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

Mililani Townhouse for Sale | The Ridge at Launani Valley

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:20:04 -0500

Mililani Townhouse for Sale | The Ridge at Launani Valley

95-510 Wikao St. #A105, Mililani, HI 96789 View Map

TOTALLY and COMPLETELY remodeled with CUSTOM design and materials!

This 2 bedroom, 2 FULL bath townhouse in "The Ridge" at Launani Valley is located in the first building and has two assigned parking stalls (one covered and one open) right in front of the unit.

From beginning to end, this tour will show you the articulate detail and attention to utilizing all space to make this townhouse an enjoyment.

Enter the stained glass door and you are immediately taken aback by the gorgeous rich wood laminate flooring and the rich custom wood cabinets at entry way.

The kitchen was opened up to create a spacious feeling and each part of the kitchen shows the care in and detail that went into the design.

The gorgeous custom designed cabinets and double pull out/sliding drawers utilize all space inside of each.Even the cabinet to the right has a microwave nook too! So neat! The sink was inserted into the corner with a little counter above for draining too. All new fixtures and lighting compliment this remodeled from plumbing to cosmetic features.

The dining/ living area look out the sliding glass door to the tropical touches of the lanai. A great evening area to relax after a long day.

The Master Bedroom features a sliding door opening to the lanai, two large closets with closet systems and a completely remodeled bathroom with custom vanity, cabinets, drawers and shower and all new plumbing too.

The second bedroom features a built in "Murphy" Bed and Wall unit for again...utilizing space for an office turned guest room when your family or friends visit.

The laundry area features a closet door that opens and slides in beside the washer/dryer for again...comfort and ease ...for doing even the laundry.

The second bath features opened up space with the sink located in the entry right corner and solid surface counters and shelving to compliment the design to the totally remodeled custom shower too.

This townhouse unit was turned into a 'home' to enjoy. When you walk into this home you will immediately say... "This is the home for me"!

This IS paradise found!

Details

Asking Price:

$256950

MLS:

1201146

Sq. Feet:

813

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

452

Subdivision:

Launani Valley

Year Built:

1992

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor-Associate®,AHWD,CRS,e-PRO
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.

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.

THE MOST AMAZING KICK BUTT LISTING PRESENTATION CONTEST!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:06:11 -0500

This has got to be one of the best contests in awhile! The contest on ActiveRain keep us motivated and give us not just ideas to blog but will give us loads of information as well as tips from others on how to better our listing presentations.

I know I’m going to jump in…especially since I happened to get BUSY with a few listings…and had to be prepared (in one instance) within ONE HOUR! Here’s hoping to see MANY of your entries and your participation in the THE MOST AMAZING KICK BUTT LISTING PRESENTATION CONTEST!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Via Andrea Swiedler - Swiedler & Adams - New Milford, Litchfield CT Real Estate (Prudential Connecticut Realty, Litchfield County Real Estate):

THE MOST AMAZING KICK BUTT LISTING PRESENTATION CONTEST!

Do you stand out from the crowd? Or are you hanging with the rest of the bunch with your listing presentation. Unless you are an exclusive buyers agent and have never listed a house, you know the listing presentation rag. Some people use the canned presentations, provided by either your company or a product like Toolkit CMA. Others will make up our own. Each needs to be tweaked for the specific circumstances. I am always looking for the best listing presentation in the history of real estate to wow a prospective seller, to shut out the competition before they even make it to the door!

Where best to come and see what the best of the best are doing as a listing presentation? ActiveRain of course, where the best of the best are already here doing what they do better than the rest! At least in my humble opinion.

So, here is the deal. Tell us about your kick butt listing presentation. Here are a few things to think about when writing your post.

What do you do from that first contact to the actual presentation.

Are you a 2 stepper, viewing the house first, then coming back with your presentation?

Do you go over the comps and give them a suggested list price range on your first visit?

What product do you use, or have you developed your own presentation?

Have you gone paperless with your listing presentation?

If you have not gone paperless, do you leave the presentation with the customer when you go? And if you don't leave it there and they specifically ask for it, what do you tell them?

Do you have an interview process when they first call you, or do you wait to discuss this face to face?

Do you have a kick butt pre-listing packet you email/drop off to them?

You get the idea. And as a reward you will get.... points point points and be recognized as one of the best listing presentation agents in the history of real estate! Our benevolent people in charge at ActiveRain have agreed to award the following points:

First Place: 3000 POINTS
Second Place: 2000 POINTS
Third Place: 1500 POINTS

All other entries will receive the usual points for posting, plus an additional 500 POINTS

Of course those of you who don't list properties may want to participate. And I am an equal opportunity person... So.... give us your kick butt presentation of why a consumer would use YOU! What do you give them, what do you tell them that would make them pick you over another buyers agent, another mortgage person, another home inspector, another stager, you get the idea.

Rules of the Road:

You must post a link to your entry here in this post by FEBRUARY 29, 2012 AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT PACIFIC STANDARD TIME.

