Molokai who suffered from Hansen's Disease (Leprosy).

This statue was dedicated to Father Damien and in memory of the 7,200 victims of Hansen's Disease (and their helpers) who died in remote Kalawao and Kaupapa, land of the exiled. Their courage and compassion spared others from their own fate ....is what reads at the base of the statue.

Following is a little history of Father Damien:

• He was born to a farmer's son at Tremeloo, Belgium as Jozef de Veuster.
• Damien joined the Missionary Congregation of the Sacred Hearts on Jnauary 3, 1840.
• He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest at the Cathedral of Our Lady Of Peace in Honolulu in 1864.
• He volunteered to serve alone at the leprosy settlement on the island of Molokai in 1875.
• He lived and worked among the leprosy victims of all faiths and races for 16 years.
• He died on April 15, 1889 among his people of leprosy. 
• He was 'beautified' (3rd of 4 steps to canonization and given the title 'blessed) by Pope John Paul II in 1995.
• He is expected to become one of the first saints of the Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii.

Leprosy is a disease caused by a bacterium that causes lesions on the exterior of the body but leprosy does progress if not treated. It can cause permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes and though many believe it causes body parts to fall of it actually does not.

Father Damien gave of himself to help these victims and minister to their doomed bodies. On the base of the statue it also states that: by his presence it gave them reassurance that they so deperately needed that they had not been forsaken by either God or by men.

Sculptress "Marisol Escobar" had worked from photographs of the dying priest, saw in Damien 'the mystery of physical transformation - as if he had become what he wanted to become.' ... (words on the base of the statue)

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© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved

Leeward Community College is located at 96-045 Ala Ike - Pearl City, HI 96782 in Honolulu County on the island of Oahu. Hawaii is so diverse in culture so you can expect the same on college campuses too. With a caring faculty and affordability Leeward Community College has given high quality education since 1968.

Leeward Community College sits on 49 acres with over 6,000 students regularly enrolled every semeter to make it the largest community college in the state of Hawaii.

With liberal arts and career and technical educational programs offered on campus, at off-campus locations in the community, and through distance education courses it is no wonder that students flock from the Central Oahu area to attend the college.

(Both my son and daughter are starting up again next week at Leeward Community College)

Are you Relocating to Hawaii or in the Military Stationed in Hawaii on the Central, Leeward or West side of Oahu?

Do you want to continue your education?

Then, you just may want to look into what LCC has to offer and enroll at Leeward Community College.

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For a 2008-2009 Leeward Community College Catalog click on the following link:

2008 - 2009 Catalog (PDF 4.6MB) update: 08/08

 

© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved.

Last Wednesday we met our clients at Kahala - Title Guaranty Escrow to sign documents for the Honolulu Condo we had listed.

I entered the listing into our MLS on July 6th and by that evening I already had an offer in hand. By Tuesday morning we were in contract and opened escrow.

IN CONTRACT IN TWO DAYS! Can't beat that!

On August 1st, I closed the listing in Mililani that had a few bumps along the way but in the end it all worked out. (torn down unpermitted back storage and all) From contract to keys it closed in 38 days!  Mililani Single Family Home (4 bdrm/2 bath) SOLD AT $520,000!

On August 14th I closed a sale with another agent in my office for a Hawaii Home Buyer that relocated here from Germany. We opened escrow after two days of showings and closed within 50 days.  Mililani Single Family Home (3 bdrm /2 bath) SOLD AT $590,000!

This last one was a grand one. I could not have asked for more with a Buyer's Agent to work alongside of that got back to me promptly, had a very pleasant attitude, skilled and organized and very courteous. After talking with him about the last of the details for keys and such I thanked him and told him that he was very much appreciate and he said the same. We agreed that when all parties involved do everything in a timely manner we all have a smooth and successful transaction.

In closing he said this:

"Sally, this is one of those transactions we both will look back on and wish all of our transactions were like this one". He's right. Every transaction seems to have little snags along the way. This one didn't because everyone was a team player.

Even the escrow and loan officers were very efficient and got answers back to all of us quickly with exceptional service for all involved in both transactions. They were wonderful team players in making this a VERY smooth and successful transition for all as well.

