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
~~~~~~~~~
Want the whole scoop about Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Military Relocations?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
It is pouring and storming here, so that picture looks even more inviting than norma!!!!!
Heather: that's why the Military Relocating to Hawaii love their next duty station!
Sally - Good info. You really do keep your Internet presence as a military relocation pro. If I only had a chance to move to HI, I would call you - sorry Randy P!
Sally, you really do show the way for the VA and relo's! Looks like you're pushing Randy to the side!
Sally--every time I read one of your posts with pics of Hawaii I want to hop on a plane. Guess Hawaii is going to move up on the vacation list. Mary
Sally great information however that picture got me day dreaming,
Sally- I love how you just lay it all out there, straight to the point! Buyers relocating to Hawaii are in good hands with Sally!
I see so many folks calling themselves VA experts in our area. The sad part is that when I receive an offer where one of them is involved, it is obvious they are not doing a good job for their clients.
One item that gets under my skin is where the lender hits the active duty buyer up for large discount points, knowing they will be here no more than 3 years.
I just had one recently where the so called VA expert did not know what non-allowables were.
Gary: Well, I do work hard at this :)
Michael: He's trying to free up some time to get over here more.
Great Mary! It sure is a nice vacation...and residential spot :)