Hawaii Real Estate | Hawaii Relocations | Hawaii Home Buying & Selling

Hey Lady! You're Rich Because You Sell Houses....Right?

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:24:24 -0400

Many people will tend to look at the success of others by their status, title, label or how financially stable they are. The career choice of an individual just starting out in the work force most likely is an employee who works for a monthly salary or paid by the hour.

During the course of our lives we settle in to a ‘job' (career) that we enjoy...or at the very least one that we make a good living so as to support ourselves and families. We may change paths frequently or we remain on the ladder of success or just a routine to pay the bills.

I'm getting to the story....bear with me.

The CEO of a company most likely makes a lot of money (right?) He/She has worked their way up the ladder and became so successful that they are head of the company and have many others working underneath them; therefore, they most likely have a BIG income.

On the other hand, there are the Independent Contractors who are Small Business Owners. Bob's Pizza's owner is Bob. Bob is well respected in the community for his deep dish pizza with homemade sausage on it. His status is OWNER so he of course he makes a bunch of money. Right?

I changed career paths a few times during the course of my life. I was Administrative Assistant for a Family Law Attorney for many years and did the same for a non-profit program for structured living. I've waitressed in fine dining and volunteered for youth centers.

And then I chose the path of Real Estate.

I remember often the five second conversation I had with a client's 10 year old boy a few years ago. He asked, "You're rich because you sell houses, right?" I politely said, "No, I'm not rich but I do get my bills paid." What else do I say to a young boy who ‘heard' that all real estate agents are rich?

Well, here's a bit of info for all:

The market is slow, prices are up and down and there aren't as many closed sales as previous years. (I really wish I were "rich" like in those days lol)
I live in Hawaii where cost of living is a bit higher than many other states. (But I go to Costco just like anyone else to ‘get a deal')
Homes for sale or rent are higher than many states. Therefore, my morgage is higher than most too; so I'm not exempt from payments either.
I have to pay federal, state and Hawaii General Excise Tax every quarter on all money I make. (So contrary to popular believe I am not exempt to taxes)
I do not get that whole % commission you believe I get..... because both the buyer/seller brokerage get their cut (on top of franchise fees, Errors and Omissions Insurance and so on and so forth...not to mention if it's a short sale and the bank hacks the commission ....or else)
ALL expenses come out of MY pocket and I do not get a salary or hourly rate to cover ANY of these expenses. (I've had a couple clients flat out tell me that I can stop and buy them lunch because I can deduct it)
I can't really ‘afford' to hand out money, time and incur a lot of expenses (lunch, gas, gifts) to be your tour guide because you're bored that day. (or so you can get all the info you can to list your house FSBO...Good luck!)

So, in the end what am I left with?

Taking care of my client's needs and respected for a job well done.

I'll remember to tell that 10 year old boy the next time we meet.....

That yes..... I am rich.

Mililani Mauka Short Sale SOLD at $680,000! | 95-1032 Pahaku Street Mililani Hawaii 96789

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:04:23 -0400

For those that dislike to do Short Sales...I'm here to tell you I do too! It's a lot of paperwork, time spent on phones and a LONG tedious process to get from start to finish.

BUT......

There are exceptions though. I had the pleasure to work with a fine upstanding family who wanted to do the right thing. They had no choice but to list as a short sale after finding out through an independent appraiser that their home was not worth what they bought it for in 2007.

And there are the exceptions for those servicers at the borrower's lending institution who go above and beyond to help get the transaction through quickly....that make it an actual pleasant transition. I had the pleasure...this time...to work with great team players.

From start to finish....this short sale took a whopping TWO months and THREE weeks.

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Hawaii Home Buyer | SOME Military Qualify for Extended Tax Credit

The Home Buyer Tax Credit ended on April 30, 2010 but there are some "Qualified service members" (which means a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community) that may still qualify for the extension of this Home Buyer Tax Credit. Qualified service members who are ordered on a period of official extended duty are extended for one year. For these home buyers, the tax credit applies to sales with a binding sales contract in place on or before April 30, 2011 and closed by June 30, 2011.

