HAWAII VA LOANS | HAWAII REAL ESTATE -What's the FACTS!

WooHoo! You have orders to your next duty station and it's all you've ever dreamed of.....going to that tropical paradise you saw on TV shows and the movies. It's a HAWAII PCS and RELOCATION for you and your family!

It's a magical mystical wonderland with fairies in the woods watching over you and fluttering from each exotic flower to the next. You can live on the beach in a grass shack and drink those Blue Hawaii drinks with the little umbrella in it in the evening while watching the sun set. The hula girls will automatically pop out of nowhere and start doing the hula dance on the beach while in the near distance the surfers are catching their last waves of the day.

ZAP! You awaken to the true reality of it all. You're being proactive in your search for a Hawaii Home or Condo and you don't know where to start. You know it's going to be hard looking for just that right Hawaii Real Estate Agent and Hawaii Loan Officer so just be aware of some myths and facts regarding your Hawaii Home Buying Process.

Myth: The first Hawaii Realtor® you come across while searching the internet is your ‘lucky' pick ...therefore, that one just has to be the one who is going to fulfill all your needs. You fairy tale come true!
Fact: Search the internet for Real Estate Agents that not only have a strong internet presence, but have articles and information that know what they're talking about. Contact and interview a couple of the agents so you know if you will be comfortable with them and if they really know what they're talking about.
Myth: You search for information on Hawaii VA Loans and it appears that all the websites you come across are loan officers who are seemingly working with the Veterans Administration. GONG!
Fact: A VA Loan means that the Veterans Administration guarantees the lender a % should the vet default on their loan. They are not working in the VA Office. Make sure your loan officer is a seasoned loan officer who KNOWS the Hawaii Real Estate Laws and the Hawaii Real Estate Contract as well as their VA Guidelines for your loan.
Myth: If the company has other ‘affiliated' entities (i.e. if it's a real estate company and they use a loan company that is based right in their office...or vice versa) in their office they must be good because they do it ALL. NOT!
Fact: It's a conflict of interest to have real estate, loan company and escrow company that are all in the same office. The buyer is ENTITLED to have a separate entity for all and should not be pressured to use their affiliates. It's like having a loan officer /real estate agent (wears both hats) represent both sides in a transaction. How are they thinking in your best interests?????

It is in your best interests to know who you're working with and get the correct information before you start with your Hawaii VA Loan Process and Buying Your Hawaii Home or Hawaii Condo. There are many things to be aware of before jumping right in. Choosing the RIGHT Realtor® & Hawaii VA Loan Officer, & Hawaii Military Relocation Information may enlighten you just a bit more. Just know that being proactive WAY AHEAD of your scheduled Hawaii PCS will ensure you getting educated and finding the perfect fit for your Hawaii Home Buying with your HAWAII VA Loan Experience.

Note:
The 2010 Honolulu County VA Loan Limit is $700,000. Using the table for your Honolulu County BAH Rates and my Hawaii Home Mortgage Calculator you can let the loan officer know what your budget is for a monthly mortgage. Just because you have great credit and qualify for x amount does not mean you want to afford those monthly payments.
For more information click on the following link to the VA site with their brochure>>>> What VA Does For the Home Buying Veteran
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Want the whole scoop about Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Military Relocations?

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii & serving all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents with the understanding that a listening ear is the key to understanding client's needs.

Hawaii Relocations - Choosing the RIGHT Realtor® & Loan Officer

First of all there are plenty of Realtors® in Honolulu County to choose from. Hmm, last I looked there were about 6,000 on this island alone. So how do you choose a Realtor® who is knowledgeable in Military Relocations & Real Estate and VA Loan/Transaction process?

There are plenty of Loan Officers in Honolulu County as well. Hmm, not sure about the numbers there but I can bet you half are gone since the closing of many loan companies. So, how do you choose a loan officer who is knowledgeable in Military Relocations & experienced in Hawaii Real Estate Contracts, the VA loan process and knows Hawaii Real Estate laws too?

Trick questions? I think not.

Just know that everyone is claiming to be a "VA expert", "Military Relocation Specialist", "Multi Million Dollar Producer" and claims to be an expert in just about anything when it comes to Hawaii Real Estate. Just know one thing -experience in Real Estate first. The caring and understanding and knowing what it's like to Relocate is another. Personality plays a big part in your connection with both Realtor® and Loan Officer.
Just because they advertise so doesn't make it so. Remember that.

