Blake Howell, R(S)

What better way for someone interested in Big Island real estate to dive into his new career than to document his move from the mainland to Hawaii on a blog? Our newest Kailua-Kona agent did just that, sharing the ups and downs of his relocation experience with others while having the benefit of input from long-time local residents who were reading along as the blog posts were shared.

I first became acquainted with Blake Howell, R(S), now an agent with our Kailua-Kona office, through his posts about relocating to the Big Island. I remember being impressed with his careful analysis and honest discussion of the pros and cons of living in different areas of the island and with his attention to detail when discussing houses he and his partner Lynn were looking at along the way. Now that he has landed in Kailua-Kona after living in East Hawaii for several months, Blake is doing most of his real estate blogging at Kona Real Estate Now, a website that focuses on West Hawaii, especially Kailua-Kona and the Big Island’s Kona-Kohala Coast.

Since joining Clark Realty, Blake, who has a background in corporate marketing and advertising, has added the e-PRO® designation to his list of credentials. (He’s also a new addition to “Team Apple” in our Kona office, much to the delight of the other dedicated Mac users.) If you are a seller looking for a REALTOR® who understands how to leverage technology and an integrated media approach to marketing your home, Blake is ready to assist you. For buyers, especially anyone relocating to Hawaii, Blake had gathered an extensive list of resources he can share with you.

You can contact Blake to “talk story” about buying or selling in Hawaii, or connect with him on Facebook or Twitter. He’s often online and ready to chat about Hawaii real estate.

Welcome, Blake, to the CRC ohana! We’re pleased you’ve joined our team!

Click to view all winners

Mahalo West Hawaii!

Which businesses and services help make West Hawaii a great place to live, work and play?

That question was recently answered by West Hawaii Today readers in the 11th annual “Best of West Hawaii” Reader’s Poll. We are happy to announce that Clark Realty Corporation has once again been named West Hawaii’s Best Real Estate Agency and Best Property Management Company.

We are honored to receive this recognition from our local community, where we also live, work and play. Thank you, West Hawaii, for continuing to give us the opportunity to serve you. If we can be of assistance with your real estate or property management needs, please contact one of our five Big Island offices.

Kailua-Kona | Keauhou | Kamuela (Waimea) | Mauna Lani | Hilo

Best West Hawaii Real Estate Agent – 2011

Steven J. Ellison, R(S)

There is one additional real estate category in the Best of West Hawaii poll:  Best Real Estate Agent.

This year, Steven J. Ellison, R(S) of our Keauhou office was named West Hawaii’s Best Realtor. Steve is known for his positive “let’s get it done” attitude, which helps him assist his clients through the challenges presented by the current real estate market. “His clients speak highly of how smoothly transactions go with Steve’s assistance,” says Gae Callaway, Broker in Charge of the Keauhou sales office. “It’s terrific to see Steve receive this honor from the community. He always gives 110%, so it is well deserved.”

Congratulations, Steve!

Steven J. Ellison, R(S)

Steven J. Ellison, R(S) – Top Sales Agent

Steven J. Ellison, R(S) was the top sales agent in the Clark Realty Keauhou office in 2010. Steve has been a Big Island resident for nearly two decades and a Hawaii Realtor® since 1994.

“Steve has developed lasting relationships with his buyers and sellers over the years,” says Gae Callaway, Broker in Charge of the Keauhou office, “Past clients know that they can refer their friends and family to Steve and trust that they will receive the highest quality professional service possible.”

Steve’s sold listings in 2010 included properties in Holualoa,  Kona Heights, Kahakai Estates, Kaulana at Kona and Alii Lani (click links to see similar homes). He represented buyers in several of these same areas as well as Kona Palisades, Pualani Estates, Waikoloa Village and in the Mauna Lani Resort.

Charlene A. Davis, R(S)

Charlene A. Davis, R(S) – 2nd Top Producer

Charlene A. Davis, R(S) was the 2nd top sales agent in the Keauhou office in 2010. With over 30 years in the real estate industry, Charlene is a seasoned veteran of the ups and downs of the housing market who guides her clients though the buying and selling process with expertise, energy and, of course, professionalism with aloha.

