Archive for the ‘hawaii military relocation transfer’ Category

Hawaii VA Loans | This Realtors® Process for Hawaii Military Relocations

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Active Duty or Veterans of the Armed Forces have VA Home Loan benefits for their home purchase that have proven beneficial for when it comes to little or no money down loan program. (provided their credit is satisfactory) VA guarantees the Local Lender that they will reimburse the lender a percentage should the veteran default on their loan. The enclosed brochure should be very useful guidelines and loads of information.
The following steps are what this Real Estate Professional does in order to make your Relocation to Hawaii as smooth as possible concerning your real estate transaction and VA Loan Process.
Speak to a Local Hawaii Lender (if you do not have one I can refer you to a few who are well qualified in the State of Hawaii) to submit your information and get prequalified. While talking to the Loan Officer make sure and let him/her know what you are comfortable with for monthly mortgage payments. After getting prequalified your Realtor® will now know in what price range to search for properties for you.
Let your agent know what other criteria you are looking for as far as # bedrooms/ # of baths, sq. ft. interior/land, parking, single family or condo/townhouse. Just remember to go over the *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* because this gives pertinent information on what to expect in your Hawaii Relocation.
Get all your financial paperwork together so you will have it with you when you arrive. (Do not pack your bank statements, W-2’s, LES’s and important documents you will need to submit for your loan!)
Start your loan process before you get here so you will have everything in place when you submit an offer for a loan. The loan process is the lengthy and of course an important part of the transaction so it is better to be proactive in your process. Your closing costs can be included with your loan so you will have minimal costs to come in with and to close with.
Appointments are made and off we go in search of your new home! When you decide that you would like to put in an offer we will go through the whole 12 page (plus addendums) contract and submit it to the sellers agent to present to the seller.
After the offer is accepted the loan process begins. You will meet with your Loan Officer to submit your complete application and submit all documentation needed for your VA Loan process packet. Then it goes to Underwriting to process the initial packet and order the appraisal with their VA approved appraisers.
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.
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.
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.

In Hawaii, we do not sign at the same time as the Seller due to conflict of interest and we sign approximately four days before recording. After the signing, the loan officer takes the notarized and signed documents to go through processing and within 2.5 days the Lender should have funded the money for your loan to the escrow company. When escrow receives all monies then they will take the documents to the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu to record. By the next business day it will record and we usually get work between 8-10am. At that time, the home is legally yours and I will have already made arrangements and have your keys in hand to open the doors to your new home.

Congratulations!

Hawaii VA Loans | This Realtors® Process for Hawaii Military Relocations

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Active Duty or Veterans of the Armed Forces have VA Home Loan benefits for their home purchase that have proven beneficial for when it comes to little or no money down loan program. (provided their credit is satisfactory) VA guarantees the Local Lender that they will reimburse the lender a percentage should the veteran default on their loan. The enclosed brochure should be very useful guidelines and loads of information.
The following steps are what this Real Estate Professional does in order to make your Relocation to Hawaii as smooth as possible concerning your real estate transaction and VA Loan Process.
Speak to a Local Hawaii Lender (if you do not have one I can refer you to a few who are well qualified in the State of Hawaii) to submit your information and get prequalified. While talking to the Loan Officer make sure and let him/her know what you are comfortable with for monthly mortgage payments. After getting prequalified your Realtor® will now know in what price range to search for properties for you.
Let your agent know what other criteria you are looking for as far as # bedrooms/ # of baths, sq. ft. interior/land, parking, single family or condo/townhouse. Just remember to go over the *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* because this gives pertinent information on what to expect in your Hawaii Relocation.
Get all your financial paperwork together so you will have it with you when you arrive. (Do not pack your bank statements, W-2’s, LES’s and important documents you will need to submit for your loan!)
Start your loan process before you get here so you will have everything in place when you submit an offer for a loan. The loan process is the lengthy and of course an important part of the transaction so it is better to be proactive in your process. Your closing costs can be included with your loan so you will have minimal costs to come in with and to close with.
Appointments are made and off we go in search of your new home! When you decide that you would like to put in an offer we will go through the whole 12 page (plus addendums) contract and submit it to the sellers agent to present to the seller.
After the offer is accepted the loan process begins. You will meet with your Loan Officer to submit your complete application and submit all documentation needed for your VA Loan process packet. Then it goes to Underwriting to process the initial packet and order the appraisal with their VA approved appraisers.
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.
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.
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.