I have written many articles on the VA Transaction Process "through THIS Realtor Associate's® eyes"and I yes I do claim to be an expert as well. What I'm trying to get across here are there are certain criteria to look for when looking for that special Realtor® or Local Lender that you will choose to purchase that special home for you and your family once you Relocate to Hawaii.

To start with:

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  If the Realtor® or Loan Officer is promising the world and it sounds too good to be true...it probably is. Question it and get a second opinion.
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  If that Realtor® is not showing you property that is in your criteria then you know something is wrong. You usually can pick up on that sort of stuff while looking online and inquiring with different Realtors® (i.e you are qualified for 350k and they're showing you up to 600k)
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  If that Realtor® or Loan Officer is playing any other role besides their title (i.e. Loan Officer telling the client what to put in the purchase contract and a Realtor® promising an interest rate that is absurd) then you know it's time to get a second opinion.
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  If that Realtor® or Loan Officer continuously brags about 'self' and doesn't bother to listen to your needs, then it's time to move on and interview someone else. You need someone who will listen and give you sound advice. Not someone who keeps talking about themselves.
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  If that Realtor® or Loan Officer is not thinking in your best interests and is continuously pushy even though you've told them you're working with someone else; then you know this person is only thinking of one thing. That paycheck.
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  If that Realtor® or Loan Officer is trying to sway you to a different loan program besides the VA Guaranteed Loan program question why and get a second opinion. For the military vet there is no question that a VA loan is literally the best 100% financing program there is for the Military Relocating to Hawaii who are serious about Hawaii Home Buying.
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  If a Realtor® or Loan Officer is bad mouthing another peer for no reason...just know that there is most likely an ulterior motive to that scenario and you're not looking to judge their peer but buy a home!

Okay, so we all are out to work and make a living, but there is certainly a difference between making a living and walking all over someone just to make that living. If it's one thing most people have is common sense and they can 'feel' when someone is just talking a good game or being real and genuine in their quest to help you acquire that American Dream of home ownership.

If you're not sure, then keep asking and inquiring until you feel comfortable with your choice for a Realtor® and your loan officer. Remember, this is most likely the most important decision you're making in your lifetime (besides asking her to marry you :) so be sure you're in the right hands.

For more information on the VA Loan Transaction Process, being proactive for your relocation and the Hawaii Housing Market:

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  Good News! October Statistics for Oahu's Housing Market! These statistics will give you an idea of how our market has gone a little down and a little back up again. It's more of a little bit of negotiating market but not much if it's prices right.
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  This Realtors® Perspective: Hawaii Military & the VA Loan These guidelines will help you in preparing for your Hawaii Relocation (or even if you already live here and are purchasing a home) and learning about the transaction process using your VA Guaranteed Loan
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  VA Loans & Hawaii Military Relocations: This Realtors® Process Know the process for your VA benefits and the VA loan process.
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  *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* Don't be shocked when you arrive...get the scoop on the environment, jobs, house hunting, BAH current rates and more!
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  The Art of Hawaii Relocations Expect smaller, different and of course paradise.
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  A Honolulu Hawaii Relocation: Getting Ready With Your "To Do" List In order to have a smooth transition in your Honolulu Hawaii Move, Hawaii Job Transfer & Move or your Honolulu Hawaii Military Relocation you NEED to be proactive!
  One thing is for certain: From start to finish your transaction, loan and escrow process should be a smooth process for you! All who are involved will be working together as a team so when you receive those keys it's a happy time.....moving in to your happy home.