Charlene’s sold properties last year included a co-listing in Kalana Golf Estates in Ka’u, a lot in South Kona’s Coffee Lots Subdivision and several condo units in North Kona (in Hale Kahau, Keauhou Kona Surf & Racquet Club, Keauhou Garden, Kaulana at Kona and Alii Lani).  She represented buyers in complexes including Kolea Condo Villas, Pines at Kailua-Kona, Alii Park Place as well as home purchases in Waikoloa Village, Kealakehe Homesteads and Keauhou View Estates.

Kathy Jensen, R – Agent’s Agent

Kathy Jensen, R, ABR, GRI, ePRO was selected by her colleagues in the Keauhou office as the “Agent’s Agent” of 2010. This award recognizes a Clark Realty team member who sets an example of professionalism in communication and cooperation in her day-to-day interactions and conduct. “Kathy is unfailingly courteous both in her communications with her coworkers and with those who visit our office here at Keauhou Shopping Center,” says Gae Callaway. “We all appreciate her friendliness and generosity in going the extra mile to make our office a pleasant place to do business.”

Congratulations to Steve, Charlene and Kathy and mahalo for your achievements in 2010!

Derinda Thatcher, R, ABR, CRS  was Clark Realty – Kona’s top sales agent for 2010 as well as the top sales agent in the company. We recognized Derinda earlier this month for reaching nearly $13 million in closed sales last year. Congratulations Derinda, and mahalo for your patience, perseverance and positive outlook!

Janet Wells Brown, R(S)

The second top sales agent in our Kona office last year was Janet Wells Brown, RS, ABR, CRS, ePro, who has been a Big Island real estate professional for almost two decades and has been with Clark Realty since 1994 (when it was still Bradley Properties).

In 2010, Janet was the listing agent for homes in areas including Kona Vistas, Kona Coastview and Kona Palisades and she also represented sellers in condo and land sales. Janet also represented buyers in the residential subdivisions Kona Acres and Kona Hills Estates as well as in other purchases of land and North Kona condos. (Click links to view current listings in these residential subdivisions.)

Top Listing Agent – Kona Office

Dawn R. Clark, R

Dawn R. Clark, R, CRS, GRI, SFR was the top listing agent in the Kailua-Kona office last year. She represented sellers in residential subdivisions including Hualalai Farms in Holualoa, Kona Orchard Subdivision and Kona Heavens. Dawn also represented sellers in condo complexes including Kona Magic Sands, Kona Reef and Alii Lani.

On the buyer side, Dawn assisted buyers in their purchases of several North Kona condos, including in the Na Hale O Keauhou complex, as well as in residential purchases as far south as Captain Cook Village.

Congratulations Janet and Dawn for your achievements in 2010 and mahalo for your integrity, dedication and hard work!

Agent’s Agent Award

Dawn Clark, Linda Moulin, RS, GRI, ABR and Cheryl A. White, R, ABR were awarded the Agent’s Agent award which recognizes team members who demonstrate leadership, consistently work with other agents in a spirit of cooperation and who set an example of dedication to excellence and positive energy within the office. Mahalo, Dawn, Linda and Cheryl for your contributions to the Clark Realty Kailua-Kona team in 2010!

To contact any of these Hawaii real estate professionals, click on their names or photos above to view their phone number or to email them. Or, you can contact our Kailua-Kona office at 808.329.5255 and ask to speak with one of our Big Island real estate agents.

Linda West, R and Christine Makaweo, R

Top Producers – 2010: Hilo Office

Linda West and Christine Makaweo have been recognized as Clark Realty – Hilo’s top and second top producer for 2010.

Linda and Christine have been working as a team since 1993. They bring to their clients a wealth of Big Island real estate market knowledge and a sincere dedication to working in the best interest of their buyers and sellers.

Christine works primarily in South Hilo, Puna and along the Hamakua Coast. Linda works from both Clark Realty’s Hilo and Waimea offices, assisting clients in West, North and East Hawaii.

