I'm sure you've all seen the commercials for soon to be released Windows 7 and then later on Vista will be just a distant memory. In the Windows 7 commercial the little girl is just as HAPPY as can be with Windows 7. Don't you just want to run out and buy the darn thing when it's a cute, cool or snazzy commercial? And if this little girl can do all kinds of cool stuff...then so do I!
As my husband is a Microsoft Partner we have the operating system already and though my husband installed it on his gaming machine a bit ago, I had him back up my files today and then do the big wipe and reload on my pc with....yes, Windows 7. Reloading is always a good thing once in awhile anyway. Makes for a smooth, clean reload and eliminating all the crap I accumulate along the way.
I've only been on my 'new' pc with Windows 7 for an hour, and though I rarely have any problems I'm loving the crisp clean reload and of course many more learning sessions coming on this new operating system.
The one thing I noticed right off the bat was the "Libraries" feature. EVERYTHING at your fingertips when you want to create a new folder in your library and don't want to toggle between My Documents etc. It's a quick shortcut and when I learn more I'll bring you more :)
I LOVE THE SNIPPING TOOL!(I didn't have it enabled on Vista Business for some odd reason....)
Before, I loved do the screen shots. But then I would have to crop the screen shot down to what I really wanted...and then I could insert that picture into my blog...... like the shot below. (I had to crop out one of my screens because screen shots would take a screen shot of both screens no matter what
Now with the snipping tool I can just drag my cursor and surround the PART of the screen shot I want and save directly to my pictures. No pasting to paint, saving to pictures and then having to go back and crop etc. It's just done!Just click on the 'start menu' and click on the 'snipping tool' ...drag the cursor around the area you want to 'snip' and then just save. Wow, how quick was that! Voila! ...the snipped part in picture one is the actual snipped part below on our featured list list on the dashboard of ActivRain. Talk about crisp and clear.
Now....let me get back to learning from little girl is just as HAPPY as can be with Windows 7 and I'll have a cool slide show like her :) You'll be hearing more from me as I dabble some more.
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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!
At the height of the financial crisis with banks closing, lending institutions in trouble and mortgage fraud abundant in those closing mortgage brokerage firms you would think that many of those banks and institutions (after getting all that help themselves) would be out to help the consumer in trouble as well.
There are givers in this world....and then there are those that are strictly... takers.
Those that know me, know that I am particularly anal when it comes to details and being on the ball to ensure a timely manner for all those involved in a real estate transaction. I believe the "REAL" in Real Estate IS what this industry is all about. And when I am unable to do my job because of another 'team player' then I definitely am not a happy camper.
From the 8th to the 11th Centuries, the Vikings stole and pillaged goods and land from other people. They finally got it through their heads that they could not live by stealing alone and they were known for their trading skills, farming and so forth.
It seems to me that some of these lending institutions have the consumer on their knees with hardship circumstances and don't remember how easy it is to fall under themselves. You'd think they'd be out there to help those that are eligible to sell their homes under a short sale would be in the best interests of all.
No matter how I look at... it becomes stealing like the Vikings when they take their homes and land without a care in the world. It's stealing when a bank chooses to foreclose and not even bat an eyelash when they could have helped but thought it was just....too much work. It's stealing when they keep taking and taking from the government and the consumer....and don't give back.
How do they sleep well at night?
When are the consumers going to get more help?
Extend the TAX CREDIT for ALL homebuyers!
Hire more Short Sale Negotiators!
Hawaii Home Buyer Advisory
By Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Century 21 Liberty Homes
So, you are thinking of Buying a Hawaii Home and you don't know where to start. Your finances are in order and the amount you spend on your rental can actually go towards a nice piece of Hawaii Real Estate. The Hawaii Home Buyer will be able to yield the benefits at the end of the tax year and you will be paying for YOUR home rather than paying someone else's mortgage. You won't have to worry about your landlord raising the rent and you won't have to worry about moving when the owner sells the property.
Weigh out your options and determine if Buying a Hawaii Home is beneficial for you and your family.
A Brief Description of the Hawaii Real Estate Transaction Process
Your Honolulu County Hawaii Real Estate Agent: A Hawaii Real Estate Agent is certainly a vital part of your Hawaii Home Buying process and we provide a wide range of services in searching and locating property, negotiating a sale for you as well as advising you, the Hawaii Home Buyer, in finding qualified inspectors and providing you with common documents that you need to review. If you are new to the islands your Realtor® will make sure that you will have a few loan officers, home inspectors and other professionals to choose from and these professionals will likely be ones your Realtor® has worked with in the past. Make sure you are comfortable with your agent and ask questions regarding their qualifications.