Hawaii VA Loans | This Realtors® Process for Hawaii Military Relocations

Active Duty or Veterans of the Armed Forces have VA Home Loan benefits for their home purchase that have proven beneficial for when it comes to little or no money down loan program. (provided their credit is satisfactory) VA guarantees the Local Lender that they will reimburse the lender a percentage should the veteran default on their loan. The enclosed brochure should be very useful guidelines and loads of information.
The following steps are what this Real Estate Professional does in order to make your Relocation to Hawaii as smooth as possible concerning your real estate transaction and VA Loan Process.
• Speak to a Local Hawaii Lender (if you do not have one I can refer you to a few who are well qualified in the State of Hawaii) to submit your information and get prequalified. While talking to the Loan Officer make sure and let him/her know what you are comfortable with for monthly mortgage payments. After getting prequalified your Realtor® will now know in what price range to search for properties for you.
• Let your agent know what other criteria you are looking for as far as # bedrooms/ # of baths, sq. ft. interior/land, parking, single family or condo/townhouse. Just remember to go over the *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* because this gives pertinent information on what to expect in your Hawaii Relocation.
• Get all your financial paperwork together so you will have it with you when you arrive. (Do not pack your bank statements, W-2’s, LES’s and important documents you will need to submit for your loan!)
• Start your loan process before you get here so you will have everything in place when you submit an offer for a loan. The loan process is the lengthy and of course an important part of the transaction so it is better to be proactive in your process. Your closing costs can be included with your loan so you will have minimal costs to come in with and to close with.
• Appointments are made and off we go in search of your new home! When you decide that you would like to put in an offer we will go through the whole 12 page (plus addendums) contract and submit it to the sellers agent to present to the seller.
• After the offer is accepted the loan process begins. You will meet with your Loan Officer to submit your complete application and submit all documentation needed for your VA Loan process packet. Then it goes to Underwriting to process the initial packet and order the appraisal with their VA approved appraisers.
• The Condominium and/or Subdivision Association Documents should be ordered immediately after acceptance of the offer and in the buyer’s hands within 10-14 days after acceptance. This agent will make copies of the Budget, last three Association minutes and the Property Information form (RR105C) and submit it to the lender. They need this for the VA Loan Guidelines and process for your loan. (these documents will show how the Association budgets their money in reserve. % of owner occupants, any pending concerns or litigation going on and so forth.
• Provided your loan process goes smoothly you should have a Conditional Loan Commitment Letter within the first three weeks in contract. This is an approval of your loan with Conditions. Maybe you need to submit a couple of more documents or the appraisal is not in yet or the survey and termite inspection are not done yet. These are the types of conditions that will be listed on this letter.
• Within two weeks after the Conditional Loan Commitment letter is issued all the conditions should be complete for signing documents with escrow and the loan officer. Not to worry! I attend all signings with you.

In Hawaii, we do not sign at the same time as the Seller due to conflict of interest and we sign approximately four days before recording. After the signing, the loan officer takes the notarized and signed documents to go through processing and within 2.5 days the Lender should have funded the money for your loan to the escrow company. When escrow receives all monies then they will take the documents to the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu to record. By the next business day it will record and we usually get work between 8-10am. At that time, the home is legally yours and I will have already made arrangements and have your keys in hand to open the doors to your new home.

Congratulations!

Hawaii Military Bases, Honolulu Neighborhoods, Hawaii Military Relocations

All branches of the military occupy a large portion of Oahu and I recently put together a Hawaii Military Relocation Package - Schofield Barracks & Wheeler Army Air Field for the Military Relocating & Transferring to Honolulu County Hawaii .

Many military personnel have not been to Hawaii before so they obviously do not know what neighborhood is closest to the Honolulu County Hawaii Military Base they will be stationed. So it is without question they do not know which neighborhood they should look for their next Hawaii Home purchase.

This map details just about all of the Military Bases on Oahu in Honolulu County (the island of Oahu IS Honolulu County) This map should prove very beneficial to start your search for your new home purchase in relation to the your next tranfer station at one of our Honolulu County Hawaii Military Bases.

The H-1 freeway extends from South Oahu to the Leeward side of Oahu, the H-2 freeway extends from the Pearl City cutoff to Wahiawa and the H-3 freeway extends from the Aiea cutoff to the Windward side of Oahu (Kailua/Kaneohe).

More info on Relocating to Hawaii, the VA Loan process for purchasing your Hawaii Home and a special Video and story on a Hawaii Military Relocation and Hawaii Home Purchase come true:

VA Loans & Hawaii Military Relocations: This Realtors® Process Know the process for your VA benefits and the VA loan process.
*Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* Don't be shocked when you arrive...get the scoop on the environment, jobs, house hunting, BAH current rates and more!
Military Transfers & Relocations to Hawaii: A Geographical Shock How do I know? As a former military dependent I moved many times over the years from childhood and later on in adult life. Later on my son joined the military as well.....but moving to Hawaii can be more than just a transfer. Read on!
LIVE on VIDEO: A Hawaii Military Relocation Story Comes to Life Contacted by the fiance of an Active Duty Officer in the Army and subsequently relocating and purchasing their first home before getting married... this is a fairy tale come true of how they met this Realtor-Associate® on the internet.
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It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean and purchasing your Hawaii Home;
let alone to a totally different "world" of people.
But you can do it with a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!

If you're Relocating to Hawaii (regardless if it's near future or just wanting to be proactive for the future) contact me to get started with your search for Hawaii Homes for Sale.



Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, RA, e-PRO / Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, Hawaii

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*All pictures, content, map and information are the property of Celeste "Sally Cheeseman.