READ THE DETAILS HERE:: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

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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) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Hawaii Homes Market Report | Honolulu County Real Estate Market Report- June 2010

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:12:33 -0400

As the saying goes...the only thing constant in this world is CHANGE. The same goes for our Honolulu County Housing Market Statistics and in June of 2010 our housing market showed a decrease in sales prices for single family homes and increases in condo/townhouse sales price compared to May of 2010.

Single Family Resale Numbers: Our sales numbers for single family homes showed a stable number of sold single family homes of 285...only 2 down from the previous month. The Median Sales price went down from $606,000 to $575,000 These statistic do show an increase of 0.9% in sales prices from the year before. A better year for sure!

Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers: Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses increased from 361 solds in May 2010 to 399 solds in June of 2010. Honolulu County Median sales numbers increased 38% from the previous year and slightly decreased in sales prices over the last year from $310,000 to $300,000.

With the FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT ended we expected a big decrease in sales.....but it seems our market is still moving at a steady pace. And with interest rates still low and inventory considerable down in all neighborhoods the shifting is evident with more homebuyers in the market fighting over homes.

Multiple offers on one property...regardless of short sales, foreclosures and regular sales is the norm at this time so be prepared and don't be that killer negotiator! With lower inventory on the island of Oahu everyone is trying to get a piece of that HAWAII DREAM HOME pie!

These Honolulu County Market Statistics vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and I continue to experience multiple offers on homes and townhouses in all areas in Honolulu County including short sales. Stay tuned for more neighborhood market statistics or contact me at sally@hawaiihomesmarket.com for more information!

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Hawaii Home Buyer | SOME Military Qualify for Extended Tax Credit

READ THE DETAILS HERE:: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

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Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Dinosaurs! | Pearlridge Center on Oahu

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 01:28:24 -0400

Shopping at Pearlridge Center has been one of my favorite places to go shopping. With an array of shops, restaurants, theaters and more they always have some kind of educational exhibit going on for the children.

Well, when I went to Pearlridge to do a bit of shopping this past week, lo an behold....there were the Dinosaurs at Phase II of Pearlridge Center. I was amazed how the two little toddlers were hanging out by the fence surrounding the display and they were't afraid of the roaring and moving dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs is an educational program (FREE!) and started on June 18th and running through August 15th. Held during normal store hours: Monday through Saturday form 10am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm with large robotic displays as well as hands on activities.

Enjoy the videos!

For more information on stores, shops and calendar events go to Pearlridge Center

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Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Mililani Townhouse | SOLD for $383,000!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:20:09 -0400

Crucial Pricing and Creative Planning for an Up and Down Oahu Housing Market showed the plan I present to seller in listing their home for sale. In this case it proved to be the best thing to do. We listed it for $369,000 and on the first Open House and showing we had MANY guests and multiple offers.

We recorded on July 6th, 2010 and the townhouse sold for $383.000!

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Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Crucial Pricing and Creative Planning for an Up and Down Oahu Housing Market

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:53:56 -0400

I don't know about other markets, but it's been quite the chore in some Oahu neighborhoods to determine pricing for the sale of the property. It's been just as hard for an appraiser to get a grip on some neighborhood markets as well.....in our Up and Down Oahu Housing Market.

For most of the listings I've had this year, I've literally had to beat our MLS to death for comparable properties as some of the short sales and foreclosures have closed; yet our market wants to recover as well. It's been mind boggling to present to the seller an approximate in between for pricing. I've come to the conclusion that using the ‘in contract' prices may just be what I need to use for the ‘high' price as well as other factors........

The Oahu Housing Market has gone up and down in numbers and sales prices since the beginning of the year and I incorporated a "Strategic Plan for Pricing and Marketing" the property being listed.