What made this transaction even more special was that our Sellers had been working with a Buyer's Agent for the past year on a home they REALLY wanted. The price came down to where they wanted it (it was overpriced anyway) and their purchase closed (recorded) simultaneously with our sale this morning.

Their dream home came true this morning because of the sale of their property. 

Honolulu Penthouse Condo (3 bdrm /2 bath) SOLD AT $510,000!

I love happy endings. 

© 2008 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

We decided to start doing more to make our townhouse more energy efficient. Well, there's just so much you can do for a small townhouse so we started with the lightbulbs and an air conditioner a couple of years ago. Then, a couple of weeks ago we went to Costco and we found TWO 52" Hunter ceiling fans with lights and on the box it had a sticker "Energy Star".

Why did we start getting to be energy efficient wise guys?

• Our Hawaiian Electric bill was almost one hundred eighty dollars
• And....our electric bill will KEEP climbing
• We needed to reduce our energy consumption. We also found that we were leaving lights on unnecessarily
• Our old ceiling fans were cheapy small ones that were really doing a bunch of nothing. (and the new ones sure pump out some wind and look pretty too)
• We changed the ugly flourescent light in the kitchen when they replaced our ceiling and put in an Energy Star Light fixture too!

Energy Star® was first created in the United States in 1992 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and it is now an international standard for energy efficient consumer products such as appliances, computer products, light fixtures, office equipment, lighting and even building materials.

There's also another BIG REASON to buy and save with energy efficient products.

Everyone in the audience roars with a "WHY"????

Well, I used to see the commercials on the television about Hawaiian Electric Company giving rebates if you purchase some appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label on it.

So, I googled Hawaiian Electric Company Rebates and up pops this page on Hawaiian Electric Rebates on Energy Star® Appliances 

 I saw Ceiling Fan on the list!

 They had a link to click on to see if my Hunter Ceiling Fan Model Number was on the list. Sure was!  Of course it was...it had the ENERGY STAR® label on it.

I filled out the Rebate Form and included the original receipt (and a self addressed stamped envelope if I want it back) and I sure feel great. My electric bill was $177.28 and I am getting back $80.00 for the two ceiling fans. ($40 each). 

So, if you just Moved to Honolulu, Hawaii (Honolulu Hawaii Relocation) and happen to get an appliance with the ENERGY STAR® label on it make sure and check if you are eligible to receive a rebate from the website: Hawaiian Electric Rebates on Energy Star® Appliances 

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© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved

You ever notice how different the polls are from different magazines, groups and so forth that have different statistics for different cities? One thing I noticed is that Hawaii never seems to be on those nationwide statistics for like cleaner air, schools or even being ‘green'.

So I did a little research and had to literally type in Hawaii...clean air and stuff like that. I guess because we're out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean we aren't considered part of the nation or something. NOT! We are just as important and play a vital part in Hawaii Military Relocations and Hawaii Job Transfers and Moves to Hawaii no matter what the reason.

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Following are some "statistics" from different sites and such for "pertinent" opinions on what rank Hawaii and Honolulu County play in this game of "nationwide" polls.

• According to the Brookings Institution they announced that Honolulu is the greenest city in the nation. Reason? Honolulu, Hawaii generated the lowest amount of pollution from carbon dioxide and this stat was taken amongst 100 top metro areas around the United States. (this same statistic is displayed in our own Star Bulletin News here>)
• According to "Can Do- Greater Reno-Tahoe" area site: Hawaii ranks NUMBER ONE for the best place to raise a family. Why? Education spending is tops and ....why else but for our beaches?
• According to the Hawaii Government site: This past January, Governor Lingle announced the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative, an unprecedented and innovative partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that aims to have at least 70 percent of Hawai‘i's power come from clean energy by 2030.  Hawai‘i is the only state in the nation to have signed this type of partnership.
• The Sierra Club - Hawaii's site says: "The Hawaii state legislature passed a landmark measure on May 1 that would make the state the first in the nation to require solar water heaters as a standard feature on all new homes. The solar roofs bill, which received unanimous support in the House and only two dissenting votes in the Senate, was the top priority of the Hawaii Sierra Club this legislative session"

Another story from the Star Bulletin on the Solar Water Heaters: ......Gov. Linda Lingle approved a bill on June 26, 2008 that makes Hawaii the first state to require solar water heaters in new single-family homes starting in 2010......

