Bob Courtney

Bob Courtney http://activerain.com/blogs/bobcourtney As I start a new career in Real Estate it is exciting because the profession is changing from what I once perceived. You know, a time when a Realtor was considered the enemy of home owners and only interested in a commission. Today presents new ways to change that paradigm. With training programs like the CDPE and SFR designation we have the opportunity to be seen as consultants. With the advent of social media we have a tremendous opportunity to establish ourselves as professional marketers. After all the decision to sell will always be our clients. I am proud to be part of this change and this time in Real Estate. Each day I look forward to talking with prospects about their marketing opportunities with full knowledge of the options they have. Our clients are in a volatile time. Today we offer more than advise on what a listing price or offer should be. Today a Realtor is someone a person can call to get all their questions answered. The challenge is letting people know about this paradigm shift. en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/2335137/living-foods Living Foods <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Living Foods Market</span></em></strong><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/7/1/0/ar130733251701703.JPG" height="300" alt="" width="400" style="float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <p> </p> <p>My wife and I had some errands to do today.  When we were finished we drove down to the southern part of Kauai to Poipu.  Poipu is just south of Old Koloa Town.  When we got to the new round-a-bout we went ahead and went to the new shopping center, Kukuiula.</p> <p>Being around lunchtime there were not many people.  We strolled the center and found a fantastic grocery store. It is called Living Foods.  That intrigued us so of course we had to check it out.  Once inside we found Kauai made products.  Soap, baskets, spices, tea, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.  All priced pretty competitive for a local grocer.  They cannot compete with a Costco, but most locals will still go to a locally owned store more often than a big box store.  Other products were wine, cheese, fresh bread and at one end a deli/barista's with Hawaii grown coffee.  They had a breakfast menu we will have to go and check out.  They had a fantastic sandwich selection.  All of this in a little store in our newest shopping center.<img title="Living Foods Market" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/5/4/3/ar130733239534598.JPG" height="467" alt="Living Foods Market" width="350" style="float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <p> </p> <p>So, if you are coming to Kauai be sure to go to our southern communities, drive through our Tree Tunnel heading south and experience Kauai Made and Grown at some of its finest at "Living Foods' located in our newest shopping center Kukuiula.<img title="Map of Kauai" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/4/1/2/ar130733295821434.jpg" height="525" alt="Map of Kauai" width="700" style="float: left; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:05:56 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2335137/living-foods http://activerain.com/blogsview/2332669/fantastic-meals-at-the-grocery-store- Fantastic Meals - At the Grocery Store? <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fantastic Meals - At the Grocery Store?</span></em></strong></p> <p>Was out and about on Monday this week.  (Memorial Day)  All of a sudden the smell of barbeque teri steak and huli huli  chicken filled the air.  I thought to myself, someone is grilling and it is very close.  I was on Nawilwili St. and knew the food court was near in Kukui Grove Market.  So I decided to drive through the shopping center.  There are good restaurants at Kukui Grove!  The smell was coming from Times Market.   A Grocery Store!!  </p> <p>I went up to the cook and was given directions on how I could get some of the grilled steak and huli huli  chicken.  Get this the styrofoam plate was piled with steak and chicken.  Two scoops of rice and a huge green salad and a drink.  $7.99!!</p> <p>Today - the smell was steak and shrimp!  </p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:39:40 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2332669/fantastic-meals-at-the-grocery-store- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2330769/island-leader-motivates-islanders-to-exercise Island Leader Motivates Islanders to Exercise <p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">Island Leader Motivates Islanders to Exercise</span> </p> <p>If you are coming to Kauai in late June here is a fun way to rub shoulders with the local people!</p> <p> </p> <p>Three years ago our Mayor Bernard Carvalho began an island wide exercise Walk-A-Thon.  This is a free event for the entire family and for those accomplished exercisers.  The event will be held this year on June 25.  The walk is from Kapaa Beach Park to Ahihi Point.  (See map from Kauai Path website-the gold line is the route)  The event allows entrants to walk or run anywhere from two miles up to eight.  There are various prizes for the entrants.  The first 500 that sign up will get a free T-shirt!  Again, there is no charge to sign-up just a promise of a lot of fun with our Mayor leading the way.</p> <p>Sign in is at 6:00 am with the Walk-A-Thon starting at 7:00 am.</p> <p>The registration for this event is online.  Just go to<a href="http://www.getfitkauai.com/" title="Walk-A-Thon Registration" target="_blank"> www.getfitkauai.com </a>.  Entrants can walk, jog, run or bike so everyone can participate.  Registration will close June 22nd. When you register you will find out how you can win a prize for decorating a bike, a baby stroller and the best dressed participant.</p> <p><strong>The deadline to sign up is June 22.</strong></p> <p>Come and play the games, win a door prize, and listen to live music.</p> <p>If you have questions Bev Brody can be reached at 808-212-2765.</p> <p><img title="Kauai Shared Use Path" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/0/0/9/8/ar130706819789001.jpg" height="755" alt="Kauai Shared Use Path" width="581" style="float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:54:35 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2330769/island-leader-motivates-islanders-to-exercise http://activerain.com/blogsview/2328972/wailua-bridge-opens Wailua Bridge Opens <p> </p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wailua Bridge Opens</span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em></em></strong>The new Wailua Bridge going into and out of Kapaa opened to day.  Original opening was supposed to be last April, but building a bridge on an island is not as easy as the mainland.</p> <p>For those traveling on the east side traffic should flow better thus helping relieve some of the long lines that has a tendency to build at certain times during the day.  Contra flow starting Thursday will have two lanes on the new bridge going north and the old Wailua Bridge will handle two lanes of traffic going south.  </p> <p>The bridge has a nice side walk for pedestrians to cross safely.  