Contest ends FEBRUARY 29, 2012 AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT PACIFIC STANDARD TIME.

You need to tell us if you are a one visit or two visit type of agent, and tell us why and how you make it work

Tell us if you send a pre-listing packet or not

Tell us if you leave your work behind!

You can either do a screen shot of your presentation, use something like sliderocket.com, make it a video presentation on Youtube, or download a pdf file (to somewhere that will hold your pdf file such as your website or wordpress site) and put a link to it. You must allow us to see enough of your presentation to give us the idea of why yours is the best, most kick butt listing presentation in the history of real estate ever! But of course you do not need to "give away the store".

And now I await to see some of the most amazing kick butt listing presentations in the history of real estate!

Andrea Swiedler, Realtor® Liddy Adams, GRI, Broker Associate

Cell: 203.460.1775 Email: andrea@andreaswiedler.com

Swiedler & Adams, we know real estate!

Search Homes for Sale in Litchfield County CT.

Prudential Connecticut Realty, New Milford & Litchfield, CT

Swiedler & Adams

Call me at 203.460.1775

© Andrea Swiedler, 2009 - 2012

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. - Mark Twain

Mililani Home for Sale | Woodcreek at Launani Valley

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:13:49 -0500

Mililani Home for Sale | Woodcreek at Launani Valley

95-969 Wikao Street, Mililani, HI 96789 View Map

Welcome to Launani Valley in the "Woodcreek" community! Enter this lovely 3 bdrm/2.5 bath home built in 2000.

Don't let the square footage under the roof fool you, because this home has a wonderful OPEN floor plan that utilizes all living area space.

Enter through the gate into a wonderful front tropical courtyard and into the spacious living area.

Wood laminate flooring compliments the living/dining area flowing to the open area kitchen. Lots of counter and cabinet space all for the culinary artist!

The back yard is complimented with an array of palm trees for a tropical flair. The open patio suggests an area for BBQ'ing with your family and friends for gathering time.

The first floor half bath is perfect for guests and past that to the entry to the two car garage and laundry area.

The second floor landing at the top of the stairs has an extra 'office nook' or perhaps an additional family area for viewing favorite tv shows.

The second floor has a spacious Master Bedroom with a walk in closet a full bathroom with bath/shower combo. The other side of the second floor has the other two bedroom and full hall bathroom as well.

You just may have found the home for you!

Details

Asking Price:

$425,000

MLS:

1201086

Sq. Feet:

1167

Lot Size:

2387

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2.5

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

Garage Size:

399

Subdivision:

Woodcreek at Launani Valley

Year Built:

2000

Contact Info

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor-Associate®,AHWD,CRS,e-PRO
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.

As In Life, There Are Learning Lessons in Real Estate

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:35:17 -0500

When I first started in the real estate business, I was told by many ‘to keep my emotions out of business’. For the life of me, I don’t understand why I got so wrapped up and worried about something that was going wrong in the transaction. I wanted everything to just run smoothly. I lost sleep from playing out hypothetical scenarios in the middle of the night.

With eyes wide open, the ‘what ifs’ danced in my head.

There are situations that are beyond my control. No matter how much I worried or wanted to make things happen I could not control anyone else involved in the transaction. Appraisers did not get their report in fast enough. The loan officer or the agent on the other side would not return calls on status. How can I ‘make’ them do their job?

The only one I have control of in any given situation is…MYSELF.

One day I realized that I no longer stressed myself out and that I took things in stride. I was still detail oriented, organized and anal about doing everything by the book. I still went above and beyond for my clients except MINUS THE STRESS. So, what was I doing different?

Along the way I regrouped and took on the challenges of working with other people:

I no longer try to control situations I had no control over. (no worrying!)

Instead of worrying, I just do my part and that’s all I can do. I accept that.

I accept that the appraiser would get in his report …when it got in.

I patiently wait for VA to send in their NOV (Notice of Value)

I patiently wait for a call back, while emailing a follow up as well.

If there is something I can do to make the transaction go smoothly, I do it.

If a party to the transaction needs help, I offer my help.

If my client needed a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on, I am there.

If I am yelled at I politely tell them I do not deserve to be yelled at.

If I still don’t get a return call ….. I just keep trying.

If I feel stress coming on….. I scream in a pillow. (lol…not)

Breathe.....

NO TWO TRANSACTIONS WILL EVER BE ALIKE. I am a continuous work in progress and I know that every day in real estate (as in life) I will have many learning lessons. Things aren’t always going to be the way I would like and there will be curve balls at every turn.

No matter what the situation may be….

It’s all in the manner of how I handle it.

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How Does One Pick a TRUSTWORTHY Source on ActiveRain?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:59:32 -0500

Being a Dedicated and Loyal Member of ActiveRain for the past (almost) FIVE years means that I have a little (well, maybe a lot) of information to share with all the NEW MEMBERS and well as some older members too. It DOES NOT mean I am any other expert just because I’m a long time member. You will come to that conclusion after talking and meeting with me.

TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE?

As always, it’s not the length of time one has been a Real Estate agent but the quality of the services given as seasoned Real Estate Agents that will make all the difference in the world. It’s that quality of service that will precede our closed transactions with a good reputation.

As a Member of ActiveRain it will always be the quality of the information written that will mean all the difference in the world in getting information out to the consumer. It is this FACTUAL and quality content that everyone will read in determining who to choose to represent them or other agent’s clients.

QUALITY vs. QUANTITY.

I’m comparing the real estate agent (or you can insert your real estate profession) and being a member of ActiveRain for obvious reasons. This is a REAL Estate Network. (notice how I capitalize the REAL?) and we connect with our peers of the real estate industry right here.

BUT, the buck doesn’t stop there does it? When interviewing REALTORS®, Stagers, Loan Officers, Escrow Companies, SEO experts, Real Estate Coaches, Professional Photographers, Home Inspectors (okay, you get the drift….all real estate professionals) take into consideration that we can’t always take the written word or everything we see on television as a testimony of the quality and level of service that particular professional will give.

ULTIMATELY, IT WILL BE YOUR CHOICE.

Following are a few tips and hints in your search for another REALTOR®, Real Estate Professional or whatever services they are trying to sell you:

Recommendations and Referrals. Get a FEW numbers of past clients, customers or other agents (or professionals) in the real estate industry with whom you can follow up with. When referring our clients to any other professional make sure you have personal knowledge and information on past transactions, services and so forth. Ask other older members about the person whom you’re inquiring about. In fact, search out a few agents or professionals and interview a few!
Google their name (remember to clear your cache to get a clear and concise search) and see if there are any complaints. At the very least make sure they are all who they say they are and not just reading the articles by the person you are searching for. Remember, anyone can write about themselves and how good they are…but is it true?
Make sure they are licensed and certified! If you are unsure if your Agent is licensed or certified…right off the bat you can go to www.arello.com to find your REALTOR. If anything the professional should be able to back up their ‘credentials’. I am a licensed REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® in the State of Hawaii, Member of the National Association of Realtors®, Member of the Honolulu Board of Realtors®, Member of the Hawaii Association of Realtors®, Certified Residential Specialist®. These are just a few ways but when doing your online shopping it is pertinent to GET TO KNOW the PEOPLE BEHIND THE WORDS!
MOST IMPORTANTLY: See if your contact is actually listening to you! Ask them pertinent questions that will ensure you that they are telling you what they will do for you, that they KNOW what services you are expecting from them…instead of just reciting things about themselves. It isn’t all about ME…it’s about YOU and what I will do for you.

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS !

Bottom line is that ActiveRain has a WEALTH of information here. You can go to your SEARCH to get that wealth of information but most importantly, when referring your important client ask other members what they think of the person you are thinking about referring to! If you are a consumer the best advice I can give is there are good talkers but do they actually walk the talk? READ, READ and READ…you will be educated in no time who may be the right choice for you!

Be careful who you choose.

It could mean the difference between services you can trust…

OR a bum deal from a poor choice.

ActiveRain Reflections

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:55:19 -0500

A well deserved feature ….written by DEBE Maxwell. Anywhere you go or what you experience in your lifetime…will ALWAYS be what you make it. By far ActiveRain has been my place for almost FIVE years to blog, learn about anything from Real Estate to SEO and Keywords to marketing, staging and more.

We connect with other members and we try and do our best to make sure that they are a TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE so remember…you can use your SEARCH right here on ActiveRain and get a wealth of information right at your fingertips.

If you feel you need more help there is our ActiveRain University Training Calendar that you can check out for TONS and TONS of INFORMATION. Each class is a one hour power-packed session intended to help you learn about different areas of the Real Estate and Social Media Industries. We have classes that are created and built around technology tools and training, and others that are designed by successful Industry Professionals who use tools and tips they share successfully. Help available.

If you’re going to pay for help YOU KNOW ActiveRain University is a TRUSTWORTHY SOURCE!

In the meantime…read Debe’s testimonial and reflections on her experience here in the RAIN!

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Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):

We've all heard the rhetoric out there about the various social media platforms--how some work, some don't, others may be among the 'up and coming.' We've read ad nauseum about AR down-time and various complaints about the platform being different than it was in years past. Well, I'm here to tell you, any experience in life is what you make of it. So, I thought I'd share a little bit with you about my own ActiveRain experience.

Nearly at the big 1M point mark, I've been reflecting lately about my tenure here--and let me tell you, there's nothing to worry about with respect to the consumer and points--they don't care, nor do they even KNOW about our 'point' system! I began on ActiveRain VERY slowly. It was the absolute MOST uncomfortable thing for me to write my first comment--UNTIL I finally got the courage to write my first POST!

I watched the oldies but, goldies like Missy Caulk, Renee Burrows, Sally Cheeseman, Brad Andersohn, Lenn Harley, Todd Clark, TLW and Broker Bryant, Rich Jacobson, among others but, just couldn't muster up the courage to write a post. They seemed so comfortable with it but, it seemed so foreign to me.

