Business

Thinking About Leaving Your Job?

Published

2 years ago

April 7, 2023

It’s normal to wonder what other career opportunities are out there waiting for you. For some employees, this is a temporary feeling that follows a bad day at work. Others may be seriously considering quitting their job. If you’ve been thinking of leaving your job, whether you’re hoping to have a new one lined up or just planning to take a break for a few months, there are many things to consider. Starts by asking yourself these questions.

What are the pros and cons of my current job?

Reasons to quit can range from wanting a better work-life balance to seeking out more opportunities for professional growth. It’s a good idea to write down your reasons to move on and contrast them with the overall positives of your current job. Writing and reviewing the pros and cons of your job may help you decide if resigning is the right move for you. The cons may not seem like dealbreakers after you’ve given it some thought. Conversely, you may also find that the pros are not good enough to warrant remaining in the role.

Can I afford to take a break from work?

If you plan to quit without having another job lined up, it’s crucial to evaluate your finances beforehand. You may want to ensure you have enough money saved up to cover your living expenses for a period of time. If you have any outstanding debts, you’ll need to make sure you’re able to continue making payments. Consider your emergency fund and any amounts you’ve saved up for leisure expenses. What other sources of funding do you have access to, if needed? For example, can you borrow against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy, such as whole life insurance?

What are my job prospects?

In the current economy, this is a vital question to ask yourself. It’s important to research the market thoroughly and be realistic about your prospects before leaving your job. If you suspect that your skills may be less in demand right now, it may be better to find another job before resigning. On the other hand, if you’re still fielding calls from recruiters and feel confident that finding your next role won’t take too long then it may be less risky to take some time off.

Whether you’re thinking of pursuing a new role or taking some time off, the decision to resign could be the right move. However, it’s important to think carefully about your expenses, life circumstances, and career goals before making a decision.

The primary purpose of permanent life insurance is to provide a death benefit. Using permanent life insurance accumulated value to supplement retirement income will reduce the death benefit and may affect other aspects of the policy.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.