Getting to Smith's Family Paradise is still tricky. All in all Kauai will be a little easier to travel on the east side.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:56:33 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2328972/wailua-bridge-opens http://activerain.com/blogsview/2324845/the-day-is-over-the-memories-live-on The Day is Over - The Memories Live On <p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;"><span><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/7/9/2/ar1306807629704.jpg" height="447" alt="" width="300" style="float: right; border: 2px solid black;"></span>The Day is Over - The Memories Live On</span> </p> <p> </p> <p>I visited the Veterans Cemetery today.  Each marker was decorated with the American Flag.</p> <p> </p> <p>I thought back to my coming home from Vietnam.  I thought about the first time seeing the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.  I thought about my friends that I served with and those that I lost.  I reminisced about the Marines I served with in VMGR-152 and VMGR-252.  I remembered how at the time I was serving getting the mission accomplished was my focus, so there was not time to think about all that could have happened, but didn't.  I remembered talking with the family of a close buddy that asked me to deliver a letter to his mother.  I remember the tears and sadness of that moment.</p> <p> </p> <p>Today, we have new young people that are serving us.  We have some that have paid the ultimate sacrifice and we have the families that are coping.  The Day is over.  I would hope the memories will stay alive until the last combatant is home and our military families are made whole for a long time to come.  That we would find a way to live in peace and allow our military to serve with honor without bloodshed.  I know my memories will always humble me to where I am unashamed to kneel and say a prayer for our soldiers serving and especially for those in harms way.</p> <p>God Bless them and their families beyond measure!</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Mon, 30 May 2011 22:12:17 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2324845/the-day-is-over-the-memories-live-on http://activerain.com/blogsview/2323442/chicken-proof-garden Chicken Proof Garden <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span><img title="Kauai Rooster" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/7/5/4/ar130672355745745.JPG" height="188" alt="Kauai Rooster" width="250" style="float: left; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"></span>Chicken Proof Garden</span></em></strong></p> <p>People coming to Kauai always love to see the chickens running around.  One of the past times is to feed them. Oh they love that!  The males have huge egos and crow at the sight of light. Sometimes I think there is a race to see who can get the first crow in.  They have no respect for people that are used to hearing them at sunrise!  By sunrise here on Kauai they have there work done <span style="text-decoration: underline;">before</span> sunrise.</p> <p>Chickens being chickens scratch in newly planted grass seed, new flower beds and vegetable gardens.  Our first garden had just bloomed and we anticipated getting our fresh vegetables.  </p> <p>The next morning, we awoke to the "scratching" noise and found a bunch in the garden.  They had eaten the blooms and uprooted some of the seedlings!  So - I had a dream about a chicken proof garden.  Yes, chicken proof.  In my dream I was at the local Home Depot and bought some pvc pipe, some t-posts, plastic wind break fencing and bird netting.  I built, and have not patented, a chicken proof garden.  If you have bird or varmint problems try this chicken proofing technique.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p><img title="Chicken Proof Garden" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/7/8/9/ar130672273498798.JPG" height="203" alt="Chicken Proof Garden" width="270" style="float: left; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Sun, 29 May 2011 23:09:50 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2323442/chicken-proof-garden http://activerain.com/blogsview/2322183/a-kauai-gem A Kauai Gem <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">A Kauai Gem</span></em></strong><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/5/0/ar130663477905668.JPG" height="188" alt="" width="250" style="float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"><img title="Crystal and Jack" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/3/0/1/ar130663489910381.jpg" height="253" alt="Crystal and Jack" width="250" style="float: left; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <p>Several years ago my youngest daughter and my son-in-law wanted to be married on Kauai.  My wife did a google search and came across Blue Hawaii Weddings.  Carol called and talked to a person named Larry Rivera. He explained that we could arrange a wedding very similar to the one in Elvis Presley's movie, Blue Hawaii at Coco Palms.  The ride on the outrigger canoe and everything.  My daughter being a huge Elvis fan, do you think she would turn this wedding arrangement down.  Right!  NO WAY.</p> <p>We made the plans and came to Kauai.  Our first meeting with Larry and his wife Gloria was special.  They made us feel as if we had known them all our lives.  We found out he was a song writer and entertainer as well.  He invited us to Kukui Grove Shopping Center (The Big Mall in Lihue) to hear him perform.  We went and fell in love with his music and since then his family.  I call him the Don Ho of Kauai.  He celebrated his 80th birthday last year.  This guy is STILL performing and has become a licensed minister in the State of Hawaii.  He now conducts the vows for his weddings.<img title="outrigger" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/7/3/9/ar130663527593762.jpg" height="223" alt="outrigger" width="225" style="float: right;"></p> <p>If you are coming to Kauai you can catch Larry performing at these places:</p> <p>Kauai Museum on Saturdays at 1:00PM</p> <p>Coconut Market Place Fridays at 5:00PM</p> <p>Kukui Grove the first Friday of every month at 7:00PM </p> <p>Cafe Portofino (Over looking Kalapaki Beach) every Wednesday at 7:00 PM  This show is the longest running entertainment show in Hawaii history.  Called "Nightcap with Larry".</p> <p>If you want to learn more about this Kauai Gem here is some websites - <a href="http://www.thelarryrivera.com" title="The Larry Rivera Website" target="_blank">www.thelarryrivera.com</a> and <a href="http://www.thebluehawaiiwedding.com" title="The ORIGINAL Blue Hawaii Wedding Website" target="_blank">www.thebluehawaiiwedding.com</a> .</p> <p>Hope you get to know Larry.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Sat, 28 May 2011 22:17:25 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2322183/a-kauai-gem http://activerain.com/blogsview/2321070/t-time T time <p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">T time</span> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/4/8/5/5/ar130655389655846.JPG" height="188" alt="" width="250" style="float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"><img title="Miniature Golf" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/4/4/9/ar130655401494482.JPG" height="188" alt="Miniature Golf" width="250" style="float: right; margin: 10px; border: 2px solid black;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span>Kauai's newest family destination spot for fun! <strong> Kauai Miniature Golf</strong> course reflects Kauai.  