Online Hawaii Relocation Package

So....you are Relocating to Hawaii with the Military, a Job Transfer or just want to Retire here in our islands ...... well, you came to the right place for information galore to help you adjust in your move....across the ocean to Paradise.

Your Relocation to Hawaii and Purchasing Your New Home. The following information is basic but pertinent information to go over before you even pack for your transfer and before considering purchasing your Honolulu County (Oahu) home. Moving across the Pacific Ocean to a totally different and diverse culture may be of a shock and you may want to brush up on a few tips to make your transition a smooth one.

• *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* Don't be shocked when you arrive...get the scoop on the environment, jobs, house hunting, BAH current rates and more!
• The Art of Hawaii Relocations Expect smaller, different and of course paradise.
• A Honolulu Hawaii Relocation: Getting Ready With Your "To Do" List Great information to get ready and be proactive in planning your relocation and move to Hawaii!
• VA Loans & Hawaii Military Relocations: This Realtors® Process Know the process for your VA benefits and the VA loan process.
• Honolulu-Hawaii Pet Quarantine: Prepare For Your Hawaii Move! Hawaii is Rabies Free so our laws are strict with incoming pets.
• Oahu and Surrounding Neighborhood Search: Relocations Hawaii A look into how I set you up to receive automatic listings with your own personal webpage to fine tune your criteria for your home purchase
• What's in Your Wallet? This online relocation packet may be informational but I always send out printed booklets as well. It's just ...well....more personal.
• Visitor and Newcomer Safety Tips for Hawaii! Take heed to some safety tips as it will surely make you one proactive person....and it could save you and your family from harm.
• 10 Simple Things for BUYING YOUR HAWAII HOME For one, you will have your own agent (known as a Buyer's Agent) to represent your best interests. Another, leave the work to us and not your friend, family or yourself. It's like having an operation performed by a school teacher. Doesn't work like that.
• HAWAII OPEN HOUSES (RULES WHILE ATTENDING) Sometimes, buyers are under the impression that they are better negotiators and will be able to get a better deal. Read tips for Open Houses because the agent holding the Open House is thinking in the best interests of the seller...not you.

Land Use and other Zoning Laws It is without a doubt that our Hawaiian Islands have little buildable land so it is detrimental to keep all of our zoning and land use laws intact. The majority of our land is Preservation and Conservation land and the following will give you insight

• Preservation & Conservation: Military Land Use on Oahu Hawaii's West Coast The Military's presence and their role with helping to understand the importance of preservation of the land.
• Hawaii (Oahu) Zoning, Special Use and Building Permits Zoning laws, land use and maps of Oahu.
• Hawaii Coastal Land: *Ponder Before Purchasing* Important facts to consider when considering a purchase of Coastal Land.
• Purchasing Hawaii Vacant Land? Ancient Hawaiian Burial Sites and Laws A few 'must knows' when it comes when you come across ancient burial sites.

Neighborhoods in Honolulu County and Market Report too! An insight into the different neighborhoods and what they have to offer. You will also get current market statistics in each community for which I wrote for that period.

• The Market DEPENDS on the Circumstances Doesn't It? Every individual has different needs, circumstances and criteria for purchasing or selling their home. An overview of reasons as well as OAHU (Honolulu County) market report for the island.
• Be Part of the Solution For Your Market; Because "Shift" Always Happens All neighborhoods tell a different story when it comes to current market statistics so in my opinion there is NO nationwide statistics to compare to our Hawaii Market. This article was written last summer although with the other articles you will read you will find out that our market has stabilized. Some may have gone up, down or just remained at level sales prices.
• Relocating to Hawaii? Ewa Gentry & Ocean Pointe Communities Get more bang for your buck in these areas. Ocean Pointe is a newer community (and still growing) with energy efficient homes and central air conditioning and Ewa Gentry is a little older but still have some nicely upgraded and central air in some communities.
• Royal Palm @ Waipio Gentry: Hawaii Relocations Centrally located but still in the North Leeward district this community has stopped building although if you are looking for townhouses there are some reasonably priced ones as well. Across from the Patsy Mink Central Oahu Regional Park this community has an industrial area as well as residential (including Costco!)
• Oahu, Hawaii Relocations: The Waipio Gentry Community, Oahu, Hawaii is another article in this area that will give you an overall view of the Waipio Gentry Community and statistics on single family and townhomes.
• Hawaii Relocations: The Mililani Community on Oahu, Hawaii Central Oahu and a 30 year and growing Master Planned Community with 7 recreation centers, 3 shopping centers, elementary schools, intermediate and high school too. Two sides divide Mililani with the H-2 freeway. Mililani Town and Mililani Mauka. Schofield and Wheeler Bases are 5 to 10 minutes north of Mililani.
• Waikele Community - Homes, Condos & Market - Honolulu County Hawaii 12 townhome communities and 9 single family communities you have it all here in Waikele with the wonderful
• Ko Olina Resort & Marina: Can't Get Any Better Than This! Resort style living by the ocean with its own yacht club too. Check it out if you want luxury living.
• Hawaii Relocation & Move? The Royal Summit & Newtown Communities in Aiea Hawaii The Royal Summit community have all custom built homes that were built to the owners delight. They are all zoned for ONE residential home on each lot and have been building from the 1980's.
• A Bit Above in Wailuna Community - Honolulu Hawaii Relocation Wailuna community on Kaahumanu Street - on the Waiau Ridge.