After preparing my listing packet with supporting comparable properties, crucial pricing information, graphs and so forth, I sit down with my clients and discuss their options. I listen to their wants and needs and most of the time they are open to listening to my plan to sell their home too.

Get the home in tip top shape for the first Open House. I ask if they want my suggestions to get their home ready. If they are willing, I go through the home with the client and make a list of things that need to be done before that first showing.
Price the property aggressively to attract the consumer. After going through the comps and information we discuss options. It's not only about getting the top price but how you get that price too! Read on...........
My crucial and creative plan: While they're still doing their last minute touch ups and cleaning to get ready for the First Open House, I list the property at the attractive list price with notice that the first showing will be at the first Open House. If the property is priced well, this will allow time for the public and agents to view the listing....and make time to attend that first showing.
The first few days on the market: ...and before that first showing/open house)....Listing the property in every available internet site that I subscribe to and create the property virtual tour with www.realestateshows.com Here's an example>> Mililani Townhouse for Sale!
Get all flyers, brochures and property highlights and upgrades sheet done. Making a flyer and brochure attractive along with pertinent information about the property to hand out gives a personal touch. I take notes during my first interview and walk through of the property. I ask questions about any highlights, upgrades and so forth so I can make an additional sheet going room to room to hand out as well.

Open Houses may not work in your area but they sure do in our market! Our Hawaii Open Houses ARE the Sunday event and when using this ‘technique' along with the right pricing.... I've had 20-50 people attending at that first showing and Open House.

This Mililani Townhouse for Sale! was aggressively priced at $369,000.

We record tomorrow morning at an offering AND appraised price OVER the listing price.

....I'll let you know the sales price after we record in the morning :)

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Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Check If That Condo Is FHA /VA Approved!

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:08:11 -0400

With the changing times in our housing market came big changes altogether for FHA and VA loan criteria. The biggest stunner was the condo/townhouse complexes that used to be FHA or VA approved; but alas no more.

Don't wait until after you get into contract to get shocked that the condo/townhouse is no longer approved by FHA or VA. Get your homework done and check before you list that property and check before you write that contract for your buyer.

You can get lists of complexes for FHA approved condo/townhouses/homes/communities for any state at this site: FHA approved homes and communities and this site is for VA approved condos.

The owner occupancy rate of 51 % is the biggest determination for the condo being approved as well as the insurance coverage. Ask your lender if they are able to determine project eligibility, review project documentation and certify if that property is not FHA/VA approved.

Be proactive before you list a property or write a contract.

Find out more from a lender and do your homework.

Creating Your OWN Blogging Experience on ActiveRain

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:27:42 -0400

About two and a half years ago I wrote a post Stewardship: The Way to a PLEASANT Blogging Experience. I got the idea to write the post from a comment thread in which our own Bob Stewart - ActiveRain talked about holding ourselves to a higher standard.

He said, ""If you have a following on ActiveRain, you need to HOLD YOURSELF TO A HIGHER STANDARD. Having a big following (and there are a ton of you commenting on this that do) means that you take stewardship over the community as a whole. ..........Your actions reflect positively and negatively on ALL OF US."

Hang around the barber shop long enough and you end up getting a haircut. In other words, if we read a lot of negative posts about the community we won't move there, right? We on ActiveRain ARE a community and it is the people behind all the words that make this a great community. Once in awhile there will be disparaging posts or comments and we can choose to ignore, jump in and fight or look on the positive side of the story.

There are always two sides to everything.

In my own mind and stepping into another's shoes.

Your success in business is not dependent on others giving it to you. YOU MAKE IT. Same goes for blogging. We have to work hard at creating a good post full of information that shows some transparency to who is writing it as well as making it interesting so the consumer and our peers that will read it.