The flower and fauna are all Kauai species.  While playing a round of golf the family can learn about plant life on Kauai.  Each hole offers a different educational experience.  Watch out for the obstacles.  You will get a little damp from waterfalls and fetch a missed played ball from a moving stream.  Rest in the shade of the gazebo's at some of the holes.  Cross the single lane bridge.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span>When you are through playing you can enjoy food from the concession stand or browse their Gift Shop.  You can find a lot of local made gifts and products for reasonable prices.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span>Head toward Kilauea from Lihue go past the Shell station (Subway) and look toward your left, there you will find Kauai Miniature Golf.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span>For more information here is the link to their website - <a href="http://www.kauaiminigolf.com/" title="Kauai Miniature Golf" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.kauaiminigolf.com/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Aloha!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Fri, 27 May 2011 23:41:58 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2321070/t-time http://activerain.com/blogsview/2319134/kauai-annual-taste-of-hawaii Kauai - Annual Taste of Hawaii <p> </p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">Kauai - Annual Taste of Hawaii</span>  <img title="Food Sampler" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/6/1/1/6/ar130646748561163.jpg" height="150" alt="Food Sampler" width="250" style="float: right; border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Here is a fantastic way to taste the food of Hawaii.  Treat your family to a banquet feast!  The Kapaa Rotary Club annual fund raiser is a must if you are here on Kauai or planning to be here.  The event is at Smiths Tropical Paradise June 5, 2011.   Fifty chefs from Hawaii will cook for you, fifteen vendors will serve beverages, there will be musical entertainment along with a Silent Auction.  This year they will be celebrating 23 years.  Fun for residents and visitors to eat great food, experience the cuisine of some of the top chef's in the State while supporting one of Kauai's most active civic groups - Kapaa Rotary Club.</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Tickets are on sale for $75.00 in advance.  They will be $85.00 at the gate.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Here is information to view their website - <a href="http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/index.php" title="Taste of Hawaii" target="_blank">http://www.tasteofhawaii.com/index.php</a>  The collage picture above is from their website.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">It would take years of visiting Hawaii to sample these chef's cuisine.  Take advantage of this great event, let me know your thoughts.  Hint - Get there early to make sure the food does not run out!!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Aloha!</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Thu, 26 May 2011 23:41:10 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2319134/kauai-annual-taste-of-hawaii http://activerain.com/blogsview/2317334/2011-kauai-polynesian-festival 2011 Kauai Polynesian Festival <p><span class="header24"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2011 Kauai Polynesian Festival</span></em></strong><br></span><br><br><span class="body">The Kauai Polynesian Festival in this Memorial Day weekend May 26 – 29, 2011 near the Vidinha Stadium on the soccer fields. <br><br>The Kauai Polynesian Festival Opening Event is "A Polynesian Evening of Stars".  The night will begin with a traditional Polynesian Cultural Protocol Ceremony.  The night will be filled with Hawaiian & Contemporary Entertainment, and a fashion show.  Making a debut this year is a talent contest called "U TINK U GET TALENT".  As you can see there will be fun and pageantry for those who attend. <br><br>The festival continues May 27-29 featuring Tahitian, Maori, Samoan and Hawaiian performances.  There will be booths with Polynesian arts and crafts, food, workshops, and play areas for the keiki (children).</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="body">Kauai residents and visitors are welcome to attend.</span></p> <p><span class="body"><strong>For a calendar of events and schedule go to</strong> <a href="http://www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org/" title="Polynesian Festival Link" target="_blank">http://www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org/</a></span></p> <p><span class="body"><a href="http://www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org/" title="Polynesian Festival Link" target="_blank"></a>Aloha!</span></p> <p><span class="body"><br><br> <br></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Wed, 25 May 2011 23:15:04 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2317334/2011-kauai-polynesian-festival http://activerain.com/blogsview/2315327/the-old-days-may-be-gone-our-word-being-a-bond-is-not The Old Days May Be Gone - Our Word Being a Bond is Not <p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">The Old Days May Be Gone - Our Word Being a Bond is Not</span> <img title="handshake" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/8/0/3/ar130629181530877.jpg" height="199" alt="handshake" width="300" style="float: right; border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p> </p> <p>I have always had a sense of wanting to have lived back in the day when a handshake  and spoken word were as good as a contract today.  Times have changed people to where I know that is no longer a realistic expectation in general.  It is an expectation though that I look for in friendship and business relationships.</p> <p> </p> <p>Today was a day when a business associate violated that expectation.  Not only did they call and insinuate I did not know what I was talking about but insisted I double check my work and get back with them.  I did.  Then a colleague received a call from this person wanting my colleague to call and report what they had seen me do.  That was how the day started and it kept me on tilt all day.  The whole incident was over the location of an object that would be late if not completed today.  My work was exactly right and my colleague made their call to report on me.  Not one word from the business associate.  I was hoping for an apology.</p> <p>As a Realtor® my word and integrity is how I am measured by colleagues and clients.  I look at all the paperwork and addendum's to paperwork we work with and face the hard reality that a handshake means very little but my word and actions have increased in importance.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>We have to live our lives with boundaries.  When someone questions my integrity or my word they have crossed a boundary I do not allow compromise.  I believe when my life is all said and done, my legacy will be what I did and what I said.  