Happy Father's Day from Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

This is where Dad taught you to love the ocean, balance life's many obstacles and always knows when the surf is right. This is home. Happy Father's Day from Coldwell Banker.   Neaulani Kuamo'o-Peck (RA) SRES, CLS, CNAS  Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties RS 73536 808 358-9700 neaulani@islandhomelife.com www.islandhomelife.com Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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92-1167 Palahia Street #H102 Kapolei, HI 96707Beds: 2 Baths: 2 Price: $350,000	91-1018 Kai Wana Street Ewa Beach, HI 96706Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Price: $860,000	1212 Nuuanu Avenue #1801 Honolulu, HI 96817Beds: 1 Baths: 1 Price: $560,000

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Holiday Decorating

Houzz Contributor,Neila Deen

Selling your home through the holiday season can certainly come with a few challenges. Chilly, wet weather and falling leaves in November and December might mean more raking and shoveling to keep your home pristine. However, the damp weather and dark skies don’t have to squelch your holiday spirit. In fact, the holidays are a perfect time to showcase the warmth and character of your home to prospective buyers.

If you’ve already got the basics of staging under control — meaning you’ve pared down, freshened up and added a splash of color — you’re ready to follow these seven do’s to create an appropriately festive home for sale.

Photo by Marks & Spencer – Discover contemporary home design design ideas

1. Do choose appropriately sized holiday decorations. Be thoughtful about the size of decorations you use. A good question to ask yourself is whether the piece helps to positively showcase the space, light and charm of the room. Or does its large size detract from the best features? Your goal is to be festive while honoring the value of your home.

Photo by In Sight Designs Unlimted – Look for traditional entryway pictures

For example, displaying a large multipiece holiday installation might be a family tradition for your living room, but doing so won’t highlight the value and space of that room. Perhaps find a new home for this piece on the front porch, or display only a smaller portion of the installation on a table.

Photo by Munger Interiors – Discover traditional living room design inspiration

Similarly, you might have to trade in that huge fresh evergreen tree that you look forward to every year for a slightly smaller version. Large trees and decorations, while festive, may make the room look smaller. Choose an oversized tree only if you have a really large room.

Photo by Caroline Burke Designs & Associates, Inc. – Look for traditional living room design inspiration

2. Do mind the light. Be sure your holiday decorating efforts don’t block any natural light from windows and doors. Though this may be a common sense tip, it may not be as easy to adhere to as you’d think, since windows are one of the most common places to place holiday decor. Just think of what you see when driving through your neighborhood during the holidays: Many residents affix decorations directly to the windows, place large, brightly lighted trees directly in front of them or install candles or figurines on the windowsill. We just love to showcase our holiday spirit to the world.

Photo by Regina Gust Designs – Browse transitional living room ideas

For the selling season, try placing your holiday pride far from the window. You might put decor outside your front door or, if inside, in an unobtrusive corner. If you absolutely must locate decor near a window, then place it far enough away that the natural light still flows in. Otherwise, by reducing the natural light, you’ll detract from the value of the room.

Photo by Louise de Miranda – Search Scandinavian living room pictures

3. Do coordinate with the colors of the room. Maintaining a color-coordinated design scheme matters, even when all you want to do is deck the halls in red and green. Remember, every room of your home should be as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. So, if your favorite holiday decorations clash with the colors in your room, think twice about using those specific pieces. Fortunately, there are tons of creative ways to add holiday accents without throwing off your palette.

Photo by Rita from Design Megillah – Discover eclectic home design design inspiration

Metallics are one nonintrusive way to add a little festive holiday flair. Gold, silver or copper holiday accents pair well with almost any color scheme. White is also a peaceful, festive, yet still neutral accent color for almost any holiday decorating effort. Try replacing multicolored tree lights with sparkling white lights to give your room a more elegant feel.