Bottom line: If you want to get specific statistics AND FACTS on your health, quality of life, water etc. go to specific sites within your State Government, City & County sites and so forth.

• The Honolulu Board of Water Supply Report Search for YOUR AREA   Click and search by your neighborhood and find out about the water quality in YOUR neighborhood.

Here's the report for: MILILANI WELLS  

Pretty cool huh?

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Environmental Health ......" Hawaii State Department of Health  is entrusted to protect the health of Hawai`i residents through the protection of the state's environment and through regulation of goods, services, and facilities used by the general public. The following links provide information about DOH programs and other relevant environmental information".

• Air Quality
• Compliance Assistance Office
• Office of Environmental Quality Control
• Environmental Planning Office
• Food and Drug
• Recycling Information
• Sanitation
• Solid and Hazardous Waste
• Vector Control
• Water Quality 

 I do believe that we get better FACTS from these departments rather than a poll from magazines and such. It's kind of like "nationwide statistics for housing markets". Doesn't work.

WE NEED LOCAL information for each state, county and neighborhood.

Thank goodness for www.localism.com  where we are contributing QUALITY content for the public. WE KNOW our communities and get the facts and give them to you...with our OWN written words.

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 © 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved.

If you are planning a Hawaii Military Relocation to Honolulu County in a few months or even a year down the road, there is no better time to start planning than right now.

You can be proactive in your property search for purchasing real estate now by getting in touch with a Realtor® who knows about the VA Transaction Process and can assist you with your Hawaii Military Relocation.

This Realtors® Perspective: Hawaii Military & the VA Loan is one article I wrote so you can see how the VA transation process works. As a former military dependent for most of my life I know what it's like:  Military Transfers & Relocations to Hawaii: A Geographical Shock

To start with your property search this agent will go through your criteria with you and then set you up with your own personal web page with an Oahu and Surrounding Neighborhood Search: Relocations Hawaii. And then you can browse through prior articles I've written for other Hawaii Relocation information

• A Honolulu Hawaii Relocation: Getting Ready With Your "To Do" List
• Hawaii Military Relocation Package - Schofield Barracks & Wheeler Army Air Field
• Hickam AFB, Honolulu Hawaii & Surrounding Neighborhoods
• What You Didn't Know about the HAWAIIAN ISLANDS 
• The BEST THINGS to Do While Visiting the Hawaiian Islands!!
• Honolulu County Hawaii Military Bases & Installations- Oahu Neighborhoods
• LIVE on VIDEO: A Hawaii Military Relocation Story Comes to Life

There are differences in housing markets between each neighborhood in Honolulu County. Our small island of Oahu is so densely populated that we literally run into each city and neighborhood within....minutes. Our whole island is Honolulu County and the city of Honolulu consists of MANY neighborhoods within each "Area" and you can pretty much figure that most cities and neighorhoods are classified under a postal zip code as well.  Below are two maps which will give you a better idea of the different areas in Honolulu County in conjunction with the Honolulu County Military Base you will be stationed.

AREAS in HONOLULU COUNTY

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HONOLULU COUNTY HAWAII MILITARY BASES- OAHU, HAWAII

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So...Is the Honolulu, Hawaii Housing Market Still Shifting?  Your decision to purchase will depend on your circumstances. For one, your Housing Allowance is yours to use for paying YOUR OWN MORTGAGE or you can rent and pay someone else's mortgage, the length of time you will be stationed here, the investment you'll be making for your future. These are all things to consider.