When I finally did get the courage to write, the stress was almost immediately gone! People actually commented--not many but, hey, I didn't know them from Adam and couldn't imagine what they found interesting in my local posts! (Yep, I started out writing local because I didnt' want any 'personality' showing through--thought that might be bad for business! LOL)

From the original members and some of the ones that came to AR before me, I learned how to blog, what to blog about, how to use keywords and everything that I needed to know to become the Mayor of Charlotte NC on my blog!!

Once I was comfortable with blogging, social media began to be the 'next best thing.' We learned how to create a FB profile, a Twitter profile, then Facebook fan pages, LinkedIn, and everything under the sun, we learned RIGHT HERE ON ACTIVERAIN!

We learned where to post your listings, how to use YouTube, create a Delicious account, how to create market reports, how to create eye-catching business cards and later, how to build our own WordPress sites and SO much more--yes, all right here on ActiveRain!

I've made lifelong friends here, sent and received tons of referrals, found a fantastic lender and, oh yes, received wonderful business from my efforts here! In fact, I can honestly say that ActiveRain is LARGELY responsible for my business growth--and yes, you can confirm that with any of the other Charlotte bloggers here!!

I've joined forces with other members to start Charlotte's first REBar Camp and been a member of the planning committee every year since. I've attended conferences from the West Coast to Florida and had the honor of meeting some of the most fabulous people through ActiveRain.

I've learned to Skype and have various friends on Skype that I can quickly contact if I have a WordPress question or just need a referral name for a client moving to a city near my Skype friends--almost all AR 'buddies.'

I think one of the most valuable tools that I have, being a member of ActiveRain, is the SEARCH tool here. For real estate related questions, I use AR's search tool more than I use Google! Someone here has written a tutorial or an experience about just about anything that you have a question about.

What CRM do you use? How do you use SnagIt? What type of video camera do you use? What type of camera should I buy for real estate photos? Anything you want to learn about your business is right HERE! The best part, it doesn't cost any additional money when you use the search tool!! You don't have to pay a so-called 'expert' to help you--it's here and it's FREE for the taking!

So, if you're a newbie, jump right in--we don't bite! It's a great place to hang your hat and stay awhile! ActiveRain is a great place to pick up a few new friends and gain a whole bunch of knowledge to grow your business too!

Happy blogging everyone!



Charlotte NC Homes for Sale

(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)









Disclosure of material contained within.

Keyword Tools for Your Blog

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:59:15 -0500

After writing this post How Does One Pick a TRUSTWORTHY Source on ActiveRain? the day before yesterday I started thinking I should have added a couple of great links to those I admire for their tutorials. Brad Andersohn is one of the very few members on ActiveRain that I TRUST for information….ESPECIALLY with SEO, KEYWORDS, and HOW TO Videos to teach all the members on ActiveRain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Like I said in that post…

EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS !

Be careful who you choose.

It could mean the difference between services you can trust…

OR a bum deal from a poor choice.

…………………So believe me when I say…you need to research to Pick a Trustworthy Source for anything….especially when you can get a wealth of information…RIGHT HERE ON ACTIVERAIN by going to your SEARCH.

Trustworth Source? Try Brad Andersohn’s blog…you’ll learn PLENTY!

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Via Brad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager):

Back in the day, a few of us discovered a really cool tool from Google known as "The Wonder Wheel" which helped members with keyword selection for their SEO friendly blog posts. Now that the Wonder Wheel is gone, I get literally hundreds of requests from members looking for good alternatives to enhance and better the "Keyword" content on their blogs, sites, posts, and blog titles.

Understanding The Importance of Keyword Searches:

Search engines like Google focus on returning the best quality and "Best Available" SERP's (Search Engine Results Pages) It's all based on what "Keywords" or phrases are being typed into the Search box. Search engines simply want to return the best available matching content based on both short-tail and long-tail keyword searches.

The two things people search most are: the item, the person, the company, the thing or service, and then a geographic or what many refer to as a "hyper-local" location. Having this knowledge about search engines and keywords is the first step, the next steps will hopefully help remove the guessing game of...

"What are people looking for and typing in the search box of search engines?"

No pun intended (well, maybe a little...) SEARCH NO MORE! While we can never really be 100% certain of what people are searching and the exact keywords or terms they're using, these keyword tools will help you not only define what IS being searched on the web, but how and what keywords to be using when creating and refining your blog titles and blog content.

Keyword Tools for Your Blog

Introducing Google's Keyword Tool:

In the "Keyword Search" we typed "Real Estate in San Francisco" which seems like a pretty reasonable search that most web surfers would type if interested in looking at Real Estate in San Francisco. Interestingly the "Keyword Tool" came back showing that there is a larger percentage of people searching San Francisco Apartments which might make sense considering the space and demographic of San Francisco.