We engage the reader with:

Quality Content: Yeah, you can cram a load full of creative content t into one post or very little with thought provoking tidbits to make you think further. That's the beauty of blogging....you MAKE your own blogging experience turn into business and connecting with your peers by putting interesting information into your writing.
Transparency in Content: When you are talking to someone about real estate (or staging, loans etc.) are you just reciting and talking AT them instead of WITH them? Same goes for your writing.... FEEL the reader walking beside you and write as if you're talking with them. Reciting does not go a long way...being real does.
Variety in Content: Whoever said local area, food joints, the best pedicurist in town, history and points of interest in your neighborhood has nothing to do with real estate is OUT OF THEIR MINDS! Everything around us is Real Estate Related. If a client asks where a great dining place is you have answers. If they ask about the neighborhood history or entertainment you have answers. This could make the difference in their believing YOU ARE THE AREA EXPERT......or NOT.

ActiveRain is my best source for getting myself and my information out to the public. It is my best source for referrals and without a doubt the only place that I have truly bonded with my peers and turned many a connection into long lasting friendships.

You CAN and WILL create your own blogging experience on ActiveRain with dedication, consistency and a whole lot of effort. Just like any other marketing tool....it takes time for it to implement into your business ....as long as you are creating content worth reading. It take a heck of a lot of focus....on your own self instead of worrying about everyone else. It is when you understand all this...is when you ARE ....Creating Your OWN Blogging Experience on ActiveRain.

It takes a positive attitude to work smoothly alongside your peers in any community.

Are you holding yourself to a higher standard within our ActiveRain community?

Isn't It the Lender Who Decides DEBT FORGIVENESS?

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 17:51:00 -0400

Along my path in the real estate industry I learn and continue to learn. I know that going above and beyond and being a detailed Realtor Associate® leaves me respected by many. I came into the market at the start of the boom and weathered the storm during the downturn and I am at the point in my career where I am ‘stable'.

I make a good living, I make sure to allot time for me, time for family and I certainly do not take on more than I can handle. I have control issues (which I'm sure many will agree they do as well) as I have my own style and anal retentive ways of being on top of things. In that respect I assure my clients I am not too busy to take care of them.

Every transaction IS NOT THE SAME. I will continue to repeat that line during and after a transaction as I surely continue to learn something, anything....from each client and transaction. I surely will remind myself to not take things so personal as it's the perception of each human being that will sometimes create a negative or positive reaction.

For every action there is a reaction.

Short Sales are a part of our market in Hawaii and more so in some neighborhoods than others. I surely think in the best interests of my buyers and sellers and make sure to be honest and forthright with the information I give them. If it's beyond my scope then they need to seek legal advice from an attorney.

I have done a few short sales for buyers AND sellers and I don't like the way the lenders/banks know that lives are in their hands and they take every advantage to look like the good guy when indeed they just don't give a hoot. I'd like to see one of them say, "I care about you and will try and help you through this as quickly as possible so you can get on with your lives". Yeah, right....when pigs fly.

It's one thing to know that only some states have a ‘debt forgiveness law' and another for the bank to blame the state on not forgiving the deficiency on a short sale. This was presented to me the other day by a lender.

IS IT NOT A FACT THAT ....THE FORGIVENESS LIES IN THE HANDS OF THE LENDER?

Correct me if I'm wrong please.

They either forgive or not. Hawaii (and MANY OTHER states) do not have debt forgiveness laws. And? The perception of "Hawaii is not a debt forgiveness state" doesn't mean that it was up to Hawaii to forgive the deficiency in the loan through a short sale.

It was... and is the lender that gets to go after the borrower for that deficiency ..... or not.

So, Mr. Lender...don't sit there and act like it's any particular state's fault you didn't forgive the remaining balance....it was your choice all along. How people perceived the statement that ‘a state doesn't have the forgiveness law' can be misconstrued by the seller that it's the state that doesn't allow the debt forgiveness from the lender. Most states just don't have a law that MAKES you forgive the debt.

It's these kinds of things that teach me yet one more lesson.

Others may not be straightforward and forthright ......

And we have to be on our toes when statements are misconstrued.

