Hawaii Real Estate, Hawaii Home Buying, Honolulu Housing Market, Hawaii Home Selling, Hawaii Relocations, Hawaii Military Relocations, Mililani Real Estate, Hawaii Homes Market

WooHoo!  You have orders to your next duty station and it's all you've ever dreamed of.....going to that tropical paradise you saw on TV shows and the movies. It's a HAWAII PCS and RELOCATION for you and your family! 

It's a magical mystical wonderland with fairies in the woods watching over you and fluttering from each exotic flower to the next. You can live on the beach in a grass shack and drink those Blue Hawaii drinks with the little umbrella in it in the evening while watching the sun set. The hula girls will automatically pop out of nowhere and start doing the hula dance on the beach while in the near distance the surfers are catching their last waves of the day.

ZAP!  You awaken to the true reality of it all. You're being proactive in your search for a Hawaii Home or Condo and you don't know where to start.  You know it's going to be hard looking for just that right Hawaii Real Estate Agent and Hawaii Loan Officer so just be aware of some myths and facts regarding your Hawaii Home Buying Process.

• Myth: The first  Hawaii Realtor® you come across while searching the internet is your ‘lucky' pick ...therefore, that one just has to be the one who is going to fulfill all your needs.   You fairy tale come true!
• Fact:   Search the internet for Real Estate Agents that not only have a strong internet presence, but have articles and information that know what they're talking about. Contact and interview a couple of the agents so you know if you will be comfortable with them and if they really know what they're talking about.
• Myth:  You search for information on Hawaii VA Loans and it appears that all the websites you come across are loan officers who are seemingly working with the Veterans Administration.  GONG!
• Fact:  A  VA Loan means that  the Veterans Administration guarantees the lender a % should the vet default on their loan.  They are not working in the VA Office. Make sure your loan officer is a seasoned loan officer who KNOWS the Hawaii Real Estate Laws and the Hawaii Real Estate Contract as well as their VA Guidelines for your loan. 
• Myth:   If the company has other ‘affiliated' entities (i.e. if it's a real estate company and they use a loan company that is based right in their office...or vice versa) in their office they must be good because they do it ALL. NOT!
• Fact:  It's a conflict of interest to have real estate, loan company and escrow company that are all in the same office. The buyer is ENTITLED to have a separate entity for all and should not be pressured to use their affiliates. It's like having a loan officer /real estate agent (wears both hats) represent both sides in a transaction. How are they thinking in your best interests?????

It is in your best interests to know who you're working with and get the correct information before you start with your Hawaii VA Loan Process and Buying Your Hawaii Home or Hawaii Condo.  There are many things to be aware of before jumping right in. Choosing the RIGHT Realtor® & Hawaii VA Loan Officer, & Hawaii Military Relocation Information  may enlighten you just a bit more. Just know that being proactive WAY AHEAD of your scheduled Hawaii PCS will ensure you getting educated and finding the perfect fit for your Hawaii Home Buying with your HAWAII VA Loan Experience.

Note: 

The 2009 Honolulu County VA Loan Limit is $783,750.  (click here for OTHER 2009 COUNTY LOAN LIMITS) Using the table for your  Honolulu County BAH Rates and my Hawaii Home Mortgage Calculator  you can let the loan officer know what your budget is for a monthly mortgage.  Just because you have great credit and qualify for x amount does not mean you want to afford those monthly payments.

For more information click on the following link to the VA site with their brochure>>>> What VA Does For the Home Buying Veteran

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Want the whole scoop about Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Military Relocations?

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

For the majority of the professionals in the Real Estate Industry we love our 'jobs'. We want our clients to either achieve the American Dream of home ownership or help our sellers get the best price for their homes.

Real Estate Professionals thrive on going above and beyond.

The most important reason of them all is the heartfelt comments and a happy smile on my clients face at the end of the transaction to express their appreciation for the hard work and effort I put into it. Whoever said that we should not put any emotion into our business is not how I choose to conduct business. It's an emotional event for my clients and I do get a little involved with what I do as well.

Caring about my clients and thinking in their best interests are my main priorities. 

My client read my posts for about 10 months without a peep. He didn't contact me until October and from there we worked on getting him prequalified for a loan and getting his criteria set for his soon to be purchase of his first home. We closed the transaction less than two weeks ago and he was very emotional when I called him to give him recording clearance. He had just purchased his first home for he and his family and he was emotional.

He gave me written permission to share with you the following testimonial. I was floored and emotional by time I finished reading it. 

Our experience with "Sally" from our initial contact to contract:

For many months leading up to our Hawaii move my wife and I had a number of places that we were interested in seeing upon our arrival to rent. During one of our internet searches we came across Sally's blog about buying real estate in Hawaii and how with her help we could actually buy a house and not throw our money away in rent. We were impressed with her qualifications and most importantly we liked the fact that she really listened to our desires, cared about staying in our budget just as much as we cared, and allowed us enjoy our first weeks in Hawaii without any hassles by doing 95% of the work while constantly keeping us informed.