Photo by ATGStores – Browse transitional home design photos

4. Do keep movements and sounds to a minimum. Moving parts, loud noises and even festive music will be a distraction for potential buyers. So please don’t welcome buyers with a singing toy soldier or dancing snowman. But if you must have those items on your mantel, then be sure to turn them off during showings. The same goes for flashing lights. Opt for simple white static lights that cast a beautiful glow, creating a neutral holiday feeling for many buyers.

Photo by Falken Reynolds Interiors – Look for contemporary staircase pictures

5. Do decorate to showcase your home’s architectural features. Holiday decorating can give you a brilliant opportunity to highlight your home’s most attractive architectural features. For example, you might wrap a tasteful garland around a beautiful curved staircase. You can showcase your fireplace with accents such as knitted stockings or a strand of lights.

Photo by SAJ Designs, LLC – More traditional living room ideas

Be mindful not to cover up any valuable structural details such as a beautiful wood floor or crown molding. Remember, less is more when staging, even when decorating for the holidays.

Photo by Mary Prince Photography – Discover traditional entryway design inspiration

6. Do use exterior holiday decorations to add curb appeal. Holiday decorations are a fantastic way to spruce up the exterior of your home and add some color. Wreaths, thoughtfully lighted shrubs and the occasional ribbon or bow on a mailbox can be tasteful ways to deck the exterior for the holidays. These elements will certainly add curb appeal and pleasantly welcome your potential buyers.

Photo by GreenCraft Associates – Look for traditional landscape design inspiration

While a frenzy of flashing lights and rooftop ornaments might be fun and playful, try not to embrace your inner Clark Griswold. (“National Lampoon” movie-fest, anyone?) Your goal is to sell your house, not distract or even turn off your buyer by creating a neighborhood spectacle.

Photo by Louise de Miranda – Look for eclectic home design pictures

7. Do celebrate the holidays and create a warm, joyful feeling. There’s an advantage of offering your home for sale — and decorating it — during the holidays. If you strike the right balance, your residence will exude a positive energy and charm that can’t be felt at any other time of the year. Done well, your decorated home will offer the kind of warmth that appeals to potential buyers and helps them to imagine living there. So go ahead and celebrate what is likely your last holiday season in that home. Happy holidays!

More information on Buying or Selling a Home
http://alohainvesting.com/
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties rs-73536
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Christmas Elf on a Budget

Dec 03, 2016

Home Improvement

How to Decorate Like a Christmas Elf on a Budget

Get your elf on with these affordable DIY ideas.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! Break out that rubbermaid and dust off your ornaments because it’s time to decorate your home like the elf that I know you are. Here are five affordable and totally adorable ways to decorate your home with Christmas ornaments.

Christmas Shadow Box

Adding Christmas Cheer to your home couldn’t be more easy than this easy DIY Christmas Shadow Box idea.

Christmas Ornament Wreath

This project may look difficult but in just four easy steps you will be humming jingle bells. Learn how here.

Window Display

Show your neighbors that you are ready for a Holly Jolly Christmas with this simple hanging ornament idea.

In a Glass Vases

Remind your family it is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year with these easy Vase ideas.

As a Tree

Your guests will be rockin’ around the Christmas Tree when they see this adorable DIY Ornament Tree craft.

More information on Buying or Selling a Home

http://alohainvesting.com/

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties rs-73536

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http://www.islandhomelife.com/

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Smart Home Holiday Gift Guide

The 2016 Smart Home Holiday Gift Guide

We’ve laid out a comprehensive smart home gift guide for this year’s holiday season and everyone who will be gathered in your home.

The holidays are right around the corner. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have time to get something special. For the second year in a row, we’ve put together the Smart Home Holiday Gift Guide for everyone on your list.

For the one selling their home: Smart Home Staging Kit

According to a Coldwell Banker survey this year, 71 percent of Americans want a move-in ready home and of them, 44 percent believe move-in ready means the home must have smart home technology. That means that people serious about selling should seriously consider “smart staging” their house. This kit has it all, including a Nest Thermostat, Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Nest Cam, August Smart Lock, August Connect and a Lutron Caseta Lighting Kit. You can even opt-in for professional installation. The kit is offered at a promotional rate of $999 for clients of Coldwell Banker affiliated agents.

