2018 Best in Real Estate

May 30, 2018

Site Staff,

Daren S. Kimura

Mortgage Administrator

Going through the process of buying a new home can be very stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Daren S. Kimura, a mortgage administrator with 20 years of experience, can remove the fear out of this daunting financial process.

Daren’s strong desire to help people with their personal finances is what led him to Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union, which finances first and second mortgages and deals with single-family homebuyers, investors and brokers. While he enjoys working with experienced homeowners and investors, his true joy is the first-time homebuyer. Working with and explaining the process is what motivates him. “Our range of products and services,” he says, “are always designed with our members’ best interests in mind.”

“Here at Hawaiian Tel FCU, we’re people helping people make their dreams come true, it’s what we do and we enjoy it.”
— Daren Kimura

In addition to competitive mortgages, home equity and auto loans, the credit union offers checking, savings, keiki accounts, lines of credit, certificates, foreign exchange, online access, mobile banking and mobile check deposit. Hawaiian Tel FCU also provides members with added safety and security features such as a text messaging service to alert debit and credit card users of potential fraud.

“Here at Hawaiian Tel FCU, we’re people helping people make their dreams come true,” Says Daren, “it’s what we do and we enjoy it.”

1138 North King Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, (808) 832-8708,
HiTelFCU.com

Scott Adams

Windward regional director, ra, RS-66472

Scott leads a full-service team specializing in residential sales on O‘ahu. Regardless of the budget, their goal is to make your move as easy and profitable as possible, and with the utmost confidentiality. They offer a wide range of services from coordinating renovations and preparations to assisting in senior relocations. Their extensive resources, proven marketing methods and proactive management of escrows are invaluable whether you are buying or selling. With over 15 years of real estate experience, strong local ties and the backing of a trusted brand, you can be confident that your goals are in good hands.

Top 100 Realtors on O‘ahu, Honolulu Board of Realtors
Top 100 Realtors in Hawai‘i, Hawaii Business Magazine
Best in Real Estate, Honolulu Advertiser

Kailua Town Center, 629 Kailua Road, Suite 200, Kailua, HI 96734; Office: (808) 738-3631, Direct: (808) 779-5135, ScottA@BetterHawaii.com, HiHomes.com

Erin Evans

Broker, ABR, CDPE, SFR, MRP, RB-22476

Erin Evans is the proud Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Island Homes, the newest CENTURY 21 affiliation on island.

The brokerage will provide “gold-level” real estate services to individuals, families and all military service members seeking residential and/or luxury properties on O‘ahu. “We chose the organization that we feel has a similar familial culture to ours and one that is best equipped to retain the best professionals in the market and offer world-class marketing and services to our clients.” Their company impression is to defy mediocrity and deliver extraordinary experiences.

This is Erin’s third year being honored in HONOLULU Magazine’s Best in Real Estate. In 2014, she was honored with the prestigious Aloha ‘Aina REALTOR® Award and has consistently been a top producer in the CENTURY 21 system, ranking in the Top 50 nationwide and O‘ahu’s Top 50 Real Estate Agents over the past four years.

458 Manawai Street, #607, Kapolei, HI 96707, (808) 292-5722, Erin@C21islandhomes.com, sellinghawaiihomes.com

William “Billy” T. Robillard

Realtor associate, partner/vice president, RS-62201

Named one of Hawai‘i’s Best in Real Estate for three years by HONOLULU Magazine, William “Billy” T. Robillard has spent more than a decade offering top-notch client service, distinguishing himself as one of Honolulu’s premier realtors. Born and raised in Japan, where the service industry is considered among the best in the world, Robillard’s unmatched hospitality—a trait instilled in him from childhood—is what sets him apart from his peers. His dedication to helping clients find their perfect homes, ensuring a smooth and stress-free homebuying process and building client trust have resulted in relationships that last a lifetime.

As a bilingual English and Japanese speaker, much of Robillard’s portfolio consists of higher-end clients from Japan looking to purchase secondary homes in Hawai‘i. He also works with many local clients, however, and is happy to assist individuals on any budget. He uses his 10-plus years of experience to guide clients in the direction that works best for them and equip them with knowledge to make the right choice for their needs. Last year, Billy celebrated a new career milestone, closing a record-breaking $22 million sale for a unit in the upcoming ultra-luxury Park Lane condominium, the highest price paid for a residential condo in the Hawai‘i history.