Thanks to Sally really understanding what we wanted from the beginning we were able to see houses that met our desires and dreams. It was not long before we walked into the house we knew would become our home! With meticulous passion for getting things right all of the paperwork and documents that it takes to buy a home, which had originally kept us hesitating to even try to purchase, was signed and filed appropriately by Sally who also took the time to make us aware of certain steps of the process that we should pay particular attention to. It was obvious from the start Sally had been getting nervous families from the mainland into the Hawaiian community for years and not only planting them into a great house but welcoming them and accepting them into the land of Paradise allowing them to grow as new members in the community.

Our house closed on the exact day Sally said it would and we know that the only reason it did was due to Sally's diligence and passion for getting people what they have always dreamed of. As first time home buyers Sally has given us something we thought we were not going to have for many years. You would be completely short changed if you don't allow Sally to assist you in your move to Hawaii. Give her a call or send an email like I did and I can assure you of an adventure like no other on the face of this planet! Never in our wildest dreams did we think we could ever own a house in Hawaii. A place where people of all countries long to visit or live. Thank you again Sally for the present you have given to our family!

Robert & Zarina
11JAN09

***THESE are definitely the rewards that make it all worthwhile.***

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Be proactive in your Hawaii Relocation and your search for your home in paradise. It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people but you can do it with effort, motivation and a great Realtor®! 

• Hawaii Military Relocations: Choosing the RIGHT Realtor® & Loan Officer
• Mililani Town, Hawaii: Recreation Centers and Fun for All Ages!
• Hawaii VA Loan Process: BE PREPARED!
• Launani Valley Mililani Condos Homes-Hawaii Relocation Schofield Barracks, Wheeler AAF
• Mililani Hawaii Military Relocations Community INFORMATION- Part I

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved 

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

First of all there are plenty of Realtors® in Honolulu County to choose from. Hmm, last I looked there were about 6,000 on this island alone. So how do you choose a Realtor® who is knowledgeable in Military Relocations & Real Estate and VA Loan/Transaction process?

There are plenty of Loan Officers in Honolulu County as well.  Hmm, not sure about the numbers there but I can bet you half are gone since the closing of many loan companies. So, how do you choose a loan officer who is knowledgeable in Military Relocations & experienced in Hawaii Real Estate Contracts, the VA loan process and knows Hawaii Real Estate laws too?

Trick questions? I think not.

Just know that everyone is claiming to be a "VA expert", "Military Relocation Specialist", "Multi Million Dollar Producer" and claims to be an expert in just about anything when it comes to Hawaii Real Estate. Just know one thing experience in Real Estate first. The caring and understanding and knowing what it's like to Relocate is another. Personality plays a big part in your connection with both Realtor® and Loan Officer.

Just because they advertise so doesn't make it so. Remember that.

I have written many articles on the VA Transaction Process "through THIS Realtor Associate's® eyes"and I yes I do claim to be an expert as well. What I'm trying to get across here are there are certain criteria to look for when looking for that special Realtor® or Local Lender that you will choose to purchase that special home for you and your family once you Relocate to Hawaii.

To start with:

• If the Realtor® or Loan Officer is promising the world and it sounds too good to be true...it probably is. Question it and get a second opinion. 
• If that Realtor® is not showing you property that is in your criteria then you know something is wrong. You usually can pick up on that sort of stuff while looking online and inquiring with different Realtors®  (i.e you are qualified for 350k and they're showing you up to 600k)
• If that Realtor® or Loan Officer is playing any other role besides their title (i.e. Loan Officer telling the client what to put in the purchase contract and a Realtor® promising an interest rate that is absurd) then you know it's time to get a second opinion.
• If that Realtor® or Loan Officer continuously brags about 'self' and doesn't bother to listen to your needs, then it's time to move on and interview someone else. You need someone who will listen and give you sound advice. Not someone who keeps talking about themselves.
• If that Realtor® or Loan Officer is not thinking in your best interests and is continuously pushy even though you've told them you're working with someone else; then you know this person is only thinking of one thing. That paycheck.
• If that Realtor® or Loan Officer is trying to sway you to a different loan program besides the VA Guaranteed Loan program question why and get a second opinion. For the military vet there is no question that a VA loan is literally the best 100% financing program there is for the Military Relocating to Hawaii who are serious about Hawaii Home Buying.
• If a Realtor® or Loan Officer is bad mouthing another peer for no reason...just know that there is most likely an ulterior motive to that scenario and you're not looking to judge their peer but buy a home!

Okay, so we all are out to work and make a living, but there is certainly a difference between making a living and walking all over someone just to make that living. If it's one thing most people have is common sense and they can 'feel' when someone is just talking a good game or being real and genuine in their quest to help you acquire that American Dream of home ownership.

