Page 17 - MidWeek - Nov 2, 2022

Keeping It ‘Real’ For 100 Years
FROM PAGE 16
NOVEMBER 2, 2022 MIDWEEK 17
has been involved in key legislative policies for housing over the decades. Young envisions even more collabora- tive work moving forward. She expects the organization to continue to play a pivotal role in the affordable housing conversation, making sure developers and policymakers keep in mind the buyers and sellers they’re serving.
As the island’s landscape changes, Young is filled with optimism when thinking about O‘ahu’s real estate future. “Never before has housing had this attention that it’s had recently,” she says. “All of that has redirected the attention
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
toward affordable housing.”
And, even in the face of intimidating headlines about
Honolulu Board of REALTORS president Chad Takesue (left), president-elect Fran Villarmia-Kahawai (second from right) and CEO Suzanne Young (far right) presented Leona Soto with a donation to her charity of choice, Soroptimist International of Central O‘ahu. The gift was part of the Good Neighbor Awards ceremony in July. PHOTOS COURTESY HONOLULU BOARD OF REALTORS
Honolulu Board of REALTORS members delivered technology kits to 217 educators across more than 60 different schools on O‘ahu and Moloka‘i in 2021, including Momilani Elementary School (pictured).
the real estate market — including the pandemic’s effect on the industry, the shortage of inventory and rising mort- gage interest rates — she has a word of encouragement for homeowners.
Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center membership fee. Visit hicentral.com/hope to learn more.
tions from HBR real estate agents went to Boys & Girls Clubs on the island, as well as schools on the North Shore. “Realtors are everywhere in the community, and so many collaborate with other businesses,” explains Young. “We also did the mahalo postcard campaign to allow them
“It’s important for us to make sure people know they can have hope,” Young says. “Whether it’s themselves or their parents or kids, the journey to homeownership is possible. Our goal is to make sure that people still know there’s possibilities for them if they plan, prepare and reach out to work with a professional to get educated. We’re the place you can come if you need help or information.”
“Nothing gives us greater satisfaction than celebrating when our Realtors help first-time homebuyers, when local kama‘āina become homeowners,” Young notes. “We know that homeowners create strong families and communities.”
to thank individuals they work with.”
Everyone from contractors and cleaners to gift basket
That concept of hope extends past the emotional and into the tangible through the trade organization’s homebuyer education program, aptly titled HOPE (Housing Opportu- nities are Possible for Everyone).
Young will be the first to acknowledge that HBR’s agents are among the most gracious people she knows, and it shows in the way they give back. To help its members make an impact on those around them, HBR has implemented its REALTORS Care Fund to offer financial assistance wher- ever necessary. This year, the goal was to raise $100,000 for 10 local housing agencies.
“It’s a great place to start,” Young continues. “I’ve re- ferred so many people to our HOPE program.”
The initiative partners with Hawai‘i HomeOwnership Center, which educates homebuyers on requirements for loans, and offers coaching, counseling and more. Plus, those working with an HBR real estate agent save on the
Also part of the 2022 celebration is the 100 Acts project that most recently wrapped its fall “Share a Pair of Foot- wear” campaign in preparation for the school year. Dona-
“We’re surrounded by people in our community who don’t always get thanked for what they do, and this was our little way of showing appreciation to them,” Young adds.
GOOD NEIGHBORS
makers and hair dressers got a special thanks from the Realtor in their life. The effort saw agents across the island give “mahalo” cards to people who help them get the job done, take a picture with them and then post it to social media. Each week, a drawing would be held and the win- ning HBR member and their community partner would win a gift card.
HBR was on the move — even more so, says Young — during the pandemic, gifting more than $200,000 to the community during that time. The organization also launched Tech for Teachers to equip 217 educators at more than 60 schools on O‘ahu and Moloka‘i with monitors and headphones to conduct virtual learning.
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HBR real estate agents are neighborhood experts, who live and work in the communities they serve, and while the membership list is extensive, Young has a tried-and-true suggestion for finding someone to work with.
“We always recommend checking with family and friends,” she says. “There needs to be a personal connec- tion. You can then check online (at hicentral.com), which has a directory of all of our Realtors. Interview them, in- terview several, until you feel that connection.”
But before even finding an agent, Young notes there’s one question she gets asked quite a bit: Is right now a good time to buy a home?
“The right time to buy is when you’re in position, and it’s the right house and you’re prepared,” she explains.
And when that time comes, the members of HBR will be there to help.
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