hawaii: It's almost that time to take off till next year!!!!! - 11/21/06 11:13 AM
Every year right after Thanksgiving I make it a point to take the rest of the year off.  Let me re-phrase that, I work much less than normal!  Business seems to slow and I've made enough through the year to just take some quality time off and enjoy where I live, my wife, my dog, and my friends.  A large percentage of our office does the same as well and numbers dont see to drop off all that much.
Thanksgiving is almost here and then it's partial vacation time.  Whooooo Hoooooooo!
Oh did I tell you that it doesn't snow here and that it's … (7 comments)

hawaii: Does your firm allow you to become a partner? - 11/17/06 08:16 AM

Above is a copy of some material used when I got promoted to partner in the 2nd largest real estate firm in the Hawaiian Islands. 
Does your firm open their doors for you?  If not, why not?  You as a realtor is how the firm makes money and stays afloat.  Any thoughts?
(6 comments)

hawaii: "Target" store chain looking to expand to Hawaii - 11/17/06 06:28 AM
Yes this is very exciting news!  We live on an island surrounded by water with very limited chains.  We just got Wal-Mart and K-Mart within the last decade.  Still don't have Target, Ikea, Olive garden, Walgreens, Applebees, and others. 
There are a few articles out but the link below is to an article from Andrew Gomes of the Honolulu Advertiser.  Andrew, who's a personal friend and one of the better writers here in the island normally has his story together without any misleading facts.  http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/17/bz/FP601170349.html  http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jul/07/bz/FP607070339.html
Various local news reported they are moving here in 2008.  Cant wait for the high end … (5 comments)

hawaii: Very small Tsunamis today in Hawaii - 11/15/06 07:48 PM
After having that huge 8.1 earthquake off of Japan.  Hawaii experienced some really weird surges which were considered mini Tsunamis.  The tide which normally takes 8 hours to come in and out was only taking 6 minutes and would do it over and over again.  Really a site to see!!!!  All beaches were closed for a few hours with concerns of current problems with the awkward water movement.
Glad there are no real reports of anyone getting hurt.  ALOHA!
(6 comments)

hawaii: What's your state known for??? - 11/15/06 01:52 PM
Every state like every ethnic group is known for something either different or interesting or maybe even both. 
In Hawaii we are known for our lush tropical beauty, our surf and large waves, hula dancing, beautiful women, Kona coffee, the macadamia nut, pineapples, pigeon slang, ethic diversity, King Kamehameha, Waikiki, and so much more!
I would love to hear what's unique in the place you call home.  Please share!
Also if there is something specific you would like to know more about, please ask.
ALOHA!!!
(8 comments)

hawaii: Re-thinking Hawaii - 11/08/06 06:39 AM
A friend of mine came in from Las Vegas to visit Oahu.  This is his first time here on the island.  To my surprise he doesn't want anything to do with the downtown scene and only wants to sightsee our lush Hawaiian climate and spend the days either driving or at the beach. 
Being a local boy born and raised here all my life, it really opened my eyes as to the things I take for granted.  This made me think about how I might be portraying Hawaii to my mainland clients.  I really think it's time for me to start … (11 comments)

hawaii: Just listen and save all of us time!!!!!!!!!! - 10/27/06 11:17 AM
OK this is another email of me complaining of another realtor.  Don't get me wrong, I know I'm not perfect but there are a few simple things that can be done to help save everyone time!!!
Scenario:  I have a listing that is tenant occupied, unit in very original shape built in the 70's and needs some updating.  MLS shows it being in average condition and in the description it states that it needs work.  On top of this I also have photos of the unit that does not show well at all.  Lastly, I need to be present for all showings … (16 comments)

hawaii: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Help!!!! Might be fun!!!! - 10/25/06 12:04 PM
I've always wanted to make a most frequently asked question and answer material to give out to my clients at our first meeting.  This will also include false perceptions as well.  Kept on thinking about doing this and never did.  It's been 3 years!!!! 
So there I was floating in the water waiting for the next set at Makapuu.  Yes using my time for more productive events!  I thought it might be fun and extremely productive to make a blog on activerain, asking for everyone's insight with this matter to help come up with my sheet that everyone could take from.   
So far the questions and … (4 comments)

hawaii: Massage my back and I'll massage yours??? - 10/23/06 04:00 PM
Every time someone comments on one of my blogs, I feel obligated to visit their site and return the favor by commenting on their blog.  I find it funny how I feel guilty when I don't return the kind gesture. 
Anyone else feel the same way? 
Is this just good ActiveRain manners?
Is it just me? 
(12 comments)

hawaii: Making the best of Open Houses - 10/23/06 03:44 PM
Not sure about the rest of you but I'm still in the building stage of my career.  With the transitional market heading for the worse, it's back to basics for sure.  Open houses were a very large part of where I got my business from in the first few years of Real Estate. 
The following are some of the things I do in both preparing for the open house and post open houses.  Some of what I do is very basic and others a little unique.
Preparing for my open house:
Make and order my open house fliers.  I do a double sided full … (9 comments)

hawaii: Speaking in front of large audiences... - 10/22/06 08:27 AM
I've been asked to speak/mc at various events with audiences ranging from 30 - 500 people and have done this over a dozen times.  I've always been told that I did a great job and always asked back, except for once when I offended 3/4 of the audience.  Hehe I thought the joke was funny but most didn't.  Note the audience was diverse and the young people my age liked it and the rest didn't!!!  Live and learn!
From the first to the last time I still feel just as nervous before going on.  Does anyone have any tips on how they overcame the … (15 comments)