For the one buying a home: A Vivint Complete Smart Home Package

The package is perfect for new homeowners who want to keep their home safe! The Vivint Complete package comes with home security, smart home technology, data storage and installation. Vivint’s smart home pros are also available to help monitor their home 24/7, 365 via their mobile app or customer service. Prices vary by location, but you can request a quote online.

For the forgetful friend: August Locks

Got any friends who always lose their keys or lock themselves out by accident? An August lock will ensure they never call you to borrow that set of spare keys they’ve asked you to hold on to. The device is placed on the inside of their door and allows users to open doors with their smartphones. Don’t worry, traditional keys work too (in case they also forget their phones)! The price starts at $299.

For the chatty friend: Amazon Echo

You already know who the chattiest person at your holiday party will be. This holiday season, introduce them to the gadget that will satisfy their chatting needs and talk back to them. The Amazon Echo is the hands-free speaker they can control with their voice. The voice inside the Echo is named Alexa, and she can do just about everything from turn on the lights to buy more detergent. Amazon Echo products start at $179.99.

For the sleep and nap aficionado: Beddi Smart Alarm Clock

This device won’t comb out their bed-head, but it will make sure they wake up on time and peacefully. The Beddi Smart Alarm Clock uses their favorite Spotify playlists, soft lighting and various other functions to ensure a smart (and timely) start to their morning. It can even charge their phone overnight and tell them the weather as soon as they wake up. Prices start at $99.

For the one who is always cold (or always hot): Nest Thermostat

Never again will they gripe about the house being too hot or too cold – it will be just right. The Nest Thermostat allows users to control their home heating and cooling remotely from their smartphones to ensure their home is the perfect temperature upon arrival. The Nest is also intuitive, so it will learn their tricky heating and cooling preferences. The best part? It can save them money on heating and cooling. The Nest Thermostat is priced at $249.

For the one who is always on the go: Chamberlain MyQ Garage

Have a relative who’s always running around town? The Chamberlain MyQ Garage sensors connect with their smart phones to ensure their garage opens and closes without wasting any of their precious travel time. The starter kit is priced at $129.99 and additional sensors can be purchased for an added $37.

For the safety-first folks: Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The Nest Protect is a two-in-one alarm that tests for smoke and carbon monoxide. It also tests itself automatically and lasts for up to a decade without having to change the batteries. Your safety conscious relative will receive alerts from the Next Protect to their phone and they can also disable the alarm remotely. The Nest Protect starts at $99.

For the grillmaster: Lynx Smart Grill

Chilly temperatures may drive us inside but the grillmaster always is thinking of their next summer barbecue. The Lynx Smart Grill comes in various shapes and sizes, but the coolest part is how it uses voice activation. The Smart Grill prompts users on what to do and when to do it, for example, “Flip the burgers in two minutes”.

For the savvy crockpot-er: Belkin WeMo Smart Slow Cooker

We all know someone who swears by the crock-pot! This crock-pot is like any other except users can control it directly from their phones. That means that their delicious eight-hour roast can go on when they get to the office and be ready by the time they get home from work. Plus, this gift guarantees they’ll invite you over for dinner! The product is priced at $129.99.

For your four legged friend: CleverPet

Who says your pup doesn’t want a smart home too? Get your furry friend a CleverPet, a feeding bowl that teaches them sequences and memory games. The device has touchpads that your pet can tap for food and brain games. Plus you can track their progress and schedule playtime from your phone while you’re away from home. Hey – every smart house has to have a smart dog! Prices start at $299.99.

Whether you buy these gifts for others or keep them to yourself, it’s clear to see that smart home products are not only great to put under the tree, but also a great investment for the home!

Search for Homes @
http://www.islandhomelife.com/
If you would like more information on this call Neaulani 808-358-9700
News & insights
http://alohainvesting.com/
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties rs-73536

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Holiday at Home

Prevent a Holiday Disaster at Home With These 10 Must Read Tips

Keep Your Kids (2 legged and 4) safe this holiday season with these 10 tips from Northstar Moving Company!