Honolulu County (Oahu) Weather and Traffic - It is a given that with an island so small and a population of almost one million that we do have peak traffic hours as in any other part of the country. For a look at Oahu's traffic click on the following TRAFFIC CAM to view during peak hours.

• Torrential Rains, Thunder, Lightning, Floods......... and Snow? Only in Hawaii! Though the majority of the time we have our blue sunny skies and tropical atmosphere there are times we get rainy weather and .....yes, snow on the other island

Things to Do, History & Places to See - A three part series for a brief, condensed Points of Interest series to learn a little about our island and our so diverse and full of different cultures and ways of life.

• ActiveRain Guide to Oahu: Points of Interest (Part III)
• ActiveRain Guide to Oahu: Points of Interest (Part I)
• ActiveRain Guide to Oahu: Points of Interest (Part II)
• Our Adventure: The Star of Honolulu Sunset Dinner Cruise

Condo or Townhouse Living: Rules to Follow and Steps to Protect: If you are contemplating downsizing then condo / townhouse living may be an option. With maintenance fees for most associations taking care of the bulk of your homeowner's insurance (common elements), and repairs to the outside, roof, grounds and water/trash and sewere this may just be an option.

• Hawaii Townhouse Living... Responsible Homeowners Take Steps to Protect Owners have responsibilities to fix or report leaks etc. Being proactive to reduce further damage is a must!
• Hawaii Condominium Associations: Rules To Follow! A few pointers to follow your Condo/Townhouse Association Rules. It does make for a nice community.

History of schools and links to Hawaii's Education System A brief look at the history of Hawaii and its school system as well as researching schools and neighborhoods suitable for your family and their Relocation to Hawaii.

• The History of Education and Schools in Hawaii
• Other Links for Education: Department of Education in Hawaii-Hawaii Public Schools has loads of information, forms, reports, technology, special interests, jobs, public libraries and so much more on this site!!
• Military bases with schools and also a map with locations.

Myths, Legends and Superstitions: Every place has it's history as well as their "stories"....come join me in revisiting some old tales of Hawaii. It is a given that there are certain things to respect on the islands. Not only do we have Ancient Burial Site laws that protect our land...we also have certain sites that still have remnants of ancient temples that are not to be disturbed.

• Hawaiian Legends - Nightmarchers, Menehune, and the Tiki Gods The legends continue.....
• HAWAIIAN Spirits and Superstitions Just a few of the stories and tales from the elders passed on....

And a special Hawaii Military Relocation Story:

LIVE on VIDEO: A Hawaii Military Relocation Story Comes to Life

Bottom line is this.

It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people,

but you can do it with a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!

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If you're Relocating to Hawaii (regardless if it's near future or just wanting to be proactive for the future) contact me to get started with your search for Hawaii Homes for Sale.

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, RA, e-PRO / Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, Hawaii

Hawaii Restaurants -Sizzler Surpasses Expectations!

Our friend, Clinton "Clint" M.S. Goo, Managing Partner of Goko Restaurant Enterprises, LLC introduced us to the NEW and IMPROVED Sizzler when he and his partner bought the last four of the Sizzler Restaurants. After Sizzler Restaurants changed over to the new owners my husband and I started going to Sizzler Restaurants once again. Their food tickled our taste buds with new menu items and a better quality of food.

