February 2010  Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

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

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

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

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

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

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

December 2009 Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For without those helping hands ....

Where would we be today?

We represent our clients best interests. THAT is my first and foremost priority when strategizing the sale of a home. In  Strategic Planning + Hard Work = Property IN CONTRACT my planning turned out to be a big positive and the townhouse was in contract by day ONE after the Open House. With 50+ guests to view the Mililani Townhouse for Sale there was no doubt in my mind that all efforts paid off.

But by the third day in contract the buyer's agent politely calls to inform us that they are backing out. No home inspection yet either. "The wife didn't really like it" was the reason....but hey......

.....I'd rather find out quickly rather weeks down the line.

At last Sunday's Open House the guest sign in sheets were filled out completely with guest, name of agent and so forth. I had also made notes on the side of the guests (i.e. very interested and said their agent would be contacting me) so I would remember who they were.

So when the contract fell out I hopped on the phone and within the hour had called five agents with the interested clients from the Open House. They were so excited and the following day received four contracts. We are now back in contract and have a back up offer besides.

Always have a backup plan.

Because as we all know it's never for sure....until it records.

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

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!

Mililani Real Townhouse for Sale| Mililani Real Estate

95-344 Kaloapau Street, #148, Mililani, HI 96789 View Map

Two Story Townhouse for Sale at an UNBEATABLE price!

This split level townhouse in "Hale Kaloapau" in Mililani Town is rarely available and just steps from Mililani Recreation Center #3. That means steps away from the pool on those hot days!

Enter the dining area and an open kitchen with loads of cabinet speace and if you choose, you can close off the kitchen with sliding doors while entertaining your guests.

Convenient laundry area off the kitchen and a half bath with new flooring completes the first floor.

The second floor boasts two spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom and a large floor to ceiling hall walk in storage closet.

This townhouse is VERY clean and MOVE IN READY.

Your "Hale Kaloapau Townhouse" awaits......

Details

Asking Price:

$259,000

MLS:

2914149

Sq. Feet:

877

Bedrooms:

2

Bathrooms:

1.5

# of Floors:

2

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

356

Subdivision:

Mililani Town

Year Built:

1972

Property Amenities

- Range/Oven
- Sink Disposal
- Full Refrigerator
- Washer/Dryer

- Dishwasher
- Patio
- Fenced Yard

- Walk-in closet
- Living room
- Dining Area

Community Amenities

- Swimming Pool(s)
- Basketball court

- Recreation Center
- Tennis court(s)

- Golf course
- Two Assigned Parking Stalls

Contact Info

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor-Associate®
Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations

Main (808) 625-1776 ext. 300
Cell (808) 375-1404
Dir (808) 375-1404
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

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

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!

Bob Stewart has some great ideas when it comes to a community challenge and the current one on Using Your Blog To Enhance Existing Relationships got my blogging juices running.  His Theme?

How are you using your blog to enhance your existing relationships with clients and prospects?

The most important part of my  ActiveRain blog is my Profile Page.  Yeah, we all insert some information about ourselves and what we will do for our clients. But what sets my blog apart from others? A while back I decided to make my profile page a ‘one stop shop' for all posts that I had written for the Hawaii Relocations and Real Estate.  A Relocation Packet for the consumer.

My Profile page gave the consumer all the information they needed to get started to learn about Hawaii the State, Local Area History, Businesses around my area, Points of Interest. I included basically ALL things Real Estate including market reports, community information and information for buyers and sellers.  Of course I couldn't fit all nine hundred + posts I've written on ActiveRain over the years but I did a good job of focusing on my niche area.

‘It's not just about real estate...

it's about the community and making their transition just a little bit easier.'

Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and many of my buyers are Military Relocating to Hawaii and other Hawaii Relocations. I have to rely on my websites and blogs to keep them interested and eventually email or call me.