NorthStar Moving Co-Founder Laura McHolm

There is no ignoring it now. The twinkling trees, tinsel and….attractive trouble are all around. Whether you are singing “Feliz Navidad” or “Dradle Dradle Dradle,” we can all agree this is one of the greatest times of the year, BUT it’s also filled with hidden dangers for your children and pets. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous times of the year for your dog Dasher, your cat Blitzen and your two legged crawlers. So, don’t let all the sparkle distract you, be sure to keep an eye out for festive trouble.

That’s why I called upon two experts to guide us through all of the dangers our holiday décor and holiday foods can create for our little loved ones. First, the child safety experts at Boo Boo Busters talk Santa safety with five key tips to keep your children safe:

1. The Christmas Tree or Hanukkah Bush: We are all conscious of hanging the fragile or sharp ornaments up top to keep them out of reach of those curious hands, but have you thought about where you place your tree? Positioning is always important, think: fire safety. Keep your tree more than 48 inches away from any open flame (that includes candles and the menorah.). When decorating your perfectly chosen greenery, it’s best to use plastic hooks instead of metal. Lastly, KEEP IT WATERED! A dry tree is a dangerous tree. Follow the instructions for watering the tree so it can last as long as your holiday season lasts. Also, consider buying a real live growing tree in a pot, it’s a greener earth-friendly solution and the tree can become part of your family traditions.
2. Frosty’s Scarves : A strangulation hazard is anything that can be made into a loop and placed around a child’s neck, this includes scarves. Since your little elves need to stay warm, let’s take scarves off the strangulation list by making them safe by simply tucking the ends inside your child’s jacket. Oh so fashion forward and the scarf can’t get caught on anything. Whew, problem solved.
3. Miniature Décor: Choking hazards are everywhere this time of year; they disguise themselves as decorations and holiday cheer. A good rule of thumb: a choking hazard is anything that can pass through a toilet paper roll holder unobstructed. Now is the time to scan the environment to see what’s around each and every corner. Remember, it’s not always just your house that needs your safety check. Visiting the grandparents, other family and friends who might be inadvertently unaware of what is or isn’t safe for your kids. Say Ho Ho NO! to decorations within your child’s reach. Snow villages, nativity scenes, and light up and display decorations with lots of small pieces, electrical cords and even batteries can easily be pulled out and end up in your cherub’s mouth. Lighted garland adorning the staircase or the mantle where the stockings will be hung with care, can also create dangerous scenarios. Bowls of candies, nuts and little yummy things are often put out for grazing. Even though they are edible, it doesn’t make it safe for a baby or small child. Place these delicious favorites higher than a child can reach. Lastly, although it may not be a choking hazard, put mistletoe on your priority watch list. This pretty little smooch maker may have fun motives but everything else about it says keep away. It’s about as toxic as a plant can get, berries, leaves and all. No one knows what your kids can get into better than you do. So, put your Grinch hat on before the kids see the decorations, then you can put the Santa hat on once the wide-eyed wonder-filled kiddos with busy little fingers enter the scene!
4. All That Glows: We all have that part of us that wants to light the house up like Clark Griswald, but let’s try to keep those little admirers in mind when powering up. Secure lights in place with clips, not left dangling where a child can reach. Using staples to attach lights can also be dangerous: they can cut through the cord without you even knowing it and cause a short or spark leading to a potential fire. Take extra care when using extension cords to power up those giant blow-up dradles or reindeer dancing in the front yard. Secure them with stakes so they can’t create a potential tripping hazard. Put the lights on a timer so they turn on when you want them to and turn off around bedtime. Mother earth and your neighbors will both thank you. Nothing like a silent glow-free night.
5. Ringing in the New Year: Last but not least, New Year’s Eve! Party favors, noisemakers and poppers are fun (and equally annoying) but can also be very dangerous. Check when purchasing noisemakers and party favors to see if they could be potential choking hazards. Poppers and silly string should be used with adult supervision. Poppers should never be popped in the vicinity of someone’s face and silly string should never be used near an open flame.