Robillard’s unmatched hospitality—a trait instilled in him from childhood—is what sets him apart from his peers.

Chaney Brooks American Homes, 1440 Kapi‘olani Boulevard, Suite 1010, Honolulu, HI 96814, (808) 221-4376, HonoluluHIRealEstateOffice.com

Shannon Ball

Broker, SRES, RB-22202

Shannon Ball is a real estate broker at KFG Properties, Inc., working alongside his wife and principal broker Fran Gendrano. Post college, Shannon worked in Boston as a cancer data analyst, later returning to Hawai‘i to explore entrepreneurial interests as the owner-winemaker of a Kapahulu winery. Joining KFG Properties in 2011, Shannon’s analytical skills and entrepreneurial background have made him an invaluable asset in real estate. He is adept at forming thorough analyses of market data and financials, evaluating complex multi-unit and mixed-use properties and projecting potential development opportunities. Clients value his honest and careful consideration of property values and commitment to finding the best options for their circumstances, from their investments to their residences.

A world traveler, ocean paddler, conscientious human and happy global citizen, Shannon is passionate about his community and making the world a better place for his daughters. He is a strong believer in supporting local small businesses and creating sustainable paths for a better Hawai‘i.

KFG Properties, Inc., 2065 South King Street, Suite 302, Honolulu, HI 96826, (808) 456-8188, KFGPropertiesInc.com

Fran Gendrano

Principal Broker, GRI, ABR, SRES, RB-19601

Frances “Fran” Gendrano is the principal broker of KFG Properties, Inc., established by parents Buddy and Melga Gendrano in 1975. The brokerage and property management firm specializes in residential real estate with a focus on investments and multi-units. She draws upon her wealth of knowledge and 15-plus years of experience to offer clients honest, informed recommendations that take their best interests to heart. “I love to help others gain financial well-being,” she says. “My parents came to Hawai‘i as immigrants and built this company through hard work. Their success inspires me to do the same for my clients.”

Fran currently serves as vice president on the HiCentral MLS Board, has served two terms on the state’s Real Estate Commission and was named a Pacific Century Fellow in 2010. Most recently, she and husband Shannon Ball, also a broker at KFG Properties, have begun exploring ways to bring more affordable housing to the Hawai‘i market.

KFG Properties, Inc., 2065 South King Street, Suite 302, Honolulu, HI 96826, (808) 456-8188, KFGPropertiesInc.com

Karen Mayer

REALTOR, BIC, rb–20538

Karen Mayer brings her clients a lifetime of entrepreneurial experience, marketing expertise and fierce competitive dedication to getting the job done and doing it right. A child of New England and a graduate of North Carolina’s Duke University, she’s a blend of the cold winters’ discipline and the southern spirit of cooperation, loyalty and perseverance. Her ability to close the deal is honed through three decades working with her husband, as they’ve founded, grown and nurtured businesses together, always focusing on setting the bar higher.

Karen possesses the finely honed instincts necessary to leverage market knowledge, and is renowned for her keen valuation instincts and her attention to detail.

Karen’s clients have said that she is cool-headed, professional, strategic and patient. “I know many, many realtors on O‘ahu, and I count Karen among the best.” “She really cares about her clients and wants to see them happy”.

4211 Waialae Avenue, Suite 106, Honolulu, HI 96816; Office: (808) 589-2040, Mobile: (808) 286-9861, karen@elitepacific.com

Joni Shiraishi

Principal Broker, RB-15625, CRB, CRS, GRI, E-PRO, CNHS, CNE

Joni Shiraishi is the principal broker of Aloha Island Homes. With 40 years of real estate sales, management and consultation experience, Joni strives to understand the needs of her clients and advocates on their behalf to ensure that their transactions are as smooth and stress-free as possible.

A longtime resident of the North Shore, this U.S. Navy veteran brings firsthand knowledge and insider expertise to homebuyers, sellers and property owners in the O‘ahu real estate market.

This is Joni’s third year as one of HONOLULU Magazine’s Best in Real Estate. She has served multiple terms as chair of the North Shore Regional Group of Realtors, as a regional director and director at large of the Honolulu Board of Realtors, and is currently serving as a director at large for the Hawaii Association of Realtors. She has also earned a spot among an elite group of individuals holding the CRB designation, a distinction only 3 percent of licensed realtors achieve.