Maybe creating a Blog post with the Title "San Francisco Apartments" and then provide content on how those living in "San Francisco Apartments" could qualify for a great loan, with great rates, and possibly become first time buyers and first time homeowners. Would this be a worthy option and idea worth trying? This is just a sample of how you can use these Keyword tools to better your content, your traffic, and hopefully your business.

How should I use the Keyword Tool for keyword ideas?

Search for specific keyword ideas that are related to your business, product, or service. Or you can search a URL containing content relative to your specific niche, business, or service. You can also go straight to filtering out specific keyword categories. Use one or the other or both of them together; the keyword tool is very flexible and intuitive depending on how you choose to use it. Go ahead and try this:

Use the Advanced options to refine your search, for example, by county, city, or neighborhood.

Check or Un-check the keyword match type check boxes to refine your search.

Select the Columns button above the results table to customize the columns you see in the results.

Give the Google Keyword Tool a Try

Check out the Google Keyword Toolbox

Soovle Is Another Great Keyword Tool

Soovle.com search multiple sites and returns most searched results on multiple platforms of your choosing. You can select from up to 15 sites at one time to get the most poplar searched "Keywords" or related "Phrases" on those individual sites. Here are the results as I started typing the keywords "Real Estate" when suddenly I realized that if I stopped typing, the Soovle tool kicked in and started solving...

I was personally pretty excited to see that on the Yahoo site, "Zillow Real Estate" was a pretty popular search by consumers and Internet surfers. (I do hope you have a profile setup on our site for those visitors to view)

Go Ahead, Take Soovle For A Spin

SEOBOOK Keyword Suggestion Tools

SEOBOOKS Keyword suggestion tool cross-references Wordtracker.com, Google, and others. It displays links to related search results, semantically related phrases, and offers a new CVS exporting option which rocks. SEOBooks combined with Google Insights will provide you with a wealth of FREE data and information to set you on your way using "Keywords" effectively in your online marketing, advertising, and blogging endeavors going forward.

Check out SEOBooks, you won't be disappointed.

"The objective of a business website or blog is to attract potential buyers and convert them into paying customers. Keywords can help. Use appropriate keywords on your site and you’ll attract visitors who want to buy the types of products you offer." Source: Wordtracker

"Hover your mouse above for hidden message"

I'm always looking to provide better, faster, more efficient, and cost effective ways to help get the job done, but I'm only one grain of sand on a very large beach. If you find this content useful and worthy, take a second to reblog it. You can help spread the ActiveRain love across larger beaches much faster, and by doing so, you're helping to take the" "keyword" message further and make the process easier and better for those that might be following you or your blogs. Thanks. :-)

Tutorials | Training | Mobile | Widgets

"May this blog be just one more planted seed of wisdom that helps you or your business blossom today!"

A Christmas Treasure - In Memory of Jamie Caulk and Lillian Caulk

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:21:14 -0500

Carol Grub, Cyndee Haydon and friends started a project and I was contacted by Cyndee regarding “THE JAMIE & LILIAN CAULK MEMORIAL PROJECT” for our friend and fellow member Missy Caulk and her family . There was no hesitation from me to ‘get the word out’!!!

Missy Caulk, mother of Jamie and grandmother of Lilian, experienced a grief that is unimaginable to me as I have not experienced the loss of a child or grandchild. This loss and tragedy happened to Missy’s family within a few weeks time of each other with first the loss of her son Jamie in late October, and then her lovely granddaughter Lilian, who passed away suddenly in early November.

The Caulk family has a family unity and strength I have only seen in a few families and I was amazed at how they pulled together and supported each other through this time. It gave me a renewed outlook at how families pull together during times of grief and tragedy.

You can read more here:

I have known Missy since I started blogging on ActiveRain in March of 2007, and she was one of the first members to comment on my blog. I felt welcomed and though I did not know at the time, she would eventually become mother in law to one of my good friends, Bob Stewart (whose son, Kelan I ‘adopted’ as a grandson and am Gramma Sally in Hawaii), who married Missy’s daughter, Christa Caulk-Stewart.

CYNDEE's VIDEO......

ActiveRain will continue to be a driving force for all of us to not just do business with, but to connect with on a personal level and become that ‘family unity’ when times as this arise for one of our members. It is with this knowledge at how our ActiveRain Community comes together not only in business but in times of need that we all are passing the word on “THE JAMIE & LILIAN CAULK MEMORIAL PROJECT” that started with Carol Grubb who told Cyndee about their local plan to dedicate a park bench in a special place in Jamie and Lillie Bear’s honor.

So how can you help?

3 Ways...

1. Continue to pray for the Caulk family

2.Help get the word out by sharing this post on Facebook, Active Rain, Twitter to those that know Missy, Christa, Jamie, Bob and all the Caulks or consider doing your own blog post

3.Make a donation

How to Make a Donation (no gift is too small):

Make checks payable to "The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund"
Mail those checks to:

Carol Grubb
3647 W. Greenook Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Or send a Paypal (as a gift so all funds go to them) to: cyndeehaydon@gmail.com and put "The Jamie & Lillian Caulk Memorial Fund" in the memo.