Absorbing the Brunt of Frustrations

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:16:33 -0400

There's a sense of accomplishment as each one of these short sale transactions makes progress. There are quite a few emotions flying in the wind throughout this process and we surely feel for our clients as they go through the inner turmoil and frustrations that goes along with EVERY short sale. They did their best and had great credit but when it came time to move and sell their home they were.....stuck.

I keep reminding myself to not take things personal.

It's hard to decipher the client's feelings when there are written words through email or abrupt phone calls with harsh words included. Are they blaming me somehow? I keep asking myself, "Why am I the recipient of their frustrations?".

Because I am the closest one to them during this time that actually listens.

Listening to my client's needs will continue to be the best quality I have as a real estate agent. It's actually the best quality I have as a human being. It doesn't take much to care and to listen. Don't get me wrong, I am assertive and don't let anyone overstep my boundaries but I also understand that some people just need someone to listen. How else will I know what their needs are?

Come to think of it, every transaction is a stressful time for both home buyers and home sellers.

We are there to answer questions, guide them and direct them....

But most importantly....

TO LISTEN.

Just Remembering Dad....

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:17:47 -0400

For those of you that are dads, stepdads, foster dads and any other dads...I wish you a very Happy Father's Day! We had a nice lunch with the 'kids' yesterday and today is just a day of leisure. I save this day for remembering my father, who passed away on February 25, 2004. I still celebrate the life I had with him... :) :)

Happy Father's Day Dad!

I'm As Politically Correct As I Choose

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:12:13 -0400

I don't know which is politically incorrect.... blatant bragging or actually just announcing when I have a listing going into contract. I often wonder how it looks on a social network when I ‘announce' that I have a new listing Or when I ‘announce' that I finally got an approval (whether it be verbal or in writing) from the bank for a short sale.

Who cares! I'm showing the world I'm Working AND Socializing!

Real Estate can be considered a salesman/woman sort of job although I beg to differ that it ends at that point. You see, I see myself working my behind off and caring....actually caring.... about the people I work for (my clients) and with (team players) during the course of the transaction; and even after it's completed.

So, regardless if I'm just giving a status on my Facebook page or ‘announcing' a new listing on ActiveRain or wherever I may be practicing ‘social networking' there is always a person behind the words.

Giving a Piece of WHO I am: I'm a darn good Realtor Associate® but I am also a person behind the designations and words that are written. You'll be able to see who I am through my writing no matter where I am networking or ‘bragging' about my clientele and statuses.

Marketing while Socializing: My Facebook page is all in one. I have no other page for my business and clearly it's a choice we all have to make. To separate or to keep it all in one. For me it was an easy choice. I am one and the same person regardless if in personal or business mode.

More than just a blog: My ActiveRain blog is my only page as well. I will write anything and everything to give you the transparency of this person behind the words. EVERYTHING is real estate related. You are working with a person when I'm representing you ...my client. You will ‘see' who and what I'm about with my local area, real estate, Hawaii information and photos and anything and everything.

So, as far as being politically correct...Who knows. But I can give you all the information in the world that may or may not be bragging....but sure as heck marketing for my clients as well as ......

It's the word REAL in Real Estate is what I'm giving you.

This person behind the written word.

Hawaii Homes Market | Home Sales for May 2010 in Honolulu County

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:37:55 -0400

Honolulu County Real Estate Market Report- May 2010

As the saying goes...the only thing constant in this world is CHANGE. The same goes for our Honolulu County Housing Market Statistics and in May of 2010 our housing market showed an INCREASE in sales prices!

Single Family Resale Numbers: Our sales numbers for single family homes in May of 2010 showed a stable number of sold single family homes of 284...only 2 down from the previous month. The Median Sales price went UP UP UP from $563,000 to $606,000! These statistic do show an increase of 11.8% in sales prices from the year before and also shows an increase of 31.5% from May of 2009 to May of 2010 from in sales numbers! A better year indeed!

Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers: Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses decreased slightly from 390 solds in April 2010 to 355 in May of 2010. Honolulu County Median sales numbers increased 35.5% from May of 2009 to May of 2010 and increased in sales prices over the last year form $300,000 to #312,000.

With the FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT ended we expected a decrease in sales.....NOT THE CASE! And with interest rates still low and inventory considerable down in all neighborhoods the shifting is evident with more homebuyers in the market fighting over homes.

Hawaii Home Buyer | SOME Military Qualify for Extended Tax Credit. Yup, the Home Buyer Tax Credit ended on April 30, 2010 but there are some "Qualified service members" (which means a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community) that may still qualify for the extension of this Home Buyer Tax Credit. Qualified service members who are ordered on a period of official extended duty are extended for one year. For these home buyers, the tax credit applies to sales with a binding sales contract in place on or before April 30, 2011 and closed by June 30, 2011.

READ THE DETAILS HERE: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

These Honolulu County Market Statistics vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and I continue to experience multiple offers on homes and townhouses in all areas in Honolulu County including short sales. Stay tuned for more neighborhood market statistics or contact me at sally@hawaiihomesmarket.com for more information!

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Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Using Adobe Acrobat 9 PRO and Outlook for Your Documentation

Sat, 29 May 2010 16:59:23 -0400

Are You Documenting Your Transactions? Are you documenting correspondence so you still have the ability to open files right from your ONE pdf file for each client?

Protecting yourself, your documents, your correspondence is a MUST in our business. It helps to grasp a piece of an email conversation and you can also find an attached document at the click of a mouse if you use Outlook and Adobe Acrobat 9 PRO.

All those conversations that lead to "he said, she said" on that phone log just don't cut it. It's all HERESAY and does not grasp the conversation like the written word. No matter if I have a phone conversation with anyone involved in the transaction I will follow up with an email directly after reiterating our conversation.

Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro is great for just this task!

Organize your clients in to their separate folders (if you have not done so already and right click on the client folder you want to convert to PDF and click on "Convert Client to Adobe PDF" and save to your Client file on your PC. (Picture above)

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It will start the conversion and when finished open up to your PDF file with each email showing on the top ....

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Your emails with the attachments will show and you can highlight it and then open up the attachment from your pdf file.

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What a simple, easy and organized way to document, save and have ONE file to refer to all your emails ....AS WELL AS ALL THE ATTACHED FILES...... ready to open at the click of a mouse.

PLEASE KOKUA - Everything Has Its Place

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:01:47 -0400

PLEASE KOKUA!

In Hawaiian "kokua" (Ko Koo Ah) means to help, cooperate, assist, support, care about one another and well....you get the meaning right? I do believe that courtesy may just be a part of this wonderful word that rolls off the tongue with sincerity and depth.

We had gone to Lowe's Home Improvement Store this morning to get a few needed things for our home. After we shopped we grabbed a Hot Dog from Woody's Hot Dog Stand outside of Lowe's. We took everything to the car and sat inside chowing down on our hot dogs, chips and root beer.

And then......I saw this lady dump her shopping cart on the little grassy area next to another who apparently was just as lazy to walk the few steps to the cart station. Now, I can understand if they don't have a cart station on every isle and expect you to take the cart all the way to the front of the store two blocks away. But take a look. The carts are hogging up a parking space and they are surely going to bang someones car if it 'happens' to roll off.

We ate, watched, snapped a shot of the carts. Then the guy two stalls down from us is just about to dump his super duper flat dolly next to us until.....he looks up to see both my husband and I with full mouths of hot dog glaring at him. He smiles, turns around and walks ten steps to the cart station.

The unarrestable crime is when we look in our rear view mirror for cops while going over the speed limit.

The shopping cart dilema occurs when no one is looking and we dump our carts and take off....knowing that cart may damage a car it bumps into. Or causes the next parker to turn halfway into a stall only to realize they have to jump out to move the cart.

Please kokua!

Take those extra steps to the shopping cart return center to burn off that hot dog you just ate.

Click on the Hunger Site