About Honolulu's Honolulu Hawaii Relocations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is how we spent our Fourth of July morning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Single Family: Median Sales Price

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

Condos: Median Sales Price

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

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

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

Alive in Honolulu County, Oahu, Hawaii!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Military Bases in Honolulu County:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screech! Halt! Reverse!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other areas of interest around the Airport/Hickam areas:

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

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

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