Along with your donation, Carol has requested each person's name or names & email addresses because she will be giving the Caulk's a card from everyone and she also wants to keep you informed of the details of the upcoming picnic / dedication that is being planned for early to mid-May when the bench is ready.

Thank you all in advance, and a very Happy Holiday to all of you…

… and your families too!

Are You Closing Doors for Future Opportunities?

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:30:08 -0500

As independent contractors, we each have our own business models; and clearly my first priority is to think in the best interests of my clients. There are no cutting corners while representing a buyer/seller in residential sales and it does not rely solely on….money.

Clearly we all have our own opinions; we are only human and do not think the same. Therefore, our business models will not be the same. The following points were made from a series of blogs I’ve read during my time here on ActiveRain and are clearly NOT what I agree with and are NOT part of my business model:

We are no different than any other professional (i.e. doctors, attorneys etc.) and therefore, should not ever negotiate our commission. The reasoning is that doctors and attorneys don’t ever negotiate their fees. Uh, yes they do. I worked for a Family Law Attorney for many years and she DID negotiate her fees for those in need. There are doctors who do the same for those in need as well.
We are the same as the utility company (cable, electric etc) and therefore, should not ever negotiate a meeting time. This writer’s reasoning is that utility company GIVES you a specific time, so we should be able to TELL them a certain time or too bad. HUH? The utility company has employed workers and they have a set schedule. WE have the flexibility to work around a client’s schedule and our own!
Another agent that negotiates their commission will not be able to negotiate for their client. That’s ludicrous! Paying out a referral fee is also ‘negotiating’ our commission! Giving something for a referral or negotiating commission does not mean my or any other agent’s ability to negotiate for our clients is somehow tainted!
We all got into this business to make money and helping people get their dream home is a side benefit. WE ALL are working to make a living although MANY of the agents/brokers that I know put their client’s needs first. It is not a side benefit…it’s the main priority! Our reputation is built on our services to our clients and the side benefit is the ‘paycheck’!

Closing doors eliminates the possibility for future opportunities.

As independent contractors we have the flexibility to work with our clients or pick and choose. It doesn’t mean any one agent’s business model is better than the other. It just means that I will get the clients the others refused to meet at a certain time, refused to answer their phone for (or return a call), refused to negotiate on commission, refused to give a referral fee to or refused to chip in on when a client doesn’t have money for a few minor repairs.

It just means this Mililani Real Estate Agent:

Will have opportunities from other agents or brokerages for referrals.

Will keep my doors open for future opportunities this client will bring.

Will not close my doors for one who is in need of my services.

...Because I am.... A PROFESSIONAL.

Mililani Real Estate | Mililani Condos, Townhouse, Homes | Mililani Market Report for 2011

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:48:20 -0500

Mililani Townis 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.

We’ve definitely had a turn of events throughout 2011 in regards to our Mililani Housing Market. We’ve had ups and downs and turn around but needless to say the market may be turning back to a seller’s market soon.

Inventory is lower than a year ago and prices are slowly regaining ground. Interest rates have gone up a bit and I can safely presume that they aren’t going to be at this level in months to come.

Let’s take a look at the past year………..

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

Mililani Single Family Home Market Report 2011: We have 54 Active listings and 23 in contract for the first few days in January of 2012. Mililani has had about the same number of solds from 222 in 2010 with 215 single family homes sold in 2011. Sales Prices Ranged from $385,000 (2 bedroom “attached” home) to $1,010,000 (5 bedroom home) in Mililani Mauka. Average Days on the Market was 61 days for 2011 compared to 54 in 2010.

Mililani Condo Statistics for 2011: We have 54 Active condos/townhouses on the market and a promising 44 properties in contract for the first few days of 2012. We sold 250 condos in 2011 compared to 252 condos/townhouses in 2010! Sales Prices ranged from $79,500 (1 bedroom condo) to $455,000 (3 bdrm townhouse). Average Days on the Market were 67 days!

Mililani has had a consistent market during the last two years. The start of 2012 shows a promising active market with so many in contract and getting ready to close. The only difference is that the condo/townhouse listing inventory has shown a big decline at the start of this year with only 54 on the market compared to last year of 104!

For those Hawaii Home Buyers who are sitting on the fence … do the math on low prices now compounded with VERY low interest rates compared to those same prices with a higher interest rate in previous years. The math is clear, so if your current situation is in a buy mode…I’d say jump off that fence!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Real Estate.....Something is Better Than NOTHING

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:06:22 -0500

After working on a couple of transactions through Relocation Companies who refer clients to me, I have no qualms regarding the ‘fees’ they charge. WHY? Our commission is always negotiable. For another, I’ve gotten referrals from other brokerages that desire the same % for their referral fees anyway.

And bottom line….something is better than nothing.

Many of you will not agree although if you’re in a market where the agent to household ratio is one agent to every ten households (okay, a little exaggerated but it sure seems that way sometimes lol) you're happy when a referral comes in. In any case, what’s the difference between a relocation company fees and a brokerage referral fee?