Both Linda and Christine are part of Clark Realty’s Luxury Portfolio team.

Linda and Christine call their partnership “A Partnership in Professionalism” and they exemplify the highest standards of integrity in their day-to-day practice of real estate. You can view their current listings by visiting their agent profiles (Linda West, R, GRI and Christine Makaewo, R).

Ronald Alan Rigg, R

Top Listing Agent – Hilo Office

Ronald Alan Rigg, R, CRS, who moved to Clark Realty’s Waimea office early this year, was the top listing agent in the Hilo office last year. A member of the Council of Residential Specialists, Ron brings expertise gained from 25 years in the real estate market to his clients. He specializes in listing homes and land “from Puako to Volcano and points beyond” and also represents the developer of Volcano Golf & Country Club, where home sites are available starting at $59K.

View Ron’s current listings here, or contact him at 808.936.1962 for more information about buying or selling property on the Big Island.

Adele Eggel, R

Alii Award for Leadership

Adele Eggel, R was awarded Clark Realty’s Alii Award for her 15 years of service as the Broker-In-Charge of Hilo sales office. She was recognized by her colleagues for “leadership, friendship, generosity of spirit, unparalleled professional standards and unfailing personal support of the Hilo sales team.”

Adele moved back into full time sales last year but is continuing to act as mentor to Hilo’s new Broker-In-Charge, Arabel Camblor, R.

Agent’s Agent Award

Cynthia D. Harrison, R, ABR and Rochelle H. Augustin, R(S) were awarded the “Agent’s Agent” award for the Hilo office for 2010. This award recognizes agents who go above and beyond in fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and teamwork in each of our offices. Cynthia and Rochelle are experienced Big Island real estate agents who enjoy problem solving and who help set the pace in the Hilo office through their creativity, positive energy and dedication to excellence.

Mahalo to all our Hilo agents for their hard work in 2010 and congratulations on your achievements!

Rick Oliver, R

Mauna Lani Office – Top Sales Agent 2010

Rick Oliver, R was recently recognized as the top sales agent for 2010 in Clark Realty’s Mauna Lani and Fairmont Orchid offices. Rick was also the 2nd top company-wide real estate sales agent for Clark Realty Corporation last year.

Rick’s sold listings in 2010 included a luxury residence in the Big Island’s prestigious Kukio community, a detached home in the Mauna Lani Resort’s Villages at Mauna Lani and a home in Sunset Ridge at Waikoloa (click links to view similar active listings).

Jana J. Troute, DR

Mauna Lani Office – 2nd Top Producer

Jana J. Troute, DR was the 2nd top sales agent in the Mauna Lani offices in 2010. Jana is the Broker-In-Charge of the Shops at Mauna Lani and Fairmont Orchid offices and is the former Sales Director for the Na Hale O Keauhou luxury condominium project in Kailua-Kona, where she continues to successfully represent buyers and sellers. Last year, Jana assisted buyers along the Kona-Kohala coast in areas including Keauhou Estates, Alii Heights and Kohala by the Sea (click links to view similar active listings).

Congratulations Rick and Jana for your achievements in 2010!

Regan K. Matsumura, R

Waimea Office – Top Sales Agent 2010

Regan K. Matsumura, R was recently recognized as the top sales agent for 2010 in Clark Realty’s Waimea office. Regan specializes in Waimea and Kohala Coast real estate, but his day-to-day business in 2010 took him around the island from Orchidland in Puna to Kailua-Kona in West Hawaii.

“Regan knows how to listen to his clients, ” says Gary Davis, Broker in Charge of the Waimea office. “He is one of those agents who knows how to ask the right questions at the right time to help both buyers and sellers clarify their real estate goals as they navigate through a real estate transaction. And his clients love him for it.”

Leslie M. Agorastos, R

Waimea Office – 2nd Top Producer

Leslie Agorastos, R was the Waimea office 2nd Top Producer in 2010 and was also chosen by her colleagues as the “Agent’s Agent,” an award that recognizes leadership within the office.