hawaii: "My Happy Home" 2007 Contest "UPDATE" - 10/22/06 08:14 AM
"My Happy Home" 2007 Contest "UPDATE"I posted about a month ago on how great of an idea this was for us on both the Foundation and Real Estate side to do these Calendars for the kids.
There were 3,000 plus students who entered our calendar contest! All entries were fabulous but we had to narrow it down to 36 semi-finalists.  The Semi-finalists' drawings were displayed at the Pearlridge Shopping Center, near Tilt & ASB. Public voting occured where we received thousands of votes for thier favorite drawings.  Winners will be on display at the Kahala Mall from November 5-12.  The "My Happy Home" calendars … (7 comments)

hawaii: Make a Difference Day, What Difference is your Firm Making??? - 10/22/06 07:57 AM
Make a Difference Day is right around the corner on October 28th.  Every year our Foundation will coordinate the function for the year.  In the past we have had Halloween Parties with games, prizes, story telling, and more all for Palama Settlement which is one of the less fortunate areas on Oahu.  We've also built a walkway for a school that really needed one, pulled weeds and painted at various places including the Honolulu Zoo and Sea Life Park.  This year we will be doing some labor again by helping renovating the Easter Seals Facility in Kaimuki.
What do you have … (2 comments)

hawaii: What's your favorite "Home" TV show??? - 10/21/06 08:48 AM
There are so many television shows geared toward homes, decorating, selling, flipping, makeovers, basically you name it, television will have it. 
House HuntersHouse WorthFlip this houseOpen HouseDesigned to SellHow many people actually watch these shows?  Do you think they portray the housing market, real estate, and realtors fairly?  Curious to see what everyone thinks and which may be your favorite.
(10 comments)

hawaii: How did Realtors get by without DVR or TIVO??? - 10/21/06 08:11 AM
I know I'll get a few responses with agents saying that they don’t watch much tv and would rather ready a book.  This post isn't for you!  : )
I'm a huge TV fan and got a DVR "Digital Video Recorder" a couple years back.  With tons of great TV shows on weekly and having a realtor schedule (24/7), before I got one I would miss shows like 24, Greys Anatomy, CSI, Extrme Home Makeover, etc. and kinda be lost for the rest of the season.  Now without the worry of ever missing an episode, all the shows I like are programmed … (2 comments)

hawaii: Cool neighborhood charts of Honolulu - 10/20/06 02:15 PM
Does the firm you work out of provide the tools you need to differentiate yourself from the competition?  Below is just one sample of some very visually attractive charts that are supplied to our agents to help them stand out from the rest.  The charts are available for almost every area on Oahu. 
Curious what your firm has to offer that helps you.  Would love some other ideas.

 
(3 comments)

hawaii: September Market Update for Hawaii - 10/19/06 09:54 PM
Our Research Department just released the most recent Oahu Real Estate Activity Report that I thought you would find valuable in understanding today's real estate climate. This report provides insight on the overall Oahu Real Estate market as well as specific trends that can help you make informed decisions and navigate these changing market conditions successfully.
Keep in mind that while this report shows market activity for general areas on Oahu, each area is made up of several neighborhoods. Since every neighborhood has their own distinct conditions and activity, it is important that you look at the specific neighborhood you live in or … (1 comments)

hawaii: Great Article from the Wall Street Journal October 5th "The Shifting Calculus Of Buying A House" - 10/19/06 09:53 PM
There was a great read from the Wall Street Journal on October 5th titled "The Shifting Calculus Of Buying A House".  It talks about their predictions of which cities will see a falling market and by how much.  The good news, in this article it states that Honolulu Hawaii seems to be fine with only an expected - 0.3% decline.  Our projected peak is 2nd quarter 2007 and our bottom in the 4th quarter 2008.  What this means is they are expecting prices to continue to rise till the 2nd quarter of 2007 then come down .3% 4th quarter a year and a half … (2 comments)

hawaii: Showings that your excited to do... - 10/19/06 06:50 AM
I don’t get very excited showing places as we do it so much, but there is an area of 4 condos right next to Ala Moana that I just love showing!  All 4 condos are newer and have such breathtaking ocean views. 
 
Everytime I need to show either Hokua, Koolani, Nauru, and Hawaiki I feel semi excited. 
Thought of moving there but was afraid the excitement might fade.  That and they are slightly above my price range.  LOL!
Anyone else have an area that they just love showing for some strange reason?
(6 comments)

hawaii: CRS online class - 10/18/06 05:14 PM
I've taken a couple of CRS classes and was extremely happy with them.  I need just 1 credit left to get my designation and there aren't any classes in Hawaii being offered till middle of 2007.  So I decided to take an online CRS class that will give me the credit needed.  So far I'm not all that impressed and it's nothing like I expected.  Thought it would be a video lecture with quizzes.  I was soooo wrong, it's mostly reading material with some activities and quizzes.  Pretty boring!  If I had to do it again I would just wait till next year … (5 comments)

 
Michael DeMello, CRS, ABR, CDPE, e-Certified (Prudential Locations LLC)

Michael DeMello

CRS, ABR, CDPE, e-Certified

Honolulu, HI

More about me…

Prudential Locations LLC

Address: 614 Kapahulu Avenue, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI, 96816

Mobile: (808) 457-0468

A taste of what's on my mind... The PG version.


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