Destination Kapalua Maui - Mercedes Golf Championships January - 01/07/07 01:32 PM
Held at the Plantation Course at the Kapalua Resort in Maui each year, this tournament bring some of golf's biggest names.  Unfortunately with Tiger's baby on the way and Michelle Wie preparing for the Sony Open, two of my favorite names are not present.  The Mercedes-Benz Golf Championships are the creme de la creme of golf, in a an extraordinary setting. No cameras were allowed during play time so the best I could do was to get the in-laws and my son under the merchandise sign.
On the other hand, my son got a big kick out of seeing Vijay Singh shoot one … (3 comments)

Dude! Surf's UP!!! Makapu'u and Sandy Beach, EAST Shore Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii - 01/07/07 02:37 AM
When I read the paper this morning, there was no mention of impending high surf on the South Shore of Oahu. Not that I was looking for it since winter months are the time for Oahu's North Shore to shine whether it be the Triple Crown of Surfing,  or Eddie Aikau Big Wave International Surf Contests.  Granted Eddie Aikau's contest takes place when the waves are 20+ feet or more.... but it sure was big for the South Shore today!
I grabbed the camera after I dropped my client's off because I have not seen this is some time.  8 - 10 foot waves … (13 comments)

Brilliant Marketing or Dim Agent? - 01/06/07 08:09 PM
 
In my day I have had the pleasure of dealing with some of the most intelligent people in real estate around.  Today was not that day. I got reeled in like a fish! After showing a home that appeared to be in excellent condition,, with no major WARTS, my clients were ready to put down an attractive cash offer.  The home is owned by a Listor/Agent.  As always, for the benefit of my client, I try to squeeze as much information out of the Listor/Agent as possible.  What is her background, experience,  how long has the house been on the market, why are you moving, … (2 comments)

Buying a Home in Hawaii? Understand a bit how they are built. - 01/06/07 12:11 PM
Buying a home in Hawaii has many different nuuance to how the decision should be made.  First it's the where are far as areas, Windward, East Shore, South Shore, Leeward or North Shore.  Once you determine that then you choose a neighborhood or a micro-environment (since they have all sorts of different nuances) then you begin looking at homes.  Not everyone thinks about construction much on our homes until they get inside them.
You see Hawaii, in the established neighborhoods, is comprised primarily of older construction, usually 1950 - 1975.  Most of the homes built during this period are single wall construction.  Some … (0 comments)

Coming to Live in Hawaii? A Strategy for Relocation Success. - 01/06/07 02:00 AM

Moving to Hawaii is a little like moving to another country.  We have many different cultures, many different customs and a hundred little neighborhoods to experience them all in. Some people come to Hawaii knowing exactly where they want to purchase.  They have the advantage of traveling many times to the island or may take a friend or relative's word for a neighborhood. 
If you have never lived in Hawaii, be assurred that each individual's experience is unique.  Each experience is never repeated because of the many differences and nuuance the island hold.  One resource you might find helpful for rounding … (0 comments)

So You Want to Become a Realtor - 01/05/07 05:29 AM
Looking at real estate as an industry and as a profession can be a pretty intimidating thing.  Unless your family was involved in investing and bought multiple properties, chances are you hadn't been exposed to much of the how to's of the profession.  It took me years of consideration before I finally decided to take the plunge and if I can share with you a few things I've learned along the way, I hope it will help you undertand what it's like to start and how you can be successful.
In this land of over 6300 licensee's what you won't hear when … (19 comments)

My Philosophy of Working in December has CHANGED! - 01/05/07 04:09 AM
 
If your market is anything like mine, you'll appreciate what December does to people and the subsequent New Year.  Agents go in to hiding, some disappear entirely, others call you from God knows where and some just don't bother.  There are some that are still their perky happy selves answering calls, returning calls promptly and showing property, but for the most part I notice a distinct absence of regularity during the holidays.
This year I worked full steam through the holidays (with a day of rest here and there) and found it to be pretty invigorating, in particular, today when I was … (2 comments)

Buying a Home in Hawaii - Leasehold vs Fee Simple - 01/05/07 03:09 AM
 
 
There are two types of property ownership in Hawaii.  One, called Leasehold and the other Fee Simple.  Both have something to offer and each is incredibly different.  Buyers and investors alike are likely, at least initially to consider both types of purchases.  All buyers considering real estate purchases in the State of Hawaii should be completely aware of the type of conveyance that is taking place. 
Fee Simple Ownership is a property that is conveyed with no obligation to the previous owner.  You buy the property outright with no strings attached after the sale has recorded under the terms and conditions … (7 comments)

How Do You Gauge Success? - 01/03/07 05:13 AM
 
When I first started in the world of business I equated success as having the top title and the biggest paycheck.  It took me a lot of hard work, a loss of my personal life and cost me a lost relationship.  Once I achieved the goal I thought I wanted I realized not only was it an empty goal, but it was a goal that once acheived left me feeling unfulilled, unhappy and looking to reinvent myself.
It also made me look at what I considered success with a more detached eye.  A chance to analyze it, to look at people I felt were … (6 comments)

Honolulu Hawaii - Arriving on the island of Oahu - 01/03/07 04:00 AM
 
Honolulu is one of my favorite cities on the planet.  I've lived and worked here for almost 30 years and can't imagine living anywhere else. It's what I consider a true cosmopolitan city.  We are ranked 5th in the nation for having a mixed race population which gives the island a flair and flavor rarely found in other cities. I do travel a fair amount to outer islands, the mainland and out of country, but there is no airport I'd rather arrive at than the Honolulu International Airport.  Our average  daily temperature is 80 degrees, sun is our middle name and we have some of … (3 comments)

Hawaii Kai - Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii - Living in the 'BURBS... - 01/01/07 05:35 PM
About six miles from Kahala and 8 miles from Diamond Head is a well-populated suburban community called Hawaii Kai.  Hawaii Kai is one of the most popular, family oriented neighborhoods located on Oahu's southwest shore.  It has everything you need, from shopping to great restaurants and it is easy to just stay out here and almost never travel back to "Town" (the busier areas of Honolulu).
There are several neighborhoods included in Hawaii Kai,  Kalama Valley (in the valley of course), Queen's Gate (many homes on the Hawaii Kai Championship Golf Course) and Koko Villas (brand new  construction as of 2005) are all located near … (3 comments)

Kahala - Peaceful Sophisticated Island Living, Honolulu, Oahu Hawaii - 01/01/07 01:43 PM
 
Near the slopes of Diamond Head exists a neighborhood with probably the largest  quantity of nice level lots on the island.  Kahala is known as the creme de la creme of the best places to live on Oahu.  It's regal homes exemplify some of the pricier pieces of property in an area that is inhabited to a degree by part time residents who come the the islands for a few weeks. 
Kahala has seen a revolution of sorts.  Once predominatly inhabited by Kama'aina (local people) progress and the Japanese boom in real estate back in the 1980's changed the face of the … (5 comments)

 
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Kelly Mitchell Partner, (RA),Founder AgentCaffeine.com

Honolulu, HI

More about me…

Kelly Mitchell at Elite Pacific

Address: Elite Pacific Properties, 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Suite 191, Honolulu, HI, 96815

Office Phone: (808) 384-7165

Cell Phone: (808) 384-7165

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