The following statistics show past years and up to present. Our housing market differs from neighborhood to neighborhood and as you can see our overall Honolulu County Market Statistics show a stable housing market. The number of sales have gone down over the past year although it did pick up this last quarter and the buyers are purchasing due to the interest rates. (in other words....waiting for prices to go down while interest rates go up is not a wise choice)

Single Family:   Median Sales Price   

• 2003-    $380,000                                
• 2004-    $460,000
• 2005-    $590,000
• 2006-    $630,000
• 2007-    $625,300
• 2008-     $620,000 (first quarter)
• 2008-     $636,000 (second quarter)

Condos:    Median Sales Price   

• 2003-    $175,000                              
• 2004-    $180,000
• 2005-    $269,000
• 2006-    $310,000
• 2007-    $320,000
• 2008-     $330,000 (first quarter)
• 2008-     $330,000 (second quarter)

And if you need current and up to date information on statistics, a Hawaii Relocations packet or you just have questions please don't hesitate to contact Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor Associate ® , Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, HI @ (808) 375-1404.

Alive in Honolulu County, Oahu, Hawaii!

© 2008 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

Dedicated to Bob Stewart

(who is attending the Hawaii Association of Realtors®  2008 Pacific Rim Conference & Expo on the Island of Hawaii on September 18 & 19th, 2008 at the Hilton Waikoloa Village )

Yes, Hawaii is a State that was admitted into the Union on August 21, 1959 and making it the 50th State. Now, for those that have never even stepped foot in Hawaii.... let's clear up a few things.

First of all, it's widespread near and far that Hawaii is an island paradise. Right? Full of trade winds blowing through your hair and beautiful balmy sunny skies above. We have beautiful beaches and lush green valleys and wonderful hiking trails through our mountainous ridges. Oh, yes. Hawaii is all of that and then some.

We do not live in grass shacks and sip Mai Tai's with little umbrellas all day. Nor do the men run around in little cloths wrapped around their bottoms or women in grass skirts and topless. Yes, we carry a lot of tradition but we are also modernized ....just like you.

You are making your plans for your Relocation to Hawaii or even your vacation or honeymoon to Hawaii and you don't know where you want to stay. You haven't the fogiest idea that Hawaii is made up of small islands and that each island is a county.

By following the map below you can see the layout of the EIGHT HAWAIIAN ISLANDS and where they are located in conjuction to our island, Oahu.

Oahu is HONOLULU COUNTY.

Starting from the top I'll name off the islands and give a brief description of each:

• Niihau (knee ee how oo):  The "Forbidden Island". Privately owned by the Robinson family since 1864 it is only accessed by family members, the US Navy, guests and government officials.
• Kauai (cow eye ee) or "The Garden Isle" and one of the wettest spots on earth is on Mt. Waialeale. My mother was born and raised here too. It is also Kauai County.
• Oahu (oh ah hoo): "The Gathering Place" is where the business and hustle and bustle is. Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and the famous Sunset Beach on the North Shore. This is HONOLULU COUNTY. And our office is in Central Oahu in Mililani Town.
• Molokai (Mo lo ka ee): Is the "Friendly Isle" and one of the least developed islands in the Hawaiian Islands.
• Lanai (la na ee) was known as the "Pineapple Island". The pineapples phased out and now there are a couple of resorts there.
• Maui (ma oo ee) or the "Valley Isle" is known for its isthmus (the little portion of land that connects the two larger masses of land). This is Maui County.
• Ah....the ISLAND OF HAWAII. Now this is what confuses people when they think of "Hawaii" or the Hawaiian Islands. The island of Hawaii is also known as "the Big Island" obviously for it being the largest of the islands as well as the largest island in the United States. It is also larger than all of the islands combined. This is HAWAII COUNTY.

So the next time you want to plan for your vacation, the first thing to think of is....which island do I want to spend my time on? Should I plan for a tour of a couple of the islands?

For those of you that are Relocating to Hawaii with the Military you may want to find out which island you are going to be based on as well. Most likely it'll be on Oahu where all branches of the military are. For a complete map click on the following link for Honolulu County Hawaii Military Bases & Installations- Oahu Neighborhoods

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Ride the Wave to Success  - 2008 Pacific Rim Conference and Expo Registration Form hosted by the Hawaii Association of Realtors®, Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Island of Hawaii- September 18 & 19, 2008

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© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved

www.cheesemanhomes.com 

It's 4:05 am on July 4th, 2008 and he gets up and stumbles to the bathroom. After he's finished he climbs back into bed and snuggles close to her. Just when he's starting to doze off again she startles him wide awake with a "let's get up and drive to the other side of the island to look at the sunrise"!