As for this business associate today, our business is through and they will never control another business day as they did today.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Tue, 24 May 2011 22:53:17 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2315327/the-old-days-may-be-gone-our-word-being-a-bond-is-not http://activerain.com/blogsview/2313372/military-hot-spot-pmrf-kauai Military Hot Spot - PMRF Kauai <p>                          <img title="PMRF Open House" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/3/8/4/1/ar130620437814835.JPG" height="225" alt="PMRF Open House" width="300" style="vertical-align: middle; border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Military Hot Spot - PMRF Kauai</span></em></strong></p> <p>A very special day for the military is coming up this weekend.  Will write more about the meaning of the day later.  This post is for military that will be coming to Kauai or may be visiting as they read this post.</p> <p> </p> <p><img title="Kauai Map" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/7/8/8/4/ar130620476548877.jpg" height="225" alt="Kauai Map" width="300" style="border: 1px solid black;">  </p> <p> </p> <p>Kauai has a 70 mile "U" shaped stretch of highway that can be driven from the north east to the north west with the Napali shoreline separating the difference.  Poli Hale is a State Park on the Northwest tip of Kauai.  When you arive in Kauai you will notice some vehicles that are setting pretty high.  That is the type vehicle you need to traverse to Poli Hale.  The road is ROUGH and LONG!  Beautiful whte beach as far as the eye can see is the reward for taking the risk of the drive.  For military and their families there is another stretch of the same beach accessible at PMRF.  Same white sand beach that stretches for miles.  I would only swim if you see local people out.  There are no life guards and the beach drops off pretty quickly.  There are volleyball nets and plenty of beach just to kick back enjoy the sun and build sand castles.  The base is very active in the Kauai community.  Local residents can obtain annual passes to PMRF with a background check and current vehicle registration.</p> <p>The base has a beautiful fireworks display and every once in a while they have open house so people can learn about their mission and see various aircraft active on the base.  One of the BEST Restaurants is located on the base.  The name is Shenanigan's.  Simple menu, great atmosphere and unbeatable sunsets are all part of the experience at Shenanigan's.  They have tremendous military housing for those traveling or who have retired.  So check PMRF out!  You will not be disappointed.</p> <p><br><img title="Shenanigan's" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/8/7/6/ar130620453967838.JPG" height="221" alt="Shenanigan's" width="295" style="border: 1px solid black;"> <img title="PMRF Sunset" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/5/2/2/ar130620463222591.JPG" height="221" alt="PMRF Sunset" width="295" style="border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p>Aloha! </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Mon, 23 May 2011 22:51:05 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2313372/military-hot-spot-pmrf-kauai http://activerain.com/blogsview/2308785/j-j-s-broiler-kalapaki-beach-on-kauai J.J's Broiler Kalapaki Beach on Kauai <p><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">J.J's Broiler Kalapaki Beach on Kauai</span>  <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/8/1/ar130595930018792.jpg" height="270" alt="" width="375" style="float: right; border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p> </p> <p>Tonight the trade winds returned with a nice cool breeze.  Carol and I ran our list of outdoor, ocean view resturaunts and chose J.J.'s Broiler on Kalapaki Beach in Nawiliwili.  Su</p> <p>n was setting but caught some die hard stand up paddlers riding the 2 to 3 foot waves.  We took it all in at a rail table not far from the beach.</p> <p>It had been awhile since we had been to J.J.'s so the menu was new to us.  Carol was in an Italian mood and I was after the fresh fish.  Carol had the Chicken Pesto and I had a new item on the menu, salmon stuffed with crab.  For an appetizer I had the Hawaiian Ocean Soup.  It was filled  with fresh seafood and was absolutely as good as any clam chowder I have eaten in the past.  The Stuffed Salmon was delicious and comes with my recommendation.  Carol had to have a take home box for her Chicken Pesto.  Portions are pretty large. beware.</p> <p> </p> <p>Very ncie meal and close to Aloha Friday.  If you are coming to Kauai or maybe you are here and reading this, make sure you put J.J.'s Broiler on your list of places to eat a meal out.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Sat, 21 May 2011 02:29:35 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2308785/j-j-s-broiler-kalapaki-beach-on-kauai http://activerain.com/blogsview/2304761/plumeria-lesson Plumeria Lesson <p><em style="text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;">Plumeria Lesson</em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>  <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/7/8/4/7/ar130577809274878.JPG" height="203" alt="" width="270" style="float: right; border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p>We have lived in our house now for almost four years.  My wife and I love to garden.  We have a vegetable garden and Carol has three flower beds.  In the yard she has planted a plumeria tree.  Every year we wait and can hardly wait to see if it blooms.  A friend suggested we plant another tree close to the old one.  So this year she planted another variety of plumeria about eight feet from the oldest one.  Well - it finally bloomed!  It took patience and being willing to listen to someone that was an expert in growing this type flower.</p> <p> </p> <p>Being in Real Estate I have found that these same qualities are necessary in order to help clients find a property or sell their investment.  So often clients want to see results right now.  Like growing plumeria there is a process that takes time and sometimes seeking an expert is necessary.  The expert can reduce the time it takes to get results.  Chances are if Carol and I had not sought help, we would have given up and tried again at a later time.  The same thing happens so often to individuals that start searching for a property.  They want to do it themselves.  Because the process can be complicated they get frustrated and give up.  Calling a Realtor® is not hiring a Realtor®.  A Realtor® can answer your questions, but more importantly if you hire a Realtor® they will respond on your behalf and counsel, to help navigate the process to a successful conclusion.  It is a choice.  </p> <p>Looking at buying or selling a property?   Talk to a Realtor® you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.</p> <p><img title="Plumeria " src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/1/5/7/ar130577828375142.jpg" height="203" alt="Plumeria" width="270" style="vertical-align: bottom; border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Thu, 19 May 2011 00:18:20 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2304761/plumeria-lesson http://activerain.com/blogsview/2300645/hanapepe Hanapepe <p>Hanapepe</p> <p> </p> <p>If you visit Kauai the highway system takes you through most small communities.  