Your Honolulu County Hawaii Loan Officer: You will need to get prequalified and it's preferable to have a local loan officer who is knowledgeable of Hawaii Real Estate laws and our Hawaii Real Estate Purchase Contract. Your Realtor® needs to know the price range you are qualified for in order to search for properties well within your price range and criteria. Your loan officer will go over options and programs for financing and remember that you do need to let the loan office know what you are comfortable with for monthly mortgage payments. The loan officer will get all information and documentation to check your credit, debts, income and asets in order to get you preapproved for a loan so make sure you get everything the loan officer asks you for asap. Ask for qualifications and make sure you are comfortable with your Loan Officer.
Your Criteria and MLS (Multiple Listing Service): Your Realtor® will go over your criteria for a home which will include type (home, townhouse, condo), #bedrooms/baths, sq/ft. interior/land, parking, inclusions, exclusions, price range, maintenance/association fees and so forth. This will help the agent properly select properties for you to view via your personal web page through our Client Gateway system. You'll be able to save to your favorites, reject and also make notes for your agent to go over with you. The MLS may be incomplete or may have wrong information so your Realtor® will help you verify important information contained in the MLS. Make sure you are comfortable with your criteria.
Setting up showing appointments: Your Realtor® will need at least 48 hours to set up showing appointments. This is to contact the seller's agent and set up showing appointment times, get showing instructions and allowing time for responses. This agent spends hours and starts with owner/tenant occupied listings and moves on to vacant homes in order to get timely responses. On the day of showing you'll receive a MLS printout of all properties you are going to be viewing from your agent.
Finding the Hawaii Home You Love: On the day of your showing appointments you view a few homes and you walk into that one particular home and immediately feel that "this is the home for you. Your Realtor® will let you know what the last sold prices on comparable homes in the area so you will have a better idea of the price you want to make an offer on. Your Realtor® can also search and make sure that there is room for negotiation. Just remember that everything is negotiable although if you really love the home don't be a killer negotiator as you could lose the home you really love.
*Note: If you are a Relocating to Hawaii remember that we only have so much buildable (valuable) land and the sq/ft interior and land will be SMALLER than other areas in the Continental United States.
Terms of the Purchase Contract: Our Hawaii Association of Realtors® Purchase Contract is very detailed and consists of 12 pages of contingencies and your Realtor® will go over all aspects of the terms and agreements that will go in that contract. There may be additional addendums to add to the contract such as VA/FHA Loan Addendum, As Is Addendum, Plain Language Addendum, Short Sale and Distressed Sale Addendums and so forth. After reviewing and signing the contract your Realtor® will submit the Purchase Contract to the Seller's Agent who in turn goes over it with the seller. If all is a go the seller signs and it becomes a binding contract.
Counter Offers: Should there be a disagreement on price, terms and conditions of the Purchase Contract the seller will Counter Offer your offer. Each term agreed on in the counter offer will supersede that contingency in the Purchase Contract and the date the Counter Offer is signed is the acceptance date.
Opening Escrow: Escrow is the third neutral party that takes care of all documents and monies to be collected and distributed. All signed documents, your earnest money deposit, and escrow instructions will be submitted to escrow immediately to start the transaction process. Each contingency in your contract comes with a time line and all involved parties will work together in a timely manner to get to that special day when you will own your Hawaii Home. The escrow company will order the Preliminary Title report and send out buyer's initial opening letter and documents as well as the timeline for the transaction. They will make sure that all parties sign off on the Termite Inspection Report, Survey and other documents for the property to make sure that all parties agreed on everything.
Opening the Loan Process: Your Realtor® will send the Purchase Contract to the loan officer to start the Loan Process. In turn the Loan Officer will put together your file and order the appraisal for the property and request any other documentation from you for the process. If there is subdivision or condominium association documents the loan officer will request certain items (i.e. for a VA Loan they need the RR105C Property Information Form, the Current Budget, the last three minutes and Insurance Summary first before they send out the VA Appraiser). The loan officer will also give you a Good Faith Estimate that shows the estimated closing costs as well as your monthly mortgage payment.
Seller's Real Property Disclosure Statement: The seller will provide a detailed summary within the first week since acceptance of the Purchase Contract. It is a report (four pages of itemized questions) of what they know about the property including but not limited to roof, termites, structural damage, electrical, plumbing, cosmetic remodeling, additional rooms (need building permits for these alterations) . Remember, this SRPDS does not take the place of a professional home inspection but it may give you more information about the property from the seller's eyes.