Huh? He rubs his eyes and asks her, "Are you serious?". YUP!

She jumps out of bed and hops in the shower with the poochie running after him while he turns the automatic coffee pot to 'brew' NOW.

They check their emails and sip coffee for a few minutes and he hops in the shower. She gets off the pc and finishes getting ready.

Cameras...check. Flip Video .....check. Put a puppy pad down and feed the dog. Check.

Off we go! It's 5am and we're on the road. A cool crisp morning and it's still dark riding along the freeway from Central Oahu to the East Side of Oahu chasing the little sliver of light. That hint of light behind the clouds that tell us where the sun will be rising.

We arrive....at Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Honolulu County, Hawaii. Makapu'u (Ma ka poo ooo) is Hawaiian for "Bulging Eyes". Right off shore is Manana Island or more known as Rabbit Island for it's shapely rabbit looking features. It was nicknamed Rabbit Island because a rancher had released rabbits there who lived there many years. It now serves as a seabird sanctuary.

Makapu'u Lighthouse sits atop the mountain overlooking the beach, Rabbit Island and far off in the distance you can see the island of Molokai. The lighthouse was built in 1909 and automated in 1974. There is actually a trail leading to the lighthouse and about a 2 mile hike. Too steep for me!

This is how we spent our Fourth of July morning.

It felt like Independence Day. Free and spirited for the land I love.

Enjoy the following video of the sunrise. In this sunrise you'll see a distinct black dot. Hmmmm???

My belief is that ALL housing markets differ and the circumstances are going to depend on the housing markets in each of the states &  local cities; and right down to each neighborhood which will show a significant difference in number of sales and of course the sales prices too.

I also believe that it is up to everyone in the Real Estate Industry to keep the market moving. With our professional attitudes shining through in all communication and contact with our clients and peers and being thorough in our process through each and every transaction are just a few points to always be aware of.

How well we all perform will determine the level of service "they" will rate us as well.

The most important factor to consider regarding our housing market in the United States is that it is truly NOT a NATIONWIDE bunch of statistics to clump all in one percentage or sales price to air on the national news every night like it is the 'written word'. Nope. I rely on what I SEE going on in each neighborhood of Honolulu County and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The big difference with the Housing Market in Hawaii is the fact that we have just so little buildable and usable land.  Our land is valuable and there are areas that you will see a newer home in Central Oahu that has about 1500 sq. ft. interior on 3,000 sq. ft. of land. And you ask, "What is an approximate price for a home on such a small lot?"  Upper $600,000's ....easy.  And what might a home like this be priced at when it is closer to the Honolulu city area? You're looking at OLDER and HIGHER priced homes priced at about $700,000 up ...in ‘good' condition.  One thing that I make sure and let my Hawaii Home Buying and Relocation clients know is: DO NOT EXPECT the same sq/ft interior and land area homes like you had back in the Continental United States. 

There are a few neighborhoods on Oahu where they are experiencing a "slightly declining market" such as the Ewa. Diamond Head, Hawaii Kai, Waipahu and West Oahu areas. Even Central Oahu is fluctuating up and down. The whole housing market in Honolulu County has shifted to the point where I will let the Hawaii Home Buyer know that there is a little room for 'negotiating' for either a little reduction in price or closing costs credit from the seller to buyer. I let the Hawaii Home Seller know that THIS is how the market is NOW.

So...Is the Honolulu, Hawaii Housing Market Still Shifting?  Look at the following statistics from the Honolulu Board of Realtors® and you decide:

Single Family:   Median Sales Price   

• 2003-    $380,000                                
• 2004-    $460,000
• 2005-    $590,000
• 2006-    $630,000
• 2007-    $625,300
• 2008-     $620,000 (first quarter)

Condos:    Median Sales Price   

• 2003-    $175,000                              
• 2004-    $180,000
• 2005-    $269,000
• 2006-    $310,000
• 2007-    $320,000
• 2008-     $330,000 (first quarter)

For those of you who believe that we make a difference for our Real Estate Industry then keep on striving to be the best you can be; ALWAYS support each other and work as a team and ALWAYS think in the best interests of your clients.