Hanapepe is the place to be on Fridays nights.  They have food booths, live music, crafts and live music.  The main focus is their Arts Center.</p> <p> </p> <p>Each Friday Old Hanapepe Road comes alive with energy.  All the art studios are open for people to view and talk with the artists.  As you walk you can smell the food cooking and hear keiki (children) playing.  All the small communities have something to offer visitors but just as important they sustain the culture that make Kauai so very special.  Go to Hanapepe shop at their small stores engage the owners in conversation and you will take a piece of Kauai home with you that will call you back.  That something is a local Hawaiian friendship.</p> <p> </p> <p>Coming to Kauai?  Make sure to spend a Friday evening in Hanapepe.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:11 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2300645/hanapepe http://activerain.com/blogsview/2297416/valuation-index Valuation Index <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Valuation Index</span></em></strong><img title="Home Price Index" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/4/2/8/ar130546921582445.jpg" height="180" alt="Value Index" width="250" style="float: right;"></p> <p> </p> <p>Reading this weekend some articles about investing in the stock market.  When I finished I began thinking about about how emotional people get in selling or buying a property.  The seller thinks about ALLLLL the money they have put into the house to make it look, smell and feel the way they wanted it too.  A buyer looks at the same house and does not like the look, smell or feel of the property and ALLL the money they will have to spend to fix it up to where they are comfortable.</p> <p>These emotions are the ones that have to be dealt with realistically for a property to change hands.  With out some medium or overwhelming emotion of wanting a property and being willing to pay whatever it takes the change in ownership is not going to take place.  Whether selling or buying without representation this process can get very complex and good people's feelings can be hurt.</p> <p> </p> <p>If you are looking for a property use the Valuation as a medium.  County or State government in most States levy a property tax based on current values.  It is NOT the magic number.  It is a beginning point.  Here is why.  If a person buys that property the record will show the basis for how the amount of property tax that can be expected.  Values go up.  We have recently seen where they will go down.  Governments are shoring up their budgets now computing the levy that will be applied to the value index to fund their budgets.  Undoubtedly, the amount of tax can change given the work they are doing.  The fact remains the equation will be used with the property value.</p> <p>A private appraisal of a property will give an even more up to date Value Index.  (Unless closing with cash, an appraisal will be part of the documents needed for closing.  Why waith?)  Having a documented starting point gives a seller an estimate of what the return on their investment will be.  It tells a buyer the approximate dollars it will take to get the property.  The emotions will still be involved, but will be focused around the starting point not on speculation.  If you want a stock you can buy it today or wait to see what the market does.  If you want to sell a stock you can sell today or wait to see what the market does.  With a property, unless taken off the market, it will sell.  It will sell at a price a willing seller and buyer come up with.  That basis will begin around the Value not the emotion.</p> <p> </p> <p>Realtor® are trained professionals that can help market and negotiate a successful property transaction.  Most sales start or will end up with their advice sooner or later.  Take the time to know the market before jumping in or use some time getting to know a Realtor® and hire them to help navigate the realty process.  This is no different than buying stocks on your own or having a financial advisers helping in the process.  There is money to be made and LOST riding in the balance.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Sun, 15 May 2011 10:22:55 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2297416/valuation-index http://activerain.com/blogsview/2295871/grass-is-always-greener Grass is Always Greener <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Grass is Always Greener</span></em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Several years ago I had a friend ask me to come over to help work in his yard.  This is one of my hobbies and I had the time so I went to help.  When I arrived I learned the project he was wanting help with was fertilizing his yard.  I thought this should be a quick job.  My friend could use a hose and do the back and I could use the other to do the front.  Wrong!  He brought out some stakes and string along with a one hundred foot measuring tape!</p> <p>He had read the directions that said the application for his liquid fertilizer was for so many square feet.  You guess it.  We laid the yard out with the stakes and string so he knew how many square feet he was applying the fertilizer too.  He was afraid of overlapping that would cause the lawn to streak.  I was thinking, "What the heck.  This is going to take forever!"  I always mix the fertilizer to the dilution stated and go.</p> <p>Each square got its fair share.  When we were through he started undoing the string and rolling it up.  I asked him if he would be fertilizing again this year he said, "yes."  (In my mind I knew I would be busy next time!)  His yard did not streak, his grass was lush green and he won the "Best Landscaped Yard" that summer.  As for me, my yard was green, did not notice any streaking and everyone seemed to enjoy the yard when we had guests.</p> <p>This is a true story!  What is the lesson learned?</p> <p>Aloha!  </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Sat, 14 May 2011 02:45:28 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2295871/grass-is-always-greener http://activerain.com/blogsview/2293807/265-lb-goal 265 lb. Goal <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">265 lb Goal</span></em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Growing up I was a very lucky teenager!  My family had some bad things happen and I became a ward of a court.  Not many teenagers are being sought as foster children.  Boy, was I ever blessed.  I remember leaving the courthouse with my new foster mom, Juanita Hannibal.  She took me home to a huge house.  She opened the door for me and my eyes about popped out of my head when I saw the WHITE carpet!!  I walked in and a gentleman stood up and said, "Hi Bob, My name is Russ Hannibal.  Welcome to our home."</p> <p>My foster family came complete with a foster brother and sister.  I shared a car with my foster brother.  (That was cool.)  A 1966 two door Malibu.  </p> <p>Sports had been my focus growing up to stay away from home I guess.  Football and track became my specialties.  In order to play sports I had to eat well.  