Updating and Creating: Update, create, update, create. It's a lot of work but hey...it's well worth the results. Old news does not keep a reader engaged. My blog is a continuously moving ad and constantly updating my blog and website with FRESH content will keep me on the first page of Google with many keywords for my niche market. (My Website is my own creation and I can keep it fresh because I don't have to rely on others to do it)

My ActiveRain Outside Blog: My outside blog is a great additional tool (extended from ActiveRain) and all you have to do is subscribe, pick your own domain name, update your theme and add links and so forth. All the rest is transferred over to www.cheesemanhomes.com  from my ActiveRain blog when I choose to publish public and consumer posts to my outside blog.  I currently have the link to my outside blog  in my signature for emails as well. 

MY OUTSIDE BLOG IS A NEWSLETTER IN ITSELF!

Connnect to  Facebook and Twitter and all my public posts are linked directly in as well.

Creativity and Using My Own Voice:  There is nothing better than a reader reading something and they can "feel" the writer in the story.  You could be writing a great localism post about the history of your area or real estate related material. If you are ‘talking' at them instead of ‘talking' with them they won't listen.  So I write the same way. I write as if I'm walking with them and talking with them.

It's a conversation that is continuously moving with words.

Pictures, Virtual Tours and Video: Pictures that are tastefully inserted into my article or post shows the reader the area I live in and enhances my blog tenfold. I happen to think it's my blog's best trait for visual appeal.  I enhance my blog further with video and virtual tours from  www.realestateshows.com. Real Estate Shows  is my all time favorite for listings, tours around Hawaii and anything I want to use it for...including inserting a show in the PHOTO GALLERY on my website.

Local Area and Business Posts:  What better way to engage my readers than showing them I am the local area expert by writing about Hawaii history, sites, businesses and neighborhoods? Real Estate is talking about ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE and if you are your local area expert you show them you have information by writing about everything in your community.  www.localism.com is another part of ActiveRain where you can ‘sponsor' your local areas and connect with businesses in your area as well.

Utilizing all the ActiveRain challenges and writing my best industry related posts is the best part of ENHANCING those RELATIONSHIPS.  Another recent challenge by Bob Stewart and his 1000 Point Challenge For The Rest Of Our Members.....'The Series' which allowed me to redo my HAWAII HOMES MARKET RELOCATION AND REAL ESTATE INFORMATION ONLINE and currently put the first three parts (links) on my MILITARY/VA Information page of my website.

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

My efforts have informed many about all aspects of the Real Estate Industry including but not limited to Real Estate Transactions and Information, examples of real estate trials and tribulations, Hawaii Local Area History, Sites, information on relocations across the Pacific, Neighborhoods, City, Points of Interest, Businesses, Entertainment and more. 

And all was obtained by communicating my thoughts through....blogging.

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

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!

Mililani Real Estate and Housing Market Report for September 2009

In 1971 the Mililani Condos and Homes prices were definitely a far cry away from the prices today. Recently, our Mililani Real Estate Market has picked up with the lower inventory for single family homes, condos and townhouses available.

Mililani Town is the only community in Hawaii in 1986 to receive the distinction of "All American City" and is centrally located on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and to all US Military Bases as well. About 5-10 minutes up Highway 99 is Schofield Barracks (Army) and Wheeler AAF (Army), Hickam AFB and Pearl Harbor Navy Base is about 20-25 minutes down H-2 to H-1 Freeway. Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station is up and over the H-3 Freeway.

September 2009 Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

Mililani Single Family Home Market Report September 2009:  We had 43 Active Listings with 14 in contract and 20 sold.  Mililani Single Family Home activity is picking up with the lower inventory of properties and multiple contracts submitted as well. Average Sales Prices were higher than previous months topping at $675,500 with average days on market (actively on market before getting an accepted contract...and sold) about 64 days.

Mililani Condo Statistics for September 2009: We had 67 Active condos/townhouses on the market, 48  in contract and 23 sold for the period of September 2009. Looks like our Mililani Condo/Townhouse market has picked up with more units condos and accepted contracts.  Sales Prices ranged from $206,000 (1 bedroom condo), $289,900 (two bedroom townhouses) to $385,00 (3 bdrm townhouses).  Average days on market (the days on the market before an accepted contract and sold) was 78. 