If you're not sure, then keep asking and inquiring until you feel comfortable with your choice for a Realtor® and your loan officer. Remember, this is most likely the most important decision you're making in your lifetime (besides asking her to marry you :) so be sure you're in the right hands.

For more information on the VA Loan Transaction Process, being proactive for your relocation and the Hawaii Housing Market:

• Good News! October Statistics for Oahu's Housing Market!  These statistics will give you an idea of how our market has gone a little down and a little back up again. It's more of a little bit of negotiating market but not much if it's prices right.
• This Realtors® Perspective: Hawaii Military & the VA Loan These guidelines will help you in preparing for your Hawaii Relocation (or even if you already live here and are purchasing a home) and learning about the transaction process using your VA Guaranteed Loan
• VA Loans & Hawaii Military Relocations: This Realtors® Process Know the process for your VA benefits and the VA loan process.
• *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii*  Don't be shocked when you arrive...get the scoop on the environment, jobs, house hunting, BAH current rates and more!
• The Art of Hawaii Relocations  Expect smaller, different and of course paradise.
• A Honolulu Hawaii Relocation: Getting Ready With Your "To Do" List In order to have a smooth transition in your Honolulu Hawaii Move, Hawaii Job Transfer & Move or your Honolulu Hawaii Military Relocation you NEED to be proactive!

One thing is for certain: From start to finish your transaction, loan and escrow process should be a smooth process for you! All who are involved will be working together as a team so when you receive those keys it's a happy time.....moving in to your happy home.

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Yesterday my daughter and I went to the Super Shopping Plaza. The NEX (Navy Exchange) at Pearl Harbor. The NEX back in 1967 was a single story old building with a couple of separate ones scattered around the Moanalua Shopping Center area and up the road from the Makalapa Gate- Pearl Harbor Navy Base.

A few years ago they built this giant double level mall NEX consisting of 275,000 sq. ft of oodles of shopping, other stores and a giant Commissary too. It is Hawaii's Largest Navy Exchange and named the "2006 Bingham Award" winner for excellence and outstanding performance.

Not only is this "mall" HUGE to accomodate the hundreds if not thousands that trapse through all the shopping mall,  it is also tastefully decorated to entertain Active Duty Military In Hawaii, their dependents, Vets in Hawaii and their guests.

The waterfall pictured to the left starts from the pool on the second floor and tiers down with cascading waterfalls to three or four levels and ending at the bottom pool. The sculpture is a Wyland sculpture titled "A Leap of Faith".

While coming down the escalator I noticed many children and adults tossing coins to make a wish.

What a sight!

Yes, I ran around taking pictures of the gigantic mural on the ceiling that highlights the entry and the middle of the mall. Guess who did this "Ocean's Sanctuary" mural? Ah...of course it's Wyland! 

This mural features Wyland's 89th mural (he just painted his 100th one in China in honor of the Olympics) and spans 10,000 sq/ft and features three adult and two baby whales.

In 2004 Wyland returned to the NEX to add on a HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL to the mural. Do you see it right in the skylight?

We ate at the Food Court and got our fill so we could romp around the Hawaii Navy Commissary without stuffing our basket with unneeded items (that one usually does when they're all hungry before shopping). Right inside the entrance there was a flower/plant 'shop' and I decided to pick up two plants to give my little courtyard garden some color.

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Hours of operation:
Daily: 9 AM - 9 PM

Telephone: (808) 423-3330
Customer Service: (808) 423-3274

Mailing Address:
1025 Quincy Avenue, Suite 1020
Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-4512

Physical Location:
4725 Bougainville Drive, Building 631
Honolulu, HI 96818

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© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved

This Community is not just for people who are relocating to Hawaii but for all military personnel and dependents, residents and visitors too.... who just want information on our neighborhoods, information on purchasing a home, information of what to do to get ready for your move, information on the VA loan process and anything to do with POINTS OF INTEREST, places to see and things to do. 

BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS! is something I put together for residents, military, non military, retirees, visitor or anyone interested in things to do on Oahu, Honolulu County. Have fun!

Military Transfers & Relocations to Hawaii: A Geographical Shock tells my story and travels as a Military Dependent but also that the Hawaii Military Veteran makes up 10% of our population on Oahu & the Active Duty Military Personnel make up about 3.5 % of our population on Oahu. It is without a doubt that the military presence in Honolulu County makes up a BIG Community on our island of Oahu. 

We give our Aloha Spirit to you all who serve our country and their dependents that support them too!

Your Military Relocation to Hawaii, Neighborhood Information and Purchasing Your New Home.  The following information is basic but pertinent information to go over before you even pack for your transfer and before considering purchasing your Honolulu County (Oahu) home. Moving across the Pacific Ocean to such a diverse culture may be of a shock and you may want to brush up on a few tips to make your transition a smooth one.