Professional Home Inspection: This agent recommends all Hawaii Home Buyers to hire a Professional Home Inspector to do your home inspection. The professional home inspection is usually done within the first 14 days from acceptance of the contract. The home inspection will reveal any defects, safety, hazardous, structural, electrical and plumbing issues as well as any repairs or remedies that may need to be fixed before the transaction can continue. The seller will have to agree to the repairs/remedies and if they do not then the buyer at least has a written detailed report on what needs to be repaired/remedies should they wish to continue on with the transaction. If there is an agreement with both parties, the buyer and seller will sign off on the C-51 (Home Inspection) Agreement and continue on with the transaction.
Termite (Pest) Inspection - The buyer selects a termite/pest inspection company and the seller pays for it. The property should be free and clear of termites/pests by time the transaction records. If termites/pests are found the home is treated by tenting or spot treatment (for surface areas) A warranty is provided by the company which is passed to the buyer.
Survey/Staking the Property (for single family dwellings): Unless the Hawaii Home is in a preplanned development with fences/walls already in, it is advisable to have a survey done. Back in the old days they didn't have laser survey tools and they went by eyesight and measuring tapes and you need to know if the boundary lines are within limits (up to 0.6 inches is acceptable). If there are encroachments (walls on your side or vice versa) there will need to be an agreement with the neighbors drawn up and signed or there is a possibility of accepting it "As Is" (especially if there is no reason to tear it down at this time) by signing an indemnification form with escrow.
Conditional Loan Approval Letter: It's getting close to closing and the loan processor is making sure most of the documents for your loan are in. There may be a few things that may be left to do like the termite inspection, survey and a few loose odds and ends. The appraisal is in and it came in at offering price (if it didn't you and the seller may have to go back to negotiating). At this time a Conditional Loan Approval is in with those few ‘conditions' to fulfill is sent to the buyer's agent and has to be submitted to the seller to show that the loan is pretty much approved. Within a specified time (usually one to two weeks) the conditions have to be met.
Loan Approval, Signing and Escrow: When loan conditions are all met there is loan approval and loan documents are being prepared for signing. Escrow coordinates with the lender for figures and prepares an "Estimated Settlement Statement" and we set a tentative signing date for all loan and escrow docs. After signing the loan company receives all signed loan docs and prepares for wiring funds to escrow two days prior to recording with the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances.
Recordation and Owning Your New Hawaii Home! After escrow receives funds they submit the conveyance docs to the Bureau of Conveyances and then the property will have recording clearance two days later. (The bureau recently changed from one to two days for recording) When a clearance call from the Bureau to Escrow has been received it is then that they contact the buyer and seller's agent to give notice of clearance......and it is then that you now own your own home!
Last Note: This is just a ‘brief' description of the Hawaii Real Estate Transaction Process and hopefully it gives the Hawaii Home Buyer some step by step insight into the process.
Your Home is Where YOU Make it!
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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!
Honolulu County Real Estate Market Report
August 2009
Honolulu County Housing Market Statistics for August 2009 definitely shows activity. Our market is stabilizing and we do hope that we just may have bottomed out.
In the our sales numbers for single family homes showed an increase from 225 in May to 254 in June. Now for July we have had 265 sales and the Median Sales price rose from $569,000 in June to $595,000 in July. For August we show a slight decrease in sales from 265 to 247 and a slight decrease in Median Sales Prices from $595,000 to $566,000. This is a decrease in sales numbers of 3.1% and a decrease in sales prices from 5.6% increase in July to 4.9% in August.
Condo/Townhouse Resale Numbers: Our Honolulu Real Estate Housing Market sales numbers for condos/townhouses increased in the past month although median sales prices increased from $310,000 to $312,000 in June and back down again to $290,000. With 263 sales in May, 293 sold units in June, 327 sold units in July we have a nice increase in sales for August UPWARDS to 351 sold units! The sales prices increased to 0.6% in July from June and down from July to August of 7.1%.
*Median Sales Prices means half the prices were above and half were below the stated price.
These Honolulu County Market Statistics vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and I have experienced multiple offers on homes and townhouses in the Ewa Gentry and Ocean Pointe areas in Honolulu County that are not short sales. Stay tuned for more neighborhood market statistics or contact me at sally@hawaiihomesmarket.com for more information!
I believe this is the start of the turnaround for our market. Business has picked up, interest rates are down and inventory slowly going down in all neighborhoods. We credit the continuous shrinking inventory for our stable price levels and we're hoping the housing industry has seen it's bottom in Honolulu County.
If your situation and circumstances allow....it just may be your time to buy and also utilize that $8,000 first time home buyer credit this year.
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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 brush fire from last week reignited today...closing down the H-2 early afternoon. By evening the helicopters were using the park (again) behind our house to fill their giant buckets of water. Many local Fire Departments came to assist.
In the midst of the stubborn fire a fiery colored rainbow was struggling to show it's colors.
By evening they were still working......
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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.
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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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