Honolulu County Real Estate Market Report- September 2009

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

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

 Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses! 

What opened next door to Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani Shopping Center? 

BLAZIN STEAKS! 

On July 10, 2009 we had the privilege of having a wonderful franchise open their doors right next to our office. To tell you the truth, we have a great place to get a great plate lunch at an awesome price!

When *Will Szameitat, the franchise owner of this Blazin' Steaks in Mililani Shopping Center was getting the space ready for opening, we got the chance to peek in and see what was going on.

The end product of all that hard work shows the professional and clean atmosphere that a take- out restaurant should have. 

Completely refurbished from head to toe, they opened their doors with a sparkling clean and shiny look to compliment their great tasting food!

At $6 per plate, this is definitely an affordable place to eat with a great selection on the menu. I personally have had ordered a plate a few times with one thing in mind.  A salad, rice (I order the brown rice), and either steak or chicken (wide selection of prepared styles too!) for a quick, tasty and affordable lunch at the office.

Don't have time to cook dinner or make your lunch? This IS the place to go for a quick take out!

Call (808) 625-7808.

Blazin' Steaks in the Mililani Shopping Center (95-221 Kipapa Drive, Mililani, HI 96789) is open Monday through Saturdays from 10am to 9pm and on Sundays from 10am to 8pm. 

Another great local area business that gets my thumbs up!

*Will Szameitat is also the owner of All-In Hawaii Clothing Company

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

 Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses! 

In 1971 the Mililani Condos and Homes prices were definitely a far cry away from the prices today. My parents bought their home back then for $48,000 and Mililani was in the beginning stages of a 40 year Master Planned Community. Today the land alone on my mom's property is worth over $500,000 for a bit over 9,000 sq/ft. of land. 

Mililani Town is the only community in Hawaii in 1986 to receive the distinction of "All American City" and is centrally located on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and to all US Military Bases as well. About 5-10 minutes up Highway 99 is Schofield Barracks (Army) and Wheeler AAF (Army), Hickam AFB and Pearl Harbor Navy Base is about 20-25 minutes down H-2 to H-1 Freeway. Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station is up and over the H-3 Freeway.

Year to Date Market Report for Mililani Condos, Townhouses, Homes

Mililani Single Family Home Market Report YTD 2009:  We have 49 Active Listings Year to Date for 2009 with 31 in contract and 119 sold.  Mililani Single Family Home activity is picking up with more in contract for June 2009 (you can check out the report here>> Mililani Real Estate | Mililani Condos Homes | Market Report for June 2009). Sales Prices Ranged from $500,000 (2 bedrooms) to $830,000 (4 bedrooms). 

Mililani Condo Statistics for YTD 2009: There are 93 Active condos/townhouses on the market, 45  in contract and 130 sold for the period January to June of 2009. Looks like our Mililani Condo/Townhouse market is picking up with more units condos and accepted contracts.  Sales Prices ranged from $160,000 (1 bedroom condo) to $495,00 (2 bdrm luxury townhouse).   

Picture Above:  JUST SOLD! Recorded yesterday for Hawaii Relocation Clients on a Mililani Townhouse for $360,000.  From left, Ron & Zeny (clients),  Sally (me), and Bryon Tucker, Loan Officer for Everygreen Home Loans. Written permission given by clients and loan officer to use their picture :)

Other Mililani Info:

Mililani Recreation Centers and Fun for All Ages!   With SEVEN Recreation Centers there is fun for all ages. For Tiny Tots (18 mos. to 3 years) there is circle time, arts and crafts. Then there is Tai Chi, Karate, Yoga, Self Defense and Hula (Hawaiian Dance) for all ages. There is Movie Night and Teen Nights too! Homeowners can join in on plenty of activities in our community!  Mililani Recreation Centers

Assagio's Restaurant at the Town Center in Mililani  Assagio's in Mililani opened in 1994 and our family has enjoyed many meals over the years. Italian pasta dishes, linguini chicken anchovy olio to filet mignon; Assagio's is fine dining at its best! And if your preference is a  Ceasar salad it is prepared table side. 