•  Is the Hawaii Real Estate Housing Market Still Shifting? The big difference with the Housing Market in Hawaii is the fact that we have just so little buildable and usable land.
• This Realtors® Perspective: Hawaii Military & the VA Loan These guidelines will help you in preparing for your Hawaii Relocation (or even if you already live here and are purchasing a home) and learning about the transaction process using your VA Guaranteed Loan
• Honolulu County Hawaii Military Bases & Installations- Oahu Neighborhoods Map, bases and installations and all you wanted to know about where that duty station you're being transferred to is located on this island.
• *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii*  Don't be shocked when you arrive...get the scoop on the environment, jobs, house hunting, BAH current rates and more!
• The Art of Hawaii Relocations  Expect smaller, different and of course paradise.
• A Honolulu Hawaii Relocation: Getting Ready With Your "To Do" List In order to have a smooth transition in your Honolulu Hawaii Move, Hawaii Job Transfer & Move or your Honolulu Hawaii Military Relocation you NEED to be proactive!

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• VA Loans & Hawaii Military Relocations: This Realtors® Process Know the process for your VA benefits and the VA loan process.
• Honolulu-Hawaii Pet Quarantine: Prepare For Your Hawaii Move!  Hawaii is Rabies Free so our laws are strict with incoming pets.
• Oahu and Surrounding Neighborhood Search: Relocations Hawaii  A look into how I set you up to receive automatic listings with your own personal webpage to fine tune your criteria for your home purchase
• What's in Your Wallet?  This online relocation packet may be informational but I always send out printed booklets as well. It's just ...well....more personal.
• Visitor and Newcomer Safety Tips for Hawaii!  Take heed to some safety tips as it will surely make you one proactive person....and it could save you and your family from harm.
• 10 Simple Things for BUYING YOUR HAWAII HOME  For one, you will have your own agent (known as a Buyer's Agent) to represent your best interests. Another, leave the work to us and not your friend, family or yourself. It's like having an operation performed by a school teacher. Doesn't work like that.
• HAWAII OPEN HOUSES (RULES WHILE ATTENDING)  Sometimes, buyers are under the impression that they are better negotiators and will be able to get a better deal. Read tips for Open Houses because the agent holding the Open House is thinking in the best interests of the seller...not you.

Stay tuned for Part II with links to all you ever wanted to know about your MOVE to Hawaii, Transfer to Hawaii, Military Relocation to Hawaii, Local Area Information, Housing Information, Sites to See, Pictures and More.

It's a lovely day in our neighborhood!

Paradise at Your Fingertips :)

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© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog. All rights reserved.

The New Localism has opened new doors for more communities of MY OWN Honolulu County Neighborhoods that will continue to get me google juice. 

When I wrote about something that may interest a Hawaii Military Relocation and a Honolulu Hawaii Relocations I posted into Localism entered the State, County and City. Under "neighborhood" it give the option to "Add Neighborhood". This is where the memory bank kicked in from all I've learned on ActiveRain.

MY Community is surely my market niche. The military plays a HUGE part in our community and so do the Hawaii Retiree or Hawaii Job Transfers. Even the people that just want a geographical change move here...to live and own a little of 'paradise'.

So, what better what to network with the Relocations to Hawaii? Yup, online opportunities. Don't ya just love it? Meeting and connecting with incoming or even current residents of our communities will open doors to endless possibilities.

Post To:

Localism.com State/Province: -- Not State Specific -- Alabama Alaska Alberta Arizona Arkansas British Columbia California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Manitoba Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Brunswick Newfoundland New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota North West Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Ohio Oklahoma Ontario Oregon Pennsylvania Prince Edward Island Quebec Rhode Island Saskatchewan South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas US Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Yukon County: -- Not County Specific -- Hawaii County Honolulu County Kalawao County Kauai County Maui County City: -- Not City Specific -- Aiea Barbers Point Camp H M Smith Camp Smith Ewa Beach Fort Shafter Haleiwa Hauula Hickam AFB Honolulu Kaaawa Kahuku Kailua Kaneohe Kapolei Kunia Laie M C B H Kaneohe Bay Mililani Nanakuli Pearl City Pearl Harbor Schofield Barracks TAMC Wahiawa Waialua Waianae Waimanalo Waipahu Wake Island Wheeler Army Airfield Neighborhood: -- Not Neighborhood Specific -- Launani Valley Melemanu Mililani Mililani Hawaii Military Relocation Mililani Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations Mililani Mauka Waipio Acres Waipio Gentry  Add Neighborhood Post is a Listing

In any case, I knew Hawaii Randy (Prothero) who is a fellow agent in my office,  would compete with me for just the city of Mililani so I went one step further.

I created ...and sponsored these neighborhoods: 

I also created and sponsored:

So, after sponsoring my neighborhood I created....I had the ability to add descriptions and so forth and in MY Own Community I have ME in there. Okay, so the ego does play a part in all this but I'd rather not fight over Honolulu stuff or Mililani stuff when I have unreal presence for my niche market with all my wonderful Local Area posts.

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So...be creative and see that it's just another avenue to create just one more search for you and your niche market.

Another way to network within your community.