Man was I in the right place.  Mom would fix fried chicken or a big pot roast dinner.  I tore into it.  Could hardly wait for dessert to be over and I would run into the bathroom, jump on the scales to see what I gained!  Wanted to play my last year of high school football at 265lbs.  I weighed 168, so my work was cut out for me!!</p> <p>Mom asked me one day, "Bob C. have you ever heard of left overs?"  8-)  The rest of the family developed a saying at the table when I would ask if anyone wanted more of a dish on the table.  They would say, "Not right now!!"</p> <p> </p> <p>Well I hit 265lbs. when I was 50!  Moved past that by a bit today.  Whenever I hear someone talking about their weight now it is usually about getting back to some number.  Mine is 225.  Here is the difference.  My goal is 225 by the end of September 2011!  <em style="font-weight: bold;">Goals are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">so</span> important.  </em>They are the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">very essence</span> of a fulfilled life.</p> <p><strong>GOALS HAVE to HAVE A TIME FRAME SO THEY ARE MEASURABLE!!!  8-)</strong></p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Fri, 13 May 2011 00:40:44 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2293807/265-lb-goal http://activerain.com/blogsview/2291947/how-do-i-handle-this-load- How Do I Handle This Load? <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How Do I Handle This Load?</span></em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>As a young Marine Radio/Loadmaster on KC-130F transports, I endured the simplistic training in order to master my Military Occupational Specialty.  The most basic!  Marine, "This is an airplane."  Looking back I smile at the time I thought, "Wow"!  As the training moved from simple it turned into a test of discipline and sacrifice in order to complete the 13 week program.  There were times I asked myself, "How do I handle this load?"  Following graduation I was assigned a squadron, VMGR-252 in Cherry Point, North Carolina.  It did not take long for the pressure of deciding how to take a load safely, help figure fuel load, perform a weight and balance for the aircraft and secure the load properly sank in.  If I did not perform, if I did not determine how to handle a load properly, an aircraft and all the lives on board were in my hands.  I relied on my training and observed senior loadmasters not only in the Marine Corp but the Air Force.  After a year, I was selected to instruct at the Airborne Radio Operator/Loadmaster training facility.</p> <p>Over my enlistment the challenges of each day in making good people decisions and loading decisions became somewhat second nature.  I developed a routine.  I thought I had it ALL down.  Then I was confronted with a pressure load that had the end result of leaving a helicopter behind in a foreign country or being able to get them both on my airplane and returned to a United States military base.  I had loaded a helicopter before so that was not a problem.  Now I had two that had to go in one trip.  It had to be done in away to keep the KC130-F balanced.  Long story short.  I pulled one helicopter in frontwards and swung the tail to a side.  I backed the other one on and slid both sets of top rotor blades onto the floor through the legs of both helicopters.  My confidence went to a higher level.</p> <p> </p> <p>Years have passed since I was that young Marine.  The lessons I learned by pausing and asking myself, "How will I handle this load" continues to serve me well today.  That short pause to think and recall past experineces or training before making a decision can prove vital.  Today I make decisions on how to best help my clients market or buy a home.  It is easy to fall into a routine and act like I have all the answers.  The reality is each client presents new opportunities to ask, "Bob, How do you handle <span style="text-decoration: underline;">this</span> load"?</p> <p> </p> <p>As a home owner thinking about selling or a buyer considering purchasing a new home there are many decisions to make in order to accomplish your goal.  Some might feel some anxiety due to not liking to work with a Realtor®.  Some might be interviewing or developing a strategy of buying or selling on your own.  Wherever you might be in the process you are subconsciously asking yourself, "How do I handle this load?"  There will be a conclusion drawn.  There is nothing second nature about finding or selling a home.  Consult with a person that has experience that can take you from simplistic through the challenging to get you life changing results.  A Realtor® has been seasoned to be part of the process.  Realtors ® are trained to help people find answers to their questions.  They can shorten the road by handling some of the load.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Thu, 12 May 2011 01:52:27 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2291947/how-do-i-handle-this-load- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2287830/check-please Check Please <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Check Please</span></em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Had a wonderful breakfast at Tiano's in Lihue Saturday morning.  Had my usual Loco Moco, sourdough toast and coffee.  Our waitress was all a person could expect.  Listened well, served food hot and kept the coffee cup full. When we were finished with our breakfast she asked if we needed anything else, and I said we just need our <strong>check please</strong>.  (If you come to Kauai try Tiano's and ask for Marissa!)</p> <p> </p> <p>As a pilot flying back from Sante Fe, New Mexico to Wichita, Kansas one winter evening the sun was setting and I began to see signs in the sky that indicated a weather change.  I continued on until it got dark.  No longer could I see the clouds so I radioed Flight Watch to get an up to date weather briefing.  What I heard was not good.  Wichita ceilings were below the necessary 200 feet AGL ( Above Ground Level) I needed to land using an instrument approach.  I checked Salina.  Same ceilings.  I was close to Garden City and Dodge City so I checked their current conditions.  Dodge City, being a little further east than Garden City the ceiling was falling.  Things were not looking good for me as I was in a single engine aircraft, at night with weather deteriorating.  I asked for vectors for an approach into Garden City.  The traffic controller asked if I wanted the current conditions in Garden City.  I responded I have no choice but to land in Garden City and for him to go ahead and <strong>check please</strong>.  The weather report was calling for a ceiling now at 200 feet in Garden City.  That was my minimum height for a successful instrument landing.  No options, I pulled the power on the engine and made my descent onto the approach.  Flying with unwavering attention to my instruments, sweat breaking and running off my forehead and my palms sweating I maintained strict adherence to the approach.  My plane reached 200 feet.  I could not see the runway lights.  My wings were taking rime ice and my engine began to lose power with the added weight.  I had no choice put to keep the nose of the airplane down to maintain enough airspeed to keep my plane from stalling.  