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

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

Mililani Real Estate and Housing Market Report for June 2009

Let's start with the Mililani Condo Statistics for June 2009: In May of 2009 (last month) there were 64 Active condos/townhouses on the market, 29 in contract and 20 sold. Looks like our Mililani Condo/Townhouse market is picking up with more units with accepted contracts and going through the transaction process.  Sales Prices ranged from $160,000 (1 bedroom condo) to $495,00 (2 bdrm luxury townhouse).

 Mililani Single Family Home Market Report for June 2009:  Let's compare to May of 2009 (last month). We had 36 Active Listings for May 2009 with 11 in contract and 24 sold. It appears that our Mililani Single Family Home activity is picking up with more in contract for June 2009 although less closed transactions. Sales Prices Ranged from $500,000 (2 bedrooms) to $830,000 (4 bedrooms). 

We can attibute the slower closing process to appraisals taking longer than usual to process...especially with VA Loan Appraisals. As it stands, Mililani is centrally located on the island of Oahu (which is Honolulu County) and central to all Hawaii Military Bases. The volume of Hawaii VA Home Loan Home Buying is on the rise (as is refinancing VA Loans) and therefore slowing the Hawaii VA Real Estate Transaction Process.

Another factor is that our Governor imposed a three Fridays a month furlough (with no pay) to balance the budget so of course that puts our Bureau of Conveyances behind on the recording process. Instead of the one day after funding to record it will now take two or more days.

More Hawaii Market Reports for Honolulu County:

• Honolulu Real Estate | Market Report for June 2009
• Honolulu County Real Estate | YTD Condo Market Report for Period Ending June 30, 2009
• Honolulu County Real Estate | YTD Single Family Home Market Report for Period Ending June 30, 2009

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

 Mililani IS the only community in Hawaii to receive the distinction "All American City" in 1986.  Mililani Town and Mililani Mauka, a Master Planned Community has a population of approximately 30,000 people.

The first homes went up for sale around June 1968 and 112 homes were offered for purchase.

In The Beginning...

In 1971 my parents bought a new home and we moved to Mililani Town upon completion that summer. Since Mililani High School wasn't finished yet I had to catch the bus to Wahiawa until graduation from Leilehua in 1974.

Our H-2 freeway opened in 1976 which lessened the time to travel to and from Honolulu with an additional route other than Kamehameha Highway. Mililani Mauka Subdivision had their groundbreaking ceremony in 1990 and the building continued until last year when the last of the homes were sold.

Current Real Estate Trends in Mililani

The Mililani Real Estate and Housing Market remained stable in sales the past few months although prices dropped some overall the past year. The good thing is that the sales numbers have increased and inventory dropped considerably over the last year as well.

What does that tell us?  The following Mililani Real Estate Sales Activity for May of 2009 tells a story compared to the following statistics for 2008 at this same time period.

Current Market Report 2009

*NOTE:  DOM (Days on Market) means how long the property was listed on the MLS until the properties went into escrow with an accepted contract.

2008 Market Report

Here's the bottom line: The First Time Homebuyer $8,000 tax credit brought interest back into our market over the last couple of months. The Military plays a big part in our community and the Hawaii VA Loan is a great loan for the Hawaii Military Relocation client. So, with the inventory down we all know what happens when you snooze. You lose. :)

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Be proactive in your Hawaii Relocation and your search for your home in paradise.

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

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

Balancing time is a crucial part of of a professionals' life and keeping that balance takes hard work and effort. We take leaps, bounds and long strides to do our best in thinking in the best interests of our clients.

All of us go through stressful situations. The bottom line is "No matter what it is all in the manner of how I handle the situation".