Next,  Dr. Anthony George, doctor of veterinary medicine and certified veterinary acupuncturist, says to keep these five jolly activities away from your pooches or felines and they will be as merry as you are all holiday season:

1. Holiday Foods: Many people like to include their furry friend in the festivities by giving them a ‘sample platter’ of the holiday’s bounty. This act, unfortunately, can introduce a variety of potential risks to pets. Eating fatty and rich foods can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea. In some dogs, the elderly in particular, calorie dense foods can potentially lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Chocolate contains methylxanthine, which can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from stomach upset to tremors, hyperthermia and seizures. The darker the chocolate the more dangerous it can be. Grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are also extremely toxic to dogs. And, if you’re taking acetaminophen for pre and post celebratory aches and pains, bear in mind this medication can pose a tremendous risk to your pets. Commonly found in name brands such as Tylenol and Excedrin, along with many generic cold and allergy remedies, acetaminophen can change the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. If your pet ingests any of these substances, it’s always a good idea to contact your local veterinarian. So keep your pets safe by having them celebrate with their regular diets.

2. Festive Plants: Plants and flowers transform any room into a holiday showcase, but also an unforeseen room of danger for curious pets. The usual suspects, poinsettiasand American mistletoe, have been considered potentially toxic to pets in the past. However, today it’s generally considered unlikely that either one would cause significant ill effects unless ingested in great quantity. Lilies, on the other hand, pose a significant risk to cats. These lovely flowers can dress up any holiday flower arrangement, but all parts of the plant are toxic to cats and can lead to kidney failure. Ingesting even a small amount of the leaves, petals, or even pollen can result in severe illness and possibly death. Warning signs include an increase in salivation, depression, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Stay clear of these beauties if you have a feline friend.

3. Ribbon: If your dog or cat loves to help you wrap the presents or loves to un-wrap their own present, make sure they don’t run off with the ribbon. These colorful strands can wreak havoc if ingested. Once ingested, the intestines can bunch up on the ribbon in an attempt to pass it. If you should happen to see part of the ribbon ‘exiting’ from the hind end, never pull it out, as this can cause it to cut through the intestines. Absolutely, consult with your veterinarian to aid in its removal, whether it’s through endoscopy, surgically or manually.

4. The Many Dangerous Layers of the Tree: The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of many holiday homes. However, if you have a cat you may want to lay off the tinsel as it poses the same threat as ribbon does. Electrical cords from the Christmas lights, as well as other holiday decorations, can be an enticing chew toy for a pup or cat. This playful act can lead to severe mouth burns. The electrical conduction of their heart can even be altered, resulting in the accumulation of fluid in the lungsand difficulty breathing. Take measures to prevent your pet from coming into contact with these electrical temptations. Many trees are also fitted with water containers to keep them fresh. This water could contain fertilizer or become stagnant over time. Prevent your pet from drinking from the tree to avoid potential complications.

5. The Impulse Buy: Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles make sure the entire family actually wants a pet before you present one as a holiday present. Please make sure everyone understands that a pet is a gift for life not just for the holidays. Everyone must be ready for the full-time job of getting the pet acclimated to it’s new home. If you’re planning on adding a four legged family member: puppies and kittens aren’t the only way to go. Remember to rescue and adopt any age and/or any breed. Many lovable pets looking for a good home can be found on www.petfinder.com. Avoid adopting exotic pets, primates and reindeer. Make a pet’s life happy this holiday season too by finding it a forever home.

Keep your head above the twinkle and remember this simple checklist. Santa’s basic yule tide rule of thumb: if it looks like it could be trouble then put it on the naughty list and hide it away.  Wishing you and your family a wonderful memorable holiday season and an amazing New Year full of safe and happy smiles!

From all of us at Coldwell Banker, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

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