How to Network Without Being Phony, Lame or Desperate

Let's face it: Even when you're on top of the world, chances are good that the idea of networking sounds like a big, fat drag. You can probably think of 100 other things you'd rather do - like cleaning the blades of your ceiling fan. But if you're one of the 14.9 million people who are competing for what seems to be a handful of jobs, your confidence has probably taken a hit. More »

Oahu Real Estate Report 12 Month Year 2009

Rated 4.0 Stars

It is important to realize how important it is that the inventory for sale is rapidly dropping. This reduction in inventory levels has not occurred for many years. It is the interest rate, employment rate and most importantly of all, Consumer Confidence that will effect the inventory levels. Right now I would think that we can expect more losses in inventory levels. More »

‘Free' Might Sound Good, But Watch Out Later On

In this trying economy, folks are always looking for a good deal. In the holiday season we especially see a lot of advertisements touting "free" products or services. Now, most of us are savvy enough to understand that nothing is free, but many times, especially when it comes to technology, not paying for a product or service actually results in higher costs. The problem with "free" is you don't know exactly what it is you are getting. More »

How to Buy a Short Sale

Rated 3.5 Stars

A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the sale proceeds fall short of the balance owed on the property's loan. Keep in mind Foreclosures are different than Short Sales. A Foreclosure means the bank owns the property. Banks are responding to offers on Foreclosures within 1 week, and many times they will accept a price less than current market value. More »

Green Building Guide

Rated 4.0 Stars

Consider the following somber facts: According to the United States Green Building Council, buildings directly account for 12% of all freshwater use, 30% of all raw materials, 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions, the indirect effects of materials and transportation account for another 18%, 45 to 65% of waste outputs to landfills, 31% of all mercury in solid waste and 70% of all electricity consumption. More »

What's Really Happening in the Oahu Real Estate Market / Mid Month Report

What's Really Happening in the Oahu Real Estate Market / Mid Month Report More »

IRA Rollovers Can Help Manage Change

With employees changing jobs more frequently than ever before, it's rare to find someone who has worked his or her entire life for the same company. Whether or not you have recently changed jobs or you have retired from your long-time employer, you should know that you may be facing some complicated tax rules and potentially significant tax consequences if you decide to take your retirement assets out of your current retirement plan.
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How to Buy Software

A reader of this column recently inquired about software costs and the myriad of options available. If you're just buying software for your personal use, the options are quite simple. Go to the local big-box retailer, find what you're looking for, and buy it off the shelf. Or you could buy it off the Internet, but unless you will be downloading it you will pay shipping costs. Those of you lucky enough to still be in school can usually buy the same piece of software at a significant discount. For college students and faculty, this can usually be accomplished at the campus bookstore.
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What Is Really Happening In the Hawaii Real Estate Market - January 2007

If your Neighborhood is not here, don't worry. For those of you who would like a Monthly, Customized, What's Really Happening in The Hawaii Real Estate Market Report for YOUR Neighborhood send me an email with your Address. It is Free... for now! More »

How to Choose the Right Realtor and Brokerage Company

What is your goal in either buying or selling Real Estate? One of the primary answers would be to either buy or sell your property with the least amount of stress, time, while getting the best price.
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Fixing Snapshots With Adobe Photoshop

Rated 1.0 Stars

For all you digital camera users (and film camera users as well), I'm sure you can relate to having taken that one photo of Uncle Kimo or Auntie Leilani that turns out dark and underexposed. You might have had a flash failure or the flash on your point and shoot camera just didn't have the juice to light your subject properly. The family is greatly disappointed when you give them a dark photo with Kimo or Leilani completely unrecognizable.
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Put Your Software In Order

A common lament among the software development community is "building software is much more difficult than building a house." Developers and contractors often disagree, and for good reason. In fact, building a custom house is really not that much easier than building custom software.
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Charities Face More IRS Filing Requirements

The Internal Revenue Service filing requirements for small charities have changed. A new rule put in place by the Pension Protection Act of 2006 results in certain tax-exempt organizations being required to electronically submit a Form 990-N annually. More »

Who's Hiring Now

Though the U.S. economy has softened this year - headlines warn of mortgage woes, layoffs and escalating gas prices - there are still jobs out there... you just have to know where to look. More »