We rarely write many reviews, but Celester Thomas (Principle Real Estate Broker) and Erika Richards (listing agent) earns it.
We received a VALPAC Ad for SOLDIER-TO-SOLDIER HAWAII REALITY, LLC and contacted Celester, who was kind enough to review our rental home although the renters had several months left on the lease. Once the renters moved out, we had the property thoroughly cleaned, with necessary repairs completed.
Celester had the property professionally photographed and listed literally within a few days after notification in early March 2024 of our intention to sell. It closed at the end of May 2024.
Most of our communication was with Erika. She always kept us informed of everything - all the showings, inspections, parties of interest communications, escrow info, etc. We had many many questions which she answered or found the answer timely.
Memorable events:
The SOLDIER TO SOLDIER HAWAII REALITY, LLC is a solid company. We needed to find someone to professionally line the kitchen cabinets & drawers. Laurie, the photographer, helped us tremendously get that done.
About one week prior to closing, the buyer (who was a realtor) sent the Home Inspection Report. The buyer sent a document to sign stating: "The buyer is willing to approve /release/ satisfy 3-1 for the SELLERS CREDIT OF" $6,500 for the noted finding." Really? The findings were mostly minor things like toilet base loose, bathroom shut off valve leak, need for "missing GFCI or AFCI outlets", etc.
Although we were ready to repair, Celester knew the cost was over-inflated. We do not know what he did, but after a few days, the buyer sent a Waiver-of-Inspection Report document via DocuSign. We knew right then and there that Celester and Erika were representing the seller and protecting our finances.
The following is not a fault of the Realtors, but our opportunity share a Title company issue. We didn't see the Title Guaranty of Hawaii, LLC Escrow - Estimate Seller's Statement until the afternoon prior to closing! If would have been good to review it to have time to question some of the charges that we thought should be for the buyer. We did call Title Guaranty immediately, but of the items of question were essentially already set for closing. The Sellers Final Packet was sent after closing the next day. The Final Packet line "Balance due TO seller" differed by over $146K TO seller than the Estimate Seller's Statement! We were happy to see that. LESSION: Insist escrow share the Estimate Statement at least a week prior to closing.
In summary, Celester and Erika (both prior service Veterans) both exemplified military values of professionalism and pride in their line of work. Especially noted was honesty and prompt attention to our needs. They KNOW and DELIVER exemplary customer service. We saved thousands and thousands by contracting with them, plus they gave to notched service to us.
We recommend Celester and Erike and their SOLDIER TO SOLDIER team to anyone!
God Bless America!
MC
COL, USAR (ret) read more