Okay, so I am one to create my own positivity about any circumstance or situation but doing so NOW is especially important as our national economic woes affect EVERYONE. Our residents in our tropical island paradise (our chain of Hawaiian Islands) are breaking down barriers and continuously moving forward to overcome obstacles that we have been facing.
I truly believe that the Aloha Spirit thrives in all of us and gives us our determination to continue living out our dreams in our Home of Aloha.
In Honolulu County (the island of Oahu) we are the catch all for everything happening nationwide and worldwide. We are the center stop point of the trade world in the Pacific and international stop for foreigners heading to the continental United States (aka ‘mainland') and ‘mainlanders' heading to Asia and beyond.
Take a look at my positive outlook to each situation for our state, county, city and neighborhood:
- Our tourism industry has fallen in % of visitors from the mainland although we are still getting visitors from other parts of the world. Some businesses have closed but it doesn't stop the rest of them and they barrel through and survive until it gets ‘better'. I read about a Cold Stone Ice Cream Parlor in Waikiki whose owner is serving the ice cream herself to keep it going. The Ripple Effect From Our Hawaii Tourism Industry
- Our Honolulu County housing market has slowed down and the number of sales fallen although we are still selling homes. Certain neighborhoods like Ewa and Ocean Pointe are experiencing a decline in sales prices
but their sales numbers have risen. Ewa Gentry Communities - Affordability in Paradise Royal Kunia, Waikele and Mililani have had a few short sales and if priced right they are still moving. A few tips for Hawaii Home Sellers Barriers & Bridges VS Selling Your Hawaii Home and a few tips for Hawaii Home Buyers Killer Negotiating & Losing the Hawaii Home You Love! (and more about our local banks that INTENTIONALLY stayed away from subprime loans) - The military continuously relocate in and out of Honolulu County and they are continuing to utilize their Hawaii VA guaranteed home loan in lieu of renting. Ah, the bliss of home ownership still within their reach. They also bring in business to our local economy and have kept many businesses running. I personally thank them for their service and support the troops and they have supported us in Honolulu County. Hawaii VA Loan Process: BE PREPARED!
- Local Businesses are struggling but many are pulling through. Super Bowl Sunday showed just how much our local residents pull together to enjoy a ‘get together' and buy locally for pupu's (pronounced poo poo and means appetizers). One thing is for certain is that we will always need to buy from stores and markets and it's the strong that are surviving. Sizzler Restaurants Hawaii - Surpasses Expectations! (LOCALISM FEATURED)
- Unemployment levels are up to 4.9% although a recent job fair attracted 6,000 potential hires and 120 employers offered career choices ranging from fast food to the military. One of the most popular booths was the FBI and it was looking for 850 special agents and more than 2,000 other professionals nationwide.
I look at everything from a positive perspective because I would rather have hope and determination to strive for a brighter future; rather than give up and die in spirit.
Aloha From The Aloha State!
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) 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 Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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Sally, this is a lovely post! I really enjoyed the slide show! What beauty surrounds you.
Later in the rain~Deb
Sally,
Great information on Hawaii! I have a client who moved to Texas several years ago, she has been asking me about the market there. Thank you for taking the time to update us all!
Aloha Sally,
Positively perfect post. Opportunity is always present, you just have to adjust your thinking to find it.
Peace,
Thanks Deb...yours 'ain't' so bad too! ;)
Lynn: You're welcome...this is a must for all! :) :)
Kimo: Thanks Kimo..you do well with your positive side too!
Well done Celeste. I am the same way. There are tons of times you could be negative about the state of everything, but my take on it is that positive energy breeds positive energy. Our market has been challenged no doubt, but there is business out there and we need to be more energetic, more creative and standing tough than ever before, WE CAN DO IT!!!!
Kim...thanks! And YES WE CAN!
Gotta be positive. Hey, the military market is your niche and the 4.9% unemployment is not bad!
Nice home...how much does one like that go for in that area?
Gary: No kidding...what would there be left if not for ones attitude? :) Thanks Gary.
Neal: emailed you :) but this particular one is listed at 559k :)
Sally, we have to be realistic about the present, but positive about the future, it is the only way that we are going to move forward and change things.
Sally - I love your positive message, and your tour was wonderful. We might have to struggle but should continue to forge ahead.
Wow, Sally, What a gorgeous video! I watched it twice. I refuse to get down about all the news and keep it off...and have faith that things will turn out well for ALL of us. It's not good to live in fear. Most of us are working very hard and I do believe it will be a payoff in the end!
Sally, I love your energy. What a beautiful post and how lucky you are to live in paradise.
Hey Sally... very nice post! So... are you going to the Pro Bowl this weekend? I have a friend (custom home builder) that lives on Kauai and is coming to Oahu for the weekend. He's totally stoked! Mahalo again for the lovely post. :)
Sally, great post! I loved the clip, such outstanding photos! I wish that I was there right now!
Sally, you truly are a positive person and it comes through in the way you blog about issues in and around you. Keep up the positive attitude as I know it will serve you well. Take care and happy blogging!
That was a wonderful positive post Sally. The video at the end was spectacular. I hope people take the time to watch it. Let's keep spreading the positive word. We will make it through this and come out all the better!
George: I guess you're on my side lol! Have a good weekend George!
Jennifer: The only way to fly :)
Carole: I tried to use all the pics from the past year that I used in my blog....I think it turned out pretty good too :) One thing I refuse to do is go insane from worrying. Useless energy :) (funny, we do some of that anyway ...more would be detrimental to the soul :)
Audrey: All that positive energy has to go back out 'there'....otherwise, it remains a bleak and lonely place.
Hey Randy: Not a football fan...it's the last game here....and that's kind of sad...
Tony: Thanks...worked hard on that :)
Jason: Seems like you just may be right along with me...thanks and have a great weekend!
Paddy: Exactly, and if others don't follow they will get left behind. I need to keep my mind healthy...no matter what.
Sally - This post is very consumer oriented, especially for the military community. Love the slide show, you've done an outstanding job with sprinkling "positive" information and vibe throughout your post.
Petra: We have to give the consumer the facts and the bright side too. I for one don't live in a gloomy state of mind... and definitely don't chime in on all the junk.
HI Sally,
Beautiful post....kinda makes me want to pick up and move! At least until winter's over:)
Suzanne: Great! When's your reservations?
wow sally, this is a great looking post. Love the video. Really nice presentation. good luck in the contest :)
Thanks Castle! Content is what it's all about! Good luck to you too!