And if you need current and up to date information on statistics, a Hawaii Relocations packet or you just have questions please don't hesitate to contact Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor Associate ® , Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, HI @ (808) 375-1404.

Alive in Honolulu County, Oahu, Hawaii!

© 2008 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

All branches of the military occupy a large portion of Oahu and I recently put together a Hawaii Military Relocation Package - Schofield Barracks & Wheeler Army Air Field for the Military Relocating & Transferring to Honolulu County Hawaii . 

Many military personnel have not been to Hawaii before so they obviously do not know what neighborhood is closest to the Honolulu County Military Base they will be stationed. So it is without question they do not know which neighborhood they should look for their next Hawaii Home purchase.

The following map I tried to detail just about all of the Military Bases on Oahu in Honolulu County (the island of Oahu IS Honolulu County) This map should prove very beneficial to start your search for your new home purchase in relation to the your next tranfer station at one of our Honolulu County Military Bases.

The H-1 freeway extends from South Oahu to the Leeward side of Oahu, the H-2 freeway extends from the Pearl City cutoff to Wahiawa and the H-3 freeway extends from the Aiea cutoff to the Windward side of Oahu (Kailua/Kaneohe).  

Military Bases in Honolulu County:

More info on Relocating to Hawaii, the VA Loan process for purchasing your Hawaii Home and a special Video and story on a Military Relocation and Home Purchase come true:

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It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean and purchasing your Hawaii Home;

let alone to a totally different "world" of people.

But you can do it with a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!

If you're Relocating to Hawaii (regardless if it's near future or just wanting to be proactive for the future) contact me to get started with your search for Hawaii Homes for Sale.

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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

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*All pictures, content, map and information are the property of Celeste "Sally Cheeseman.

The movers are scheduled for tomorrow and you procrastinated until the last minute to set aside the things you need to take with you for your Honolulu Hawaii Relocation and purchasing your new Hawaii Home or Condo. 

Screech! Halt! Reverse!

Okay, let's start over again. In order to have a smooth transition in your Honolulu Hawaii Move, Hawaii Job Transfer & Move or your Honolulu Hawaii Military Relocation you NEED to be proactive!  Get your  "To Do" list together so you will not be scrambling at the last minute! Get educated on the Hawaii Market and Neighborhoods with  The Art of Hawaii Relocations. This will surely give you an insight into our diverse culture and pertinent information for important topics to consider in regards to our neighborhoods and sizes of our homes so you don't pack unnecessary items or forget important documents.

The following list will surely give you a guideline and help you in being proactive with your move.

• USPS (United States Postal Service) has all the tools online at  http://www.usps.com/  to give notice of your 'Change of Address', to Hold your mail until you get to your new address, for shipping products, services and more. (Notify all your banks, credit card company and any other bill payees)
• Make sure and start preparing your pet for relocation long before! You can find more information as well as the Animal Quarantine's Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Brochure in the  Honolulu-Hawaii Pet Quarantine: Prepare For Your Hawaii Move!
• Be sure to read Oahu and Surrounding Neighborhood Search: Relocations Hawaii  and start your search for your new home with the online personal webpage I'll set up for you according to your special and specific criteria.
• Get all your documents together that you will need for your loan process (i.e. 2 mos. bank statements, last three paycheck stubs, two years W-2's, and if you're a Hawaii Military Relocation then read VA Loans & Hawaii Military Relocations: This Realtors® Process Know the process for your VA benefits and the VA loan process.) 
• Your Important family documents:  Your birth certificates, social security cards, marriage records, divorce or death records, your children's school records, ALL pet documents, medical records, shot records, car documents, and any other documents you may need before your household goods arrive.
• Pack necessities. Your household goods may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive so make sure you have basic important necessities and valuables packed. Remember, Hawaii is a tropical climate and you will NOT need snow clothing :) 
• Have a garage sale with items you have not used for six months and longer or no longer need. Your Hawaii Home will most likely have less interior sq, ft. so be prepared for smaller. Washer/Dryers usually are included with the sale of a property.  
• Book Airline Tickets ahead of time if you know your exact departure date.  Two weeks or more and you'll get a big discount on airfare. Be sure to go to this website for items not allowed through checkpoints and basic tips for travelers http://www.tsatraveltips.us/

