property management: Fall Through the Cracks - 07/17/22 03:32 PM
Just when I thought it was going to be a good day, the phone rings with news that there is an ambulance at one of the properties I manage.   A neighbor says our tenant, Jan, is lying in the yard moaning in pain. 
By the time I arrive, the ambulance has left, but without Jan.  She is in the house according to the neighbor.  The neighbor also tells me that Jan was sprawled out in the yard for quite some time but seemed fine - until the ambulance arrived.  Then she started crying and complaining of numerous aches and pains caused by a crack in the … (4 comments)

property management: Bird's Eye View - 07/03/22 01:13 PM
It is Monday morning and that means I am checking my vacant properties to make sure they are clean and ready to show. As I approach the front door to an 11th floor condo on the beach, I hear strange sounds coming from inside.  They sound similar to rustling papers and grunting.   
I hear police sirens in the distance.  I turn around and look down toward the highway from the exterior walkway.  I can see the flashing lights of the police cars racing in this direction.  Maybe the neighbors already called the police?  Somebody must be in the condo.  The police … (14 comments)

property management: Next of Kin - 06/03/22 07:16 PM
Sam was a nice man, an elderly veteran who suffered from diabetes.  Just as the entire island went into lockdown because of the pandemic, Sam walked out of the apartment he rented from us and collapsed in the building lobby. 
We had just received word that Property Managers had been deemed “essential workers”.  I am no spring chicken so I was nervous about being exposed.  Despite my objections, my attorney said that I needed to get back out there in my mask and gloves and take care of business.  I put the official letter from the Mayor’s office on my truck dashboard, and off I went … (9 comments)

property management: The Contest - 05/31/22 06:48 PM
Every year we have a “Christmas Decorating Contest” and we offer our tenants a cash prize for the best exterior decorations.  Our office staff goes out for our traditional holiday dinner together and everyone is provided with a list of the addresses of those who have entered the contest.   The tenants are instructed to have their lights on for us so we can drive by each one on the way home and vote for our favorites.   It’s a fun time.  
One year, we drove by the home of one of my favorite tenants who decided to enter.  Dan is not a favorite because we have a … (0 comments)

property management: The Stolen Pie - 06/16/18 03:24 PM
When an owner contacts us for management of their property, they usually do not realize that we are interviewing them as they are interviewing us.
For us to accept management of a property, first and foremost, the owner must not be attached to the property or be overly emotional.  They must understand that they are a business owner, an investor that knows the pitfalls of being a Landlord.
Although it is located about a hour from our office, a property owner asked us to take over management of their newly acquired condominium in Honolulu.  We have already been managing another property for her, … (3 comments)

property management: Getting the Crazy Out - 02/13/11 11:38 AM
A young gentleman was looking to relocate to our beautiful island neighborhood from the mainland. He submits an application and is thoroughly screened. He has more than enough income, excellent credit and great references. He signs our Rental Agreement and mails in his security deposit. He will be arriving in Hawaii shortly and we prepare the apartment for his arrival. Now, I know you can’t and shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. (It’s a very good way to get yourself sued for discrimination.) But we weren’t expecting what walked into our office that day. He was well spoken, friendly and … (1 comments)

property management: Bathroom Break - 11/15/10 01:06 PM
I distinctly remember driving along the highway that morning, drinking loads of caffeine, and thinking that things are looking up.  Things are getting better.   I'm feeling good.  It's going to be a great day. 
This is a newly assigned condominium unit and my job today is to meet a contractor there to formulate a work order repair list.   It is some 30 miles away from my home and by the time I get there I really need to use the restroom.
I open the unit and leave my keys, cell phone and handbag on the kitchen counter and head for the bathroom.  I really have to go now.  There is … (2 comments)

 
Sylvia "Elsie" Foster, REALTOR, CRB, CRS, GRI (Foster Realty, Inc.)

Sylvia "Elsie" Foster

REALTOR, CRB, CRS, GRI

Waianae, HI

More about me…

Foster Realty, Inc.

Address: 85-786 Farrington Highway, Waianae, HI, 96792

Office: (808) 696-0774

Mobile: (808) 864-1970

Waianae Real Estate


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