Leslie has been a Realtor® since 1966 and was Broker-In-Charge of Parker Ranch Realty for many years. She became a part of the Clark Realty-Waimea team when Clark acquired Parker Ranch Realty in 2009.

Congratulations Leslie and Regan for your achievements in 2010!

Derinda Thatcher, R, ABR, CRS

Top Company Achiever – 2010

With sales totaling nearly $13 million, Derinda Thatcher has earned recognition as the top producing Clark Realty Corporation sales agent for 2010.

A Realtor on the Big Island of Hawaii since 1990, Derinda has worked in residential, condominium, land and project sales over the course of her career. She also served as Broker-In-Charge of Clark Realty’s Kailua-Kona sales office from June 2009 to March 2010.

Derinda says that realistic goal-setting is an essential part of her relationship with buyers and sellers. “Working with my clients to identify what they really want as an outcome and developing a strategy to achieve that is a vital part of achieving success in any real estate transaction.”

“Time management and strong communication skills are two of Derinda’s major strengths,” says Larry Hull, BIC of Clark Realty-Kona. “She brings a sincere positive outlook to her work and has incredible people skills — that’s a very powerful combination.”

To discuss West Hawaii real estate opportunities with Derinda, please contact her at 808.960.3433 or by email.

On the Cover

On the cover of the current edition of Homes & Land on newsstands around the Big Island, you’ll find Clark Realty’s Janet Wells Brown and this Kailua-Kona condo with Kailua Bay views:

MLS 234636 - Kona Ali'i Listed by Janet Wells Brown, R(S), ABR, CRS, ePRO

Center stage on Ali’i Drive with direct ocean views, this condo is in a complex that has had a complete renovation and is now in top-notch shape. A great place to watch humpback whales and dolphins in Kailua Bay! View property details for MLS 234636 or contact us at 808 329-5255 ext 5259 for more information.

Big Island Realtors Go “Green”

Karen Gremp, R	Cyndy Dyal, R(S)	Marco A. Silva, R(S)
Tuula Suffin, R(S)	Patti St. Clair, R(S)	Brenda Kuessner, R(S)

Wondering about the new acronyms popping up in property listing descriptions? In the current edition of Homes & Land, there’s a list: LEED, HERS®, Low-VOCs, FSC-certified, IAQ…

As “green” building certifications become more important to buyers, Big Island real estate professionals are making NAR’s GREEN designation part of their program of continuing education. Recently, the six Clark Realty agents pictured above participated in an intensive training class to help them better understand the trends in green building. As the Homes & Land article says, when it comes to home construction, “green” isn’t just about recycling!

Get the Facts on Green Building

If you have questions about “green” building trends on the Big Island, one of these agents would be happy to talk with you–just click the photos above to find their contact information.

Or, Get the Facts on Going Green from the Green RESource Council

Mahalo North and East Hawaii!

Readers of the Hawaii-Tribune Herald and the North Hawaii News have voted the Hilo and Waimea offices of Clark Realty Corporation this year’s Best Real Estate Agency in both East and North Hawaii.

Each year, these newspapers ask readers to choose “the best of what makes the Big Island a great place to live, work and play” in a number of categories. We sincerely thank all of those who cast a vote for Clark Realty Corporation – mahalo for your expression of confidence and trust in us!

Our core philosophy is “the client first.” From there, good things follow.

And There’s More…

Not only did Clark Realty win Best Real Estate Agency of East Hawaii, Dayna Oda-Kell, R(S) of our Hilo office also won Best East Hawaii Real Estate Agent.

Dayna, a local girl from Hilo and a hula dancer for over 20 years, also has a background in insurance and the mortgage industry. She often uses her expertise in these fields to benefit her real estate clients.

Broker-in-Charge Adele Eggel describes Dayna as someone who is “generous by nature and who gives beyond her best to all her clients.”

Congratulations to our Award Winners

Congratulations to our agents and staff in Waimea and Hilo and congratulations Dayna! Thank you for your hard work and your commitment to ethics and to your buyers and sellers. The readers have spoken and have recognized the contribution you all make our Big Island community. Mahalo for helping make the Big Island a great place to live, work and play!