It was still dark in front of the plane.  At 50 feet above the ground all of a sudden I saw the strobe lights of the runway.  The plane was not handling well because of the ice but I managed to make the verrrry end of the runway.  The plane rolled about 30 feet... and stopped.</p> <p> </p> <p>Recently, I was doing a listing for a commercial lot.  The lot was well shaded and could be shown as is.  The owners asked for the lot to be mowed and if I could please check.  Not normally doing this type research I told them I would try.  After calling several services and getting bids the lot was finally mowed.  I contacted the owners and asked if they would send a <strong>check please</strong>. </p> <p> </p> <p>Different circumstances using the same words - <strong>check please</strong>.  Different emotions with different results.  With these two words - <strong>check please -</strong> the outcomes we have for our clients can make all the difference in a successful close.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Tue, 10 May 2011 02:16:52 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2287830/check-please http://activerain.com/blogsview/2285571/hawaii-foreclosure-senate-bill-651-becomes-law Hawaii Foreclosure Senate Bill 651 Becomes Law <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Hawaii Foreclosure Senate Bill 651 Becomes Law</span></em></strong></p> <p> </p> <p class="storytext" style="font-size: 12px;">Senate Bill 651 (Known as Act 48), overhauls Hawaii state law on nonjudicial foreclosures the most common foreclosure filing in the State.</p> <p class="storytext" style="font-size: 12px;">The law stipulates increased advance notice with an option for the homeowner to go before a state judge if the lender appears to be foreclosing improperly.  Home owners now have the option to conduct mitigation with their lender with a neutral third party (Dispute Resolution Professional).</p> <p class="storytext" style="font-size: 12px;">This bill will not help everyone.  The homeowner has to have a means of making payments before this bill will help them.  So individuals out of work will probably not benefit from this legislation.</p> <p class="storytext" style="font-size: 12px;">RealtyTrac records indicate close to 24,000 foreclosure actions have been initiated in Hawaii over the past two years.</p> <p class="storytext" style="font-size: 12px;">Under the new law Condominium Associations can collect past due assessments up to seven thousand two hundred dollars.  The law also requires mortgage companies with a twenty per-cent market share to have a local office. </p> <div><span style="font-size: 12px;">The Legislature passed the bill May 8, 2011, and Gov. Abercrombie signed it two days later. with the Governors signature a moratorium on any nonjudicial foreclosures until October 1, 2011 at the latest.</span></div> <div><br></div> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Mon, 09 May 2011 01:10:34 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2285571/hawaii-foreclosure-senate-bill-651-becomes-law http://activerain.com/blogsview/2283188/two-habits-to-success Two Habits to Success <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Two Habits to Success</span></em></strong></p> <p>As we look around today there are many professionals making a living on how to motivate, manage, sell more, be confident, and the list goes on.  Billions of dollars are spent every year by people wanting to get the inside scoop and fast track to the "good" life.  I have spent a few hundred to be honest!</p> <p>My philosophy to success was formulated at an early age.  Coming from a single parent home and eventually into foster care I had time to experiment and I eagerly sought out the meaning of "love" and a sense of being.  As a seventh grader I had my first business.  Mowing some 24 homes in a new subdivision in Topeka Kansas.  I owned a fiberglass Lawn Boy mower (they green then too) with a bagger.  For $$3.00 I would mow, catch, bag, trim edges and sweep up. That was my day job.  About four or five in the afternoon some of my football buddies and I were off to the hay fields to haul hay until early morning when the dew started getting heavy.</p> <p>While serving in the Marine Corp. (that was a life changing experience) I became one of the youngest Marines to become an instructor at the Airborne Radio Operator Loadmaster School in Cherry Point, North Carolina.  Played football for 13 years starting every game.  Went to college taking 17 to 18 credit hours a semester while working 40 hours having a wife and daughter.</p> <p>The last event I mentioned was having a daughter.  Read again where I came from above.  Now I had the responsibility of raising a child.  Where are the books.  The average length of a marriage then was less than two years.  I had been driven, but never stopped to analyze what made me get up and go everyday.  It was during that analysis phase I came upon my Two Habits.</p> <p>1.  <strong>ALWAYS DO MY BEST</strong>.  Do not even think about stopping short no matter what happens.</p> <p>2.  <strong>ALWAYS TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY I WANT TO BE TREATED. </strong> (This one still keeps the edge on me!)</p> <p> </p> <p>When my wife, Carol, and I talked about how we would raise our children these two rules were it.  They were taught to always do <span style="text-decoration: underline;">their</span> best whatever they did.  (Not what my wife or I defined as best.)  They were taught to be conscious of what they did and said in interacting with family, friends or being in publc.  We have three daughters.  Our oldest is a happy stay at home mom.  Our middle daughter is studying to be an attorney.  Our youngest daughter is a manager for Payless Shoes.  They all deal with the realities of life, and yes, they have two habits that guide them still today.  (We are blessed to have grand children now that are being taught these habits.)</p> <p> </p> <p>The Habits seem simplistic.  They serve me well today.  They are serving my family members well.  Maybe if a person is truly looking for some life changing ideas my Two Habits to Success might serve them well too.  Life is complicated, but getting through a day can be simple if we have at least Two Habits.</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Sat, 07 May 2011 03:23:40 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2283188/two-habits-to-success http://activerain.com/blogsview/2281727/how-close-is-too-close-for-termites- How Close is Too Close for Termites? <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">How Close is Too Close for Termites?</span></em></strong></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/5/4/6/ar130466287664556.JPG" height="218" alt="" width="290" style="vertical-align: text-bottom; border: 1px solid black;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/9/1/7/ar130466296371959.JPG" height="218" alt="" width="290" style="vertical-align: text-bottom; border: 1px solid black;"></p> <p> </p> <p>Carol was showing me some pictures tonight of the sunflowers she has growing in the backyard.  As I was looking at the pictures a couple of thoughts came to mind.  The red bird feeder is full of sunflower seeds that attracts several families of birds.  