Create your community...create your own opportunity.

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 P.S. If you didn't have the chance to read Randy's Hawaii Land Rush Post..... here it is:  Sponsoring Localism Communities - The Land Rush Hits Hawaii

Some Housing Markets are pretty hard to figure out but bottom line I asked myself, "Is the Hawaii Real Estate Housing Market Still Shifting?  "  I truly believe that the Hawaii Homes Market is surely neighborhood geared. As I stated before, "I also believe that it is up to everyone in the Real Estate Industry to keep the market moving. With our professional attitudes shining through in all communication and contact with our clients and peers and being thorough in our process through each and every transaction are just a few points to always be aware of.

How well we all perform will determine the level of service "they" will rate us as well.

Well, back in the middle of May I wasn't too confident that a listing I had just put up Mililani Hawaii Home for Sale, 95-091 Waipuka Place would sell anytime soon. It was overpriced by about 25k and after two weeks past with NOT ONE showing during the week and a couple of people wandering through during two Open Houses I was weary.

In the meantime I did EVERYTHING I could to promote this listing and even tried My First RAW Video- Promotional for Listing .  Well, at least it was fun trying :) Then I started to get 'close' with the seller. Up Front & Personal With the Seller took us to Costco one morning and we had a good time just shopping.

During this slow time I received a call on a listing I didn't feel good at all about and asked you all Would You Have Turned "IT" Down?  Well, I turned it down and it was listed (grossly overpriced) by another agent and still sitting on the market today after 49 days. Yup, I did good.

Then we get the listing in contract!  It took the buyer who walked into the home and said, "This is the home for me! WooHoo!

Everything was going along smoothly with this VA loan process until......Permits, Licensed Contractors, Lenders and MORE! (Edit) put a little crook into the transaction. The past two weeks were hectic and the seller had to tear down the back storage and put up vinyl siding and went as far as to buy rain gutters too. Then we had to get a permit for a retaining wall that was 36 inches. (over 30 inches and we need a permit) No problem. Done.

Now, I don't know about you folks but every one of my transactions has a little emotion attached. You see, the seller (wife) was here trying to get all this done while the husband was going back and forth to Guam in preparation for his retirement from the military. I got 'attached' to this little petite lady who worked so hard to keep on track with me for this sale. Saying goodbye was a little bit eye watering when she kept saying she'll be back and to please email her and all that girlie stuff women say when saying Aloha.

Happy Retirement and

Safe Trip in your New Life!

We recorded yesterday.

It's a beautiful morning!

My son was in the United States Navy and stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk air craft carrier based out of Yokosuka, Japan until the summer of 2006.

He was aboard the ship and in the Persian Gulf the day the war was announced on March 19th, 2003 and I, as a mom, was sick to stomach and besides myself with worry. It was his birthday. I didn't hear from my son for a couple of months. READ MORE HERE 

He served his ship and his country well, and when the ship pulled into Pearl Harbor yesterday my son was so excited!  He has kept in contact with a couple of his friends and they plan on meeting up as soon as they are allowed off ship! (I told him to get pictures so I can blog about them :)

The USS Kitty Hawk took the place of the USS George Washington for the  Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercises due to a fire aboard the USS George Washington on May 22 and currently in San Diego undergoing repairs.  When the repairs are complete then the ship will replace the USS Kitty Hawk as the United States Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific.

The USS Kitty Hawk was commissioned in 1961 and is the only conventionally fueled air craft carrier left in the US Navy. When the USS George Washington replaces the USS Kitty Hawk in Yokosuka, Japan then the USS Kitty Hawk will head for the United States for decommissioning around January of 2009. Ah...but this ship served our country well.

Honolulu County IS of the whole island of Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands. With 50+ Hawaii Military Bases and Installations on our island alone, you can guaranty that the VA Guaranteed Loan is the way to go for the Hawaii Military Veteran purchasing their piece of Hawaii and paradise with a place they can call home.

(picture to left is the model of the USS Arizona Memorial depicting the ship under water and the memorial above at Pearl Harbor Hawaii)

Remember, VA Guarantees a percentage of the loan and you still have to go through a Lender that actually does do VA Loans and it is for your OWN PERSONAL USE. (not all banks, credit unions and loan companies do VA Loans). The Veterans Administration Guaranteed Loan is one of just a couple of loan programs that allow the Veteran to finance the funding fee as well as come in with no down payment. (100% financing).

In my experience, the Hawaii Based Military personnel have purchased homes or condos totalling 1/3 of my total sales with their VA loan benefits. I have learned the process very well and you may as well consider me a Seasoned Real Estate Agent for VA Transations and the Hawaii Military Relocation. 

I take pride in my relationships with the Military Stationed in Hawaii and pay particular attention to their needs when they Relocate to Hawaii.  Military Transfers & Relocations to Hawaii: A Geographical Shock tells my story and travels as a Military Dependent but also that the Hawaii Military Veteran makes up 10% of our population on Oahu & the Active Duty Military Personnel make up about 3.5 % of our population on Oahu.

