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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.
|
Rank
|
With Dependents
|
Without Dependents
|
Rank
|
With Dependents
|
Without Dependents
|
|
E-1
|
$1,949
|
$1,555
|
W-4
|
$2,788
|
$2,306
|
|
E-2
|
$1,985
|
$1,555
|
W-5
|
$2,967
|
$2,434
|
|
E-3
|
$1,985
|
$1,555
|
O-1E
|
$2,431
|
$2,043
|
|
E-4
|
$1,985
|
$1,555
|
O-2E
|
$2,607
|
$2,144
|
|
E-5
|
$2,043
|
$1,757
|
O-3E
|
$2,816
|
$2,274
|
|
E-6
|
$2,247
|
$1,868
|
O-1
|
$2,069
|
$1,855
|
|
E-7
|
$2,403
|
$1,955
|
O-2
|
$2,269
|
$2,011
|
|
E-8
|
$2,545
|
$2,088
|
O-3
|
$2,627
|
$2,191
|
|
E-9
|
$2,745
|
$2,160
|
O-5
|
$3,043
|
$2,416
|
|
W-1
|
$2,276
|
$1,913
|
O-5
|
$3,334
|
$2,502
|
|
W-2
|
$2,461
|
$2,087
|
O-6
|
$3,361
|
$2,633
|
|
W-3
|
$2,633
|
$2,167
|
O-7 +
|
$3,401
|
$2,686
|
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/
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I'd love to relocate to Hawaii....But I'll have to settle for a visit... hopefully soon.