In this market, the seller is most likely upside down (regardless if on loan or losing money they put into the property) if they bought during the years of the boom.

It was a BOOM indeed, as that boom created a crash unlike any other in the real estate market in my lifetime.

And now…there are government workers who need to relocate back to the mainland (Continental U.S.) and use the services of a relocation company in selling their home so they can ‘save’ on much of the closing costs in hopes they may ‘break even’.

If it can save the seller some heartache for the loss they will be taking and by all means to avoid a short sale…. I am there for them. If they put thousands of dollars into the home and can ‘save’ a few bucks going through a relocation company…by all means, I most likely would do the same thing if put in that position.

Helping, servicing and sometimes giving back…..

Your Hawaii VA Home Loan Process | HAWAII Military Relocations

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:40:17 -0500

Active Duty or Veterans of the Armed Forces have their VA Home Loan benefits for a little or no money down loan program to purchase a Hawaii home . (provided they are within lender guidelines).

The Veteran’s Administration is not a loan company and you will still have to get preapproved for a loan from a local lender. VA guarantees the Local Lender that they will reimburse the lender a percentage should the veteran default on their loan. (not that you will right?)

The following steps are what this Real Estate Professional helps you with in order to make your Relocation to Hawaii, Real Estate Home Buying Experience and VA Loan Process a smooth process.

· Contact a Local Hawaii Lender (if you do not have one I can refer you to a few who are well qualified in the State of Hawaii) to submit your information and documents to get preapproved for your VA Home Loan. Let the Loan Officer know what you are comfortable with for monthly mortgage payments as this helps determine what price range for properties you should be looking for. The loan officer will let you and your REALTOR® know what you are preapproved for and in what price range to search for properties.

· Let your agent know what other criteria you are looking for. For example, # bedrooms, # of baths, sq. ft. interior or land, parking, single family or condo/townhouse that you desire. With your price range determined and your criteria in place your REALTOR® will have enough information to send you listings to start your Hawaii Home Search

· Get all your financial paperwork together so you are prepared when you arrive. Pack your important documents in your carry on bag including last two months bank statements, last two years W-2’s, complete month of LES’s (pay stubs) and important documents you will need to submit for your loan! (Get a list of documents you’ll need from your loan officer that you already have in place)

· Start your loan process before you get here so you will have everything in place when you submit an offer for a loan. The loan process is the lengthy and of course an important part of the transaction so it is better to be proactive in your process. You will also NEED a preapproval letter to submit with the Purchase Contract as well.

· Appointments are made by this Realtor® and off we go in search of your new home! When you decide that you would like to put in an offer we will go through the whole 12 page (plus addendums) Purchase Contract and submit it to the seller’s agent to present to the seller.

· Offer is accepted and your VA Loan Process begins! You will meet with your Loan Officer to submit any other documentation needed for your VA Loan process packet. Then it goes to Underwriting to process the initial packet and order the appraisal with a VA approved appraiser.

· The Condominium and/or Subdivision Association Documents will be ordered immediately after acceptance of the offer and in the buyer’s hands within 10-14 days after acceptance. This agent will make copies of the Budget, last three Association minutes and the Property Information form (RR105C) and submit it to the lender. They need these documents per VA Loan Guidelines and process for your loan. (these documents will show how the Association budgets their money in reserve. % of owner occupants, any pending concerns or litigation going on and so forth)

· VA Appraiser submits the appraisal report to VA and VA will issue their NOV (Notice of Value) There may or many not be conditions to fulfill (i.e. any repairs needed) and will have a value on the property as determined by the appraiser5.

· Provided your loan process goes smoothly you should have a Conditional Loan Commitment Letter within 3-4 weeks in contract. This is an approval of your loan with Conditions. Maybe you need to submit a couple of more documents or the appraisal is not in yet or the survey and termite inspection are not done yet. These are the types of conditions that will be listed on this letter.

· Within two weeks after the Conditional Loan Commitment letter is issued all the conditions should be complete for signing documents with escrow and the loan officer. Not to worry! I attend all signings with you.

In Hawaii, we do not sign at the same time as the Seller due to conflict of interest and we sign approximately four – five days before recording. After the signing, the loan officer takes the notarized and signed documents to go through processing and within 2.5 days the Lender should have funded the money for your loan to the escrow company.

When escrow receives all monies funded by the lender , then they will take the documents to the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu to record. The Bureau of Conveyances needs two days for recording and we usually get word between 8-10am.

At that time of recording clearance, the home is legally yours and I will have already retrieved all keys, garage door openers and documents pertaining to the house in hand.

Congratulations!

You are a new homeowner!

Remember…our relationship does not stop here. I am always here to answer any questions or concerns you may have and help you with all your real estate needs.

MILILANI Home for Sale! | 94-095 Makapipipi Place Mililani | Mililani Real Estate

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 16:08:55 -0500

MILILANI HOME FOR SALE!

