During the beginning of the year the Hawaii Short Sale listings were abundant! I had tried in vain to get buyers into a 'great deal' althought the time constraints did not work out. Contract after contract and denial after denial. People were fighting over short sales and only the patient ones survived.
By July a Hawaii Short Sale listing I have with another agent 'got into contract' and it was finally approved.
By August another listing 'was in contract' and recently the seller gave up.
One buyer put in a contract in late August and another in early September.....BOTH Short Sales are now bank approved and one is recording next week.
Prior to this year I had not had the opportunity to do a short sale (either buyer or seller) and through all of this I have found that short sales are LOTS of research, hard work and patience.....and in the end it pays off when it goes through.
Seems to me it's a BIG accomplishment to help someone from going through a foreclosure....
or to have a happy buyer who got a great deal.
It's like fishing.....it takes a lot of PATIENCE!
Lending guidelines are continuously changing and very strict when approving a buyer for a loan. That IS a VERY good thing. We NEED to have a well qualified buyer putting in an offer lest it's wasting everyone's time and putting the seller and buyer's life on hold.
When an offer comes in the Realtor® goes over all details of the contract, the addendums AND the prequalification/preapproval letter that's attached. We speak to the loan officer and go through the credit worthiness of the buyer.
Pursuant to our Purchase Contract the buyer has XX amount of days after acceptance of the offer to go through the application process and submit a prequalification letter based upon the review of Buyer's credit report and items in the loan application.
Time and time again we will run into a situation where the loan officer is all for the buyer being well qualified only to have them evading an update during that first week after acceptance. Why? Because they're scrambling to FIND a lender that will take their client's loan when all along they KNEW that it's borderline to begin with.
We think in the best interests of our clients and scrutinize all letters of credit worthiness and speak to the loan officer regarding their letter of prequalification or preapproval. We then pass all the information to the seller and go over the offer...and they make a uniformed decision if they will accept that offer or not.
We think and do everything in our power for the best interests of our clients.
BUT..........Mr. Loan Officer........
There's a difference between the "buyer is well qualified" and it ‘may or may not fly'.
We represent our clients best interests. THAT is my first and foremost priority when strategizing the sale of a home. In Strategic Planning + Hard Work = Property IN CONTRACT my planning turned out to be a big positive and the townhouse was in contract by day ONE after the Open House. With 50+ guests to view the Mililani Townhouse for Sale there was no doubt in my mind that all efforts paid off.
But by the third day in contract the buyer's agent politely calls to inform us that they are backing out. No home inspection yet either. "The wife didn't really like it" was the reason....but hey......
.....I'd rather find out quickly rather weeks down the line.
At last Sunday's Open House the guest sign in sheets were filled out completely with guest, name of agent and so forth. I had also made notes on the side of the guests (i.e. very interested and said their agent would be contacting me) so I would remember who they were.
So when the contract fell out I hopped on the phone and within the hour had called five agents with the interested clients from the Open House. They were so excited and the following day received four contracts. We are now back in contract and have a back up offer besides.
Always have a backup plan.
Because as we all know it's never for sure....until it records.
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.
Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
We all talk about how we go above and beyond the call of duty in our businesses and there are many different opinions of exactly what that means. In a market that has been undoubtedly slow we have to be unique in our approach in doing the best we can for a Hawaii Home Seller and GETTING THE PROPERTY SOLD!
After viewing a property the Saturday before it was obvious there would be MUCH to do as the property was a rental for MANY years. The listing was signed with the contingency that it would not be shown until all repairs and cleaning were complete.
I started brainstorming and came up with a few ideas I thought would work to get it on the market and hold an Open House the next Sunday:
The painter finished up putting back the ceiling fans etc by Monday. The handyman started to do a few odds and ends and installed the new range hood.From Wednesday to Saturday many calls came in to view the property before Open House day but they were politely declined due to ‘work being done' and told to please attend the First Open House/Showing on Sunday.
Sunday's Open House proved fruitful and it turned out to be a great strategy for a highly desirable complex........21 groups of people (about 50+ individuals) came through and only 1 person signed in the guest book that DID NOT HAVE AN AGENT. By Monday morning (yesterday) we had an offer in hand. By the afternoon we had other calls from agents saying their clients came to Open House and considering putting in an offer.
The property is now in contract and in escrow.
Moral? Even though a lot of work in a short period of time (and at minimal price) went into getting the property ready.... it was well worth it to get the property sold!
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.
Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
The stone image of "Makapu'u " the supernatural woman and another one of Malei are no longer visible but it is said that Makapu'u (bulging eye) was in the form of a black rock. She was a female kapua (flower, blossom, child) who came to to Oahu (Honolulu County) with a famaous voyaging priest.
Malei, another female kapua was a stone set up to attract Uhu (Parrotfish) to the area. They made offerings of Lipoa (a type of seaweed) and also said to be a rock relative of Pele (the fire goddess)
But the Makapu'u Lighthouse is still standing and located on the East side of Oahu high above on the cliffs overlooking Makapuu beach. The lighhouse was established and first lit in 1909 and the light is still operational (as depicted in the picture).
The current use for the Makapu'u lighhouse is for "Active Aid to Navigation.
The owner is the U.S. Coastguard.
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!
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A Hawaii Real Estate and Relocations Blog. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs your best interests are at the core of every transaction.
I was fascinated by the Hawaii Real Estate Industry back in the 70's when my mom went to Hawaii Real Estate School and passed....but never pursued a career in the real estate industry. My dad lasted two weeks in Real Estate School and quit ...claiming that "it's a whole different language and world!". 
Let me be a little transparent for a minute. My passion lies within life itself, the beliefs and values I hold in every aspect of my life transfers to my profession in the real estate industry.
In 2004 my father passed away and he was proud to see how successful I became in Hawaii Real Estate Residential Sales. The last thing he told me was, "Sal, no matter what- your life has to continue".
The passion I have for life, I carry through every transaction.
My husband used to tell me that I got too 'involved' and too 'personal', but as the years passed he saw the difference it made and now says, "That's what makes you a great real estate agent". I asked what he meant and he insisted it's because I take the time to listen to my client's needs. I have the determination to make sure every contingency in our contract is fulfilled. And then some.
This is what I do for you and allows me to sleep very well at night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After traveling around the world as a military dependent my parents decided to retire on the island of Oahu in 1967 (my mom is originally from Kauai) and we have been here since.
Past careers include being an Administrative Assistant for a Family Law Attorney and a Structured Supportive Living Skills Program.
My father retired after serving 22 years in the US Navy, my children's father retired from the US Air Force and my son came home in Fall of 2006 after serving on the USS Kitty Hawk in the US Navy.
I know what it's like to relocate to a different place....let alone to a totally different world across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii...Paradise. Knowing and experiencing many a Hawaii Relocation myself gives me additional expertise to assist the Military Relocating to Hawaii.
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Wife of Gary (Networking Engineer for PDC Systems Hawaii, mother of adult children, Michael, Dori and my new son in law Gerardo and proud daughter of Dorothy (who just turned 81 January 2009!)
Regardless if you're buying or selling your home your best interests are at heart.
I give you ....the "Spirit of Aloha" and a listening ear for all YOUR needs!
**Licensed Realtor Associate® in the STATE of HAWAII
Member of:
Relocating to Hawaii? With our warm climate and breathtaking scenery it's no wonder why everyone (including locals) call it "Paradise"! Hawaii is the choice of many people who prefer a tropical setting to live out their retirement years. It also becomes everyones favorite Hawaii Relocation spot when transferring to the military bases in Hawaii including the Schofield Army Base, Wheeler Army Air Field, Pearl Harbor Navy Base, Hickam AFB, or Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station. Education, Information and a Good Realtor® is The Art of Hawaii Relocations.
Your Military Relocation to Hawaii and Purchasing Your New Home. The following information is basic but pertinent information to go over before you even pack for your transfer and before considering purchasing your Honolulu County (Oahu) home. Moving across the Pacific Ocean to such a diverse culture may be of a shock and you may want to brush up on a few tips to make your transition a smooth one.
Neighborhoods in Honolulu County and Market Report too! An insight into the different neighborhoods and what they have to offer. You will also get current market statistics in each community for which I wrote for that period.
Things to Do, History & Places to See - A three part series for a brief, condensed Points of Interest series to learn a little about our island and our so diverse and full of different cultures and ways of life.
Condo or Townhouse Living: Rules to Follow and Steps to Protect: If you are contemplating downsizing then condo / townhouse living may be an option. With maintenance fees for most associations taking care of the bulk of your homeowner's insurance (common elements), and repairs to the outside, roof, grounds and water/trash and sewere this may just be an option.
History of schools and links to Hawaii's Education System A brief look at the history of Hawaii and its school system as well as researching schools and neighborhoods suitable for your family and their Relocation to Hawaii.
Bottom line is this.