With our warm climate, tropical breezes and breathtaking scenery you can be assured the Hawaiian Islands are all you've heard...and then some. Helping you to make your transition and relocation a smooth one.

Be proactive for your Honolulu Hawaii Relocation and contact me to set you up with listings to view for your Hawaii Home Search or click on the link below for your ONLINE Hawaii Relocation Package!

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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

Home of the 15th Air Base Wing Hickam Air Force Base has over 2,800 acres of land and facilities. It is located in Honolulu County and on the island of Oahu and runs alongside the Honolulu International Airport. Both Hickam AFB air field and the Honolulu International Airport run under a joint - use agreement. 

During the war years Hickam AFB played a crucial part in pilot training and aircraft assembly as well as the Pacific Hub for transporting the wounded not only during World War II, but during the Korean and Vietnam wars as well.

In 1980, Hickam AFB was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior due to the significant historic resources associated with World War II in the Pacific.

Other areas of interest around the Airport/Hickam areas:

• Navy Marine Golf Course (off Nimitz Hwy)
• Mamala Bay Golf Course (Hickam)
• Navy Housing (picture to right)
• Camp Smith is a little further west
• Honolulu International Airport Hotel
• Plaza Hotel
• Moanalua Shopping Center
• Auto Sales (MANY New and Used Car Sales in a few block area all along Nimitz Hwy)
• Tripler Army Hospital (off Nimitz Highway turn on Puuloa Road and keep going until you see the 'pink castle'
• Directly to the right (if facing the mountain) is Ft. Shafter and directly below is Moanalua Freeway.
• Aliamanu/Salt Lake area.

The map (right) should give you more info regarding surrounding areas of the Honolulu International Airport, which is directly west of Hickam AFB.

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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 following Guides for Oahu, Hawaii should prove helpful for activities, scenic areas, dining and points of interest for the visitor. This three (maybe ...four) part series I am not only doing for the public but especially for the:

** ActiveRain Members coming to Oahu in January for the CRS Sellabration!**

Hawaii is known worldwide as one of the most scenic places on the face of the earth. From flower blooms to ocean views to beautiful blue skies you can expect to see and preserve these memories with unreal photographs as well as gaining a sense of peace within from our rich Hawaiian history.

Downtown Honolulu: 

• Iolani Palace- See the magnificent feather cloak of Kiwala'o, the Crown Jewels, the Chamberlain's Office and other treasures of the Monarchy period.  call (808) 522-0832

• The State Capitol:  The legislature will be in session and you can attend sessions and hearings for both the House and the Senate.  They are free and open to the public.  You can also visit the Governors and Lt. Governor's offices and sign their guest book.

• State Art Museum:Open to the public.  Across the street from the Capitol building and Iolani Palace.

• Kamehameha Statue Kamehameha unified Hawaii and under his government maintained peace even though there was intense pressure from the Western civilization. Located at the corner of King and Punchbowl Streets

• Mission Houses Museum  Tours through the old structures include the oldest frame house and the first printing office in the islands. Located at the corner of King and Kawaiahao Streets.

• Kawaiahao Church King Lunalilo, the first elected monarch of Hawai'i, was burried on the church grounds and Kawaiahao Church was the first Christian Church in Hawaii. Some of their founders and decendants are buried on the grounds as well. Many are married at this historical church to this day. Located at the corner of King and Punchbowl Streets.