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood

$473,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,324 sqft
Lot: 6,855 sqft
Location

94-095 Makapipipi Place
Mililani, HI 96789
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, RA, AHWD, CRS, ePRO

Century 21 Liberty Homes
(808) 375-1404
sally@hawaiihomesmarket.com
http://www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Listed by: Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, RA, CRS, Century 21 Liberty Homes

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Common ‘Mistakes’ or Blatant Disregard for Our Real Estate Industry?

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:31:11 -0500

There are Laws we learn in Real Estate School and that we PRACTICE every day as licensees. I admit it…I AM ANAL about abiding by our Real Estate Laws and following our COE. There are no cutting corners in real estate for me and it irritates me when there are others that do….blatantly.

Common ‘Mistakes’ or Blatant Disregard?

Breaking the Law: When one gets arrested, charged and convicted for drunk driving, doing drugs, not paying taxes on commission (In Hawaii we have to pay not only State and Federal Taxes but General Excise Taxes too!) stealing etc. you are not only risking your license…but will ruin your reputation. Being a law abiding citizen should not be a problem anyway.

Cutting Corners: Initialing and/or dating documents ‘for your clients’ because you are too lazy or embarrassed that you made a mistake or missed something is a ”shame on you”. Get off your behind and do it right. In my book, it’s the same as forging and if it comes back to bite you in the butt…you can only blame yourself.

Unlicensed Activity: There are many friends, relatives and acquaintances who believe they can do a better job than we do. Ha! Well, instead of ‘talking’ they need to take the proper steps to becomes licensed and give the correct information. Same goes for those claiming to be contractors or any other professional that requires licensing and they are not.

REALTORS® follow a Strict Code of Ethics: I’m sure the majority do and bottom line is that if each individual lives by good daily morals and values then there will be no problem following the COE. Following our laws, rules in communities and our place of employment is just something that comes naturally. If it doesn’t then you have a problem.

Support our Real Estate Industry….

…..and just ‘DO THE RIGHT THING’.

That First Impression That Sets Us Apart from Others

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 11:05:06 -0500

Sometimes, we just get ONE chance to ‘prove ourselves’ during that initial meeting on the phone or in person. It could be a call from a Military Family Relocating to Hawaii and inquiring about their VA Loan home loan benefits and buying a home in Hawaii. It could be a call from a Mililani Home Seller asking if we can schedule an appointment for an ‘interview’ in regards to selling their home

That first impression could be the difference between just a lead or securing a client.

How’s about when we’re searching for just that right real estate agent or loan officer to referr our client to who is relocating to the mainland (Continental United States) and they don’t even answer their phone or call back? How’s about not even a return email? Guess what…they don’t get this or any future calls either.

ANSWER MY PHONE/TEXT: More often than not I answer my phone and I get a surprised response from the caller saying, “I can’t believe you actually answered your phone!” (or called me back right away after I text you) Yup, I’m one of “those agents” that answers my phone or calls right back and it made the difference to continue a conversation and possibly gain a new client! It can give them the an eased mind knowing that they will have a professional who is ….REACHABLE.

SEASONED IN MY PROFESSION: Ask question, listen to their needs and wants and give them straightforward advice. There is no such thing as candy coating a situation in real estate. A buyer has to get preapproved (especially with the strict lending criteria now days) for a loan before even starting to look for a home and a seller has to know that their home is only going to sell for market value. It’s the difference between setting realistic goals and either wasting or valuing everyone’s time involved. COMMUNICATION.

PROFICIENT ON THE PC/INTERNET: It’s no known secret that Real Estate is computer based for searching for listings, writing up contracts, marketing a home and emailing back and forth to get documents back in a timely manner. While on the phone with that initial lead contact I am already researching comps or setting them up to peruse listings in their neighborhood of choice. A client, escrow or loan officer needs a document asap and I have it flying to them by email in a manner of minutes. PROFICIENT IN TECHNOLOGY.

BEING THERE TO SUPPORT THEM: Whether relocating to a totally different place across the Pacific Ocean to just emotional ties to a home they have to sell, they are all are expecting some kind of emotional support during this often stressful time. If it’s just to lend an ear or giving loads of information to set their mind at ease then I’m there. They need to know that they have a seasoned and competent professional assisting them in one of the most important decisions in their lifetime …and that I am there for them. It doesn’t take much to take my job one step further. EMPATHY.

These are just a few ‘qualities’ that I have that sets me apart from the rest. The consumer can tell by that first initial contact if I will be the one who will be there for them with a listening ear, knowledge and understanding of my Hawaii Real Estate Laws and Purchase Contracts and the transaction process.

They know by that first initial contact that I will market their home and give their property maximum exposure on the internet as well as holding Open Houses (YES, THEY WORK HERE!). They know I am I have empathy in their particular situation. I communicate well and listen to their wants and needs. I AM REACHABLE.

That FIRST IMPRESSION is important in our business.

That FIRST IMPRESSION will either give me business

….or NOT.