About Shannon Karlstrom
After earning my Bachelors Degree in Political Science, with an option in legal studies, from CSU, Chico (a.k.a. Chico State), I went to work for a local, independent real estate broker and shortly after, obtained my California real estate sales license and began working full time as a real estate agent in June of 1999. This was pre, crazy market run. At that time, we were in a more “normal” kind of market. More normal, certainly, than the market soon to follow that was characterized by about five years of unprecedented and unpredictable, double digit home value appreciation gains. So, I didn’t get into this business during, or because of, the perceived “easy money” that seemed to attract thousand of people to the business. I expected to work hard to fulfill my goal of building a business based on trust and competence with the people who looked to me for my experience, expertise and guidance. I continue to strive to achieve that goal today. It is a core value of my business.
In January of 2004, with five years of experience under my belt and the lessons I had learned through the mentor-ship of two knowledgeable and established Real Estate Brokers, with whom I was closely associated, I earned my California Real Estate Brokers License and shortly after, opened my own business called, Aloha Realty.
I am often asked the question, “Why, Aloha Realty?” Well, the answer is that I toiled with names for some time before choosing the one that really seemed to resonate with me. From a practical standpoint, the word aloha is different, without being totally foreign. And, I am embarrassed to admit it, but at the time, I thought there was some value in a business name that started with the letter, “A”.
But, most importantly, the answer lies in the meaning of the word itself. For those who are keenly familiar with it, the word has many meanings in the Hawaiian language. Common to most people is that it means both, “Hello” and “Goodbye”, which in itself, seems to fit well with the idea of people coming into, and saying “Hello” to a new home, and for those saying “Goodbye” to an old one. However, it gets even better than that. Literally translated, the word means, “The Breath of Life”. Even the acronymic letters, A-L-O-H-A, represent a greater meaning. But, one of my favorite definitions of the word and the embodiment of the Aloha Spirit, especially as it relates to the sometimes hectic business of real estate, describes a sense of hospitality and kindness even in the face of stressing environments, occasions, or people.
In very early 2007, my wife and I started Blue Sky Lending to further broaden our services and to provide a quality alternative consistent with the values of Aloha Realty. Each are held by the corporation, Aloha Real Estate Services, Inc. Cassie brings her experience, integrity, compassion and depth as a person, to every contact she makes and every service she performs for her clients. I am lucky to have her working with me and unbelievably lucky to have her in my life!
My real estate experience includes both buyer and seller representation, with a focus on single family homes. I have bought and sold my own real estate for investment as well. And, most recently, got into the building aspect of real estate development, creating a custom home with an emphasis on quality and sustainability… things that are important to me. I stay engaged and try to remain up to date on industry changes and serve on two local Association committees, Local Government Relations and the Affordable Housing Committee.
More personally (if you’re still reading), when I’m not working, I like to spend my time doing a wide variety of things. I am most at home participating in just about anything that takes me outdoors. Things like; hiking, biking, running, golf, and boxing. We travel as much as possible and have enjoyed trips to places like China, NYC, and of course, Hawaii.