In Hawaii, we do not sign at the same time as the Seller due to conflict of interest and we sign approximately four days before recording. After the signing, the loan officer takes the notarized and signed documents to go through processing and within 2.5 days the Lender should have funded the money for your loan to the escrow company. When escrow receives all monies then they will take the documents to the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu to record. By the next business day it will record and we usually get work between 8-10am. At that time, the home is legally yours and I will have already made arrangements and have your keys in hand to open the doors to your new home.

Congratulations!

Hawaii Military Bases, Honolulu Neighborhoods, Hawaii Military Relocations

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

All branches of the military occupy a large portion of Oahu and I recently put together a Hawaii Military Relocation Package – Schofield Barracks & Wheeler Army Air Field for the Military Relocating & Transferring to Honolulu County Hawaii .

Many military personnel have not been to Hawaii before so they obviously do not know what neighborhood is closest to the Honolulu County Hawaii Military Base they will be stationed. So it is without question they do not know which neighborhood they should look for their next Hawaii Home purchase.

This map details just about all of the Military Bases on Oahu in Honolulu County (the island of Oahu IS Honolulu County) This map should prove very beneficial to start your search for your new home purchase in relation to the your next tranfer station at one of our Honolulu County Hawaii Military Bases.

The H-1 freeway extends from South Oahu to the Leeward side of Oahu, the H-2 freeway extends from the Pearl City cutoff to Wahiawa and the H-3 freeway extends from the Aiea cutoff to the Windward side of Oahu (Kailua/Kaneohe).

More info on Relocating to Hawaii, the VA Loan process for purchasing your Hawaii Home and a special Video and story on a Hawaii Military Relocation and Hawaii Home Purchase come true:

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!
Military Transfers & Relocations to Hawaii: A Geographical Shock How do I know? As a former military dependent I moved many times over the years from childhood and later on in adult life. Later on my son joined the military as well…..but moving to Hawaii can be more than just a transfer. Read on!
LIVE on VIDEO: A Hawaii Military Relocation Story Comes to Life Contacted by the fiance of an Active Duty Officer in the Army and subsequently relocating and purchasing their first home before getting married… this is a fairy tale come true of how they met this Realtor-Associate® on the internet.
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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.



Celeste “Sally” Cheeseman, RA, e-PRO / Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, Hawaii

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*All pictures, content, map and information are the property of Celeste “Sally Cheeseman.

HAWAII VA LOANS, REAL ESTATE -What’s the FACTS!

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

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 $625,500.
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?


Celeste “Sally” Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii & serving all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents with the understanding that a listening ear is the key to understanding client’s needs.

Online Hawaii Relocation Package

Saturday, March 21st, 2009

So….you are Relocating to Hawaii with the Military, a Job Transfer or just want to Retire here in our islands …… well, you came to the right place for information galore to help you adjust in your move….across the ocean to Paradise.

Your Relocation to Hawaii 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 a totally different and 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.

Land Use and other Zoning Laws It is without a doubt that our Hawaiian Islands have little buildable land so it is detrimental to keep all of our zoning and land use laws intact. The majority of our land is Preservation and Conservation land and the following will give you insight

Neighborhoods in Honolulu County and Market Report too! An insight into the different neighborhoods and what they have to offer. You will also get current market statistics in each community for which I wrote for that period.

Honolulu County (Oahu) Weather and Traffic - It is a given that with an island so small and a population of almost one million that we do have peak traffic hours as in any other part of the country. For a look at Oahu’s traffic click on the following TRAFFIC CAM to view during peak hours.

Things to Do, History & Places to See - A three part series for a brief, condensed Points of Interest series to learn a little about our island and our so diverse and full of different cultures and ways of life.

Condo or Townhouse Living: Rules to Follow and Steps to Protect: If you are contemplating downsizing then condo / townhouse living may be an option. With maintenance fees for most associations taking care of the bulk of your homeowner’s insurance (common elements), and repairs to the outside, roof, grounds and water/trash and sewere this may just be an option.

History of schools and links to Hawaii’s Education System A brief look at the history of Hawaii and its school system as well as researching schools and neighborhoods suitable for your family and their Relocation to Hawaii.

Myths, Legends and Superstitions: Every place has it’s history as well as their “stories”….come join me in revisiting some old tales of Hawaii. It is a given that there are certain things to respect on the islands. Not only do we have Ancient Burial Site laws that protect our land…we also have certain sites that still have remnants of ancient temples that are not to be disturbed.

And a special Hawaii Military Relocation Story:

LIVE on VIDEO: A Hawaii Military Relocation Story Comes to Life

Bottom line is this.

It’s not easy moving across the Pacific Ocean let alone to a totally different “world” of people,

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

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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.

 

Celeste “Sally” Cheeseman, RA, e-PRO / Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, Hawaii