With a nenewed outlook on the restaurant, Sizzler IS one of our favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. With a wide variety of menu items to choose from and a cordial smiling staff we always feel welcome from the time we set foot in the door.
We had mom's 80th birthday party at the Sizzler -Pearlridge location last year and it was a blast. With balloons and the staff singing 'Happy Birthday' my mom was proud that day!
They also have a nice party/conference room if you have a large party or conference. Call ahead to reserve!

We stopped by the Executive Offices of Goko Restaurant Enterprises, LLC on Saturday to visit Clinton Goo and then we headed out to the Sizzler Restaurant at the Pearlridge location to have breakfast.

Gary always orders the 'Big Breakfast'. Funny, he never can finish the dish because it has 2 pieces of Sweet Bread French Toast sprinkled with powdered sugar, 2 Giant Hotcakes, 3 eggs, 2 crispy pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of Portugese Sausage. YUM!

Needless to say we had brunch and didn't eat until dinner. You definitely won't walk out of this restaurant hungry!

Well, you get the picture. If you're in good company and the food is delicious and topped off with a wonderful atmosphere you definitely are in Sizzler Restaurant!

Sizzler Restaurant Locations:

Dillingham Plaza: 1461 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI - (808) 832-4665
Pearlridge Shopping Center: 98-1059 Moanalua Rd, Aiea, HI - (808) 483-3565
Waipahu Town Center: 94-030 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, HI - (808) 671-7433
Aikahi Park Shopping Center: 25 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kailua, HI- (808) 254-3727

Note: I would like to commend "Romeo" our favorite food server at Sizzler Restaurant in Pearlridge. He is a professional dedicated to service with a LARGE smile and we always have a pleasant dining experience with him. He does not skip a beat with delivering our dishes hot and takes care of us from beginning to end. Thanks Romeo!
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© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations

What You Didn't Know about the HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

Yes, Hawaii is a State that was admitted into the Union on August 21, 1959 and making it the 50th State. Now, for those that have never even stepped foot in Hawaii.... let's clear up a few things.

First of all, it's widespread near and far that Hawaii is an island paradise. Right? Full of trade winds blowing through your hair and beautiful balmy sunny skies above. We have beautiful beaches and lush green valleys and wonderful hiking trails through our mountainous ridges. Oh, yes. Hawaii is all of that and then some.

We do not live in grass shacks and sip Mai Tai's with little umbrellas all day. Nor do the men run around in little cloths wrapped around their bottoms or women in grass skirts and topless. Yes, we carry a lot of tradition but we are also modernized ....just like you.

You are making your plans for your Relocation to Hawaii or even your vacation or honeymoon to Hawaii and you don't know where you want to stay. You haven't the fogiest idea that Hawaii is made up of small islands and that each island is a county.

By following the map below you can see the layout of the EIGHT HAWAIIAN ISLANDS and where they are located in conjuction to our island, Oahu.

Oahu is HONOLULU COUNTY.





Starting from the top I'll name off the islands and give a brief description of each:

*Niihau (knee ee how oo): The "Forbidden Island". Privately owned by the Robinson family since 1864 it is only accessed by family members, the US Navy, guests and government officials.
*Kauai (cow eye ee) or "The Garden Isle" and one of the wettest spots on earth is on Mt. Waialeale. My mother was born and raised here too. It is also Kauai County.
*Oahu (oh ah hoo): "The Gathering Place" is where the business and hustle and bustle is. Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head and the famous Sunset Beach on the North Shore. This is HONOLULU COUNTY. And our office is in Central Oahu in Mililani Town.
*Molokai (Mo lo ka ee): Is the "Friendly Isle" and one of the least developed islands in the Hawaiian Islands.
*Lanai (la na ee) was known as the "Pineapple Island". The pineapples phased out and now there are a couple of resorts there.
*Maui (ma oo ee) or the "Valley Isle" is known for its isthmus (the little portion of land that connects the two larger masses of land). This is Maui County.

Ah....the ISLAND OF HAWAII. Now this is what confuses people when they think of "Hawaii" or the Hawaiian Islands. The island of Hawaii is also known as "the Big Island" obviously for it being the largest of the islands as well as the largest island in the United States. It is also larger than all of the islands combined. This is HAWAII COUNTY.

So the next time you want to plan for your vacation, the first thing to think of is....which island do I want to spend my time on? Should I plan for a tour of a couple of the islands?

For those of you that are Relocating to Hawaii with the Military you may want to find out which island you are going to be based on as well. Most likely it'll be on Oahu where all branches of the military are. For a complete map click on the following link for Honolulu County Hawaii Military Bases & Installations- Oahu Neighborhoods



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© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved

www.cheesemanhomes.com