The following guidelines will help you in preparing for your Hawaii Relocation (or even if you already live here and are purchasing a home) and learning about the transaction process using your VA Guaranteed Loan:

1. Your Realtor® needs to know what price range you qualify for in order to search through the MLS system for properties in your criteria that you provide (i.e. #bedrooms, baths, etc). If you do not know a LOCAL lender Your Realtor® can refer you to a couple who are well qualified and know the State Laws In Hawaii. Local lenders also will be walking along side you step by step as well as being face to face at time of signing loan docs.
2. When the Loan Officer lets both you and Your Realtor® know what price range you are qualified for the  Oahu and Surrounding Neighborhood Search: Relocations Hawaii gives you information on how Your Realtor® will set you up with a detailed web page according to your criteria for property listings.
3. Get your financial documents together (and make sure you don't let the movers pack them!) such as LES's for a whole month prior (you can also get this on MyPay online so not to worry), last two years of W-2's, last two months bank statements, any documents relating to your VA disability (if you are a disabled vet) and whatever the Loan Officer tells you that you will need.
4. Your VA Certificate of Eligibility will be ordered by the Loan Officer online once you go through the loan application process and it saves you the trip to Tripler Army Medical Center -VA Office- so, not to worry. VA guarantees approximately 25% of your loan to the lender.
5. Your Credit (FICO) Score and Income make a difference if you are to be qualified for a VA Loan. Remember, just because you have VA Benefits does not mean you don't have to have decent or some credit. There is a criteria that the Lenders follow according to VA guidelines. (i.e. if you have NO credit you cannot obtain a loan. Get a gas card and credit card to establish credit. You DO have to show a history of payments). Your debt to loan ratio is also taken into consideration and part of the criteria. 
6. This Realtor® makes showing appointments according to the criteria you have specified. You will know which home to put an offer in on and it'll be when you walk in a home and you say, "This feels like the right home for me!"
7. Then the contract is drawn up and this Realtor® explains each contingency throughout the contract while signing. The offer is submitted to the Seller's Agent and when it is accepted by the seller the Transaction and Loan Process begins!
8. This Realtor® sends the accepted contract to the Loan Officer and Opens Escrow. All documents and you initial deposit check will be submitted to escrow during the transaction and you will make an appointment immediately to submit all documentation and go through the VA application/signing with the loan officer. From there the loan officer orders the appraisal.
9. This Realtor® will set a time & date coinciding with your schedule to do your home inspection and will also give you a list of professional home inspectors to choose from. The home inspection will show you if there is anything to be repaired or remedied,
10. The Condominium and/or Subdivision Association Documents should be ordered immediately after acceptance of the offer and in the buyer's hands within 10-14 days after acceptance. This agent will make copies of the Budget, last three Association minutes and the Property Information form (RR105C) and submit it to the lender. They need this for the VA Loan Guidelines and process for your loan.  (these documents will show how the Association budgets their money in reserve. % of owner occupants, any pending concerns or litigation going on and so forth.
11. Provided your loan process goes smoothly you should have a Conditional Loan Commitment Letter within the first three weeks in contract. This is an approval of your loan with Conditions. Maybe you need to submit a couple of more documents or the appraisal is not in yet or the survey and termite inspection are not done yet. These are the types of conditions that will be listed on this letter.
12. Within two weeks after the Conditional  Loan Commitment letter is issued all the conditions should be complete for signing documents with escrow and the loan officer. Not to worry! I attend all signings with you. Approximately two to three days after signing the lender will wire all monies to escrow (funding) and when escrow receives all monies they will take the documents to the Bureau of Conveyances to record. One day later the Bureau gives clearance of recording and in turn escrow notifies all parties,

At this time, I call you and say, Congratulations! You now own your home!

How Can I Obtain More Information About VA Home Loans?

Call VA at 1-800-827-1000 or contact a local lender or real estate professional. Pamphlets available from VA include:   26-4 VA Guaranteed Loans for Veterans

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It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean and purchasing your Hawaii Home;

let alone to a totally different "world" of people.

But you can do it with a little effort, motivation and a great Realtor®!

If you're Relocating to Hawaii (regardless if it's near future or just wanting to be proactive for the future) contact me to get started with your search for Hawaii Homes for Sale.

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Launani Valley lies below Mililani Technical Park and right off Kamehameha Hwy. (Rt. 99) across from Wheeler Army Air Station & minutes from Schofield Barracks Army Installation.

A lush tropical green valley with soft gentle breezes and the sounds of life in peaceful surroundings, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the community that awaits you!

Ridge at Launani Valley complex has 2-3 bedroom units and in the last six months sold 2- 3 bedroom units at $290,000 and $340,000; and six -2 bedroom units priced between $260,000 and $299,999. Two 2 bedrooom are in contract priced at $319,000 & $329,000 and there is only ONE Active 2 bedroom on the market listed at $287,000. Days on Market range from ONE to Sixty days.