• Honolulu Academy of Arts I haven't been here for about 10 years but this is one of my favorites. The building is so beautiful with its architechtural design.  Fine Asian art collections. For more information call 532-8700 (Additional info from Pete:  hosting this "Art After Dark" event the last Friday of each month.  Live music, food, drinks, and most of the galleries are open.  Great way to get younger folks to visit the museum, as it has become one of the trendy places to see and be seen)

• Washington Place -From Queen Liliuokalani to Governor Lingle this is the oldest structure that has been in continuous use. For more information, please call 586-0240

• Honolulu Hale City and County of Honolulu Government (Mayor's Office) Open courtyard looking up into the sky is the centerpiece of this masterpiece.  530 South King Street

• Queen Emma's Summer Palace Wife of King Kamehameha IV and the symbol of the island's cosmopolitan culture  2913 Pali Highway 808-595-3167

• Bishop Museum (founded in 1889) the Bishop Museum is by far one of the most outstanding examples of our Hawaiian history with over 24 million cultural artifacts that were acquired over the past 112 years that tell the story of Hawaii and the Pacific. 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, Hawai'i   96817    Phone: 808.847.351

• The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor  December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on this site, propelling the U.S. into World War II. This floating memorial in Pearl Harbor is the resting place for many of the 1,177 crew members killed on the USS Arizona battleship.                                             

Stay tuned for Parts II and III for your guide to Oahu!!

     Read Part II here:  ActiveRain Guide to Oahu: Points of Interest (Part II)                                  

I have had MANY inquiries from potential buyer's regarding their buying vacant land on Oahu and I have had to educate them on the zoning laws in Hawaii.  Most of them assume they could just come in and buy a bunch of land and start building. Not the case!

For one, our Hawaiian Islands just have so much land on each island. We also have to look out for Restricted Conservation, Restricted Preservation, Agricultural, Country, Beachfront and all the different types of Residential zoning and follow all guidelines with the application for building, rezoning, CPR's etc.  We have zoning and building permit "police" and they strictly enforce our laws.

The bottom line is this. All permits, applications and so forth are all reviewed to serve and first consider the well being of the people of Hawaii and our communities. 

We respect our Hawaiian culture, environment and those issues that may affect our lands. 

 A very useful site for permits, the land use ordinance and so forth is http://gis.hicentral.com/ 

The following are a couple of examples of what a Use Permit may entail (all titles are linked to the page for additional info)

STATE SPECIAL USE PERMIT (SUP)

A Special Use Permit allows the use of land within the State Agricultural or Rural District for "certain unusual and reasonable uses...other than those for which the district is classified." The Planning Commission has the authority to approve or deny the Permit if the amount of land is 15 acres or less. If the amount of land is more than 15 acres, the Planning Commission makes a recommendation on the permit and sends it to the State Land Use Commission for approval or denial

  Map of Oahu for State Land Use:

Map of City and County of Honolulu Special Zoning:

ZONE CHANGE and link to Land Use Ordinance (LUO)

A zone change is an amendment, adopted by ordinance, to the original ordinance adopted by the City Council to establish the affected zoning map. Zone changes can involve changes from one zoning district to another, a change in height indicated on a zoning map, or an amendment to an existing Unilateral Agreement. The Land Use Ordinance (LUO) provides a list of zoning districts and precinct and the permitted uses and structures for each district and precinct.

 The LUO (Land Use Ordinance) The purpose of the LUO is to regulate land use in a manner that will encourage orderly development in accordance with adopted land use policies, including the Oahu general plan and development plans, and topromote and protect the public health, safety and welfare.

I have done so much research on zoning and building laws and there is still so much more to learn. Make sure and do your due diligence before buying a piece of property that may be in a Special District or Zone.  You could be buying something you may not be able to do a whole lot with besides what is already on the land.  Even then, it could have been "grandfathered" in (before our zoning laws were clear) and if the house on the land is from the 1920's then you may not tear it down and rebuild unless you are rebuilding with the same footprints.  And even then, may only be able to add on a little past that if even. 

If you want to download or check out different permits that may help you to understand a little more:

• Planning Permits
• Zoning and Land Use Permits
• Construction and Building Permits
• Engineering and Subdivision Permits

PLANNING DIVISION MASTER APPLICATION FORM
PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE MAP REVISION APPLICATION