Justin Willingham
To Waianae from Michigan
Justin was a beloved member of Team Lally who WE tragically lost much too early in 2011. Although he is gone, We’ve chosen to include his interview in this book in order to help his spirit and expertise live on.
Please tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m a single 21 year old with no children. I repair computers for RE/MAX as well personal computers. I was born in Macomb, Michigan, which is highly known for General Motors.
How long have you lived in Waianae?
I’ve lived in Waianae for 6 months. But when I was younger I lived here for 3 years.
Is your home a house or condominium?
My rental home is a 5-bedroom, 1-bathroom house.
Where is Waianae and what is it like as a community?
It’s set far back toward the west side of the island. It’s in a very quiet location.
Is Waianae more of an urban or suburban environment?
I think it’s more suburban because it’s not a huge city. It’s also very laid back.
Do you worry about crime in Waianae?
Yes, crime is everywhere. I just do not choose to seek it out.
Was it hard to meet people when you moved to Waianae?
It was hard because I normally stay to myself. But soon I started to love the people and began to open up.
Do you work in the city of Honolulu? What’s your commute like?
I currently work in Kapolei and the bus takes a while but it’s actually nice to have “me” time.
Would you have any advice for the newcomer regarding transportation or traffic in Waianae and the city of Honolulu?
For Honolulu, don’t be a person with “Road Rage” because from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. the traffic is horrible. Really the bus is the most amazing thing on the Island. It’s cheap and much less expensive then gas.
What surprised you most about moving to and living in Waianae?
The cost of rent for the 5-bedroom house I live in is $1,750 per month.
What would you say is the one “can’t miss” event or place that a family living in Waianae and Hawaii should be sure to experience?
I guess the “can’t miss event” is during the holidays. The people of Hawaii band together to take care of each other. That is really a true event … to see people helping each other.
What places should you avoid if you don’t want to see a lot of tourists?
Ha, ha. Waikiki. But really the Island is a mixture of everything and without tourists Hawaii would not be Hawaii. So WE must take pride that WE are not in as bad of shape financially as the rest of the U.S. So WE embrace the tourists!
Did you live in Hawaii before you moved to Waianae and, if so, how would you compare where you lived before and living in your neighborhood?
The funny thing is I’ve always lived in Waianae, even when I lived here before as a child. Being from the mainland I’d much rather live in a city environment. The quiet calm area just isn’t enough for me.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in Waianae or in other parts of Honolulu?
Yes, a small little place called Waianae Chinese Kitchen. They have the most amazing food. Also, in Ala Moana the Curry House is a place that I’ve just discovered.
Is there anything that you don’t like about living in Waianae or living in Hawaii?
The fact that it takes almost 2 hours to get into town, and an hour to get to Kapolei.
Testimonials
“We were looking at vacation and investment opportunities and heard about Team Lally from their radio ads. They were very prompt and helpful and gave us a ton if insight about what to look for. We haven’t yet found the right opportunity but with this awesome team of pros I know we will. I was also super impressed with their website- very easy to use. Thanks Team Lally”
“I love Adrienne and her crew. I am always impressed by how much they care about their customers and the time and effort they put into the care and feeding of all of us. I also am humbled by how much Adrienne does for the local community and those in need. It is just a relief to let Adrienne and her crew take care of you. Lori and Dennis Bennett”
“HANDS DOWN! Team Lally is the best in Hawaii! My experience with Team Lally was amazing! They’ve went beyond my expectations for any realtor. My first visit with Team Lally, they gave me “The Red Carpet Treatment”, they immediately treated me like family and was very supportive every minute I was with them. When Team Lally list your home, they’ll start with being super flexible with your schedule, they’ll recommend on what to do on getting the most out of your home. They then will install their awesome sign in front of your home! After, they’ll have their professional photographer come by to take pictures, who is SUPER NICE and he understands everything you’re going through. Not only does he take pictures, but he takes a VIRTUAL TOUR of your HOME, a luxury feature NO OTHER REALTOR I’VE SEEN PROVIDE!!! They will also keep you in loop by updating you every week once your homes on the market! Like I said Team Lally is the best in Hawaii! I highly recommend all my friends to Team Lally! Thank you!”
“Working with Team Lally was fantastic! Celeste helped us to buy a new home and Adrienne and Atillio helped us to sell a home. Team Lally was responsive to all of our needs and questions. Team Lally exceeded our expectations!”
“Awesome experience with TEAM LALLY! We sold the home faster than expected with professional service from TEAM LALLY. I’d recommend their services to anyone coming or going to Hawaii! The team concept was what sold us on the service they could provide. It’s nice to know that every aspect of the process is covered by people who specialize in that area. Buying Agents just focus on the buyers, Listing Agents just focus on selling your home and understanding the market at the time, processing agents become your main contact after you are “under contract” for specialized customer service. Howard was very responsive with all our questions, it was as if he never left the office! Thanks TEAM LALLY!”
“We found Team Lally a credit to us and our Family. They were professional, up to date, honest, helpful and willing to help in anything. They began to help us find a house in 2011. With up to date data and phone calls, emails and appointments, we were able to find our perfect house within a few months. Now we look at Team Lally as Friends. They were not only professional but they took the time out to get to know the family and help us with all they could. Thank you Team Lally again.”
“As first-time home buyers, I couldn’t have asked for a better realty than Team-Lally!Three months prior to moving to Hawaii from the mainland, we began our search online by looking at pictures and viewing videos of current listings in Kaneohe and Kailua. We were so fortunate to have Team Lally as our agent. Team Lally was knowledgeable, patient, and honest; they even went out of their way to record videos of a few homes. Via e-mail and over the phone, they addressed all my questions and concerns. By the time we arrived, we were so well prepared and closed on the house we wanted in no time! If we buy or sell again, we are definitely calling Team Lally”
“Adrienne and Howard and their team were amazing for us. We both bought and sold our home thru them, and they helped us through every step, every time. They were understanding, knowledgeable and professional. they made what would have been a grueling process easier, and I can say how much we appreciate all their hard work! Highly recommend!!!”
“We used Team Lally for BOTH Buying and selling our home, and without a doubt, would use and recommend them time and time again! They made each process easy and enjoyable, and was always there to answer any and all questions or concerns we had. Can’t give a stellar enough review to the excellent Team. Above and beyond, definitely customer service orientated! Thank you guys for all you have done for us!”
“Team Lally definitely earned our business. They took pictures of our house and gave us a detailed pictorial guide of what we could do to get our house ready for the market. Everything they recommended was doable, concrete, and incredibly helpful. They are consistent, very professional and we’d highly recommend them!”