This is how the last week has gone for me:

•  Client's arrived on July 17 from Bonita Springs, Florida and I have showing appointments for the next day 18th, and we view 10 properties.
• July 20-Set more showing appointments and fellow agent shows them properties and they meet me back at the office and we put in an offer.
• The offer is countered three times and we finally get into contract on July 24. We open escrow and I run around getting Association and Condo Docs from the other agent.
• Signing at escrow for other client Mr. "W"
• July 26th-Home Inspection. Client's backed out right then and there from that unit.
• They want to go back and look at the other townhouse with the garage and on the golf course. Call listing agent and whew....go right from the one townhouse to the other. They put in a full price offer.
• July 27th-Accepted contract and again schedule a home inspection. Great. He's available.
• July 28th (today): Needs a few repairs...nothing major. Whew!

After the home inspector had finished and I was having the client's sign for receipt of the Association documents he stops and looks at me and says, "Sally, I just want you to know that I really appreciate you working hard for me while we've been here. And I just want you to know that I have noticed the little things you do." He then mentioned that it's not all about sales and that I really made them feel like it was a nice journey and not just a sale. (can't remember those exact words although the basic meaning is there)

I just about cried. It was hard to show people property who are from Florida where they have seen a decline in the market and convince them it is not the case here.  After we crossed that obstacle we were in a situation of the other home "looking real bad" from the first time they saw it. Now they are happy.

Between all the happenings of this transaction and Mr. "W's transaction I worked in the office all week (and was able to arrange with my broker to leave at certain times to accomodate these clients) because the other admin lady is on vacation in Ireland!  I'm tired.

They are on their way to the airport as I am writing this. Funny, I got "attached" ....again.  The daughter is actually my client. She is in Iraq and coincidentally knows my other client John and they have crossed paths as well over there. My "Clients are dad and sister".

 She'll be home soon to a wonderful townhouse.

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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

Yup! I'm all for the Bill passing and starting on Wednesday, July 01!  It's going to stop all this text messaging, game playing and so forth while driving (and weaving all over the road).  I've used hands free technology (Bluetooth earset) for years just for the fact it was safer with answering so many phone calls during my drive to and from each destination.

With all the accidents and even instances with public bus drivers playing games while driving (that's scarey) it's about time we had this bill passed. I think back to when I used to smoke and talk on the phone at the same time. .....  <groan>

There is NO grace period allowed...in case you are wondering. More from the Honolulu Police Department website here>>>>>  http://www.honolulupd.org/traffic/electronic_devices.htm

19 days and counting :)

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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

I'll be 52 years old in a couple of months and I'm proud of it. I have learned many lessons in those years and believe me I was one of those that HAD to learn the hard way. Or so my Pop used to tell me over and over. He didn't agree with many of my impulsive decisions back then and mom was the one who was there to support me when I fell. It hurt my dad too much to face me and see me hurt with my failures.

At this moment...I am at the exact point and time I am supposed to be.

There are many things I have learned in my half century of living:

• It IS MORE than Words. The way I speak to other people is not so much the words being spoken but the way I am speaking them.  Definitely not like the person I was in my younger years. I used to believe that expressing my views and opinions is all that mattered and the way I barked at them didn't.  
• Setting Personal Boundaries .....The Key is Communication Setting healthy boundaries takes communication skills and being assertive. Taking care of ourselves means that we make sure we know where our boundaries start and we let others know where their side ends.  Just remember...  There's a Diplomatic (Nicer) Way to Say IT!  Go and bark at me and I just won't listen. Plain and simple. Now I know why no one listened to me....way back when. 
• Someone asks me for help and I'm very busy.  I can only speak for myself as I have been in many a situation where I have been very busy and managed to squeeze in a moment or at the very least, let them know I'm busy but will get back to them shortly. Give a Little.....Gain a Lot.  Everything in life is a give and take situation.

Awareness of how I affect others is one thing I am conscious of every day now.  I learned that the small simple things really matter and that a smile, a kind word or a little task can help lift someone's spirit when they're weary. These traits of ours carry into our business. That's a FACT.