With a small stream winding along the same pathway of the paved road in to the valley, a walking/jogging path mirrors the stream to mimic the road as well.

The Streamside @ Launani Valley is a townhouse complex in Launani Valley with 2/2/2 and built between 1996 -2000.

In the last six months there was one unit sold at $315,000; three units are currently in contract priced between $289,000 to $327,000 and currently with 0 currently Active on the market. Days on Market boasts a 4-21 days.

As I approach the lone bus stop, I stop & step outside to take a snapshot; only to realize that the mid of day reveals an empty street as well. Until.....the trash trucks come barreling down the street to clean up the community while residents are away to work. 

A wonderous valley of plants, trees and gracefully swaying bamboo, the voices of nature will no doubt soothe you to sleep in the deep of night.

The Gardens at Launani Valley has two and three bedroom units and in the last six months 7 - two bedrooms have sold with prices between $279,000 to $327,000. Two -two bedrooms are in contract listed at $279,000 and $305,000 and there are currently 5- two bedrooms (priced from $279,00 to $309,000) and 1 - three bedroom currently on the market listed at $320,000. Days on Market range from 4-103 days.

The Terraces at Launani Valley complex also have 2-3 bedroom units. In the last six months 4-2 bedroom units have sold with prices between $358,000 and $359,000 and one -3 bedroom sold for $449,000. Two -2 bedrooms & one -3 bedrooms are currently in contract and there are 3-2 bedrooms currently active and listed between $369,000 & $385,000 and 3 -3 bedroom listed between $458,000 and $462,000. Days on market range from 27 to 112.

Evergreen Terrace has 2-3 bedroom units (934-1,393 sq. ft.) and in the last six months 3-2 bedroom units have sold with prices between $340,000 to $365,000 and the Days on Market were 13-93. One two bedroom in in contract and there are currently 4-3 bedrooms price between $400,000 and $439,000 while there is only one- 2 bedroom listed at $354,000.

The Woodcreek in Launani Valley single family homes range in prices from $489,000 to $525,000 for the 3 bedrooms (1,173 to 1,332 sq. ft.) to and $550,000 to $563,000 for the four bedroom (1,326 to 1,658 sq. ft.) There are currently 5 -3 bedrooms on the market and one -4 bedroom with one-3 bedroom currently in contract. Days on Market are 4-124 days.  

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If you are Moving and Transferring with the Military to Hawaii and are being proactive in your search for Hawaii Condos & Homes, contact me for listings for the areas near the Hawaii Military Base you will be stationed. And....click on the following link for loads of information regarding your Hawaii Relocation!

© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved.   

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Featured article on www.localism.com 

Military personnel who have relocated across the Pacific Ocean to Oahu, Hawaii are always astounded at the differences in homes once they arrive here. Okay, let's say stunned instead. I have had many military clients who were so shocked at the size of homes that they had no alternative but to store the majority of their household goods once they arrived because they brought it all. They also had a cultural shock as well with all our diverse cultural and ethnic groups. And the difference in weather conditions? Tropical paradise to say the least. 

If it's one thing we all will agree on is that Hawaii, the island Paradise, is full of beautiful tropical island scenery that will captivate you to no end.

As a Hawaii Realtor Associate® and Relocations Specialist I guaranty that the following information will help you in your Hawaii Military Relocation across the Pacific Ocean!  

ENVIRONMENT: Expect a totally different environment! You will need an open mind for a brand new experience with Hawaii's diverse community full of ethnic groups and cultures from all over the world! Do not expect everything to be the same as the Continental United States because you will be disappointed! Wherever you look you will have Japanese, Chinese, Filipino. Portugese, Hawaiian, Tongan, Samoan, Caucasian, Korean, African American, Vietnamese, Spanish, Guamanian and Polynesian races with different beliefs and styles of living. And the food? We have all the fast food places but why keep eating burgers when we have such a variety to choose from?

JOBS: Hawaii has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. The vast number of military stationed in Hawaii make up the majority of the federal government employees although spouses surely have an advantage if they have been previously employed on a military installation and transferring to a new duty station. We also have many jobs in the tourist industry including but not limited to hotels, restaurants, historic and scenic sites and so forth.

HOUSE HUNTING: Make arrangements with this Realtor® to give you information, send you a relocations packet and start you out with your online search for your Honolulu Hawaii Real Estate. Remember, Hawaii is not the same as the last time you were stationed here in back in 1975 and the change will shock you. We have many freeways, traffic, high rises and such. We may be more laid back but change is always inevitable with just so much buildable land.

MORTGAGE LENDER: Make sure to use a local lender as Hawaii lenders know the Hawaii real estate laws and you will have someone face to face to walk you through the loan process too! There is no recourse (RED FLAG!) if something goes wrong with a mainland lender, negotiating the best price and time lines are a very important factor in a real estate transaction. Even if your cousin or uncle is a Loan Officer it is a given that they will not know about  Hawaii mortgage funds. I guaranty that I can tell you some stories about the deals that fell through due to using lenders not familiar with our Real Estate Laws, Contracts and Contingencies. Also, make sure and hand carry your important financial papers as you will need them!

