Peer-to-Peer: Arlene Kim-Kawamoto, CRS, Point of Sail Realty, Oahu, Hawaii
What attracts you to residential real estate?
I have been a licensed REALTOR® for 27 years and a licensed real estate broker for 16 years. Born and raised on the island of Oahu, Hawaii,
I am very familiar with Oahu market trends, and the diversity and needs of our people. It is my passion and joy to help people find the property that suits them best, and there’s nothing more rewarding to me than a satisfied client!
What motivated you to pursue a CRS Designation?
My good friend and mentor, Wendell M.Y. Wong, inspired me to start taking CRS classes in the early 2000s. After my first class, I was completely “sold.” Since then, I have taken many classes, as I find the information vital to my business. I received my CRS Designation in 2006 and consider it a vital part of my success in the real estate industry. Wendell passed away in 2016. He touched so many lives and taught me the importance of creating relationships. I continue that same tradition by inspiring others to pursue their CRS Designation.
How do you stay involved in RRC?
Today, I’m active in all areas related to the Hawaii RRC. This industry has been so good to me that I felt it was time to start giving back. I started volunteering on a small level, then became a leader in membership. I am currently the 2018–2019 Hawaii RRC president. Hawaii has a very active CRS schedule filled with educational opportunities, networking events, outreach and community service. We have a wonderful leadership team and volunteers who constantly advocate for the CRS Designation. I attend all classes and events held by our Hawaii RRC (including neighbor islands) to meet our designees and members and address their needs.
Who are your typical clients?
I do not have a niche market! Diversity suits me. I am happy to say that I have worked with many generations. I love being a family REALTOR®. I get excited to serve first-, second- and third- generation clients, and am proud to say I have served my first fourth-generation client in the same family. I also love working with first-time buyers to help people step into homeownership. You sell property, and you build lifetime relationships doing it.
What are the current conditions in your market?
Oahu housing sales and prices are steady, although our market continues to drive upward and forward. Because we live on an island, location significantly affects property values. Our current hot topic is whether millennials will be able to purchase a home here. I have that same concern for my own children. On Oahu, the August 2018 median price for a three-bedroom single-family home is a record high of $810,000 and for a condo the median price is $427,000.
How did your company, Point of Sail Realty (POSR), get its name?
I love to sail! “Point of sail” is a sailing term that means crafting a direction of travel on a course as close to the wind as possible to create acceleration. After 16 years of managing and brokering Realty Pacific Aloha, and with the passing of my good friend and principal Keith DeLong, I decided to set my own sail. In 2008, during a challenging market, I opened the doors to Point of Sail Realty. I am happy to say that we recently celebrated our 10th anniversary.
What keeps you busy outside of work?
My family keeps me busy—I am the wife of Kenny Y. Kawamoto, and mother to Radley, 18, Rayse, 16, and Gianna, 7. I am also an active member of my church, New Hope Wahiawa, and a volunteer teacher to kindergarten students in the Crazy 8 Math Club at Iliahi Elementary School. I enjoy many hobbies as well, including crafts, baking, golfing and sailing. My life is full, to say the least. I love challenges, and I am currently training to do the Honolulu Marathon in December 2018. 