I know this to be true.  I just told someone this morning that the small things like answering my questions or an email made a difference for me.  And these are the small simple things that I do for my clients that make a difference for them and that they remember.

These are the small simple things that DO matter.

These are the details that make me a good Realtor Associate®

.....and a good human being.

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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

Put yourself in your Hawaii Home Buyer Representative's (Buyer's Agent) shoes for a minute. Okay, maybe a few minutes because you've been stressing each other out as well as everyone involved in your process for Buying a Hawaii Home.

A few ‘minor' but important details to have a smooth(er), stress (free?) process:

• Know what price range you are ‘qualified' for. Check with your local lender (loan officer, mortgage broker) and let them know what kind of monthly mortgage payment you want to be capped at. This includes factoring in your association dues, property taxes, maintenance fees and so forth. Why? You want to look at property that is realistic and feasible for your monthly budget.
• How many bedrooms, baths and other criteria for a home?  Make sure the whole family sits down and discusses what they would be comfortable with.  This can make a difference in this agent setting up showing appointments as we are able to weed out certain criteria. More sq/ft = higher price so keep it realistic too.
• Do you want a townhouse, condo or single family home?  That could make the difference in your price range and what you are qualified for as well as staying in your comfort zone for payments.  There's a difference with property tax payments for condos vs. single family as well as homeowners insurance; which in most cases is included in the maintenance fees for condos/townhouse associations (with the exception of the inside of your unit).
• What kind of timeline are you on?  With most of my Hawaii Relocation clients we make sure to have all in place before they arrive. We have showing appointments set for the day after arrival and in contract within the first few days.  A Hawaii VA Loan transaction is taking a little longer due to a backlog of appraisals and can take up to 4-5 weeks. A Short Sale can take longer for a bank approval ...and then starting the process.  

If you narrow down certain aspects and criteria for a home it makes it smoother for you, your agent and your loan officer for your Hawaii Home Search. 

Be proactive in your Hawaii Relocation and Hawaii Home Buying Experience.

There's Really No Need to Pull Your Hair Out!

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This past Friday, June 5th, 2009 we had our 2009 Summer GMM (General Membership Meeting) at the Hilton Hawaiian Village held by our Honolulu Board of Realtors. The theme was FRESH Tech Thinking and it was great to see many show up.

Classes, vendor fair, games, awards, luncheon, door prizes and recognitions. My BIC told me the big 'secret' before we attended the luncheon where they would annouce something grand.

Our Principal Broker/Owner, Douglas Fortner could not attend and we found out by the recognition speech that he recieved the REALTOR® Emeritus Status and they will announce it at the San Diego NAR Conference this November.

REALTOR® Emeritus Status:  Any person who has held membership in the National Association as a REALTOR®, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®, or a combination of both, for a cumulative period of 40 years in one or more Associations of REALTORS® is eligible for REALTOR® Emeritus status.

Upon approval by the Board of Directors of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, no further payment of dues is necessary to the National Association by the Member Association of which the REALTOR® Emeritus is a member.  READ MORE  >>>> REALTOR® Emeritus Status

There are no further words to explain the love a mother has for her children; especially if they are in the the mililtary and in a war zone. I wrote the following post: How Can I Stand Here With You- And Not Be Moved By You? back in May of 2007 in memory of the heartwrenching, pull on mom's heartstrings during these times with my son who was in the US Navy. The day the war broke out on March 19th, it was my son's birthday and he was on the USS Kitty Hawk ...and in the Persian Guld.

 ...................You're "Everything".  This is a true story about the relationship I have with my son, Michael, and his homecoming from serving in the United States Navy.  How Can I Stand Here With You- And Not Be Moved By You?

For all those who have served our country I commend you and appreciate all you do. My heart to those who had someone they love....die for their country, for you and for me.

I remember too. He sent me this song through email on Mother's Day of 2006.