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
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) 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 Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Sally- Love the painting, very appropriate for your post. I would only choose you to buy on Oahu, military or not. You care. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
I don't think clients really care if an agent is a "Multi Million Dollar Producer." Having a Realtor(R) who listens, works hard on their behalf, and someone they feel comfortable with is more important. Great advice to the consumer Sally.
Katerina: Can't get the picture in right...something wrong with AR? Tried both IE and Firefox....must be a glitch.... Oh, well.
Patricia: No kidding. It's just an advertising gimmick for those. IN the meantime, the rest who are caring, listen to their needs and 'click' surely are the ones that get to work with them. Thanks.
Sally, the answer to the Realtor question is easy. YOU!!!
Supurb advice Sally! Honestly, I think clients would rather have someone who is going to take 'care' of them rather than a multi million dollar producer ANYDAY! You'd certainly be MY choice in Mililani!
Great advice, Sally - those who spout "Me, Me, Me!" will never have the capacity to think "Client, Client, Client!"
Sally.... bingo... just because they advertise it so, doesn't mean it's true or will work or happen. Bingo, just because they promised so, doesn't mean it will happen. We just need to keep educating, in which I am writing a first time homebuyers series.... great advice...
Aloha Sally,
With your knowledge and experience working with military, there is no peson better. I've read your many military posts and you are a real pro.
Sally—Great advice! You are one of the best at VA loans in the nation and continue to build your reputation through hard work and expertise.
Sally - I certainly agree with your points and would add .... when looking for someone with whom I would do business, how long have they been in the business, especially one that has a high turnover rate such as ours, would also be a factor. Your years of experience is a great asset to anyone who chooses to work with you.
Sally - Another nice thing about VA loans, is that if you do have a down payment, you get a smaller funding fee. So, VA loans are often the best loans even if you have a down payment. A knowledgeable loan officer can show you the differences and make realistic recommendations.
Now that is a great job of selling yourself!
When you have a heart problem you go to a heart specialist....when you get a VA loan you go to a VA loan specialist.....I've been on the end as the listing agent a few times and they all went well.
Sally picking the right Realtor in Hawaii is easy, all you have to do is go to Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, and there a couple of pretty good ones there :)
Gary: That's sweet ...thanks!
Debe: Wow...that was a nice compliment...thanks! I think I'd rather see and believe rather than read a bunch of junk :)
Kent: So true Kent. Too into self to give time to a client. :)
Jeff: Exactly. You have some great first time homebuyer stuff...I'll check it out!
Lynda: Thanks much. I really do try and get some points across that are informational and will help others in their quest for homeownership. The mililtary relocating to Hawaii may have never been here. It's not easy....especially moving across the ocean!
Linda: Thanks much Linda. It is hard work and yes...building bridges is certainly a good thing!
Kathy: I often wonder about some I've met. MANY years and still have no clue. Oh...but those are the hobby ones...one a year maybe? :)
Fred: Good one Fred. Thanks for the input... I love 'realistic' loan officers. You moving out here? :)
Thanks Joan! There wasn't too much me and me and me in there was there? :) LOL>
Neal: Oh, yeah. A specialist indeed :) I love VA loans. When one knows the process it sure can make the transaction go smoother!
George: Ah...but we need more honest LO's here as well....so...are you moving here with Fred? :)
Sally-super tips! I have two new military buyers I'm working with now, both with VA loan pre-approvals from solid LO's and realistic buying expectations. One has orders to the Pentagon and one is already here at the Marine Corps Barracks in DC.
Cindy: Gotta be serious buyers and all around teamwork going on to make it happen! Good luck with yours!