One of my best friends sent me a bracelet when my daughter Mealoha found out she had breast cancer. It was inscribed “Keep the f*** going.” Little did I know that Mealoha had the same bracelet. I mention it because, not only has it become (of necessity) my personal mantra for over seven years, it’s what she would compel me/us to do.
If you attended her service, you should know that it was as she requested. It was a true celebration of my beautiful child, and a life lived fully, lovingly, and completely. She made us all proud.
As our Team Manager, she helped implement systems that allowed us to continue our work seamlessly, and though things will never be the same without her, our Team is poised to complete 2019 according to plan…at the top. Thank you all for being part of our extended o`hana. Your continued love and support will keep us moving forward. Real estate in East Hawai`i is strong.
With the Christmas selling season upon us, it’s time to repeat the advice I’ve given about buying and selling during this exciting time of the year…
A Home For The Holidays
It’s that time again! It’s time to remind sellers that, especially in Hawai`i, property does, in fact, sell during the holidays! Conventional wisdom would indicate that the holiday season would be the worst time to sell. In Hawai`i, however, this has not historically been true. While home sales in the rest of the nation lag during the holidays, here in Hawai`i, the period between Thanksgiving and the New Year is one of our heaviest selling seasons.
Wanna know who looks at property during the holiday season? Buyers, not lookers, that’s who! It makes perfect sense. Because so many of our buyers are traveling from off-island, they tend to combine their buying trip with their holiday break. Local buyers usually have extra time off during the holidays as well. You can bet the ones who take time out during this hectic time are very serious.
Decking The Halls
If selling your home is on your “to-do” list for 2019, you may want to back your time table up a bit. After all, think about how much nicer your home will show with the holiday decorations. Take time to bake those holiday cookies; that “homey” smell helps create a sense of nostalgia. It’s a great “staging” opportunity. It helps mentally move a buyer into the home….which is exactly where you want them to be during this busy selling season! Buyers can be sure that sellers willing to list at this busy time of year are very serious.
Buyers, Have You Been Naughty or Nice?
Buying opportunities are still great but one word of caution to buyers; be careful that your Christmas shopping does not give you a “holiday hangover.” Just $100 of additional credit card debt will impact the amount of mortgage you can qualify for by over $15,000. Don’t forget that new debt or credit inquiries might negatively impact your credit score. Prices have stabilized, inventory is excellent, and interest rates still remain near historic lows. These are all reasons that buyers will be buying, and sellers should be selling. So shop ‘til you drop, but don’t forget to book time with your REALTOR®.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Julie Keller
December 15, 2019
Denise, I have always admired your strength and positivity, and with Mealoha’s passing these qualities have continued to shine through you, as well as, your whole family. Mea’s service was beautiful and full of the heart, song and laughter that Mea lived by. Mea’s love and legacy will live on forever in hearts of all the many people who’s lives were touched by Mea. Not only did she bring light to all those who knew her, she also carried this light into her business dealings, and part of her legacy will be remembered by her dedication, contribution and commitment to real industry as a whole. Thank you for bringing her into this world, she made it a better place! Much Love and Aloha to you and your family!