It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people,
but you can do it with a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!
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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!
© 2007-2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Part of transitioning from the military to the civilian life was finding the right placeto live. After having gone 
through a couple realtors unsuccessfully, we found Celeste. She treated us with the ohana spirit and made us a priority. She went above and beyond any expectations that we had for her, to help us find our dreamhome. Having a thorough understanding of our wants and needs, she found us ther ight house at theright price very expediently. We love the quite neighborhoodand close access to schools for our children.If you are looking for your dream home, Celeste is the right person for you! Karen and James D.
Thank you so much for all your help. I know I could not have found a better realtor to help me with the sale! It went very smoothly and I thank you for taking care of everything. Mostof all, I also want to thank you for being my friend (not just a realtor). Not a lot of people would take their work beyond business.. Maria M./Khamseng S.
What an amazing experience! Celeste is on top of it in the real estate market. Not only did she offer expert advice and professionalism,she became a great friend. The entire 30 day escrow experience was a smooth transition an never did we wonder what was going on, Celeste kept us up to date throughout the whole thing. Thank you, Sally...we miss you! The Wheeler Family
Sally...You're the best! Thank you so much for finding us not just a house but a home we can call our own. Take care and God Bless. You'll always be our great friend. Thanks! Jorge and Bless Y.
I found Sally on the internet while my fiance was still deployed to Afghanistan. We were preparing for a military relocation to Hawaii........ Sally was amazing! She made our transition to the islands easy and painless. Not only did we find a great Realtor, we made a new friend!"
Shelly and Chris LIVE on VIDEO: A Hawaii Military Relocation Story Comes to Life
Just wanted to inform everyone in the Whole World that Sally is the most knowledgeable, sweet, soft talking, professional, and hard working Realtor I've ever come across. She knew the answer to every question my husband and I asked. We are very pleased with our new home and cant wait to move in (in a few weeks). Sally always told us to keep our cool when the bank was asking for outrageous things that not even our broker was familiar with. But, we got through that with bright flying colors. In the end we are very blessed to have found Sally and have her work as hard as she did for us. Our family is always and will forever be open to her and her family we are family now. We owe her everything for all she has done. Now our transition from Cali to Hawaii will be very smooth without any worries. Thanks a million Sally and to everyone who is reading this Im not taking any other Realtor's thunder but Sally is the BEST and I would recommend her to everyone I know. We can never thank you enough.
Dewan and Keanya
Watch their live video!
A Hawaii First Time Home Buyer - Client Testimonial in VIDEO
Our experience with "Sally" from our initial contact to contract:
For many months leading up to our Hawaii move my wife and I had a number of places that we were interested in seeing upon our arrival to rent. During one of our internet searches we came across Sally's blog about buying real estate in Hawaii and how with her help we could actually buy a house and not throw our money away in rent. We were impressed with her qualifications and most importantly we liked the fact that she really listened to our desires, cared about staying in our budget just as much as we cared, and allowed us enjoy our first weeks in Hawaii without any hassles by doing 95% of the work while constantly keeping us informed.
Thanks to Sally really understanding what we wanted from the beginning we were able to see houses that met our desires and dreams. It was not long before we walked into the house we knew would become our home! With meticulous passion for getting things right all of the paperwork and documents that it takes to buy a home, which had originally kept us hesitating to even try to purchase, was signed and filed appropriately by Sally who also took the time to make us aware of certain steps of the process that we should pay particular attention to. It was obvious from the start Sally had been getting nervous families from the mainland into the Hawaiian community for years and not only planting them into a great house but welcoming them and accepting them into the land of Paradise allowing them to grow as new members in the community.
Our house closed on the exact day Sally said it would and we know that the only reason it did was due to Sally's diligence and passion for getting people what they have always dreamed of. As first time home buyers Sally has given us something we thought we were not going to have for many years. You would be completely short changed if you don't allow Sally to assist you in your move to Hawaii. Give her a call or send an email like I did and I can assure you of an adventure like no other on the face of this planet! Never in our wildest dreams did we think we could ever own a house in Hawaii. A place where people of all countries long to visit or live. Thank you again Sally for the present you have given to our family!
Robert & Zarina
11JAN09
"Sally" was very helpful and patient with us from the get go. She always followed up with us with any updates. She also gave us additional information regarding the units, about the neighborhood and schools, etc. Kudo's to Sally!
Ron and Zeny
(From left, Ron & Zeny (clients), Sally (me), and Bryon Tucker, Loan Officer with Everygreen Home Loans)
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