VA GUARANTEED LOAN: The most important thing to consider before utilizing your benefits is what you want to allot yourself for a monthly mortgage payment. The current VA Loan Amount is $783,750 (this is INCLUDING the funding fee)  and the following chart is the monthly BAH for 2009 for Honolulu County Hawaii.

MEDIAN HOME PRICES: During our home search online you may see a home that may interest you. I'll be sure to give you the median home price for that neighborhood. If it's way below the median price...well, it just may be too good to be true!  If this is your first time to Hawaii we will cruise the different neighborhoods so you can get a feel for the community. We will also need to choose between condos, town houses and single family homes according to your price range. (which is determined by your conversation with your local lender who prequalifies you)

HOUSEHOLD GOODS:  Our homes are smaller so be prepared to bring half of the household goods you currently have in your 3,000 sq. ft. interior home on the mainland. A 1,200 to 1800 sq. ft. for a single family 3 bedroom around the $500,000 to $600,000 range in Central Oahu is about the median sq/ft for the price. Be flexible and open minded!

Our office is located in Mililani Town in Central Oahu and 10 minutes from Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Air Field. We are also located about 20-25 minutes from Hickam AFB & Pearl Harbor Navy Base although I service all of the island of Oahu.

It's not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different "world" of people but you can do it with effort, motivation and a great Realtor®! 

http://www.hawaiihomesmarket.com/

www.localism.com featured article by Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, Hawaii 

Following is my entry in the Active Rain Buyer's Challenge Contest. (the name of the "potential client" is fictitious and only used for purposes of the contest to identify a "person")  Thank you Colleen Kulikowski for creating the First ActiveRain -- Buyer Challenge contest to expand our horizons in Localism post writing!

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Aloha David!

Thank you for contacting me after reading my post What Makes a House a Home in Honolulu, Hawaii? on the Active Rain Real Estate Netowork. You mentioned that you wanted information on purchasing beach-front property although you were more interested in the Central Oahu area. There are a few things that you may want to know regarding coastal land and if you read  Hawaii Coastal Land: *Ponder Before Purchasing* it may give you an idea at what is involved with this type of purchase.

Following is a virtual tour of Haleiwa and the Coast along the North Shore of Oahu so you can visualize:

Since you are familiar with the neighborhoods and lived in Mililani from 1982 - 1984 while stationed on Schofield Barracks  then you know Mililani will be convenient as it is minutes away from the base. Following are some links with useful information for schools, Mililani Town Association, golfing (you mentioned you loved golfing) and shopping centers. 

• Area schools for your child who is in high school:  Oahu Public Schools or Oahu Private Schools 
• Miliani Town Association
• Military Golf Courses, Public Golf Courses and the Hawaii State Golf Association
• Town Center of Mililani,  Mililani Shopping Center (where Century 21 Liberty Homes is located) and Mililani Marketplace and Community Resources for Mililani
• The Mililani Trolley operating schedule

The first step for purchasing real property is always to contact a Local Lender who will help you determine what price range and loan program you are qualified for so we know in what price ranged property to look for. Being a retired member of the armed forces you may find the following information helpful regarding your VA benefits:

• If you have not used your VA benefits for purchasing a home in the past (or even if you have once before but have sold that home) then you may want to discuss with the Loan Officer about using your VA guaranteed loan benefits. 
• You also mentioned you are a disabled vet and if you are at least 10% disabled then you may qualify to waive the funding fee!
• Here is a brochure on VA Guaranteed Home Loans for Veterans for more information.
• Just be sure to tell the lender what you are wanting to spend per month for your mortgage payment and this will better aid the Loan Officer in not only qualifying you according to your credit score but also according to your monthly budget for housing.
• If you need referrals for Loan Officers on the island I'll refer you to a few local lenders who will walk you through every step of the loan process.

As you know there is No Bursting Bubble For Hawaii? Home Buying and Selling Tipsters! and this information will help you to see more clearly that your options for purchasing real estate will most likely be geared toward a condo or townhouse.

The following Real Estate Show includes information (click on the details button) on three townhouses around the Mililani area:

I'll give you a call tomorrow so to go over everything and from there we can set you up with automatic notifications of listings in areas you are interested in. Even though you are not arriving for another six months we can get started in weeding out areas/types of townhouses and so forth to get a better idea of what you are looking for.

Thank you for contacting me in your search for real property on Oahu, Hawaii and I will look forward to speaking with you shortly!

Mahalo!

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, RA * Century 21 Liberty Homes

95-2214 Kipapa Drive, Mililani, HI  96789

Direct Contact:  808-375-1404                                                          

www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Mililani Hawaii Real Estate Blog 2007©