Once the sunflower has matured I wonder if the birds will prefer the fresh grown or the store bought? </p> <p>The other thought I had is if the birds will prefer the sunflower closest to the house or the one that is further away?    (Will be a while before I have these answers!)</p> <p> </p> <p>Landscape of a home has an impact on it's saleability.  A home has to have curb appeal.  But for some areas of the United States and especially here in Hawaii, there is a very dangerous insect that loves homes.  Homes with wood in them!  Yes, you probably are on to me, it is the termite.  While I was pondering the birds dilemma it reminded me of a lesson I learned regarding landscape and termites.  </p> <p>There are two types of termites for a homeowner to be concerned about.  Flying and ground.  Since I am talking landscape I will focus on the ground termite for this post.  A ground termite does not concern itself with the proximity of flower or fauna to a home.  It will send out scouts in a yard and to find the log pile, wooden sheds, stored lumber near the ground and the jack pot being a house.  If a home has landscape too close to their home whether it is on a slab, crawl space or basement visual detection of ground termites is substantially reduced.  It is recommended that landscaping be kept far enough from a foundation to be able to visually see anything that resembles a dirt tube coming from the ground.  That is more than likely a termite tunnel to their "pot of gold".</p> <p>Anyway, just like the birds will have some decisions about which sunflower to eat from, which seed they will eat, fresh or store bought a termite has to decide about a lumber pile, firewood stack, trees, a door threshold or a whole house!  Birds searching for food in a yard is entertaining.  Termites seeking food in a yard can be surprisingly devastating.  Keep an eye out!!</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Fri, 06 May 2011 03:12:47 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2281727/how-close-is-too-close-for-termites- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2277732/may-day-by-the-bay- May Day by the Bay! <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">May Day by the Bay!</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Well, Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading this post!!</p> <p> </p> <p>Kauai is having a big party for Mother's Day at Waioli Beach Park Hee Rd Hanalei, HI.</p> <p><span id="content_labelPOIID">Here is a link to find out more -   <a href="http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/may_day_by_the_bay.html" title="Mayday by the Bay" target="_blank">http://www.kauaifestivals.com/festivals/may_day_by_the_bay.html</a></span></p> <p> </p> <p>If you are here and love Traditional Hawaiian Music, culture events, dance or eating this is the event.  Kauai is not one of the islands that is inexpensive.  That is what makes this event the best.  Cost of admission is a $5.00 donation per person!!</p> <p>Living on Kauai I like to pass along events and things to see so people can  experience all Kauai offers without investing a fortune.  The reality of Kauai is our visitors help us stay "green."  8-)  We want everyone to learn about a wonderful heritage that makes Kauai what it is.  If traveling to the other islands the same holds true.  For those that can respect and feel the Aloha that has sustained these islands another trip will not happen soon enough.  If there is someone you know that is currently here on Kauai or may be coming this week, pass this along.</p> <p>We do not have ActiveRain Camps in Hawaii yet.  If you come I will guarantee you a Rainbow!</p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Wed, 04 May 2011 01:27:10 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2277732/may-day-by-the-bay- http://activerain.com/blogsview/2273633/kauai-port-allen-sunset-bar-and-grill Kauai - Port Allen Sunset Bar and Grill <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kauai - Port Allen Sunset Bar and Grill</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p>My wife, Carol, and I was out viewing listings on the west side of Kauai last week.  We both love going to local restaurants we run across.  As we were driving through Eleele we turned at the stop light (the only stop light!) to drive through the harbor.  We passed a strip mall that had various shops and tour businesses.  As we turned toward the harbor we saw a sign "Port Allen Sunset Bar and Grill".</p> <p> </p> <p>Well, we did not make it to the harbor.  We stopped to see what was on the menu and found we were in time for the last thirty minutes of Happy Hours.  (Full hours are 4 - 6 PM)  We ordered some drinks and pupu's (appetizer's) while we discussed the menu.  As the sun began to set we ordered dinner, catch of the day for me and coconut shrimp for Carol.  The breeze was blowing gently, we enjoyed talking about the days events and we were treated to a beautiful Kauai sunset.</p> <p>This may seem a little blase.  You see the west side does not have many places for visitors to stay.  Eleele is a drive through community unless a person is doing an ocean activity.  So, when you come to Kauai you will undoubtedly drive through Eleele, turn at the only light, go toward the harbor and you too will see this sign, "Port Allen Sunset Bar and Grill."  Remember if you are there from 4-6 PM it is Happy Hour.  If you stay for dinner a memorable Kauai sunset will cap off your day! </p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><a href="http://www.buykauainow.com" title="Kauai Real Estate" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/4/1/2/ar128672706821433.jpg" height="88" alt="" style="vertical-align: top; margin-top: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 0.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" width="150"></a>  Bob Courtney RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div style="margin-top: 2px; height: 66px; width: 158px; overflow: hidden;"> <div><a href="http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Kauai-County-HI/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 11px; width: 130px; height: 28px; display: inline-block; padding: 0; color: #3366bb; text-decoration: underline;"> <span class="region">Kauai County</span> real estate</a></div> <div style="line-height: 11px;"> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" title="Zillow.com real estate" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; margin-top: 5px; height: 17px; text-align: left; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> <img src="http://www.zillow.com/widgets/GetVersionedResource.htm?path=/static/images/logo_zillow_small.gif" alt="Zillow.com real estate" style="border: 0;"> </a> <a href="http://www.zillow.com/webtools/widgets/NewestForSaleHomes.htm#%7Bscid=gen-wid-sale&scrnnm=Bob-Courtney%7D" target="_blank" style="display: inline-block; color: gray; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-size: 7pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Get this widget</a> </div> </div> </div> Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) Mon, 02 May 2011 02:24:45 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2273633/kauai-port-allen-sunset-bar-and-grill